Better for You

Got a Sick Kid? There's an App for that!

2011-09-06T09:40:00.000-04:00

Download from the Apple iTunes App Store. It's FREE!

Marketing: Do My Customers Really Social Media?

2011-09-06T09:31:00.000-04:00

93% of Americans believe a company should have a presence in social media.
85% believe a company should not only be present but also interact with its consumers via social media.
56% of American consumers feel both a stronger connection with and better served by companies when they can interact with them in a social media environment.

2011-08-30T12:26:00.000-04:00

UNESCO in its publication, Learning: The Treasure Within outlines four pillars of education:

Learning to know: "...concerned less with the acquisition of structured knowledge than with the mastery of learning tools. It may be regarded as both a means and an end of human existence."

Learning to do: "...how do we adapt education so that it can equip people to do the types of work needed in the future?"

Learning to live together: "...education should adopt two complementary approaches. From early childhood, it should focus on the discovery of other people in the first stage of education. In the second stage of education and in lifelong education, it should encourage involvement in common projects."

Learning to be: "...All people should receive in their childhood and youth an education that equips them to develop their own independent, critical way of thinking and judgment so that they can make up their own minds on the best courses of action in the different circumstances in their lives."

Source: www.ccie.com

Understanding & Supporting Generation Y's Workplace Needs

2011-08-22T09:59:00.000-04:00

Generation Y's 32 million U.S. workers will increase to approximately 21% of the workforce in the next 3 years.

More than 60% of employers say they are experiencing tension between employees from different generations and more than 70% of older employees are dismissive of younger workers' abilities.

Young workers move in and out of jobs faster and put more emphasis on individual satisfaction and development. Movement, change, and challenge become the motivating factors behind job selection and retention.

Strategies for working with Generation Y

Provide access to technology. Generation Y-ers know how to use technology and they are good at it. They can use this ability to improve their (and your) work environment.
Establish mentoring as a means of providing supporting direct feedback. Generation Y-ers have grown up with more parental involvement and structured time from adults. Therefore a 'community if learners approach,' where workers are supported through activities such as mentoring, job shadowing, and shared product assignments may be viewed by Generation Y-ers as less intimidating. They want to participate in tasks and learning experiences that support their growth, are relevant, and can be applied immediately.
Support their values by inviting input in decision making. Generation Y-ers are used to being active participants in family and other decision-making matters from an early age. They bring a similar expectation of active participation and decision making into their work environment.
Individualize and customize career and growth opportunities. Generation Y-ers are innovative. They are used to change, personally and professionally, and have experienced change at home, school, in the community, and at work.
Provide training and skills development that can be connected with broader work applications. Generation Y-ers are goal oriented. They have high expectations for themselves and those around them: employers, family members, and peers.

Creating a supportive work environment

Above all else, involve your staff.

Upgraded use of technology in the program
Rethinking use of current technology to facilitate conference calls among staff, parents, and professionals to save time and travel, and technology-based games - to ass dimension to children's learning opportunities.
Involve Generation Y-ers in policy-making processes.
Use 15 minutes of staff meetings for staff sharing of innovative ideas they would like to explore.
Create a staff training plan that includes transferable skills such as customer relations, team development, public speaking, and critical thinking.

Source: ccie.org

Foto Friday!

2011-08-19T09:36:00.000-04:00

Foto Friday!

2011-08-16T16:52:00.000-04:00

Hanna's Orphan Home
Zeway, Ethiopia

Tough Topic: Talking with parent's about their child's development

2011-08-15T14:12:00.000-04:00

Talking to a parent about their child's development can sometimes be an uneasy topic. How the situation and communication style is approached can make the difference between a meaningful conversation intended to help a child be successful and alienating a parent.

Obstacles to Communication
Fear: It can be difficult for parents to hear unpleasant news about their child.
Defensiveness: Parents naturally want to protect and defend their children. When uncomfortable information is shared with parents about their child, their first response may be defensiveness.
Anger: Uncomfortable feelings can turn into anger. A parent's feelings of fear and/or defensiveness can manifest in angry outbursts.

Steps to Effective Communication

Institute a parent Involvement plan: A well written plan...

Helps to ensure communication occurs on a regular basis.
Articulates the important role that the parent plays in the child's development.
States the program's goals and philosophy in working with children.
Puts into writing how communication will occur.
States the times that the teaching staff will be scheduling conferences.
Lists the volunteer opportunities and how parents can become involved in the program.

Validate the parent's role: When speaking with a parents, it is important to remind them of the positive effect they have on their child.

Share some real life classroom stories that reflect this.
Help parents recognize their attributes and that together a stronger team is formed.
Call on parents for their knowledge of their child.

Provide proof: When there is a need to speak to a parent about a child's behavior or development, provide support for what you are saying.

Share information/observations gained during class time.
Have developmental screening and assessment data available. (Remember, you should never make a diagnosis unless you are licensed to do so.)
Be specific when describing the child's behavior and/or your concerns.
Show the parent work samples or observations.

Be positive

Separate the child from the behavior
Remind the parent that your goal is to help their child be successful
Consider the child's strengths when developing an action plan
Stay on task - describe the concerns or unwanted behavior, discuss appropriate expectations, and then develop a plan on how to get there together.

Help the parent be successful

Have ideas ready that parents can use at home to help their child.
Bring written information or handouts to the meeting.
Encourage parents to spend quality time with their children.
Invite the parent to volunteer in the classroom.

Create a safe place

Set an appointment time that is convenient for the parent, with a low chance of interruptions.
Provide a safe and respectful environment.
Ensure that others cannot overhear your conversation.

Use open communication

Maintain an open stance both physically and verbally.
Show the parent that you are actively listening and understanding.
Repeat what you hear the parent say (active listening).
Document what is said and any decisions made during the conversation.

Availability of resources

Offer parent support groups
Invite local specialists to come in and talk
Offer a resource library
Have staff regularly attend workshops and conferences to ensure that they have the necessary skills to work with families.

By welcoming parents onto our team, we help eliminate barriers and gain allies who have valuable information about the child and the motivation to do what is necessary to help their child succeed. As parents grow to appreciate that your goal is to help their child be successful, they will become more open and willing to work with you on your focal point, the child.

Source: www.ccie.org

Foto Friday!

2011-08-12T11:37:00.000-04:00

Meet Rabha of the Refugee Sewing Society (RSS). She is a refugee who escaped genocide and now resides in Clarkston, GA. She is an active member of RSS.

Click here to learn more about how RSS is making an impact in the lives of refugee women.

Books To Shape The Childcare Profession

2011-08-08T14:40:00.001-04:00

Outliers: The Story of Success - Malcom Gladwell
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference - Malcom Gladwell
7 Habits of Effective People - Steven Covey
Emotional Intelligence 2.0 - Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves
Fish!: A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results - Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen
Shine: Using Brain Science to Get the Best from Your People - Edward M. Hallowell
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't - Jim Collins
Portfolios of the Poor - Daryl Collins
Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard - Chip and Dean Heath
Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs the Humanities - Martha Nussbaum
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao - Wayne Dyer
Enchantment: The Art of CHanging Hearts, Minds, and Actions - Guy Kawasaki
The Social Animal: The Hidden Sources of Love, Character, and Achievement - David Brooks
Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School - John Medina
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations, One School at a Time - Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
Leadership Secrets of Santa Claus - Eric Harvey
Philanthropy in a Flat World: Inspiration Through Globalization - Jon Duschinsky
Fierce Conversations at a Time - Susan Scott
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother - Amy Chua
Strengths Finders 2.0 - Tom Rath
Mountains Beyond Mountains - Tracy Kidder
The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life - Piero Ferrucci
Make the Impossible Possible: One Man's Crusade to Inspire Others to Dream Bigger and Achieve the Extraordinary - Bill Strickland with Vince Rause
Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference - Max Lucado
The Hidden Messages in Water - Emoto Masaru
Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior - Ori and Rom Brafman
Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything - Don Tapscott and Anthony D. Williams
Respect: An Exploration - Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot
Today Matters: 12 Daily Practices to Guarantee Tomorrow's Success - John C. Maxwell
Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation - Steven Johnson
NutureShock: New Thinking About Children - Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman
Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies - James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras
What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures - Malcom Gladwell
The Fred Factor: How Passion in Your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary Into the Extraordinary - Mark Sanborn
Into the Extraordinary - Mark Sanborn
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption - Laura Hillenbrand
A Young People's History of the United States - Howard Zinn
Delusions of Gender: How Our Minds, Society, and Neurosexism Create Difference - Corelia Fine

Source: www.ccie.org

Foto Friday!

2011-08-05T16:24:00.000-04:00

We currently have a Mercy Ministry program in an area called Ezbet El Nakhl in Egypt. Our Mercy Minister visits these families weekly and shares the gospel with them, prays with them and also gives them food or other items that their family needs such as clothing or school supplies for the kids.

Staff Management: Thriving on Feedback

2011-08-02T16:14:00.000-04:00

When you open yourself up to receiving feedback from your staff, you're sending a clear message to them that their thoughts and input matter, allowing you to cultivate positive relationships with them.

In order to get consistent feedback that you can thrive on, it's important to have systems in place to help you collect, digest, and respond to feedback. Common tools that you can consider incorporating into your "feedback system" include suggestion boxes, feedback forms, regular one-on-one meetings, and, of course, regular direct and honest feedback when there are issues that need to be resolved.

Handling the feedback you receive:

Refrain from defensive reactions
Remember that the way people communicate often has more to do with them than it does with you
Respect confidentiality
Model the process from top down

Establish a feedback system:

Educate your staff about the feedback tools you use
Inform staff on what happens next
Take action on the feedback you receive.

Source: www.ccie.com

Foto Friday!

2011-07-29T14:03:00.000-04:00

EGSS Orphanage and Daycare
Cairo, Egypt
www.betterforkids.org

Popular Tech Tools & Apps

2011-07-26T15:49:00.001-04:00

Technology Tools for Educators
www.techandyoungchildren.org/educators

Cools tools for schools
cooltoolsforschools.wikispaces.com/collaborative+tools

Go2Web20
www.go2web20.net

21 Things for the 21st Century Teacher
21things4teachers.net

Keeping Food Safe to Eat

2011-07-26T11:36:00.000-04:00

Use Safe Handling and Storage Techniques

Be aware of the condition in which perishable foods are purchased and delivered. Inspect foods to make sure frozen foods are frozen solid and refrigerated foods are the appropriate temperatures.
Improper temperature control before and after purchasing or delivery can shorten a food's shelf life.
Date incoming food items. Rotate stock properly. Placing oldest food out front will encourage the use of foods on a "first-in, first-out" (FIFO) basis.
Keep a daily log of temperature readings. Temperature logs should be maintained for cooking, cooling, holding, and reheating procedures and for refrigerators and freezers.

How quick do bacteria grow? The following numbers will give you an idea.

Bacteria Double...

At this temperature... In this amount of time....

90 F every 30 minutes

70 F every hour

60 F every 2 hours

50 F every 3 hours

40 F every 6 hours

32 F every 20 hours

28 F every 60 hours

Webstore Featured Items: Arts & Crafts!

2011-07-25T13:16:00.000-04:00

Click here to view!
www.purefunsupply.com

Foto Friday!

2011-07-22T15:48:00.000-04:00

EGSS Orphanage & Childcare

Cairo, Egypt

www.betterforkids.org

How Does It Feel?: Child Care From Families' Perspective

2011-07-20T10:43:00.002-04:00

One of the challenges of working with young children is finding ways of working effectively with their families. In How Does it Feel? author Anne Stonehouse challenges the reader to look at situations in an early childhood program from families' perspectives.

Encouraging programs to move beyond traditional parent and family involvement, this book contains insights on what it takes to create and maintain effective partnerships that benefit young children the most.

Click here to find the book!

Finger Foods & Snack Ideas

2011-07-18T10:41:00.000-04:00

Finger Foods & Snack Ideas

Apple wedges
Banana slices
Bread sticks
Cabbage sticks
Cauliflower florets
Celery sticks
Cherry tomato halves
Dried apples
Dried cranberries
Dried pears
Fresh peach wedges
Fresh pineapple sticks
Halved grapes
Hard-cooked egg halves
Green pepper sticks
Meat cubes
Nectarine wedges
Pizza wedges
Pretzels, hard or soft
Raisins
String cheese
Tomato wedges
Turnip sticks
Bagel quarters
Berries
Broccoli florets
Carrot sticks
Cucumber sticks
Cheese cubes
Cinnamon toast fingers
Dried cherries
Dried peaches
Dry cereal
Fresh pear wedges
Graham cracker strips
Halved meatballs
Grapefruit sections
Green beans, whole
Melon cubes
Orange sections
Plum wedges
Rice cakes
Trail mix
Zucchini sticks

Foto Friday!

2011-07-15T14:42:00.000-04:00

Hanna's Orphan Home - Zeway, Ethiopia
www.betterforkids.org

Steps to Creativity

2011-07-12T09:31:00.000-04:00

"To approach a workplace problem creatively, we need to be fluent, flexible thinkers," says author Michael Michalko in his book Cracking Creativity, reported in Work & Family Life (July 2011). As he sees it, fluency just means coming up with lots of ideas, and flexibility means looking for new ways to think about a subject — any subject. Here’s Michalko’s five-step process:

Defer judgment. Get your juices flowing, but wait to decide which ideas are worth developing.

Generate lots of ideas. Most of your ideas may end up being discarded, but all it takes is one or two good ones to make a difference.

List ideas as they arise. A good idea can disappear the minute you get dis tracted by your daily routines. Keep a written record of your ideas and musings.

Keep on tweaking. Elaborate and improve on the ideas you and your coworkers have generated. Look for novel combinations, surprises, and new perspectives.

Do something different. Good ideas need time to incubate. Tap into your subconscious. Take a walk. Visit an art gallery. Then return to thinking about the problem and see what new ideas emerge.

Be Aware of Choking Hazards When Selecting and Serving Foods

2011-07-11T10:35:00.000-04:00

Keep in mind that young children - especially ages 2 to 3 years - are at risk of choking on food. They remain at risk until they can chew and swallow better by about age 4. Always supervise children during meals and snacks.

Foods that may cause choking include:

Hot dogs
Raisins
Whole grapes
Chips
Raw celery
Nuts and seeds
Chunks of meat
Marshmallows
Popcorn
Cherries with pits
Raw carrots
Peanut butter (spoonfuls)
Round or hard candy
Pretzels
Large pieces of fruit with skin

Some foods can be offered if you change the form. For example...

Cut hot dogs lengthwise into thin strips.
Steam carrots or celery until slightly soft, then cut into sticks.
Cut grapes or cherries into small pieces.

Source: USDA.gov

Foto Friday!

2011-07-08T10:04:00.000-04:00

Meet Gopi of the Refugee Sewing Society (RSS). She is a refugee who escaped genocide and now resides in Clarkston, GA. She is an active member of RSS.

Click here to learn more about how RSS is making an impact in the lives of refugee women.

We're Going Green - And that's Better for All!

2011-07-06T16:30:00.000-04:00

PureFUN! Inc. now offers electronic delivery of invoices and statements. It's good for the environment and it saves time and money.

Go to www.purefunbetterforall.com to sign up for paperless invoices and statements.

Need to fill your last minute Summer Apparel needs?

2011-07-06T12:54:00.001-04:00

Check out our 3 apparel solutions!

Starting at $4.00!

Visit PureFUN! Apparel for new designs & to order!

Sale ends August 1, 2011.

Keeping Food Safe to Eat: Cook

2011-07-05T16:09:00.001-04:00

Follow Directions

Follow the directions on the food labels to ensure that proper cooking methods, time, and temperature are used. Also, refer to recipes for specific cooking instructions.

Cook Thoroughly

Cook poultry and meat to the doneness temperature and time recommended by the label or recipe.
To make sure that meat and poultry are cooked all the way through, use a food thermometer.
Calibrate thermometers on a regular basis.

Cook Completely

DO NOT partially cook foods. Partial cooking may encourage bacteria to grow before cooking is completed.
Cook foods to minimal required internal temperatures for safety.
Minimal Internal Temperatures (Based on the 2005 FDA Food Code)

165 F for 15 seconds: Pourltry stuffing, stuffed fish, pork or beef, pasta stuffed with eggs, pork, casseroles, reheating leftovers.
155 F for 15 seconds: ground meats, beef, lamb, veal, pork, pasteurized eggs held on steam table, cubed or Salisbury steaks, fish nuggets or sticks
145 F for 15 seconds: Seafood, beef, pork, veal, steaks & roasts (medium rare), eggs cooked to order and serve immediately.
135 F for 15 seconds: Fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables and fruits that are going to be held on a steam table or in a hot box.

Keep hot foods above 135 F

Bacteria can grow rapidly between 41 F and 135 F, which includes room temperature. This is known as the danger zone.
Avoid holding foods in this temperature danger zone. If the serving of a hot food must be delayed, keep it at a holding temperature of 135 F or above.
In addition, limit the amount of holding time. Do not hold a food in the temperature danger zone for longer than 2 hours. After 2 hours, discard the food.

Source: USDA Recipes for Child Care

Web Resource

2011-07-01T15:42:00.000-04:00

Georgia Learning Resource System (GLTS) - www.glrs.org

GLRS Provides Ongoing, Effective, Professional Learning

To assist local school systems in meeting the federal requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and No Child Left Behind (NCLB), GLRS provides ongoing professional learning (training) to teachers and administrators to assist them in implementing effective instructional strategies. GLRS provides training to educators so that:

Children who are at risk of failure can learn to read.
Children exhibit responsible behavior.
Students with disabilities stay in school and transition to employment or college after they graduate from high school.
Students with disabilities can participate in general education classes with their non-disabled peers.
New special education teachers learn effective instructional strategies from mentor teachers.

GLRS Increases Student Achievement

By providing professional learning student achievement is impacted in the following ways:

Students who were struggling to learn to read have experienced success in reading.
Children who have traditionally shown inappropriate behavior at school have improved their performance and increased their active participation in learning.
Schools have shown a significant reduction in the number of office referrals due to discipline problems.
Fewer students with disabilities are dropping out of school and more students are becoming employed or attending college after high school graduation.
More students with disabilities are participating in general education classes with their non-disabled peers. That means students with disabilities can learn the same skills and curriculum that is being taught to other children, enabling more children to meet the academic requirements of No Child Left Behind.

GLRS Supports Parents of Students with Disabilities

GLRS provides information and resources to parents of students with disabilities.
GLRS completes “Child Find” activities so that young children with developmental delays receive appropriate services and support in school.
GLRS coordinates with the Georgia Parent Mentor Program to enable parents to be active participants in their children's education.

Seen the new "My Plate?"

2011-06-27T15:51:00.003-04:00

Balancing Calories

Enjoy your food, but eat less.
Avoid oversized portions.

Foods to Increase

Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
Make at least half your grains whole grains.
Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.

Foods to Reduce

Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals ― and choose the foods with lower numbers.
Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Visit: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

Foto Friday!

2011-06-24T16:45:00.000-04:00

Todd at EGSS & Better For Kids Orphanage
Cairo, Egypt

Click here for more info. on betterforkids.org and EGSS & Better For Kids Orphanage

New Product!

2011-06-21T14:49:00.000-04:00

A2Z Disinfecting Glass & Multi-Surface Cleaner

Ready to use, 100% effective, disinfecting glass and multi-surface cleaner with a fresh lemon scent.

Disinfects glass, sealed wood, restroom fixtures, counter tops, etc.

Effective against H1N1, HIV-1, MRSA, and CA-MRSA.

Call for more information!
770-682-8880
866-922-7635 Toll-Free
www.purefuninc.com

Keeping Food Safe to Eat

2011-06-21T11:48:00.001-04:00

Adequately restrain hair by using a hairnet or hat.
Wash hands frequently and properly, for at least 20 seconds with soap and hot water. Use a separate hand sink, not sinks used for food preparation or dish washing. Always wash hands after touching hair or face.
Use disposable towels when drying hands. Discard disposable towels after each use.
Cough or sneeze into disposable tissues only, and wash hands afterwards. If you sneeze on food or food production areas, discard the food and clean and sanitize the food production area.
Persons with colds or other communicable diseases should not be permitted to work in food preparation areas.
All superficial cuts should be covered with a bandage and a disposable glove.
Any person with an infected cut or skin infection should not be permitted to work with food.
Use disposable gloves properly and avoid touching skin, carts, refrigerator, freezer, or over doors or any unclean surfaces. Throw the gloves away after using or touching anything other than food.

Keep equipment and facilities clean and sanitized

Keep all equipment such as cutting boards, can openers, grinders, slicers, and work surfaces clean and sanitized. Sanitize equipment and work surfaces between use with raw and cooked foods. Check with local health department codes for a list of sanitizing agents.
Use plastic cutting boards. Purchase an adequate number of cutting boards to prevent cross-contamination during food production.
Wash and sanitize cutting boards in a dishwasher whenever possible. Air dry.
Use a "three-compartment sink"to manually wash and sanitize dishes, pots, pans, and utensils.

Commercial sanitizers can be used instead of bleach. Test the chemical sanitizer concentration by using an appropriate test kit. Check local health department codes for a list of sanitizing agents.

When using a mechanical dishwasher, follow manufacturer's directions for proper wash and rinse temperatures.
Air drying is recommended: drying with a towel swabs contaminants over the surface.

Source: Team Nutrition USDA

Find gloves, paper towels, tissues, and many other child care supplies at www.purefuninc.com!

Foto Friday!

2011-06-17T10:23:00.000-04:00

Nation Wide Child Nutrition Programs

2011-06-14T10:03:00.001-04:00

Click here to find a Child Nutrition Program in your state!

Georgia Guidelines: Change in nutrition requirements for fluid milk and fluid milk substitutions

2011-06-13T15:30:00.003-04:00

Fluid milk served in CACFP to participants two years of age and older must be: fat-free or low-fat milk. Whole milk and reduced-fat (2%) milk may not be served to participants over two years of age.

Milk served to children under the age of two remain unchanged at this time.

Find all of the information here.

FDA Warns Not to Feed SimplyThick to Premature Infants

2011-06-13T10:01:00.000-04:00

Do not feed the thickening product called SimplyThick to infants born before 37 weeks gestation because it may cause a life-threatening condition.

This advice to parents, caregivers, and health care providers from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is based on reports of infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in which tissue in the intestines becomes inflamed and dies.

SimplyThick is a brand of thickening agent—available to consumers and medical centers—to help manage swallowing difficulties. It is sold in packets of individual servings and in 64-ounce dispenser bottles. The product can be purchased from distributors and local pharmacies throughout the United States.

Read all about it here.

Web Resource

2011-06-07T11:43:00.000-04:00

Your Gateway to Federal Food Safety Information!
www.foodsafety.gov

Foto Friday!

2011-06-03T14:46:00.000-04:00

Hanna's Orphan Home
Zeway, Ethiopia
www.betterforkids.org

Teacher Tips - Infants

2011-06-02T13:55:00.000-04:00

Infants need to move! Arrange your classroom so there are open spaces where the children can crawl without bumping into things.

Infants do not have a sense of height. They will crawl under furniture and sit up without regard to bumping their heads. They will also pull up on furniture without regard to what is above them. Choose and arrange furniture with this in mind.

Check the floors! Babies will put anything in their mouths, so pick up things that are not safe for chewing!

Infants do not understand “no.” Be sure unsafe things are out of their reach. As they get older, they will learn what they can and cannot touch.

Commercially-made soft play structures made of firm foam and covered with vinyl are very good for motor development. They come in different shapes and sizes and last a long time.

To help a child to sit up, put one or two “tubes” (the kind that are used in a swimming pool) around her.

Place your hands firmly against the soles of a baby’s feet so he can use them to push off for crawling.

To encourage crawling for a baby with a visual impairment, play a musical toy a short distance away. Encourage the baby to crawl to the sound.

To encourage crawling for a child with a hearing impairment, place a lighted toy a short distance away. Make gestures to encourage the baby to crawl to the light.

Roll a ball slowly for your infants to “chase” to practice crawling. Try this with a child who seems unsure about starting to crawl.

When your older infants are ready to walk with support, get some sturdy rolling toys for them to hold onto and push from a standing position. A sturdy child-sized shopping cart and a sturdy doll stroller are two examples.

When they are ready, infants will pull up on everything! Be sure the furniture in your classroom is sturdy enough to support the children. Check the furniture for sharp edges, too.

Have a place where your infants can play outside. Arrange outdoor time apart from the older children.

For babies who are not crawling yet, put them on a mat or blanket with toys to explore.

Talk to the children about everything they do. They learn language while they’re moving, too!

Source: Bright from the Start

Ammex breaks the price barrier with their latest introduction!

2011-06-01T13:21:00.002-04:00

Click here to check it out!

Foto Friday!

2011-05-27T11:04:00.003-04:00

Meet Mariam Adel Abdel-Malak.

She is visited weekly by our Mercy Ministers in Egypt.

Mariam and her family get physical and spiritual support with the help of Better For Kids.

New Product!

2011-05-24T12:46:00.002-04:00

Disinfectant Deodorant Total Release

An excellent disinfectant, antimicrobial agent and two-way deodorizer. Phenomenal total release is a virucidal, tuberculocidal, fungicidal, bactericidal, Pseudomonacidal, Staphylocidal hospital use and broad spectrum disinfectant and antimicrobial agent. One can treats up to 6,000 cubic feet.

It is easy to use.... at the end of the day place the total release can (aka. fogger) on some paper towels or newspaper on a table in the middle of the room. Open all cabinet doors and drawers for maximum coverage. Activate, leave the room, and close the door behind you. Make sure there is absolutely no one left in the room. The fogger will sanitize everything! Every surface, crack, and crevice will be sanitized when the fogger is done. Easy cleaning! This product is great for preventing illness outbreaks in your school.

Features & Benefits

Bactericidal—Kills E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and more
Virucidal against HIV-1 (AIDS virus), Herpes Simplex 1 and 2, Avian Influenza A virus (H5N1) and more
Sanitizes fabric and leather, shoes, mats and equipment
Controls microorganisms that create foul putrefactive odors

Purchase this effective item from PureFUN! Inc.!
770-682-8880
Toll-free 877-922-7635
www.purefuninc.com

Creating Loyal Customers

2011-05-24T10:32:00.002-04:00

“Offer a superior product to my child, delivered to me as a parent in a way that makes me a partner in the process, and I will be your greatest advocate and tell the world." This is how Dennis Vicars describes the expectations of parents for early childhood services in his Exchange article, "The Moment of Truth." Vicars goes on to outline this straightforward formula for being successful at meeting these expectations:

1. Be committed to delivering a world-class early childhood educational experience to each and every child and let nothing stand in the way of that goal.

2. Hire teachers with the education, skills, abilities and, most importantly, talent (which cannot be taught), to deliver a world-class experience to the child in a personalized manner.

3. Create a culture where st aff has a burning desire to deliver absolute excellent service to children, families, and each other.

This is the formula to deliver the moment of truth in early childhood education. Everything else is collateral noise and distraction that... does nothing to deliver success at the moment of truth. The unbridled goal of creating that magic moment of truth for a child will create a path to your door filled by parents and teachers who want to share in that success.

Source: www.ccie.com

20% Off Best Selling Exchange Books!

2011-05-23T10:27:00.000-04:00

Foto Friday!

2011-05-20T09:30:00.000-04:00

Resource: How to Motivate Staff

2011-05-17T08:31:00.003-04:00

This volume of Exchange Essentials includes the following selected Exchange articles, in pdf format, focusing on ideas and strategies for motivating staff members:

Self-Motivation: Motivation at Its Best by Roger Neugebauer
Why Do They Stay? Teachers Make a Career in the Classroom by Susan Catapano
Working with Generation Y by Alan Ekblad and Timothy Hathaway
Motivating Entry-level Employees by Silvana Clark
9 + 1 = Fun! by Dennis Vicars
The Director's Role in Creating Community by Michael Koetje and Peter Blair
Motivating Staff by Sue Baldwin
Celebrating Teachers and Their Work by Margie Carter
Helping Teachers Love Their Work by Lynn T. Hill
You Say Staff Deserve Respect? Energize Your Words with Action! by Karen Stephens
Twenty Small Acts of Kindness
28 Fun Ideas to Motivate Your Staff — Taking a Fresh Look at Routines and Interactions by Sandy Roberts

Click here to find "How to Motivate Staff"

Serve More Dry Beans & Peas for Healthier Schools

2011-05-16T12:42:00.003-04:00

Dry beans and peas are an inexpensive way to boost the nutritional content of school meals!

Key Issues:

Dietary fiber from dry beans and peas (legumes) are part of a healthy diet and help to lower the risk of heart disease
Dry beans & peas:

Are excellent sources of plant protein
Provide other nutrients such as iron, potassium, folate, and zinc.
Are naturally low in fat and sodium.
Have no saturated fat or cholesterol.

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating three cups of beans a week, based on a 2,000 calorie meal plan.

Recipe for Success:

Choose the easiest form! Use canned, pre-cooked beans to simplify recipes and reduce cooking times.
Power up recipes with more beans! Add dry-packed or canned beans and peas when preparing casseroles, stews, and side dishes. Make chili more interesting by combining kidney and pinto beans.
Serve satisfying soups. Attract students and teachers with low-sodium split pea, lentil, minestrone, or white bean soup, Use pureed beans to thicken soups and sauces.
Spice up your menus with Southwest flair! Offer black bean enchiladas, low-far refried beans, or tacos with whole pinto beans.
Have a bean taste test! Let students sample dishes that use dry beans and peas as a main ingredient. Some ideas include: Veggie burgers, Taco Pizza with refried beans, Cowboy Beans, Hummus, or Lentil Pilaf.
Spruce up the salad bar! Offer canned garbanzo beans, red kidney beans, black beans, or a mixture of all three!
Use colorful garnishes like dices fresh green pepper or red pepper rings to ad eye appeal and showcase your favorite bean dishes.
Bring back a classic! Pair baked beans as a side dish with oven-baked chicken to bring back memories of a summer cookout!

Did You Know?

MyPyramid includes dry beans and peas in both the Vegetable Group and the Meat and Beans Group. Beans and other legumes count as either a vegetable or as a meat alternate, but not as both in the same meal.
Rinsing and draining pre-cooked canned beans reduces the sodium content. Or, soak and cook bagged dry beans without adding salt.
Dry beans and peas provide an excellent source of plant protein and fiber, magnesium, folate, iron, and zinc. Americans, especially children, often do not get enough of these nutrients.

Source: teamnutrition.usda.gov

Web Resource - SmartSearch

2011-05-11T08:38:00.000-04:00

Kraft foods SmartSearch is an interactive nutrition and ingredient search tool designed to allow users to filter products based on a specific criteria.

To get started with this great resource - click here!

Marketing: No longer an afterthought

2011-05-10T16:22:00.001-04:00

Marketing is very important for the success of your childcare center. Here are a few steps to take to improve retention and grow enrollment.

Best possible services

First things first… good marketing starts with providing the best possible services. This is a critical foundation for any marketing effort.

Make a plan

Your plan can be as simple or as elaborate as you need, but at a minimum should include about five categories:

Your strategies (a description of what you will do)
A timeline for when you will undertake that strategy (remembering that marketing is a year-round endeavor)
Materials and resources needed to accomplish the strategy
A list of who is responsible or tasked with accomplishing the work
A description of the costs
Optional: You might also want to create a category for evaluating the strategy, determining how you will measure success.

Tools in the toolbox

Print media (parent handbooks, business cards, brochures, press releases, advertisements, give-aways, etc.)
Electronic media (social media, e-mails, website)
Staff (an often overlooked marketing resource)
Parents (some of your best public relations specialists)
Events (employer partnerships, school transition partnerships, open house, Kids’ Day, legislative tours, parent appreciation, etc.)

Print Media: Your printed materials do not have to be the most expensive ones out there, but this is definitely not an area to scrimp to save a nickel. Your printed materials are a reflection of you and your business. Your image should reflect professionalism. The content of your print materials is just as important as the appearance. Be sure materials are succinct, free of errors, and well written.

To get the professional image you seek without spending a ton of money, pay attention to other brochures and print materials that have caught your eye and develop a file of these. Also, check out the resources in your community; is there a school or college with a graphics design department?

At a minimum, be sure to have business cards, a brochure, and a parent handbook to share with the public and potential customers.

Electronic Media: Electronic media is very important for communicating with the parents of your school effectively. Social media is a free way to market your school and provide quality information for your parents.

If you do not have a website, create one. If you have one, make sure it is current and fresh.

If you have a facebook page for your school, use it! If you do not have one – be sure to get one! Facebook is a great way to communicate activities, menus, announcements, and accomplishments. If you post pictures of children, make sure you have the parent’s permission to do so.

Make sure electronic media updates are assigned to someone’s task list. Remember, if it’s everyone’s job, it’s no one’s job.

Be sure to use all of the easy-to-use tools at your disposal – you can bet your parents and potential customers are using them!

Staff: Your teaching and support staff can either be some of your best ambassadors or your worst nightmare. If your staff feels good about where they work, feels a sense of importance in the work they do, believes they’re treated fairly and respectfully, then they will sing your praises to existing and potential customers.

Build intentional strategies into your marketing plan to support your staff. Personal thank-yous, gift cards, massages, a day off, and small bonuses are some ways that staff knows that they’re important for you and the school. There is no substitute for a well trained, fairly compensated, and appreciated workforce in early childhood – your success is dependent on their success.

Parents: Have you considered referral incentives for your parents such as tuition vouchers for each new paid enrollment, thank-you cards, gift certificates to a nice restaurant? Get creative! Ask your parents what they would like and include their efforts in your marketing plan.

Events: Work on ways to get more out of your events. Invite your legislators to visit your program; provide photo opportunities for them and invite the media (newspaper, radio, and television).

Develop partnerships with nearby employers: provide tuition or registration fee discounts and advertise your partnerships in company newsletters. Are you a member of your local Chamber of Commerce? If not, consider joining to network with other business owners. Always keep on the lookout for opportunities to leverage your relationships in the community to support your program and the children you serve.

In conclusion, marketing is important for the long-term sustainability of your childcare center. Even if you provide the best services, you will not be successful if no one knows about it. Follow the above guidelines to get your marketing plan on track.

Show us how you're Better for Kids!

2011-05-09T09:58:00.001-04:00

We know that you’re Better for Kids! Here’s your chance to share your story and let all of us know what you’re doing in your community to make a difference in the lives of children and families. Your story will be featured in our Community Section and Better for Kids blog. There will also be "You're Better For Kids" giveaways!

Please send us:

Stories
Photos
Events
Web sites

Click here to submit your story!

Foto Friday!

2011-05-06T07:38:00.000-04:00

Learning to weave!

EGSS Orphanage & Daycare - Cairo, Egypt

betterforkids.org

National Teacher Day!

2011-05-02T14:13:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow, May 3rd, is National Teacher Day!

Be sure to do something special for the teachers at your school.

Click here to visit a great resource for materials and activity ideas to plan your Teacher Day events!

Creative Questions

2011-05-02T11:18:00.001-04:00

When you are stuck in solving a problem, here are some questions, suggested by Michael LeBoeuf in Imagineering (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1980) that you might ask your team to spark ideas...

What can be added?
What if this were exaggerated?
What else can this be used for?
What is being wasted that can be put to use?
What else is like this? What else can be adapted?
Is there something I can duplicate?
How can this be done better and more cheaply?
How can this be made more appealing?
What can be substituted?
What should be subtracted?
Can it be done faster?
What ideas can be combined?
How can this be condensed?
How else can this be arranged?
What is the opposite of this?
What if nothing is done?

Source: www.ccie.com

Web Resource - Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs

2011-05-02T10:18:00.002-04:00

Click here for the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs

The Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs has all of the current information in one manual. You can print the entire manual, individual sections, or just updated pages to insert into your 2001 print copy. The manual includes an introduction, appendixes, and information on:

Meat/Meat Alternates
Vegetables/Fruits
Grains/Breads
Milk
Other Foods

Foto Friday!

2011-04-22T12:53:00.001-04:00

EGSS Orphanage & Daycare
Cairo, Egypt

Early Literacy: Tips for Teachers

2011-04-20T14:10:00.002-04:00

Tips for Teachers

Child Interest

Use child interest as the basis of language and literacy learning
Interest in an activity will keep a child engaged longer
Use a child’s personal interests to promote language and literacy learning
Create learning situations that attract a child’s curiosity
Child interest + Engagement + Competence = Mastery

Literacy-Rich Environments

Use literacy-rich environments as the context for stimulating learning
Provide a variety of materials related to writing and reading
Create interesting, age-appropriate, easily accessible environments
Create literacy-rich environments inside and outside the classroom
Use community environments that are literacy rich when possible

Everyday Literacy Activities

Be sure literacy activities are interest-based
Provide activities that enhance language learning
Provide activities that enhance early literacy learning
Be sure language and early literacy activities happen frequently
Increase the number of language and literacy opportunities within an activity

Responsive Teaching

Notice children’s interests and participation in everyday literacy activities
Pay attention to children’s attempts to interact with others or literacy materials
Respond promptly when children want to interact with you or use literacy materials
Introduce new information to expand language and literacy learning
Support and encourage children to try new skills and behaviors

Adaptations

Adaptations can help ALL children fully participate in activities
Use the least intrusive adaptation possible
Make any environmental adaptations that make access easier
Adapt materials to make them easier to handle and use
Make adaptations to the activity to allow more participation
Use instructional adaptations to give children more time, more cues, or less steps
Use direct assistance when other adaptations fail

Source: Early Literacy Learning

Foto Friday!

2011-04-15T12:49:00.001-04:00

Meet Tanka of the Refugee Sewing Society (RSS). She is a refugee who escaped genocide and now resides in Clarkston, GA. She is an active member of RSS.

Click here to learn more about how RSS is making an impact in the lives of refugee women.

Web Resource

2011-04-11T13:27:00.000-04:00

The Georgia Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (GACCRRA) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), membership organization composed of 6 regional Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&Rs) serving the state of Georgia. Because of the long-standing relationships CCR&Rs have established in their communities, they are in a unique position to support the development of quality child care in Georgia. CCR&Rs play a catalyst role as change agents in their communities, improving child care and family support systems.

www.gaccrra.org

Foto Friday!

2011-04-08T12:47:00.000-04:00

Hanna's Orphan Home
Zeway, Ethiopia

Web Resource: Criminal Record Checks

2011-04-07T13:05:00.000-04:00

Criminal Record Checks
Providers and Directors are required to have a final fingerprint clearance letter prior to the Department issuing permission to operate the facility. Employees and adults age 18 and older who have routine contact with the children in care are required to have background checks through the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) obtained through the local law enforcement agency.

Click here to find:

Criminal Record Check Application
Criminal Record Check Family Day Care Home Requirements
Info. Needed Before You Hire An Employee
Changes to Criminal Record Check Application Process
Criminal Record Check Livescan Instructions

Foto Friday!

2011-04-01T14:43:00.000-04:00

EGSS Orphanage & Daycare
Cairo, Egypt

April is Poetry Month!

2011-04-01T14:00:00.002-04:00

April is Poetry Month! Click here to check out the 2011 Shel Silverstein Poetry Month Activity Kit!

Shel Silverstein was an American poet and author of children's books. Some of his most famous children and poetry books incluce: The Giving Tree, The Light in the Attic, Where the Sidewalk Ends, and Falling Up. Click here to find other fun ideas for teachers and parents on his website.

Field trips: Liability issues and best practices

2011-03-29T16:55:00.001-04:00

Good Supervision - The recommended ratio for a field trip is one adult per two children. The required ratio of teachers to students varies by state, two teachers for 15 students is generally acceptable in the school environment, but risky for an outing.

Appropriate Insurance Coverage - A school's liability insurance cover injuries that happen at the school, but may not cover activities off campus. Owners of a school should review the policy or discuss the coverage issue with the agency who sold the policy or with an attorney. Do not accept verbal assurances from anyone: get it in writing! When a preschool is planning something new and different (like a first field trip), an insurance policy review is highly recommended

Proper Consent Forms - A note to the parents about the field trip, even if signed that they have been "advised" regarding the field trip is insufficient. You should always use a properly drafted consent form.

No Personal Vehicles - It is highly recommended that a school abstain from use of personal vehicles on a field trip. The usual auto insurance for personal vehicles does not afford coverage when the vehicle is used for a commercial purpose. Hire licensed and insured bus or van operators - and make sure there are seat belts for everyone.

First Aid - Bring a First Aid Kit! All preschools are always required to have first aid kits on hand, especially on field trips. Notify parents as soon as an injury occurs. Do not wait until the end of the day.

Source: www.ccie.com

A New Rule for Cribs

2011-03-29T10:38:00.000-04:00

The Consumer Product Safety Commission voted December 15, 2010 to approve a new Rule for Cribs, adopting the most rigorous standards in the world. The Rule is an outcome of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. Among the performance requirements:

80 lb. loading on individual slats
surviving many thousands of impacts to mattress surface and crib sides
wood screws no longer allowed as sole means of fastening structural joints a ban on traditional drop-side cribs (a moveable section of the side is still allowed for easier access to baby)

Of particular concern to infant care providers is Congress's requirement that the Rule be retroactive. No wooden cribs in use prior to the Rule are known to be in compliance with it. All such cribs must be replaced. The Rule allows two years after its publication (expected daily now) for child care centers to replace their cribs.

Source: www.ccie.com

What Everyone Should Know

No retrofitting will be allowed.
Manufacturers must meet new standards by June 2011.
The new rules apply to owners and operators of child care facilities (including in-home child care, private, public, for profit, non-profit) and public accommodations such as hotels on December 28, 2012.
Rules affect non-full size AND full-size cribs.
The new rules will affect EVERY crib not just cribs with drop sides.
CPSC will inspect and fine providers violating these rules beginning on 12/29/2012.
Although parents are not mentioned specially they would be included in "placement in the stream of commerce" category which would not allow them to re-sell or buy cribs which do not meet the new rules.

Source: NCCA

Foto Friday!

2011-03-25T15:15:00.000-04:00

Meet Wendo!
Hanna's Orphan Home - Zeway, Ethiopia
betterforkids.org

Employee Recognition

2011-03-22T15:02:00.000-04:00

The employment anniversary is an opportunity to acknowledge a worker’s service, and this can be done economically. At PureFUN!, we print certificates of recognition on bordered paper from an office supply store. Todd Harrison, President of PureFUN!, signs them, and they are mounted in inexpensive photo frames for display in offices and cubicles. An employment anniversary also can be noted in an email to all staff and/or on a company bulletin board with a digital photo. Such recognition boosts pride of service.

We also hold an annual employee recognition get-together. During this get-together our President recognizes each employee with a service anniversary to the rest of the company.

Graduation Shirts!

2011-03-21T14:12:00.001-04:00

Thinking about Graduation T-Shirts?

PureFUN! Apparel offers custom graduation T-shirts starting at $6.50!

Call us at 1-877-922-7635 to order yours today!

Click here for more information on PureFUN! Apparel.

Foto Friday!

2011-03-18T16:46:00.000-04:00

Meet Durga Pokhal of the Refugee Sewing Society (RSS). She is a refugee who escaped genocide and now resides in Clarkston, GA. She is an active member of RSS.

Click here to learn more about how RSS is making an impact in the lives of refugee women.

Todd receives the Patriot's Award!

2011-03-16T16:32:00.000-04:00

Todd receiving the Patriot's Award

The PureFUN! Group taking part in the recognition ceremony!

On Friday, March 11, 2011, The National Committee For Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recognized Todd Harrison, President of PureFUN! Inc., as a Patriotic Employer for contributing to National Security and protecting Liberty and Freedom by supporting employee participation in America's National Guard and Reserve Force.

We join other employers in pledging that:

We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights (USERRA).
Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
We will continually recognize and support out country's service members and their families in peace, in crisis, and in war.

Spring Cleaning Tips & Tricks!

2011-03-16T16:03:00.000-04:00

March 20^th marks the first day of spring in 2011. Start out the season by giving your child care center a spring cleaning makeover! Start at the entrance and work your way inward. Making a few small, inexpensive changes can drastically change the appearance of your child care center for the better and keep parents happy.

1. Make the entrance spotless

The front door is the first thing parents see when they walk into your center. Make sure the door is free of fingerprints during peak times of the day. Just before parents arrive to drop off their children and again before they return to pick them up, wipe down glass areas of the door with a streak-free window cleaner.

2. Refresh the lobby with a pleasant scent

The lobby should smell fresh and clean at all times. Install an air freshener and make sure to refill it or change it every thirty days, or as otherwise recommended. Time-released air fresheners are a popular option and fill the room with a fresh aroma every fifteen minutes. Make sure to choose a subtle scent, as powerful smells are offensive to many individuals. If you always work around an air freshener, you may not realize how strong it is to a person walking through the front door.

3. Keep all classroom floors clean

Toddlers and infants are constantly crawling and playing on the floor. Adding shoe covers will help your nursery floors stay sanitary. Place a box of shoe covers by the entrance to each room. Before staff or parents enter, have each person place a pair of shoe covers over their shoes. This will prevent dirt from being tracked into the room. Shoe covers typically come in two sizes-- “unisize” fits men’s shoe sizes up to 10.5 (US), whereas “extra large” covers are made for sizes 10.5 (US) and greater.

To purchase window cleaners, air fresheners, and shoe covers visit www.purefuninc.com.

2011-03-15T10:07:00.001-04:00

Knowledge — like the sky — is never private property.... Teaching is the art of sharing.
-Abraham Joshua Heschel

Foto Friday!

2011-03-11T14:42:00.000-05:00

EGSS Orphanage & Daycare

Cairo, Egypt

Atlanta Area Help in Achieving National Accreditation

2011-03-09T13:30:00.006-05:00

Child care programs wanting to earn or renew national accreditation can receive services funded by Bright from the Start to help them prepare for and complete the application or renewal process. Through a competitive grant process, Bright from the Start funds technical assistance organizations to help child care programs meet national standards of quality including National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) for child care centers; National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC) for family child care providers; the Council on Accreditation (COA) for after school programs; and other comparable national accrediting organizations.

Accreditation facilitation services, provided free of charge to child care programs, include site visits to assess the program's readiness to participate; assistance to help each program develop an improvement plan; on-site technical assistance; and coaching to help program staff develop skills to achieve and sustain program improvement goals.

Bright from the Start has funded the following organizations to provide accreditation facilitation services.

Child care programs interested in learning more about achieving or renewing national accreditation should click here to contact one of the organizations, depending on your district.

Encouraging Good Behavior in Students

2011-03-08T15:26:00.003-05:00

Here are a few ideas for encouraging and rewarding good behavior for an entire class or particular students:

Write an encouraging statement about each student. Make the statements unique to their individual skills and accomplishments. Use colored Post-its or festive paper to add to the excitement and anticipation.
Surprise your students one morning by writing all of their names on the white board with a positive adjective that describes them. Make sure the words that are used reinforce the types of behaviors that should be seen in the classroom. For example: “Joyful Jan,” “Kind Kaylee,” “Helpful Hannah," etc.
Another great way to recognize students is by having a student of the week or month! This particular student can have special responsibilities or receive special treats. Some schools recognize their students by providing them with a “Student of the Week” T-shirt. This is a great way to incent and reward your students for good behavior.

Communicating with Employees

2011-03-08T14:15:00.003-05:00

"Many supervisors believe that motivated employees should be able to figure out on their own what’s expected of them. But it doesn’t work that way. Studies have found that only about one person in five is a good observational learner. That leaves the great majority of us who need some teaching and direction." This is an observation of Albert Bernstein and Sydney Rosen in Work and Family Life (March 2011). They offer these strategies for effectively communicating expectations:

"Be clear in your own mind what you think the person ought to know and what you want her or him to learn. Let the person know in advance what is expected.

"Be specific. Do not assume that everyone will know precisely how a particular task should be done. Even for what seems like a routine job, it’s a good idea to illustrate your expectation of how it should be handled.

"Confirm that you were heard. When you are talking, make sure others are listening and that you’re all on the same wave length.

"Communicate your priorities even if you think a person should know them already. Break down complex assignments into manageable chunks. Encourage people to ask questions. If you are instructing a new person on the job, check back from time to time to make sure your directions were understood.

"Emphasize behaviors. Accept that we all bring our different attitudes to the workplace. Don’t try to change the way people are. Just show them what you want them to do, and explain why the task should be done this way. Shine a light on “unspoken rules” in your workplace."

Source: www.ccie.com

FAQ

2011-03-04T14:34:00.000-05:00

What information is necessary when enrolling a child in a child care program?

Parents should provide identifying, contact and health information for the child; evidence of age appropriate immunizations or a signed affidavit against such immunizations; and a statement from a medical authority regarding any special health related procedures to be followed in caring for the child.

What types of visits are made at child care programs?
Child care programs can receive an Initial Licensing Study, Licensing Study, an Initial Monitoring Visit, Monitoring Visit, a Complaint Investigation, Incident Investigation or a Technical Assistance visit. A Licensing Study visit is conducted annually and all applicable rules are evaluated. Monitoring visits are typically follow-up visits to ensure that previous rule citations have been corrected. Complaint and Incident investigations are conducted to investigate allegations of rule violations. Technical Assistance visits are conducted to provide resources and assistance to child care programs.

How does the parent determine if a child care program is licensed or registered?
All licensed and registered programs that are currently operating can be found by using the Child Care Location Search feature. If a child care program is not visible on the Bright from the Start website, the program may either be exempt or unlicensed. For further information regarding a program that is not on the website, contact Bright from the Start at 404-657-5562.

Source: Bright from the Start

Foto Friday!

2011-03-04T11:34:00.000-05:00

Hanna's Orphan Home

Zeway, Ethiopia

FIRST Program

2011-02-22T15:32:00.002-05:00

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning announces the First-time Incentive to Raise Standards for Teachers (FIRST). FIRST provides financial support to eligible early childhood professionals who obtain their first credential.

Bright from the Start is allocating funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to provide an incentive of $1,200 to 3,400 eligible early care and education professionals who earn their first early care and education credential between September 1, 2009 and July 1, 2011.

Eligible credentials are the Child Development Associate, Technical College Certificate, Technical College Diploma, or Associate Degree in early childhood education, child development, child care administration, or school age care.

Click here for more information

Click here to download the new FIRST pre-application.

Foto Friday!

2011-02-18T10:08:00.000-05:00

Meet Chhali Maya Regmi of the Refugee Sewing Society (RSS). Chhali Maya escaped genocide and now resides in Clarkston, GA. She finds healing and peace as a member of RSS.

Find out more about Refugee Sewing Society here.

Training Opportunities

2011-02-09T14:06:00.002-05:00

New Family Day Care Home Providers are required to obtain 20 hours of pre-service training prior to receiving a certificate of registration effective February 1, 2009. New Family Day Care Home providers and existing family day care home providers are required to obtain 10 hours of training relating to the care of children on an annual basis. If you are interested in opening a Family Day Care Home (FDCH), you must attend a Registration Orientation Meeting (ROM) class prior to submitting an application for registration. ROM is required for all FDCH applicants that are not currently registered.

Child Care Learning Center and Group Day Care Home staff are required to obtain 10 hours of training relating to the care of children on an annual basis. For information about training opportunities throughout the state of Georgia, please click on the link for the Georgia Early Care and Education Professional Development System. If you are interested in opening a Child Care Learning Center (CCLC) or Group Day Care Home (GDCH), you must attend a Licensure Orientation Meeting (LOM) class prior to submitting an application for license.

Source: Bright from the Start

Active Now, Slim Later

2011-02-09T13:17:00.001-05:00

Vigorous Preschool Exercise = 4% Less Fat

If your five-year-old is always jumping, running, rolling about -- that hyperactivity could protect against excess weight many years down the line. Scientists at the University of Iowa measured activity and fat mass for 333 children at ages 5 and 11. Turned out that those most active at age 5 have 4% less fat mass at age 11, compared to the least active kids.

Why? It's possible the early activity prevented kids from growing too many fat cells. It's also possible that the vigorous exercise built up little muscles, which burn more calories than fat tissue. Super-active kids may spend less time in front of the TV, whereas those who watch more than three hours a day are 50% more likely to become obese as adults.

Parents should encourage active play year round. Don't let inclement weather stop you: Use ice/roller rinks and kids' gyms or video games that incorporate exercise. Preventing childhood obesity is important -- especially as it raises kids' risk of earaches, joint disorders, breathing constrictions and emotional distress. Beyond helping avoid unhealthy weight gain, exercise can improve academic performance: Researchers have found that the most physically-fit students tend to do better on state achievement tests. Learn more by visiting www.dolesuperkids.com.

Source: www.dole.com

9 Easy Steps to Analyze Your Menu

2011-02-08T10:11:00.006-05:00

Here are some simple, easy steps to analyze your childcare facility's menu. These steps will help to decrease unhealthy fats, increase fiber/vitamins/minerals, and decrease sugar. Remember you provide the majority of the child's food intake for the day. Providing nutritious food and teaching children to eat healthy is important!

1. Do you have fried food on the menu more than 3 times per week?

2. Are you serving any items that have trans fat on the food label?

Do you use margarine with trans fat?
Current recommendation: 2 to 4 grams or less per day.

3. Are you serving any whole grain items?

Ingredients must say whole wheat or whole grain.
Current recommendation: 1/2 of the grains eaten a day should be whole grains.
Tips to increase whole grains:
Change to: whole grain bread, whole grain pasta, whole grain crackers, whole wheat flour, brown rice.

4. Are you serving high sugar foods everyday? (i.e. cookies, cake, ice cream, popsicles, etc.)

Tips to decrease added sugars:
Fruit dipped in sauce made with low-fat cream cheese or sour cream
Unsweetened applesauce
Yogurt (low-sugar)
Unsweetened cereal
100% Fruit juice popsicles
Trail mix (dried fruits, nuts, low-sugar cereal)
Use 1/3-1/2 the amount of sugar in a recipe

5. Are you serving at least 2 servings of fruits & vegetables per day?

Current recommendation: 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables daily. (Make at least 1 serving a dark leafy or orange veggie)
Tip: Serve canned fruit packed in light syrup, juice, or water only.

6. Are you serving fish at least once a week?

Current recommendation: Eat more fish, especially oily fish, broiled or baked.

7. Are you serving beans at least once a week?

Current recommendation: Eat more beans in place of meat for some entrees.

8. Are you using appropriate serving utensils?

Teaches children appropriate serving sizes
Think about the cost savings!

Foto Friday!

2011-02-04T17:01:00.001-05:00

EGSS Orphanage in Cairo, Egypt.

Book Resource: Early Childhood Education Trend Report

2011-02-04T16:47:00.002-05:00

For thirty years Exchange has been chronicling the history of and trends in the early childhood profession. This CD Book compiles 200 Exchange reports on trends and history from the very earliest to the most recent.

Table of Contents
Provider Trends and Demographics

Trend Reports on the Supply, Demand, and History of Child Care
Trend Reports on For Profit Child Care
Trend Reports on Non Profit Child Care
Trend Reports on Employer Child Care
Trend Reports on School-Age Child Care
Trend Reports on Religious-Affiliated Child Care
Trend Reports on Other Sectors
Trend Reports on International Care and Education

Professional Issues and Trends

Advocacy/Public Policy
Assessment/Accreditation/Rating Systems
Workforce Issues
Curriculum/Quality Issues
Childhood Challenges

Find it here!

Foto Friday!

2011-01-21T09:16:00.000-05:00

Reading Bible stories with Magdy!

Zeway, Ethiopia.

The Plague of ADHD

2011-01-18T09:27:00.001-05:00

Childcare Exchange proclaims that when Kirsten Haugen sent in a presentation by Sir Ken Robinson, world-renowned education and creativity expert, you needed to see it. Here are some excerpts from his speech, "Changing Education Paradigms", where he talks about ADHD; but this is taken out of context and we encourage you to listen to the entire speech:

"Don't mistake me, I don't mean to say that there's no such thing as Attention Deficit Disorder. I'm not qualified to say if there is such a thing. I know that a great majority of psychologists and pediatricians think there is such a thin g. But it's still a matter of debate. What I do know for a fact is that it's not an epidemic. These kids are being medicated as routinely as we had our tonsils taken out... And on the same whimsical basis and for the same reason: medical fashion.

"Our children are living in the most intensive, stimulating period in the history of the earth. They're being besieged with information and calls for their attention from every platform: computers, from iPhones, from advertising hoardings from hundreds of television channels, and we are penalizing them for being distracted.

"From what? Boring stuff, at school for the most part. It seems to me that it's not a coincidence totally that the incidence of ADHD has risen in parallel with the growth of standardized testing. Now, these kids are being given Ritalin and Adderall and all manner of things, often quite dangerous drugs, to get them focused and to calm them down...

"An anesthetic is when you shut your senses off and deaden yourself to what is happening. And a lot of these drugs are that. We are getting our children through education by anesthetizing them. And I think we should be doing exactly the opposite. We shouldn't be putting them asleep; we should be waking them up to what they have inside of themselves...

"I believe we have a system of education that is modeled in the image of industrialism... Schools are still organized in factory lines: ringing bells, separate facilities, specialized into separate subjects. We still educate children by batches. We put them through the system by age group.

"Why do we do that? Why is there this assumption that the most important thing kids have in common is how old they are? It's like the most important thing about them is the date of manufacture. Well, I know kids that are better than other kids of the same age in different disciplines. Or different times of the day. Or better in smaller rather than larger groups. Or sometimes they want to be on their own.

"If you are interested in the model of learning, you don't start from this production-line mentality. It is essentially about conformity and increasingly it is about that growth of standardized testing and standardized curricula... I believe we've got to go in the opposite direction. That's what I mean about changing the paradigm."

New Cribs Rules - What Everyone Should Know

2011-01-17T10:31:00.002-05:00

No retrofitting will be allowed
Manufacturers must meet new standards by June 2011
The new rules apply to owners and operators of child care facilities (including in-home child care, private, public, for profit, non-profit) and public accommodations such as hotels on December 28, 2012
DO NOT REPLACE YOUR CRIBS TODAY! There is little chance that cribs purchased today will meet the new standards
Rules affect non-full size AND full-size cribs
The new rules will affect EVERY crib not just cribs with drop sides
CPSC will inspect and fine providers violating these rules beginning on 12/29/2012
Although parents are not mentioned specially they would be included in "placement in the stream of commerce" category which would not allow them to re-sell or buy cribs which do not meet the new rules.

Source: NCCA

Foto Friday!

2011-01-14T10:38:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Carol and the kids!

EGSS Orphanage - Cairo, Egypt

Leadership in Balance

2011-01-11T13:43:00.002-05:00

"Just beneath the surface of nearly every director is an ego struggling to control everything that goes on. Not that directors don't know intellectually that they should share responsibilities. It's just that emotionally they can't let go."

This is my observation in the article "So You're the Director — What Else Can Go Wrong?" in the Exchange book, On Being a Leader.

"Delegation means never having to say you're worried. But it is very difficult for a director to delegate a task and not worry that it will be done right. It requires a deliberate effort to develop trust in your subordinates, to accept that subordinates will do things differently, and to allow them to make mistakes along the way.

"A refusal to let go can have serious consequences. In the short term, it can undermine staff motivation. Staff members will be frustrated when they are not trusted to share responsibilities.

"In the long term, it can undermine the future of the organization. In a non profit center, where the organization will outlive the director, failure to develop a strong management team can leave the center in chaos when a director leaves. In a for profit center, it can handicap the sale of the business. According to acquisition expert Lisa Berger, buyers of businesses 'look for companies showing management depth that can generate profits without their master architects.'

"It takes a person with a great deal of self-confidence to put up with the plethora of aggravations and the paucity of rewards from running a child care center. But the real challenge for a director is to keep one's ego in check. Your goal as a direc tor should be to work yourself out of a job — to build up a team that can run the organization without you."

Source: Childcare Exchange

Resource: On Being a Leader

2011-01-11T13:40:00.002-05:00

Articles on evaluating your leadership style, being a boss, the traits of effective leaders, and improving your leadership effectiveness.

Articles Include:

Are You an Effective Leader? by Roger Neugebauer
Letters to a Child Care Director - Insights on Being the Director - by James Levine
Cultivating Leadership in Early Care and Education - Reaping the Harvest of a New Approach to Leadership - by Sharon Lynn Kagan and Lynda G. Hallmark
And many more!

Find it here.

ASA Annual Autism/Asperger Conference

2011-01-07T14:24:00.000-05:00

7th Annual ASA-Greater Georgia
Autism/Asperger Conference
Tuesday & Wednesday, March 22-23, 2011
Gwinnett Convention Center, Duluth, GA

The Greater Georgia Chapter of The Autism Society of America will hold our seventh annual conference, March 22-23, 2011, focused on providing current resources and information on autism and related disorders. The conference will feature presentations and workshops by top autism professionals, leading researchers and experts on various subjects related to education, resources, and intervention across the lifespan. The format will include a keynote speech, and three 75 minute breakout sessions each day. There will be eighteen breakout sessions to choose from.

Find more information here.

Foto Friday!

2011-01-07T13:06:00.000-05:00

Hanna's Orphan Home

Zeway, Ethiopia

Educating the Educator: A step-by-step process for referring children for early intervention services

2011-01-04T10:56:00.003-05:00

The probability that you have (or will have) a child in your class with a developmental delay is high. The question is: What do you do once you detect a possible delay in any one of the five domains of delay -- communication, cognitive, social/emotional, physical, and adaptive? This article is designed to give insight into the early intervention process and what your role is in facilitating that process from beginning to end.

The early intervention process:

Step 1. Express your concerns to your administrative staff. The administrative staff should then express the concerns to the parents or caregivers of the child.

Step 2. Once the concerns have been expressed to the family, make the suggestion of obtaining a multidisciplinary evaluation of the child. This evaluation will assess the child’s abilities in all 5 developmental domains.

Step 3. If the family agrees to have the child assessed, refer them to their local Early Intervention agency.

Once the agency has been contacted, it will schedule a time for the evaluation. The MDE team will provide a written report of the evaluation to the caregivers. If the child is demonstrating a delay and is judged to be eligible for early intervention services, the agency will schedule a date and time with the family to hold an Individualized Education Plan (I.E.P.) meeting.

Remember, as the child’s teacher, you play an important role in his/her education plan. You are now part of the I.E.P. team. Your input is crucial to the child’s success. It is the responsibility of the child’s classroom teacher to carry out the recommendations made by the special instructor and/or therapist.

Source: Childcare Exchange

Basic Techniques for Securing Enrollment: Updated Edition!

2011-01-03T15:10:00.003-05:00

The newly updated, four audio CD edition of this original gold-standard training program contains all the proven skills included in the classic version PLUS the latest techniques and sample dialogues you need to help you…

Generate more qualified enrollment inquiries
Convert inquiries to center visits
Convert visits into new enrollments
Follow-up to secure pending enrollments
Efficiently manage your enrollment building responsibilities

This program is a must for new directors and ideal for reinforcing individual skills with seasoned managers. As you listen and complete the written exercises, you will build skills and the confidence to maximize enrollment conversions and increase capacity utilization in your early childhood program.

About the Author, Julie Wassom
As the original developer of premiere enrollment building sales and marketing training programs for the early care and education industry, Julie Wassom is a professional speaker, trainer, and consultant who travels the world working with early childhood professionals on how to successfully market their services and secure and retain enrollment.

Find it here!

How to Prevent and Handle an Illness Outbreak

2010-12-29T10:44:00.002-05:00

Most of the time, symptoms including runny noses, coughs, and vomiting are not too serious or pose no threat to others exposed. However, sometimes those symptoms signal infectious diseases that can cause severe illness or be life threatening.
With some advance planning, a few simply daily health practices, and the help of health professionals, early childhood programs can prevent illness spread and play an important role in controlling them when outbreaks occur.

General prevention measures and advance preparation

Keep immunization records up-to-date and refer families to health care providers for immunizations.
Carry out daily health checks: Observe all children as they arrive and change in child's behavior.
Separate children and staff who are ill: Provide a space the child can be comfortable and supervised.
Develop guidelines about when sick children and staff can return after an illness.
Teach and monitor 'respiratory etiquette' and hand hygiene. Cover nose and mouth when coughing, keep hands away from the nose, eyes and mouth, do not share eating utensils or cups. Wash hands with soap and water regularly. Visit www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm for more information on respiratory etiquette.
Perform routine environmental cleaning.

When an outbreak happens, don't get excited - help is available

Always remember to stay calm. Rely on advanced preparation and knowledge of where to get help when faced with outbreaks. Local and state health departments, along with the CDC are important resources when communicable diseases threaten communities.

An ongoing relationship with a heal

th consultant can be invaluable. Visit ncrkids.org for more information on health consultants.

Source: ChildCare Exchange

Check out Zono Sanitech for more sanitation solutions.

Teacher Evaluations

2010-12-22T10:39:00.003-05:00

"Teacher evaluations are often perfunctory, lack meaningfulness, and have little impact on the quality of teaching," according to Education Week (October 20, 2010). The journal suggests addressing this situation by thinking of teacher evaluation in terms of the four R's:

Rigor — Low standards insult professionals who set high personal standards.

Relevance — If teachers can set goals that matter to them, and can collaborate, the relevance factor goes up.

Relationships — Evaluations require close knowledge of the professional and his or her work. This can't be done from a distance.

Results — There is no reason to fear student-performance data, with the caveat that it be interpreted in the context of cla ssroom realities.

Entrepreneur Skills

2010-12-22T10:26:00.001-05:00

In her Psychology Today article (November 2010; psychologytoday.com), "Come In — We're Open," Debra Shigley, lists these characteristics of successful entrepreneurs...

"Experts debate whether there is a personality type most suited to entrepreneurship, but agree that certain qualities help.... Those include a strong sense of autonomy and self-regulation, optimism, resilience, and a high tolerance for risk..."

"Someone engaged in outside activities can better manage ups and downs..."

"...Successful entrepreneurs are extremely self-aware about their strengths and weaknesses, and seek out those with complementary skills and traits to help them."

Web Resource: Abrams Learning Trends

2010-12-21T14:29:00.004-05:00

www.abramslearningtrends.com

A great resource for Early Childhood, Early Learning, and Elementary education products - and the home of The Letter People!

Listen To Your Buds!

2010-12-17T11:43:00.001-05:00

Listen To Your Buds is a public education campaign that is aimed at preventing noise-induced hearing loss by helping parents teach their children how to use personal audio technology safely.

Learn More About the Campaign.

Foto Friday!

2010-12-10T14:48:00.001-05:00

Debero! Look at that smile!

Hanna's Orphan Home

Zeway, Ethiopia

Web Resource: NACCP

2010-12-06T11:32:00.000-05:00

www.naccp.org

NACCP is committed to strengthen the skills of owners, directors, administrators, emerging leaders and other professionals who are dedicated to early care and education.

Early Brain Development Research Review & Update

2010-11-22T09:49:00.002-05:00

Thanks to imaging technology used in neurobiology, we have access to useful and critical information regarding the development of the human brain. This information helps us to become much more effective in helping children in their early development. When we base our practices on the findings from medical science research, we optimize learning for all children.

Review

Finding 1: The brain of a three year old is two-and-a-half times more active than an adult’s.

Finding 2: Brain development is contingent on a complex interplay between genes and the environment. Daniel Golemen (2006) says, “Seventy percent of what is given to us genetically is brought to fruition by our environmental experiences.”

Finding 3: Experience wires the brain. Repetition strengthens the wiring.

Finding 4: Brain development is non-linear.
There are fertile times when the brain is able to wire specific skills at an optimum level (keep updated with the BFK blog for a chart of the fertile times!). These fertile times are called “windows of opportunity.” Positive experiences during open windows result in positive outcomes. Negative experiences during open windows result in a negative outcome.

Finding 5: Early relationships affect “wiring.”
Young children depend on human interaction to learn to speak, think, feel, interact, and be mobile. As early as four months, the cells that will wire for social interaction and empathy are already positioning and preparing for their role in the child’s social and emotional intelligence. How prolific they are depends on various factors, such as a loving atmosphere (for the better) and stress (for worse).

Update
Finding 1: Music and language are partners in the brain.
The latest data show that music and language are so intertwined that an awareness of music is critical to a baby’s language development (Deutsch, 2010).

Finding 2: Learning styles differ greatly across situations.
A child may exhibit one style of learning while putting a puzzle together and a completely different style while participating in a music activity.

Finding 3: Touch, movement, and gestures are critical to learning.
The sense of touch helps children to ground abstract ideas in concrete experiences. Based on research assembled over the last 15 years, Cabrera and Cotosi (2010) have concluded that hands on explorations contribute not only to the understanding of abstract concepts but also to four critical thinking skills essential to learning: making decisions, recognizing relationships, organizing systems, and taking multiple perspectives.
Exercise increases the amount of key proteins that help build the brain’s infrastructure for learning and memory.

Finding 4: Technology has both a positive and a negative impact on the brain.
Positive – Technology is sharpening some cognitive abilities such as reacting to visual stimuli, improving some forms of attention, and becoming more adept at noticing images in our peripheral vision.
Negative – Continuous partial attention (keeping tabs on everything while never truly focusing on anything), drifts from social skills, and brain strain.

Finding 5: During sleep the brain engages in data analysis, from strengthening memories to solving problems.

Through the application of these findings, we can optimize learning for the children around us.

References

Cabrera, D., & Cotosi, L. (2010, September/October). "The world at our fingertips." Scientific American Mind, 21(4), 49-55.

Deutsch, D. (2010, July/August). "Speaking in tunes." Scientific American Mind 21(3), 36-43.

Goleman, D. (2006). Social intelligence: The new science of human relationships. New York: Bantam Dell.