Holiday Gatherings at Family Child Care!!!

 

Margie Walder of "Kids Count" in North Dartmouth - Family Event!!! Click here to view the Holiday Cheer!!!

 

Linda Winn of Raynham celebrated the season with her children by hosting a Pajama Party Night! Parents were encouraged to drop off their little ones so that they could get errands and shopping done.

Scroll down to see the smiling faces!

Celebrating Families at FCC

Margie Walder of Kid's Count FCC in North Dartmouth invited families to join in a Thanksgiving Feast!

She had a commendable turn-out, as many family members and friends all gathered to partake in the dinner. Commonwealth Family Childcare is THANKFUL that Margie shared the video with us, and thats why we had to share it with all of you!!!

Do you have a Family Event that you would like to share? How about a "specil day" or group activity? As long as you have SIGNED permission from home- please feel free to email me your creations and I will glady showcase your FCC!!!!

Click here to view the celebration!

FCC ASSISTANT NEEDED!!!!

Area FCC Educator looking for certified assistant:




M – W 2:00 – 5:30 pm

Thurs. 11:00 – 5:30 pm

Fri. 10:00 – 5:30 pm



Contact Carol at C.Tousey@comfamcc.com

Lets Get Organized!

Want to make that EEC licensing visit run smoother?


Want to stop asking yourself the question,
“Now where did I put that?”

YOU NEED TO BE AT CFC ON 11/29/2012

Let’s Get Organized!

Join us at the CFC office

November 29 from 6-8

 

Description: Organizing FCC business information, certificates, contracts, trainings, and keeping it all in one place. We will review the contents of a child file and share ideas as to how to keep it all in logical order.

Educators are encouraged to bring:

• A child file or two-we can work on them here.

• FCC business information and a binder-you can get started!





Please register on or before November 27

Call or email Sarah, 508-880-3556 Ext. 13 –s.borges@comfamcc.com

Hurricane/Storm Update

ATTENTION PARENTS:

Unless you hear from your Educator indicating that her program is closed- The CFC office as well as FCC programs are currently scheduled to be open for tomorrow, Monday-October 29. 

To find out about possible transportation changes or cancellations:

If your child is transported by CFC Inc. please call the office (508) 880-3556

New Bedford Families: Please call Peter's Bus (508) 994-6736

Brockton Families transported by Lakeisha: Please contact (508) 588-5599

CFC Field Trip was a success!

Field Trip to Silver Brook Farms

Educators, children, and family members all gathered in Acushnet to enjoy very sunny skies at Silverbrook Farms in Acushnet.

Folks were able to enjoy the beautiful farm and all that it had to offer; a corn maze, a visit with the animals, pumpkin picking, apples, and apple juice!

Thank you to everyone who was able to make it and be part of such a beutiful Autumn day!

Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite

BED BUGS

The Basics:

It’s important to treat bed bugs as soon as you discover you have them, because otherwise they can make you miserable. We’ll tell you how to kill bed bugs in just a minute.
Bed bug bites are not normally harmful, but they can be very irritating. Over time, people often develop sensitivity to the insects’ saliva, causing an allergic reaction. Severe redness, itching, and swelling can result. The good news is that bed bugs are not known to carry any diseases.

The link below offers information on treating, prevention, and products!

http://quickcare.org/misc/treat-bed-bugs.html

Calling all FCC Programs Contracted with CFC! It's Fall Field Trip Time!

Date: Thursday Oct. 18, 2012

Silverbrook Farm  934 Main Street in Acushnet

The Tractor starts rolling at 10:30 SHARP! Please arrive by 10:15 the LATEST!

Save The Date….Hope to see you there!

The cost is $9.00 per child

Adults are FREE!

Please contact Jan (Ext 15) or Carolyn (Ext 17) for more information or to RSVP!

Massachusetts Association For The Education of Young Children

Massachusetts Association For The Education of Young Children
Fourth Annual Family Child Care Conference Saturday, September 29, 2012
Quinsigamond Community College
Herbert Auditorium
Surprenant Building
670 West Boylston Street
Worcester, MA
8:00 A.M.—3:30 P.M.
.5 CEU’s and 5 EEC Training Hours Awarded to all Participants! Welcome, Opening Remarks & Directions Dr. Sherri Killins Opening remarks and welcome will be given by
Dr. Sherri Killins, the Commissioner of Early Education and Care for the Commonwealth Massachusetts. Conference Schedule & Information 8-8:30 Registration/Coffee & Breakfast
8:30 –9:15 Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:30-12:00 Morning Workshop
12:00-12:45 Lunch (included in registration fee)
1:00-3:30 Afternoon Workshop Directions to Quinsigamond Community College 670 Boylston St, Worcester, MA
Herbert Auditorium, Surprenant Building By Car: From Boston or East of Rt. 495:
Massachusetts Turnpike to Rt.495 to Rt. 290 West to Rt. 190 North to Exit 1 West Boylston St– North 1 mile to campus (on right)
From Springfield or West
Massachusetts Turnpike to Rt. 290 East to Rt. 190 north 1/2 mile to Exit 1 West Boylston St.-North 1 mile to campus (on right).
From Lowell or North Rt. 495 to Rt. 2 West to Rt. 190 South to Exit 4 West Boylston St. South 1 1/2 miles to campus. Schedule of Morning Workshops A1. Building a Better Business. (Part 1) Greg Mullaney, Adjunct Faculty, Quinsigamond Community College. This workshop will help the participants develop a working budget that identifies objectives to be reached during a particular budget year. Upon completion of session one participants should be able to describe the budget process, prioritize objectives, define the fiscal year, determine budget categories, and figure their break-even point. The afternoon session will continue the business trend by having participants develop a business plan (required for QRIS). A2. Using Play Based Curriculum for Observation and Assessment (Part 1) Meghan Martin & Carlene Sherbourne, Faculty, Quinsigamond Community College. Participants will investigate play-based curricula while learning to objectively observe. Part 1 of the workshop will explore play based curriculum and how child assessments are supported through everyday play. A3. Supporting Dual Language Learners. (Part 1) Judy Battista, Early Education and Care Specialist, The Institute for Educa-tion and Professional Development. Children from homes in which English is not the native language need to adjust to a new social and linguistic situation when they start attending a program where English is the main spoken language. Supporting Dual Language Learners will broaden your understanding of English Language acquisition and help you provide an effective learning environment for DLLs and their families. A4. Early Learning Standards. Marie Enochty, Accreditation Specialist, Boston Public Schools. You will get an overview of the EEC Guidelines and how they align with the MA Common Core State Standards and how using them will make a difference for your children. A 5. Moviendo a los Niños a una Buena Salud , Rosalie Flores. Program Director, Yours For Children. Nosotros no tenemos que ser un especialista de ejercicios para proveer y apoyar actividad fisica para los niños en su cuidado. Esta sesión le proveéra a usted con técnicas para compartir la información con familias. Y actividades para conseguir que nuestros niños vayan hacia un peso sano. A6. Compreendendo QRIS (Sistema de Avaliacao do Avanco na Qualidade) e seus requerimentos. Rosane Cruz, QRIS Men-tor, Bay State Child and Adult Care Food Program. Os Educadores de Creches Familiares aprenderão o que é o QRIS, como ele funciona, e quais são os padrões de qualidade exigidos pelo Estado de MA. Esclarecimentos de como participar e ganhar os auxílios disponíveis às creches interessadas em demonstrar a qualidade exigida. A7. What About Naps? They’re More Important Than You Think! Beth Grams Haxby, Ed.M, Sleep and Parenting Consultant. Struggling with babies, children, and parents around napping? Discover the implications from current sleep research for early childhood and care. Discover strategies for helping children with sleep approaches for communicating concerns with families. A8. Science Everywhere—Physics and More… Carol Darcy, Education Consultant. From the start, children engage in real sci-ence. They may not understand the principles of gravity, yet repeatedly demonstrate curiousity as objects are dropped or milk is spilled. Inexpensive hands-on experiences are presented to foster excitement and interest in science. A9. Puppet Play. Diane Kane, M.Ed, Preschool Music Specialist. Come learn different times to use your puppets and different ways to use them. This workshop will also offer easy ways to make puppets for educators to use as well as ways to make pup-pets with your children. A10. Communicating with Skill and Heart. Elizabeth Gailor, Director/Adjunct Faculty, Quinsigamond Community College. Communicating with Skill and Heart: Speaking carefully and listening well are both critical to effective communication be-tween parents and providers. This workshop will explore family strengths, communication styles and tools, nonverbal mes-sages, parent/teacher conferences, cultural considerations and challenging conversations. A11. Opening Our Hearts & Homes to Diversity. Abigail Kelley & Vanessa Reiss-Vaughn, ECE Specialists & Consultants. In this workshop we will explore the diversity in the early child care setting. We will review many types of diversity and how our ac-tions create the walls of the open floor plan. Questions About the Conference? If you have any questions, call the MassAEYC office at 978-654-6053 or 617-522-0881 or email us at massaeyc@yahoo.com. Schedule of Afternoon Workshops Afternoon Workshops P1. Building a Better Business. (Part 2) Greg Mullaney, Adjunct Faculty, Quinsigamond Community College. See A1 for full description. P2. Using Play Based Curriculum for Observation and Assessment (Part 2) Meghan Martin & Carlene Sher-bourne, Faculty, Quinsigamond Community College. Part 2 of the workshop will focus on observation skills, objec-tive writing and using observation to assess children of all abilities. Diverse learning will be discussed in connec-tion to curriculum activities, modifications, and assessing children. P3. Supporting Dual Language Learners. (Part 2) Judy Battista, Early Education and Care Specialist, The Institute for education and Professional Development. See A3 for full description. P4. The Power or Authentic and Inclusive Assessment. Hanna Gebretensae & Daila Davila-Gonzalez, Wheelock College, Aspire Institute. This presentation will discuss the purpose of authentic formative and program assess-ment within the MA QRIS. It will emphasize appropriate and effective program-level implementation of assess-ments and screening and discuss the importance of consistent systems of assessment and outcomes measure-ment, reporting, and planning in order to improve evaluation of programs and resources. P5. Sistema de Mejora de Evaluación y Calidad (QRIS), Maria Mendoaza, Educator, Greicmari’s Child Care .En este taller ustedes pueden obtener informaciones sobre el QRIS sistema que usted utilizara para Evaluar, mejo-rar y comunicar el nivel de calidad de su programa, y de usted como educador. Ustedes pueden aprender sobre sus beneficios por ejemplo (grant). P6. Homem Como Educador/Provedor de Cuidados Infantis. Waldir Cruz, Family Child Care Provider. Pesquisas demonstram que a cada ano que passa o número de homens que se realizam como educadores de crianças de 0 -5 anos é a cada vez maior. Nesse workshop você aprenderá quais são os papéis que um homem pode exercer enquanto um assistente certificado ou como o Provedor de Cuidados Infantis. Discutiremos sobre o preconceito sofrido neste ramo e serão dadas idéias para combater de forma eficaz tal preconceito. Seja exitoso em seu negócio trabalhando sozinho ou com sua esposa. P7. Learning in Your Backyard Classroom. Dotti McDevitt, M.Ed. Director, A Child’s Wonderland Preschool. Moth-er Nature has provided us with a wonderful outdoor classroom all year long. Come learn some activities that you can do with children inspired by your own backyard and the four seasons. P8. Managing Challenging Behavior. Abigail Kelley, Adjunct Professor, Baystate College. We will explore the chal-lenging behaviors that confront family child care providers. We will develop tools to interpret these challenging behaviors and address them. P9. Drum Away the Blues. Craig Harris, M.Ed. Using songs, stories and participatory percussion playing, this ex-citing, interactive workshop provides keys to sparking passion, inspiring a lifelong love of music, celebrating multi-cultural diversity, strengthening dynamics, and building self esteem. P10. Building Literacy Through Poems, Rhymes and Fingerplays. Vanessa Reiss-Vaughn, ECE Specialist/Consultant. Poem, rhymes and fingerplays (P-R-fs) increase children’s language, listenging, speech and literacy development. Participants will be enaged in learning and practicing new and old P-R-Fs. Use them to build literacy by enriching curriculum, helping with transitions, developing concepts, enhancing themes, and encouraging crea-tive dramatization and humor. Registration Information Registration Instructions  Download the brochure from our website www.massaeyc.com  Decide on your workshop selections. We have provided a worksheet for you below to help you before you go online to register.
 Select the registration link on our website www.massaeyc.com.
 Enter the required information and workshop selections.
 When you reach the payment selection, you may pay by credit card, check or purchase order.
-CHECK: We must receive your check to the MassAEYC office within five days of registering. Your registration will not be completed until we receive your check in the mail. Be sure to mail your payment ASAP so your workshop selections do not close in the meantime.
-PURCHASE ORDER: We must receive a copy of the Purchase Order in the MassAEYC office within one week of registering. Your registration will not be completed until we receive your Purchase Order
-GROUP REGISTRATION: You can enter multiple registrations and follow the same procedures for payment.
 After completing the registration, you will receive a confirmation. Please print the confirmation and keep it for your records.
NOTE: Non-Members are charged a higher registration fee than members. If you would like to become a member and take advantage of the many benefits, go to www.naeyc.org and become a member before registering for the confer-ence. You will be given a membership number that you will need to enter on the registration from.
Conference Working Registration Form Use this form to prepare your information before online registration or mail the form in with a check made payable to:
MassAEYC, 19 St. Joseph St. Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 Name:___________________________Address:_______________________________________________
City:________________________________State:_________________________Zip:__________________
Daytime Phone:____________________________Email:________________________________________
NAEYC ID#:_____________________________________________________________________________ You can find this number on the mailing label of your Young Children or Teaching Young Children journal Workshop Selection
Morning Workshop 1st choice:_________________
2nd choice:________________ Afternoon Workshop 1st choice:_________________
2nd choice:_________________ Registration Fees (includes breakfast and lunch) NAEYC Member $65
Non-Member $80
There will be no refunds after September 21, 2012. Conference Registration Deadline is
September 21, 2012

TUITION FREE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

TUITION FREE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

 

AT MASSASOIT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 

through the SouthEast Education Professionals Partnership and

the Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care

FALL 2012

Health/Nutrition/Safety Needs of Young Child, Tuesday 6:30-9:10 September 8-December 18, 2012

The dynamics of health, safety, and nutrition as they relate to the child's development and environment is explored. The student identifies problems that may occur in a day care setting: poor nutrition, safety dangers, or child abuse. Advocacy for young children is encouraged. As advocates, students develop methods of assessment, reporting, and referral. The student is introduced to first aid techniques by the completion of the course. Prerequisites: Preparing for College Reading II (ENGL 092), Introductory Writing (ENGL 099), or waiver by placement testing results, or Departmental Approval. 3 credits. Core competency area 4

Early Childhood Curriculum: Multi-Cult Perspective, Monday 6:30-9:30 September 11-December 17, 2012

The course explores the development and implementation of curriculum in an early childhood setting. It facilitates ways of integrating differing languages, customs, and traditions into the curriculum so children develop greater self-esteem and a broader understanding and appreciation of their own ethnic heritage and the ethnic heritage of others. The instructor and students design activities to reflect this multi-cultural perspective. Prerequisite: A grade of 'C' or better in Development in Early Childhood (CCED102) or Departmental Approval. 3 credits. Core competency area 5.

Development in Early Childhood, Thursday 6:30-9:30 September 13-December 20, 2012

Development in Early Childhood introduces the student to a child's developmental growth from pre-natal stages to seven years of age. Developmental landmarks are studied as they relate to a preschool setting. The importance of recognizing individual as well as cultural differences and various rates and patterns of growth is emphasized. A grade of 'C' or better is required for graduation. Prerequisites: Preparing for College Reading II (ENGL092) and Introductory Writing (ENGL099), or waiver by placement testing results, or Department Approval. 3 credits. Core competency area 1.

Important information enrolling in courses at Massasoit Community College requires demonstrable proficiency in College Reading and Writing. You may prove this by 1. Taking the Accuplacer assessment, Call 508 588 9100 ext. 1991 or 1992 to schedule an appointment, or 2. A college degree or transcript, or 3. Certified Accuplacer results from another college, or 4. Requesting a waiver from the division dean based on previous college experience.

Students interested in these courses should directly contact Patti Ferrell at her email address pferrell@massasoit.mass.edu or call her at 617 823 9258.

Patti Ferrell

Adjunct Professor, Early Childhood Education Dept.

Massasoit Community College

One Massasoit Blvd.

Brockton, MA 02302

COMMONWEALTH FAMILY CHILDCARE TRAINING DAY

FALL TRAINING

9/21/2012

8:30-9:00 Registration & Light Breakfast

9-10:45 Nicole Cormier RD, LDN, Nutritious Living

Special dietary needs, food allergies and sensitivities and basic nutrition

11-12:00 Diana Philips and EEC Licensor TBD, Department of Early Education and Care

Regulation reminders, health and safety, and Q& A Session

12-1:00 LUNCH

1-2:00 Ronna Schaffer, Associates for Human Services/EHS

Open Ended Art & Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum

2-3:30 Michael Thompson & Short-term stabilization unit rep., Department of Children & Families

Risk Factors, Child Abuse & Neglect, Mandated Reporting

Location: EEC Regional Office
1 Washington St. Suite 20, Mill River Place-Taunton

Register by email : s.borges@comfamcc.com

Or call (508) 880-3556 X 13

 

 



EEC TRAINING ACCESS

EEC TRAINING ACCESS & Professional Development Opportunities

ACCESSING THE EEC WEBSITE

STEP 1: go to www.eec.state.ma.us -This link will bring you to the State Education page.

STEP 2: Under the heading “Our Organization” find: Department of Early Education and Care (click on it)

OR follow this link to go directly to the site.

ACCESSING EEC TRAININGS

On the left side of the EEC Home page there is a section titled Key Resources, scroll down to find:

Five Rights to Medication Administration                        

Click on MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION, this will link you to The Five Rights of Medication Administration Training or click here to access EEC’s Medication Training.

Oral Health

Click on Professional Training and scroll down to Licensing Regulations Resources. Scroll down the page and click on “Health, Safety, & Medication Administration Training”, find Oral Health and click on the link to view the power-point.

Go directly to the training by clicking here.

Transportation Safety Training

Click on Professional Training and scroll down to find the Transportation training or follow this link.

Nutrition Course

Go to www.nfsmi.org and click on On-Line Courses and select the Child Care tab. Scroll to the Free online course titled “Serving Adequate Foods in Childcare” and click on Register Now. (Note: you have to create and account/register before gaining access to the training.) This link will take you directly to the page.

Trainings listed below can be accessed by going to the EEC website and clicking on Professional Trainings listed under Key Resources.

Foundations of the MA QRIS                                                                                                                               As part of its expanding online learning options, Wheelock College has launched a new free online course designed for early childhood educators interesting in moving up levels in the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care’s new Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). Developed by Wheelock College’s Aspire Institute with funding and support from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and in collaboration with the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, this free course provides information about the purpose of QRIS, the levels of QRIS, and measurement tools for children and programs that are part of the system. The course is available in multiple languages at http://wheelock.educommons.net/courses.

 

 

Massachusetts Early Learning Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers Course -The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and the Institute for Education and Professional Development (IEPD) are excited to announce a new course on the Early Learning Guidelines for Infants Toddlers. The course, "Incorporating the MA Early Learning Guidelines for Infants Toddlers into your Program," will be posted on Open Course Ware by University of Massachusetts, Boston this summer. Educators to take the course for self-study, facilitated study to obtain (CEUs) or for college credit through Westfield State University. The self-study guide for each course provides you with an overview of the Early Learning Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers course.

Self-Study Guide for the course
Distance Learning Study Guide

Zero to Three Training Modules

EEC and its partners from Department of Public Health, Head Start, Higher Education and the EEC Educator Provider Support (EPS) Grantees have just completed a four day statewide leadership training initiative for infant and toddler settings. The purpose of this training initiative is to build a solid foundation for early learning in infant and toddler settings and to create a statewide infant and toddler leadership network through regional collaborations. Regional networks are being formed through the EPS Grantees in the fall of 2011.
Three training modules created by the National Infant and Toddler Child Care Initiative @Zero to Three, a project of the Federal Child Care Bureau was used as the framework for this initiative.
Module 1: Relationships the Heart of Development and Learning
Module 2: Supporting Infant/Toddler Development, Screening, and Assessment

Module 3: Infant/Toddler Curriculum and Individualization

Reducing the Risk of SIDS in Child Care – Training

It is best to SAVE the file, on to your computer system, rather than Open it.
If you do not have PowerPoint installed on your system, a PowerPoint viewer is available at the following link. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=cb9bf144-1076-4615-9951-294eeb832823

First Aid & CPR At CFC Office

FIRST AID

Tuesday, 8/14 6-8pm

Cost: $28.00

CPR

Tuesday, 8/21 6-8pm

Cost: $28.00

To register please email s.borges@comfamcc.com

CFC INC IS NOW ON FACEBOOK!!!!!!

Be sure to Like Commonwealth Family Childcare on FACEBOOK!

Stay up to date with office and early education updates!

QRIS Level II Workshop at CFC

Wondering what it takes to become a Level II Program?
Want to find out more about the QPM and Level II Standards?
Ready to submit your required documentation for Level II?

PLEASE JOIN US ON Wednesday, August 8 at CFC from 6-8

Contact s.borges@comfamcc.com to register.

CFC SPRING TRAINING

Our training for Friday, March 23rd, 2012 will begin at 8:30 a.m. and last until 3 p.m.
Those that plan to stay until 3 p.m. will be rewarded with a bag full of recycling materials for your program!

The location for our training will be:
The Jockey Club - 115 RT. 44 Raynham, MA 02767.

There is plenty of parking – and our event will be held in their function room upstairs. A continental breakfast will be served beginning at 8 a.m., with a full lunch at 12 p.m.

Below is the quick version of our Agenda:
8 – 8:30 Continental Breakfast and Networking
8:30 – 10 Social Emotional Teaching Strategies
10 – 12 Infant Toddler Guidelines
12 – 1 Lunch
1 – 3 Imbedding Music into your Curriculum

"Foundations of QRIS"

Quality Rating and Improvement System Training

To receive credit for EEC professional development hours for licensing or for grant purposes, you must take the quiz at the end of each of the six modules.

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BEGIN : http://wheelock.educommons.net/courses/qris-training

Please remember to enter your name and correct information into the end of module quizzes for each module you complete.

This version of the Foundations of the Massachusetts QRIS online learning course is for self-study only – no PDPs or CEUs will be awarded through this online platform.

Registration for the PDPs or CEUs version of the Foundations of the Massachusetts QRIS online learning modules will be available in January 2012.

If you would like to receive notification about when the PDP/CEU version of the course modules becomes available, complete our information request form [link: http://connectedbeginnings.org/qris/information_request]. You will be notified by email when the registration is available. Please note that there will be a one-time $35 registration and statement of credit fee for the PDP/CEU version of the course.

Course Structure: Expect to spend two hours on each module.

Have you let your CDA credential expire?
Have you continued your professional development or earned a degree?
Do you want to stay connected with the CDA community of early childhood professionals?
Take Advantage of the Renewal Amnesty Program!
Many professionals who earned a CDA earlier in their careers let it expire years ago and are no longer eligible for renewal, despite their continued work and training in early childhood education. Some have gone on to earn a Bachelors or Associates degree but find great value in staying connected to the CDA Community by renewing their CDAs.

As of March 1, 2012, the Council launched the Renewal Amnesty Program, which allows anyone who has earned or renewed a CDA in the last ten years to apply for Renewal, even if their CDA has expired. This means that if your CDA has a credential date of January, 2002 or later, you are eligible for Renewal Amnesty. This program will only last until December 31, 2012 so don’t delay… Renew your CDA today!

Make sure to take advantage of the Council’s online application to renew. It's faster, and you can easily check your status as you go through the process!
Click here to learn how to renew your CDA.

USDA Training Required by EEC

http://www.nfsmi.org/Templates/TemplateDefault.aspx?qs=cElEPTIzNg

Above is a link to the National Food Service Management Institute. Click on the above link in order to access online trainings for Child Care.

Note that EEC requires Educators to complete the "CARE Connection-Serving Safe Food in Child Care" USDA Training.

Click the above link to access the required training as well as other online training opportunities.

Here is a link to the sites Main Page.