Bona Vista's Child Care Solutions

In the frenzy of the holidays, it's easy to overlook safety hazards. But while you're busy wrapping the presents, lighting the candles, or trimming the tree, it's important to keep the following in mind:

Every little button and ornament is a potential choking hazard
You already know that toddlers will put almost anything in their mouths, so watch where you're leaving that bowl of tiny pinecones or potpourri. Wreaths, ornaments, Holiday scenes, and other decorations with unsecured pieces become choking hazards if left within reach of little hands. Be sure to keep seasonal decorations and dishes of holiday treats — especially nuts, candies with hard shells, and hard candies — well out of your child's reach on high tables or counters. Finally, clean up carefully when wrapping presents. Young toddlers love scrap pieces of tape, ribbon, and wrapping paper (especially shiny foil papers) and could choke on them. And you don't want your child getting his hands on scissors and other sharp tools used to cut paper and ribbon.

Candles and matches create a fire hazard
Young children are drawn to flames, so keep lit candles well out of your child's reach. Don't put lit candles on a tablecloth or anything else that your child could pull down or knock over. And always keep lit candles far away from your tree and never let a candle burn in an unoccupied room. Place lighted menorahs, or any type of live fire, in a safe spot.

Lights and other tree decorations can be dangerous
Strings of electric lights are as dangerous as they are attractive to young children, who can easily get wrapped up in the wires and risk being strangled or even electrocuted. And while tinsel can make a tree sparkle, it's also a choking hazard. If you use strands of tinsel or lights of any kind, hang them high and out of your child's reach.

Lead may lurk in unexpected places
Like nearly all appliance cords, most strings of Christmas tree lights are coated with plastic that contains lead. The amount of lead varies widely, and it's hard to say how dangerous it might be. To be safe, don't let your child handle the lights.

Lead is also a concern if you have an artificial tree that's old. Some of these trees may contain unsafe levels of lead and give off dust that can spread lead through the air. Throw out any suspect artificial trees and replace them with either the real thing or a modern imitation. When buying an artificial tree, check for lead warning labels.

Holdiay Plants
Although pretty and festive, some holiday plants may be poisonous to you and your children. Be sure to check with your local nursery before purchasing any holiday plants.

As you flip through prenatal books and baby store catalogs you are bombarded with pictures of babies serenely sleeping, giggling, or curiously gazing at the camera. For many these pictures become a rarity in the early days of parenting. What we see instead is a face red and puckered from crying. So what is all the crying about?

When babies cry it can become frustrating. It is normal to feel discouraged, helpless, and even embarrassed at not being able to soothe your baby. Crying is a baby’s major form of communication. It is establishing what the cry means that can be challenging. A problem solving approach can often be best. So, consider sorting through the following to see if your little one has an unmet need:

• Hunger-Not all babies eat at regular intervals. It is not unusually for some babies to eat much more one day than another. A hungry baby will often cry intensely before a feeding or after. If you are not sure if your little one is hungry then try feeding a small amount of milk. If the milk is only taken a little before your baby turns away hunger is probably not the main cause of the crying.
• Boredom/ Feeling Overwhelmed- a baby who is not tired will not sleep and will cry out of boredom. Try singing songs or placing your baby on his/her tummy while you play together for tummy time. A baby will also cry if too much is going on in the environment. When a baby is overwhelmed some other signs are often excessive drooling, averting eyes, and hiccups. To calm an over-stimulated baby use soft tones and remove as many of the stimuli as possible.
• Needing Comfort- as adults when we become upset we calm ourselves down with deep breaths, taking a walk, meditating, etc. babies are not capable of self soothing. To help a baby calm down a few tricks can work wonders. Sucking is a natural calming response that babies actual display prenatally. Sucking on a pacifier, finger, or thumb can sometimes help calm a fussy baby. Holding a baby while you rock to create a gentle swinging motion helps recreate womb like comforts and can also help ease crying. Soothing sounds such as a lullaby or shh sound can also help but remember your singing has to be louder than the crying for the baby to be able to hear it.
  
• Hurt-do a head to toe look over your little one. Especially sensitive babies could cry because a sock is too tight, or a piece or hair is caught around a finger. Doing a check to make sure that your little one does not have any sore spots is always a good idea
• Too hot or too cold- We tend to overdress babies and being too hot is no fun. The ideal room temperature for an infant is about 68 degrees, a baby should not be sweaty, or shivering.
• Wet or dirty diaper- not all babies are as intensely bothered by soiled diapers as others, but changing diapers frequently can help prevent diaper rash which can be extremely painful.
• Tiredness-babies can become very tired quickly, but they will often struggle to fall asleep. A little background noise can often help a baby fall to sleep, remember the womb was full of the noises of mom’s heartbeat and more so babies are not accustomed to extreme quiet. Try turning a radio to a static station, running a vacuum cleaner, or using a noise maker to create white noise.

If you are still struggling with working through crying do not be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your child’s pediatrician, share your struggles at a new mommy or new dad’s group, or call your resource and referral agency and ask for the infant and toddler specialist.

A drive in the car seems to be the perfect trick to get even the fussiest baby to sleep. So it is not surprise that many babies are brought into child care still sound asleep in their car seats, but the car seat is not where they should stay. Unfortunately this alarming new trend of leaving babies to sleep in their car seats rather than moving them to safe sleeping environments is putting babies at risk of more than just a sore neck. A new study by Harvard Medical School and Mass. General Hospital for children has discovered that children sleeping in car seats had oxygen levels dropping below 95%. The semi upright position of a car seat compresses an infant’s lungs, and is likely responsible for the decrease in oxygen. Care seats are wonderful at keeping babies safe in a moving vehicle, but they are not a replacement for a safe sleeping environment. Babies need to sleep in a safe crib, port-a-crib or pack-and –play. Always remember that a safe sleeping environment is about more than comfort or convenience it is about saving babies lives! Babies should always sleep in a safe sleeping environment free of pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals positioned on their backs. Every Sleep counts.

If you have any questions about safe sleep environments or would like help making sure your sleep environment is safe please contact Child Care Solutions.

For more information about the study mentioned in this blog check click here

For more information about safe sleep check out the First Candle website

Recently H1N1, also known as swine flu, has received a lot of media attention, and much of the information has been confusing. We have gathered the most common statements made about H1N1 and sorted them into fact fiction.

Eating pork causes H1N1-
FICTION:
H1N1 is an influenza virus and is spread person to person likely in the same way that the traditional flu is spread i.e. sneezing and coughing

You should wear a mask when in public places to protect against H1N1-
FICTION (sort of)
There is no evidence clearly supporting masks as an effective tool in preventing the spread of H1N1; however, some is still pending. The best methods of prevention for influenza remain the same:
•Wash your hands with soap and warm running water, after toileting, before eating, after sneezing, after coughing
•Get plenty of sleep
•Eat nutritious food and drink plenty of water

If I get a flu shot I will be protected against H1N1-
FICTION:
There is a new vaccine currently in the process of development and production being developed to protect against H1N1, but the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against the novel H1N1. The vaccine will be available as both a nasal spray and a more traditional injection talk to you family doctor to see what is best for your family.
Help keep yourself and the little ones safe in your life this flu season by practicing good hand washing techniques, covering coughs and sneezes, eating healthy, and getting enough rest. These health practices remain consistently true. As flu season approaches you should also consider talking to your health care provider about the flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine.

For more information about H1N1 check out the links below
Immunization Action Coalition
Center for Disease Control Updates for Child Care
Tool Kit for children and Parents on H1N1

As budgets tighten it can become difficult to find fun, unique kid friendly activities for the family to enjoy. Child Care Solutions has partnered with Carey Services and Indiana Wesleyan to bring an incredible community event to Marion: a FREE community concert. This incredible sing-a-long event will be held at the Old College Church on Indiana Wesleyan University Campus, October 16 7:00.
Julie Austin is an award-winning singer/songwriter and early childhood specialist. Who will bring a unique blend of storytelling, sign language, and music to this lively and engaging program. She not only sings songs in a variety of styles—folk, swing, bluegrass—she also accompanies herself on guitar, autoharp and jaw harp. Interactive stories, sign-mime, and singable songs, add up to a toe-tapping, hand-clapping, and finger-snapping good time! Julie's five outstanding children's recordings have won national awards including a Parent's Choice Award for her most recent CD, "Fandagumbo!"
So bring the whole family to this incredible FREE event! For more information please contact Child Care solutions at 1-800-493-3231.

Promoting Excellence in
Early Childhood Education



School is starting. Is your professional liability coverage in place?

Don’t leave your personal finances at risk to a work-related lawsuit. The Educators Professional Liability Plan, sponsored by NAEYC, provides $1,000,000 in liability coverage for just $99 per year. That’s only 28 cents per day!
This plan pays defense costs in addition to liability claims, and it includes valuable job-protection benefits for you at no additional cost.

You can apply for coverage online in minutes at:
http://www.ftj.com/epli2009

Many educators think they are protected from lawsuits by the school that employs them, but that’s not always the case. Consider the facts:
• Not all schools have liability coverage for their employees.
• Those that do may not have enough coverage to protect all employees against all claims made during a given year.
• And your employer can decide not to defend you under its liability coverage.
That's right. There is risk involved in relying on an employer’s liability policy to protect you. Wouldn't you rather know you’re covered with your own $1,000,000 professional liability policy?
Application is easy. For more information or to apply online, visit the NAEYC website.

We all want to learn more about child development, and child care; however, finding the time and the money for such trainings can be difficult. In addition to all of the free trainings that Child Care Solutions offers, now the National Association for Child Care Resource and Referral has made learning about all aspects of child development even easier through FREE Webinars that you can enjoy in the privacy of your home! Child Care Aware Parent Network Webinars are presented by child care experts to give you information about high-quality child care and other topics that are of interest to you. They are designed specifically for busy parents, grandparents and professionals who want to learn more but have very little time.

Upcoming Webinars:

Brain Development: You Can Easily Make a Positive Difference!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009, 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (EDT)
Presenter: Deborah McNelis
Click here to learn more and register now! It’s Free!

“My Body Belongs to Me!” Keeping Your Child Safe from Sexual Abuse— A Prosecutor’s Advice
Tuesday August 25, 2009, 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (EDT)
Presenter: Jill Starishevsky
Click here to learn more and register now! It’s Free!

Playing to Learn: Why High-Quality Child Care Must Include Play
Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (EDT)
Presenter: Dr. David Elkind
Click here to learn more and register now! It’s Free!

Would you like a step-by-step plan of action to help you

manage, motivate and retain

great staff in your child care program?

This plan of action has helped countless leaders:

*Boost morale in minutes without spending a buck

*Eliminate workplace gossip

*Facilitate staff meetings that sizzle

*Inspire team members to make behavior changes

*Have more time

*Increase professionalism

*Motivate team members to reach new goals

Does this plan of action interest you?

What if you could get this plan of action without having to leave the comfort of your home or workplace?

What if this plan of action was FREE?

**The great news is…**

This plan of action is totally FREE for the first 100 child care leaders who respond to this email.

You’re invited:

To get your plan of action to help you manage, motivate and retain great staff for FREE this August by participating in a live teleconference and/or webcast with me, Julie Bartkus. You decide how you want to participate via the telephone, computer or both! No special equipment is required to attend.

Here’s the link with more information:

http://www.leadershipconnectionforchildcare.com/public/463.cfm

I hope you can join us! And remember – spread the word around. This is a limited one-time live event. You may know someone who could really benefit from this information.

Enthusiastically,

Julie Bartkus

www.MotivateTeachers.com

www.LcforCC.com

Your interest in becoming a licensed child care provider is greatly appreciated by the staff at Bona Vista's Child Care Solutions and families across the state of Indiana! Child care is one of the fastest growing businesses. The need for licensed child care providers is great, especially those caring for very young children. The requirements are reasonable and achievable! Many of the licensing requirements are health and safety measures you have probably already implemented, especially if you have children of your own.

As a licensed child care provider, registered with your local Resource & Referral agency (Bona Vista's Child Care Solutions), you may be eligible for many free benefits.

These benefits may include:

* FREE referrals to help fill our child care openings
* Information about free or low cost educational training
* Updates on State and local early childhood information
*Access to resources to enhance your program
* Recognition as a professional business owner- which allows you to claim additional business related tax deductions
* Information about opportunities to access local and state grants available for scholarships and other business related expenses

Bona Vista's Child Care Solutions offers the FREE Orientation 1 & 2 trainings to get you on the right track! Please call Yonda Grinslade, Education Specialist at 800-493-3231 to inquire about licensing today!!

Click here for another great tool used in getting started as a child care provider with NACCRRA's Child Care Aware Prospective Provider website!!!!

Summer is here. It’s been really hot, and then not as hot. What to do for lunch or snacks? Get the children involved of course! If you’re like me, you probably don’t want the oven on any more than is absolutely necessary.















When children are cooking, they are learning math skills through measurement and science skills through the changes in the foods. They are also learning cooperation and team work. They also learn and practice health and safety skills, because only the adults should handle knives. Everyone should wash their hands, multiple times if needed. When having children in the kitchen, please make sure that they are constantly supervised. Also, these recipes might not be for all. Take into consideration any food allergies that might be present in your home or child care.

After you are done cooking and preparing the food, it is always fun to taste what you have created.

Here are some recipes to try.

Fruit Salad

Ingredients:
• 1 (17-oz.) can fruit cocktail, drained
• 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1/4 cup drained maraschino cherries, halved
• 2 medium bananas, sliced
• 1 medium apple, coarsely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed, or sweetened whipped cream
• Lettuce leaves

1. In large bowl, combine all ingredients except whipped topping and lettuce; mix lightly. Gently fold in whipped topping. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until serving time.

2. To serve, spoon salad onto lettuce-lined plates. If desired, garnish with additional maraschino cherries.

Of course, you can also make a fruit salad using the fresh fruits of your choice. Children could use spoons to spoon out pieces of watermelon or cantaloupe or kiwi fruit. Smaller children could break off pieces of bananas or move apple pieces around in lemon juice to prevent browning in a baggie.

Ham Salad rolls

This ham salad sandwich is a snap to mix up in the food processor, or mince the ham by hand and mix the ingredients together for delicious sandwiches or filled rolls.

Ingredients:
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 rib of celery, cut up
• 1 onion sliced, about 1/4-inch thick
• 6 to 8 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons minced sweet pickles or sweet pickle relish
• 1 to 2 teaspoons sweet pickle juice, optional
• dash pepper
• 1 hard-cooked egg, diced
• lettuce
• soft rolls, split

In a food processor, combine the ham, celery, onion, and pickles or pickle relish. Pulse until minced; transfer to a bowl. Mix in mayonnaise until well-moistened, along with sweet pickle juice, if using. Add pepper, to taste, and stir in the diced hard-cooked egg. Arrange lettuce on rolls; fill with the ham salad.

Mini Pizzas

Ingredients:
• Canned refrigerator biscuits
• Tomato sauce
• Shredded cheese
• Toppings of choice – pepperoni, sausage (cooked), chopped veggies

Have the children spread their biscuit dough out on a cookie sheet. With a spoon, spread the sauce around the dough. Sprinkle with cheese and add desired toppings. You can enhance this activity by using specific measurements for toppings such as one quarter cup of cheese, two teaspoons of green peppers, etc. Maybe you have a garden and can use the veggies straight from your garden. This is also an excellent opportunity to talk about the food pyramid and which foods you should eat more of.

Cereal Bracelets

Ingredients:
• O shaped cereals (fruity or grain)
• Cereal straws cut into 1 inch pieces
• Red licorice lace (pull apart licorice)

Using the licorice lace as a string, have your kiddos string on cereal O’s and cereal straws to create their own gorgeous, edible piece of jewelry. Utilize this activity with math by asking them to make patterns with the cereal or sort the cereal before starting the activity.


Try making some of these snacks or meals with your kids. They should be a great activity that is fun and also educational. Enjoy spending quality time together in the kitchen and then around the table eating your work! Bon Appetite!

Child Care Aware is thrilled to announce their first Child Care Aware Parent Network webinar! This session will be the first of four sessions...with more to come throughout the year. As with all of their great content, this session is FREE! Join them online at:

Have you joined NACCRRA's Child Care Aware Parent Network? Raise your hand for high quality child care by joining today! It's Free!! Click Here!