Week of the Young Child 2015

Early Years Are Learning Years

Celebrating the Week of

THE YOUNG CHILD

April 12-18, 2015

In celebration of the “Week of the Young Child” and to bring attention to April as “Child Abuse Prevention Month,” Smart Start is pleased to present this special section focusing on the care, health and development of young children.

Week of the Young Child -- Page 2

Kids have Stress Too!

Childcare providers and early educators are invited to participate in a free workshop entitled Kids Have Stress Too! on Tuesday, April 21 at the Smart Start Annex, located at 105 W. Main St. in Whiteville.

Preregistration is required by calling 392-7003 by April 17. Space is limited, so call today.

As child care providers and early educators, the view of a child’s life as being happy and carefree may be a dis-

torted one.

This workshop will focus on the affects stress has on children and ways to help them cope with too much stress. Participants will discuss ways to assist children in developing coping strategies to prevent escalation to distress, anxiety and meltdowns.

This workshop is being offered by the Family Focused Inclusion activity of the Columbus County Partnership

What is Smart Start?

for Children (Smart Start).

The activity is administered

by Easter Seals UCP Early Childhood Outreach Services (ECOS).

For additional information about the services and programs of the Columbus County partnership for Children, call 642-8226.

Visit the office at 109 W. Main St. in Whiteville and online at www.columbussmartstart.org. “Like” the agency on Facebook.

Experiences during early childhood literally shape the structure of the brain. Because today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, parents and workers, everyone has a stake in making sure that all children have the experiences they need to thrive. Smart Start brings together all the people involved in a young child’s life—families, teachers, doctors, caregivers, social workers, and many others—to ensure every child has all they need for healthy growth and development.

What is Smart Start?

Smart Start was created in 1993 as an innovative solution to a problem: Children were coming to school unprepared to learn.

Policymakers recognized that progress would require tapping into the same innovative spirit that inspired private sector advances, and

therefore, established Smart Start as a public/private partnership. Independent, private organizations work in all 100 North Carolina counties through The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc., and 77 Local Partnerships.

The power of Smart Start is that it delivers outcomes by giving communities local control to determine the best approach to achieving them.

Smart Start’s Vision Every child reaches his or her potential and is prepared for success in a global community.

Smart Start’s Mission Advance a high quality, comprehensive, accountable system of care and education for every child beginning with a healthy birth.

This and other information about how Smart Start works can be found online at www. smartstart.org.

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Week of the Young Child -- Page 3

Smart Start is...

Raising Quality of Care and Education “The science of child development tells us that significant variations in the quality of early care and education programs have the potential to produce lasting repercussions for both children and society as a whole. Evidence points to the beneficial impacts at the highest end of the quality spectrum and to detrimental impacts at the lowest end.” (A Science-Based Framework for Early Childhood Policy) Smart Start ensures that families have access to high quality, affordable early care and education and support services.

Supporting Families Research on brain development is changing how we think about the early years, and in turn influencing our views of parenting.

It has produced new insights on interacting with a child, managing behavior and pre-

paring children to enter school healthy and ready to learn. Smart Start strives to improve outcomes for children by offering familyfocused programs that improve parenting, promote parent involvement and impact the environment in which parenting takes place.

Advancing Child Health Healthy behavior patterns established in early childhood often lead to lifelong benefits and decreased probability of serious disease later in life. Early identification and treatment of health conditions (whether physical, mental, or socio-emotional in nature) can positively impact a child’s life for years to come. Smart Start strives to improve outcomes for children by increasing young children’s access to healthcare and by working with providers, health departments, families, and communities to improve the healthcare systems that serve children.

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Week of the Young Child -- Page 4

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time when communities come together to celebrate the bright future all children deserve. Today’s children are tomorrow’s parents and workers, and North Carolina’s future success relies on their healthy development and growth. Throughout the year, Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina (PCANC) works with communities to build safe, stable, nurturing relationships for all children in their families and communities and prevent abuse and neglect before they occur.

During April, PCANC and communities throughout the state are planting thousands of pinwheels to promote prevention. Pinwheels represent a community’s dedication to supporting children and families.

“We celebrate the important role communities play in ensuring all children thrive,” said Rosemarie Allen Ryan, PCANC president and CEO. “Healthy child development is the foundation for community and economic development. By working together to build and

Help prevent child abuse

promote protective factors that strengthen families and help children thrive, we decrease factors that put children at risk.”

Safe, nurturing relationships build healthy brain architecture for children, forming a sturdy foundation for future success. Child abuse and neglect and other unaddressed adverse experiences damage the architecture of the developing brain, resulting in poor outcomes for children and communities - from academic failure to violence to chronic health issues.

“Preventing child abuse and neglect means ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, resources, and social support they need to provide the nurturing environments all children need,” said Ryan.

“When we do this well, we can prevent abuse and neglect before it occurs and offer all children the opportunity to grow up to be successful, contributing members of their communities.”

Through collaboration with partners across North Caro-

lina, PCANC works with com- all children. For more infor- communications at mmckemunities to build safe, stable, mation about PCANC contact on@preventchildabusenc.org nurturing relationships for Maureen McKeon, director of or (919) 256-6616.

Week of the young child schedule of events

During the month of April, the Smart Start staff invites families in Columbus County, North Carolina to come together for young children April 12-18, during the Week of the Young Child. As part of the national Week of the Young Child celebration across the country, Columbus County is honoring young children and all those who make a difference in their lives.

In recognition of the Week of the Young Child, the Smart Start Early Learning Facility (ELF) will host several fun and educational events daily from April 13-17. Events will be open to all children ages birth to 5 and their caregivers (Professional child care facilities, parents, grandparents, baby sitters) free of charge. All events will be in Downtown Whiteville at the ELF, located at 107 W. Main Street or at another nearby location.

share in the reading of a story Pre-registration is required.

To pre-register a group or if in English and Spanish and you have questions, please call participate in a fun activity Clemenza Graham at 212-6352; Wednesday, April 15 at Noon or call the Partnership at 642Hawaiian Day 8226.

Children will be involved in a fun story and an interactive activity session for this event.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, April 16 at Noon ELF Fair Children will participate in the following games and win prizes Cookie Walk Fishing Game Bean Bag Toss Bowling Three in a Row

Monday, April 13 at Noon Western Day Friday, April 17 at Noon Children are invited to come Space Day to story time dressed in their Children will participate favorite western style. They in an activity that will alwill make an activity to take low

them to use their home imaginations as they explore Tuesday, April 14 at Noon the galaxy and tour a “space Hispanic Day ship” during their visit to the Children are invited to ELF

Children are like seeds... they need help to grow up well.

Being specialists in agriculture for Columbus County farmers, we feel a real investment in the future. We believe in investing in our children as well. Programs like Smart Start give Columbus County children a definite edge in reaching their full potential.

If it helps our children, it helps our community. And we all prosper!

SEEDS • FARM CHEMICALS • FERTILIZERS

HARVEY’S SOUTHEAST HWY. 701 NORTH

WHITEVILLE

642-5872

• Don Formyduval • Chris Edge • Linda Clark • Mark Suggs • Don Formyduval, Jr • Al Davis • Jerry Turner • Mike Bianchini • Matthew Simmons • Nathan Sellers

Pediatrician shares good health advice for children

Week of the Young Child -- Page 5

By WALLYCE TODD Staff Writer The health of a child from birth to 5 is of vital importance to its future mental, emotional and physical life. The Columbus County Partnership for Children/Smart Start (CCPC) created a health task force in 2010, which has worked diligently to help parents understand the importance of good health and Well-Child exams for their youngest ones.

This past year, the state assessment (called the PBIS) showed that Columbus County’s Smart Start met the minimum level of “primary health care” markers, which is an improvement from when it was not doing so several years ago.

This means that at least the minimum requested percentage of children enrolled in Medicaid received a Well-Child Exam.

The improvement is only a start. The local Smart Start team and the entire CCPC want to see that percentage increase, and see more children getting Well-Child Exams and being more healthy overall.

Dr. Karen Todd became a pediatrician in 1995. After finishing her residency at Duke, she joined Cornerstone Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine in Cary, where she still practices.

Below are her answers to a few questions about helping a child from birth into adolescence to be positioned in the best possible way for a healthy and successful life.

Q: What do you think are some of the most important health considerations for children? What would you tell any parent of a young child in regards to their health needs?

A: There are a number of them. Here are a few: Breast feeding: If at all possible, exclusively for first six months of life. This has been shown to reduce the likelihood of childhood obesity, and may prevent development of adult diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and others.

Continuing breastfeeding through the first year of life with the addition of solid feedings after 6 months of age is also a very healthy choice.

Parental bonding: This is the formation of a significant, caring, loving relationship between parent/child. Bonding is so important for brain growth, healthy feeding habits, good sleep hygiene, speech development and socialization.

Well-child care: This includes measurements of growth, observations of developmental milestones, and disease prevention, including childhood vaccines. Doctors are also able to give parents/guardians “anticipatory guidance” about what to expect at each stage of a child’s growth. These are usually scheduled at intervals every two to three months during the first 18 months of life – then every six to 12 months, depending on the child’s needs.

Q: In terms of childhood development, what happens to a child’s brain, body, etc. between ages from birth to 5.

A: Again, there are many developments. Here’s a quick summary: • In the first six months of life, a child’s body may double his/her birth weight. There are lots of milestones with muscle and motor skills, including lifting the head/making eye contact/social smile by two months; rolling over/cooing by three to four months; bringing hands together in midline/ reaching for objects by four to five months; sitting with support and accepting solid foods by six months.

• Between six months and one year of life, a child may triple his/her birth weight. Additional milestones during this time include babbling: first words like ma/da/ba: crawling: cruising around furniture: self-feeding using fingers: and first steps. Stranger anxiety seems Continued on page 7

North Carolina WIC Program Marks Important Milestone

WIC PROGRAM PROVIDES HEALTHY FOODS AND NUTRITION EDUCATION FOR ELIGIBLE WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN IN COLUMBUS COUNTY

2014 marked the 40th anniversary of the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children in North Carolina. Here in Columbus County, WIC continues to serve approximately 2000 clients monthly through the Columbus County Health Department. New this year is a statewide comprehensive electronic health record system known as CROSSROADS that allows WIC staff to complete required recordkeeping more rapidly and print the family food vouchers on site. This is especially important for those families who go to one of our satellites offices which each run one-half day a week in Bolton, Tabor City and Chadbourn.

Along with assistance in purchasing a variety of nutritious foods, families can receive ageappropriate health and nutrition education, obtain breastfeeding education and support, and receive referrals to various health care and community resources. Our team of qualified nutritionists, breastfeeding peer counselors and dedicated support staff will help guide you through the process. In addition, women and older children have the opportunity to receive special vouchers for use at the Columbus County Farmers’ Market each summer.

To be eligible, a person must: • Be a pregnant woman; a breastfeeding woman who has had a baby in the last 12 months or a woman who has had a baby in the last 6 months; a newborn infant or child up to his or her 5th birthday.

• Live in North Carolina.

• Have an identified nutritional risk as determined by a health professional. This can include, but is not limited to, anemia, poor growth, underweight or overweight, dental problems, previous poor pregnancy outcomes, inadequate dietary intake and other nutrition and diet-related problems.

• Meet the income eligibility scale – the gross household income cannot exceed 185% of the federal poverty guidelines (for example, a household of 3 people must have a monthly income of less than $3051). Our WIC staff can help you determine if you are eligible. You do not have to receive Medicaid to receive WIC, but all Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps) and Work First recipients do meet the WIC income eligibility criteria. A call to the WIC office at the number listed below can help you determine if you are eligible and what you need to bring.

To apply for WIC, please call 910-641-3904 to make an appointment or get more information.

When applying in person or coming for the first appointment be sure to bring proof of current address, identification and proof of household income for each applicant. If anyone in the family receives Medicaid, please bring his or her card also.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, the Columbus County WIC program is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 7953272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY),. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and em¬ployer. You may view more general information about WIC at www.nutritionnc.com.

Week of the Young Child -- Page 6

Safe sleep tips for baby

Tips to lower your baby’s Keep your car and home risk of Sudden Infant Death smoke-free at all times.

Syndrome (SIDS) and infant • Smoking or breathing sleep related death. secondhand smoke during or after a pregnancy is a riskPreparing for Baby factor for SIDS. Have a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and fitWhen Baby Comes Home ted sheet.

Your baby should sleep on • Use a firm mattress that is her back until she is one year the correct size for your crib. old.

Keep pillows, quilts, com• If your baby is strong forters, sheepskins, bumper enough to roll onto her tumpads and stuffed toys out of my when sleeping, she can be the crib. left that way.

• These items can trap, sufYour baby should sleep focate or strangle your baby. alone in a crib, portable crib • Keep items with a cord or bassinet. (baby monitors, mobiles, • If your baby falls asleep lamps) out of baby’s reach. in a car set, stroller, swing, Make sure the baby’s room bouncy chair, infant sling or does not get too hot. couch, move him to a crib as • A room that is too warm soon as possible, to avoid sufcan put babies at a higher focation or choking. risk for SIDS. • Twins, triplets or other Do not buy or use products young children should sleep that claim to reduce the risk in their own separate crib or of SIDS. bassinet.

• Wedges, positioners, speYour baby should never cial mattresses or breathing sleep on a bed, couch or other monitors do not reduce the sleeping area with anyone, risk of SIDS any may be dan- including parents. gerous.

• Instead, keep the crib or

bassinet at an arm’s reach from your bed so you can be close to your baby and easily breastfeed.

Dress your baby in no more than one layer more than you would wear.

• Your baby may be too hot if sweating or if her chest feels hot.

Breastfeed your baby for as long as you are able to.

• Studies show that breastfeeding your baby reduces the risk for SIDS. Frequently Asked Questions Must I have a brand new crib for my baby?

You don’t need a new crib for each baby. You should have a crib that does not have a drop-side, is put together correctly, has not been recalled and is not broken.

Check this site for current safety standards and more information: www.cpsc.gov/ info/cribs/index.html Will my baby get a flat head sleeping on his back?

If your baby spends a lot

of time lying on his back, he may develop a small flat spot on the back of his head. A flat spot is common and will likely disappear soon after he starts to sit up.

To avoid flat spots: • Give your baby lots of supervised tummy time when awake.

• Turn your baby’s head to the side when sleeping.

• Do not have your baby spend too much time in a car seat, bouncy chair or anywhere his head lays flat.

Won’t my baby choke if she spits up when lying on her back?

Your baby is not more likely to choke when on her back compared to being on her stomach. When a baby spits up she will swallow the spit-up or it will dribble out of her mouth. When a baby is lying

on her back, the “food pipe: is below the “air pipe” so gravity helps keep the spit-up out of the air pipe and lungs.

What are the rules for infants sleeping in child care?

North Carolina law states that anyone who cares for children under age one must be trained in infant safe sleep and must put babies to sleep on their backs. Licensed childcare homes and providers must have a written safe sleep policy signed by the parents.

For more information www.NCHealthyStart.org www.MamaSana.org

WHITEVILLE CITY SCHOOLS Everyone Committed to the Success of ALL Students

Empowering all students to reach their maximum potential for lifelong learning and productive citizenship. www.whiteville.k12.nc.us

Week of the Young Child -- Page 7

Pediatrician Continued from page 5

to peak around the time of learning to walk.

• Socialization with play, cuddling, talking/singing by parents and caregivers is very important during this time. It is never too early to begin reading with your child as well. Studies have shown that parents who consistently read to their infants and young children have a marked effect on their vocabulary development and early reading skills, and in fact they set forth a pattern for a love of reading that may be lifelong.

• Motor skills like walking, running, climbing are often preoccupying children ages 12-18 months. Toddlers very much want to be independent, and the “terrible two’s” may begin in toddlerhood as defiant outbursts against authority (a preview of later adolescent behavior...). Speech takes off about this time as well, and by 18 to 24 months, many babies have

50+ words and may start combining words into small phrases.

• At age 2, skills like using a fork and open cup for selffeeding are well-established.

Most 2-year-olds are learning to jump. They are developing a sense of “separateness” from their parents, and this may sometimes result in fears at bedtime or with public outings, even if parents are present. Children at this age often “parallel” play, meaning they watch other children but do not actively engage with them to play.

• By age 3, sentences are well developed and 75 percent of a child’s speech should be understandable to an adult.

They are often toilet trained, are able to dress themselves, and want to “do it myself !”

Naps may be phasing out, but this age group still needs up to 12 hours total sleep in a 24-hour cycle.

• Many children are learning to pedal a tricycle. Some

can be taught to swim, though this should only be undertaken by parents with excellent swim skills, or by a professional swim instructor. Even if a child can swim, they should never be left unsupervised near a bathtub, pool or lake/ocean environment.

• By age 4, preschool participation is recommended to help prepare a child for school entry at the kindergarten level. (Smart Start can be a blessing at this age, as well.) Social skills, such as sharing, listening and following directions can be developed in a preschool environment. Some parents choose to “homeschool” their children for preschool, and this is a fine idea as long as social outings/play groups are part of their curriculum. Some 4-year-olds are coordinated enough to begin to learn a sport or skill for physical activity, such as dance, soccer, tumbling or

Summer Fun

martial arts. Outdoor play at all ages is important for children to maintain physical fitness.

• At age 5, the majority of young children are ready to enter school at the kindergarten level. Continuing to read with them, helping them find ways to use their imaginations, encouraging their creativity and special gifts – these are all things that parents can do to help their youngsters embark on a successful learning journey. Just as important is proper sleep (10-12 hours per night for this age), balanced nutrition, and TLC (tender loving care).

Editor’s Note: Smart Start teams up with Columbus County’s department of transportation to help pregnant women and parents with children aged six and below get to doctors’ appointments, free of charge to the family. Smart Start also supports families who re-

ceive Medicaid by providing information about the various components of the wellchild exams.

Columbus County Partnership for Children created a Health Task Force in 2010. The task force core group includes the North Carolina Division of Medical Assistance, Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear, Columbus County Department of Public Health, Columbus County Department of Social Services and Columbus Regional Healthcare System. We also had excellent participation from medical practices and other local agencies that work with families with young children.

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Week of the Young Child -- Page 8

Smart Start Early Learning Facility Mission: The Smart Start Early Learning Facility (ELF) assists in the development of pre-literacy skills by promoting reading, writing, playing, singing and talking for children ages birth to five.

The ELF is an interactive learning environment that is accessible to early educators in pre-K programs and child care facilities as well as to families needing educational materials and resources to help prepare their young children to enter kindergarten.

A variety of children’s books, videos, prop boxes, resource kits, toys and materials on specific topics related to children is available through a check-out/check-in loaner program. Access to a laminat-

ing machine, comb binder, Ellison and Cricut die-cut machines, art supplies, copier and access to online resources may be available to ELF members at a nominal fee.

ELF staff offers training on all equipment and demonstrate its appropriate use.

Consumer awareness materials on subjects such as early care and education, health, family support and child wellness are available in English

and Spanish.

The ELF is operated by the Columbus County Partnership for Children (Smart Start), which is part of a statewide effort that works with families with children ages birth to five to ensure that the children are healthy and ready to succeed when they enter kindergarten.

To reach the ELF, call 910212-6352. To learn about the other activities of the Columbus County Partnership for Children, call 910-642-8226, visit the office at 109 W. Main St. or the website at www.columbussmartstart.org. “Like” us on Facebook to keep up with the special events and other information about the Partnership.

Early Learning Facility hours of operation Monday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tuesday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

ELF story and activity time is held each 3rd Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m.

Week of the Young Child -- Page 9

What Smart Start patrons say about the Early Learning Facility These programs really build a love for reading and make the stories come alive for the ‌very grateful for the time kids. The stories and activi- and learning experience that ties are great ways to prepare are given to the children when kids for school. Thanks for all we visit you do.

Kids love learning through music. Maybe have someone local play the guitar. Also have someone show some simple signs.

My granddaughter loves, loves, loves to come to (school) her reading story time. We read daily. She loves it.

The ladies at the Learning Facility are very very good with the children and are well appreciated.

strengthening his motor skills (building blocks & puzzles), his critical thinking (board games), and emotional intelligence (emotion card identification) as well as raising his awareness to people different than himself (wooden figures in wheelchairs and walkers).

The ELF has been an in- I am so very thankful for this valuable resource for my son. wonderful resource and the When he was 2&3, having stolovely people who work here. ry time and activities to bring him to where he could interact with his peers in a healthy setting was crucial to his The program has provided social development. We have been able to come on a regu- opportunities for my little lar basis which has helped folks to interact with other him to develop relationships children. ELF has provided a with the phenomenal staff variety of learning experiencto the point where he knows es from crafts to making buttheir names and is known and ter. Story time has provided loved by them. Now that he is an appreciation for words and four, having the resources that how to sit and listen. The book we are able to check out have fair is important for children been tremendously helpful in to see the availability of books.

I love the ELF. My son gets to have fun and learn at the same time. It has helped a lot with his social anxiety and speech delay. The staff is amazing.

They truly care about the children and helping parents to allow their children to reach their maximum potential.

I was excited when I first discovered the ELF. To have a facility nearby that has educational toys to play with and to check out, as well as having a place to come play when it’s cold and rainy outside is invaluable to me. What I am most appreciative of are the programs that they offer that enable my only child a time to It (the ELF) gives my child play with other children. time with other kids. She is learning how to share. She has been meeting new friends and learning new things every time we come. As a parIt (the ELF) teaches the chil- ent, I am learning new ways dren to share. It helps them to of teaching and learning from learn to get along with other other moms. This program kids. It helps with reading to is important because I love them. They learn to sit and being able to make her the listen. This is something that best little person she can be. will help when they start Thanks for offering this proschool. gram.

Week of the Young Child -- Page 10

Grow Up Great MLA comes to NC Museum of Natural Sciences

The Grow Up Great Mobile Learning Adventure will be at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Whiteville Wednesday, April 29 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. The event is free.

The MLA is a traveling exhibit that provides an opportunity for parents and caregivers to learn about the importance of early childhood education while they engage in fun activities with their children. MLA includes the “When I Grow Up” station, where kids dress up as different professionals and have their picture superimposed on a job-related background. In addition, parents can take home activity books and learning kits that demonstrate how to take everyday moments and turn them into learning opportunities. MLA is a part of PNC Grow Up Great–a $350 million, multi-year initiative that began in 2004 and is designed to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life.

After experiencing the MLA, families can continue to explore the newly renovated NC Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville. The outdoor Nature PlaySpace includes areas for art, digging and exploration. Children can climb over logs and boulders, roll in the grass, make mud pies, observe nature and dig for fossils.

They can also hear a story in the Museum’s Discovery Forest, which gives young children and families an opportunity to discover natural wonders from bird wings to beaver sticks. The space is an ideal area for intergenerational learning.

Organized groups should contact Meghan Barron at 914-4185 or email meghan.barron@naturalsciences.org for more information and reservations.

Smart Start to host Scholastic Book Fair

The Columbus County Partnership for Children (Smart Start) will host a Scholastic Book Fair April 13-21, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Funds raised through this event will help purchase books for Partnership sponsored programs and activities and to donate to children who can’t afford books. Families, child care providers, and the community are invited to attend this fun event which promotes literacy and helps inspire children to become lifelong readers.

The Book Fair offers specially priced books and educational products, including popular series, award-winning titles, new releases, and

other great reads from more than 100 publishers.

The Book Fair will also be a feature event during the Smart Start Early Learning Facility’s (ELF) Week of the Young Child celebration, April 13 through 17.

The Week of the Young Child will include a variety of activities and events for children ages birth to five, their parents and their caregivers. For more information about the Week of the Young Child, call the ELF at 910-2126352 or visit the facility at 107 W. Main St. in Whiteville.

A 501 (c)(3) public private partnership, the Columbus County Partnership for Children is part of a statewide effort that works with families

with children ages birth to five to ensure that children are healthy and ready to succeed when they enter kindergarten.

For additional information about the Columbus County Partnership for Children or its activities, call 910-642-8226.

Visit the Partnership at 109 W. Main St. in Whiteville or online at www.columbussmartstart.org. “Like” the Partnership on Facebook.

Shape NC: Healthy Starts for Young Children is a six-year, $6 million initiative by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation and The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc., that increases the number of children starting Kindergarten at a healthy weight.

Shape NC works with child care programs to instill healthy behaviors early on, creating a solid foundation for a healthy life.

iN itS FirSt three yearS Shape NC... eNgaged

19 CommuNITIeS

SpaNNiNg

27 CouNTIeS

to reaCh

1,000 ChIldreN

aCroSS North CaroliNa In addition to fulfilling the work of a local planning site, Hub Sites will provide training and technical assistance services on early childhood obesity prevention planning and programming to other local planning sites.

Hub Site

Local Planning Site 1

2

3

4

Counties and Partnerships with the same colored outline belong to the same Hub-site/Planning-site Group

For Shape NC KidS thiS meaNS…

more Fruits & Veggies

9% 34% 32%

Rise in percent of children being provided with 90 minutes or more of physical activity.

51%

85% 19 74

Number of child care centers made improvement to outdoor learning environments including adding bike paths and vegetable gardens.

Staff members at child care centers improved at least one of their own health behaviors, including eating more fruits and vegetables and more physical activity.

a healthier Start

www.smartstart.org/shapenc

40% 80% 60%

Rise in percent of children being provided with beans or lean meats one or more times per day.

Rise in percent of children being provided with fruit two or more times per day.

Rise in percent of children being provided with vegetables two or more times per day.

more physical activity Over the course of each school year, trends showed the percent of children who reached a healthy weight is gradually improving.

www.smartstart.org/shape-nc

Week of the Young Child -- Page 11

Doing Our Part To Help Children & Families In Columbus County...

Study finds N.C. early childhood education programs cut costs of special education

By CATHERINE PRITCHARD Staff Writer The Fayetteville Observer Advocates of Smart Start and NC Pre-K are embracing a new study that says the state-funded programs significantly reduce the likelihood that children will need costly special education placements by the end of third grade.

Based on 2009 funding levels, the study by three Duke researchers said Smart Start and More at Four, now known as NC Pre-K, reduced the odds of a child being placed in special education in third grade by 39 percent. Special education costs added an extra $8,000 per participating thirdgrader in 2005-06, according to the study, published last week in Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, a peer-reviewed journal put out by the American Educational Research Association.

“It’s amazing when you look at these cost savings,” said John Freudenberg, the government and military affairs liaison for the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County. “It confirms what we know and our work.”

The study said both programs provide benefits beyond their direct participants.

Smart Start, begun in 1993, should be viewed as “a sys-

tem-level effort to improve the quality of early child care” for the entire community, it said.

Meanwhile, the study said, because many children who aren’t funded by More at Four or NC Pre-K dollars are enrolled in classes with those who are, they also benefit from the “spillover” of the standards required for the state funding.

Wendy Woods, lead teacher of a pre-kindergarten class at Wonder Years Child Care and Learning Center in Fayetteville, said some of her students are funded through NC Pre-K and some aren’t. All are benefiting from the instruction they receive in the daily classes, which run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Without this, I think a lot of kids would be left behind,” she said. “This helps cut out developmental delays and things of that nature.”

But more children are doing without those programs than in the past. Last year, legislators changed eligibility rules and fees for programs providing after-school care to children aged 6-12, Freudenberg said. Those changes negatively affected about 18,000 children across the state, including 1,600 in Cumberland County who will lose access to after-school care in June, Continued on page 12

Columbus County Transportation . . . providing Columbus County with “transportation you can count on” since 1995.

Call 642-7201 • General Public Transportation • Work Transportation • Medicaid Transportation • Child Care (5 Years & Under Free) • Veterans’ Transportation • Department of Aging • Health Department

Partnering with Smart Start...

Expectant mothers and children less than 6 years old who are not eligible for Medicaid reimbursable transportation can be transported to and from medical appointments free.

To learn more about this Smart Start activity, call 642-7201 (Columbus County Transportation).

Study finds

Continued from page 11 he said.

It also had a cascading effect on younger siblings eligible for Smart Start and NC Pre-K. Melissa Moran, director of Wonder Years Child Care and Learning Center, had to withdraw the younger children because they couldn’t afford increased costs for their older children and couldn’t juggle keeping the children in different places.

Moran, who’s been at the center for 17 years, said she knows the pre-kindergarten education helps children.

“We see it in the kids that come back” after they’ve aged out, she said. “The parents tell us how well they’re doing.”

The study focused on the effect of the early childhood programs on special education placements in third grade because, the researchers wrote, transitions out of special education decline after age 9.

The study noted that placement in special education in third grade is associated with

Week of the Young Child -- Page 12 a widening deficit in reading dren of more well-educated ability and academic perfor- mothers and more for chilmance. dren of black mothers than Some special education for children of white mothers. placements are unavoidable.

In contrast, it said, More at Of three groups of children Four had a larger net positive identified by the study as be- effect on the children of white ing at risk for disability, it mothers than the children of said two benefit from special black mothers. education - children born In Wendy Woods’ prewith chronic disabilities and kindergarten class last week, children at risk for a later 5-year-olds Andrew Finney chronic disability that could and Iwenose Iziduh knew be alleviated by early inter- nothing about the discussion vention. about the state-funded early The study said a third childhood programs and group of children is at risk wouldn’t have cared if they for a special education diag- did. nosis, but the need for that During a learn-throughplacement could be prevented doing segment of the day, entirely if those children re- Andrew built blocks and then ceive high-quality early envi- towers out of magnetized ronments, child care and edu- squares. Next to him, Iwenose cational experiences. placed colorful plastic gears Because many students on a pegboard. receive special education serWith one finger, Iwenose vices for more than one year, turned a gear. Two dozen the study said, the benefits of meshing gears turned with it. early childhood intervention “This one wiggles this are likely to be much higher one,” Iwenose explained, than a single year of cost sav- pointing to the gear he’d ings. turned and the one next to The study found that it. “And this one wiggles this Smart Start reduces special one. And this one wiggles this education placements more one.” for children of less well-eduHe smiled. At work on his cated mothers than for chil- squares, Andrew smiled, too.

They were enjoying themselves.

But Woods knew more was happening below the surface - the boys were figuring out how to solve problems with their projects, they were developing their fine motor skills, they were working with shapes.

“It’s not just fine,” Woods said. “They’re actually learning something.”

Staff writer Catherine Pritchard can be reached at pritchardc@fayobserver.com or 486-3517.

Copyright by Fayetteville Publishing Co., 2015.

Safe surrender of newborns Information for women in crisis

What does the Safe Surrender Law say? An infant up to seven days old may be given to a responsible adult, legally and anonymously.

They may be a health care provider, law enforcement officer, social services worker or emergency medical personnel, or it may be anyone who appears to be responsible.

I have this baby I don’t What other options are want. I am terrified that someone will find out. available to a woman who has a baby she What can I do? does not want?

Safe Surrender is There have almeant for women ways been ways who are scared, for women to give who want to keep up their babies in their identity una safe and kind known, and who manner. Agencies are not willing or can help you with able to take advanprenatal care, artage of the other choices available to them. It ranging for the birth, and aris legal to find a responsible ranging for the adoption of adult and hand them the baby.

Continued on page 15

Now Scheduling Pre-K and Kindergarten Well Checks

From left to right: Sherry Rickett, CNA; Randolph Matthews, MD; Shavonda Collins, CNA, Amalie Shanks, PA-C; Nora Lund; Luis Maggioli, Spanish Interpreter; Kim Phillips; Dawn Watts, Practice Manager; Amanda Spivey; ???

Spring and Summer Safety

lmet Bike He SPF ith high w n e e r Sunsc ith ellent w p e r t c Inse tent ET con E D h hig ons ing less m im w S y er hand b m u n is Keep th 2 4 6 642-2 ol le scho Schedu early ls physica

Columbus Pediatrics & Adolescent Care 800 Jefferson Street • Suite 116, Whiteville • 642-2642

Open M-F 8-5 (Closed for lunch 12-1:30) • Sat. Sick Clinic 9-12 • “Tenemos interprete todo el dia”

Week of the Young Child -- Page 13

Obesity in children

By RANDOLPH MATTHEWS, MD Why is there so much obesity in children today?

It really boils down to two things: 1) activity level and 2) diet.

Probably the main cause of inactivity is “electronic media.” Electronic media includes television, video games and computer time. You can burn more calories sleeping that you do watching television.

Forty years ago (when obesity was not so prominent), there were no home computers and most televisions had only 3-5 channels. Of these 3-5 channels, many had only adult-oriented programs available during the day (news shows, soap operas, sports events etc.).

For the most part, cartoons were only available for a limited time on Saturday mornings. Therefore kids chose more active things to do. Now we have hundreds of channels and many of them are devoted almost exclusively to children’s programming.

You can get a handle on television by limiting screen time

to 1-2 hours/day for children older than two years of age.

We recommend that children younger than age two, not get any screen time at all. Replace this screen time with biking, outdoor play and even reading.

The other component causing obesity is diet. The major culprits are sugars and starches. However, lack of will power is not the problem. Too much insulin production is the ultimate villain.

Although insulin is required to process sugars and starches (carbohydrates), too much insulin production can wreak havoc with activity levels and appetite.

One person may eat a slice of bread and produce just the right amount of insulin. That person remains slim. Another person may eat an identicallysized slice of bread but produce three times the amount of insulin needed.

Producing too much insulin induces low blood sugar (which causes fatigue), and increases the appetite-specifically causing cravings for more high carbohydrate foods.

Decreased activity stemming

from fatigue in addition to increased appetite is a recipe for worsening obesity.

To minimize obesity in children, we recommend a high protein diet low in sugars and starches. In addition, limiting that screen time to one or two hours/day has been shown to be the most effective method of increasing your child’s activity level.

Next, children learn from what they see. Parents need to tame the tube and increase their activity as well.

Perhaps some of that activity can be playing with your child. Not only can that fight obesity, it can build family memories as well.

Working Together For Their Future

Dr. Darryl J. Diefes, D.D.S. 904 Spivey Road, Whiteville • (910) 642-6500

36 years serving Columbus & Bladen Counties

Still Accepting New Patients Call for appointment (910) 642-6500 Come join us at

Whiteville Primary School Ready to Care

Students at WPS take care of books in our media center.

Our collection of over 22,000 books includes both fiction and nonfiction titles and covers reading levels to meet the needs of all of our students.

Ready to Be Safe Students are monitored during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal by our staff. Students model behavior consistent with our school wide motto that we are “Ready to Care, Ready to be Safe and Ready to Learn”.

Ready to Learn At Trinity Baptist Child Care, teachers and families work closely in partnership to ensure high-quality care and education for children. Parents feel supported and welcomed as observers and contributors to the program.

The program is staffed by adults who understand child and family development and who recognize and meet the developmental and learning needs of children and families. The program is efficiently and effectively administered with attention to the needs and desires of children, families and staff.

Trinity Baptist Child Care 201 S. Thompson St., Whiteville • 910-642-7676

All of our 43 certified staff members are highly-qualified.

The WPS staff includes Physical Education, Science Lab, Music, Art, and Computer teachers.

Enrolling now for the 2015-2016 school year!

Stop by the school office and pick up a new student packet!

David Bobbitt, Principal

Phone: 910.642.4119

Week of the Young Child -- Page 14

The Importance of Well Check-Ups Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear explains why it’s important to take your healthy child to the doctor The first 2000 days of life are so important in a child’s development. Your child should reach milestones in how he plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves. Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear encourages parents and guardians to schedule regular well check-ups for their child. Well check-ups are the best way to detect any developmental needs your child may have. Appropriate screening at a well check-up can determine whether a child is at-risk for developmental delays in children as young as one year.

Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control indicate that developmental delays, like autism, are often not identified until kindergarten entry or later. Catching delays early can make a big difference in the life of your child. Early treatment can reduce delay effects and help your child learn, grow, and thrive.

“Scheduling well check-ups is one of the most important things a parent can do,” says Dr. Henry C. Hawthorne, Jr., Pediatric Consultant and Associate

Medical Director of Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear.

“Treating delays early not only improves chances for treatment but improves you child’s chances of living a healthier life.”

A parent may not think it important to take their well child to the doctor but keeping up-todate with these check-ups is a critical part of a healthy start.

Most insurance programs cover these preventive care checkups. Don’t wait to schedule your child’s appointment.

What happens at a well check-up?

Depending on the age of your child, the following services might be offered: • Developmental screen • Immunizations (shots) • Health history • Physical exam • Height and weight • Vision and hearing check • Dental check • Nutrition review • Lab tests as needed • Guidance • Follow-up/Referral if needed

How do Well Check-Ups Help my Child?

• Doctors can check for more things when your child is well.

• Regular Well Check-Ups help the doctor better understand your child’s needs.

• Shots that protect your child are given when your child is well.

• Early treatment may keep possible health problems from getting worse.

What are the Recommended Ages for Well Check-Ups? Within 1st month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 or 15 months, 12 months, 18 months, • once a year for ages 2 years- 20 years •Foster Care Children: twice a year for ages 2 years – 20 years The Assuring Better Child Health and Development program, or ABCD, is working in Columbus County with doctors and other local providers to increase the number of children ages birth to five who receive high-quality developmental screenings in their regular doctor’s office to reduce

health risks, identify children with unmet health concerns, and help young children obtain the services they need to be successful. ABCD is made possible by the Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge Grant and through a collaboration between Smart Start of New Hanover County and Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear.

About Community Care of

the Lower Cape Fear (CCLCF) Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear (CCLCF) is charged with improving health outcomes for nearly 95,000 public and privately-insured enrollees in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Onslow and Pender counties.

CCLCF works in collaboration with primary care providers, local hospitals, departments of social services, departments of health, and other healthcare organizations, and is one of 14 similar networks participating in the statewide awardwinning Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC) program.

To learn more, visit www. carelcf.org.

Week of the Young Child -- Page 15

Columbus County Partnership Safe surrender for Children Activities 2014-2015 Continued from page 12

Family Focused Inclusion

and workshops are offered as LaTonya Brown en 910-642well as consumer materials 8226.

This activity provides in Spanish. For assistance, Creando un lector early identification of spe- call 212-6352.

Esta actividad con los cencial needs and enhances the tros de cuidado infantil o Smart Start Subsidy provision of early intervenThis scholarship program guarderías con licencias protion services to ensure posiprovides assistance with the mueve el intercambio diario tive outcomes for all children ages birth to five in child care cost of child care to qualified de libros entre los padres y settings. For assistance, call parents with children ages sus hijos. Cada niño recibirá birth to five. For assistance, una brillante bolsa roja llena 1-800-662-7119 or 392-7003. de libros de alta calidad, licall 642-3178. bros apropiados para la edad Quality Enhancement de sus hijos que se rotaran Transportation Project semanalmente. Llame 910Expectant mothers and This project helps licensed 642-8226. children ages birth to five child care programs increase the level of star rated licen- who are not eligible for MedSmart Start Centro de sure and the level of provider icaid reimbursable transporAprendizaje Temprano tation can be transported to education. Professional DeLa centro de aprendizaje and from medical appointvelopment services are also available for facilities that ments. For assistance, call temprano provee recursos de desarrollo infantil que pacomplete an Educational Fa- Charles Patton at 642-7201. dres y proveedores pueden cility Plan. Teachers in these usar para el crecimiento WAGE$ facilities who are attending del cuidado y la educación This project provides child school may be eligible for temprana para los bebes y care professionals with eduEducational Awards. For assistance, call LaTonya Brown cation-based salary supple- niños.La variedad de libros ments and addresses teach- para niños, videos, libros con at 642-8226. er turnover and increased temas de recursos, artículos teacher educational levels. y juguetes, computadora con Raising A Reader Raising A Reader helps For assistance, call Allison acceso al internet y otros recursos que están disponibles child care providers work Miller at 919-967-3272. para los miembros de la cenwith families to build and tro a un minimo pago.Enmaintain the home-based trenamientos y cursos como language and literacy extambién materiales en espaperiences young children ñol. Llame 910-212-6352. need for later school success. By rotating high quality children’s literature into homes each week, Raising A Reader’s research-based program helps children and parents develop the habit of “book cuddling.” Families also build the connections to libraries that result in lasting family literacy habits and improved outcomes for children. For assistance, call LaTonya Brown at 642-8226.

Smart Start Early Learning Facility (ELF)

The Early Learning Facility provides child development resources which parents and providers can use to enhance the early care and education of young children. A variety of children’s books, videos, topic resource books, resource kits and toys, a computer with Internet access and other resources are available to library members at a nominal fee. Training

Familia Enfocada

your child to a safe and loving home. Contact your department of social services, county health department, or look in the yellow pages under “adoption.”

What if I would like to provide health or other information about the baby? One of the concerns with Safe Surrender is that children will grow up without knowing anything about their history or parentage.

That is why the more conventional forms of adoption are preferred. However, a surrendering parent can help answer their child’s natural questions about family heritage and health history. Information can be given to the adult who receives the baby, or may be sent in a letter to the county department of social services.

What is the advice for women who are hiding a pregnancy? Seek prenatal care. Talk to someone you

trust to give you good advice.

If you do not have health insurance, your local health department or department of social services can tell you if you’re eligible for Medicaid (which covers more than 40 percent of all births in the state). Plan for the birth.

Having a baby alone or with someone who is not medically trained can cause serious injury to you or your child. It’s also a terrifying experience to give birth alone. Advice for pregnant and new mothers is available at 1-800-FOR-BABY.

I had a baby and now I can’t stop bleeding. Plus I have a fever. Am I in danger? If you have any of the following symptoms, seek medical care right away: vaginal bleeding that does not slow down when you rest, a bad smell to vaginal blood, a fever of 101 or above, severe headaches, pain in the abdomen or vaginal area, blurred vision, or a feeling of burning when you urinate.

CCPC celebrates National Library Week

The Columbus County Partnership for Children (Smart Start) will celebrate National Library Week at the ELF. There will be story time and hands-on learning April 14, 15 and 16 from 3 to 5 p.m. Guest storytellers will be April 14-Wallyce Todd, April 15-Brenda Chestnutt and April 16-Brenda Moore.

Children ages birth to five will receive free books and goodSmart Start Subcidio ie bags.

Este programa de becas These events are free; however, families that join the ELF provee asistencia con los or renew their memberships during this week will receive costos para el cuidado de half-off the annual membership fee and pay only $2.50. niños para calificar padres For more information, call the ELF at 212-6352. con niños desde la edad del nacimiento hasta los cinco años. Llame 910-642-3178.

Esta actividad provee temprana identificación de las necesidades especiales y mejora la temprana intervención en los servicios y asegurar resultados positivos para todos los niños desde la edad del nacimiento hasta los cinco años en los centros de cuiTransportacion dado infantil o guarderías.

Madres embarazadas y con Llame 1-800-662-7119 o 910- niños recién nacidos hasta la 392-7003. edad de cinco años que no son elegibles para el reembolso Proyecto del realce de del Medicaid también pueden calidad ser transportadas, y para sus Este proyecto ayuda a los citas medicas. Llame Charles programas de cuidado infan- Patton en 910-640-7201. til certificados a incrementar el nivel de rendimiento y el Pagos nivel de educación provehida.

Este proyecto provee de Servicios profesionales del profesionales del cuidado desarrollo estan disponibles infantil, suplementos edupara facilidades que com- cación-basada del sueldo y pleten un Plan Educativo. trata volumen de ventas del Maestros en estas facilidades profesor y niveles de enseque asisten a las escuelas pu- ñanza, crecimientos del proeden ser eligibles para resivir fesor. Llame Allison Miller en un Premio Educativo. Llame 919-967-3272.

Edu-Care Preschool Center “Operating for 29 Years”

n NC Certified Teachers in Early Childhood n Licensed for 6 weeks - 13 years old n NC Pre-K Program for 4 year olds n Two convenient locations

Operating Hours: 6:30 am - 6:30 pm

OPENINGS FOR ENROLLMENT AGES 6 WEEKS-12 YEARS Edu-Care Preschool

Hwy. 701, 1/4 mile south of Williams Township School WHITEVILLE • 653-5506

5H

Centers

Edu-Care Preschool

Intersection of Peacock Road and Old 74 CHADBOURN • 654-4810

Quality Enhanced 5 Star Facilities Accepting NC Pre-K Program Applications at Both Locations for 2014-2015 School Year

Week of the Young Child -- Page 16

Early Literacy…it lasts a lifetime!

Did you know that over 90% of language development occurs in the first few years of life? Columbus County Partnership for Children (Smart Start) offers programs and services that help to develop early literacy skills needed for school success. These skills will sustain an individual throughout his or her professional career as well as life in general. The local Partnership brings evidence-based, proven, national programs to the children and families of Columbus County. These programs help parents to develop a routine of reading to their children aloud daily.

These programs also help children to develop a love for reading and exploring language during their early years.

• Reach Out and Read supports doctors in their efforts to “prescribe”

Children from area pre-K programs and their families participate in the Raising A Reader (RAR) project offered through the Columbus County Partnership for Children (Smart Start). Pictured are (front, left to right) America Aleman, Joshua Young, Booker, the RAR Bear; Bricam Davis, Ahlayna Canady; (back, left to right) Yaretzi Aleman, Treyshawn Ellis, Charles Ellis, III, Juan Pineda and Tony Stubbs. After a presentation about the different parts of a book (such as the spine, the cover, the title, etc.), each child wrote a story about a subject they chose and made a book complete with illustrations.

reading to young children and families during well-child visits through early literacy guidance. Columbus County Partnership for Children is collaborating with Columbus Pediatrics and Adolescent Care to offer this program to Columbus County children. For more information, contact LaTonya Brown at 910-642-8226.

• Raising A Reader rotates bright red bags filled with award-winning books in children’s homes on a weekly basis, exposing children to over 100 books per cycle. For more information, contact LaTonya Brown at 910-6428226.

• Smart Start Early Learning Facility (ELF) provides an interactive learning environment for young children and their teachers, caregivers and parents free of charge. An ELF membership allows visitors to borrow resources from the facility’s vast collection. The ELF is open Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Fridays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. For more information about the Smart Start Early Learning Facility, call Clemenza Graham at 910-212-6352.

Children from a local Head Start program participate in story time at the Smart Start Early Learning Facility (ELF).

A mother and daughter read a story together at the Smart Start Early Learning Facility (ELF).

For additional information about the Columbus County Partnership for Children and its various activities, call 910-642-8226.