2012 Campbell River Families

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR |

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Campbell River

Families MAY 2012

A special supplement presented by

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| CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

WE CARE about your child’s success.

#5-2380 S. Island Hwy., Campbell River Ph: (250) 923-1635 • Fax: (250) 923-1639 1-866-778-2020 (Campbell River) Willow Point Optometry Clinic

www.coastal-eyecare.com

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR |

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The Importance of Building Resilient Families Commitment – is showing dedication C and loyalty toward the family as a whole. a Strong families often view the wellbeing of S tthe family as a first priority. Commitment is expressed in many ways, to the family, the e partner relationship, children, the extended p family and/or the community. fa

Let’s face it; life can get pretty tricky sometimes. We all have days where it’s harder to get out of bed than others and we all go through road bumps as we navigate life.

Resilience is just a big word for what we use to make it through these times. We all have qualities of resilience that we use daily and, like with many things in life, we are better at using some more than others. A large part of resilience is having support and knowing who we can turn to when we are reaching our limits. Family can be a large part of this support system. Very often when we talk about resilience, we talk about the individual but families as a whole can be resilient too!

The above attributes are encompassed T within the concept of family resilience. w Resilient families are able to adapt to changR ing circumstances and have a positive attiin ttude towards the challenges of family life.

They deal with these challenges by means T of communication – talking things through o with each other; supporting each other in w ttimes of need and/or seeking outside support when it is beyond the families capability p to deal with the situation; and togetherness – pulling together to form a united front and ffind solutions.

Family resilience is a path a family follows as it adapts and prospers in the face of stress. As with individual resilience, family resilience will change over time as families face different challenges and life events.

Generally, there are 7 ways in which families can strengthen their resilience: Communication – families interact with each other frequently and predominantly in an open, positive, and honest manner and use humour as a part of their communication.

Togetherness – the “invisible glue” that bonds the family and gives the family members a sense of belonging. An important ingredient to this ‘glue’ is sharing similar values, beliefs and morals.

Sharing activities – strong families like to share and do activities with each other – activities such as sports, camping, playing games, reading stories, socializing together and sharing hobbies and holidays.

Affection – is a strength when family members show love, care, concern and interest for each other on a regular basis through words, hugs, kisses and thoughtfulness.

Expressions of affection are often ritualized

Here are ways local families in Campbell H River have practiced their resilience: R

in families – for example, with greetings and farewells, bedtime story reading, and during celebrations such as birthdays and Christmas.

Support – is assisting, encouraging, reassuring each other and looking out for each other. It is strengthened when family members feel equally comfortable to offer or ask for support.

Acceptance – means showing respect, appreciation, and understanding for each other’s individuality and uniqueness.

Acceptance is a strength when family members acknowledge, value and tolerate each other’s differences, and when the members allow each other space.

““I have been reminded that all the little tthings, like smiling at or speaking to others in our community, can make a difference to tthat person and how they feel about their place in the world. I have also used the resiliency information to help support my daughter as she struggles with a very academic honours degree program, and have reminded her of all her strengths and past successes, and cautioned her of the pitfalls of negative thinking.”

“At home I have made more of a concentrated effort to identify/praise specific qualities and talents of my 13 year old son.”

“I think about resiliency for myself and my family and intentionally plan activities in our week that best meet and bolster us as a family. I talk about resiliency with families I work with too.”

Stop and listen to your roses Our children can be like the proverbial rose bush en route to our daily destinations – we remind ourselves to stop and listen, however kids can often become the background soundtracks in our busy lives.

Its Monday, that means my head is swirling with the schedules of each family member’s activities – judo, hockey, PAC, swimming and managing the routines necessary to get us where we need to be.

My calendar is a cryptic, encoded mess of scribble that only I can decipher and my routine for after school to bedtime is a finely tuned machine with minimal room for error. Only one other day of the week comes close to the chaos of Monday and that’s Wednesday.

Tuesday, a much needed breather day, the day we all just be.

Without days like Tuesday, I could not have written this article. The beauty of it lies in the time we all have to appreciate a slow pace, our conversations find depth unexplored on the Mondays and Wednesdays of the week, it is when we can move beyond merely

hearing each other, to really listening.

When I hear my kids, I am taking in pretty much only what is delivered to my ears. Mondays and Wednesdays I always hear about their school day, their conversations to each other and their requests and their protests. However, when I am not distracted and limited to only my ears, and I can truly listen to my boys –whether directly or indirectly – I am using many senses to understand them. It’s like striking gold sometimes when I have been noticing a behaviour that needs attention and I begin to observe and listen to what my son is communicating in the many circumstances that surround him. Sometimes drawing the lines from behavior to needs is a long and winding process, but the satisfaction of relieving the pressure on that little guy by the needed response without negative approach, is a reward well worth it – the gift of a life long healthy relationship.

Rhonda Teramura, Early Childhood Development Supervisor

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| CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012 Spring 2012

Campbell River Family Network FREE/LOW COST PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES Sponsor Laichwiltach Family Life – 441 – 4 th Ave. 250 –286 – 3430 (to

attend you must have Aboriginal ancestry or be in a relationship with an Aboriginal

MONDAYS

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

THURSDAYS

Community Kitchen for Parents 11 am - 12:30 pm

Parent & Child Drop-in 11 am – 12:30 pm

Health & Wellness Drop-in

Parents & Child Cultural Drop-in 11 am –12:30 pm

@ Laichwiltach

For parents, grandparents and those expecting (0 to 6yrs)

@ Laichwiltach

12:30 – 2 pm

Postnatal Drop-in

Family Services

.11:30

am – 1:30 pm

(for moms & 0-3 yrs olds)

Prenatal Drop-in 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Updates available online @ sd72.bc.ca

C. R. Parks, Rec. & Culture see Rec. Guide for full programs list & L.I.F.E. Prog. for help with fees

Family Place

(C.R. Family Services) funded by the

Min. of Children and Family Development with partnerships with VIHA, CR Child Care Society, Parks, Rec. & Culture, Sch.Dist.72., MISA, Sunrise Resources, Success by 6, Literacy Now

(for moms and children 0 –6 yrs old)

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

GG

250 – 287 –2421

School District 72 Free Drop-in programs for children 0-6 yrs. and their caregivers

Interactive Play Group

Creating Healthy Families Drop-in

(0-9 months)

487 – 10th Ave.

*

@ Laichwiltach

@ The Gathering Place #49 – 300 Robron

partner/child)

StrongStart

FRIDAYS

11:30 am – 1 pm

Dad’s Drop-in

2 Thursday evenings/mon.

Phone for info.

Cedar Elm. 8:45 am –11:30 am

Georgia Park Elm. 8:30 am – 11:15 am

Cedar Elm. 8:45 am –11:30 am

Geargia Park Elm. 8:30 am – 11:15 am

Geargia Park Elm. 8:30 am – 11:15 am

Gathering Place 8:30 am – 11:15 am.

Cedar Elm. 8:45 am-11:30 am

Gathering Place 8:30 am – 11:15 am.

Sandowne Elm.

Sandowne Elm.

8:45 am - 11:30 am.

8:45 am - 11:30 am.

Georgia Park Elm. 11:45 – 2:30 pm

Sandowne Elm.

Georgia Park Elm. 11:45 am – 2:30 pm

Sandowne Elm. 12- 2:30 pm.

Cedar Elm. 11:45 pm – 2:30 pm

Sandowne Elm.

Family Gym –

Pajama Ramma *

Family Gym

Family Gym

10:30 am – 11:30 am FREE

6:45 pm – 8 pm

10:30 am – 11:30 am

10:30 am – 11:30 am

Downtown Com. Centre

Willow Point Neighbourhood Morn.

@ W.P. Out of Sch. Prog. corner Larwood & Eardley

8:30 am – 11 am Family Gym – @Downtown Com. Centre 10:30 am – 11:30 am

8:45 am - 11:30 am.

12- 2:30 pm.

Sportsplex – S. Alder

*

Downtown Com. Centre

$3./1 child, $5./2+ sibs

*$3/1 child, $5/2+sibs

Discovery Passage Family Place

Hemlock Family Place

@ Discovery Pass. Elm.

8:30 am – 11 am

1048 A Hemlock Street

9 am – 11:30 am Baby Time

(Birth – crawling) @ Downtown Community C

10 am – 11:30 am Family Place

@ Downtown Community C

Robron Family Place

1 pm – 3 pm

1 pm – 3 pm

Multicultural Family Place (Sept – April)

740 Robron Rd

Cedar Elm. 11:45 am – 2:30 pm

Sportsplex – S. Alder

FREE Begin. Jan. 19

Oyster River Family Place @ Oyster River Elm.

Creepin’ Crawlers

(crawling –2 yrs.)

1048 A Hemlock Street

9:30 am – 11:30 am

10 – 11:30 am Cedar Grove Family Place

@ Cedar Grove Multipurpose Room

1 – 3 pm

@ Robron Centre

6:30 pm – 8 pm

Toddler Time

(1 – 3 yrs) @ Downtown Community C

9:30 am – 11:30 am Family Place

@ Downtown Community C

1 pm – 3 pm

Teen Centre Family Night

@ Downtown Community C

7 pm – 10:30 pm

Campbell River Family Network – “Building family friendly communities” A wealth of local information is yours at

NEW . . .

Super Saturdays C.R. Art Gallery Drop-in art activities By donation For information about specific activities call

250-287-2261

www.crfamilynetwork.ca

face book. . Helping-Children-in-Campbell-River VIHA

(Vancouver Island Health Authority – north)

Prenatal Classes Healthy Pregnancy – book as early in pregnancy as possible – Wednesday evenings 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Labour and Delivery – birthing process – 4 – 6 weeks prior to due date – Saturday classes 9 am – 4 pm Breastfeeding – to be attended prior to birth of baby – Wednesday evenings 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

All classes are held at the Health Unit, upstairs, Tyee Plaza

Registration required. Phone the Public Health Unit for dates 250–850-2110 (ext.0)

Campbell River Public Library

Toddler & Preschool

Story Times

Phone 250 287-3655 to pre-register

SWIMMING

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR |

SWIMMING IS GOOD FOR KIDS!

Swimming produces a wide array of health and social beneďŹ ts for kids of all ages.

It provides children with a fun aquatic activity that also promotes good health and social development skills.

Dave Healy 250-830-4429

www.crkw.ca

, y l r a e n e t s lilisten often because the first 6 years are so important

United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island

Pr

of

Supporte d r ou

Listen Early & Often Listen and respond when your baby looks at you, cries or smiles.

Listen by giving your child more time to speak.

Listen with interest to what your child is saying.

Listen and respond to your child at eye level.

Listening builds your child's confidence.

Listen Together !!!

(250) 250) 7729-7400 729 29--777400 29 400 3156 Barons Road, Nanaimo, B.C. V9T 4B5

www.uwcnvi.ca

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| CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Listen

Listen to your children at bedtime. You will hear them talk about the events of the day and their dreams for tomorrow. Moments like this make a child feel cherished.

Listen to the feelings behind children’s words and actions and discuss them by name. Children will learn a language known the world over - the language of feelings.

CHILDREN

deserve a good start in life.

Children who experience stimulating and nuturing enviroments during their first six years have better outcomes throughout their lives.

Listen to children and they will feel understood and learn to understand others. This is one way empathy develops.

Listen to babies’ babble and respond in “baby talk.” Babies might not understand your words but they will understand the feelings behind them.

Listen to children with all your attention - with your ears, eyes, body and heart. They will feel your respect.

Mary Gordon, The Early Years: The Precious Years

Erica Chan-Lafrance, CA and Shelly Boates, CA of CNB are both members of the Success by Six Community Council of Partners.

980 Alder Street, Campbell River 250-286-0744 www.channowosadboates.ca

REGISTER NOW FOR FALL!

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THE MUSIC HOUSE Teaching Music to Beginners of All Ages

Empowering Children, Enriching Families!

Continuing Registration for: PIANO CLASSES MYC Sunshine (3/4 yrs) MYC Sunbeam (5/6 yrs) MYC Moonbeam (7/8 yrs)

PRE-PIANO MUSIC & MOVEMENT CLASSES CLASSES MYC Sunrise tmc Music Pups (3/4 yrs) (birth - 4 yrs)

Call Lynda 250.923.6103

DISCOVERY THE JOY OF MYC!

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR |

May is speech and hearing month

Do you know a child who is two years old and only using a few words? Do you know a child who is three years old and very difficult to understand? If so, you might know a child with speech and/or language difficulties. Now is the time to get more information, since May is Speech and Hearing Month.

As adults, we often take the precious gift of communication for granted. An estimated 4% of Canadian preschoolers have significant speech and/or language difficulties. Research shows that early detection of speech, language and hearing difficulties can make an important difference in a child’s life. If you have any questions or concerns about a preschooler’s speech and language abilities, don’t wait. Contact the Speech and Language Program at Sunrise Resources for Early Childhood Development.

Does your child: - rarely attempt to speak or imitate others?

- seem uninterested in playing with other children?

- play with toys in an unusual way?

- have difficulty following directions?

- seem to answer questions in an odd way?

- repeat sounds and/or parts of words?

- have a harsh, nasal or wet/gurgly sounding voice?

- choke and gag a lot when eating or drinking?

- have trouble being understood –especially by those outside the family?

- talk as if he/she were younger than he/she really is?

May Month has been celebrated across North America since 1927 as an annual event that promotes and celebrates members of the Canadian Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists (www.caslpa.ca) and the impact that they make on the health of our country. Early identification and treatment is important.

Anyone can call the Speech and Language Program at Sunrise Resources for Early Childhood Development (250) 286-0955 to make a referral for a child or to get more information. This program provides assessment, therapy, consultation, and public education services free of charge to children aged birth to school entry. Early referral is recommended due to a waitlist for services. Sunrise Resources for Early Childhood Development is located at #110-1180 Ironwood Street in Campbell River.

!/, <3;04(;, :<44,9 *(47

>>> >> > >>> >> >> > /6 /64, /64, 4,>6 4,>6 >66+ >66+ 6+ ) + ) )* )* * *( *( ɩʂʎʑ ɮʐʎʆʘʐʐʅ ʐʇʇʆʓʔ ʂ ʘʊʅʆ ʓʂʏʈʆ ʐʇ ʄʂʎʑʔ ʕʐ ʆʏʔʖʓʆ ʌʊʅʔ ʆʏʋʐʚ ʂʏ ʆʅʖʄʂʕʊʐʏʂʍ ʂʏʅ ʂʅʗʆʏʕʖʓʆ̢ʇʊʍʍʆʅ ʆʙʑʆʓʊʆʏʄʆ ʕʉʆʚʪʍʍ ʕʂʌʆ ʘʊʕʉ ʕʉʆʎ ʇʐʓ ʂ ʍʊʇʆʕʊʎʆ̣ 30-, */(5.,: /,9,

ɨʐʙ ̡̩̥ ɮʆʓʊʐʕ ɨʂʚ̡ ɨɩ ɼ̥ɶ ̦ɮ̥ ɫʎʂʊʍ̯ ʄʂʎʑ̵ʉʐʎʆʘʐʐʅ̣ʃʄ̣ʄʂ ɶʉʐʏʆ̯ ̧̝̪̥̞ ̧̢̨̨̭̪̩̭

Strong Communities means supporting kids and their families.

Claire Trevena, MLA North Island

908 9 08 IIsland sland H Highway ighway P Phone: hone: 250.287.5100 250.287.5100 Campbell River, V9W 2C3 Toll-Free: C amp pbel l R iver, V 9W 2 C3 T oll-Free: 866.387.5100 866.3 387.5100 claire.trevena.mla@leg.bc.ca Fax: 250.287.5105 l i t l @l b F 2 50 28 7 5105 www.clairetrevena.ca

A world exists, outside of your home, where your child is precious.

Your child will spend valuable time with adults who truly enjoy their company ...with adults who listen to your child’s ideas and stories ...with adults who turn and look your child in the eyes when they are speaking.

We believe this is how children grow.

The Campbell River Child Care Society believes in the power of child care programs to support and enrich the lives of families and the development of children.

We are proud of our practices and live our motto: Child Care - We Care ...... for over 45 years.

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Every Child Belongs Campbell River is an inclusive community where children of diverse abilities are welcomed, valued and supported. The Supported Child Development Program supports children so that they may actively participate in licensed child care settings.

Campbell River Supported Child Development Program is a program of the Campbell River and District Association for Community Living, and funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development. #110 1180 Ironwood Road, Campbell River, BC V9W 5P7 Tel: 250.286.0955 email: childdevelopment@cradacl.bc.ca

Time for a change?

C

Do you desire a Christ-centred, biblically-based education for your children? Have you considered enrolment at CRCS? Campbell River Christian School exists to assist Christian parents to fulfill their God-given mandate to raise, educate and train their children to live vital and active Christian lives.

Campbell River Child Care Society 394 Leishman Road Campbell River, BC V9W 3V6

250-286-6443 Offering several programs at 3 centres: Hemlock Early Learning and Care Centre, Leishman Early Learning and Care Centre and Willow Point Children's Centre

We Offer:

Campbell River Christian School Established 1983 Providing education for Grades K-12 250 S. Dogwood Street Campbell River, BC V9W 6Y7 office@crcs.bc.ca www.crcs.bc.ca

• Computer Studies • Concert Band & Jazz Band Programs • Scholarship Opportunities • School Bus Service • Sports Programs There are still spaces available for the 2012-2013 school year.

Applications are available at the CRCS office or by email request.

For more information, contact CRCS at 250-287-4266

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| CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

The job of a father Discovery Planet Child-Care Centre 1260 Greenwood St., Campbell River (Between Rickyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and ICBC)

â&#x20AC;˘ Year Round Preschool and Daycare â&#x20AC;˘ American Sign Language â&#x20AC;˘ Pre-Literacy and Phonics â&#x20AC;˘ Pre-Mathematics Ph. (250) 286-6580 or (250) 830-3971 Email: cmartin31@shaw.ca

The job of a father is this : to help his children develop, to teach them to express and master their emotions; to avoid physiological distress, to provide a context for their experiences; to help them persevere, reach their goals and take on responsibilities; and to instill the roles of citizen, partner and parent. In short, it is to fill their bellies with bread, their brains with wisdom and their hearts with love and courage.â&#x20AC;? ~ Camil Bouchard, â&#x20AC;&#x153;On Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Groundâ&#x20AC;? 2002.

Children and adults in our community shared their thoughts about why Dads matter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Daddy matters becauseâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;Ś. â&#x20AC;Ś.. I love him.â&#x20AC;? (7 year old daughter) ..â&#x20AC;Ś he loves me.â&#x20AC;? (4 year old son) â&#x20AC;Ś.. he loves and cares for me.â&#x20AC;? (14 year old daughter) â&#x20AC;Ś.. heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s there for me. h (13 year old son) â&#x20AC;Ś.. he helps me in life.â&#x20AC;? (12 year old son) â&#x20AC;Ś.. heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s caring and supportive.â&#x20AC;? (16 year old son) â&#x20AC;Ś.. heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s there for us.â&#x20AC;? (14 year old daughter) â&#x20AC;Ś.. he plays with me.â&#x20AC;? (4 year old son)

Monday through Friday... 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Licensed Childcare Facility for children 2 1/2 to 11 years Government Subsidies Available â&#x20AC;&#x153;Caring for children for communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sakeâ&#x20AC;?

250- 285-3511

Water safety starts with you!

Please WATCH children around water at all times. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for Canadian children aged one to four. Swimming skills alone arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always enough to save a life.

Swim Lesson Session Dates

Daily Summer Swim Lessons

Monday & Wednesdays - June 4-25 Tuesday & Thursday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; June 5-26 Fridays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 25-June 22 Saturdays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 26 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; June 23

Monday - Friday Session A - July 3- 13 Session B - July 16-27

Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex r 4 %PHXPPE 4U $BNQCFMM 3JWFS #$ r 5FM r XXX TUSBUIDPOBSE DB

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR |

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Teaching kids the value of money – Removing the guesswork When it comes to teaching kids the value of money, it’s important to remove the guesswork.

According to a recent study by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA), 78 per cent of Canadian parents surveyed have tried to teach their children financial management skills, but the majority (60 per cent) do not believe they have been very successful.

“Parents can give their children an important advantage in life by starting in-home discussions about money matters at an early age,” says Cairine Wilson, vicepresident, Member Services, CICA. “The majority realizes this, but many Canadian parents are unsure about how to proceed.”

financial literacy and life-long learning. Taub firmly believes that to be effective teachers, parents must first be good financial role models.

“How parents manage their money greatly influences their children,” says Taub. “The first chapter of the book outlines 10 healthy financial habits parents can use to keep h their th affairs in order and model responsible financial decision re making for their children.” m A mother of two, Taub also believes it is essential for kids to b gain not only financial knowledge, g but b also the values and discipline needed to ensure they put the n skills they learn into action. s

“Having money management “H skills alone is no guarantee of s financial success,” says Taub.

In a bid to help parents prepare fi “Without values to navigate by, their children for successful finan“W even a financially knowledgeable e cial future, the CICA is releasing person can pile up bad debt or fall p a comprehensive and easy-to-use victim to impulse spending. True guide for teaching financial skills v financial capability is powered by at home. fi strong, life-long values in combiA Parent’s Guide to Raising nation with financial knowledge and skills.”

Money-Smart Kids is designed to put parents at ease when it comes The CICA guide pays particular attention to those all-important to preparing their children for life’s important financial decisions.

The practical guide allows parents to quickly zero in on the informa- teachable moments in everyday life, such as grocery shopping that allow parents to teach valuable money lessons. Another highlight is tion they need. Each chapter describes how to approach money management with a specific age group and discusses the essentials a series of light-hearted yet insightful quotes from parents describing how they have approached the topic of financial literacy with of financial literacy - earning, saving, spending, sharing and investtheir children. ment. Age groups covered include, children aged five to eight, preteens, teenagers and young adults.

The guide’s author is Robin Taub, a chartered accountant and highly experienced financial consultant who is a passionate advocate for

The CICA publication is available in e-book and hard copy formats and can be obtained by visiting www.castore.ca/moneysmartkids.

Source: Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants

Why dads should read to their children!

When educators talk about parents being involved at an early age in helping children build literacy skills most people assume that means moms.

Research shows that children’s literacy levels improve greatly when Dads get involved with reading. Dads and other males in a child’s world are every bit as important as moms in helping children learn to enjoy reading. It is important for boys to see dads read and to be read to by dads as reading is sometimes seen as a “girly” thing to do. Dads can be role models by letting

their boys see them read and enjoy reading.

There are lots of dad things to read besides story books, magazines, newspapers, manuals, books about nature, are all materials that show boys they can find the right thing to read.

Children who are read to and have many favourite books tend to do better in school.

Regular reading of a wide range of materials can be the foundation for a lifelong reading habit.

Do your part dad, read with your kids!

Anne Boyd, Campbell River Literacy Now

Reading to young children promotes language acquisition and literacy development and, later on, achievement in reading comprehension and overall success in school.

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| CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

The Continued Child Care Crisis in BC Families across BC and Canada are facing a crisis in childcare, things are going from bad to worse. There is a shortage of regulated spaces, fees are high and the early childhood workforce is underpaid with many Early Childhood Educators leaving the field to earn a living wage elsewhere.

in response to BC’s implementation of full school day kindergarten for 5 year olds as well as to the promise made by our gov-

• New legislation….a BC Early Care and Learning Act • A new home for child care in the Ministry of Education • A new role for Boards of Education

The cost of childcare is high often being the second highest cost for a family after housing. The provincial median monthly cost for infant/toddler care is $875; for preschool care, ages 2.5-5 years is $665; and for school-age care is $300. Unlike other community services, childcare is primarily a user fee system. The fees families pay account for 70-80% of a child care centre’s revenue.

The remaining revenues come from small government grants and fundraising. It can cost a family as much or more to pay for childcare from birth to school-age entry as it does to pay for university degree program.

There are no RESPs (registered education savings plan) for childcare!

Here in BC two non-profit grassroots organizations, the Early Childhood Educators of BC and the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC have come together to propose to our government an innovative and ambitious way forward in terms of the childcare crisis.

The Community Plan for a Public System of Integrated Early Care and Learning is

• Current policies and approaches are not working.

The highlights of the Plan include:

In BC there are licensed child care spaces for only about 20 per cent of children. That is only 1 in 5 regulated spaces!

Early Childhood Educators who generally have 2 years of college- training are underpaid and typically have no health or pension benefits. After 5 years of working in the field approximately 50 per cent leave the field to find better paying jobs.

• Children and families need, and have the right to, quality care and learning; and

• The development of Early Years Centre Networks • Enhancing Kindergarten and Grade one • Strengthening School-age Care and Family Child Care • Developing the Early Childhood Educators’ workforce • Lower fees - $10 per full day/ $7 for half day and free for families with a yearly income of less than $40,000 The majority of Early Childhood Educators support this plan and we are asking the Campbell River and area community members for their support too. Yes, this plan is ambitious and it may take a generation to come to fruition. We need to start now so future families can have a system which supports them.

ernment of some form of pre-kindergarten programming for children age 3 and 4 along Childcare has been affected by full school with the crises facing childcare as mentioned day kindergarten. We know that if the BC government rolls out a plan for 3 and 4 above. year olds without taking the existing fragile The Plan is built upon well-established childcare centres across BC into considerresearch that clearly shows that: ation, we may have no option but to close • Public spending on the early years is a our doors. Please take a few minutes and wise social and economic investment; endorse the Plan at www.ecebc.ca • Quality child care is early learning; Early Childhood Educators of BC • High quality early years programs promote Campbell River Branch healthy development;

Summer Travel Survival – Nutritionally Speaking Summer vacation time often means family trips.

Eating well and keeping children happy on the road can be a challenge! Here are some ideas to help you meet the challenge.

For the LONG car ride – keep quick snacks on hand to handle the “hungries”.

Fresh fruits and veggies make easy snacks on the road. Try apples, plums, berries, grapes, baby carrots, sugar snap peas, pepper strips, cucum-

ber slices or cherry tomatoes.

Small cans of fruit in its own juice or applesauce.

Crackers, rice cakes, bagels, and muffins are easy to carry Nut (or pea) butters or individual pull-top tins of tuna provide the makings for sandwiches, spreads or dips.

Nuts, seeds and dried fruits are easy to pack and keep in the car.

Water for thirst. Give everyone their own water bottle and make sure they use it. Thirst makes everyone a little edgy.

The Convenience Store stop – time to refuel?

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FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | CONTINUED FROM B10

Sunrise

Summer Travel Choose individual packs of dry roasted nuts or seeds or dried fruits rather than chips or a chocolate bar (they melt in the car anyway).

Replenish fluids – water quenches thirst better than sweetened beverages or juice.

A small grocery store or farm stand will have fruits and vegetables to replenish your stocks.

Lunch or dinner in the fast food lane – smart choices are available.

Try the grilled chicken breast sandwich or a veggie or chicken wrap.

Baked potatoes with broccoli, chili or salsa are a great quick meal.

Look for sandwich places that make to order. Try the turkey or vegetarian choice (go light on the sauce) and lots of veggies.

Pizza is a good choice. Try the veggie pizza with half the cheese and lots of veggies.

Choose milk or 100% fruit or vegetable juices for your beverage.

Include activities in your stops. Don’t fall into the trap of stopping only for meals – this means you are just sitting somewhere other than the car.

Instead plan stops where you can walk or swim or play ball.

Everyone will feel better.

Meet the nutrition challenge – have a safe, happy, healthy summer trip!

Resources For Early Childhood Development

Are you worried about your preschooler’s development?

Did you know you can call us with questions?

Call 250-286-0955 #110-1180 Ironwood Street, Campbell River, BC V9W 5P7 » Fax: 250-287-2676

Campbell River Literacy Now is a proud supporter of: • Books for Babies • Children’s Health Fairs • Literacy Backpacks • Family Literacy Day www.literacyforall.ca

Humpty Dumpty Nursery School Humpty Dumpty is a non-proÀt, licensed cooperative preschool facility for children three & four years old.

It is a co-operative pre-school owned and operated by a group of families on a non-proÀt, non-sectarian and inter-racial basis. Together with Professional Early Childhood Educators, parents provide their children with a safe, happy and stimulating environment in which to grow and develop.

CARI’S forestcirclesociety.com

250-286-1193 20 Year Anniversary!

250-923-4440 10 Year Anniversary!

Forest Circle Society for Families thanks families for being a part of our circle of caring!

Offers Programs For:

Sunrise Resources is administered by Campbell River & District Association for Community Living

• Speech & Language Services • Infant Development Program • Physical Therapy Services • Occupational Therapy Services • Family Resource Program

Submitted by Anthea Kennelly RD, Community Nutritionist, VIHA

Celebrating decades of quality early care and learning in Campbell River INFANT AND TODDLER CENTRE

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Children age 1 – 12 Early Care & Learning School Age Care

Enriching C.R. Preschoolers since 1973.

Special thanks to the United Church for renting the facilities to Humpty Dumpty Preschool and to BC Gaming for providing much needed funding.

415 Pinecrest Road, Campbell River

Call for more info or to register your child:

250-287-4074

TUTORING for all grade levels

SUMMER

FREE

www.sunriselearningcentre.com w www.sunriselearningc

with summer prog program value!) booking ($140 va

106-1995Cliffe CliffeAve. Ave. 106-1742 250-897-1010

TUITION FEES ASSESSMENT

250-287-7436 | clcc.cr@telus.net | www.clcccr.com

20

%

OFF

SUMMER PROGR PROGRAMS 16and – August runrun JulyJuly 12-23 August249-20 Aug “ Outer Summer theme: “OceanSpace Life” ” Summer theme: “Ocea

Courtenay:

Campbell River: 102-250 Dogwood Ave. 250-287-9090

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| CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR | FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Giving children the best for their education and future.

StrongStart StrongStart A FREE, school-based early learning program for children from 0 to 6.

Under the direction of licensed early childhood educators, parents and children participate in early learning activities, such as story time, music, singing, art and puzzles. Children gain problem-solving skills, and build self-esteem and the social skills that will help them when they enter school. Parents learn activities that they can do at home to further support their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learning, nutrition, and make valuable connections with other parents or caregivers.

Cedar StrongStart Cedar Elementary School 261 Cedar Street Tel: (250) 287-8335 For program hours, pick-up a calendar from the Cedar School office.

Sandowne & Gathering Place StrongStart Sandowne Elementary School 699 Sandowne Drive Tel: (250) 923-4248 For program hours and locations, pick-up a calendar from the Sandowne School office.

Georgia Park StrongStart Georgia Park Elementary School 678 Hudson Street Tel: (250) 923-0735 For program hours, pick-up a calendar from the Georgia Park School office.

Sayward StrongStart Sayward Elementary / Jr. Secondary School 690 Kelsey Way, Sayward Tel: (250) 282-3314 For program hours, pick-up a calendar from the Sayward School office.

Open to all. Just drop-in!

The Campbell River StrongStart Centres are supported by the Ministry of Education and School District 72.