| In this Newsletter | |
First 5 bids farewell to Commissioner David Mineta
First 5 awards its' first Spotlight on Excellence Award
Congratulations to Michelle Blakely!
Bridges to Success Update
Information on Injury Prevention
Resource material to help you quit smoking
In the News
In the Community
Local News |
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Congratulations Michelle Blakely! |
Please join First 5 staff in congratulating Michelle on her 5 Year Anniversary at First 5 San Mateo County! Michelle joined First 5 in 2005 as a Program Specialist and was instrumental in the design and launch of the Watch Me Grow project, and in August of 2008, was promoted to Program and Planning Director. Congratulations Michelle! If you would like to contact Michelle she can be reached at mblakely@co.sanmateo.ca.us |
| In the Community | |
The John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities (JGC) in Stanford Universityıs School of Education is seeking a qualified person to fill their Program Coordinator Position. Click on Current Openings and enter 38710 at keyword search for the job description.
The California Department of Education, Child Development Division would like to invite you to participate in a pilot phase of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Pathways to Cultural Competence Project. California is the eleventh state participating in this project.
For questions regarding California's participation in the NAEYC Cultural Competence Project, please contact Luis Rios, Consultant, at 916-445-4820 or by e-mail at lurios@cde.ca.gov.
Communicating Results: First 5 Bay Area Outreach Tools, click
here to view DVD and collateral materials.
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| Childhood Matters, the radio talk show for parents and all who care about kids, with Rona Renner, RN
Every Saturday 9 to 10 AM
877-372-KIDS Green 960 AM in SF Bay Area
Replayed every Sunday, 7 AM on K-Ocean 105.1 FM in Monterey
Nuestros Ninos, La Kalle 100.7 FM y 105.7 FM, KLOK 1170 AM (Area de la Bahia) La Nuestra 89.1 Fm (Norte de le Bahia)
Tricolor 99.5 FM, Super Estrella 107.1 FM, y Jose 700 AM (Monterey)
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Upcoming Meetings | |
COMMISSION MEETING
No Meeting in July August 23 2010
4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
1300 South El Camino Real,
Suite 100, Room 114
San Mateo, CA 4402
PROGRAM, PLANNING & OPERATIONS
August 2, 2010
9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m.
First 5 San Mateo County
1700 S. El Camino Real, Ste. 405
San Mateo, CA 94402
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
August 9, 2010
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
First 5 San Mateo County
1700 S. El Camino Real, Ste. 405
San Mateo, CA 94402
EARLY CHILDHOOD EVALUATION ADVISORY MEETING
August 16, 2009 3:30 pm - 5:00 p.m.
First 5 San Mateo County
1700 S. El Camino Real, Ste.405
San Mateo, CA
For meeting agendas go to ww.co.sanmateo.ca.us/first5 |
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About First 5 San Mateo County
Research shows that a child's brain develops most dramatically in the first five years and what parents and caregivers do during these years to support their child's growth will have a meaningful impact throughout life. Based on this research, California voters passed Proposition 10 in 1998, adding a 50 cents-per-pack tax on cigarettes to support programs for expectant parents and children ages 0 to 5. First 5 San Mateo County distributes Prop. 10 revenues to programs and services that meet local needs.
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| Though First 5 San Mateo County cannot formally endorse any professional or community resource, we hope that the information provided in our newsletter will aid you in your own search. We encourage you to send us additional resources for possible inclusion in future updates.
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It's summertime and the living is easy - but to enjoy the fun, be sure to heed the most important summer safety tips.
Here are some top summertime hazards to be aware of so you can make the most of the carefree moments with your preschooler while keeping your family happy all season long.
Upon Heading Out the Door
 Before you even leave your house, no matter what the destination, make sure you are prepared for a day outside in the sun.
Lather everyone up with sunscreen. For your preschooler, choose a product designed for children that has an SPF of at least 30 and make sure it is designed to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Pack a bag that includes extra sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, a small first-aid kit, plenty of water or other drinks, snacks, extra cash and your cell phone in case you need it.
Make sure everyone is wearing appropriate clothing -- light colored, nothing too heavy and OK for the activity that is planned (you don't want your daughter in a strappy sundress and dress sandals if she'll be running around at the playground). If you are heading for the pool or beach, be sure to bring a change of clothing along with any gear you'll require like goggles or swim wings.
In Your Yard
If you have a pool and it isn't surrounded by a fence that  locks, consider investing in one immediately. The fence should be four-sided and the gate should be self-closing and self-locking. The goal is to have a separate pool area so a child can't walk out the door or into your yard and right into the pool. On a hot day, a pool is very tempting for a young (or older) child and they don't have the reasoning skills to understand that swimming by themselves is not safe. Make it impossible for a child to access the pool without the assistance of an adult. And talk to your kids about water safety. Explain how they should never go in to any body of water with out a grown-up present. Even a child who has taken swimming lessons cannot be left alone near the water. There are just too many variables and things that can go wrong.
Make sure any outdoor containers that you have -- sheds, storage bins, trash cans, even the trunk of your car -- are closed and locked. As kids run and play outside, it can be tempting to hide in one of these types of places, but they can get hot very quickly. In only seconds a child can be trapped inside, leading to a potential tragedy.
In the Car
Most important: Never leave a child alone in the car. Aside from abduction dangers, in the summertime, car temperatures can soar very quickly -- even if it the temperature isn't ridiculously hot. Even with the windows down, a car can get very warm, very fast. Best bet, take your child with you, even if you are going into a store just for a minute.
At the Playground
Upon arrival, check out the equipment. Is everything anchored properly? Is the set in good shape? Look for sharp edges and open-ended hooks on swings. Make sure the surface that kids will be running (and possibly falling) on is cushioned -- common types include rubber mats, wood chips and sand. Touch everything. Is it too hot for bare skin to touch? Among my summer safety tips for the playground: If you have any doubts, find another place to play. If you have a swing set at home, give it a once-over as well.
At the Beach or Pool
Have a talk with your little one before your leave your own house. Once she sees that inviting water, it's less likely she/he is going to listen to you. At the pool, there should be no running near the edge of the pool or jumping into the water (unless you are present). Make sure
your child knows the difference between the deep and shallow ends of the water and where she/he is allowed to go. No child should be in the water unless there is an adult on hand, even if your child knows how to swim or is wearing a floatation device. And if your child has been in the water for an hour or more, make sure you reapply her/his sunscreen -- even if it is a waterproof formula.
At a Crowded Amusement Park or Other Venue
If you are headed to a place where you know there will be lots of crowds, review some ground rules before you get there. Make sure your child knows what to do in case you get separated or lost from one another. Teach him/her to look for a person who can help them like a uniformed police officer, park worker or even a mother with children. Pick a spot upon your arrival and designate it as your meeting place in case someone gets lost.
With a little common-sense caution you and your preschooler can have the best summer ever!
Source: About.com:Preschoolers |
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LOCAL NEWS
First 5 San Mateo County bids farewell to
Commissioner Mineta
Harvey Kaplan, David Mineta and Debby Armstrong
Commissioner David Mineta has been confirmed as Deputy Director of Demand Reduction for the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). David will oversee ONDCP's Office of Demand Reduction, which focuses on promoting drug prevention and drug treatment programs, as well as the agency's newly created focus on programs for individuals in recovery from addiction.
Since 1996, David has worked with Asian American Recovery Services throughout California. He started as a manager of treatment and competence transitions programs, but rose quickly to associated director and, since 2007, deputy director. On May 18, 2009, he joined the First 5 San Mateo County Commission. We will miss his leadership, dedication and commitment to the healthy development of San Mateo County's youngest children. First 5 San Mateo County wishes David much success in his new position in Washington, D.C. He shall be missed!
Source: Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Control Policy
First 5 San Mateo County awards its first "Spotlight on Excellence Award" to Jeanie McLoughlin 
Harvey Kaplan, Jeanie McLoughlin, Debby Armstrong
On June 28, 2010 First 5 San Mateo County recognized Jeanie McLaughlin for her outstanding achievement of strategies & activities in the Focus Area of Early Learning through her successful implementation of the Preschool for All Program while demonstrating the Core Values and Guiding Principles of Excellence, Innovation, and Leadership. The goals of First 5 San Mateo County could not be achieved without the skills of those in the community who execute F5SMC's vision of Success for Every Child. Congratulations Jeanie!
On an annual basis, F5SMC will present
the "Spotlight on  Excellence Award" for exceptional contributions made to children ages 0-5 and their families by a group, organization, service club or individual. The criteria for determining the recipient of the "Spotlight on Excellence Award" is achieving one or more of the strategies & activities, listed in the Focus Areas, and displaying one or more of the Core Values and Guiding Principles in the approved F5SMC 2009-2015 Strategic Plan. To view the Strategic Plan click here.
Jeanie and David Fleishman
Bridges to Success School Readiness Initiative Update
At their June 28, 2010 meeting, the First 5 San Mateo County (F5SMC) Commission approved just over $3.9M to support school readiness. The initiative, Bridges to Success (BTS), will be co-led by two agencies, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) and Youth and Family Enrichment Services (YFES). Bridges to Success will be implemented in nine communities across the County.
Currently, the Kickoff to Kindergarten summer transition programs are all up and running. Both SVCF and YFES are finalizing scopes of work and budgets with their sub-contractors and community partners. SVCF will be leading the Kickoff to Kindergarten aspects of BTS, a component of Ready Children, as well as the Ready Schools and Ready Communities in the form of school-community teams. YFES will lead Ready Families, which includes home visits, parenting groups, mental health supports, and connecting families to other needed resources available in the County.
The school-community teams will be supported by a Transition Coordinator. That position is currently open. Click here to view the job description on the SVCF web-site.
BTS will have quarterly Partners Meetings with stakeholders and service providers to review program implementation and progress, ensuring the initiative will remain coordinated and integrated. Additionally, both YFES and SVCF will meet regularly with F5SMC staff to support BTS' implementation.
Power of Preschool, July 20, 2010
First 5 California held a Power of Preschool meeting in Sacramento. Although no longer a Power of Preschool (eg, Preschool for All) county, First 5 San Mateo County was invited to the meeting to present the history and lessons learned from our successful PFA experiences and to hear about our future priorities for preschool access and quality support. Accompanied by F5SMC Early Learning Program Specialist, David Fleishman, Jeanie McLoughlin of the San Mateo County Office of Education, did an outstanding job presenting a summary of San Mateo's PFA program and the transition to the Early Childhood Quality Improvement Project (EQuIP).
Articles and Press Releases
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Hidden Dangers in the Home
The death of boxing champion Mike Tyson's 4-year-old daughter after a treadmill accident highlights the issue of hidden dangers in the home. Exercise equipment injures more than 25,000 children each year according to one safety organization.
While most parents know enough about covering outlets and keeping poisonous household cleaning products locked away from the reach of their small children, most homes still have less obvious safety hazards that can have disastrous results for curious tots.
"Parents often overestimate their child's intelligence, and underestimate their abilities," explains Chrissy Cianflone, Director of Program Operations at Safe Kids USA, a nonprofit organization focused on preventing accidental childhood injury.
Case in point: falls from windows. Though a parent might not regularly open windows in the house, it does not mean a child can't or won't. Placing furniture close to windows is a commonly overlooked safety hazard; it allows children to easily climb up and out of the opening. Relying on screens to protect against falls is an inadequate solution, since most screens can't hold the weight of a child. Window guards are a safe choice: they offer protection and cost less than $30 each on average.
Window treatment cords are another common, hidden pitfall. To prevent accidents, parents should tie up any cords from blinds or curtains, high enough out of a child's reach, and make sure there is no furniture placed close by that would invite little ones to climb. Cianflone warns against unwittingly placing changing tables and cribs within reach of the window coverings.
With respect to home gyms, more than 25,000 children each year are injured from exercise equipment, including stationary bicycles, treadmills and stair climbers, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Many of those injuries are related to power cords.
Police in Phoenix, Arizona, say that Exodus Tyson was injured and later died after being strangled by a cord connected to the treadmill, possibly while playing with the machine. Her mother performed CPR after the accident but Exodus was in need of life support by the time authorities arrived.
Since it's usually impractical to unplug a piece of exercise equipment after every use, parental supervision is the primary means of avoiding accidents. Cianflone warns that if you have a home gym, "make sure to limit your child's access to that room. Keep the door shut and locked if you can, and if you have to leave the room, take the child with you."
Furniture tip-overs are another major unsuspected hazard. A 17-year study published in May 2009 by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital found that capsized furniture sent an average of 15,000 children a year to the emergency room.
The most commonly toppled furniture pieces are dressers and flat-screen television sets. Pulling out one or more dresser drawers decreases the stability of the piece if it isn't attached to the wall. Inexpensive wall mounting kits, available at hardware and baby stores, can secure up to 400 pounds of weight.
Health Library
Similarly, flat-screen TVs -- lighter and less stable than their predecessors -- should be mounted to a wall when possible. If that's not an option, Cianflone recommends positioning the set far back on a stand, enough so that a child climbing the stand would still be unable to reach it.
Parents should also keep tabs on toy and product recalls, in case any purchases are found to be potential hazards. A simple method to stay aware is to sign up for recall alerts via email from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.  A child's ability to get into certain types of trouble varies with the age and developmental stage of each individual child. For general guidelines, parents can go to Safe Kids for an age-based breakdown of hazards.
Most critical is for parents to be aware of their particular child's abilities and level of curiosity. "Nobody knows a child better than the parent, so it's important to be well-educated so a parent can take the steps necessary to mitigate hazards for their own child," says Cianflone.
Source: CNN, MayoClinic.com: Children's Health, Raising Safe Kids:One Step at a Time |
| First 5 San Mateo County
1700 South El Camino Real, Suite 405
San Mateo, CA 94402
Ph: 650.372.9500 Fax: 650.372.9588 |
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