FREE ONLINE MANDATED REPORTER TRAINING

The structure of this self-paced training is as follows:

1. 
   

The structure of this self-paced training is as follows:

1. Why is Mandated Reporting Important?
2. Who is a Mandated Reporter?
3. Duties of a Mandated Reporter
4. Protections for Mandated Reporters
5. Criminal Penalties for Failing to File
6. Recognizing Child Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
   • Child Neglect
   • Physical Child Abuse
   • Sexual Child Abuse
   • Child Exploitation
   • Physical Dependence Upon an Addictive Drug at Birth
7. Responding to Disclosures of Abuse
8. How to File a 51A Report
9. What Happens After a 51A Report is Filed
10. Conclusion/Certificate of Completion

The training takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Follow the link below to access the training and other resources regarding mandated reporting.

1. Why is Mandated Reporting Important?
2. Who is a Mandated Reporter?
3. Duties of a Mandated Reporter
4. Protections for Mandated Reporters
5. Criminal Penalties for Failing to File
6. Recognizing Child Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
   • Child Neglect
   • Physical Child Abuse
   • Sexual Child Abuse
   • Child Exploitation
   • Physical Dependence Upon an Addictive Drug at Birth
7. Responding to Disclosures of Abuse
8. How to File a 51A Report
9. What Happens After a 51A Report is Filed
10. Conclusion/Certificate of Completion

The training takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

http://middlesexcac.org/51A-reporter-training/

Coordinated Family and Community Engagement - FAMILY WORKSHOP SERIES

FREE FAMILY WORKSHOP SERIESPositive Solutions for Families:A Workshop for Parents, Grandparents, and Guardians of young children Birth-5

Do these pictures look familiar? - Are you a first time parent?...a parent with multiple children?...a foster parent?...a single parent?...a grandparent now supporting your grandchildren? Are you trying to juggle multiple responsibilities? - Do you want to meet and talk with others?

Join us for this workshop series!

Join us for this fun and supportive peer group where families will learn to appreciate the importance of developing strong attachments with their young children, as well as learning more about handling disappointments, controlling anger, and solving problems. Each 2 hour session is research based and includes time for discussion and socialization.

WHEN: Friday mornings – April 10, 17, May 1, 8, 15, & 22 – 10:00 AM – 12:00 noon

WHERE: The Brockton Adult Learning Center - 211 Crescent Street. Brockton

Activities for children and light refreshments will be available

Space is limited – Registration Required – Please RSVP:

Joniblock@bpsma.org or 508-580-7491

CFC is HIRING!!!!!!!

We are a small, local child care agency looking for people to transport preschool children to programs in Brockton and possibly Taunton.  The positions are part-time –mornings or afternoons.

We are family oriented and have had great success with retired and semi-retired drivers. Position includes benefits, including paid vacation and holidays.  It will require the applicant to get a 7D license to drive vans.

For more information, please call Barbara Holt at Commonwealth Family Childcare, Inc., 691Broadway, Raynham, at 508-880-3556, extension. 12.
 

WINTER WEATHER - BLIZZARD WARNING

THE CFC OFFICE AND EDUCATORS WILL BE CLOSED ON TUESDAY JANUARY 26, PLEASE CONTINUE TO CHECK OUR WEBSITE AS THE WEATHER PROGRESSES

Cooking Matters at the Store!

 Cooking Matters at the Store is an hour long tour where families learn skills like buying fruits and vegetables on a budget, comparing food labels and identifying whole grains. Educators are encouraged to post/share the information below with families.
 

Cooking Matters at the Store!
Place:              Stop & Shop – Route 44 Raynham
Date:               Tuesday August 12, 2014
Time:               5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
 

After the tour, participants will get a FREE $10 gift card to purchase healthy groceries, a FREE book of tips and recipes and a reusable grocery bag.
 

 Registration is required. Please call Rita 508.822.5388 x 137  (Unfortunately, childcare is not available for this night)
 

Project Learning Tree Workshop at the Buttonwood Park Zoo

Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford is hosting a Project Learning Tree workshop for Early Childhood and Early Elementary Educators on Saturday, September 6, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.. 

Project Learning Tree's curriculum builds on what's familiar and interesting to young children and engages them in experiencing and learning about the natural world.  Participants will receive two PLT Educator Guides:  Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood (includes eleven major themes with activities structured in a typical PreK format) and the PreK-8 Guide (includes ninety-six activities and supporting resources).   

These award-winning guides are only available by attending workshops.  The Early Childhood Experiences curriculum meets NAEYC criteria and the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework.  The PreK-8 Guide is correlated with current national standards.

Educators will participate in activities from the PLT curriculum and discuss their application individual teacher's situations, in a supportive, collegial atmosphere.  Weather permitting, we will incorporate zoo exhibits into the workshop.   

Limited enrollment, $35 per person includes zoo admission.  Questions or to pre-register (by August 30), please contact me at 413/584-6788 or Gini.Traub@state.ma.us.  To see more, please visit the Project Learning Tree website, www.plt.org, click on Educational Resources and click on the Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood and the PreK-8 Curriculum.

Just Playing

Commonwealth Family Childcare Inc. believes in the difference that Early Educators make in the lives of children. Thank you to all Teachers, Assistants, and especially CFC Family Child Care Educators! 

Just Playing

By Anita Wadley

When I’m building in the block room, please don’t say I’m “just playing”For you see, I’m learning as I play, about balance and shapes.
Who knows? I may be an architect someday. 

When I am getting dressed up, setting the table, caring for the babies.Don’t get the idea I’m “just playing”. For you see, I’m learning as I play.I may be a mother or a father someday. 

When you see me up to my elbows in paint or standing at an easel, or moldingand shaping clay, please don’t let me hear you say “He is just playing”For you see, I’m learning as I play, I’m expressing myself and being creative.I may be an artist or an inventor someday.

 When you see me sitting in a chair “reading” to an imaginary audience.Please do not laugh and think I’m “just playing”.For you see, I’m learning as I play.
I may be a teacher someday. 

When you see me combing the bushes for bugs, or packing my pockets with choicethings I find, don’t pass it off as “just playing”. For you see, I’m learning as I play.I may be a scientist someday. 

When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some “plaything” at school.Please don’t feel the time is wasted in “play”.  For you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to solve problems and to concentrate.I may be in business someday. 

When you see me cooking or tasting foods, please don’t think that because I enjoy it, it is“just playing”. I’m learning to follow directions and see differences.I may be a chef someday.

 When you see me learning to skip, hop, run and move my body, please don’t say I’m “justplaying”. For you see, I’m learning as I play. I’m learning how my body works.I may be a doctor, nurse or athlete someday.

 When you ask me what I’ve done at school today, and I say, “I just played”
Please don’t misunderstand me. For you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to enjoy and be successful in my work. I’m preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I am a child and my work is play.

WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITIES & CPR/FIRST AID RENEWAL AT THE CFC OFFICE

The Importance of Documentation and Efficient Communication           

Attendance is strongly recommended for all FCC Educators, especially those who are caring for children in priority slots: teen parent or DCF families. 

We will be discussing various methods of documentation, keeping informative files on children, communicating   effectively with outside agencies and families, and the importance of covering all bases when caring for children. Templates and EEC required forms will be shared as well as regulation reminders pertaining to child files. The workshops are scheduled for May 6, 14, & 22 from 6:00pm-8:00pm If you are interested in attending please call or email me. THE 6th IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER PLEASE RSVP ASAP!!!! LET US KNOW IF YOU WILL ATTEND THIS TUESDAY BY EMAILING OR CALLING ME ON OR BEFORE MONDAY THE 5^TH.

CPR& First Aid Renewal 5/15

COST: CPR ~ $30.00 ~ 6pm

First Aid ~ $ 20.00 ~ 7pm

If registering for both ~ $40.00

YOU MUST REGISTER ON OR   BEFORE 5/12 .

WHAT’S INSIDE the BAG? Families and caregivers help mobile infants learn to think.

 Cognitive Development: Mobile Infants (8 to 18 months)

Mobile infants are explorers of space and objects. They need safe spaces and materials to explore on their own and to try new things. Mobile infants need toys that stack and nest to encourage them to solve problems. Mobile infants begin to pretend and imitate the activities of others as they play with toys such as dolls and telephones. Mobile infants learn concepts as they play. For example, they learn the opposites of “full” and “empty” by “filling” and “dumping.” By understanding a mobile infant’s development and needs, families and caregivers can better promote their cognitive development.
 As they learn to learn mobile infants engage in play, which is an important ingredient for cognitive development. They experiment, discover, and begin to learn concepts. They apply what they already know to new situations. They develop and create new strategies for problem solving. 

Activity

What you need: A brown paper sack, a small cloth bag or an adult sized tube sock

Before you begin: Gather up several familiar objects; a rattle, a soft toy, a set of plastic keys, blocks, ball, a big spoon, a toy car.

Allow your child to explore the toys and materials.

Now try this!

Begin by letting your child see you place a couple of the familiar objects into the bag.

Shake up the objects as your child watches. Say, “I wonder what’s in my bag?”

Let your child touch the bag. Then let him put his hand down in the bag without peeking and feel the toys. As your child touches the objects, say, “Oh my, let’s see what you’re touching?”

Let him take it out and show it to you. Encourage him with your enthusiasm. “Surprise, there’s your keys!”

Talk about the toys.

Continue to explore the contents of the bag.

Repeat the activity as long as your child is interested.

Try this variation of the activity!

Vary the objects from time to time. Use household and personal objects such as measuring spoons, a whisk, a small mirror or a brush.

Vary the texture and sounds of the objects.

From the Arkansas Dept. of Human Services www.state.ar.us/childcare

Weather Update

The Commonwealth Family Child Care Vans 

WILL NOT be running on January 22nd.

Enhance Language Development – Looking at Books & Turning Pages

Get those families READING! Support learning experiences at home:Loan a familiar book to an infant’s family. Copy and paste the following information into a document and send it home as well to encourage and facilitate reading at home.

Language Development

Young infants are born with many communication skills, abilities and responses.

They cry to communicate pain or distress. Soon they smile and coo, respond to voices and watch facial expressions. Within a few months they use all types of sounds, listen to conversations and begin to recognize the names of familiar people and things.

By knowing these special things about young infants, families and caregivers can better understand how to promote their language development.

When families and other caregivers help young infants learn to communicate the young infants use their inborn abilities to begin to express needs and wants without using words. Young infants respond to verbal and nonverbal social interactions with others. Young infants begin to imitate the sounds they hear when they are talked to and sung to.

Activity

Before you begin:

Turn off distractions such as the TV or CD player.

Hold your baby on your lap, holding the book so she can see it.

Remember to notice what your baby is looking at, listen to any sounds the baby makes and use clear descriptive words to describe what is on the pages. “Look, Listen, and Say!”

Try this nurturing ritual!

Observe the infant’s interest in the book. Offer to read the book by asking, for example,

“Laurie, would you like to read the book?” “We can read together.”

Read the book if she shows interest. If she doesn’t show interest, just watch and wait a little while.

Show her the pictures. Name and point to each object on the page.

Make comments about the pictures and make the animal sounds. Listen for a response. Respond to any babbling sounds or gestures. For example say, “Laurie, that’s a cat. A cat says ‘meow’.” Pause. “It’s a big yellow cat.”

Watch what your child does with the book. Let her handle and explore it. It’s okay for young infants to mouth books just as they do other toys and objects.

Encourage the infant to continue repeating the behavior. You might say, for example, “Laurie, you touched the cat. Daddy will touch the cat too.”

Continue the activity as long as both you and your child are interested. Even if the baby is not yet responding with sounds or gestures, if he is calm and relaxed and occasionally looking toward you or the book he is learning from the experience.

From the Arkansas Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education

READ! READ ! READ!

And the 2013 Caldecott Medal Winner is..........

This Is Not My Hat, written and illustrated by Jon KlassenIn this darkly humorous tale, a tiny fish knows it’s wrong to steal a hat. It fits him just right. But the big fish wants his hat back. Klassen’s controlled palette, opposing narratives and subtle cues compel readers to follow the fish and imagine the consequence. 

2013 Honor Books

Creepy Carrots!, illustrated by Peter Brown, written by Aaron Reynolds

Jasper the rabbit loves carrots until he notices they are everywhere. He is convinced they’re coming for him! Pronounced shadows, black borders and shaded edges enhance this ever so slightly sinister tale with a distinctly cinematic feel. This is one serving of carrots children will eagerly devour.

Extra Yarn, illustrated by Jon Klassen, written by Mac Barnett

A selfish archduke threatens to halt a little girl's transformation of a colorless town and steal her box of magical yarn.  Klassen's innovative digital technique results in shifts of color that signal character change and critical turns of plot -all done with just the right stitches of humor.

Green, illustrated and written by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

In this original concept book, Seeger engages all the senses with her fresh approach to the multiple meanings of “green.” Using thickly-layered acrylics, word pairings and cleverly placed die cuts, she invites readers to pause, pay attention and wonder.

One Cool Friend, illustrated by David Small, written by Toni Buzzeo

Energetic line and dizzying perspective combine for a rollicking tale of Father, Elliot and a highly improbable pet (or two). Buzzeo’s text, brimming with sly wordplay, earns its perfect counterpoint in Small’s ink, watercolor and pencil illustrations with chilly details and visual jokes that invite many repeated readings.

Sleep Like a Tiger, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski, written by Mary Logue

Surrounded with dreamlike images of crowns, ornate patterns and repeated visual motifs, her parents coax her into bed. Using mixed media artwork on wood enhanced with computer illustrations, this is a whimsical story with universal appeal.

CFC Family Childcare Educator Support Groups

YOU'RE INVITED!!!!
Commonwealth Family Child Care, Inc. is EXCITED to announce EDUCATOR SUPPORT GROUPS!!!!!

Many Educators have expressed the need to:

• Share Ideas
• Get input
• Ask questions
• Network
• Discuss curriculum and activities
• Share positive experiences
• Discuss difficult situations and gain feedback
• GET TOGETHER!!

We heard your request and we encourage you to become a part of our Support Groups!!!!!! 

 If you have not had time to view the December/January Newsletters here is the information below: 

“Two groups will be organized in which Brockton will have a network and Middleboro, Taunton, and New Bedford area programs will have a combined group. I anticipate that the groups will grow and require reorganizing but for now I am very pleased with the start-up. “ ~ Sarah

Raynham, Taunton, Middleboro, or New Bedford area Educators:

Raynham Public  Library 1/28/2014 

6-7:30 (RSVP by 1/24)

Brockton Educators:

Brockton Public Library, 304 Main St., 2/24/14 , 6-7:30 (RSVP by 2/21)

Don’t forget, if you know of an FCC Educator who would benefit from meeting our group bring them along! We do need you to RSVP so please send an email or call our  office! S.borges@comfamcc.com or call 508-880-3556 EXT 13

Sharing Health Information with Families

Below we have added some information from the Center for Disease Control, Educators are encouraged to copy and paste "How can I protect my child..." into a document and send it home with families.  

How can I protect my child against the flu?
• Flu Vaccines: The most important thing is for your child to get a flu vaccine every year.
Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for them should be vaccinated instead.
• Distance: Your child should avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Hand washing: Wash hands often with soap and running water (for as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice). If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Help your child in hand washing if needed.
• Germ control: Encourage your child to avoid touching his eyes, nose, mouth, and to use a tissue or elbow to cough or sneeze into.
• Cleaning: Keep surfaces in the house and toys clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to the directions on the product label.
• Health: If your child has a chronic health condition, make sure that it is under the best control.
• Plan: Have a plan in case your child becomes sick with the flu.

To view the entire packet of information for parents regarding the flu click here to access the entire CDC document for printing and sharing. It is recommended that you visit the website and share information regarding when it is okay to go back to childcare, vaccines, and planning ahead. 

A Simple Way to Connect with Families who have Infants!

Checking in with families and providing them with "at home" tips is always a good idea. Copy and paste the note below into a document and share it with parents and caregivers! 

Sending home this note or a similar one from time to time is a simple and easy way to connect with families and extend curriculum to home!

Dear Families,

At Family Child Care we always try to provide children with words to help them understand and express their feelings. This helps to let children know that we are aware of their feelings and care about them.  It also provides them with words and language that they will need to express themselves as they develop and grow.

Even the youngest infants are listening and starting to absorb language.It is never too early to start!Try to put your infant’s feelings into words. Talk with your infant about the feelings he seems to be expressing. 

Here are some examples of what you might say:

            - Your child starts to cry when you accidentally drop a pan on the floor: “That loud noise scared you. Let me hold you for a little while.”

- Your child kicks her legs when you walk into her room as she is waking from a nap: “You are happy and excited. I think you are ready to play”

            - Your child smiles and coos as you sing with him: “You’re so happy when I sing with you. Are you trying to sing with me?”

            - After you change her wet diaper: “That dry diaper feels good doesn't it?”

            - Your child begins to cry for no apparent reason: “You’re unhappy. Let’s see if we can find out what the problem is.”

            - Your child starts to cry as you leave the room: “You’re sad because I’m leaving. I love you too and will be back to get you.”

Do not deny or trivialize your child’s feelings. Let them know that it is alright to express their feelings, that someone will comfort and care for them. Your baby will learn to comfort themselves.

Ideas from Arkansas Frameworks for  Infant and Toddler Care.

Connecting with Families who have Infants

We encourage you to copy and paste the following "at home" ideas into a document and send it home with families enrolled in your program.                                                                                         

The following resource was found at www.education.com  , be sure to visit their website and view possible resources for families and your Family Child Care program. 

The more you play with your little one, the better prepared he'll be to learn new skills. Check out these nursery games to give your child a developmental head start, and have some fun to boot!

• Peek-a-Boo (0-12 months) This popular pick helps to teach your babe the concept of object permanence; the idea that something will continue to exist even if you don't see it. According to developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, most infants understand object permanence around eight or nine months, but games of peek-a-boo played from early infancy on can help to speed up the process. The game couldn't be easier—simply hide behind your hands (or another object) and then pop out and say, "Peek-a-boo! I see you!" Helping your kid understand this concept can mean the difference between a happy bye-bye and a tearful meltdown.
• Singing games (0-12 months) Singing songs to your sweetie helps to teach the sounds of words, as well as rhythm and music. Classic nursery songs like "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush" and "Old Macdonald Had a Farm" may also help your baby identify everyday tasks and learn farm animal names and their sounds.
• Hide and Seek (3-6 months) This game offers up more object permanence practice. Take a toy, hide it under a blanket, then ask, "Where's the rattle?" Pull the blanket aside and announce "Here it is!" Name the objects as you go; this helps your baby associate words with objects.
• This Little Piggy (3-6 months) Body awareness is the name of this game, as little ones feel each individual toe being manipulated. Taking hold of each little "piggy" in turn, chant this rhyme: "This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home, this little piggy went wee wee wee all the way home!"
• Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes (3-6 months) This nursery game promotes body awareness, helps develop body part vocabulary and gives your little learner practice with phonological awareness through singing. Sing the following song: "Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes, head, shoulders knees and toes, knees and toes, eyes and ears and mouth and nose, head, shoulders, knees and toes," touching each little part as you name it.
• Ride a Cock-Horse (3-6 months) Bouncing games such as this one help your kid develop social relationships, muscle coordination and balance. To play, cross one knee over the other and place your wee one on your top foot. Hold his little hands as you swing your foot up and down, gently bouncing him as you sing: "Ride a cock-horse to Banbury Cross, To see a fine lady upon her white horse. With rings on her fingers and bells on her toes. She shall hear music wherever she goes."
• Open Them, Shut Them (6-9 months) Introduce your tiny tot to the concept of opposites as you demonstrate both open and shut. Sit your baby up facing you and chant the words: "Open them, shut them; open them, shut them. Give a little clap. Open them, shut them; open them, shut them. Put them in your lap," as you guide your baby's hands to mimic the actions as you go along.
• Flying game (7-9 months) Promote trust, strengthen your kid's developing muscles and get more opposite practice with this Superman-inspired game. The directions are simple: swoop your baby up into the air, chanting "Up, up, up," then gently swing him down again, chanting "Down, down, down!"
• Pat-a-Cake (7-9 months) Clapping games help to develop basic listening skills, as well as manual dexterity. Sit your child up so he's facing you, and clap his hands together while you sing, "Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man, Bake me a cake as fast as you can!" Roll his hands in circles while you say "Roll it," then pat his palms on his lap as you say "Pat it," and move them to make the shape of a "B" in the air when you get to "Mark it with a "B". Finish up with, "Put it in the oven for baby and me!"
• Itsy-Bitsy Spider (9-12 months) Who doesn't love this childhood classic? Sing this simple song to your baby when he's new, but wait until he's developed some coordination before throwing in the finger movements. Sing, "Itsy-bitsy spider climbed up the water-spout," as you use his thumbs and pointer fingers to "walk" on his tummy. When you reach, "Down came the rain and washed the spider out," wiggle his fingers to mimic rain. During, "Out came the sun and dried up all the rain," raise his arms up above his head. Finally, repeat the first "walk" motion as you sing, "And the itsy-bitsy spider climbed up the spout again."

Promote Literacy Skills

Encourage parents and caregivers of infants to engage their little ones! 

Board Book to Read at Home                                                                                                                     Send home a board book with simple, colorful pictures that maybe you have read in your Family Child Care. Include an idea list of "reading tips and information" along with the book such as the one below: (feel free to copy and paste the information into a document)

Before you begin:

Turn off distractions such as the TV or CD player.

Hold your baby on your lap, holding the book so she can see it.

Remember, “Look, Listen, and Say.”

Try this nurturing ritual:

Observe the infant’s interest in the book. Offer to read the book by asking, for example, “Laurie, would you like to read the book?” “We can read together.”

Read the book if she shows interest. If she doesn’t show interest, just watch and wait a little while.

Show her the pictures. Name and point to each object on the page.

Make comments about the pictures and make the animal sounds. Listen for a response.

Praise any babbling sounds or gestures. For example say, “Laurie that’s a cat. A cat says ‘meow’.”

Pause. “It’s a big yellow cat.”

Watch what your child does with the book. Let her handle and explore it. It’s okay for young infants to mouth books just as they do other toys and objects.

Encourage the infant to continue repeating the behavior. You might say, for example, “Laurie, you are turning the pages by yourself.” “Oh, look at what you can do!”

Continue for as long as you are both interested.

 I hope you and your little one enjoyed the book I sent, DON'T FORGET TO SEND IT BACK to my Family Child Care so that other families may enjoy it too!!!