All Eyes on Five News For Guam Families of Children Birth to Five Volume 1, Issue 1 Inside this issue: Welcome..................................................1 Project Tinituhon..................................................................2 Access to Health Care.........................................................3 Mental Health and Child Care.............................................4-5 Parent Education & Family Support....................................6-7 Community Events..............................................................8 Hafa Adai! Welcome to the “All Eyes on Five” News! Formerly known as the “Nene News,” this newsletter will continue sharing not only the “latest issues” concerning families and providers serving young children, birth to age five, but “ideas that work” as well. This newsletter now has a growing partnership with other local organizations and agencies to bring more helpful tips, events, and programs into homes, child care centers, and other places in the local community where young children play, learn, and grow. The first issue of the “All Eyes on Five” News is proudly brought to you by Project Tinituhon, Guam’s Early Childhood Comprehensive System (ECCS). Since 2005, Project Tinituhon has been working to build the first steps to partnership, bringing parents, agencies, organizations, and the First Lady of Guam together to meet and share information about their programs and resources so that services to families of young children are coordinated and making a difference. Early Learning Council In April 2008, Executive Order 2008-03 established the Guam Early Learning Council for Guam’s ECCS. The mission of the Council is “ to support each child (birth to age five) in reaching his/her full potential through a health care and education system that is accessible, comprehensive, integrated, and responsive to diverse cultures that is developed in collaboration with families and communities.” This Council, comprised of representatives from families and child serving agencies, meets quarterly to build this coordinated and comprehensive system. For more information contact Elaine Eclavea, Initiative Area Coordinator, Guam CEDDERS at 735-2363. Text in colored box: “Tinituhon” (Ti nee tu hun) Chamorro word for “beginning” To a child, a healthy beginning means: • I am clean, healthy, have nutritious food, comfortable clothes, a home, and see a doctor and dentist every year. • I feel safe and secure. • I belong to a family and I feel loved and respected. • I am learning and growing. A healthy beginning helps children grow to be well-adjusted, healthy, and happy productive adults! Page 2 Project Tinituhon Guam’s Early Childhood Comprehensive System From 2005 to 2009, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, awarded the Department of Public Health and Social Services funding for Guam’s Early Childhood Comprehensive System (ECCS), known as “Project Tinituhon.” This funding supports an Early Childhood State Plan that aims to reduce the gaps between all supports and services for families. Project Tinituhon has since developed a state plan that is currently being implemented. In just three years, the first steps of progress emerged towards the reduction of gaps in early childhood services and supports. In 2009, this grant was shifted to the University of Guam CEDDERS, which continues the implementation and monitoring of the plan, including work towards system sustainability. Project Tinituhon’s five critical areas include: (1) Access to health insurance and medical and dental homes; (2) Mental health and social-emotional development; (3) Early care and education / Child care; (4) Parent education and Family support; and (5) System sustainability. The goals of each of these areas are summarized on pages 3 through 7. Guam’s ECCS State Plan is carried out through ongoing partnerships with: Families, Child care providers, Dept. of Public Health, Dept. of Education [Early Intervention, Head Start, Special Education], Dept. of Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Guam Memorial Hospital, Guam Parent Information Resource Center, Guam System of Care Council, Private Health Care Providers, and Policy makers. Vision Project Tinituhon (Guam’s ECCS) lays the blueprint for how Guam will carry out an island-wide cross-agency early childhood comprehensive system. The Project’s Vision is that: “All of Guam’s children will have healthy minds, bodies, and spirits as the foundation for lifelong success.” Logo: Project Tinituhon, “The Beginning”, Guam’s Early Childhood Comprehensive System Page 3 GOAL 1: Access to HealthCare Goal 1 of Project Tinituhon is “Guam will increase the number of children who have access to universal healthcare and medical and dental homes.” The Department of Public and Social Services (DPHSS) serves children birth to 18 years in its Special Health Care Needs, Special Kids Clinic program using the medical home model. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals have received training on the medical home, including the use of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE). What is your child’s ASQ? An ASQ is an Ages and Stages Questionnaire which is used to find out where your child is developmentally in social-emotional, physical, language, and thinking areas. The ASQ is FREE and available at the Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS). Call 565-2961, ext. 5776/5816 for more information. The ASQ-SE is another questionnaire that focuses more on social-emotional development. Start out with a Healthy Smile! The DPHSS Dental Clinic in Mangilao provides FREE basic dental services for children below the age of 17 years. DPHSS also conducts FREE Dental Fluoride programs at participating child care centers. Call 735-7364 for more information. Protect Kids: Immunize DPHSS conducts free immunizations at various community centers. Call 735-7143 for information on upcoming immunizations schedules in your area. FREE Hearing Screening As soon as babies are born, they can have FREE hearing screening either at Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) or Sagua Mañagu Birthing Center. Screenings are made possible through the Guam Early Hearing Detection Intervention (GEHDI) Project. If needed, a referral will be made for a full audiological evaluation, followed by intervention services. A child who hears well, learns to develop good speech and language for communicating. Families may call 735-2466 for more information. Your Child is Counted Guam ChildLink is a Guam EHDI Data Tracking and Surveillance System that collects information on all babies born at GMH or Sagua Managu Birthing Center. This means data on a newborn’s medical home or primary care physician is documented before baby is discharged from the birthing facility. Text in colored box: IMPORTANT NUMBERS Guam Early Intervention System 565-2961, ext. 5776/5816 Guam Early Hearing Detection & Intervention 735-2466 Public Health Dental 735-7364 Public Health Immunization Clinic 735-7143 Page 4 GOAL 2: Social-Emotional Development& Mental Health Goal 2 of Project Tinituhon is “Guam will have a system of care for supporting young children and their families with social-emotional and behavior challenges.” There are different factors that put children’s social-emotional development at risk. In 2009, a total of 2,764 children under the age of 18 were referred for suspected abuse and/or neglect. Of that total, 1,915 were victims of maltreatment. Teen pregnancy is another factor, of which 10% of total births are from teens (2005). A third factor is a family history of depression, maternal depression, or mental illness. An estimated 5%-25% of parenting women experience depression. In 2009, the Head Start director reported that more than 50 children or approximately (10%) of the children attending the Head Start program were referred for mental health assessment. Foster Families There are a total of 174 children in foster care in Guam. On May 13, more than 40 foster parents, including staff from Alee Shelter and Sanctuary, Inc. attended a Foster Families Appreciation Dinner to honor those who shared their homes and hearts for children in need of a home. The Foster Family Association (FFA) promotes family preservation and lends emotional and financial support to foster families in times of crisis. For more information or for anyone interested in becoming a foster parent, call Kate Thomas at 475-2672/2653.GOAL 2:Social-Emotional Development& Mental Health Project Kariñu In October 2009, DPHSS received an Early Childhood System of Care Grant to develop and implement a system of care for Guam’s young children birth to five years. Known as “Project Kariñu” (Chamorro for “Loving”), this project was launched on May 26. Through this project, families will access: (1) early identification and appropriate diagnostic evaluations; (2) child/family-centered individualized service planning; (3) wraparound care coordination and; (4) an array of traditional and non-traditional services and supports that are coordinated and comprehensive. For more information, contact Lydia Tenorio at 475-2675 or email: lydia.tenorio@dphss.guam.gov. Ad: Did you know 75% of your child’s brain develops between birth and 3 years of age? Source: www.growingchild.com/brain.html Page 5 GOAL 3: Early Care and Education/Child Care Goal 3 of Project Tinituhon is “Guam will increase the quality of early care and education services that support early learning, health, and the development of social competence and cultural competence.” A 2009 population estimate shows that Guam has 19,600 children under age five. Of this number, 3,913 are either in licensed child care centers, Head Start, private schools, in monitored home care, or receiving services through the Guam Early Intervention System. Of the total number of children under age five, 80% or 15,687 are in other care settings. ECERS-R Training for Quality On March 24-26, 34 child care directors and DPHSS staff completed an orientation to the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale – Revised (ECERS-R). This scale is a tool that measures the level of quality in a preschool center’s program. Dr. Aline Yamashita, who facilitated the training, invited each one to reflect and magnify the “personal signature” they give daily to children. Ms. Maribel S. D. Loste, ECERS-R consultant conducted the three-day training on the 7 subscales and 43 items of the ECERS-R. Directors completed a self-assessment using the tool and submitted an action plan to implement the changes. Parents can look forward not only to the ECERS-R in their centers, but to other Early Care and Education / Child Care activities such as a Professional Development Plan for providers and a public awareness campaign on social and cultural competencies. For more information on the ECER-R contact, Elaine Eclavea 735-2466-7 or send her an e-mail message at elaine.eclavea@guamcedders.org. Text in colored box: The Early Childhood Environmental Rating Sale Revised (ECERS-R), a tool that measures the level of quality in child care centers is currently being implemented at several day care centers. Check the director of your child’s day care to see if this rating system is being used at their facility. Page 6 GOAL 4: Parent Education & Family Support Goal 4 of Project Tinituhon is “Guam will increase parent education opportunities and family support services for families of children birth to age 5.” In 2006, during an environmental scan of all early childhood serving agencies, Project Tinituhon, noted that the only parent training/education offered regularly to families were those from DPHSS in collaboration with Guam CEDDERS and GDOE Head Start. Other agencies offered trainings based on the need for their target populations. At the Governor’s Summit on Early Childhood in 2008, families requested for training programs with: (1) more structure and coordination; (2) more access to a wider range of interested families; (3) more attention to issues of language and cultural competency; and (4) leadership training to build competence in families for shared guidance and support. All Eyes on Five Family Fair On May 6, the “All Eyes on Five Family Information Fair” was held at the Guam Premier Outlets in Tamuning. Tables from different organizations and agencies provided FREE information and resources for families, including goody bags for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. More than 130 parents received materials about early childhood and mental health from DPHSS, Project Kariñu, Project Tinituhon, Guam DOE Early Intervention System, Head Start, Guam Parent Information Resource Center (PIRC), Autism Communities Together (ACT), ACT EARLY, I Famagu'on-ta, Guam Positive Parents Together, and GEHDI. Families expressed with enthusiasm that the fair was informative and friendly! Home Visiting Services Program Launches Guam PIRC launched its Home Visiting Services (HVS) Program, developed in partnership with Guam CEDDERS in May 2010 and has completed more than six home visits to seven families of children, ages five months to four years. Parent mentors Rhonda Rekdahl and Iosindo Fuppul have recently been joined by new staff, Bertha Diamond and Jennifer Mendiola. The home visits are conducted in both English and Chuukese when needed. Photo with caption: A “Family Fair” to commemorate Children’s Mental Health Awareness month was held on May 6. Page 7 GOAL 5: System Sustainability Goal 5 of Project Tinituhon is “Guam will monitor the implementation of Guam’s Early Childhood Comprehensive System.” The Guam Early Learning Council serves as the governance board on early childhood and has taken steps to develop a mechanism for ensuring children and families have access to early childhood services and supports. Specific focus on the importance of the early years is critical for ensuring ALL children are healthy and ready to enter school. The strengthening and sustainability of Guam Early Childhood Comprehensive System must be given the highest priority by our island’s families, early childhood service providers, and community leaders. 2010 Nene Directory The 2010 Nene Directory has just been completed and is currently available online at www.guamcedders.org. This directory is an update of the first one released in 2009, and is a product of the Project Tinituhon Parent Education and Family Support Work Group with shared funding resources from different agencies. The directory is comprehensive and provides information on supports and services available throughout the island to children birth to five years and their families. For more information, contact Ruth at 735-2466. Poster: A lot has changed since the 70s Did you know that the Guam Rules and Regulations for Child Care Center Licensure haven’t? Over the last 32 years, we’ve learned so much about a child’s development through scientific research. It’s time we incorporate this information and best practices into the Rules and Regulations that govern our child care industry. The proposed updates to the Guam Rules and Regulations for Child Care Center Licensure aim to: • Lower caregiver to infant and toddler ratios • Implement training requirements and professional development standards • Provide food and nutritional guidelines • Standardize health requirements for children • and more Find out more about the proposed Guam Rules and Regulations for Child Care Center Licensure by calling Lydia Tenorio at the Department of Public Health & Social Services at 475-2653. Page 8 Family Community Events September 2010 Sept 25 - Guam Food Safety Education Fair, Micronesia Mall Sept 26 - “Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies and Fathers, Too!” FAIR, Agana Shopping Center, 10am-5pm Sept 28 through Oct 1 - Personal Safety Skills Presentation, 12:30pm-2:00pm, Liguan Elementary School Sept 30 - DPHSS Deadline to submit desired gifts for children under temporary legal custody October 2010 (National Parent Involvement Month) Oct 4 - Proclamation Signing, 11:00am, Governor’s Large Conference Room, Adelup Oct 8 - Personal Safety Skills Presentation, 11:00pm-2:00pm, Liguan Elementary School Oct 9 - PIRC Island-wide Family Conference, 8:00am-3:00pm, Guam Marriott Resort & Spa Oct 15 - Baby Basics Class “Happiest Baby on the Block,” 9:00am-11:00am, PIRC Office Oct 15 - Personal Safety Skills Presentation, 8:00am-12:00pm, Wettengel Elementary School Oct 20 - Kariñu Strategic Planning Follow Up Session, 8:00am-1:00pm, Westin Resort Guam Oct 22 - Personal Safety Skills Presentation, 8:00am-12:00pm, Wettengel Elementary School Oct 23 - PIRC Leadership Conference, 8:00am-3:00pm, Hyatt Regency Guam Oct 23 - “Music and Motion In-Service Workshop,” by Honey Bear, Adventures in Learning, and PNG Child Care Centers. Venue: PNG Child Care Center, Tamuning Oct 28 - PIRC Open House, 2:00pm-5:00pm, 477-7472Oct 29 - Personal Safety Skills Presentation, 8:00am-12:00pm, Wettengel Elementary School Oct 29, 30 & 31 - Fiestan Tasi Merizo, 828-8312 Oct 31 - “Halloween Spectacular Treat,” Inarajan Village November 2010 Nov 1 - Mandated Presentation for Northern District schools DOE, Astumbo Elementary School Nov 5, 6, & 7 - Fiestan Tasi Merizo, 828-8312 Nov 19 - Baby Basics Class “Happiest Baby on the Block,” 9:00am-11:00am, PIRC Office Nov 27 - “Holiday Crafts Workshop,” by Honey Bear, Adventures in Learning, and PNG Child Care Centers. Venue: PNG Child Care Center, Tamuning December 2010 Dec 11 - Sugar Plum Tree Big Wrap 2010, 8:30am, Bank of Hawaii Hagatna Dec 12 - “Community Christmas Treat,” Inarajan Village Dec 17 - Baby Basics Class “Happiest Baby on the Block,” 9:00am-11:00am, PIRC Office Dec 29 (tentative) - “Annual Christmas Fair,” Chalan Pago Community Center Advertisement: Your baby’s hearing is IMPORTANT To schedule a FREE HEARING SCREENING by six months of age for your baby, contact the Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) at Phone: 565-2961, extension 5776 or email: geis@teleguam.net Produced by the Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) Project with 100% funding support by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Resources and Services Administration, Gran No. H61MC00094, and facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service (UOG CEDDERS). Acknowledgements: All Eyes on Five News is a quarterly publication supported with 100% federal funds through the Guam Early Learning Council and Project Tinituhon, and facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (Guam CEDDERS). Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D., Director Elaine Eclavea, Health, Wellness, & Prevention Initiative Area Coordinator Managing Editor: Terrie Fejarang Layout: Sean Lizama This issue of All Eyes on Five News was made possible through contributions from the following individuals: Pauline Camacho, Guam PIRC; Terrie Fejarang, Mary Kidd, & Aline Yamashita, Guam CEDDERS. Alternative formats (e.g., Braille, large print, or audio tapes) of All Eyes on Five News may be made available by sending a request to: alleyesonfive@guamcedders.org or 735-2477.