Cowichan Kids by Black Press Digital

Spring 2011

INSIDE Craft Supplies Contest.......................... 4 NEW Community Program Calendar.......... 11 Technology & Young Children............... 19

Brought to you by Helping all children succeed

for life

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Cowichan Kids

35,000 volunteer hours. Over $1,000,000 to Island communities. Not to mention countless warm fuzzies. Last year Island Savings provided over $1,000,000 — and 35,000 staff volunteer hours — to communities and members throughout Vancouver Island. Through our Growing Island Families Together (GIFT) program we help provide childcare initiatives, education, recreation programs and much more. And it’s all done with one goal in mind: to improve the quality of life for Island families.

For more information on our extensive community involvement, visit our website at www.iscu.com/gift

spring FALL 2011 2010

Cowichan Kids

Contents 4 Introduction 5 Message from SBy 6 Chair Phil Kent

7 Success By 6 8 Invest in your Kids Invest In Kids Foundation

9 Social and Emotional Development Bonnie Potter

10 Your Attention Matters Michael Gintowt

11 New! Community Program Calendar 15 Vitamin D- It is important Christy Thomson

16 Kids Corner – Colour Me 17 Kids Corner –Ideas to Make at Home 19 Technology and Young Children Delta McDonell

20 Beverages and Your Child’s Teeth Shelley Sorenson

21 Dyslexia is not a Learning Disability Karey Hope

22 Community Resource Guide

CONTACT US –WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU Parents we would love to print your favourite photographs! For comments, information on submissions of articles, community events calendar or resource directory please contact Cindy at 748-5866 or email cindylsuccessby6@shaw.ca spring 2011

Cowichan Kids

Introduction

Cowichan Kids is published in the Cowichan Valley by Success By 6 and is distributed three times per year to over 22,000 businesses and households across the Cowichan Region. Additional copies can be found at many child and family agencies. Cowichan Kids continues to support the vision that all children receive the nurturing and care they need in the first six years and that they are ready to learn and succeed as they enter school. The articles, information, photos and resources in this publication are from the Cowichan region and reflect the voice of our unique community. For more information on this publication or future publications of Cowichan Kids please contact Cindy Lise at cindylsuccessby6@shaw.ca or 748-5866. We welcome your photos and articles!

Cowichan Children and youth services Librarian Lee Losell and Success By 6 Coordinator Cindy Lise helping to “Raise A Reader”

Aboriginal Success By 6 Coordinator Ada Mawson and Dr Lee Brown in blanket ceremony at Cowichan Walking Together Again.

Your Donations Make a Difference

Success By 6 supports the funding of many local programs for children and families. 100% of all donations go directly to programs in the Cowichan Valley. For more information or to make a charitable donation to Success By 6®, visit your local United Way or Credit Union or go to www.successby6bc.ca . Tax receipts will be issued for donations over $10.00.

www.cowichankids.ca

Contest... Enter Here You Can Win $50 In Children’s Craft Supplies From Staples Business Depot Just By Sending Us Your Name And Number! 2 -Prizes To Be WonTo Enter, Email: cindylsuccessby6@shaw.ca Deadline March 31, 2010 – winners will be contacted by phone. Chances of winning depends on the number of applications received You can also mail in your entry by sending your name and phone number to Cowichan Success By 6 6080 York Road, Duncan BC V9L-5G8

spring 2011

Cowichan Kids

Message from Phil Kent Chair, Council of Partners

Council of Partners

Garrett Elliott Counsellor Municipality of North Cowichan Wendy Erickson SD 79 Early Literacy Betty Exelby Early Childhood College Professor John Elzinga Island Savings Centre Manager Jeff Forsyth Manager Staples Business Depot Maureen Gallinger Executive Director Cowichan Family Life Michael Gintowt Ministry of Children and Family Development Sarah Hollett Chemainus Island Savings Credit Union Jason Horn Community member Phil Kent Chair Success by 6 -Mayor of City of Duncan Cindy Lise Coordinator Cowichan Success By 6 Ada Mawson Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator Bill Macadam Publisher Cowichan News Leader Pictorial Marlene Rice Coast Salish Employment and Training Society Candace Spilsbury Chair SD79 Trustees Carol Stenberg Cowichan United Way Joy Stott Vancouver Island Health Authority Chris Waddell Representing Island Savings Credit Union Leslie Welin Community Member spring 2011

n the last issue of Cowichan Kids Magazine I wrote about the importance of discovery, interaction with nature and the outdoors, and the value of quiet times and touch in development of young children. I also acknowledged the reality of technology in our own, and our children’s lives. In this issue I want to talk about the balance between the two that can be a real benefit to the essential needs of children. In an article in 2001 by Mary Eming Young , Senior Public Health Specialist for the World Bank, (admittedly dated, regarding today’s technological advances), says, two fundamental questions need to be asked about the use of technology in early childhood learning. 1) Is the use of the technology developmentally appropriate for the child’s age and developmental stage? 2) Will the activity be a benefit to the child? These questions could be a real challenge for parents to answer. Where would you begin? And how would you be able to monitor the appropriate use of some great learning opportunities? To begin, there are some fantastic resources available in our own community, such as School District 79, Whales Tales, your local Librarian, the Children’s Resource Bus, Success By 6 and the Cowichan Kids website. All these organizations, people, and projects can help you gain knowledge about early childhood development and appropriate tools you and your children can use. Technology can really enhance the opportunity for creativity, discovery and developing skills, but must be used thoughtfully. Children under the age of two should have 0 hours of television time a day as they learn from directly interacting with their physical environment. Parents should limit the time of exposure to technology to 1 to 2 hours per day including computer, TV and video for children over 2 years). Better yet by participating together in activities with your children, including technology, you will go a long way in developing healthy, happy kids. Phil Kent Chair Council of Partners, Success by 6

Cowichan Kids

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spring 2011

Cowichan Kids

What is Success by 6? S

uccess By 6 is a provincial initiative that ensures all children aged 0-6 have the opportunities to become healthy safe and secure learners that are socially and emotionally prepared to succeed in school and life. The goal of Success By 6 is to improve outcomes for all children. The future prosperity of our society will be determined by the health and development of our children. The early years of life matter because early experiences affect the architecture of the maturing brain. As it emerges, the quality of that architecture establishes either a sturdy or a fragile foundation for all of the development and behaviour that follows - and getting things right the first time is easier than trying to fix them later. The Cowichan Success By 6 Council of Partners is committed to enhancing child development by helping

families do it right the first time. Simply put, the way we grow children is the way we grow citizens. We know what kind of community we want to live in so we are doing something about it.

Why should I Donate to Success By 6? Cowichan Success By 6 ensures that 100% of all funds donated to Success By 6 remain in the Cowichan Valley and go directly to programs and services that have been identified as meeting the needs of program/ service gaps within the region. Donations over $10.00 are tax deductable.

How can I get involved in making a difference in the lives of Cowichan Children? • Make a Tax deductable donation for Success By 6 at Cowichan United Way or

CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Call for Nominations begin in MARCH

Do you know someone who has made a difference in improving the lives of children and their families here in Cowichan? It could be a doctor, child care provider, a neighbour a parent, a business or community organization. Contact cindylsuccessby6@shaw.ca for more information.

spring 2011

your local Credit Union- be sure to say it is for Cowichan Success By 6. • Enquire about becoming a Council of Partners Member with the Success By 6 team of community leaders. • Engage in meaningful hands on activities with children such as reading, outdoor or indoor activities, coaching, or volunteering. • Help a parent with young children by providing friendship, offer support for someone who may be left out or having a rough day, or show you understand by being a mentor. • Encourage the development of strong relationships within families and community.

Contact cindylsuccessby6@shaw.ca for more information

Cowichan Kids

Invest in Kids 1 Be warm loving and responsive

Children need loving, sensitive care so they feel secure with their caregivers. By holding, rocking, smiling or singing to your child, you are helping to shape later learning and behaviour. Touch is especially important because holding and stroking stimulates the brain to release hormones necessary for growth.

2 Respond to your child’s cues and clues Because infants cannot use words to express their moods and needs you must be aware of the sounds, movements and facial expressions your baby makes to respond properly. Remember- you can’t spoil a newborn baby by responding to their needs.

3 Talk, read and sing to your child The parts of the brain that deal with speech and language develop as words are spoken. The more you expose your child to language, the more the brain will grow and develop. Your child’s language will grow when he or she hears you talk, read or sing.

4 Establish routines and rituals Daily routines are very important and comforting to infants and help them to learn what to expect from their environment. Children who have safe and predictable experiences with others have also been found to do better in school.

5 Encourage safe play and adventure As infants grow, they begin to explore their world beyond their parents or care givers, Encourage your infant to explore, but be ready when he or she returns to you for security. Remember that play is also important as a learning experience.

6 Make TV watching selective Children who learn best in school have

families who limit the amount of time they spend in front of the TV and are careful about the kinds of shows they can watch. Look at programs with your child and don’t let TV become the babysitter.

7 Use discipline as a chance to teach As children explore their world, it is important to set limits and provide adult care. Studies show that the way you give discipline- which really means to teach – is necessary to your child’s later development. Useful forms of discipline include saying no while reminding your child that he or she is loved and giving reasons for your rules.

8 Understand that each child is special All children are different and need praise for their successes. Be sensitive to his or her clues and cues. This will encourage your child to feel positive about themselves.

9 Choose quality child care and be involved If you choose child care, be sure it is of high quality, and stay involved. High quality child care can help your child’s learning and social skills when he or she enters school. Talk with friends, teachers, and others whose opinion you value when deciding the best child care. Studies show that children who do better in school have families who have been involved in their preschool care and education.

10 Take care of yourself In order to take care of your child, you must look after yourself. If you feel overwhelmed, ask for assistance. Whether it’s a family member, friend or child care provider there are people who can help you. Invest in Kids Foundation

spring 2011

Cowichan Kids

Social and Emotional Development

ocial and emotional development is a topic that has been receiving a lot of attention lately. Many children entering the school system are lacking skills in their social and emotional competence that is critical for school success. As a result, children as young as preschool age are being expelled and suspended from educational programs. It is essential that parents and care providers know what they can do in the early years, to increase children’s social and emotional competence (SEC), ensuring academic success. There is a specific skill set that children need to develop in order to achieve SEC. These skills are diverse and include: emotional literacy, empathy, perspective taking, turn taking, and problem solving. Children require plenty of adult support, modeling and practice to become accomplished in using these skills. This entails more than simply creating peer play opportunities and teaching children how to control their emotions. These are complex life skills that evolve along the continuum of human development. As with all learning, the earlier children are given the opportunity to build this skill set, the more proficient they will become. Exploring, teaching and practicing these skills with children can be simple, enjoyable and rewarding. Following is a list of ideas for supporting the development of social and emotional competence. Emotional Literacy Be an emotion detective. Describe the behavior you see. List the body and facial expressions you detect and identify the emotion you think the child is experiencing.

spring 2011

For instance, “I see that you knocked your blocks over, your hands are clenched and you are frowning. You are looking very frustrated.” Remember that it is important to identify and label all emotions so children can tune into their feelings and develop an understanding of the link between their emotions and actions. Children need to understand their feelings and have them acknowledged before they can learn to manage them. Empathy and Perspective Taking It is important for children to care about the feelings of others, and to understand another person’s perspective. Literature is a wonderful tool to explore emotions and to relate to the feelings of the characters in the story. Choose emotionally rich stories in which the characters experience a range of emotions. Encourage the children to be emotion detectives, identifying how the character is feeling, describing the clues they see in the character’s facial and body expressions. Ask the children questions such as, “How do you think s/he is feeling? What tells you s/he is feeling ________? Why do you think she is feeling________? Have you ever felt ___________?” Problem Solving All children experience some level of conflict. In order to increase SEC , when assisting children in problem solving it is important to: listen to the child’s point of view, involve the child in exploring solutions to the problem, create a positive atmosphere that tells the child t you trust that they can resolve the problem, and place more emphasis on making amends and addressing the problem rather than simply saying “Sorry”. By: Bonnie Potter

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Cowichan Kids

Your Attention Matters T

o be the best parent we can be...what a challenge! On one hand, it is easy: be yourself, be alert with your child, and respond naturally. On the other hand, people, work, chores and stress seem to dominate. Small children need time with you: face to face, joyful, and interacting in a sort of conversation, even if there are not many words used. Baby needs to know that you see him, that you respond to his needs. When that happens, your baby’s brain grows properly, so she speaks and moves better, gets along better with other people, and handles moods and feelings. But we also know that we need a good attitude and relationship with our work, co-workers, boss and partner. How can we make the time to be our best with everyone?

One way is to set priorities, and then deal with them one by one. What is most important? What seems most pressing may not be the most important. What grabs your attention the most is not a good indicator of what needs to be done first. “Urgent” and “important” are very different. Think about how they are different. It is a bit like the difference between “wants” and “needs.” A situation or demand can be both urgent and important. With little babies, just about every whimper, cry and bowel movement seems to reek of both urgency and importance. So we juggle priorities, tell others to wait, to cook their own supper, to find their own keys; we tell older children that their need or request is important to you, but that you

cannot respond this instant. They learn patience and how to delay gratification, and you gain time. Or you say “sure, I’ll open that can of mock Spam - here, you change your little sister’s diaper while I do that. Remember to talk nicely to her, and show her your nice smiling face.” The more there are helpful people in your circle, the more you will be able to give quality attention to your little one. We are people, not machines. We cannot work endlessly without a break. Heck, even machines need down time for greasing, repairs, and upgrading. Give yourself a break, put on the brakes, before you break down. Consider also mass media. Gentle or lively music can calm us or get us going. Romantic music can help kindle another

baby-making episode. We turn to our screens to escape reality for a while. It is a relief to sometimes watch a movie, and forget the pressures of living. But how much do we really need? How much is routine, out of habit? Do we really need to pay attention to the same “news” ten times a day? Observe yourself to see how much of your attention is diverted, jangled or scattered by what is being fed to us in the mass media. Maybe some of that attention can be directed to your baby, to everyone’s benefit, including your own. Michael Gintowt, MA Team Leader, Child & Youth Mental Health Duncan

spring 2011

Cowichan Kids

Ladysmith Dads Group Drop in Breakfast for Dads and their children Ladysmith Resource Centre 10:00-12:00 245-3079

Drop In Activities:

Eagles Nest Resource Prog Chemainus El 0-5yrs 9:00-11:00 $2 Drop-in Fee Strong Start Chemainus El 0-5yrs 12:30-3:30 Child Health Clinic 1st & 3rd Frid. By appointment only 709-3050 StrongStart Ladysmith Primary School 0-5yrs 9:00-12:00 740-3516 Healthy Beginnings Ladysmith Health Centre Pre-natal-12months 10:30-12:00 755-3388 Public Health Nurse Drop-in Ladysmith Health Centre 1:30-3:30 755-3388 LaFF Family Resource Program Aggie Hall 9:30-12:00 drop in 210-0870

Family

spring 2011

Strong Start Chemainus El 0-5yrs 12:30-3:30 Triple P Group Chem. Comm. School for parents of 2-12yr olds. 6:00-8:00pm Jan –Mar Chemainus Library Storytime 3-5yrs 11:00-12:00 Pre-register 246-9471 StrongStart Ladysmith Primary School 0-5yrs 9:00-12:00 740-3516 Born Healthy Pre-natal Program Ladysmith Resource Centre Family House 10:30-1:30 245-3079 Preschool Story Time Ladysmith Library 3-5yrs 13:30-11:00 245-2322 LaFF Family Resource Program Aggie Hall 9:30-12:00 drop in 210-0870

FREE OR LOW COST

Strong Start Chemainus El 0-5yrs 12:30-3:30 Mother Goose Chemainus Community School 0-4yrs Jan 13-Mar 10 10:00-11:00 call 246-3588 or 709-3050 to register StrongStart Ladysmith Primary School 0-5yrs 9:00-12:00 740-3516 Mother Goose Resource Centre,12 Buller Street Crawling-30months 9:45-10:45 Birth-crawling 12:45-1:45 245-3079 0-5 Immunization Ladysmith Health Centre 1:15-3:30 By appointment 755-3342 LaFF Family Resource Program Aggie Hall 9:30-12:00 drop in 210-0870

Eagles Nest Resource Prog Chemainus El 0-5yrs 9:00-11:00 $2 Drop-in Fee Mother Goose Crofton Community School 0-4yrs 9:00-10:00 Jan 11-Mar 8 call 246-3588 or 709-3050 to register Community Resource Bus Penelakut Island 10:20-1:15 StrongStart Ladysmith Primary School 0-5yrs 9:00-12:00 740-3516 Triple P Positive Parenting Ladysmith Resource Centre 6:30-8:30pm Register 245-3079 0-5 Immunization Ladysmith Health Centre 1:15-3:30 By appointment 755-3342 LaFF’s Family Frolic Drop In Gym Ladysmith Community Centre 0-6yrs Suggested donation $1/family 5:45-6:45pm 245-6424 LaFF Family Resource Program Aggie Hall 9:00-12:00 drop in 210-0870

Chemainus - Crofton - Ladysmith

Strong Start Chemainus El 0-5yrs 12:30-3:30 Strong Start - Crofton Comm..School aboard the Resource Bus 8:45-11:45 - Chemainus El 0-5yrs 12:30-3:30 Parents Helping Parents Chemainus El Parents & Caregivers 7:00-8:30pm January-June 246-3588 Mother Goose Chemainus Neighbourhood House 0-4yrs 11:30-12:30 Jan 24-Mar 7 + April – June call 246-3588 or 709-3050 to register Community Resource Bus Crofton Elementary 8:45-11:45 StrongStart Ladysmith Primary School 0-5yrs 9:00-12:00 740-3516 Adventures in Early Literacy Resource Centre, 12 Buller Street 3-5yrs 245-3079 LaFF Family Resource Program Aggie Hall 9:30-12:00 drop in 210-0870

Strong Start 0-5yrsBench School 9:00-12:00 - Khowhemun School 8:30-11:30 - Alexander & Koksilah School 9:00-Noon Mother Goose Whales Tales Duncan Mall Jan 10-Mar 9 + April-June 18m-4yrs 9:30-10:30 call 709-3050 to register Whales Tales Duncan Mall 0-5yrs 10:00-2:00 Child Health Clinic Margaret Moss 1:15-3:30 by appointment only 709-3050 Canadian Mental Health Counseling Support following sexual abuse 371 Festubert Street 746-5521

Strong Start 0-5yrs - Bench School 9:00-12:00 - Khowhemun School 8:30-11:30 - Alexander & Koksilah School 9:00-Noon Healthy Beginnings Margaret Moss Children 3 and under 10:30-1:00 Mothers Morning Out Duncan United Church 0-5yrs 9:00-11:00 Story Time Duncan Library 3-5yrs 10:30-11:00 Jan-Feb Breastfeeding Clinic Margaret Moss 1:00-3:00 Cow. Library Storytime Phone 746-7661 for more info Triple P Parenting Cowichan Aquatic Centre Parents of 18m-6yrs 10:00-11:30 Feb, April, June, October 709-3050 Triple P Parenting Margaret Moss Parents of 18m-6yrs 10:00-11:30 Beginning May Register 709-3050 Mother Goose Goes Waddling Somenos Traditional School 2-4yrs 1:30-3:00 Jan 18-Mar 8 + April-June U Fix it Bike Works 51 Trunk Road 2:30-5:30 746-5521

Strong Start 0-5yrs - Bench School 9:00-12:00 - Khowhemun School 8:30-11:30 - Alexander & Koksilah School 9:00-Noon Child Health Clinic Margaret Moss 9:00-11:30 Drop-in Whales Tales Duncan Mall 0-5yrs 10:00-2:00 Cow.Library Babytime Phone 746-7661 for more info Mother Goose St. Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Presbyterian Church Jan 12-Mar 9+ April-June 4m-18m 10:30-11:30 Register 709-3050 Counseling Support following sexual abuse 371 Festubert Street 746-5521

Family

duncan

FREE OR LOW COST

Cowichan Kids

Drop In Activities:

spring 2011

Cowichan Kids

SATURDAYS Strong Start 0-5yrs - Bench School 9:00-12:00 - Khowhemun School 8:30-11:30 - Alexander & Koksilah 9:00-Noon Breastfeeding Clinic Margaret Moss 10:00-11:30 Cow.Library Toddlertime Phone 746-7661 for more info Triple P Parenting Alexander Family Resource Center Parents of 2-12yrs Jan 15-Mar 10 10:00-11:30 To register 748-8281 Community Resource Bus St. Andrews Church – Cairnsmore 9:30-12:30 -Cowichan Tribes 1:15-2:45

Strong Start 0-5yrs - Bench School 9:00-12:00 - Khowhemun School 8:30-11:30 - Alexander & Koksilah School 9:00-Noon Healthy Beginnings Margaret Moss Children 3 and under 10:30-1:00 Whales Tales Duncan Mall 0-5yrs 10:00-2:00 U Fix it Bike Works 51 Trunk Road 2:30-5:30 746-5521 Community Resource Bus Cowichan Sportsplex 1:30-3:00

Margaret Moss Health Centre Child Health Clinic 1 morning per month By appointment only 709-3050 U Fix it Bike Works 51 Trunk Road 12:00-4:00 746-5521

cowichan

events Cris Rowan will be doing a presentation called “Disconnect to Reconnect” Exposure to Technology on Feb. 12, 2011 in Duncan. Call Delta at 250 746-4135 local 234 or Shelley at 250 746-4135 local 253 for details.” Easter Hunt BC Forest Discovery Centre Sunday, April 24, 2011 The Easter Hunt is now a fun, all-day event! Families will explore the grounds in search of nature’s surprises and secrets from the past by going on a scavenger hunt. Each child will receive a bag of Easter treats at the end of the hunt. Spend the rest of the day riding the Green Hornet, playing in the bouncy castle, and making an Easter craft in the 100 year old schoolhouse. Be sure to visit with the Easter Bunny before you go! Hours of operation are from 10:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Members may use their season’s passes for this event. Ready Set LEARN, Duncan Mall Ready Set LEARN, Lake Cowichan.Cent Hall Ready Set LEARN, Shawnigan Lake Comm.Cntr Fun Family Literacy Nights, Duncan Mall Ready Set LEARN, Chemainus El.Comm.School Cowichan Young Naturalists Club spring 2011

February 4th February 16th February 24th April 8, May 13 March 4th Sept-June

3-5yrs 3-5yrs 3-5yrs 18m-8yrs 3-5yrs 4-10yrs

2:00-7:00 2:00-7:00 2:00-7:00 5:30-8:30 2:00-7:00 Day time

748-3936 ext200 748-3036 ext200 748-3936 ext200 748-3936 ext200 748-3936 ext200 746-6141

Lake Cowichan - youbou

Family

FREE OR LOW COST

Cowichan Kids

Drop In Activities:

14 Healthy Beginnings Kaatza Health Centre 1- 3 yrs 9:30 0-1yrs 11:00 Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop Mesachie Lake Hall 4-8yrs 2:45-4:30 April 11-June 13 Register 749-6742

Little Ninja’s Karate Palsson School Gym 5-8yrs 6:45-7:15pm Register 749-6742

Storytime Cowichan Lake Branch VIRL Every other Thursday Jan 27-June 16 9:30-10:00 Phone 749-3431 for more info

Resource Bus Saywell Park 9:00-12:00 Junior Curling Cowichan Rocks Rink Ages 6-16 Feb 4 – March 4 3:45-5:00 Register 749-6742

Dad & Tot Breakfast Lake Cowichan Community Services 4th Thursday 9:00-10:30

Preschool Child Care, Out of School Care Agapeland Christian Preschool Angel Care Christian Preschool/ after school care Arcadian Day Care/ After school care Cobble Hill Montessori Preschool Cowichan Lake Rec. Playschool Cowichan Preschool Eagle Wings -Chemainus Comm. School Growing Together Child and Parent Society Kaatza Child care and after school care Lk Cowichan King’s Kids Montessori Preschool Le’lum’uy’lh Child Dev.Centre Parkside Academy Society Early Learning Centre - Alexander El - Khowhemun El, Tansor El, Bench El Pathways Child care centre Puddle Jumpers Christian Child care Queen Margaret’s Preschool/ Day Care Serenity Cove Children’s Centre Shawnigan Lake Comm.Cntr. Preschool & Child Care Shawnigan Lake Montessori Pre-school & Child Care Smuneem Head Start Penelakut St. Joseph’s Preschool, Chemainus Sunrise Waldorf School Preschool & After school care

Resources

Child Care Resource and Referral Healthy Children Healthy Futures (CAPC) Healthiest Babies Possible Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre Clements Centre Children’s Services Cowichan Lake Community Services

Cow. Lake Community Services Parent & Tot Tumbling Time 6m-5yrs 121:45-12:45 April 13-June 15 Cow.Lake Arena Playschool Register 749-6742 Indoor Soccer Lake Cowichan Secondary Gym 5-7yrs Feb 9-Mar 9 6:00-6:45pm Register 749-6742 Group for Parents & tots Lake Cowichan Community Services 0-5yrs 9:30-10:30

746-4551 701-0433 748-3922 746-9889 745-3712 748-4112 246-3588 748-9754 749-6422 710-8640 746-5966

3-5yrs 3-5yrs 0-5 yrs 3-5yrs 3-4yrs 3-5yrs 3-5yrs 0-3 yrs 0-12 yrs 2 1/2-5yrs 1-12yrs

748-3936 ext 207 746-1711 748-7270 746-9976 746-4185 743-7711 743-6643 743-6279 246-2321 246-3191 743-7253

30m-5yrs 30m-5yrs 3-5 yrs 0-5 yrs

746-4135 748-2242 748-2242 746-6184 746-4135 749-6822

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LEARNING LINKS S.D.#79

0-6yrs 2 1/2-5yrs 6m-5 yrs 3-5yrs

Arcadian Child Care Centre

spring 2011

Cowichan Kids

Vitamin D I

n November 2010, new recommendations for Vitamin D intakes were released by the U.S Institute of Medicine. The Canadian and U.S. governments worked together on this report.

What does Vitamin D do?

Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb and use calcium and phosphorus which are essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. Low Vitamin D levels can cause calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood to decrease with the result that calcium is drawn from the bones to stabilize blood levels. This can cause rickets in children and softening of the bones; osteomalacia or fragile bones; osteoporosis in adults, increasing the risk of fractures. Vitamin D may also play a role in reducing the risk of many chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis and some cancers.

How Much Vitamin D do I need? The recommendations for Vitamin D (1) intake have increased for everyone. See the table below for the Recommended Dietary Allowance and the Tolerable Upper Intake Level for each age group. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level is defined as “the highest continuing daily intake of a nutrient that is likely to pose no risks of adverse health effects for almost all individuals” (2).

*Adequate Intake rather than Recommended Dietary Allowance References: Institutes of Medicine November 2010 http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/ nutrition/vitamin/vita-d-eng.php http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/reference/cons_info-guide_ cons-eng.php These are public health recommendations for healthy people. People who have a chronic medical condition should discuss their Vitamin D needs with their health care provider.

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How Do I Get Vitamin D?

Our bodies can make Vitamin D when sunlight shines on our skin. However at the latitude where we live the sun is only strong enough to cause our bodies to make Vitamin D between mid April and mid October. In the late fall, winter and early spring even if we are exposed to direct sunlight we would not produce Vitamin D. We also want to be sunsafe. Sunscreen and protective clothing can prevent the sun’s rays from reaching our skin. People who spend alot of time indoors are at risk of Vitamin D deficiency as sunlight shining through a window is not strong enough to cause the skin to make Vitamin D. People with darker skin don’t make as much vitamin D from the sun.

What Foods Contain Vitamin D?

To meet the new recommendations for Vitamin D most people will need to take a supplement as well as eat food sources. Vitamin D supplements come in liquid and tablet forms. Many multivitamin supplements contain Vitamin D. Always check labels for the Vitamin D content. For more information about Vitamin D see: Health Canada: vitamin D and Calcium: Updated Dietary Reference Intakes; http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/vitamin/vita-d-eng.php Christy Thomson R.D. Community Nutritionist Margaret Moss Health Centre 675 Canada Ave Duncan, B.C., V9L 1T9 250-709-3050 ext 45509.

Cowichan Kids

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Cowichan Kids

Kids Corner Fun to do crafts at home couple of cotton balls in it. Have the kids flip the pages over and slowly and thoroughly rub the cotton balls on the paper. (You’ll see the paper turn transparent and the colors come through). Put them aside to dry (usually doesn’t take long). Cut them out and either hang them as is with a hole punched in them or

Plastic Spoon Puppets

Let little minds create characters and puppet shows! Plastic spoons Household glue Googly eyes (optional) Construction Paper or felt Pipe cleaners (optional) Permanent Marker (with adult help) Have the children cut out hats, scarves, eyes and noses. A Pipe cleaner can be wrapped around the stem for a scarf. Design fun faces. If needed a grown up can help with the permanent felt pen for mouths and eyes. Have fun creating puppet shows for everyone in the family

Stained Glass Art on Paper

Wax Crayons- not coloured pencils or markers Standard white or pale coloured paper Cooking oil Cotton balls- paper towel also works “Have the kids color a picture with crayons. They can color dark or light - it doesn’t matter but darker works better. They really do look like stained glass pictures, especially if the picture had heavy black lines.” Have a bowl with a VERY small amount of cooking oil and a

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frame them with construction paper.

I Spy Binoculars

2 toilet paper rolls Tape paper Stickers (optional) Crayons or markers to colour String Strap 2 toilet paper rolls

together as shown. Punch 2 holes one on each side of the rolls. Colour or decorate as desired. Talk about bird watching, “ I spy” and other things that children can look for.

Cowichan Kids

Duncan Christian School

Preschool and Kindergarten Applications warmly invited. (3 day Kindergarten option available) www.duncanchristianschool.ca

495 Beech Avenue, Duncan BC

250-746-3654

Attention Cowichan Valley Families, Child care providers and Community members!

The Cowichan Valley Child Care Resource & Referral Program is your community’s best source of child care information and resources. This program is funded by the Ministry for Children and Family Development. Program staff are certified Early Childhood Educators with experience working with families and children in family and group child care settings.

We are very pleased to provide these free services:

How we support families with children 0-12 years. We will… • • • •

Talk with you about different types of child care. Personalize referrals lists to help you ﬁnd childcare. Help you complete Child Care Subsidy applications. Fax Child Care Subsidy applications at no charge.

How we support child care providers. We will… • • •

Talk with you about starting a license-not-required or licensed child care business. Invite you to attend child care training workshops. Loan toys, child-related equipment, books and DVD’s to registered child care providers. Clements Centre Society in Duncan, 5856 Clements St. Duncan BC V9L 3W3 Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm Phone: 250-746-4135 local 231, Email: ccrr@clementscentre.org www.islandfamilyinfo.ca A program of Clements Centre Society, Funded by the Province of BC

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Cowichan Kids

Technology and Young Children; a Help or a Hindrance? Computers, television, cell phones, video games, MP3 players, the list of devises that we have access to continues to grow day by day. The target audience for these products gets younger all the time. Families are advised to get their 6 year old a cell phone for “safety’s sake” or get a computer program to help their 3 year old “learn”. Are all these devices really improving our children’s quality of life? We have seen the articles about the rise of childhood obesity, we have heard the reports on increased aggression in children and we have noticed that attention spans seem short. Could the increased use of technology by both adults and children be part of the problem? According to Cris Rowan, (www.zonein.ca), elementary school aged children are spending 8 hours per day using technology, be it TV, computer, video games or whatever. No wonder obesity is on the rise, with all that sedentary activity, there is no time to go outside and play. Children need to interact with other children and adults to learn how to be social, cooperate, collaborate and share. With all that time in front of the TV, the only thing children might be sharing is a bowl of popcorn. Cris Rowan goes on to say that

there are 3 critical factors to a child’s overall development, movement, connection and touch. When adults and children are spending hours a day texting, playing video games or watching TV, there is no time left for connecting with each other and with nature. There is no time to cuddle up together with a book or to talk about what is going on in their lives. The research suggests that children under 2 years old should not be exposed to any television, movies, computer or video games. Very young children learn to talk, to walk, to interact with other people and their environment by playing with the people in their life that are important to them. Children older than 2 should not be exposed to more than 2 hours of technology a day and never for more than 20 minutes at a time. Young children need to get out side and play. They need 2 to 3 hours per day of active play in a green environment. This promotes brain development in all areas important to learning. So if you want your child to do well in school, turn off the TV and the cell phone, limit the use of all technology and make time to play, to move, to connect and to hold hands. By Delta Mcdonell

Cris Rowan will be doing a presentation called “Disconnect to Reconnect” on Feb. 12, 2011 in Duncan. Call Delta at 250 746-4135 local 234 or Shelley at 250 746-4135 local 253 for details. spring 2011

Dwight 1/4

Cowichan Kids

Beverages and Your Child’s Teeth : What You Might Not Know

reast milk is best your baby. It is important to remember that breast milk and formula both contain sugar. Remember to wipe out baby’s mouth after each feeding, or brush their teeth if they have teeth coming in. Cleaning or brushing of baby’s mouth should be done twice a day at least.

Never put a baby to bed with a bottle containing anything other than plain water. Baby may not swallow his or her last mouthful of liquid, and the sugar in that liquid then bathes the teeth until baby swallows the liquid. This can cause tooth decay. Don’t put sweet drinks like juice (even unsweetened), pop, or chocolate milk in baby’s bottle or sippy cup. Use a regular cup, beginning at 6 months of age, and avoid giving baby sweet drinks. Pop and crystal drinks are also high in acids that can decay the teeth. Unsweetened juice contains lots of “natural” sugar that can cause cavities if sipped all day long. Give your child fresh fruit

juice or water instead. Every time your child takes a sip of a sweet drink, acid from the sugar “attacks” the teeth for about 20 minutes. Don’t let your child walk around with a bottle or sippy cup all day. Encourage your child to finish their drink at the table with their meal or snack. Chocolate milk has more sugar than plain milk. Yes, plain cow’s milk, soy milk, and almond milk all have sugar in them. Remember to brush your child’s teeth after serving it to them. Shelley Sorenson Registered Dental Hygienist Ts’ewulhtun Health Clinic 5768 Allenby Road Duncan, BC V9L 5J1

CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Call for Nominations begin in MARCH

Quality Toys for the Enquiring Mind at “The Best Toyshop in the Whole Wide World”

The Red Balloon Toyshop 250-748-5545

spring 2011

Cowichan Kids

Dyslexia is not a Learning Disability Have you ever wondered what dyslexia is all about? Dyslexia is a term used to refer to people who have difficulty with spelling and reading. It also includes printing, arithmetic, money, measurement, days of the week, analog clocks, or time in general. Dyslexics often have difficulty following instructions, reading and understanding text or lists and exhibit other behaviors. But a dyslexic person can also be the visionary in a group of students working on a project, the problem solver, the individual who defines the statement “thinking outside the box,” and a great asset. Dyslexics often have heightened intuitive abilities, making them terrific “people” people. Unlike what you may have heard, dyslexia is not a dysfunction of the brain or a “learning disability.” It is simply a “different way of thinking” and processing information. Given proper support, dyslexic individuals can meet and exceed their goals in school, and in life. If your child or someone you know has two or more of the following behaviors, you should consider a screening or assessment for dyslexia. In general: • spoken, written language is slow • poor concentration, personal organization • difficulty following instructions • forgets words

Written Work:

• written work poor compared with oral ability • produces messy work with many crossings out and words tried several times • persistently confused by letters that look similar, particularly b/d, p/g, p/q, n/u,

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m/w • spells a word different ways in one piece of writing • produces badly set-out written work, doesn’t stay close to the margin • has poor pencil grip • produces phonetic and bizarre spelling: not age/ability appropriate

Reading:

• poor reading progress • finds it difficult to blend letters together • difficulty establishing syllable division or knowing the beginnings and endings of words • unusual pronunciation of words • no expression in reading; comprehension poor • hesitant and laboured in reading, especially when reading aloud • misses out words or adds extra words • fails to recognize familiar words • loses the point of a story being read or while writing • difficulty in picking out the most important points from a passage Numeracy: • confusion with number order, for example units, tens, hundreds • confused by symbols such as + and x signs • difficulty remembering information in a sequential order, for example tables, days of the week, seasons of the year, yesterday, today, tomorrow, the alphabet • difficulty in learning to tell the time and keeping time appointments

Skills

• poor motor skills, which can lead to weaknesses in speed, control and accuracy printing • confused by left and right, up

and down, east and west • performs unevenly from day to day

Behaviour:

• employs work-avoidance tactics such as sharpening pencils and looking for books • seems to daydream, does not seem to listen • easily distracted • is the class clown or is disruptive or withdrawn • excessively tired due to amount of concentration and effort required Karey Hope (A little info about Karey Hope, the creator of the teaching

solutions that work so well with Dyslexic individuals.) Karey Hope is Dyslexic and has 3 successful adult children. She created the specific teaching methods after 25 years of research and testing. She and her partner do full Dyslexia Assessments and design the customized teaching plans and solutions for the Dyslexic individual. They are located in Duncan and serve from Victoria and as far North as Courtney and Powell River. For more information or to contact them go to www.dyslexiavictoria. ca or call 250-715-3034, email: degraaf@dyslexiavictoria.ca

MULBERRY LANE SCHOOL OF MUSIC MUSIC & MOVEMENT CLASSES •Newborn to 7 years •Age appropriate programs •Small Class Sizes •Educational & Fun •No Registration Fee •Free Trial Lesson “Children in music do better in school and life” ENROLL TODAY •Music Makes a Difference 163 First Street, Duncan Call 250-748-9794 www.mulberrylanemusic.com

Family Services Directory CHILD CARE

Kidz Co. Learning Centre Inc 250-746-4020 A licensed Group Day Care Centre that provides a safe, developmentally appropriate environment for children 30 months to 5 yrs. Our focus is to provide a stimulating early care and education experience which promotes each child’s uniqueness, and ensuring school readiness. New centre open. Arcadian Day Care 250-748-3922 Now open Reggio Emelia inspired preschool, AM and PM classes! Licensed non-profit early learning and care centre for children ages 0-5. Fully qualified early childhood educators. Support for children and families in all areas of development. Close to town. Drop off and pick up to Khowhemun and Duncan El. Kindergarten. 7:30 to 5:30 Mon to Fri. Growing Together Child Care Centre 250-748-9754 Early Childhood Educators offering quality care and education to Infants and Toddlers. Situated beside the Cowichan Valley Open Learning Co-op on Cairnsmore Street. Open door policy for parents. Parkside Academy Child Care Centre 250-746-1711 Offering quality, affordable literacy focused childcare and early learning programs for children ages 0-12 . Licensed and Teacher Qualified. Please visit www. parksideacademy.ca for more information on all our programs. Continuous enrolment of preschool programs available at Alexander El and Khowhemun El. Ensure your child’s readiness for school and love for learning by enrolling at Parkside today! Please call 250-746-1711 for more information.

PRE-SCHOOL St. Joseph’s Preschool 250-246-3191 St Josephs Preschool/Daycare 250-246-3191Licensed centre located at St. Joseph’s School in Chemainus. We offer opportunities for children to develop as a whole child, (physically, socially, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually). Our program believes that children learn through play and are given many opportunities to learn in an hands on environment. By using age appropriate means our program teaches early literacy, numeracy and social skills. www.stjosephselem.ca Montessori Pre-School and Child Care 250-743-6279 Licensed in Shawnigan Lake- 1979C Renfrew Rd, (Shawnigan Lake School campus). Program includes a prepared environment for self discovery, creative, purposeful play and respectful social interactions. Explore practical life, sensory refinement, literacy, numeracy, art, science and music. 3-5 year olds ECE, M. Ed, Montessori qualified staff. www.montessori.cowichan.com Eagle Wings Preschool- Chemainus Elementary Community School 250-2463588 “Through the magic of play children learn and grow.” The licensed preschool follows up-to-date ECE standards and curriculum. Opportunities for early literacy, numeracy, science and fine arts using age appropriate strategies are offered. Positive social, emotional, and physical skills are encouraged. ccsa@sd79.bc.ca Angel Care Christian Preschool 250-701-0433 We believe that the development of the whole child (physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually) encourages each individual to develop to their full potential. We offer an enriched preschool program that strives to meet the needs of all children, and to better prepare them for their future academic endeavours. Our preschool is located at Queen of Angels School Cowichan Preschool- 250-748-4112 Parent owned preschool offering creative, developmentally appropriate preschool programs for children aged 3-5. Centrally located in beautiful park setting. Serving the Cowichan Valley since 1977.

Cowichan Kids

PRE-SCHOOL

Sunrise Waldorf School, Kindercottage Nursery 250-743-7253 A morning program for 3 and 4 year olds available as a 2 or 3 day a week option. A warm nurturing atmosphere where a sense of wonder is celebrated and outdoor playtime is abundant. Organic snacks included. Parent and Child programs also available. www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org.

FAMILY PROGRAMS

Chemainus Community Schools’ Association 250-246-3588 CCSA is a non-profit association that runs the “community” part of Chemainus Elementary Community School. We offer programs to school students and community residents. Thanks to our many partners, babies to seniors may benefit from immunization clinics, gym rentals, fine arts classes and more. ccsa@sd79. bc.ca Eagles’ Nest: A Family Resource Centre; open Mon – Fri, 9:00- 11:00 during the year and Tues and Thurs. 10 -12:00 in the summer. Adults welcome with little ones of mixed ages to play and learn together. Drop-in, by donation. Call or Email eaglesnest@sd79.bc.ca Cowichan Family Life- 250-748-8281 www.cowichanfamilylife.org Kids’ stuff: Mother Goose, Harmony for Kids (social and emotional skills building), Summer Day Camp, StrongStart Outreach BC, Community Resource Bus. Grown up Stuff: Personal Power workshops, Healing Anger Workshop, Affordable Peer Counselling, Transforming Violence counselling, Affordable Child and Family Counselling, Parenting support, Supervised Access for non custodial parents. Healthy Beginnings 250-709-3050 Relaxed and informal drop in for moms, dads, grandparents and friends- all welcome! Free! Healthy snacks provided. Taxi provided where available. We meet weekly except when a statutory holiday occurs in the week. Sessions at Kaatza Health Unit, Margaret Moss, Chemainus Elementary Community School, and Shawnigan Lake Community Centre. Cowichan Valley Child Care Resource and Referral 250-746-4135 ext 231 The CCRR offers free referrals and child care information for families and support to child care providers. Your community’s best source of child care information and resources Healthiest Babies Possible- (Duncan) is a pregnancy outreach program open to women and their partners needing extra support. Services include one-on-one counselling, support and advocacy, diet and lifestyle information. A prenatal and postnatal group also runs every Wednesday with lunch, childcare and transportation provided. A program for fathers also runs on Wednesday. Phone 748-2242 or email hbp.hof@shawcable.com Eagles’ Nest Family Resource Program: 250-246-3588 eaglesnest@sd79.bc.ca Tuesdays & Fridays 9:00-11:00 am (except school closures), runs year-round. $2 Drop-In Fee. A drop-in Family Resource Program for parents, grandparents, caregivers and children 0-5 at Chemainus Elementary Community School. Connect with your child and other families in your community in this interactive program that includes play-based learning, snack, circle time, parenting education, resources and more. Chemainus StrongStart: 250-246-3588 ccsa@sd79.bc.ca Monday-Friday, 12:30-3:30 p.m. (except school closures), runs Sept-June. FREE. StrongStart BC early learning programs provide school-based early learning services for adults and their children 0-5 years. Qualified early childhood educators lead learning activities to help children get ready for success in kindergarten. Parents and caregivers can participate in organized story time session; play activities, music, art, healthy snack.

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Cowichan Kids

FUN FAMILY Presented by LearningLITERACY Links, SD #79 NIGHTS Presented by Learning Links, SD #79 Duncan Mall 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. February 11/11 Math IS Everywhere

April 8/11

Recycling Detectives & Earth Day Celebrations

May 13/11

Literacy Fair â&#x20AC;&#x153;Under the Tentsâ&#x20AC;? with Auntie Winnie

The Pharmacists at Mill Bay Pharmasave can assist you and your family Our pharmaciusts at Pharmasave can help with questions and solutions to all kinds of childhood and infant conditions. Using medications, either prescription or over the counter preparations, especially in relation to pregnancy and breast feeding. Suggestions for common ailments including colic, vitamin supplements, cold and flu symptoms, diaper rash, cradle cap and constipation. Information about symptomatic treatments for childhood and infant diseases as well as advice on immunizations. Alternative and natural approaches to infant conditions. We have an extensive range of homeopathy available. Rental products and special order products available including breast pumps nebullizers, infant formulas etc. We compound and different problems including taste, swallowing and medication delivery. If you are unable to get out to us, we have delivery service available 3 times daily and once on Saturday. For more information please call, we are here to help.

MILL BAY CENTRE

spring 2011

250-743-9011

Cowichan Kids

Amazing is here. The brilliant iPhone 4 contains new features that make it more powerful, easier to use, and more indispensable than ever. Here’s why: FaceTime video calling Retina display Multitasking HD video recording and editing 5-megapixel camera with LED flash

Apple® iPhone® 4 16GB

$ 159.00* | $649.00 (3 year term)

(no term)

SAVE $490

DEALER LOGO AND ADDRESS GO HERE “Fornot People on the Go!” (dotted line does print) Cowichan Commons 715-1599 Mill Bay 733-2626

www.cowichansound.com

Duncan 748-4847 951A Canada Ave.

Phone availability and prices may vary. Prices are subject to change without notice. Effective net price after in-store discount at time of activation. *Offer available on new consumer activations on a 3 year term. L imited time offer, some conditions apply. Regular 3 year price of the Apple iPhone 4 16GB is $649.00. TM and © 2010 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. 1-800-MY-APPLE or www.apple.ca. Some applications are not available in all areas. Application availability and pricing are subject to change. TELUS is a trademark of TELUS corporation, used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2010 TELUS.

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