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PREPARE * PREVENT * PROTECT

3/22/2021

March 21 - March 27 is National Poison Prevention Week

When life happens, poison centers are ready 24/7/365 with fast, free treatment advice by calling Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) or visiting poisonhelp.org. Whether it’s a question or an emergency, Poison Help can provide life-saving information when people need it most and it is faster and more accurate than an internet search. On average, 90% of poisonings happen in American homes each year and more than 70% of people who call Poison Help get the help they need right where they are—saving the cost of a trip to a doctor or hospital.

Because this information is life saving to you and your family I feel best connecting you to the National Poison Control Center for the latest information, tips and guidelines.

https://www.poison.org/

Please let your Parents as Educators contact know if you need assistance in making your living environment a safe place for your child/ren.

As the Days Get Longer and the Weather Gets Warmer...

3/10/2021

Hello Families! My name is Aimee Alderman. I am new to Grandview C4 School District, but I have been a Parents As Teachers parent educator since 1996. And for six years prior to that, I was enrolled as a parent in Parents As Teachers with my three children. I have always loved this program! It is full of fun and information.

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, everyone is going to be itching to get outside. There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors close to home as well as out and about. Here are a few of my favorite ideas.

In the yard, hand your children a bag and encourage them to collect dry leaves, twigs, and other natural artifacts. When they have their collection, allow them to spread it out and observe their treasures. Help them find words to describe their things such as smooth, rough, heavy, brown etc. Watch to see if they organize their things in any order. If you notice them place things in categories, point it out: “I noticed you have put all the small ones together.” Hand your children some paper and glue and allow them to make a nature collage. Display their art in a prominent place in your home.

Here is a list of playgrounds in Grandview. Spend an afternoon “playground hopping” with your family. https://www.grandview.org/work/city-government/parks-recreation/parks

At the playground, count with your child. Count anything you can think of: strollers, dogs, white cars, swings. Play a game of “eye spy.”

And speaking of swings, swinging develops a motor sensibility called perceptual motor skills, also known as the proprioceptic sense. Swinging helps your child discover how their body feels in space and motion. This is a foundation for physical intelligence.

For a bigger adventure, take your family on a hike at one of the amazing large parks in the area. One of my favorite parks is Cave Springs which is located on Gregory Blvd, just west of Raytown Road. https://kcparks.org/places/cave-spring-park/

There are several trails in the park. Some are paved and some are more rugged. There is a pond and even a small island that can be reached by a bridge. There are the remains of old summer homes; stone walls and stone chimneys. Try putting together a scavenger hunt for your hike. Here is an example:

Find the island.

Find the cave.

Find the playground.

Find the waterlilies.

Find an historical marker.

Find an old chimney.

Find a park bench.

Nature is a wonderful teaching partner. March forth and enjoy the great outdoors! And don’t forget to tell your parent educator all about your adventures!

How Will I LOVE my family this Valentine's?!

2/13/2021

“The true essence of Valentine Day is true love. It is supposed to be a day when lovers, married couples, reaffirm their love and genuine affection for one another. It is not only for married couples; singles also partake in the celebration by spreading what is called agape love. Valentine day should teach us about sacrifice.” -www.vanguardngr.com/2018/02/true-meaning-valentine-day/

As February 14 creeps up on our calendars, our culture begins to shift their thoughts toward LOVE. Who can actually avoid the elaborately celebrated holiday of Valentines with all the advertisements of flowers, jewelry, candy, teddy bears, and cards flooding our media and stores? Valentine’s Day may not represent the ooey-gooey emotions lavished on you by a significant other, but it can still be packed full of love. Did you know there are several types of love?

Eros: Romantic love
Philia: Friendship love
Storge: A Family love - represented between parents and children
Agape: God’s love; selfless and unconditional

I think I speak for all of us when I say, “We desire to be loved by others.” But how good are we at giving love? Do we make intentional choices to love others in the same fashion we want to be loved? How good are we at sacrificing our own desires to honor someone else’s? That puts a real spin on Valentine’s Day. Instead of focusing on how I am receiving love, I will focus on how I can give love.

Although I am personally challenged to examine my life in all 4 areas of love, I am going to focus today on Storge Love: A family love.

I read an article recently that said, “THE MOST IMPORTANT THING CHILDREN NEED IS JUST LOVE. That’s not just sentiment, it’s fact. Parenting research has proven time and time again loving your children is the one thing that makes all the difference – in so many important ways.”

Please take time to read this short article on the benefits of showing love to your child...
https://www.parent.com/blogs/conversations/the-most-important-thing-children-need-is-just-love

My commitment this Valentine’s is to examine how I express love within the four types of love mentioned above. How do I show my husband I honor and respect him? How will I express my gratitude toward friends? How will I love my children (even when they are not loveable)? How will I represent selfless and unconditional expressions to my community? Let’s be real, this is a lot easier said than done. I hope this Valentine’s Day you will take this challenge with me, Instead of focusing on how I am receiving love, I will focus on how I can give love.

On behalf of the Parents as Teacher Educators at High Grove Early Childhood we commit to express Philia: Friendship love to you and your families. Our desire is to equip you to become the best parent/teacher your child could ever have!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

February is Dental Health Month!

2/4/2021

February is Dental Health Month!

Let’s Talk About Baby Teeth
A baby’s 20 primary teeth are already present in the jaws at birth and typically begin to appear when a baby is between 6 months and 1 year. Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the time they are 3. Every child is different, but usually the first teeth to come in are located in the top and bottom front of their mouth.
When teeth first come in, some babies may have sore or tender gums. Gently rubbing your child's gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a wet gauze pad can be soothing. You can also give the baby a clean teething ring to chew on. If your child is still cranky and in pain, consult your dentist or physician.

Why Baby Teeth Matter
Baby teeth are very important to your child’s health and development. They help him or her chew, speak and smile. They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums. When a baby tooth is lost too early, the permanent teeth can drift into the empty space and make it difficult for other adult teeth to find room when they come in. This can make teeth crooked or crowded. That’s why starting infants off with good oral care can help protect their teeth for decades to come.

When should I start taking my child to the dentist?
After the first tooth comes in and no later than the first birthday. A dental visit at an early age is a "well-baby checkup" for the teeth. Besides checking for cavities and other problems, the dentist can show you how to clean the child's teeth properly and how to handle habits like thumb sucking.

How To Care For Your Child’s Teeth
It’s important to care for your baby’s teeth from the start. Here's what to do:
Begin cleaning your baby’s mouth during the first few days after birth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth. As soon as teeth appear, decay can occur. A baby’s front four teeth usually push through the gums at about 6 months of age, although some children don’t have their first tooth until 12 or 14 months.

For children younger than 3 years, start brushing their teeth as soon as they begin to come into the mouth by using fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear or the size of a grain of rice. Brush teeth thoroughly twice per day (morning and night) or as directed by a dentist or physician. Supervise children’s brushing to ensure that they use the appropriate amount of toothpaste.

For children 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Brush teeth thoroughly twice per day (morning and night) or as directed by a dentist or physician. Supervise children’s brushing and remind them not to swallow the toothpaste.

Until you’re comfortable that your child can brush on his or her own, continue to brush your child's teeth twice a day with a child-size toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. When your child has two teeth that touch, you should begin cleaning between their teeth daily.

Source: Mouth Healthy/American Dental Association

SUCCESS BY 6 RESOURCE CENTER IS A HIDDEN TREASURE

1/21/2021

Play and learning go hand in hand for children. Our Success by Six Resource Center is located inside High Grove Early Childhood Center. We exist to provide books, learning toys, and materials to help your young child's brain development and to reduce stress. What a great opportunity for your children during this roller coaster season! Yes, our kiddos are also feeling stress just as we are. They may show it in different ways: worry, fear, tension, clinging, anger, crying, whining, out of control emotions, aggressive and/or stubborn behavior. (I know I have felt some of these symptoms myself!)

Our Success by Six Resource Center is here to help your family. We provide materials for children aged birth - 6 years. These helpful items are easy to access by calling, texting, or emailing me, Fonda Burkhart, at 816-316-5489 or 816-721-1640. I am available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00am - 3:00pm. My email address is fonda.burkart@grandviewc4.net. The process of checking out materials and books is super easy; simply call or email me and we will discuss your child's age, stage of development, and their interests. I will gather several learning items catered for your child/ren. We will agree on a meeting time in the front lobby of High Grove Early Childhood Center for you to drop off and/or collect the materials. (Remember to wear a mask). It's that easy!! This is a service we offer your family FREE of charge...PLEASE SHARE THIS AMAZING OPPORTUNITY WITH YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND NEIGHBORS!

I recently read an article entitled "Play Helps Stress Reduction" by Megan Gunnar, PH.D. I challenge each of you to read this!
https://mcm.org/reducing-the-effects-of-stress-on-your-child/

The Success By 6 Resource Center is a hidden treasure within the Grandview area. I look forward to hearing from you and having the opportunity to partner with your family.

My name is Fonda Burkhart. I have worked at High Grove Early Childhood Center for seven years. Previously, I worked as a Head Start Director, Head Start District Supervisor, Head Start teacher, Parent Educator, and Private School Director. I am wanting to use my 35 years of training to serve your needs in helping educate your child/ren. I value my family and love spending time with them. I have 4 grandchildren, 1 dog, and 5 chickens...oh yes...and my awesome hubby of 47 years!

NEW YEAR = NEW OPPORTUNITIES!

1/8/2021

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I like to say New Year = New Opportunities. Yes, there are some 2020 resolutions that I never completed, but there were a lot of surprises that taught me more about patience, love, forgiveness, flexibility, family, and the value of community. These were not on my original list of resolutions, however, I am a better person because I chose to learn and grow in the given situation. Let’s be real, sometimes moving forward is difficult. We have guilt for uncompleted resolutions, maybe the way we handled something, or even just blowing it with our children. If this is you, welcome to planet Earth, where people are not perfect and we make mistakes.
I think the greatest gift we can offer others and ourselves is forgiveness.

“Forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness.” (Berkley.edu)

WAIT!...don’t read any further until you take a deep breath and read that definition again, and again. Why? Because until we learn to look back and offer others and ourselves forgiveness we can’t move forward into the new year with great expectations.

“The negative consequences of not forgiving has been documented in studies that show that it can lead to emotional pain of anger, hate, hurt, resentment, bitterness and so on and as a consequence can create health issues, affect relationships and stop us from experiencing the freedom that forgiveness enables.” (theresiliencecenter.com)

I don’t want any of those things! If you are like me you want GREAT THINGS IN 2021! We are not settling for good things, and definitely not settling for all those negative things, but choosing to press into the new year expecting great things! So before moving forward to some great ideas for helping you create your 2021 New Year’s Resolution list, let’s stop and deal with the issue at hand...forgiveness.
Here we go together:

Close your eyes and wait patiently for just a minute while asking yourself this question: “Do I need to forgive anyone or myself?”
Write the thoughts that came to your mind on different sticky notes or paper.
With each individual thought say: I forgive _(Name)____ for __(Action)____.
Take a deep breath while you wad up the small note and toss into a trash can.
Do each thought until you have no paper left.
When you feel the negative emotions about that person or situation again remind yourself that they (you) are forgiven and it does not affect you anymore.

Now friends, we are ready to tackle 2021 and make it the best year yet!
New Year = New Opportunities

(I took this next section from brighthorizons.com)
As parents, New Year's resolutions are a great way to improve you and your family's lives. See our top 10 resolution ideas for families to get inspired.As we start the new year, it is important to reflect on the past year and remind ourselves of our good parenting successes and the ways we have acted in the best interests of our children. We are often too quick to be critical of ourselves and forget all the wonderful nurturing we have done.
As you reflect on all of your parenting moments, you might think about setting some parenting resolutions for the upcoming year. Its important that you set realistic New Years resolutions and keep track, because while we all have the best of intentions, traditional resolutions are often forgotten or viewed as too challenging by as early as mid-January.
For some inspiration and New Years resolution ideas, here are some examples of parenting resolutions, which we hope you will find realistic and doable throughout the new year.

10 NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS FOR PARENTS & FAMILIES

:1. Say "Yes" More. Try saying "yes" more to spending quality family time and doing things together.
2. Say "No" More. When it comes to I want, I need, everyone has it, and everyone does it, learn how to say "no."
3. Worry Less. Keeping kids safe should be a priority, but dont let your worries about all the large and small highly sensationalized harm that exists out there drive your life. The overwhelming odds are with you. Instead, find ways to make your kids world safer and let them actively explore whats around them.
4. Listen More; Talk at Less. Ask "What do you think? What are you feeling? Tell me about it. What would you do?"
5. Negotiate Less; Explain More. Our kids deserve to know the thinking behind our decisions and expectations, but should not be equal partners at the bargaining table. We are the parents.
6. Read a Little More. Its not only a good way to spend time together, but reading to your child, with your child, and in front of your child will also help them grow as readers. Grab your books, magazines, newspapers, notes, and visit our Growing Readers website for inspiration.
7. Write a Little More. Get in the habit of writing notes of encouragement, love, recognition, responsibility, and daily appreciation of life.
8. Expect a Little More. In the new year, expect more from your children, like good behavior, responsibility, manners, kindness, and all of the goodness that lies within your kids.
9. Expect a Little Less. Be okay with a little less constant scheduling and enrichment filled days. Slow down, you move too fast. Children need a lot of slow to grow. Create a daily schedule for your kids, as well as yourself, that is more balanced and realistic.
10. Connect More. Take steps to maintain friendships, and stay connected with family, the community, those less fortunate, and the natural world.

Please remember to connect with our Success by 6 Resource Center for books, games, and activities for your children. You can contact Fonda @ 816-316-5489 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 10:00am - 3:00pm.

On behalf of all Parents as Teacher Educators in the Grandview School District we wish you an EXCELLENT 2021 and look forward to serving you and your family!
New Year = New Opportunities!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Kansas City free Christmas and holiday assistance programs.

12/12/2020

Holiday help, ranging from Christmas gifts to assistance at Thanksgiving, is available across Kansas City. Most of the charities that operate these programs only provide services to a limited area, however there are options in all counties. More information is below on where to turn to for free toys or Christmas food baskets in Jackson, Cass, Clay, or Platte County.
The programs available tend to be either Adopt a Family or toy giveaways. Due to this, there is also a need for further donations and participation of the greater Kansas City, Missouri community. Everything from gift cards from retailers such as Wal-Mart to educational toys, DVDs, games, and more are always in demand. Families in need of help at the holidays needs to register in time. While the goal is to provide each child a gift, or family a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal, due to the demand on the charities this is not always possible.

LUMA
Address: 3007 Mercier
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Phone number is (913) 948-9700
The non-profit runs a Holiday - Christmas store. This allows low to moderate income individuals and families to shop at a reduced price for any needed gifts.

City Union Mission
Address is 1700 E 8th St
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 329-1444
Small Christmas gifts are provided to qualified applicants. Women, including single moms, as well as children from low income families can get help.

Kansas City Catholic Charities
Address - 20 West 9th Street
Kansas City, MO
A Toy Shoppe is available for needy families. In many years, hundreds of children get a present for Christmas morning. This church - charity may help thousands of kids from low income families each Thanksgiving and Christmas. More on Catholic Charities programs in Kansas City.

Salvation Army
There are several in the region, including Platte and other counties. Seniors, the disabled,
homeless, and children may qualify for a free gift or parents can shop for low cost items at the thrift store.
-1301 E 10th St, Kansas City, MO 64106, dial (816) 421-0910
-500 W 39th St, Kansas City, Missouri 64111, call (816) 753-1628
-Another site is at 1535 East 23rd St S, Independence, Missouri 64050.
-Prospect Plaza, 6469 N Prospect Ave, Gladstone, Missouri 64119, dial (816) 595-5999

Grace United Church
811 Benton Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64124
For information, call (816) 231-5745
Della Lamb Community Services - Operation Santa Claus
500 Woodland Ave
Kansas City, MO 64106-9908
New toys, gift cards, winter coats, and food baskets are passed out at the Christmas season.

Operation Breakthrough
3039 Troost
Kansas City MO 64109
Intake number - 816-756-3511
They only offer assistance to qualified low income families in the Kansas City metropolitan area city center region.

Toys for Tots is run from several locations in Kansas City, including Clay, Jackson, and other counties. The program provides free, unwrapped Christmas gifts to children of low income families.

The Salvation Army and other charities or churches, such as below, participate. There
may be games, electronics, books, and other presents available.

 Mt Washington Missionary Baptist Church - 3551 Wabash Ave, Kansas City, Missouri,
64109. Phone - 816-509-6538. This site runs Toys for Tots for Jackson County.
 Community Services League is at 404 N. Noland Rd, Independence , Missouri, 64050,
dial 816-912-4493
 Great Circle accepts applications. The location is 18610 East 37th Terrace South,
Independence, Missouri, 64057. Phone - 816-739-4976.
 Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council. Address - 3700 Woodland Ave., Kansas City, Missouri,
64109. Dial 816-921-6611.
 Greater KC LINC, INC - 436 Prospect Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, 64124, telephone
- 816-418-3612
 Bumps with Benefits focuses on new moms or single parents. 7920 Troost Ave, Kansas
City, Missouri, 64131, dial 816-873-1292.

Filling Our Tool Box: Tools for Providing Supportive Parenting

11/30/2020

IT IS HOLIDAY SEASON! For many of us this year looks a little different: small gatherings in our homes, not visiting with family, virtual education and jobs. Not only are adults processing these changes but so are our children. Often, they do not know how to express their feelings or process their thoughts. It is the parent’s responsibility to equip our children with the tools needed to be successful in handling their big emotions and concerns.

I thought now would be a good time for us to fill our personal tool boxes with tools that can assist us and our children as we navigate the many changes associated with this Holiday season. I, too, am learning. How do I communicate so much information with my children? How do I manage stress? What can my children do while home?

I found this article by The Incredible Years to be full of great tools.
Keeping Calm and Providing Supportive Parenting During the Coronavirus
Mantener la Calma y Ser Un Padre que Da Apoyo Durante el Coronavirus

Here are some activities they suggest.
Dina's Fabulous and Incredible Activities
Las Actividades Increíbles y Fabulosas de Dina

Your Parent as Teacher Educator has many wonderful tools to offer you. Tools for play, tools for education, tools for handling emotions, tools for communication and tools for connecting with your child, etc. We are here to equip you, serve you, and support your family! What tools can we offer you today?

Hidden Poisons...how do we protect our children?

11/12/2020

I recently took a training where the presenter said, “Any product can harm someone if used in the wrong way, in the wrong amount, or by the wrong person.” The wrong person could be a child. Do you know the phone number for Poison Control (1-800-222-1222)? It would be a good idea to put the number into your cell phone in case you need it.
Every 8 seconds someone needs a poison center. Could you be next? You can call day or night, 7 days a week, any day of the year. The center can help you in more than 150 languages or if you are hearing impaired.
This year there has been an increase in calls made to Poison Control due to COVID. These calls involve disinfectants and hand sanitizers. Some hand sanitizers contain methanol (wood alcohol). Methanol can be toxic when absorbed through the skin and deadly if swallowed. The FDA recalled 75 Brands of hand sanitizers.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/toxic-hand-sanitizer-fda-warning-growing-list-brands/

Many food, candy and drink products look remarkably like some potentially harmful items. Use this brochure to educate your children (and yourself) about knowing the difference.

https://missouripoisoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/LOOKOUT-for-POISON-Look-Alikes.pdf

Lead poisoning is also a concern. Lead can be in house and car keys, stained glass, some fidget spinners, some Mardi Gras beads, some forms of luster dust, imported candy and candy wrappers, imported toys and toy jewelry, some doll house furniture, imported cosmetics, and ceramics and pottery. If you have concerns, you can have your child tested for lead. Talk to your doctor’s office or your local health department.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuooyMIpn1M

My name is Marilyn Allen. I am a wife and mother of three sons. My husband, Herb, has two sons and a daughter. We share eleven wonderful grandchildren. Three of them have Autism and one has Cerebral Palsy. They range in age from one year to twenty-four years. My husband and I enjoy spending time with our family. Due to COVID, though, our get-togethers have been less. The holidays will be different this year, as some of our family members will not be attending our usual gatherings.
I have been a parent educator for over ten years. I have a degree in Business Education, elementary certification, and a graduate degree in Early Childhood. I also operated a home daycare for twenty years when my boys were growing up. I enjoy working with families and seeing their children grow from newborns to Kindergarteners. I tell parents what my mother used to tell me, “Enjoy every moment of their childhood because before long, they will be grown.” She was right. At the time, I was a single parent just trying to make it. I would give anything to go back and spend one day with my boys when they were little.

THE POWER OF TRADITIONS

11/1/2020

Does anyone else feel like we went from t-shirts to snow boots overnight? We have lived in the Midwest for ten years and I am still amazed by the inconsistency of the weather patterns here. I’m not going to lie, Midwestern winters are not my favorite. Every October I brace myself for the inevitble: freezing temperatures, power outages, unpassable icy roads, children crammed indoors, and excessively muddy floors.

The change of weather also means lots of family celebrations and togetherness as we jump from one holiday to another from now until the new year. Our sense of belonging, connection, structure, and identity are all rooted in our traditions. For many of us, the holidays represent traditions that have lasted a lifetime: Gathering at Grandma’s house for meals, special services, and even decorations. Cities, teams, schools, and families all have some form of traditions they continue year after year. It gives us a real sense of belonging, and as individuals we crave to feel that connection. Traditions help children feel connected to their families and their past. They provide a kind of stability, especially when there is more chaos than usual.

In an article I read, https://frfamilytherapy.com/do-traditions-matter-4-reasons-why-traditions-are-important-for-families/, the author gives four reasons why traditions are important to families.

1.Traditions offer consistency to those who participate.
2.Traditions draw families together, helping them to bond and come closer to one another—sometimes even years later.
3.Traditions can be healing during tough times.
4.Traditions are fun.

As a family, we have some traditions that represent us. At Thanksgiving we invite people from other cultures and let them bring a native dish. On Christmas Eve, everyone gets an ornament that represents something they did or accomplished that year. Our children draw names and exchange $10 gifts. We pick a movie night and watch Elf again. Yes, we have memorized all the lines by now, but it’s the intentional togetherness and fulfillment of tradition that we love.

Traditions are unique to each family, they are part of your family finger print. Maybe you have grown up with strong traditions to pass down to your children, or maybe you are choosing to begin some of your own. Both are great and both are valuable to your family identity. It isn’t necessarily ‘what you do’ as your family tradition that matters, but ‘that you do’ something.

Check out this article if you need some fresh ideas for creating family traditions.
https://www.parents.com/holiday/christmas/traditions/classic-holiday-traditions-for-your-family/

And, we would love to hear from you...please share your family traditions with us!

DATES TO REMEMBER:
December 15 from 5:30-7:00pm WINTERFEST @ High Grove Early Childhood Center

My name is Tricia Henson. This is my first year with Parents as Teachers in the Grandview School District, but not my first experience with families and children. My husband and I have moved 17 times, including New Zealand, the east coast and now the midwest. We have four children: Olivia, Ezekiel, Canaan and Micah. We have also been home to 27 foster children. My education is in Communications and Early Childhood. My passion is seeing families and children find their success. I have been active in Safe Families KC, Zoe House Adoption Agency, Orphan Justice Center, Missouri Fostercare, Parents as Teachers, and Early Childcare. I am excited to work among this amazing group of educators and serve families in the Grandview area.