Welcome to the CKF/SB6 Newsletter January 2016

 

Check Early, Check Often
CFK/SB6 is moving forward with the Regional Ages and Stages (ASQ) Project. What is ASQ? It's a set of questionnaires that provide a quick check on children's development. Parents know their children best. That's why the questionnaires are designed to be filled in by them. ASQ looks at the areas of communication, physical ability, social skills, and problem-solving skills, and can help identify a child's strengths as well as any areas where support may be needed.

Why Check Early, Check Often?
Because a child's first 6 years are critical to a healthy mind and body for life.Checking on young children's development helps to:
  • make sure she is growing and learning well
  • identify strengths as well as areas that he may need to practice
  • prepare her to be ready to learn in kindergarten
  • make sure he is off to the best possible start
The goal of the ASQ Regional Project is to give all families with children aged 2 and 3 the opportunity to find out about their child's development.  As this is a huge undertaking, the focus initially will be in two communities: Oliver and Penticton.  Planning specific to each community is taking place and details will be available soon.  Stay tuned!  In the meantime, visit us at the "Unplug and Play" event at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre on January 23 for more information.

Babywearing - An Accessory with Big Benefits
Babywearing is becoming more popular and for good reason. Babywearing, when done safely, has big benefits for both parents and children.
 
Safety and supervision: Babywearing keeps infants close by and in a safe place. Babies vulnerable and require constant supervision - babywearing makes it easy to know where your baby is and what they are doing.
 
Physical contact: When you wear your baby, your baby hears your voice as you talk to others, picks up on your emotions, and trusts you to provide safety and comfort. Wearing your baby provides closeness even when you cannot give your baby one hundred per cent of your attention.
 
Movement: Babies need and enjoy motion. In the womb, they became accustomed to the sound of mother's heart and to being in a confined space. The experience of being in the womb also teaches them to enjoy the rhythm of their mother's movements. Being held close to a parent's body feels familiar and peaceful and as parents move around, the motion can be soothing. 
 
Multitasking: Babywearing makes it easier to include your baby in day-to-day tasks. You can be connected to your baby throughout the day, breastfeed frequently, and still interact with other family members and complete adult tasks. Being able to see, hear and feel all these activities provides baby with learning opportunities and parents often feel more confident and less isolated. It's win-win for all.   
 
If you are ready to start babywearing, be sure to do so safely. For safety information see the websites below:
 

Creating Family Routines
The start of a new year is a great time to think about what changes could benefit you and your family. 
Tips for creating routines can help incorporate new activities or lifestyle changes into your existing routine, or help create a new one.

Major Capital Funding for New Licensed Child Care Spaces
Non-profit child care organizations may receive up to a maximum of $500,000 and private sector child care organizations may receive up to a maximum of $250,000. Application deadline is February 26, 2015 4:30PM.  Click here for further information and to download Funding Guidelines, Business Plan Template, List of Eligible and Ineligible Items and the Application Form.


 Questions, input, topic ideas?
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CFK Events!

Celebrate Family Literacy Day!
Taking time every day to read or do a learning activity with children is crucial to a child's development. Even just 15 minutes a day can improve a child's literacy skills dramatically, and can help a parent improve their skills as well. Here are some fun ideas: 15 Minutes of Fun

Join us at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre for this fun event!



Canada Learning Bond
Get up to $2,000 for your child's Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)-without having to put in any of your own money!  

The Canada Learning Bond offered by the Government of Canada helps parents get a head start in saving for their child's education after high school. 

It's available to children who were born after December 31, 2003 and whose families receive the National Child Benefit Supplement. Find out more at this event.




A Kick-start for Kids
B.C's Success By 6 initiative helps children succeed for life. Click here to read the feature article in the January 2016 edition of Enterprise Magazine describing the significant impact Success By 6 is making across the province as well as highlighting the importance of investing in early childhood development.