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 EYI's recent conference was notable for several reasons. First, we announced the results of our poll which sampled 807 Long Islanders and showed a small percentage of us believe that investments in children 0-5 should be a top priority (see article below). Our conference also signaled that we can increase that number only if a chorus of the community - including early childhood teachers, pediatricians, librarians, clergy, and parents - all discuss the importance and benefits of indoor and outdoor play, and the need to limit screen time. When the message is reinforced throughout the community, it's more likely to be heard. Will you please help spread the word in 2011? -- Dana Friedman, Ed.D., president, The Early Years Institute
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| LI funding survey: 16% say kids a priority |
| Only 16 percent of Long Islanders believe that investments in children from birth to age 5 should have the highest priority in helping them to succeed in school and in life. The finding is from a poll conducted for EYI by the Stony Brook University Center for Survey Research this fall. Interestingly, 63 percent believe that social skills are more important than learning numbers and letters before Kindergarten. And a greater number (49%) thought that it's bad rather than good (28%) that children have increased the time they spend in front of a screen. Read more about the survey here. |
| Conference links, pics and letters |
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EYI's December 3rd conference, "We Interrupt this Program: Playing and Learning in the Age of Hyper-Media," drew 200 people to CA Technologies in Islandia and featured several workshops on play and the media. "America's Worst Mom" Lenore Skenazy (right) brought the house down with her hilarious observations and serious insights about unreasonable parent fears. Click the links to access some of the presentations, see the photos and read the testimonials and blog about the day. We invite you to suggest topics for future conferences at info@eyi.org and check out Lenore's guest blog for EYI. |
| Best holiday toys? Some suggestions... |
The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood has come out with its "Guide to Commercial-Free Holidays," filled with tips on which media hype-free gifts to buy for your child and how to escape seasonal anxiety. EYI President Dana Friedman gave her own ideas on toy buying in a radio interview heard nationally through the Public News Service and in this week's blog. |
| EYI focuses on military families |
| EYI's Advisory Committee and Quality Circle hosted Dr. Jeanette Betancourt of Sesame Workshop and Rhiannon Beauregard of Pal O Mine Equine Therapy in December to discuss the special needs of military families on Long Island. EYI also collected over 50 toys which were delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys for Toys campaign. For more info about Sesame Workshop's support for military families, click here. |
| Economic stimulus: Jobs at EYI |
| Looking for employment? Well, take a look at The Early Years Institute! We're seeking a Director of Family Connections and a Director for the Long Island Nature Collaborative for Kids (LINCK). Click on the links and let us know if you're interested in joining our growing, dynamic organization! |
