Welcome to the CKF/SB6 Newsletter for March 2015.

So You're a New Parent, Now What?

A new addition to the family comes with many joys and unexpected challenges. Parenting looks and works differently in every family and with every child. Here are five tips for dealing with the challenges of parenthood, from a Paediatric Nurse and new mother.

Nobody's Perfect Fact Sheets

The Nobody's Perfect Parenting Program offers support for moms and dads with children from birth to five. New fact sheets are now available for download. With helpful parenting tips and fun and easy activities on a variety of subjects, these fact sheets are a great resource for parents. Subjects include: behaviour; body; mind; parent; and safety.

Too Hot for Tots! Handbook

An updated version of the Too Hot for Tots! Educational Handbook is now available for downloading. Frances MacDougall, a clinical nurse who worked for many years on the Burn Unit at BC Children's Hospital, developed the Too Hot for Tots! (THFT) Program after learning that many caregivers were unaware of burn hazards in their home. The Too Hot for Tots! Program offers training programs and resources for caregivers.

Source: Keeping in Touch BC newsletter.

Aboriginal ECDC Knowledge Portal

Librarians at the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society Resource Centre have put together a Knowledge Portal on the latest resources, research and information related to Aboriginal early childhood development and care. Find links, websites, books, articles and more. New content will be regularly added to the Knowledge Portal so check back often!

Free Community Child Car Seat Program 2015

The British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) and United Way of the Lower Mainland (UWLM) are working in partnership to make child car seats available to non-profit agencies and community groups that work with families with children age nine and under. Applications will be accepted from March 2 - March 22, 2015 and car seats will be distributed to eligible non-profit agencies and community programs in June 2015. More info.

Literacy Now Task Force Needs Volunteers

Literacy Now is looking for a few talented and committed volunteer Task Group members to lead and strengthen the Literacy Now SO-S organization so that the literacy needs of everyone in the South Okanagan are met. If you can contribute your time, thoughtfulness, and leadership one meeting every other month, please visit their website where you can find the Terms of Reference and a job description for members. THey are especially looking for new members with a background in accounting, legal, marketing, business, not-for-profit, and/or Aboriginal affairs, though all are welcome to apply!

For more information contact: Dannielle Hyde

(250) 770-0029 or literacynowsos@gmail.com

www.literacynowso-s.ca

Save the Dates!

CFK/SB6 Annual Parenting Conference

October 16 and 17 at the Penticton Ramada Inn

An opportunity for parents, grandparents, caregivers, ECE workers, child care providers, and service providers to learn about the development of children from birth to age 6.

Cities Fit for Children Municipal Summit

November 12 and 13, 2015 at the Vernon Lodge

A biennial conference that brings together municipal leaders with child development professionals, parents and community champions to improve environments for children, youth and families.

Questions, input, topic ideas?

Connect with us!

Spotlight on Services

We'd like to help you find out about services in your community for children aged 0 to 6 and their families. Each month we will let you know about a different agency and the resources they offer. In the meantime, you can always check out the CFK/SB6 online at

Community Directory for a list of services in your community.

Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre

Desert Sun is a local, charitable, not- for-profit organization which offers many services and supports in Oliver and Osoyoos. All the staff work and live in the area, making them active stakeholders in the community. There are no fees for services, and self-referrals are accepted for all services.

The Parent Connection

Oliver/Osoyoos

A place for parents and care givers to meet and enjoy a variety of programs such Mother Goose, Nobody's Perfect, Baby Talk, tips on parenting, nutrition, budgeting, information on community resources, gently used clothing exchange, car seat lending program plus much more. Moe info Call 250-498-2538 or email dsuncapc@gmail.com

Community Kitchen

Oliver/Osoyoos

Families who have children 0-6 years of age create nutritious, affordable and efficient meals, while learning about shopping on a budget, and how to preserve, freeze, dehydrate and can foods. For more information call 250-498-2538 or email dsuncapc@gmail.com

Counselling

Individual and group counselling for children 3 to 18 years of age, women and men. For more info

desert_suncounselling@telus.net

Community Outreach

Referrals, advocacy, and income tax services for low-earners.

Safe Home Program

24 hour women's shelter and helpline 250-485-7777 or

1-877-723-3911

Visit the Desert Sun website for much more information.

Oliver Office

(250) 498-2538

762 Fairview Road

Open 10.00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Thursday

Osoyoos Office

(250) 495-2623

8307 - 72 Street

Call the Oliver Office to make an appointment.