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Transcript of SUPPORT REPORT - nehealth.com · Any activity that keeps your baby from lying flat ... More...
January 08 ∗ 1 | P a g e
Dear Friends, “There are only two lasting bequests (gifts) we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots; the other, wings” -William Hodding Carter, Jr. This quote resonates with me as we enter 2008. Our children are our future. They learn from everything we do. They observe our every move and hang on to our every last word. As we review all we have done to help our children, ask yourself, “In 2007, what did I do that helped my child (or children) learn the values I want them to carry into adulthood?” “In 2007, how did I encourage my child (or children) to learn new things?” As we start a new year, this is an opportunity to reflect upon what you have done as a parent to help children strengthen their roots that will keep them grounded and encourage them to expand their wings to the possibilities that the world offers. One thing I love about the New Year is that it offers us an opportunity to both reflect on the past year and to set goals for growing in the upcoming year. So for 2008, how do you plan on helping your children become rooted while at the same time helping them discover their wings? This is a great time to begin thinking about your IFSP goals and planning with your Family Support Worker. Your FSW can assist you with every step of the way in creating those goals that will help your family and children grow to become what you aspire for them. At Healthy Families of Rensselaer County we are committed to encouraging and supporting you as parents in your journey of giving the gifts of roots and wings to your children. We look forward to working with each and every one of you in your endeavor to be the very best parents you can be. Our goal for 2008 is to provide you the very best support, encouragement, and education. We look forward to reaching this goal and thank you so very much for the opportunity to work with your family. Happy New Year! Donnamarie
FALLING SNOWFALLING SNOWFALLING SNOWFALLING SNOW
BY ANONYMOUS
See the pretty snowflakes Falling from the sky; On the wall and housetops Soft and thick they lie.
On the window ledges, On the branches bare; Now how fast they gather, Filling all the air.
Look into the garden, Where the grass was green; Covered by the snowflakes, Not a blade is seen.
Now the bare black bushes All look soft and white, Every twig is laden, What a pretty sight!
Continued on page 4
Volume 1, Issue 2
SUPPORT REPORT Supporting Rensselaer County’s Parenting and Expectant Families
Director’s Note Sharing the Season Articles Submitted By- Shannon Leonardo & Syreeta Garbarini
In This Issue o Pregnancy & Your Healthcare Provider
o Bedtime Rituals: Best Bets
o Winterproofing 101
o Free Tax Preparation Information
o And much, much more
January 08 ∗ 2 | P a g e
To
Infant Info Articles Submitted By- Barbara Biechman & Cheryl Kremer
Continued on page 3Continued on page 3Continued on page 3Continued on page 3
Pregnancy Page Articles Submitted By- Barbara Biechman & Cheryl Kremer
Tummy Time Tools provides parents with ideas and
activities to make sure your baby gets enough time on
his tummy throughout the day, while he is awake and
supervised. These activities include handling, carrying,
diapering, positioning, feeding and playing with your
baby. Increasing the amount of time your baby lies on
his tummy:
Promotes muscle development in the neck and
shoulders
Helps prevent tight neck muscles and the
development of flat areas on the back of the
baby’s head.
Helps build the muscles your baby needs to roll,
sit and crawl.
Babies need tummy time because they are spending
more and more time on their backs. In the early 90s, the
American Academy of Pediatrics’ Back to Sleep
program successfully decreased the incidence of sudden
infant death syndrome (SIDS) in the United States by 40
percent by encouraging parents to place their babies on
their backs to sleep. Around the same time, a number of
infant carriers that doubled as car seats and carries
became widely used. This combination of back of
sleeping at night and daytime pressure on the infant’s
head can create a flattening skull.
When a baby develops flat areas on the back of the head
and possible the forehead, it’s called plagiocephaly.
On average most of us women have difficulty establishing
a relationship with our healthcare provider while having
on-going appointments in the course of nine months of
pregnancy. Research has suggested that “women who
actively participate in their prenatal care and in childbirth
generally are the happiest with their birth experience.”
With this in mind an established relationship is helpful
prior to pregnancy. Keep in mind that there are many
different healthcare offices, asking questions may help
you figure out what kind of care you could benefit from
and whether the doctor/office will meet your needs as a
patient.
Here are some examples of types of different medical
offices:
Solo Medical Practice –in these types of offices
the doctor works for himself.
Group Medical Practice -there are two or more
doctors.
Combination Practice –includes both doctors and
midwifes.
Birth Centers- nurse-midwives provide the bulk
of care.
It’s your choice of what you would like for you and your
baby, maintaining a relationship with your healthcare
provider is important for you to feel comfortable in asking
questions or addressing any concerns that you may have.
The best way of approaching your provider is to consider
it a learning experience where you can learn ways to keep
you and your baby healthy. It may be helpful to write
down questions or concerns prior to visits, and
communicate with the nurse that you have some things to
discuss with the doctor/midwife that may take a little extra
time. Questions, at times, may be embarrassing or may
seem unimportant but, these questions will help your
doctor understand how important it is to you to have a
healthy and safe pregnancy as well as prepare you for the
birthing process.
Source: What to Expect When You’re Expecting
PREGNANCY AND YOUR PREGNANCY AND YOUR PREGNANCY AND YOUR PREGNANCY AND YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERHEALTHCARE PROVIDERHEALTHCARE PROVIDERHEALTHCARE PROVIDER
January 08 ∗ 3 | P a g e
If you haven’t already, now’s a great time to establish a
bedtime routine for your toddler. When you follow a set
pattern every night, he’ll quickly come to appreciate the
consistency and predictability.
The more relaxed he is, the more likely he’ll go to bed
easily and fall asleep quickly. Stick to your routine as best
you can even when you’re not home- it can make it easier
for your toddler to settle down in unfamiliar surroundings.
What you include in your ritual is up to you. There’s the
standard bath, putting on pajamas reading a story and
having a cuddle, or you can play a quiet game. Just make
sure you choose something that helps calm your toddler-not
riles him up. And while you can certainly start your ritual
in the bathroom or the living room, it should end in your
toddler’s bedroom. It’s important to teach your toddler that
his room is a nice place to be, not just where he’s
“banished” at bedtime. If he gets upset as he sees you walk
out the door after you tuck him in, tell him you’ll be back
to check on him in a few minutes. In all likelihood, he’ll be
fast asleep by the time you return.
Here are some ideas to use in your bedtime ritual:
LET-OFF- SOME-STEAM
Sometimes it helps to let your toddler get any pent-up
energy out of his system before you try to settle him down
for the night.
GIVE-HIM-A-SOAK
One of the most popular parts of many bedtime rituals is a
bath. Sitting in warm water is a soothing experience and
getting your toddler warm and clean and dry is a great way
to ease him into bedtime.
Continued on pg. 5
Often, this flattening is made worse by a condition called
torticollis. Torticollis is a single muscle or group of
muscles that are tight or weak on one side of the neck,
causing a baby to tilt or turn to one side. The muscle
fibers can shorten because of continued resting in one
position. It is very important that an infant be placed on
his back to sleep. However, it is also important to a
baby’s development that he get supervised tummy time
and constant repositioning throughout the day.
The activities in Tummy Time Tools increase your
cuddle time and contact with your baby and will enhance
the time you spend together. Teach these activities
become an important part of your baby’s day.
TUMMY TIME IS:
Any activity that keeps your baby from lying flat
in one position against a hard, supporting surface
Anytime you carry position or play with your
baby while he is on his belly.
Beneficial to babies of all ages
Fun, and it can be designed to be easy or
challenging for your baby
More enjoyable when you play music or give
your baby interesting toys to look at and play
with.
Infant Info Continued from page 2
Talking Toddlers Articles Submitted By-Brandie Bowman
January 08 ∗ 4 | P a g e
WINTERPROOFING 101
Dress your child in layers. He can always peel one off clothes if he warms up. In the meantime those extra layers will keep cold and wet from penetration. Insulated socks and boots, layers that “wick” moisture away from the skin, and waterproof mittens help, too.
Insist on hats. You know how kids’ heads are larger in proportion to their bodies? They can lose a lot of heat out of those big noggins.
Keep an eye on the clock. A few shorter sessions outside are better than one that lasts several hours.
Be there. Whether she’s sledding or just building a snowperson in the front yard, keep an eye on her (and no sledding near trees or the street). You’ll do it for safety, but you’ll also be able to see if she’s getting too cold.
Slather on sunscreen. Sun reflects off snow and ice so, wintertime sunburn is quite possible. Use SPF 15 or higher for exposed skin, especially the face.
Bring a wet child in quickly. If he continues to play outside in wet clothes, his body can get colder much more quickly.
Source: Parenting Magazine December/January 2007
Sharing the Season Continued from page 1
DID YOU KNOW??DID YOU KNOW??DID YOU KNOW??DID YOU KNOW??
HEAPHEAPHEAPHEAP, the federally funded home energy assistance program may help you pay for electricity, gas, oil, coal, propane, wood, and
kerosene!!! Let HEAPHEAPHEAPHEAP help take the CHILLCHILLCHILLCHILL out of your heating bill.
(518)270-3935
Sweet Tortilla Snowflakes Makes 10
10 flour tortillas (fajita size)
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 cup chocolate chips
l/2 cup confectioners' sugar
Step 1 Heat the oven to 350°. Step 2 Fold each tortilla into quarters and then snip out shapes with clean scissors as if to make a paper snowflake; add a few decorative cuts but maintain some structural integrity (if your tortillas are stiff, soften them in the oven for a minute). Step 3 A few at a time, place the snowflakes on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake 5 to 7 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Step 4 Remove the snowflakes from the oven, immediately dot each one with about a dozen evenly spaced chocolate chips. Return the flakes to the oven briefly to melt the chips. Step 5 Once the chips begin to melt, transfer the snowflakes to a cooling rack and use a butter knife to spread the chips a bit. Step 6 Pop the iced snowflakes in the fridge for 5 or 10 minutes to harden the chocolate, then put the confectioner’s sugar in a sifter and shake an even layer across them. Recipe found at: http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder
January 08 ∗ 5 | P a g e
Talking Toddlers Section continued on page 7
TAKE-CARE-OF -BUSINESS
Your toddler’s getting ready for bed routine can include
washing his face and hands, brushing his teeth, a diaper
change or trip to the potty (if he’s old enough), and getting
into his pajamas. It’s important to start the habit of teeth
brushing at a young age so your toddler gets used to it, says
sleep expert Jodi Mindell.
PLAY-A-GAME
Playing a quiet game in the living room or on the floor of
your toddler’s bedroom is a great way to spend some fun
time with him before bed. Older toddlers may enjoy simple
puzzles or card games, and younger ones are always
entertained by peek-a-boo. Your game can be as simple as
taking turns saying the ABCs or counting to ten; whatever
entertains your toddler without getting him overly excited
is fine.
HAVE-A-CHAT
Bedtime is a nice chance for toddlers and their parents to
spend some time talking to each other. Discuss your daily
routine and ask your child to tell you about the best and
worst things that happened to him, as well as anything
that’s worrying him. This may help him work through any
anxieties or fears he’s harboring and let him get a better
night’ sleep. Bedtime is also a great time to say prayers if
you want to.
READ-A-BEDTIME-STORY
Rivaling the bath as an all time favorite nighttime ritual is
reading a bedtime story. Not only will your toddler learn
Preschool Piece Article Submitted By- Syreeta Garbarini Preschool: Advantages & Disadvantages
What are the advantages of preschool? Preschools are inspected for licensing purposes,
teachers are supervised (many groups and classrooms
have more than one teacher), and a director oversees
the entire operation. This regulation and order can be
very reassuring. And your child benefits from this
formality, too. Many preschools offer children a
structured environment.
Other benefits include clear cut rules for parents to
follow (specific pickup and drop-off times, for example),
low-fuss installment payments, and the opportunity to
meet other parents, who may be able to lend support
and babysitting time.
Good programs feature a wide variety of fun activities
— including singing, dancing, arts and crafts,
storytelling, free play, and both indoor and outdoor
games and projects — designed to teach children
different skills. Children may also learn some academic
basics such as counting and the alphabet. Plus, most
preschool teachers have training in early childhood
education, so they know what to expect from your child
developmentally and are able to help her along
accordingly.
Continued on pg. 11
Parent to Parent Coordinated By- Barbara Biechman
This section of the newsletter is for parents
of Healthy Families to share with one
another a poem, letter, recipe, or a question
that you may want answered from other
parents. Please speak to your Family
Support Worker, or send newsletter
submissions to Healthy Families of Rensselaer County at 2215 Burdett Avenue, Troy, N.Y. 12180. Please note that we will try our best to put as many
submissions as possible in each newsletter,
though we may need to edit or save your
submission for the next newsletter.
A group of 4-8 years olds answer this question:
What Does Love Mean?
“When someone loves you, the way they say you name is different. You just
know your name is safe in their mouth.” Billy-age 4
“Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.” Elaine-age 5
“If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you
hate.” Nikka-age 6
“When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars
come out of you.” Karen-age 7
“You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it,
you should say it a lot. People forget.” Jessica-age 8
Submitted Anonymously
January 08 ∗ 6 | P a g e
Health, Safety, & Development Articles Submitted By- Shannon Leonardo
Serious childhood diseases used to be commonplace, and some were deadly. Vaccination has dramatically reduced the
incidence of childhood disease including diphtheria, whooping cough, measles, mumps, polio, chicken pox and tetanus.
However they have not been eliminated and could re-emerge if vaccination rates decline. So it’s a given that you must
vaccinate your baby, and you must do it on time.
Vaccination Log
Vaccine Birth 1
mon
2 mons 4 mons 6 mons 12 mons 15 mons 18 mons
Hepatitis B HepB #
1
HepB # 2 (1to 4 months) HepB # 3 (6-18 months)
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis Dtap Dtap Dtap Dtap (15 to 18 months)
Haemophilus influenza type B Hib Hib Hib Hib (12 to 15 months)
Inactivated polio IPV IPV IPV (12 to 15 months)
Measles, mumps, rubella MMR # 1
Varicella (chicken pox) Varicella (12 to 18 months)
Pneumococcal PVC PVC PVC PVC (12 to 15 months)
Influenza Influenza (yearly to 59 months)
Rotavirus Rotavirus
1
Rotavirus
2
Rotavirus
3
Hepatitis A HepA (12 to 23 months; 2 doses, 6 months
apart)
Source: New Parent Magazine Fall Winter 2007 pg 25
By Barbara Biechman and Kayleigh Quell
Now that your child has all these toys from the holidays ask yourself: What skills are your children developing and
learning by playing with their toys every day. It is said that children learn through play and by repetition (doing the
same thing over and over many times). In our research of children’s play it is quoted at one website “If play is the
child’s work, then toys are the child’s tools, and appropriate toys can help children do their work well.” So when
thinking about all those toys, remember toys are a learning experience and help their brain process, develop, and
master skills. The child’s curiosity, the challenge, and practice keep the child interested in the toy all while learning,
mastery, competence, occurs which gives the child his self-esteem, confidence and pride. Article continues on pg. 9
January 08 ∗ 7 | P a g e
Dad Detail Article Submitted By- Leslie Robinson
continued on pg. 11
You are truly ecstatic about the impending birth of your baby. But, deep down, you are also grappling with fears regarding your new status as a father. Understandably, you are not quite comfortable discussing these issues with anyone—not even your partner. Actually, this is quite normal. It might help you to identify and evaluate your fears, and take steps to overcome or deal with them.
Financial anxiety: This is one of the most common of fears associated with fatherhood. Childbirth means more than an additional member in the family. In most households, it also means that the dad will now be the sole breadwinner. Reviewing your budget plans is one way you can overcome this fear. Fear of mortality: There is nothing like the birth of a baby to bring home the fact of one’s own mortality. Suddenly, the realization sinks in that you are not as invincible as you used to believe. This awareness brings with it a growing sense of responsibility. Your family needs you and you cannot take your life as granted any longer. Relationship insecurity: You may have always thought your partner loved you more than anyone else in the world. Now suddenly you find that there is danger of your special position being taken by the baby.
Continued on pg. 11
“It’s incredible. Everything you ever thought about love just becomes night and day. I mean, you never thought you could love that much. You rediscover the world,
and it’s just a beautiful thing.”
-David Arquette on fatherhood
new words-studies have shown that language skills
and even intelligence can depend on a child’s daily
exposure to a large vocabulary-but he’ll also benefit
from time spent with you.
SING-A-SONG
Singing a lullaby is a time tested way to help a
sleepy toddler drift off. He loves hearing his
favorite sound-your voice and the soft, soothing
melody can calm him.
Also try starting a CD or tape lullabies, classical
music, or other kids’ favorite while you settle your
toddler to sleep and then leaving it on after you
leave can help ease his transition from being awake
to falling asleep.
LEAVE-A-LIGHT-ON
When you’re ready to tuck in your toddler, have
one last cuddle, and say goodnight, turn the room
lights off and, if your child is over 2, flip on a
nightlight. Many children this age get disoriented
and upset when they wake at night in a dark room
and can’t see anything; shedding al little light on
things can help tremendously.
Article found on www.babycenter.com
Talking Toddlers
Section continued from page 5
January 08 ∗ 8 | P a g e
HAVE VITA’S CERTIFIED TAX PREPARERS DO YOUR TAXES FOR FREE!
JANUARY – APRIL 2008
THIS SERVICE IS PROVIDED FOR STUDENTS, INDIVIDUALS AND WORKING FAMILIES WITH INCOMES LESS
THAN $40,000
Over 50 sites throughout Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga and Schoharie Counties.
Call to find a VITA site near you,
(518) 456-2200
Be sure to bring:
� Photo Identification
� Social Security cards for you, your spouse, and each of your dependents
� Form W-2 for every job you or your spouse worked in 2007
� A voided personal check or deposit slip, if you want your refund directly deposited
� Your 2006 tax return (optional)
Bargain Bin Article Submitted By- Syreeta Garbarini & Leslie Robinson
January 08 ∗ 9 | P a g e
When observing your child with their new toy or
one that they have played with for a while think
about what senses they are using; for example,
touch, seeing, hearing, taste, smell, and motion. In
using your senses it sends messages to your brain to
help develop memory, muscles, and emotions from
those experiences. With the skills that are learned,
your child will do well with those ASQ’s in the
different areas of communication, gross motor, fine
motor, problem solving, and social/emotional. In
child’s play it is up to parents to help their child to
be successful with the toys they play with by having
appropriate expectations of safety, storage, and
clean up. Here are some examples of appropriate
age toys;
Infants-different types of rattles, bright colored
picture books, soft dolls or stuffed animals, bright
mobile or other toys of the sort, squeeze toys, busy
boards, and floating toys.
Toddlers-toys in which a child can put things into or
dump out, kiddy cars, musical toys, push and pull
toys, toy telephones, stack blocks, nestling toys,
large blocks, cardboard books. Toys for the toddler
age should be able to withstand a toddler’s curiosity
and manipulation.
Preschoolers- books with short stories, building
blocks like ones that can interlock puzzles, hammer
and bench, dress up clothes, transportation toys.
Children at this age imitate the activities of their
parents and older siblings.
These are some examples of toys that may help your
child develop and learn in their play. Keep in mind
that the storage of toys can be an important part of
play and how we teach a child to clean up and keep
their toys organized can affect their play.
Material researched from:
http://news-
info.wustl.edu/tips/page/normal.4232.html
www.keepkidshealthy.com/toddlers/toys
Pipe Curriculum
Health, Safety & Development Continued from page 6
If you have a lot of tension and you get a headache, do what it says on the aspirin bottle: “Take two and keep away from the children!
My Mother taught me MEDICINE….. “If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they’re going to freeze that way.” My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT…. “If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.” My mother taught me about GENETICS….. “You are just like your father!” My mother taught me about my ROOTS….. “Do you think you were born in a barn?” And, the all time favorite-JUSTICE…. “One day you will have kids, and I hope they turn out just like YOU…then you’ll see what it’s like.” My mother taught me RELIGION…. “You better pray that will come out of the carpet.” My mother taught me about WEATHER… “It looks as if a tornado swept through your room.”
FOUND ON http://butlerwebs.com/jokes/parents.htm
How Humorous Article Submitted By- Brandie Bowman
January 08 ∗ 10 | P a g e
Kids in the Kitchen Articles Submitted By- Cheryl Kremer & Syreeta Garbarini
Handling Knives and Sharp Tools Children will readily find out that cooking can be fun, but it’s important to make sure that they know about safety issues, too. Here are some essentials to teach your children:
Never hold ingredients in your hand when cutting.
Keep a good grip on the handle of a knife and cut with the blade pointing away from you. Keep your fingers well clear of the blade. It can help when cutting vegetables to spear the vegetable with a fork, hold the fork with one hand and cut with the other.
Walk, don’t run in the kitchen. Always move cautiously when holding sharp tools.
Wash sharp tools individually. Never put sharp knives or other sharp items in a washing-up bowl with other utensils, you might forget they are there and grab a blade or a sharp edge by mistake.
Never put your hand in a food processor while it is plugged in.
TIP: Use your judgment to decide when your child is able to handle sharp knives safely. Sharpened knives are actually much safer to handle then dull ones. Blunt knives are more likely to slip because you need to use more pressure to cut things. If you teach your child how to use a small sharp knife sensibly, he or she will be able to cut things more easily and it’s far better to learn under adult supervision then independently. Information found on www.bbc.co.uk
Spanish Section Article Submitted By- Nelly Massanet
¿PORQUÉ DEBO TOMAR LAS CLASES DE PARTO? Why take childbirth classes?
Las Clases de Preparación al Parto le brindará mucha información útil para ayudar a Usted y su pareja, durante el proceso del parto y nacimiento de su bebé. Durante las clases tendrá tiempo para hacer preguntas, buscar información, y charlar con otras mujeres embarazadas y sus parejas/familias. Los beneficios de la Educación al Parto ha sido apoyados recientemente por estudios en la literatura médica.
En las Clases de Preparación al Parto aprenderá sobre:
cómo hacer su embarazo más cómodo
recibirá respuestas a sus preguntas
información sobre sus preocupaciones
como crece su bebé
los señales de peligro durante el embarazo
el embarazo y cómo afecta su vida
sobre el parto prematuro y como prevenirlo
como envolver su familia en su embarazo y parto
aprender maneras de comunicar y planificar su parto
como saber si es el parto verdadero o no
que esperar durante el parto y nacimiento
sus opciones en alivio del dolor del parto
como cuidar a su recién nacido
los beneficios de la lactancia materna y como empezar
apoyo durante el parto
sus derechos y responsabilidades como mujer embarazada
Usted puede encontrar las Clases de Parto por ponerse en contacto con organizaciones relatados a la salud maternal. Estos incluyen: centros de parto, La Liga de la Leche, mujeres que Usted concoce que han dado a luz recién, parteras, doulas, hospitales, y cualquier otra persona que Usted piensa tendrá la información.
January 08 ∗ 11 | P a g e
Dad Detail Section continued from pg. 7
You also realize that your spouse shares a bond with the baby—one that you are not sure you would be able to equal. It is important for you to face your doubts and come towards an understanding that bringing up a baby is a joint responsibility between both parents. The sad fact for dad is that mom will likely no longer dote on you by making you breakfast or buying your clothes, or at least not as often. And the baby will come before time with you and even your lovemaking.
And, in the short run, for all your sacrifice, you’ll likely only get to hear, “I want mommy.” You have to learn not to take this personally and realize that your big role, at least from what you can discern, in their life will only start to really form after about two years of age. Commitment anxiety: Perhaps at the back of your mind you’ve always harbored the idea that if things got really bad with your spouse, you could always consider running away. Those thoughts might be fleeting and not at all serious. However, with a baby on the way, there is no more “running away.” The baby is 24/7/365 for the rest of your life. That’s a good thing, but it is also a major change in how you view your independence.
Source: www.greatdad.com
Children in preschool also have the opportunity to
socialize with other kids their age, an appealing
advantage for parents who used a nanny or relative care
when their children were younger.
A final advantage — especially when compared to nanny
care, home daycare, and relative care — is that a sick
provider doesn't mean a last-minute scramble for
emergency childcare. Your child may miss her favorite
teacher, but when Miss Jones gets the flu someone is
always available to step in.
What are the disadvantages?
Children benefit from interacting with their peers, but in
some preschools, emphasis on groups can overshadow
the individual attention kids need and crave. This is a
particular risk if the preschool doesn't follow the National
Association for the Education of Young Children's
recommended teacher-child ratio of no more than ten
preschoolers per staff member. Even that number is high;
a ratio of 1:8 or 1:9 is better for four-, five-, and six-year-
olds, and three-year-olds do best with one teacher for
every seven children. Though many parents appreciate the clear rules and
guidelines imposed by preschools, understand that, as
with any kind of group care, those guidelines may
sometimes be inconvenient for you. If your preschool is
closed for holidays or for any other reason (such as staff
training), you'll have to find backup care; if they require
children to be toilet trained and your daughter isn't ready
for the potty, they may not let her attend. You may also
have to pay high fees for late pickups and end up having
to stay home with your child if the preschool says she's
too sick to be there.
Finally, some schools' programs may not leave room for
your child to explore and learn at her own pace. If the
schedule seems inflexible when you visit, keep looking.
Source: http://parentcenter.babycenter.com/
Preschool Piece Continued from pg. 5
January 08 ∗ 12 | P a g e
Vb mnn
How to Handle Heat Hot ovens, hobs, boiling water and steam all present possible dangers. Here are some guidelines on hot to ensure that safety comes first:
Always use oven gloves when handling hot things.
Steam from a hot saucepan or kettle can burn, so take care when you lift the lid or when you pour.
If using electric hob remember that it will remain hot for quite some time after you turn it off.
Don’t get too close to the gas burner when you switch it on-often there is a burst of flames when its first lit
Never leave a cooking spoon in a pan when something is cooking.
Take care when frying as hot fat can splatter.
Be careful of the heat when you open the door of the oven.
Don’t put hot saucepans onto a kitchen work surface without putting them on a heatproof mat first.
Remember to turn off the oven, cooker or grill when you have finished cooking.
Information found on www.bbc.co.uk
Kids in the Kitchen Continued from page 10
Crispy Rice Snowman A creative snack recipe! Make a snowman using the popular crispy rice cereal bar recipe.
INGREDIENTS:
• 3 Tablespoons Butter or Margarine • 4 cups Miniature Marshmallows • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract • 4 cups Crispy Rice Cereal • Frosting • Decorating Items (listed below)
PREPARATION:
Melt butter or margarine over low heat in a large saucepan Add vanilla and marshmallows. Keep over low heat, stirring constantly until marshmallows are melted. Bend well. Add the crispy rice cereal and stir until the cereal is coated. Line a large cookie sheet with wax paper. As soon as the marshmallow is cool enough to touch, rub a little margarine or butter on your hands and form the cereal mixture into balls. Work quickly so your rice cereal mixture stays warm. You will need 2 balls for each snowman. Use about 1 cup of the mixture for the body and 3/4 cup for the head balls. Set your larger ball on the wax paper lined cookie sheet. Place the small ball on top of the larger ball. If necessary, use a dab of frosting to help the 2 balls stick together. Now you are ready to decorate your snowman! Use frosting to help some items stick to the rice cereal balls is better. Here are some suggestions for items to use to give your snowman facial features and more.
Raisins (eyes, nose, mouth, buttons, etc.)
Red Hots (eyes, nose, mouth, buttons, etc.)
M and M's (eyes, nose, mouth, buttons, etc.)
Chocolate Chips (eyes, nose, mouth, buttons, etc.)
Tiny Jelly Beans (eyes, nose, mouth, buttons, etc.)
Large Gum Drops (hat)
Pretzel Sticks (Arms)
Let the snowmen set for a few hours and enjoy! Recipe found on http://familycrafts.about.com/od/creativesnacks
January 08 ∗ 13 | P a g e
Family Favorites Articles submitted By- Diane Delaney
Sat. January 26, from11am-4pm Winter Festival at Grafton State Park. Call 279-1155 or visit www.nysparks.com
Fri. & Sat. February 1st and 2nd, at 8pm. Family Storytime at Lansingburgh Public Library. Call 274-7071 to register.
Fri. February 1st from 5pm-9pm. First Friday for Black History Month (Art Exhibit & Solo performance) at the Albany Public Library. Call 209-2710 for details.
Healthy Family Happenings
This simple activity is especially fun for parents and kids to do together. While cutting
your snowflakes, you can talk about what they may look like when you unfold them.
And when you're done, you can talk together about how no two snowflakes are alike.
Lightweight paper, such as copier paper
Pencil
Paper plate or bowl
Scissors
String or thread
Step 1
Help your child make a large circle on white or colored paper by tracing a
paper plate, bowl, or other round object.
Step 2
Help your child cut out the circle. Using your own circle to demonstrate,
show your child how to fold the circle in half. Now fold the half-circle in
half again, and in half once more.
Step 3
Show your child how to draw small shapes along the folded edges. (Make
sure she leaves spaces between the shapes.) Help your child cut out the
shapes.
Step 4
Now open the snowflake up to see the design. You can use string or clear
thread to display it.
Found at www.nickjr.com/parenting
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January 08 ∗ 14 | P a g e
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Healthy Families of Rensselaer County
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Conifer Park
Pam LaBuda, Wellness Coordinator
Rensselaer County Department of Health
Debbie Lajeunesse, Director of Maternity
Samaritan Hospital Family Birth Center
Lisa Lajeunesse
Rensselaer County Department of Social Services
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Rensselaer County Department of Mental Health
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Developmental Pediatrics
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Healthy Families of Rensselaer County
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Stratton VA Medical Center
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Unity House Domestic Violence Services
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Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission
Gerald Vogt, Lieutenant
City of Troy Fire Department
Mary Fran Wachunas, Public Health Director & Early
Intervention Official Rensselaer County Department
of Health
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Circles of Mercy, Inc