CDA Starts This Week!

Last chance to sign up for UCM Workshop on Wheels CCR&R's Child Development Associate (CDA) class for 2009-2010! Classes start Thursday, August 27 and will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. in the James C. Kirkpatrick Library on UCM's campus.

Up to nine hours of college credit is available with the class, or you may take it for clock hours only. Our CDA class provides all the clock hours you'll need to earn your CDA plus assistance to complete your Resource File, Autobiography, and Competency Statements. One of our staff members will even come visit your classroom to give you helpful feedback on how to make your final CDA Observation successful.

For more information, contact Jacki Turner at jturner@ucmo.edu or 660-543-8321 or 800-666-1461.

Back to School Tips!

BACKPACK SAFETY

Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.

Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back.

The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the your child’s body weight.

Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.

Consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs, and they may be difficult to roll in snow.

TRAVELING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

Review the basic rules with your youngster:

School Bus

Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.

Do not move around on the bus.

Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver.

Bike

Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.

Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.

Use appropriate hand signals.

Walking to School

Make sure your child's walk to a school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection.

Be realistic about your child's pedestrian skills. Because small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision.

If your child is young or is walking to new school, walk with them the first week to make sure they know the route and can do it safely.

BULLYING

Bullying is when one child picks on another child repeatedly. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social. It can happen at school, on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, or over the Internet.

When Your Child Is Bullied

Help your child learn how to respond by teaching your child how to:
1. Look the bully in the eye.
2. Stand tall and stay calm in a difficult situation.
3. Walk away.
Teach your child how to say in a firm voice.
1. "I don't like what you are doing."
2. "Please do NOT talk to me like that."
3. "Why would you say that?"

Teach your child when and how to ask for help.

Make sure an adult who knows about the bullying can watch out for your child's safety and well-being when you cannot be there.

When Your Child Is the Bully

Be sure your child knows that bullying is never OK.

Set firm and consistent limits on your child's aggressive behavior.

Be a positive role mode. Show children they can get what they want without teasing, threatening or hurting someone.

Use effective, non-physical discipline, such as loss of privileges.

When Your Child Is a Bystander

Encourage your child to tell a trusted adult about the bullying.

Help your child support other children who may be bullied. Encourage your child to include these children in activities.


BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CHILD CARE

During middle childhood, youngsters need supervision. A responsible adult should be available to get them ready and off to school in the morning and watch over them after school until you return home from work.

Children approaching adolescence (11- and 12-year-olds) should not come home to an empty house in the afternoon unless they show unusual maturity for their age.

If alternate adult supervision is not available, parents should make special efforts to supervise their children from a distance. Children should have a set time when they are expected to arrive at home and should check in with a neighbor or with a parent by telephone.

If you choose a commercial after-school program, inquire about the training of the staff. There should be a high staff-to-child ratio, and the rooms and the playground should be safe.

DEVELOPING GOOD HOMEWORK AND STUDY HABITS

Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy.

Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time.

Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child's homework for her.

If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren't able to help her yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child's teacher first.

Read the full article at the American Academy of Pediatrics' Website!

Dr. Becky Bailey Coming to Lee's Summit!

Dr. Becky Bailey of Loving Guidance will be presenting a two hour session on "Preventing Power Struggles" for parents and providers! If you've seen Dr. Bailey before, you know what a treat this will be. If you haven't seen her yet, oh, you MUST! We promise you will be entertained and informed, and you'll come away with many useful strategies for building relationships with children.

When: September 17, 2009 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Where: Woods Chapel United Methodist Church, 4725 NE Lakewood Way, Lee's Summit, MO 64064
Cost: $20 per person, or $30 per couple

Seating is limited, so register soon! Register by visiting www.woodshchapelchurch.org. For more information contact Peggee Scwartz at 816-373-4904 or e-mail peggees@woodschapelchurch.org.

Take Action: Tell Your Story to Governor Nixon

Partnership for Children released this statement today:

Governor Nixon wants to cut an additional $60 million from the state budget – and 20% of these cuts are targeted to our kids! Child care assistance, adoption resource centers, early head start, and child abuse prevention are just some of the programs serving our most vulnerable children that are at risk. Click here to see a full list.

We need your help to show the real impact of these budget cuts. Email Governor Nixon today and share how these proposed budget cuts would impact you, your family, your organization, or the people you serve.