May 23, 2012

A GUIDE FOR TODAY’S PARENTS inside • Kids Day in the Park at Filberg • Playing with Education • How to find the right toy

2012

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD Cover to cover on-line at comoxvalleyrecord.com

Duke wants you to come into the store and see

332-5th Street 338-1233

whalestaletoys@telus.net www.whalestaletoys.com

BOO “The Cutest Dog in the World”

... well, the second cutest dog in the world FOR THAT SPECIAL CHILD’S TOY MEMORY!

Photo by Jenn Osborne

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Wednesday, May 23, 2011

CHILD’S PLAY

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

KIDS DAY IN THE PARK SURE TO BE A The Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park is excited to host ‘Kids Day in the Park.’

The event will happen in the upper meadow on Sunday, June 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Our feature performer for Kids Day is the award-winning singer, songwriter Rick Scott. Always entertaining and hugely talented, Rick is a prolific artist who has performed world-wide and released 17 albums over his

BLAST

35-year music career.

Kids love his ‘electric snowshoe’ which is actually an Appalachian mountain dulcimer.

Jürgen Gothe from CBC’s Disc Drive describes Rick Scott: “Rick’s music speaks to kids and their parents and to me... It’s delightful, educational, accessible and innovative. It’s funny, clever and warm.

It’s not only

Canadian music—it’s essenimportant to Canadia tial.”

As well as Rick Scott, Sco Twiggly Wiggly park amazing the kids will be roaming the p with magic, juggling, wit ccowboy rope tricks, balloon animals, silly clown antics and humour into a high-energy, funfilled show for the whole fill family. fam There will be door prizes, The painting, games, a bubface pain and fun for everyone. ble tank, food a $5 per person, with Admission is $ kids under two free. are available in CourTickets ar Whale’s Tale Toys, Podtenay at Wh Planet Kids. lings, and P can find tickets at In Comox you ca Benino Gelato, Planet Kids, the Comox and the Filberg gift Recreation Centre, an purchase your tickets shop. You may also pu www.filberg.com. on-line at www.filberg Filberg Heritage Lodge —F and Park Association

RICK SCOTT TUNES up his Appalachian mountain dulcimer for Kids Day in the Park at the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park.

PHOTO BY ANTHONY MAKI

WEECARE

CHILDCARE PROGRAMS PROVIDING QUALITY CARE AT...

Arden Elementary Ecole Robb Road 250-331-2311 250-331-2241 Valley View Elementary Ecole Puntledge Park 250-331-2388 250-331-3001

Available Now...

Ecole Robb Road and Arden Elementary are offering a

KINDERGARTEN PREPARATION PROGRAM Children ages 3 ½ years to 5 years.

9:00am to 2:00pm ~ Monday to Friday

Open during the school year from 7:00am to 6:00pm. (Closed Holidays).

On-site for your convenience. Pro D day care.

Drop-ins welcome if space is available. Field Trips. Kinder pickup.

Qualified and caring staff, ChildSafe 1STAid. Discount for multi-child families. Subsidy friendly. Open Door Policy.

weecare.childcare@hotmail.com

CHILD’S PLAY

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Wednesday, May 23, 2011

3

LEARNING

LITERACY SKILLS IMPORTANT pages and looking at the picA child begins to learn the literacy skills as the readtures, a love of books begins moment they hear their first ing and writing we learn in to open up a whole new school. Literacy skills are word and make their first world. Your child is learnmuch more than that. It is sound. ing to understand that the the ability for your child to And communication pictures they see in the book listen and speak as well as begins at birth with parent are somehow associated to read and write. Literacy or caregiver and child interwith the words, and that also involves problem solvaction. ing, social skills and decision those words have meaning.

Infants like to hear the The first three years of making. Remember when different tones in our voices: exploring and playing quiet voice, singing with books, singing voice, excited voice.

Most people think of litnursery rhymes, lisAll send different eracy skills as the reading and tening to stories, recmessages to your writing we learn in school. Litognizing words, and baby. They will soon start to imitate the eracy skills are much more than scribbling are truly the building blocks for sounds of your speech. that. It is the ability for your language and literacy.

It is very important child to listen and speak as well The highest perto talk to your babies, cent of a child’s brain even if you think that as to read and write. they don’t under— PacificCARE development occurs in the first three years stand. buying books for your infant of life. This development Infants begin to commuis affected by the child’s nicate through sounds, facial they will more than likely end up in their mouths. experiences and learning expressions and body lanThere are such a wide variopportunities in their early guage. Responding to these ety of books you can buy, years. From the very beginearly communication efforts ning remember to talk, sing, encourages your baby to con- including cloth books which are easily washed and board laugh, listen and play with tinue trying different ways books which can be wiped your baby. to communicate. The more clean. When choosing books — Submitted by Sue you expose your baby to for your child it is important Warren of PacificCARE, a language the more they will to have quality illustrations, Child Care Resource and try to imitate the sounds. It using pictures that are as Referral program located at won’t be long before you can close to real life as possible.

237 Third St. in Courtenay. interpret what your child is When your child is holdCall 250-338-4288 for more saying to you. ing a book, turning the information.

Most people think of

❝

❞

BOOKS PLAY A KEY role in early childhood literacy, but literacy is much more than learning to read and write.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Natural Medicine for Children Dr. Deidre Macdonald NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN

Treat the cause and find lasting solutions for:

◗ Reoccuring infections ◗ Eczema, asthma and allergies ◗ Digestive complaints ◗ ADHD Painless food allergy testing available.

250-897-0235

7.

$

99

Coupon valid for all ages.

Not valid with any other offer.

Limit one coupon per customer.

Valid at Courtenay Location only.

www.getwellhere.com

Loving

Childcare

with Caring ECE Qualified Staff

• Sharing, compassion & other Christian values taught • Awesome wooded play area • Preparation for transition to Kindergarten

250-339-1834

1105 Pritchard • littlelambs@baychurch.net Accepting Registrations

H aircut

Offer expires: June 15th, 2012

Check-in online at: www.greatclips.com 3119 Cliffe Ave. (Across from Future Shop) No appointment required. Walk right in!

Mon. to Fri. 9-9 • Sat. 8-6 • Sun. 10-5

A unique program where children learnn by interacting with their environment.

SPACES AVAILABLE For Summer Program and Fall Preschool ol

Heather Magdanz (ECE) 250-338-5586 1940 Dogwood Dr. Courtenay www.dailydiscoveries.ca 9am-1pm

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CHILD’S PLAY

Wednesday, May 23, 2011

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

SUPPORTING

KIDS

SOME CHILDREN REQUIRE EXTRA HELP TO SUCCESSFULLY PARTICIPATE IN A CHILDCARE SETTING. The Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA) offers supports for children attending childcare through their Supported Child Development program (SCD).

SCD supports families with children up to twelve years of age who have special needs, such as Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy or communication delays and who are attending a group daycare, family daycare, pre-school, afterschool care or have in-ownhome care.

‘Support’ includes consultation with the family to determine what their goals are for their child.

An SCD consultant then works directly with the childcare staff to assess what needs to be put in place to make progress towards goals, and to sup-

port the child to be fully included in all aspects of daily activities at the childcare facility.

For example, the staff may need additional training or information. The child may need adult help to facilitate peer interactions, ensure a smooth transition from one activity to the next, or help with feeding, dressing or toileting.

SCD can arrange for extra staffing if needed and can also provide child specific equipment. A variety of toys, equipment, books and videos may be loaned to care providers and to parents.

“We work in collaboration with families to provide support for their child, as well as accommodate the family’s needs,” says Kathy Yendall, manager of the SCD program. “It’s a family package.”

BENOIT, LEFT, USES A picture schedule with help from early childcare educator Holly Edwards at JumpStart Preschool. PHOTO SUBMITTED The SCD program is connected to more than thirty Valley daycare facilities and serves about 150 children each year. Referrals can come from doctors, daycares, or parents themselves.

Spring is a busy time as SCD Consultants are meeting with parents and the School District to prepare

for a smooth transition for those children starting kindergarten in the fall.

And they support schoolaged children who need to attend child care programs during the summer months.

School-aged childcare is a valuable resource over the summer for many families, and for those children who

need extra support, SCD is there to help. The program is funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

The CVCDA provides services for children with developmental delays and disabilities including physical, cognitive, communication, social/emotional and

Kids learn best, being active outdoors, having fun and learning as they go Compounding for Children

FRIENDS & FUN

Pharmasave’s compounding team can take a drug that is only commercially available in tablet, re-formulate it into a liquid and make it taste like some of the most popular flavours! Our compounding pharmacists work with your physician to ensure that your child gets the right medication for their needs.

All compounded or re-formulated drugs require a prescription.

Government Licensed.

References available.

SERVING THE COMOX VALLEY FOR 9 YEARS.

behavioural needs. Familycentred services include assessments and individualized supports and intervention. For more information visit the CVCDA website at www.cvcda.ca or call 250338-4288.

— Lorraine Aitken, Comox Valley Child Development Association

Spaces currently available.

EMAIL: comoxkidz@shaw.ca

311 PRITCHARD RD., COMOX PHONE 250-339-4772 CELL: 250-702-0532 www.comoxkidz.net

Pharmacy

LOCALLY OWNED

250-339-9879

#7 2225 Guthrie Rd, Comox

(Across from Quality Foods)

* PCCA – Professional Compounding Centres of America

TUTORING for all grade levels

SUMMER

TUITION FEES

20

%

OFF

FREE

ASSESSMENT

Courtenay:

Campbell River:

106-1995 Cliffe Ave. 102-250 Dogwood Ave. 250-897-1010 250-287-9090 www.sunriselearningcentre.com

with summer program booking ($140 value!)

SUMMER PROGRAMS run from July 16 - August 24 Summer theme: “Outer Space”

CHILD’S PLAY

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Wednesday, May 23, 2011

5

PLAYING WITH

EDUCATION

PLAY-BASED LEARNING CAN HELP KIDS SUCCEED AND ENHANCE THE JOY OF LEARNING What role do games and play have in the education of our children? Are they an integral avenue to successful learning?

If the ability to play is carried on throughout our lives, it provides many roads to success. Lifelong learners tend to view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and are noted for being happy and fulfilled. Seeds sown in early life may be nurtured and grow to fruition over a lifetime.

Learning should be fun — no parent forgets the joy on the face of a toddler taking his or her first steps — and games can be a big help.

‘Play-based learning’ is not just for younger children. Games which provide educational opportunities are a great way to engage and enhance joy. Success is satisfaction and great educators as far back as Plato recognized the importance of play in learning to think.

Each individual may approach similar tasks in a variety of ways. Sitting still may be impossible for some; listening when surrounded by ‘noise’ difficult for others; converting what is heard into appropriate action may be an issue; and Learning should be fun — still others are unable to no parent forgets the joy on the get the fanface of a toddler taking his or tastic stories her first steps — and games can in their heads be a big help. down on paper.

— 4R’s Education Centre ‘Learning differently’ is not a euphemism for ‘learning disability.’ We all have our own unique learning styles and knowing our children’s (and our own) is the first step to helping them succeed to their full potential.

Some students become convinced that they can’t do it if success is not immediate — the old saying, “if at first you don’t succeed try, try again,” is the basis of true learning. It is vital to remember that mistakes are essential and being ‘wrong’ can lead to another learning adventure — think of Thomas Edison and his thousands of attempts to develop a lasting filament for a light bulb. He is reported to have said, when asked what it was like to fail so many times, that he did not fail, but learned 10,000 ways that did not work.

Maria W. Piers and Genevieve Millet Landau have said, “anxiety can paralyze imagination and inhibit capacity to play,” yet “play is the surest, fastest path to learning, self-confidence and the mastery of many skills. Imaginative play is perhaps the most valuable kind… it develops creativity, intellectual competence, emotional strength and stability and feelings of joy and pleasure — the habit of being happy.”

So, how do we foster a love of learning in our children? A sense of humour is one of the most important tools –— after all, it is better to be ‘real’ and wrong than to project an unobtainable standard (perfection).

Starting at the child’s comfort level ensures success and should increase motivation for future effort. Even ‘playing’ at building sandcastles teaches acceptance of methods that do not work and expands thinking and creativity towards a goal.

Games reinforce and consolidate skills and most learning opportunities can be made into a game – just evoke your inner child and let instinct be your guide!

Remember, by playing, we learn how to think.

Submitted by 4R’s Education Centre (Soc.), a non-profit organization operating out of 581 McPhee Avenue in Courtenay (www.facebook. com/4RsEducationCentre).

WIKKI STIX ARE USED to teach spelling at 4R’s Education Centre in Courtenay.

Play-based learning is a technique the centre uses and can also be implemented by parents to help foster a love of learning in their children.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

TICKETS ON SALE NOW at ticket locations, online at www.filberg.com or at the Filberg Gift Shop Friday-Sunday -Sunday Sunday 11-4

❝

❞

SUNDAY June 24th 11 am to 2 pm

Featuring: Award Winning Singer/Songwriterr

Special

Rick wiggly Scott Appearance by:

Twiggly

Clown & Magician... be amazed by the magic and entertained by the clown.

P f Performing i at 12:30 who has performed concerts worldwide on the Mainstage for over 3 decades and released many children’s music CDs.

Tickets ON SALE NOW Available Online or at: Courtenay: 8IBMF 5BMF 5PZT t 1PEMJOHT 1MBOFU ,JET (downtown)

Comox: #FOJOP (FMBUP t 1MBOFU ,JET Comox Rec Centre

Door Prizes Do Heritage Games Face Painting Bubble Tank Food and Fun

Admission:

$

5

per person (under 2 FREE)

SPONSORED BY:

Dr.Terry Blasco D.M.D. Inc. Dave Procter Realty

Ocean Pacific Realty

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CHILD’S PLAY

Wednesday, May 23, 2011

L

E-MAIL

L E F RIE N

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rl

toddlers@telus.net

tr e

250-338-8445 le a

en

RS

PHONE

IT T

DS

'N TO DD

Ea

ES DI

LE

TED

TODAY ‘N TOMORROW LEARNING SOCIETY rning

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LITTLE FRIENDS EARLY LEARNING CENTRE Licenced Group Childcare for children 3-5 years old Located at 4830C Headquarters Rd, Courtenay

TEDDIES ‘N TODDLERS CHILDCARE CENTRE Licenced Group Childcare for infants and toddlers -birth-36 months. Located at 4830B Headquarters Rd., Courtenay

TODAY N’ TOMORROW YOUNG PARENT PROGRAM A program supporting educational, social and health needs of expectant and parenting students wishing to complete their grade 12.

Located adjacent to Vanier High School.

Phone 250-338-8445 for information.

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

KEEPING KIDS HEALTHY, NATURALLY pets can be a source of allergic symptoms Parents all want the best for their children. At no time is this more true than when like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes or throat. kids are suffering with health problems.

There are painless testing techniques, There are many options for parents to help as well as scratch testing, to determine the their kids be as healthy as possible. source of problems. Herbal Ear infections are a comanti-histamines like nettles mon but distressing illness in and quercitin not only help children. Once the standard diminish symptoms, they are of care, doctors now discouralso nutritious. age the use of antibiotics. The Allergy desensitization techCochrane Review of medical niques have evolved from the research states that only about days of weekly shots and now six per cent of children benefit include oral techniques like from taking antibiotics, (over Sublingual Immunotherapy. just waiting it out), while about Eczema can often be very six per cent of children have successfully treated when we serious side effects from them.

DR. DEIDRE MACDONALD, address the underlying cause So what is a parent to do? naturopathic physician. and then correct it.

It is important to address the Research and experience has shown a underlying cause of recurrent ear infections. strong link between eczema and digestive Often, there is excess mucous and congesconcerns. By identifying and eliminating tion which creates an ideal breeding ground food allergies, restoring optimal intestinal for bacteria. We can ‘drain the swamp’ by flora and providing medical oils, most chileliminating food allergies and promoting dren’s eczema will resolve nicely, without the good lymphatic drainage during colds. endless cycle of topical steroids.

Natural medicines to boost the immune Digestive concerns — Determine when system are also helpful during ear infections. the problem started, rule out anatomical Bladder infections can be a problem while abnormalities, then identify and eliminate children are in the process of learning good food allergies. Natural stool softeners and hygiene. These painful infections can often probiotics are safer than laxitives. be be treated with safe natural medicines Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a licensed like d-mannose and cranberry. naturopathic physician who has been treatIf antibiotics have to be used, it is essening families with naturopathic medicine in tial to repair the intestinal bacterial lining downtown Courtenay for 15 years. Contact by taking a high quality probiotic formula her office at 250 897-0235 or via www. for a few weeks after treatment. getwellhere.com.

Allergies to dust, pollen, moulds and

Comox Recreation COME PLAY WITH US!

Little R's Pre-school:

HANDS ON FARM A family oriented petting zoo, located on the fabulous Filberg Park grounds Open 10:00 am-4:00 pm June 18 - August 17 Drop in for $2 Children 6 yrs and under $1

Promoting successful learning

• play-based learning • providing activities that challenge and support growth developing self-awareness, social skills • dev v andd a strong foundation for future success specifi • spe e c learning goals individual feedback • ind i qualifi • qua a ed, experienced, E.C.E. teachers

Fairies & Farmers

4R’s Education Centre (Soc.):

Junior Farm Hand

(K - 12) identifying and filling gaps in basic skills • ide e using • us si strengths to address weaknesses qualifi • qu u ed teachers, one-on-one, individual classrooms in d subject-specifi c tutoring for higher grades • su b French • Fre

(3 – 5 years) Monday to Friday Half Days

(6 - 8 years) Monday to Friday Half Days

Farm Club

(9 – 12 years) Monday to Friday 3 Hour Days

Comox Community Centre COME PLAY WITH US! 1855 Noel Ave, Comox info@comoxrecreation.com 250-339-2255 www.comox.ca

Opening Doors for Learning for over 20 years

Helping students reach their true potential by providing positive and successful learning experiences.

581 McPhee Ave. Courtenay 250-338-4890

www.4rseducation.com

CHILD’S PLAY

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

HOW TO FIND THE Pam Watson

Do something DIFFERENT this summer!

RIGHT TOY

Special to the Record Toys are an important part of every child’s life.

It is a wonderful feeling to give the right toy, but selecting one that’s a hit can be a challenge.

With more than 350,000 toys and children’s products choices can be overwhelming. Keep in mind these points before you buy any gift for your child.

Think about your child’s age, skills, needs and specific interests. Select the toy that fits your child now.

Ask, Can my child benefit from this product? Will it help him or her learn a skill? Will they enjoy it and have fun? What abilities does he or she need to make the most of the toy?

Select toys that offer a good balance to your child’s activities. A good variety of toys provide activity, creativity and learning. Activity toys develop coordination, improve small and large motor skills and balance.

Begin with balls and beanbags, add a trike or bike. Jump ropes, Hula Hoops and kites are fun.

Check if your child is ready for the activity chosen toy.

Wednesday, May 23, 2011

Sign Up For Music Lessons and Learn:

Guitar, Piano, Drums, Voice, Brass, Woodwinds, Strings & more!

CHOOSING A TOY for your child can be a challenge, but there are certain things you can keep in mind to help decide.

Why Choose Long & McQuade?

Music lessons for all ages, stages and styles.

Professional instructors make learning fun. Instrument Rentals.

Convenient lesson times for busy families. No Registration Fees.

PHOTO BY PAUL STEIN/FLICKR.COM

Creativity toys stimulate self-expression. The child can draw pictures with crayons, finger-paints and watercolours. Put your child’s pictures up on a wall or fridge so others can admire his or her art work. Crafts sets can also provide a lot of play value.

Learning takes place in many ways. Books, puzzles, imaginative play and board games all contribute. Take

time to read stories together.

Talk about programs watched on TV. Play games and do puzzles.

Family time will be more fun if you find new things to do and balance activities.

The right toy at the right time can make all the difference. Let’s play!

— Pam Watson owns Planet Kids in Courtenay and Comox

1170 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay, 250.334.4885

Le français au CSF,

c’est bien plus qu’une langue !

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE & EDUCATION Length: Where: Tuition:

École publique au Cœur-de-l’île, Comox 566 Linshart Road 250-339-1848 M - 12 aucoeurdelile.csf.bc.ca

■ ■ ■ ■

Transport scolaire, Gestion francophone, Ordinateurs portables, Maternelle à temps plein,

■ ■ ■

Éducation spécialisée, Programme d’anglais, Programmes spécialisés, sportifs et culturels.

WWW.NIC.BC.CA

Depuis sa création en 1995, le Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique offre des programmes et des services éducatifs valorisant le plein épanouissement et l’identité culturelle des apprenantes et apprenants francophones de la province. Le conseil compte aujourd’hui plus de 4 600 élèves, 36 écoles publiques et dessert plus d’une centaine de communautés réparties dans l’ensemble de la province.

3-year part-time diploma, post-ECCE certificate College-wide $2,725 approx/year + books/supplies

Build on the Early Childhood Care & Education certificate and advance further in your field.

Specialize for work with special needs children, toddlers and infants, or both.

Earn transfer credit towards child and youth care degree programs.

Careers include working in a child care facility with children under 36 months, working as a special needs support worker, as an administrator of a child care facility or as a child care centre owner.

For more information visit www.nic.bc.ca or call 250-334-5000 today!

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CHILD’S PLAY

Wednesday, May 23, 2011

COMOX VALLEY CHILDCARE CHOICES When looking for childcare it’s important to note that you are the best judge of the child care option which will meet your needs and the needs of your child.

In the Comox Valley, PacificCARE, which is a Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) program, helps parents find childcare.

The CCRR is your community’s best source of child care information and resources. They can provide you with referrals to regu-

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

There are many types of childcare offered in our community.

Quality child care provides care in a warm, nurturing, age appropriate and friendly environment. It ensures the children are safe and includes activities that help to promote learning and development. lated child care providers, advice about choosing quality childcare and information and applications on government subsidies for child care. The CCRR provide support, training and resources to parents and care providers all across the province.

PacificCARE is co-located

with the Comox Valley Child Development Association at 237 Third Street, Courtenay.

In the Comox Valley you can contact local child care consultants at 250-338-4288, or you can call the Nanaimo office at 1-888-480-CARE (2273) What Childcare options are available?

BEAUFORT CHILDREN’S CENTRE A Great Place to Play, Learn and Grow Spaces Available - July and August

Summer is a great time to…

• introduce your preschool-aged child to Beaufort’s outstanding early care and learning programs • give your kindergarten-aged child a positive full-day experience prior to starting Kindergarten

Exceptional Staff, Beautiful Indoor and Outdoor Play Spaces and a Creative Curriculum Come for a Visit... You Won’t Want to Leave

Phone: 250-897-1233 www.beaufortchildcare.ca

2300 Ryan Road in Courtenay on the North Island College Campus

BEAMR THE CLOWN Balloons & Magic

BIRTHDAYS & COMMUNITY EVENTS Serving the Comox Valley & area.

250-650-7(FUN) 7386

email: funandmagic@beamrtheclown.ca

www.beamrtheclown.ca

Play Ambassadors for Life! www.ecebc.ca

Comox Valley

–

• Group Child Care Centres are not located in a residence. They serve children from 30 months to Grade 1, and children from birth to 36 months. Group centres offer year-round, full-day care, typically opening between 7 and 8 a.m. and closing between 5 and 6 p.m. Part-time spaces may be available in some centres and some may offer before and after kindergarten care.

Staff qualifications required: Licensed Early Childhood Education and Licensed Infant/ Toddler Educator, Early Childhood Educator Assistant, a valid First-aid certificate, and a clear current criminal record check. There is a maximum group size of 25 children with a staff/child ratio.

• Group Child Care serves school age children, including kindergarten, who require care outside normal hours. Some facilities provide care both before- and after-school, and some may provide full-day care on days when school is not in session. Full-day, summer programs and before- and after-kindergarten care may also be options facilities provide to parents. Staff qualifications required: 20 hours of training, valid First-aid certificate, a clear criminal record check. There is a maximum group size of 20 children with a staff/child ratio.

• Licensed Family Child Care is care that is provided by the operator in their own home to children from birth to age 12. Care providers are able to set their own hours and most provide full-day care. Part time spaces and flexible hours may be offered in some facilities, and before- and after-school care.

The maximum group size at any one time is seven. Again there is a staff /child ratio.

• In-Home Multi-age Child Care is similar to family child care. They can provide care for up to eight children. Staff qualifications required: licensed Early Childhood Educator, valid First-aid certificate and a current clear criminal record check as with the other members of the family and household members over the age of 12 years. There

and current criminal record check for everyone over age 12 living in the home, home safety assessments, physicians report, character is a maximum group size of references, participation in eight children with a staff/ childcare training courses child ratio. and workshops. It may also • Multi-age Care Child mean that they have access Care is similar to Group to group liability insurance Child Care but serves chilinformation dren from birth to age 12; • LNR child care is prochildren are divided into vided in the operator’s own groups of eight in a group home. Care may only be setting. Staff qualifications provided for two children required: one Early Childor a sibling group, of any hood Educator for each age that are not related to group of children, valid the care provider. LNR care First-aid certificate, clear providers may or may not have had formal childcare training or previous child care experience. Parents are solely responsible for assessing and monitoring the quality of care in any unlicensed or unregistered child care arrangement.

PHOTO BY STUART MILES • Preschools are licensed to care for There is no children from 30 months to absolute guarantee of school entry and they are a part-day program of no more quality in childcare than four hours a day. The programs; however, program is usually offered in there ar efactors taht either morning or afternoon sessions. Preschools operate can be an indicator on a school-year basis from of high quality. Your September to June. The involvement as a maximum group size is 20 parent is a vital com- children.

Staff qualifications ponent in ensuring required: Licensed Early quality childcare is Childhood Educator and being provided.

Early Childhood Educator — PacificCARE Assistant, valid First-aid certificate, clear and current criminal record check. There and current criminal record is a staff/child ratio. check. There is a staff/child • Occasional Child Care ratio. is available for children • Registered License Not who are 18 months or older.

Required (RLNR) care is It is for part-time or occaoffered in the care provider’s sional care only. Care is a home. The childcare provider maximum of eight hours a may care for no more than day and no more than forty two children or one sibling hours per calendar month. group at any one time. This Staff qualification required: is in addition to the provid20 hours of training, valid ers own children, children First-aid certificate, and a who are related by blood or clear and current criminal marriage or any children record check. The maximum that the care provider may group size is 16 children. exercise a parental role over.

There is no absolute guarA child care provider who is antee of quality in childcare ‘registered’ has met health programs; however, there and safety requirements, are factors that can be an and must continue to meet indicator of high quality. all requirements with their Your involvement as a parlocal CCRR program. Being ent is a vital component in an RLNR also means that ensuring quality childcare is families who attend the being provided. program may be eligible to — Submitted by receive an enhanced subPacificCARE, a Child Care sidy rate which is higher Resource and Referral than what an LNR would program located at 237 receive. Staff qualifications: Third St. in Courtenay.

20 hours of training, valid Call 250-338-4288 for more Frist-aid certificate, clear information.

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CHILD’S PLAY

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Wednesday, May 23, 2011

9

KIDS NOW TECH-SAVVY

BUT TIME WITH PARENTS PREVAILS Kim Wilson

I was prepared. I was also wrong.

One of the first questions I asked was “What is the most important thing your parents do?” First answer, from a 10-year-old boy, “They love us.” Not, “they buy me things,” not “they take me places,” but “they love us.”

This very powerful statement led to a discussion on how parents can make you feel: “I feel really good when they watch me at my soccer games.” And, “when I don’t feel well, I like to cuddle with my mom — she can always make me feel better.”

I also found out that kids are always watching their parents and noticing everything, even when you might think they don’t. An 8-year-old told me that her mom gives her special chocolate donuts with a chocolate glaze as a treat. She also told me that her mom has

Special to the Record

This is the technology generation.

These are the kids that can navigate the Internet, in some cases, before they are toilet trained. They play video games for exercise and have toys that read to them.

If they want something, chances are there’s an app for that.

I wanted to sit down with a panel of experts on parentchild relationships to get some feedback on what are the most important aspects of raising children in this age; perhaps how we can WHILE KIDS TODAY ARE considered the technology generation, what they still want most is for their parents to spend time with them. learn to engage these techPHOTO SUBMITTED savvy kids on their own app for everything after all. lives that mom and dad will read a book and vanquish a A five-year-old felt it level.

— Kim Wilson is with stop everything just to spend would be good to spend more 57-level video game before Fortunately because I the Boys & Girls Clubs of time with them; to be able they can catch a ball but time baking cookies because work at the Boys and Girls Central Vancouver Island. to talk and have their parwhat they still want the that is always really fun.

Club, I had ready access to The Comox Valley Club can ents listen with undivided Quite a few would go for a most is to know their para number of experts, aged be reached at 250-338-7582, attention; to know that they ents love them — to know walk because then they get 5 through 12, who were or visit www.bgccvi.com for matter. that they are important to spend time talkhappy to share their more information.

So maybe there isn’t an ing and just hanging enough in their parents’ thoughts with me.

Kids also like to learn things out.

I have to admit, I Only one child went into these con- from their parents and would mentioned someversations with a rather learn from their parents thing electronic — pretty clear idea of than from anyone else. he wanted to make a the type of answers I expected to get.

— Kim Wilson video with his mom and dad so that I was prepared to to be gluten-free so she can’t everyone else could see what hear how parents should be (established in 1978) even eat the donuts and that a cool life they have. able to provide the children that must be very hard.

Kids also like to learn with all of the expensive I also asked the kids if things from their parents toys — the Nintendos, iPads they could do anything with and would rather learn from and X-Boxes, personal comtheir parents, what would it their parents than from anyputers and Kindles and all BETWEEN SUPERSTORE & N. I. COLLEGE be? What would be the best one else. the latest technology. thing to do or would make “When we go for walks, I thought I would get a SUMMER HOLIDAYS FULL DAY PROGRAM them want to spend more my mom tells me all about lecture on how parents were time with their parents? the flowers and we look at behind the times — they FIELD TRIPS * COOKING * CRAFTS * FUN One boy would race his things and figure out what needed to learn how to use Ages 3 to 12 - register now! remote control cars with his they are,” was one response. all of the buttons on the dad because they both love Kids are still kids. video game remote controls 295 Back Road, Courtenay to do it and that is when They may be able to proand successfully navigate 17 they get to spend the most duce a power-point presentaopen windows on their iPad time together. tion before they are able to simultaneously.

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10

CHILD’S PLAY

Wednesday, May 23, 2011

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

MAY IS CHILD CARE MONTH

The B.C. government has proclaimed May as Child Care Month to celebrate the work of thousands of caring and committed child-care operators and early childhood educators throughout the province.

Every day, child-care providers are helping children climb on jungle gyms, introducing the joy of music through songs and reading children’s stories that pique young imaginations. Childcare providers offer babies, toddlers and children safe, high-quality care environments where they can learn through play.

Aboriginal child-care centres provide cultural programming — such as singing, drumming and language-learning opportunities — to help connect aboriginal children to their cultural roots.

The child-care and early learning system is actively supporting parents of young children to work or go to school, providing more than 100,000 licensed child-care spaces throughout the province. Parents can decide from a range of child-care options that meet their needs, including group child care (centre based), family child care (based in a family

QUICK FACTS • There are over 5,000 licensed child-care facilities in communities across B.C. • Approximately 55 per cent of licensed facilities are group child care and approximately 45 per cent are family child care.

• In Budget 2011, government provided $365 million over three years for full-day kindergarten for five-year-olds. This is improving early learning while reducing child-care pressure on families.

• In addition, the government made a regulation change last year increasing the maximum capacity of after-school child-care programs, resulting in the creation of more spaces.

• The Ministry of Children and Family Development will invest $296 million on child care in 2012-13, a 40-per-centincrease since 2000-01.

• Child-care subsidies are available to support low- and moderate-income families, helping approximately 50,000 children and their families every year.

• Parents looking for child care in their community can get help through their local Child Care Resource and Referral Program (CCRR). CCRRs offer quality child-care referrals, resources and support in over 400 B.C. communities.

home), preschool, before- and after-school care and care in their own home.

B.C.’s network of childcare and early learning supports also provides thousands of jobs, currently employing more than 12,000 licensed early childhood educators and nearly 5,000 early childhood educator assistants.

British Columbia has 34 post-secondary training institutes offering early childhood education programs.

“Many families depend on child care so that they can pursue career and educa-

tion opportunities, knowing their children are safe and well-cared-for,” says Mary McNeil, Minister of Children and Family Development.

If you are a parent and you want to find available child care in your neighbourhood or you’d like more information on the childcare subsidy program, go to www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/ parents.htm.

If you are a child-care operator and would like more information on funding and services offered through the government, go to www. mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/providers.htm.

Chimo Gymnastics 1974 – 2012

“The Valley’s Gymnastics Club”

The Comox Valley Child Development Association is proud to be celebrating 38 years of service to children and families of the Comox Valley.

Programs and Services for Children and Youth

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• The Autism Program • Early Intervention Therapies Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy LOOK US UP Speech Language Pathology www.cvcda.ca • Infant Development Program • JumpStart Preschool • Supported Child Development Program • Community Integration Program • Vancouver Island Children’s Assessment Network • Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group • Out of School Care (co-locator) • PacificCare Child Care Resource & Referral (co-locator) Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Phone: 250-338-4288 237 – 3rd Street, Courtenay, BC, V9N 1E1 Email: info@cvcda.ca

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Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch

CHILD’S PLAY

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Wednesday, May 23, 2011

11

SIMPLE WAYS TO

TEACH KIDS ABOUT

MONEY GIVE KIDS AN ALLOWANCE.

Growing up in a time of economic struggle, today’s kids might be inadvertently learning lessons about money. If Mom and Dad have been forced to cut back or even lost their jobs, chances are kids have noticed and learned something as a result.

Even if parents have managed to weather the economic storm of the last several years without making too many sacrifices, they can still start teaching kids about money, even if kids have just entered kindergarten. It’s never too early to teach kids lessons about money. The following tips are a few ways parents can do just that.

Many parents give their kids an allowance so they can have some spending money when out with friends. But giving an allowance is also a great way to teach kids about managing their money.

Start with an amount that is small but large enough for kids to make purchases.

In so doing, kids will learn that things they want cost money and that properly managing their money will enable them to purchase the things they want. If kids spend all their money by Monday and don’t get their allowance until Friday, resist the temptation to give them more money if the kids ask for it. This, too, will help kids learn the value of managing money.

OPEN A SAVINGS ACCOUNT IN YOUR CHILD’S NAME. Another way to teach kids about money is to open savings accounts in their names. Once the account is opened,

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take your child to the bank once a week to deposit a predetermined amount of money. This shows the child the importance of steadily saving money. It might be difficult at the outset to get kids into this habit, but once they make savings deposits part of their routines and their balances start to grow, they will likely grow more enthusiastic about their weekly trips to the bank.

ENCOURAGE KIDS TO DOCUMENT THEIR FINANCES. Encouraging kids to document their finances, including deposits, withdrawals and expenditures, is an effective way to teach them basic financial analysis. If the bank supplies savings books, make sure kids use them. But go one step further and give kids a financial journal where they can document all of their purchases in addition to their deposits and withdrawals. Such documentation enables kids to analyze how they spend their

money. Periodically go over these expenditures with children, and if they’re frustrated about their saving and spending habits, work with the children to develop more effective strategies. Kids may appreciate these small lessons in analysis down the road when it’s time to purchase their first vehicles or finance a larger expense, such as their educations or first homes.

HELP KIDS MAKE LARGER PURCHASES. Helping kids make larger purchases, be it a new bicycle or a video game console, is another way to teach them about money. Such purchases teach kids about longterm financial goals, and how it’s necessary to stay diligent with savings in order to meet those goals. Paying for half is a good way to reward kids for meeting these longterm goals.

It’s never too early to start teaching kids about money, and parents can do just that in a number of ways.

12

CHILD’S PLAY

Wednesday, May 23, 2011

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

“ Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” William Butler Yeats The Saltwater School, an independent school with Waldorf curriculum, lights this fire within the children. Art, music and movement are integrated into the teaching of academics. The children create their own lesson books reflecting their learning through art as well as writing. Waldorf schools seek to inspire a life-long love of learning and to produce adults who are able, by themselves, to impart meaning to their lives. The School meets the learning outcomes required by the BC Ministry of Education and the program is enriched with arts, languages and nature experiences. There is also an active year-round outdoor program that includes biking, hiking, snowshoeing and paddle sports.

Who are the teachers?

Saltwater teachers are university educated and Waldorf trained and certified. The teachers hold a reverence and respect for the special qualities of each stage of childhood; this is manifested in their love, patience, and kindness towards the children. Everything is done with intention, creating an environment in which the wonder of childhood is embraced and the children flourish. Waldorf grade teachers ideally stay with their class from Grade 1 to Grade 8 thereby knowing each child and striving to bring out the best in each of them.

What happens after Waldorf?

What is available at the Saltwater School?

The Saltwater School currently offers a Parent and Child program, multiage Kindergarten, and Grades One through Four. Additional grades will be added annually as the School grows. Those who enroll in the Saltwater School join a community of supportive teachers and parents. To optimize the learning experience, class sizes are intentionally kept small, so enrolment is limited.

Find out more:

Waldorf educators endeavor to develop imaginative thinking and problem solving in the children as well as a capacity for emotional involvement that is both sensitive and resilient. As a result, Waldorf students are typically creative, self-assured, curious free thinkers who love learning and can easily transition to other schools or universities.

As adults, Waldorf graduates choose a wide diversity of professions, occupations, and businesses.

Waldorf in the Valley

2311 Rosewall Crescent, Courtenay www.SaltwaterSchool.com 250 871-7777

SaltwaterSchool.com info@SaltwaterSchool.com Take one of our School Tours: May 23rd or June 13th from 7-8pm

Come to our Open House: May 26th from 11-2pm