Week of the young child 2016

Early Years Are Learning Years Celebrating the Week of

THE YOUNG CHILD April 10-16, 2016 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

Proclamation by Columbus County Commissioners Week of the Young Child™ Whereas, the Columbus County Partnership for Children (Smart Start) and other local organizations, in conjunction with the National Association for the Education of Young Children, are celebrating the Week of the Young Child, April 10 - 16, 2016; and Whereas, these organizations are working to improve early learning opportunities, including early literacy programs, that can provide a foundation of learning for children in Columbus County, North Carolina; and

to young children’s futures; Now, Therefore, we, the Columbus County Board of Commissioners, Whiteville, NC, do hereby proclaim April 10 through April 16, 2016, as the Week of the Young Child in Columbus County, and encourage all citizens to work to make a good investment in early childhood in our community.

Approved and Adopted this the 21st day of March, 2016.

Whereas, teachers and others who make a difference in the lives of young children in Columbus County, North Carolina deserve thanks and recognition; and Whereas, public policies that support early learning for all young children are crucial

What is Smart Start?

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 76 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.

Kaleidoscope Kidz H H H H H 5 Star Center “Parents Always Welcome” FREE Registration for the month of May “Thank you to all the children who enrich our lives.”

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STRIVING FOR A HIGHER STANDARD OF QUALITY CARE! 1830 Prison Camp Road, Whiteville, NC Linda Singletary, Gwen Sanderson, Assistant Director Owner/Director

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Week of the Young Child -- Page 3

recommends

You’re invited to the Friends of Exceptional Children Support Group The Friends of Exceptional Children Support Group serves to assist families who have special needs children.

The meetings are designed to help with any issues that special needs families may encounter. The meetings are open to all parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and guardians.

Feel free to attend any of the upcoming meetings on the following schedule. The meetings are held monthly from 6 to 8 p.m. at

Your Child’s First Orthodontic Check-up No later than Age 7

the St. Mark AME Zion Church, located at 114 W. Virgil St. in Whiteville.

Refreshments and free child care are provided!

April 12 – New Insurance Coverage for Parents of Children with Autism May 10 – Parent Sharing June 14 – End of School Party For more information, contact Charlrean Mapson at 233-0012.

Like a good neighbor ...we believe in helping to meet the needs of families in our community. Loving our children means providing the very best protection for their futures. Mary Bullard Williamson continues the caring tradition started by her father, Lonnie Bullard.

State Farm is there.

MARY BULLARD WILLIAMSON 642-3753 Office 642-8682 Home

1011 North Powell Blvd., Oliver Plaza, Whiteville

Janice Timothée, DMD, PC

900 Spivey Road • Whiteville, NC 28472 P. 910.642.4529 wwwtimotheeorthodontics.com

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Pre-K to Kindergarten transition workshop for teachers and parents If your child or a child you work with is making the move from preschool to kindergarten, this free workshop is for you.

Participants will learn more about: • How Kindergarten is different from Preschool • How to effectively prepare for meetings • Talking about your child’s strengths and needs • Understanding the law and your rights • Taking part in the decisionmaking processes • How the IEP addresses your child’s skills • What you can do now to help your child be ready for Kindergarten Thursday, April 14 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., The Smart Start Annex, 105 W. Main Street, Whiteville, N.C. 28472.

A light supper and giveaways will be provided at no cost to participants.

A certificate and 1.5 contact hours will be awarded to early educators/child care providers.

All materials will be provided on a CD free of charge.

Space is limited. Pre-registra-

tion is required. Call 642-8226 or ship for Children (Smart Start) and the Exceptional Children’s 642-3921.

This event is co-sponsored by Assistance Center (ECAC).

ECAC is home to North Carothe Columbus County Partner-

lina’s federally designated Par- at no cost. ent Training and Information For more information about Center (PTI). All services are ECAC, call 1-800-962-6817 or visit provided to parents and families www.ecac-parentcenter.org.

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 10-16, 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 11-15. 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.

Pre-registration is required.

To pre-register a group or if liver a “magical” presentation you have questions, please call and the Old Dock UMC youth Clemenza Graham at 212-6352; will present a stick drama. or call the Partnership at 642Monday, April 11 at 9:30 8226. a.m. and noon Health Awareness Day Healthy moves & more with Sarah Gray (Columbus County Health Department)

Schedule of Events

Friday, April 15 at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Farm Day Agricultural talk & activity with Wilbur Smith (Columbus County Partnership for Children & Dalton Dockery (Columbus County Cooperative Extension Services)

Saturday, April 16 at 9:30 Tuesday, April 12 at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Pinwheel Garden Culture Day This event will promote Vietnamese story, craft & acawareness and prevention of tivity with Lena Tram Child Abuse and will be held at Wednesday, April 13 at 9:30 the North Carolina Museum of and 11 a.m.

Natural Sciences, located at 415 Arts Day S. Madison St. in Whiteville.

Mosaic making & more with Lori Anne Wright (L.A. Pre-registration is required Wright).

To pre-register a group or if

WOYC Kick-off Event Sunday, April 10 at 2:30 p.m.

Open House/Community Partners Day at the Columbus County Partnership for Children (Smart Thursday, April 14 at 9:30 Start) - 105, 107 & 109 W. Main and 11 a.m.

St. in Whiteville.

Science Day Science story & activity with Magical Moments & DraCasey Geer (North Carolina ma at 3:30 p.m.

Museum of Natural Sciences) Magician Renzi Norris will de-

you have questions, call the ELF at 212-6352.

Scholastic Book Fair at the ELF: Weekdays April 11-19, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

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

Invited to a chickenpox party?

Week of the Young Child -- Page 5

By DR. RANDOLPH MATTHEWS As an intern, I remember being shocked by a wild severely developmentally delayed little boy of about three years of age. He was nonverbal and would just gnash his lips with his teeth as he glared at me without recognition.

What shocked me was that a few months before, this same child had played with me, hugged me and even gave me a kiss as I saw him for a well check and tested his normal developmental milestones.

What brought about this big change in such a short time?

He developed a case of varicella encephalitis, which had damaged his brain severely.

He would likely never speak again.

Varicella is the real name of the chickenpox virus. When I began my medical career in the early 90s there was no vaccine. Luckily most cases were not as damaging as the case mentioned above. Most of the time, chickenpox causes fever and an itchy rash that can last up to two weeks. Although itching is never pleasant, I could see how some people would come to think of chickenpox as a relatively harmless if uncomfortable rite of passage. After all, almost everyone got chickenpox at some time in their childhood.

And there was a belief that chickenpox is milder in children than in adults. However I don’t believe that is actually the case. Adults are just more vocal about complaining. But since people believed that the disease is milder in children, when a child came down with chickenpox, it became all the rage to invite all the neighborhood children to a “chickenpox party.” Here is the reasoning behind these parties: Since the disease was thought to be milder in childhood and everyone gets it eventually, everyone should get it over with. Since chickenpox is one of the most contagious diseases known, pretty much everyone would come down with it a week or two later.

The problem however, is that chickenpox sometimes can have serious complications.

Sometimes, the virus infects

North Carolina WIC Program Benefits Columbus County Families WIC PROGRAM PROVIDES HEALTHY FOODS AND NUTRITION EDUCATION FOR ELIGIBLE WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN IN COLUMBUS COUNTY

Dr. Randolph Matthews the brain causing encephalitis as mentioned earlier.

Other times, it can cause a deadly pneumonia. The lesions mature into open scabs which can also get infected.

Also, the chickenpox virus (Varicella) is a member of the herpes family. This family of viruses, once they infect someone never leave the body.

Varicella can remain dormant in the nervous system for years. However, later it can cause painful shingles which can last for months and can be recurrent.

Fortunately, in 1995 the chickenpox or varicella vaccine was licensed. This 2 vaccine series is 98 % effective at preventing chickenpox completely and almost 100 percent effective at preventing the more severe forms of the disease. Also, by getting the vaccine, you may never get chickenpox at all. If you never get chickenpox, you can never come down with the painful and often recurrent shingles. Before the vaccine, it was common to see 3-4 cases / week. Fortunately, now with the vaccine, I may see one or two cases a year or two. And those cases are typically in children that were too young to get the vaccine.

Some recent medical graduates and young residents have never even seen a case.

Thank God for such progress.

I thought we had this disease just about licked. Recently however, I have heard about a resurgence of people refusing the vaccine and instead seekContinued on page 9

The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children in North Carolina (WIC) provides a variety of services to young families. Here in Columbus County, WIC serves approximately 2000 clients monthly through the Columbus County Health Department at 304 Jefferson Street in Whiteville. WIC is continuing to expand and enhance 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 deter-

mined 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 (That means, for example, that a household of 3 people must have a monthly income of less than $3,098). Our WIC staff can help you determine if you are eligible.

You do not have to receive Medicaid or food stamps 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) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY),. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. You may view more general information at http://www.nutritionnc.com/ nondiscrimination.htm.

Week of the Young Child -- Page 6

Circles of Hope focuses on whole family improvement

By SHALON SMITH Circles of Hope (COH) is a local initiative designed help lead families facing perpetual poverty to more stable lives, financially, socially, and spiritually by forming relationships across racial, class, and religious lines.

While the 12-week training programs for COH are primarily designed to help adults see the possibilities in becoming more financially self-sufficient, they can’t do that without bringing their children along.

“It takes so long for a family that has been in generational or situational poverty to truly change their lives. I can’t say that we will do that with the adults, but we will do it with the next generation,” COH Director Carolyn Hankins said.

Called “Champions of Change” new program participants are partnered with Allies, usually a person who is middle to upper middle class, to help them in their goal of leaving poverty. The supportive, reciprocal relationship between the two help the Allies learn about the barriers that exist in the community for all low-income people while the Champions learn means to journey out of poverty. Through COH, the individuals that want to improve their lives and circumstances are empowered to help themselves, not provided a temporary relief or entitlement that may continue the poverty cycle.

“Champions are in charge of changing their lives. We can add relationships, we can support them, we can encourage them and we can share some information but we can’t do it for them—which is unlike the government assistance programs where they will tell you, ‘You can do A, B, and C life is going to be wonderful.’ In reality, it doesn’t work that way,” Hankins said.

According to Hankins, that is a major difference in the approach that COH uses com-

pared to some other programs and ministries. “We’re not there to fix them—they are not broken,” she said.

COH has curriculum for adults and corresponding curriculum for children in Kindergarten and up. The training covers health, budgeting, eating, and education. The goal is that if the parents and children, at some level, are receiving the same training, it will enable them to carry on a conversation. “If your children are not buying into what you’re trying to do and how your life is changing, you won’t get total cooperation,” Hankins said.

Hankins said the expectation for learning from the children tend to be higher on Tuesday nights than they may be at home because of the positive reinforcement the children see at COH while their moms are learning family parenting skills. Changes noted by participants in their children that attend COH with them have been noticeable in some of the children’s approach to school and schoolwork.

Hankins recalled a former Champion whose child was never motivated to go to school in the mornings. After a few weeks of COH, her son made sure she was awake

Come and see us at the ELF!

so he could ready and off to school each morning. Another Champion had an older daughter who had spent most of her school time on suspension.

After COH, the daughter came home proud of her report card noting improvements she could make towards getting all A’s.

“It’s just a marvelous, wh o l e - f a m i l y i m p rove m e n t process that we seek through Circles,” Hankins said.

It takes five to seven yeas to change lives through wh o l e - f a m i l y improvement.

COH works with the Champions and their families for two years. Presently, there are 11 Champions and

their families participating in COH, which includes around 30 children.

COH meets Tuesday nights at 5:30

p.m. at First Presbyterian Church located at 511 N. Thompson Street in Whiteville.

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Why is it important to eat vegetables?

Eating vegetables provides health benefits – people who eat more vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Vegetables provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body.

etables, as part of an overall healthy diet, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. Fiber is important for proper bowel function. It helps reduce constipation and diverticulosis. Fiber-containing foods such as vegetables help provide a feeling of fullNutrients ness with fewer calories.

• Most vegetables are natu• Folate (folic acid) helps rally low in fat and calories. the body form red blood cells.

None have cholesterol. (Sauc- Women of childbearing age es or seasonings may add fat, who may become pregnant calories, and/or cholesterol.) should consume adequate • Vegetables are important folate from foods, and in adsources of many nutrients, in- dition 400 mcg of synthetic cluding potassium, dietary fi- folic acid from fortified foods ber, folate (folic acid), vitamin or supplements. This reduces A, and vitamin C. the risk of neural tube defects, • Diets rich in potassium spina bifida, and anencephaly may help to maintain healthy during fetal development.

• Vitamin A keeps eyes and blood pressure. Vegetable sources of potassium include skin healthy and helps to prosweet potatoes, white pota- tect against infections.

• Vitamin C helps heal cuts toes, white beans, tomato products (paste, sauce, and and wounds and keeps teeth juice), beet greens, soybeans, and gums healthy. Vitamin C lima beans, spinach, lentils, aids in iron absorption.

Health benefits and kidney beans.

• Eating a diet rich in veg• Dietary fiber from veg-

etables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.

• Eating a diet rich in some vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may protect against certain types of cancers.

• Diets rich in foods containing fiber, such as some vegetables and fruits, may reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

• Eating vegetables and fruits rich in potassium as part of an overall healthy diet may lower blood pressure, and may also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and help to decrease bone loss.

• Eating foods such as vegetables that are lower in calories per cup instead of some other higher-calorie food may be useful in helping to lower calorie intake.

- See more at: http://www. choosemyplate.gov/vegetables-nutrients-health#sthash. xxum4Pgx.dpuf

Summer Fun

At Opening Doors Preschool...

With A Purpose At

Precious Minds Child Care Center 123 Haynes Lennon Hwy. Cerro Gordo, NC

Registration Begins May 2, 2016 Call us-See What Services Are Available • 654-3900

What are your children doing this summer?

We pride ourselves in bringing the community quality child care for infants through twelve year olds. During the summer months, we offer an exciting program for school age children.

Opening Doors Preschool II 5 Star Center Rhonda & Robert Creech, Owners/Operator 201 S. Lee St., Whiteville • 642-2460

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Smart Start Early Learning Facility (ELF) 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.

program. Access to a laminating 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 The ELF is an interactive learning environment that is on all equipment and demonaccessible to child care early strate its appropriate use. Coneducators in pre-K programs sumer awareness materials and child care facilities as well on subjects such as early care as to families needing educa- and education, health, family tional materials and resources support and child wellness are 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

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 2126352. To learn about the other activities of the Columbus County Partnership for Children, call 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.-5 p.m.

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

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

Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

Special story time sessions can be arranged for child care providers

Chicken Pox

Week of the Young Child -- Page 9

Continued from page 5

ing out “chickenpox parties.”

When a non-vaccinating family has a case they will invite people from all over to visit.

Somehow they think it is more natural way to get immunity.

Well….Varicella encephalitis, varicella pneumonia and even death are all natural. Natural

does not always mean good.

We do know that the vaccine is very safe and effective. The vaccine entails a second of pinprick sensation for each of the two doses. It is true that rarely, a vaccine can cause a fever, a sore spot or a knot but those all resolve. However,

chickenpox illness at its best involves 1-2 weeks of fever and itching which can be followed by shingles years later.

At its worse, it may be deadly.

If you get invited to a chickenpox party for your child, send your regrets. Get your child vaccinated instead.

Week of the Young Child -- Page 10

NC Museum of Natural Sciences celebrates young learners

The NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Whiteville will celebrate the Week of the Young Child Tuesday, April 12-Saturday, April 16.

Tuesday: TACO Tuesday: Playing outdoors allow children to develop a love for nature while learning about the natural environment. Celebrate the Museum’s initiative to Take A Child Outside by exploring our Nature Playspace. Jump from stump to stump, serve up some fresh dishes in our mud kitchen, explore the Bear Lair, or get your hands dirty digging for real fossils.

Wednesday: Work together Wednesday: When children build together they explore math and science concepts and develop their social and early literacy skills. Try your hand at building homes for fairies and gnomes with natural materials like logs, sticks, rocks, and pinecones. Can you build a home for a fairy or gnome? What about a village?

Thursday: Museum visits Smart Start: The Museum will visit the Columbus County Partnership for Children and present the story “Bugs for Lunch” along with some live animals and play props. Come join us for a fun-filled story time and discover “Who eats bugs…Do you?”

Friday: Family Friday: Engaging and celebrating families is at the heart of supporting our youngest learners. NAEYC applauds family members’ role as young children’s first and most important teachers. Get the whole family involved as you take a walk along our tree trail and try to find everything listed on our nature scavenger hunt.

Saturday: Special Event: Fun activities for young children and their families at the Museum from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Come hear a special story time, make some cool crafts, try your hand a Dung Beetle Racing, see live animals, and connect with local partners like the Columbus County Partnership for Children (Smart Start), the Police Department, Fire Department, and Columbus County Library.

The first 100 people to come to our Saturday event will be given a pinwheel to plant in our Pinwheel Garden to show support for Child Abuse Prevention Month. This activity is cosponsored by the Columbus County Partnership for Children (Smart Start) The museum is located at 415 S. Madison Street, Whiteville.

For more information call 914-4185.

Smart Start to host Scholastic Book Fair

The Columbus County Partnership for Children (Smart Start) will host a Scholastic Book Fair April 11-19, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 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 10 through 15.

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 212-6352 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 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

Every Student Succeeds Act: A new education law

Week of the Young Child -- Page 11

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed by President Obama on December 10, 2015, and represents good news for our nation’s schools.

This bipartisan measure reauthorizes the 50-year-old Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the nation’s national education law and longstanding commitment to equal opportunity for all students.

The new law builds on key areas of progress in recent years, made possible by the efBarack Obama forts of educators, communities, parents, and students across the country.

For example, today, high school graduation rates are at all-time highs. Dropout rates are at historic lows. And more students are going to college than ever before. These achievements provide a firm foundation for further work to expand educational opportunity and improve student outcomes under ESSA. The previous version of the law, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, was enacted in 2002. NCLB represented a significant step forward for our nation’s children in many respects, particularly as it shined a light on where students were making progress and where they needed additional support, regardless of race, income, zip code, disability, home language, or background. The law was scheduled for revision in 2007, and, over time, NCLB’s prescriptive requirements became increasingly unworkable for schools and educators. Recognizing this fact, in 2010, the Obama administration joined a call from educators and families to create a better law that focused on the clear goal of fully preparing all students for success in college and careers.

Congress has now responded to that call.

The Every Student Succeeds Act reflects many of the priorities of this administration.

“With this bill, we reaffirm that fundamentally American ideal—that every child, regardless of race, income, background, the zip code where they live, deserves the chance to make of their lives what they will.”

— President Barack Obama

Grant to provide meals for kids A Rural Child Poverty Nutrition Center grant serving all of Columbus County has been received. This grant is an opportunity to promote and encourage more participation in the efforts of feeding children ages 1 through 18. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides nutritious meals for the children in the county at no cost and is offered in the summer when school is not in session.

The grant provides resources to encourage more participation county-wide. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides daily meals for children in the following combinations: breakfast and lunch, breakfast and snack, snack and snack, supper and snack, breakfast and supper, breakfast only, lunch only, supper only.

Whiteville High School is a walk-in site for breakfasts and lunches during the summer. Children can also be served in the schools, during community activities and basically anywhere that there is a gathering of supervised children throughout the county.

Anyone interested in learning more about the program is invited to a county-wide meeting Tuesday, April 19 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Whiteville City Schools Civic Room, 107 W. Walter Street in Whiteville. A discussion will be held about making nutritious food available to as many children as possible throughout the county.

Anyone interested in participating or learning more about ways to help should contact Rhonda Dutton for more information at rdutton@whiteville.k12.nc.us or call 641-6439 or 640-8080.

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

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).

Week of the Young Child -- Page 12

First 2000 days are integral to child development

By DANNY RUSSELL CCPC Executive Board Member As you read today’s newspaper, was it hard for you to distinguish between the front page and back page? As you read this article in the Week of the Young Child tab (special section), was it hard for you to distinguish between the first paragraph and last paragraph or between the first word and last word of any given paragraph?

When you are familiar with the layout of a newspaper, you can easily answer no to these two questions because you can read the many different articles throughout its publication. Imagine how hard it would be to read the paper without being familiar with the layout of a newspaper. You wouldn’t know where to begin and you would already be behind those who could pick up a newspaper and naturally read it.

Children in Columbus County can begin kindergarten already behind in one area if they do not have book awareness. Book awareness can be

Danny Russell

like newspaper awareness by knowing how to process the given information. Book awareness includes knowing the front cover and back cover of a book. Book awareness also includes knowing how to turn the pages and knowing where to find the book’s title and author.

One great aspect about these concepts is that they can be naturally demonstrated by reading aloud to a child. Columbus County Partnership with Children (Smart Start) offers different programs to meet the needs of children from birth until five years old to prepare them for a successful start to kindergarten.

There are many reading

programs available through the Partnership to develop book awareness and other reading skills for the children throughout Columbus County.

Some of the programs include: Reach Out And Read, Raising a Reader and Story Times at Smart Start’s Early Learning Facility (ELF) located at 107 W. Main St., Whiteville.

Community and faith leaders gathered for The First 2000 Days Faith Summit in November 2015 to learn how our many different faith communities can partner with Columbus County Partnership with Children (Smart Start) to empower our families as they develop the necessary tools in preparation for their children to begin kindergarten and have a good start to a productive and enriching experience in our local school systems.

During our gathering, we learned how vital the first 2,000 days of a child’s life is because those five years shape how that person will learn for the rest of his or her life.

When a child begins kindergarten with book awareness, the student has a good founda-

tion to build upon and learn how to read. When a child begins without book awareness, the student has already begun the first day of school behind.

The many different programs and opportunities through Smart Start is working on making sure each child in Columbus County is given the chance to succeed in school by partnering with their parents, grandparents, and others to help our children reach their full potential during these first 2,000 days.

But our great conversations and great opportunities will do very little for the children of Columbus County if we don’t follow up after this Faith Summit or after reading this article. As a father, community member and pastor, I urge community members to contact Smart Start 642-8226 or www.columbu s s m a r t s t a r t . org) and make a

Now Scheduling Pre-K and Kindergarten Well Checks

Calista Shepherd - LPN, Luis Maggioli - Spanish Interpreter, Sherry Rickett - CNA, Dawn Watts - Practice Manager, Lacey White - PA-C, Kim Phillips - Reception, Randolph Matthews - MD, Nora Lund - Medical Records/Reception

difference in our community and a child’s life.

Smart Start will welcome you to come by and learn more about their programming, and you can also support these wonderful opportunities with a financial donation.

Will you help a child in Columbus County have a strong foundation for starting kindergarten? Will you join me in this work?

Note: This article is adapted from a previously published letter Russell originally wrote to the editor of The News Reporter.

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

Child abuse and neglect prevention imperative: Local DSS supervisor gives practical insight, advice

By JIM WARLICK DSS Child Protective Services Supervisor As a lifelong resident of Columbus County, I’ve had the opportunity to experience life both as a child and now as an adult raising children in our area. As the times change so do the challenges that our parents and children experience. Three areas that come to mind in which our community struggles are: 1. Prescription Medication Drug Abuse: Prescription Medication is rampant in Columbus County. In the 2015 Columbus County State of the County Health Report, a survey of residents indicates that it is easier to obtain prescription drugs than alcohol. One third of Columbus County residents report that they know someone that abuses prescription medication.

This easy access to Prescription Drugs led to at least 20 Prescription Medication Overdoses in 2012 which correlated to one of the worst death rates

in the state. A caretaker’s abuse of medication weakens their ability to provide proper supervision and a structured home environment to raise children.

2. High Unemployment Rate: Columbus County has a history of great industry. Georgia Pacific, Myrtle Desk among other companies have now closed or left the area. This leaves fewer jobs for those in Columbus County. This leaves caretakers without a way to provide for their family or forces them to take lower paying jobs that make it difficult to meet their family’s needs.

Economic hardship also requires parents to work longer hours for less money and reduces the time that parents are able to spend at home with their children. Additionally, it reduces their ability to provide for their basic needs. This leads to an increased dependence on public benefits.

Many families have shared the lack of ability to provide for their family as a source of stress and disagreement. The

inability to provide for your children’s basic food, clothing, and shelter can lead to domestic discord.

3. Health Issues Related to Obesity: Columbus County has previously been identified as the unhealthiest county in North Carolina for five consecutive years. This year, a slight improvement has been made and we are now ranked 96th out of 100 counties. Healthy food options typically cost more than other food options.

In general, our community is unaware of “Healthy Living” and the effects that diet can have on their health and children’s behavior.

Studies indicate that these challenges greatly increase the opportunity for child abuse and neglect in our community.

So what do we as a community do about it? Here are some simple suggestions of things you can do to support the children in our community.

• Become a mentor for a young mother: Being a mother can be difficult regardless of the age. Those which are

young benefit greatly from the support of a role model. This can assist the parent in learning parenting, how to cook healthy meals, and a variety of other skills.

• Donate basic care items to families in need: Families in need often need small everyday items to not only care for their family, but also to feel supported by the community. Families always need diapers, games, activities, or gift cards to keep families active and having fun.

• Be a good neighbor: Often, struggling families just need a listening ear. If you notice someone that appears to be struggling or having a hard time, ask what you can do to help. Tell them that you are there to support them.

• Be a good example: Be a good example to all children and families you come in contact with. Treat others as you’d wish to be treated and others will watch and learn.

• Volunteer your time: Seek out opportunities to share your skills with organizations in our community.

• Report Abuse or Neglect: Everyone in the State of North Carolina is a mandated reporter. This means that if you suspect abuse or neglect you are required to make a Child Protective Services report.

You may do this by contacting Columbus County DSS during business hours at 642-2800.

After business hours and for emergencies please dial 911.

• Attend our local Child Abuse Prevention Ceremony: April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Columbus County Community Child Protection Team will be holding its annual Prayer/Remembrance Ceremony on April 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Columbus County Health Department. We invite you to show your support for the children in our community by attending this event. By attending you’re making a Statement that “Kids Lives Matter.”

It is our responsibility to insure the safety of the children living in our community. Never underestimate the positive effect that simple kind gestures have.

Working Together For Their Future

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

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 atrisk 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 k i n d e r g a rten 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 Commu-

nity 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-to-date with these check-ups is a critical part of a healthy start. Most insurance programs cover these preventive care check-ups.

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 years20 years •Foster Care Children: twice a year for ages 2 years – 20 years 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 privatelyinsured 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 award-winning Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC) program.

To learn more, visit www. carelcf.org.

Week of the Young Child -- Page 15

Columbus County Partnership for Children Activities 2014-2015

Family Focused Inclusion

This activity provides early identification of special needs and enhances the provision of early intervention services to ensure positive outcomes for all children ages birth to five in child care settings. For assistance, call Marsha Morgan at 642-8226.

information, call Brown at 642-8226.

LaTonya

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 Quality Enhancement books, resource kits and toys, Project This project helps licensed a computer with Internet acchild care programs increase cess and other resources are the level of star rated licen- available to library members sure and the level of provider at a nominal fee. Training education. Professional De- and workshops are offered as velopment services are also well as consumer materials available for facilities that in Spanish. For assistance, complete an Educational Fa- call 212-6352. cility Plan. Teachers in these Smart Start Subsidy facilities who are attending This scholarship program school may be eligible for Educational Awards. For as- provides assistance with the sistance, call LaTonya Brown cost of child care to qualified parents with children ages at 642-8226. birth to five. For assistance, call 642-3178.

Raising A Reader Raising A Reader helps Transportation child care providers work Expectant mothers and with families to build and maintain the home-based children ages birth to five language and literacy ex- who are not eligible for Medperiences young children icaid reimbursable transporneed for later school suc- tation can be transported to cess. By rotating high qual- and from medical appointity children’s literature into ments. For assistance, call homes each week, Raising Charles Patton at 642-7201.

A Reader’s research-based WAGE$ program helps children and This project provides child parents develop the habit of “book cuddling.” Families care professionals with edualso build the connections to cation-based salary supplelibraries that result in last- ments and addresses teaching family literacy habits and er turnover and increased improved outcomes for chil- teacher educational levels. dren. For assistance, call La- For assistance, call Allison Miller at 919-967-3272.

Tonya Brown at 642-8226.

Reach Out and Read

Reach Out and Read prepares America’s youngest children to succeed by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourages families to read together. At each well child visit, children between the age of six months and five years receive brand new, age and developmentally appropriate books to keep and their parents receive guidance on the importance of reading aloud to their children. For more

Familia Enfocada

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 cuidado infantil o guarderías.

Llame 642-8226

Proyecto del realce de calidad

Este proyecto ayuda a los programas de cuidado infantil certificados a incrementar el nivel de rendimiento y el nivel de educación provehida.

Servicios profesionales del desarrollo estan disponibles para facilidades que completen un Plan Educativo.

Maestros en estas facilidades que asisten a las escuelas pueden ser eligibles para resivir un Premio Educativo. Llame LaTonya Brown en 642-8226.

Creando un lector

Esta actividad con los centros de cuidado infantil o guarderías con licencias promueve el intercambio diario de libros entre los padres y sus hijos. Cada niño recibirá una brillante bolsa roja llena de libros de alta calidad, libros apropiados para la edad de sus hijos que se rotaran semanalmente. Llame 642-8226.

Smart Start Subcidio

Este programa de becas provee asistencia con los costos para el cuidado de niños para calificar padres con niños desde la edad del nacimiento hasta los cinco años. Llame 642-3178.

del Medicaid también pueden ser transportadas, y para sus citas medicas. Llame Charles Patton en 640-7201.

Pagos

Este proyecto provee de profesionales del cuidado infantil, suplementos educación-basada del sueldo y Transportacion trata volumen de ventas del Madres embarazadas y con profesor y niveles de enseniños recién nacidos hasta la ñanza, crecimientos del proedad de cinco años que no son fesor. Llame Allison Miller elegibles para el reembolso en 967-3272.

CCPC Staff Telephone Numbers

Wilbur Smith - Executive Director LaTonya Brown - Program Coordinator Selena Rowell - Outreach Coordinator Eva Hernandez - Outreach Assistant Marsha Morgan - Early Childhood Specialist Anna King - Early Childhood Specialist Wallyce Todd - Support Specialist

910-499-4546 910-499-4547 910-499-4548 910-499-4549 910-212-4689 910-212-4689 910-212-4010

Lee y Alcanzaras

Lee y alcanzaras prepara a los niños más pequeños de Estados Unidos a tener éxito en su futuro, esto lo hacen asociándose con los médicos que prescriben libros a sus pacientes para alentar a las familias a leer juntos. En cada visita para su chequeo físico anual, los niños entre la edad de seis meses y cinco años reciben libros nuevos apropiados para su desarrollo y los padres reciben también orientación sobre la importancia de leerle a sus hijos. Para más información llame al 642-8226.

Smart Start Centro de Aprendizaje Temprano

La centro de aprendizaje temprano provee recursos de desarrollo infantil que padres y proveedores pueden usar para el crecimiento del cuidado y la educación temprana para los bebes y niños. La variedad de libros para niños, videos, libros con temas de recursos, artículos y juguetes, computadora con acceso al internet y otros recursos que están disponibles para los miembros de la centro a un minimo pago. Entrenamientos y cursos como también materiales en español. Llame 212-6352.

Edu-Care Preschool Center “Operating for 30 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 2016-2017 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”

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 910-642-8226.

• 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 910-212-6352.

A special guest reader shares a story with children at the Smart Start Early Learning Facility (ELF).

A local pre-K class enjoys story time at the Smart Start Early Learning Facility (ELF).

A child selects a book from the literacy-rich waiting area, a component of the Reach Out and Read early literacy project at Columbus Pediatrics and Adolescent Care.

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