Guam Early Learning Council I Mandikiki For Guam Families With Children Birth To Eight August 2012 Volume 6, Issue 2 Inside this issue: Help Your Child Have a “RICH” Life...........................1-2 Enrichment Programs on Guam....................................3 Families & Agencies Coordinate Early Learning .......4-5 Resources to Enrich Young Children’s Lives.............6-7 Congratulations Precious Ones!....................................8 Early Learning Council Sponsors EC Courses..............8 Page 1-2 Help Your Child Have A “RICH” Life Enriching your child’s life promotes his/her growth, development, and learning. Enrichment sounds great, seems complicated, but can be quite simple. Here are some examples to enrich his/her daily activity: • To help your child understand the concept of time, tell her good morning when she wakes up and good night before she goes to bed. Try to use words, such as “morning,” “night,” “yesterday,” “today,” and “tomorrow” when you can. • When you give your child a shower or bath, help him know his body parts by asking him to scrub his ears, toes, stomach (or tummy), and other parts. This can be made into a game. • To help your child contribute to preparing a meal, have her help set the table with unbreakable plates and cups, utensils, and napkins. Your child can design personalized placemats for herself and for others. She can also do simple tasks with cooking, such as washing the vegetables, pouring liquids, stirring sauces, measuring rice, and counting items. • When reading books to your child, let him turn the pages, point to words and pictures, and ask questions about the story. Questions, such as, “What do you think happens next?” for a new book, and “Do you remember what comes next?” or a familiar book. Help him to predict events and understand order and sequence in a story. • When singing songs with your child, make up a verse at the end of the song. Give her the opportunity to make up a verse too. This is fun and she can learn more about language with rhyming, syllables, and phrasing and about music with rhythm and melody. • When your child is watching TV, during the commercials or after a show is over, ask him questions about what he was watching, such as, “Who is your favorite person? Why?,” “How do you think this person felt when this happened to him/her?” and “What should this person have done instead?” • To pass the time while in the car or waiting in line, talk or sing songs with your child, which can be fun learning opportunities. In the car, “I Spy” or counting objects are great games to play with her. “The Wheels on the Bus” song helps her connect similarities between buses, cars, and other vehicles. While standing in line, she can count how many people are in front of her and keep track of when it would be her turn. She can also time how long it takes to get to the front of the line. • To help your child understand his culture, it would be helpful to let him know his ethnicity. He can learn vocabulary and try to speak his language(s) as much as possible. He can learn through stories and songs about his culture. He can participate in cultural events. Your child absorbs a lot just by living his culture, but it will take him time to understand the complex concept of culture. On Guam, there are many opportunities to enrich children’s daily activity. Children have access to families and close family friends for socialization and building and maintaining relationships. With the many parties, celebrations, barbecues, weddings, and funerals that take place, children are exposed to different ways of speaking and behaving around adults and children, who are younger, the same age, or older than themselves. Children are able to explore nature in the jungles, on hiking and nature trails, at beaches, and even in their back yards. Children are close to the beach, which is a great sensory activity with the water and sand. Children also have the opportunity to learn how to swim. Music and dance are a big part of the island culture. Children have many opportunities to participate and learn through music and dance. There are many ways for children to learn about Guam history, including going around the island and visiting historical landmarks and museums, speaking to elders, and learning about Guam legends and stories. Many parts of the news and newspapers are not appropriate for young children, but there are some good pieces to share with them to help them understand more about their home on Guam. There are many different cultures, ethnicities, and languages on Guam. Children gain a wide perspective of life from learning about the differences and similarities among people, including food, clothing, language, customs, religion, music, dance, and more. By being around many people, children can learn to respect these differences. A lot of enriching activity for children requires a little time, energy, and talking with children, but the rewards are great! Photos without captions: Page 1: Girl squeezing homemade play dough. Page 2: Parents helping children make play dough during the 2012 Parent Interactive Conference held at the Micronesian Mall in Dededo. Page 3 Enrichment Programs on Guam The following list provides information on some of the enrichment programs available on Guam. Cultural Dance Natibu Dance Academy (ages 3+)..........687-6828 The Talent Box (ages 2+).......................475-8269 Dance Fusion (ages 4+).................................... 472-3876 Skip ( ages 3+) ...................................... 472-4241 Swan Ballet Center ( ages 3+ )……….... 649-7926 The Talent Box (ages 2+)....................... 475-8269 Music American Music (ages 6+)......................647-6895 Gifted And Talented Education (GATE) Elementary Music (grades 3-5).................. 475-0598 Shimbros, Inc. (ages 4+).........................472-9311 Art Gifted And Talented Education (GATE) Elementary Art (grades 3-5)........ 475-0598 St. John’s Summer School (grades K3-12)............................................... 646-8080 Academic Gifted And Talented Education (GATE) Preschool (age 4) Elementary School (grades K-5)....... 475-0552 Ivy Educational Services “Summer Einsteins” Summer Camp (grades 1-7)....... 646-5792 Island Girl Power (ages 7-14) After School............ 637-3011 Santa Barbara Catholic School’s Summer Enrichment (grades 1-8)........632-5126 STEPS Tutorial (ages 4+) Summer Reading (ages 4-6).............. 649-3878 St. John’s Summer School (grades K3-12)..............646-8080 Sylvan Learning Center (ages 4+) Beginning Reading (grades K-1), Academic Reading (grades 2-12), Math Essentials (grades K-8).... 477-0700 Literacy Guam Public Library, Hagatna Toddler Story Time (ages 0-4+), Saturday Story Hour (ages 0-12+), After School Drop-In (ages 5+), Early Intervention (ages 0-3+) Summer Reading (ages 0-12+) ........ 475-4751 MWR Guam Library Summer Reading (all ages)............. 564-1836 Computer Santa Barbara Catholic School’s Summer Enrichment (grades 1-8)...............632-5126 St. John’s Summer School (grades K3-12).......... 646-8080 Social-Emotional Island Girl Power (ages 7-14) Girls Clubhouse, After School...........637-3011 Health UOG’s “Fitness, Food, & Fun” Summer Camp (ages 7-11)..................735-2030 Sports DPR Dededo Sports Complex Zumba (ages 6+) children need supervision, instructors certified in Zumbatomic)....... 633-2520 Guam Basketball and Learning Center Summer Camp (ages 6-14).........646-2227 Guam Football Association (Soccer) Youth Clubs (ages 3-16)............... 637-4321 Guam Jr. Golf League (ages 6-18)............... 688-2878 or 649-8801 Hagåtña Pool Swim Teams (ages 5+)..................... 472-8718 Island Girl Power - Capoeira (ages 4+)................... 637-3011 Island Twisters Gymnastics (ages 6+)............... 649-3547 Island Girl Power - Ladies Archery Club (ages 7+)................... 637-3011 Tennis Academy of Guam - Tennis Lessons (ages 4+).......688-9779/483-6754 UOG’s Sports Adventure Summer Camp (ages 5-15)........ 735-2863 Environment Guam Boonie Stompers (all ages, children need supervision)............787-8830 Guam Coastal Management Summer Camp (grades 1-7)............ 475-9666 Underwater World Summer Camp (grades K-8)........................... 649-9191 Cultural Hurao Academy (ages 3-12) Chamorro Cultural Camp, After School, Music Academy........472-5858 Sagan Fina’na’guen Fino Chamoru (ages 0-10) After School (grades K-5)........ 632-2395 Religion Santa Barbara Catholic School’s Summer Enrichment (grades 1-8)............... 632-5126 Comprehensive Boy Scouts (grades 1-12).............. 649-0639 Girl Scouts (grades K-12)............... 646-5652 Head Start (ages 4-5).................. 475-0484-9 Photo: Children from Hurao singing. Page 4-5 Families & Agencies Work together to Coordinate Early Learning Systems The greatest opportunity for influencing a child’s life begins on day one (www.ZeroToThree.org). Isn’t that amazing? From the very first day of a child’s life, what we do matters. From the way we talk to babies as we change them, feed them, or put them to sleep, EVERYTHING we do adds to their development. Have you heard the phrase, “All Eyes on Five?” What about the importance of early childhood education? In 2005, Project Tinituhon, Guam’s Early Childhood Comprehensive System, was born. What does this have to do with young children and their families? The Chamorro word tinituhon means “the beginning.” When we think about the beginning of a child’s life, we must make sure that the child’s basic needs are met and that includes feeling safe and secure as well as feeling loved. Guam’s Early Childhood Comprehensive System (ECCS), in collaboration with early childhood agencies and organizations, works to increase the number of children whose needs are met through access to universal healthcare and medical and dental homes; access to a system of care for supporting young children and their families with social-emotional and behavior challenges; increase the quality of early care and education (including childcare) services that support early learning, health, and development of social competence and cultural competence; increase parent education opportunities and family support services for families of children, birth to age 8; and strengthen the collaboration and coordination of all public and private early childhood serving agencies. This means that the agencies and organizations that do work for and with young children will work together to make sure that families get the support they need to help their children be healthy and ready to learn. The saying, “All Eyes on Five” was created to paint the picture that the first five years of a child’s life are extremely important. Studies, books, and articles have all shown that the most important growth and development of a child’s brain happen in the first three years. Your child’s brain is 90% developed by the time he or she is three! Wow! So, reading, singing, and talking to the babies is very important. We’re helping the baby’s brain develop all the pathways and synapses (think of it as roads and turns) necessary to function and work at its best. The Guam Early Learning Council (GELC) meets quarterly to discuss updates to the early childhood agencies that provide services and supports to children, birth to eight years, and their families. The GELC also conducts strategic planning meetings and a yearly Early Childhood Summit to discuss the progress made, ongoing work, and future plans in the field of Early Childhood. So what does this mean to young children, ages birth to eight, and their families? It means that governmental agencies and non-profit organizations must get together on a quarterly basis to learn what each group is doing and to come up with ways to make all efforts and resources work better for all. One way to do this is to come up with the very strong plan to develop and grow our service systems for young children and their families. The aim is to have this plan in place by the end of September 2012 and will be shared with the rest of the island during the Early Childhood Conference scheduled for October of this year. Stayed tuned...more information on this plan and related activities will come in the next issue of I Mandikiki’! Photo with caption: The Guam Early Learning Council, in collaboration with Rigålu, the First Lady’s Foundation, sponsored the Early Childhood Strategic Planning Sessions on April 10-11 and the Early Childhood Summit on April 12 at the Westin Resort. Shown above are the members of the Guam Early Learning Council. Front Row L-R: June Perez, Taling Taitano, Estella Gapas, Lina McDonald, Janice Sablan Ada, First Lady Christine Calvo, Lydia Tenorio, Annie Unpingco, Ruth Leon Guerrero, and Diana Calvo. Back Row L-R: Cathy Tydingco, Elaine Eclavea, Elliot Regenstein, J.D., from Educational Consultants, James Gillan, Evelyn Claros, Ann Marie Cruz, and Ross White. Guam Early Comprehensive System • Access to Health Insurance and Medical/Dental Home • Social Emotional/ Mental Health • Early Care and Education and Child Care • Parent Education and Family Support • System Sustainability Text in colored box: Guam Early Learning Council AT-A-GLANCE • Comprised of 23 representatives appointed by the Governor • Mission: ” To support each child (birth to 8) in reaching his/her full potential through a health care and education system that is accessible, comprehensive, integrated, and responsive to diverse cultures and is developed in collaboration with families and communities. • Meets Quarterly • Co-Chairperson: Christine Calvo, First Lady of Guam & Elaine Eclavea, Initiative Area Coordinator, University of Guam CEDDERS For more information call Elaine Eclavea at 735-2466 or email her at elaine.eclavea@guamcedders.org. Page 6-7 Resources to Enrich Young Children’s Lives Books for Parents • Child Sense: From Birth to Age 5, How to Use the 5 Senses to Make Sleeping, Eating, Dressing and Other Everyday Activities Easier While Strengthening Your Bond With Child by Priscilla J. Dustan ISBN 9780553806670 • Outdoor Parents, Outdoor Kids: A Guide to Getting Your Kids Active in the Great Outdoors by Eugene Buchanan ISBN 9781565236356 • Talking Time: Language Enrichment Activities: Birth to Three by Jeanette Stickel ISBN 9781463558192 • The Ultimate Book of Homeschooling Ideas: 500+ Fun and Creative Learning Activities for Kids Ages 3-12 by Linda Dobson ISBN 9780761563600 Books for Teachers and Schools • Building Structures with Young Children (and Trainer’s Guide) by Ingrid Calufour & Karen Worth ISBN 1929610505 • Creative Activities for Young Children by Mary Mayesky ISBN 9781111298098 • Dance, Turn, Hop, Learn! Enriching Movement Activities for Preschoolers by Connie Bergstein Dow ISBN 9781929610891 • Exploring Water with Young Children (and Trainer’s Guide) by Ingrid Chalufour, Karen Worth ISBN 1929610548 • Family Child Care Homes: Creative Spaces for Children to Learn by Linda J. Armstrong ISBN 9781605540757 • Growing Artists: Teaching the Arts to Young Children by Joan Bouza Koster ISBN 9781111302740 • Powerful Interactions: How to Connect with Children to Extend Their Learning by Amy Laura Dombro, Judy Jablon, Charlotte Stetson ISBN 9781928896722 • Spotlight on Young Children and Nature by Amy Shillady ISBN 9781928896746 Websites NATIONAL • NAEYC Young Children journal http://www.naeyc.org/yc/pastissues • Article: Play, Creativity, and Lifelong Learning: Why Play Matters for Both Kids and Adults http://www.helpguide.org/life/creative_play_fun_games.htm • Article: Story Stretching: Using Enrichment Activities to Extend the Joy of Reading http://atyourlibrary.org/connectwithyourkids/reading-together/story-stretching-using-enrichment-activities-extend-joy-reading • Article: Enriching the Reading Experience for Children with Visual Impairments: Reading to Young Children with Vision Loss http://www.tsbvi.edu/tx-sensabilities/3097-enriching-the-reading-experience-for-children-with-visual-impairments-reading-to-young-children-with-vision-loss • Interactive Article: Creativity and Play: Fostering Creativity - http://www.pbs.org/wholechild/parents/play.html GUAM • Guam CEDDERS - http://www.guamcedders.org/publications-and-products) o Early Learning Guidelines, 3 to 5 Years o Early Learning Guidelines, Birth to 3 Years o Hugåndo Parent Play Book for Children Birth to Five • Guam Department of Education - https://sites.google.com/a/gdoe.net/gdoe/ • GATE Program - http://www.guamgate.org/ • Guam Early Intervention System - https://sites.google.com/a/gdoe.net/geis/ • Head Start Program - https://sites.google.com/a/gdoe.net/headstart/home Quarter page ad: Every Child Deserves a GOOD START in Life. Developmental Screenings can help determine whether a child is developing the way most children usually do. The Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) provides FREE Developmental Screenings for children birth to 36 months of age. To schedule a FREE Developmental Screening or for more information on early childhood development, call 300-5776/5816. For FREE downloads and resources on early intervention services and early childhood development, visit online at www.gdoe.net/geis. 100% federally funded by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part C Grant for Infants and Toddlers, Department of Education, Division of Special Education, Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) and facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service (Guam CEDDERS). Acknowledgement: I Mandikiki’ is a publication supported with 100% federal funding through the Guam State Advisory Council Grant, and Project Tinituhon and is facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (Guam CEDDERS). Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D., Guam CEDDERS Director Elaine Eclavea, Health, Wellness, & Prevention Initiative Area Coordinator Editor-in-Chief: Terrie Fejarang Managing Editor: Felicity Grandjean, Ph.D. Layout: Sean Lizama This issue of I Mandikiki’ was made possible through contributions from the following individuals: Vera Blaz and Felicity Grandjean, Ph.D. Alternative formats (e.g., Braille, large print, or audio tapes) of I Mandikiki’ may be made available by sending a request to newsletters@guamcedders.org or 735-2477. Page 8 Photo with caption: Raising Standards: EC Professional Development Congratulations Precious Ones Child Care Center! Tisha Heflin, Director and five staff members recently completed the series of “Working With Young Children - Parts A, B, and C” courses offered through the State Advisory Council Supplementary Grant facilitated by the University of Guam CEDDERS. GREAT JOB! Photo (L-R): Arceli Puod, Mercedes Paul, Tisha Heflin, Vanessa Ignacio, Rizalina Nababos, and Monique Hernandez. Missing from the picture are: Carmelita Cruz and Dolores Cruz. Advertisement: FREE COURSES For Foster Parents, Child Caregivers, and Interested Individuals The following courses are scheduled to be offered through funding support from the ARRA State Advisory Council Grant facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service (Guam CEDDERS). DATES, TIME, COURSE, & FORMAT 2012 September 15, 22, 29, 2012, 8:00am-1:00pm, Children With Special Needs – Part A , F2F September 8, 15, 22, 2012, 1:00pm-6:00pm, Creative Arts – Part A, F2F September 8, 15, 22, 2012, 8:00am-1:00pm, Child Guidance & Discipline – Part C, F2F October 6, 20, 27, 2012, 1:00pm-6:00pm, Creative Arts – Part B, F2F October 6, 20, 27, 2012, 8:00am-1:00pm, Children With Special Needs – Part B, F2F October 1-21, 2012, Child Development – Infant, OL November 3, 10, 18, 2012, 1:00pm-6:00pm, Creative Arts – Part C, F2F November 3, 10, 18, 2012, 8:00am-1:00pm, Children With Special Needs – Part C, F2F November 3, 10, 18, 2012, 8:00am-1:00pm, Working With Young Children – Part B, F2F December 1-23, 2012, Working With Young Children – Part B, OL 2013 January 2013, TBA, Working With Young Children – Part B, F2F January 2013, TBA, Children With Special Needs – Part A, F2F January 2013, TBA, Child Development – Toddler, OL February 2013, TBA, Working With Young Children – Part C, F2F February 2013, TBA, Children With Special Needs – Part B, F2F February 2013, TBA, Child Development – Preschool, OL March 2013, TBA, Children With Special Needs – Part C, F2F February – April 2012, TBA, Mentoring New Childcare Providers, F2F & OL Key: • F2F = Face-to-Face class at University of Guam. • OL = Online class. All OL classes run for a 3-week period. NOTE: All of the listed courses are for 1.5 CEUs each. Completion of “Working With Young Children” Parts A, B, and C, for a total of 4.5 CEUs, will meet the in-service requirements for Early Childhood Assistant Provider, Level 1 as stated in Guam’s Plan for Professional Development. For “Working with Young Children” and “Child Guidance & Discipline” Part A must be taken first, then Part B, and then Part C must be taken last. For more information on these courses, please contact Terry Naputi at 735-2363 or email at terry.naputi@guamcedders.org.*Dates and times are subject to change based on enrollment. This ad is supported 100% by the Guam State Advisory Council Grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration on Children and Families and facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, and Research (Guam CEDDERS).