Page 1 Nene News Volume 4, Issue 2 June 2009 Inside this issue: Center Earns 100% 1 Travel Tips Nana Says 2 Exploration...Support It! 3 Exploration Strategies 4-5 You Are the Key to Your Child’s Success 6 Hearing Screening 7 Upcoming Events 8 Proclamation Signing Photo “Good Day” Child Care & Learning Center Scores 100% For the first time in its history, the Licensing Section of the Department of Public Health and Social Services, Bureau of Social Services Administration, awarded a 100% rating to a child care center. The “Good Day” Child Care & Learning Center earned this unprecedented rating during a monitoring visit conducted in March. Through the leadership of Jeanette Reilly and Diane Artero, center owners, and Delilah Charfauros, director, “Good Day” has worked diligently to meet the many standards and requirements set by DPHSS. The center has been designated as a Model Child Care Center since 2007, which involved key staff completing forty hours of training. In addition, it received mini-grants through the Child Care and Development Fund Program to support the use of the Guam Early Learning Guidelines for Young Children Birth to Age Five and to increase Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. According to Leticia Cartaciano, Licensing Social Worker III, the Center earned a perfect score in the 162-item DPHSS Monitoring Instrument for a Safe and Healthy Learning Environment. Special recognition was given to the Center for having all of its exits ADA accessible, which includes ramps, hand bars, and doors with lever handles. There is a new accessible bathroom within a few feet of the entrance, marked with a sign including Braille markings, and may be exited through an additional door that leads directly to the outdoor play area. In addition, a new accessible parking area was clearly marked and in close proximity to the entrance. Ms. Cartaciano added that during lunch time, this was the first time she found “all the children eating nutritious home cooked meals including fruits and vegetables and there were no ‘junk foods.’” Teresita Catahay, DPHSS Social Services Supervisor, added that the Division of Environmental Health, which issues Sanitary Permits to child care centers, found zero demerits at this center as well. Ms. Reilly stated that when she first opened, she and her daughter, Diane Artero, spent $10,000 in personal funds to purchase Scholastic books and toys from K Mart with more quality items such as replacing cardboard puzzles with sturdier wooden puzzles. The DPHSS mini-grants helped increase the organization of the center with the purchase of cubbies, Creative Curriculum Learning Games for parents, theme boxes with literacy materials, science kits, and other related quality items. “Communication with parents helps. This is very important for our business, so our parents always support us, they trust us. We’re doing a lot and they’ve been helpful. They ask, ‘How can we help you?’ We have very good kids. We have 34 kids enrolled [out of a capacity of 45]. We serve four families from the military and looking at increasing military enrollment.” When asked what her next steps will be, Ms. Reilly laughed and replied, “We need to maintain that [100% rating]! CONGRATULATIONS! To the Staff & Management of “Good Day” Child Care & Learning Center!!! Photo with caption: Day Care Receives 100% Rating. Jeanette Reilly, Co-owner of “Good Day” Child Care & Learning Center, proudly displays the scoring sheet which shows her Center’s 100% rating during a monitoring visit in March, conducted by the Department of Public Health & Social Services, Child Care Monitoring Program. Page 2 Travel Tips for Families with Children with Disabilities Planning ahead is the first rule of thumb to ensure a smoother trip for your child with a disability. Make direct contact with airlines, hotels, and other businesses as you inquire about special accommodations. Parents or guardians of children with disabilities, traveling this summer or any time of the year, may find it helpful to know that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has accommodations ready for you and your child upon check in. Below are nine tips to keep in mind prior to arrival at the airport. 1. Inform the Security Officer of any medical devices or special needs your child has. 2. Inform the Security Officer if you feel that the screening process may upset your child. 3. Be ready with suggestions on the best way to proceed with screening, to minimize confusion or outbursts from your child. 4. Ask for assistance from the Security Officer by putting you and your child’s carry-on items in the bins for the X-ray belt. 5. You and your child will not be separated at any time during the screening process. 6. When a private screening is required, escort and remain with your child during the screening process. 7. Inform the Security Officer what your child’s abilities are. Example: Is your child capable of walking through the metal detector or will he need to be carried through the detector by you, the parent/guardian? 8. If your child uses a mobility aid such as a scooter or wheelchair, the Security Officer should be aware that only you, the parent or guardian, is responsible for removing your child from his or her equipment during screening. 9. If your child is unable to walk or stand, he or she may remain in their mobility aid while the Security Officer conducts a pat-down search of your child, including a physical and visual inspection of the equipment. Airlines and airports have special assistance coordinators that can provide assistance for you and your child with a disability, prior to, during, and following the flight. Source: www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1572.shtm Nana Says…About Exploration… Welcome to “Nana Says…,” an advice column which addresses everyday concerns relating to raising healthy and happy children. If you have any specific questions you would like Nana to discuss, please call her at 735-2565, or send an email message to “Nana Says,” at nene.news@guamcedders.org. Dear Nana, I have the most beautiful son. Kyle has the biggest eyes that just seem to watch everyone and everything. It’s so neat to watch. My problem is that Kyle keeps putting things into his mouth. I keep taking them away. I tell him not to do it. I tell him it’s dirty. I’m really worried that he’ll get sick from putting all of his toys in his mouth. Please tell me what to do. Worried in Agana Heights Dear Agana Heights, It sounds like Kyle is alert and interested in everything around him. How wonderful! The reason why your son puts everything in his mouth is because he is exploring his world. Babies learn of their surroundings through their senses – tasting everything helps him know that something is smooth or rough, sweet or sour, dry or wet, round or square. Babies continue learning through this sensory motor phase until they get to their Terrific Twos. To keep your nene from getting sick from the germs, wipe or wash the toys and items he puts into his mouth with warm water and dish detergent. Enjoy your boy! Nana Dear Nana, I just don’t know what to do. I’m embarrassed to ask you this question but I’m even more embarrassed by what my boy is doing. Nana, my boy keeps putting his hand in his pants. It doesn’t matter if we’re at home or riding in the car or at a store. The other day, we were in church! Is something wrong with him? He never did this before. Mortified in Sinajana Dear Sinajana, There is absolutely nothing wrong with your boy. In fact, what is happening is your son is discovering his body. This is very normal! He has discovered that his body feels good. This is healthy! This is typical for children around the age of three. What we need to do is teach our children that there is a right place and time for feeling our bodies. Teach your boy that his room and the bathroom are the places he may explore his body. Redirecting his attention to engage in other interesting activities is also an effective approach, especially when in public places. Your boy is growing and that is a wonderful thing! Enjoy your son! Nana Page 3 Exploration…Support It! A child is born into this world with the drive to learn. That natural enthusiasm will continue when a child is in an environment that is not only safe and clean, but is filled with interesting things to see, touch, smell, bounce, roll, squeeze, or flatten. The more a child wonders about things and is given the support to explore with loving supervision, the greater the chance for his brain to learn more about the names and properties of things, and the greater the opportunity to figure out ways to solve problems or create ideas. Some tips to help your child explore, wonder, and grow are provided on pages 4 and 5. Exploration Poster inserted. Page 4-5 5-Column Table entitled: Strategies to Promote EXPLORATION First row: First column: Age Group: BirthTo12months Second column: Photo of mother blowing bubbles with male baby in lap. Third column: Activity: LOOK AT THAT! * Whether in a stroller or in a baby sling, taking your baby around and talking to him/her about what you see helps your baby connect words to things. * Blow bubbles into the air and have your baby watch them float through the air. Blow bubbles over a carpeted area and watch them land. As your infant begins to crawl, enjoy their discovery of “popping” the bubbles. * With small droppers, pinch droplets of water onto paper towels. Have the baby watch the water drop and the water spread through the paper towel Fourth column: Connecting with the Environment * A sense of discovery is taught as your child learns about all of the things in his/her surroundings. * A sense of delight is learned as your child begins to understand that they can cause reactions by their actions. Fifth column: Adaptations for All * Added to sights, have your infant listen to different sounds, take in different scents. * Have your child feel different things – leaves, his brother’s face, something cold, something warm. * For white paper towels, use different colors of water – a couple of drops of green food coloring turns the water green, a couple of drops of red food coloring turns the water red. * For older infants/toddlers, use basters. The bigger tool allows the children to control the water flow. Second row: First column: Age Group: 1-3Years Second column: Photo of boy sitting in father’s lap watching woman reaching in container. Third column: Activity: FEEL THAT! * Place a rounded chunk of ice on the table. Watch the toddlers react as the ice melts. * Place cellophane circles of different colors on the table. Have them crunch the cellophane with their hands. Feel! Listen! * Young children enjoy meeting animals. Confident adults can introduce soft, calm animals like a bunny, a kitty, or a puppy. Feel! Listen! Fourth column: Connecting with the Environment * A sense of wonder is energized as your toddler observes even the most basic activities around them. * A sense of intrigue is fed through books and songs which can help young children understand and internalize the miracle of life that surrounds them. Fifth column: Adaptations for All * Place smaller ice chunks around the bigger ice chunk. * Create colorful ice chunks – freeze colored water. * Drops of water on the cellophane circles will provide a different activity. * Outside animals – a pony, a billy goat, a calf – can be intriguing to toddlers. Adults need to ensure that the animals are tame. Adults need to determine which animals can be petted and which should be watched. Third row: First column: Age Group: 3-5Years Second column: Photo of children at a table playing with a variety of musical instruments. Third column: Activity: HEAR THAT! * Preschoolers love making music! Place a guitar or ukulele amongst big cushions. Have children strum to their favorite songs! * Place Congo drums in the music area. Have children beat certain rhythms and beats. * Place different items - cotton balls, marbles, toothpicks, paper clips – in different baby jars. Have preschoolers describe the sounds. Have them create a poem to go with the various sounds. Write the poem and display for everyone to share. Fourth column: Connecting with the Environment * A sense of the world is felt through music. While children can make up their songs, they can also teach others songs from their cultures. * As your child grows, s/he becomes more aware of his/her environment. Making sense of life remains a delightful journey of exploration and discovery as you help your child understand and appreciate their surroundings. The time flies, so enjoy every day! Fifth column: Adaptations for All * Children can make individual guitars by turning tissue boxes, paper towel rolls, and rubber bands into instruments! * Children can create individual drums by turning oatmeal containers into drums! * Cover the baby jars and have children match pictures with the jars and the sounds. Page 6 YOU Are the Key To Your Child’s Success! By Pauline Camacho, Guam PIRC Director Congratulations!! You’re a new parent! Or...maybe you’re a new “veteran” parent with children already! They’ve placed your baby in your arms, and you are flooded with sheer joy and amazement for this tiny little bundle. This is soon followed by an overwhelming sense of responsibility. Family and friends are always there to support. However, is there another place where you can go to get more help? The Guam Parent Information Resource Center is that special “go to” place for ALL parents to get help. This federally funded program is a dream that became a reality for a non-profit organization called the Guam’s Positive Parents Together, Inc. (GPPT). “GPPT is a coalition of parents of children with disa-bilities,” said, President Ann Marie D. Cruz. “The opportunity to apply for a U.S. Dept. of Education grant for a Parent Center to benefit all parents and all children came up, so we wrote the Grant and titled it Project DREAMS, a program Dedicated to Reaching Excellence And Maintaining Success. We were awarded the grant, and now we have the Guam PIRC! The Guam PIRC (pronounced “perk”) offers FREE services for all parents and guardians with children ages 0 to 21 years. The center has a warm environment and offers information, resources, workshops, and computers to help parents with their responsibility of raising children to be healthy, responsible, and successful. The first five years of life are the most important in a child’s development. Because of this, early childhood training, workshops are offered to help parents with their parenting skills. Two local training programs entitled the ALONG (All Learning Opportunities Nurture Growth) and the Guam Early Learning Guidelines developed by the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) and the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (CEDDERS) are offered at the Center. Two national research-based programs, will be offered in the near future. The goal of the Guam PIRC program is to increase parental involvement in their children’s education. The Harvard Family Research Studies show that when parents are involved in their child’s education, the child succeeds in school. Children tend to have better attendance, earn better grades, have higher self-esteem, go on to college, and eventually succeed in life. The Guam PIRC has set up DREAM Teams in all forty public schools. Each team is comprised of a school staff member, a PTO member, and a Parent. The teams act as the liaisons between the schools and the Guam PIRC and make sure that parent involvement activities are taking place at the school level. PIRC Resource Coordinator Akemi Camacho commented that “A lot of families do not have the tools and resources at home. Here at the Guam PIRC, parents can help their children with homework and projects. Even if parents do not know how to use the computer, Jenielle Meno, Tashia Coffiel, and Patricia Tomlinson, our staff support, are always here to help.” Parent Toni Jackson is a frequent user of the PIRC facilities. “I love coming here. The staff members are very warm and friendly. They help me and my son all the time. I would encourage all parents to use this place.” Make a difference! Your CHILD’S SUCCESS begins with YOU! For more information on training and other activities, visit the Guam PIRC website at www.guampirc.org. Photo with caption: The Guam PIRC Staff. (Standing, L-R) Jenielle Meno, Patricia Tomlinson, & Tasha Coffiel, Staff Support/Secretaries; Louise Camacho & Marie Wusstig, Parent Mentors; (Sitting, L-R) Pauline Camacho, Director, Iosindo Fuppul, Parent Mentor, & Akemi Camacho, Resource Coordinator are ready to assist parents at the Guam PIRC Center. Page 7 Newborn Hearing Screening Is Standard Practice Every new parent desires nothing but the best for their newborn baby. As soon as parents see their newborn, a typical natural response is to count toes and fingers, see who they look like, and observe them to make sure that they are healthy. Thanks to advances in technology and government support, initial examinations have expanded to include hearing screening. Hearing is one of the hardest senses for parents to test. But babies as young as 12 hours old can now have their hearing assessed. With the current technology and program coordination available through the federally funded Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) Project, and legislation mandating Universal Newborn Hearing Screening, checking infants’ hearing is now a standard practice at Guam Memorial Hospital, Sagua Mañagu, and Naval Hospital. The screening process involves using an earplug-type sensor that measures a baby’s hearing levels. The test takes only a minute to complete. Most babies show appropriate hearing levels. For those babies whose results show cause for concern, a re-screen is completed prior to discharge from the hospital. If these second results continue to show readings for concern, a follow up is scheduled involving a full audiological evaluation. Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D., director of the University of Guam CEDDERS, and principal investigator for the Guam EHDI Program explained, “The early years in a child’s life are so important in terms of learning, speech and language development, and brain development. Providing stimulation and learning opportunities are so critical at this stage so we need to make sure that the use of a child’s senses are maximized. If one of those senses is not working in a typical manner, we must look at what accommodations may be made, such as hearing aides, providing early intervention services, and other options to enhance language and speech development.” Desiree Bautista is one parent who knows first hand about early identification of hearing loss. Her daughter, Shawna-Lynn Rosario underwent an initial hearing screening right after she was born. “I heard about the testing program from one of the nurses. Shawna-Lynn failed her first screening and was referred to the Guam EHDI program for a re-screening. Because the re-screening showed cause for concern, Shawna underwent a more formal hearing evaluation process. Based on these findings, we were referred to the Guam Early Intervention Services. They are providing me with support, and speech and OT services,” Ms. Bautista said. While the incidence rate of hearing loss in infants and young children is low, for families with a child with hearing loss, early identification and linkages to supports, technology and intervention is critical. Since 2002, 10 infants have been identified as having significant hearing loss. “The experience of having my baby undergo hearing screening was pretty good,” reflected Ms. Bautista. “I recommend this screening program to all parents.” Photo with caption: Newborn Hearing Screening. Vicky Ritter, Guam EHDI Hearing Screening Technician (left), works with two GMHA nurses in completing a newborn’s initial hearing screening. The screening process is painless and takes about one minute. Page 8 Upcoming Events June 2009 Jun 6 - Model Child Care, Module 2. Marriott Resort, 8-1:30 pm Jun 6 - Project Kid Care (Immunization Outreach), for Children 0-18 yrs., Agana Shopping Center, 11am-1pm Jun 9 - Project Tinituhon Focus Group, Early Care & Education / Child Care, 9-11 am, Guam Parent Information Resource Center (Guam PIRC) Jun 18-19 - Shriners Hospital Free Consultative Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs, Dept. of Public Health & Social Services, Mangilao Jun 23-26 -Shriners Hospital Free Consultative Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs, Guam Orthopedic Center, Oka, Tamuning Jun 20 - Model Child Care, Module 3, Marriott Resort, 8-1:30 pm Jun 22 - Child Care & Development Fund State Plan 2009-2011 Public Hearing, Northern Regional Community Health Center, Dededo, 9 am - 11 am Jun 22-26 - "Train the Trainer", Guam Early Learning Guidelines, Birth to Age Five, 8-12:00 pm, Guam PIRC July 2009 Jul 9 - Early Learning Council Special Working Session, 9-11 am, Governor’s Conference Room. Jul 9 - Project Tinituhon Focus Group: Social Emotional & Mental Health, 3 pm, GSAT Jul 11 - Model Child Care Module 4, Marriott Resort, 8-1:30 pm Jul 13 - 17 - ALONG (All Learning Opportunities Nurture Growth) Parent Training, 8am – 12pm, Guam PIRC, Hågatña Jul 14 - Project Tinituhon Focus Group, Early Care & Education / Child Care, 9-11 am, Guam PIRC Jul 18 - Model Child Care Module 5, Marriott Resort, 8-1:30 pm August 2009 Aug 1 - Model Child Care Module 6, Marriott Resort, 8-1:30 pm Aug 11- Project Tinituhon Focus Group, Early Care & Education / Child Care, 9-11 am, Guam PIRC Aug 12 - Early Learning Council Meeting, 9-11 am, Governor’s Conference Room Aug 15 & 22 - Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) Infant Toddler Training, 8am-5pm, Venue TBA Aug 29 - Model Child Care, Module 7, Marriott Resort, 8-1:30 pm September 2009 Sept 8 - Project Tinituhon Focus Group, Early Care & Education / Child Care, 9-11 am, Guam PIRC Sept 12 - Power of Play and Annual Family Fair, "All Eyes on Five," Venue & Time, TBA Sept 19 - Model Child Care Module 8, Marriott Resort, 8-1:30 pm Sept 26- Model Child Care Module 9, Marriott Resort, 8-1:30 pm Photo with caption: Proclamation Signing. First Lady Joanne G. Camacho, on behalf of Governor Felix Camacho, officiated during the Proclamation Signing, designating May as Foster Care Month. Members of the Foster Families Association, foster parents, staff from the Bureau of Social Services Administration (BOSSA) and Sanctuary, as well as other supporters of foster care were in attendance (see photo above). During the ceremony, the First Lady commended those who support and participate in foster care. Joe Leasiolagi, a foster parent, shared his experiences and gratitude for what he does. Foster Care Month activities included a WAVE, a foster parent appreciation dinner and an island wide training for foster parents and anyone interested in becoming a foster parent. For more information on the Foster Families Association and Foster Care, please call 475-2653 / 2672. Department of Public Health & Social Services Division of Public Welfare Work Programs Section Suite 12, Legacy Square Building Route 10, Mangilao, Guam 96923 Phone: (671) 735-7256 Fax: (671) 734-5955 Email: christine.sannicolas@dphss.guam.gov Nene News is a quarterly Department of Public Health & Social Services publication supported with 100% federal funds through the Child Care and Development Funds, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (Guam CEDDERS). J. Peter Roberto, ACSW, Director, DPHSS Linda Ann T. Susuico, Chief Human Services Administrator Christine San Nicolas, Social Services Supervisor I Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D., Director, Guam CEDDERS Elaine Eclavea, Health, Wellness, & Prevention Initiative Area Coordinator, Guam CEDDERS Managing Editors: Terrie Fejarang & Mary Kidd Layout: Margaret Johnson This issue of Nene News was made possible through contributions from the following individuals: Pauline Camacho, Guam PIRC; Terrie Fejarang, Mary Kidd, & Aline Yamashita. Alternative formats (e.g., Braille, large print, or audio tapes) of Nene News may be made available by sending a request to nene.news@guamcedders.org or 735-2477.