News Bulletin

December 2013 Pickus Infant/Toddler Center A program of One Hope United 1020 Glen Rock Ave., Waukegan, IL 60085 847.625.7915

Monthly

Healthy Lifestyles Curriculum

OVERALL HEALTh EXERCISE NUTRITIon EnVIRonMEnTAL SUSTAInABILITY

Should Children with Colds Be Kept Indoors?
Children who are well enough to attend and participate in activities at child care should be considered well enough to spend time outdoors when weather conditions permit. In other words, if a parent feels a child is too sick to go outside, then that child is too sick to be at child care. One exception may be the case of an asthmatic child whose asthma is triggered by cold air, but that is a special situation. Even though its a common myth, cold air does not cause colds. Colds are caused by exposure to and infection with one of the viruses that cause upper respiratory infections. These viruses are transferred from one person to another more frequently during cold weather because we stay indoors in spaces that are small, heated and not well ventilated. We also re-breathe shared air concentrated with viruses others are exhaling. Heated air also dries out the nasal passages making everyone more susceptible to catching upper respiratory infections. Airborne germs are much less concentrated outdoors. Studies have shown that cold air doesnt make the symptoms of an existing cold worse or cause it to last longer. Cold air does make noses run and may cause temporary nasal congestion in some people, but these are not worsening cold symptoms they are responses to cold air which go away within a few minutes. The Early Childhood Research and Practice journal summed it up well. According to the journal, Children of all ages enjoy and benefit from playing outdoors in all except the most extreme weather. Daily outdoor play is healthy and burns energy. It gives children an opportunity for change of environment, a balance in play and routine and activities of large muscle development. Even children who are mildly ill but active should go outside if the weather is not severe. Staff and children alike will feel refreshed when fresh air is a part of the daily routine. Taking children outdoors daily, even in winter, can be a healthy part of their schedule and is safe when clothing is appropriate.
Excerpt of an article by Child Care Health Solutions

Four Components of the

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER IN EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION

Pickus Center Spotlight

What is your favorite holiday tradition? Alternative Optional Education Center (AOEC) staff says: Ms. Evon, secretary: I love to decorate. Ms. Julie, AOEC specialist: It is a family tradition at Thanksgiving and Christmas before dinner to go around the table and tell what we are thankful for. Mr. Kelleher, social worker: Go to church on the eve before Christmas, exchange gifts at home and drink hot chocolate with family. Ms. Ros Hunter, teacher: Come together with family to share different ethnic foods. Ms. Coleman, security: I like decorating my tree the day after Thanksgiving. Mr. McMillon, teacher: I like going to look at houses and decorations. Mr. Valentino, teacher: I like putting the tree up with family. Ms. Lightfoot, teacher: I like to remember the less fortunate and think about how to do something nice to help them. Mr. Byrne, teacher: I like to cook prime rib on Christmas day. Mr. Wilson, sercurity: I like to dress the Christmas tree with my daughter and eat black eye peas on New Years Day.

Curriculum Corner:
Baby Signs for Infants and Toddlers
Over the past few weeks, we have been introducing American Sign Language to the children. We have started with the signs for more, thank you, and most recently, please. The use of sign language allows children who are not verbal to communicate their needs and wants to peers and adults. After seeing the sign for more twice, Nevaeh was able to use this sign independently when asking for more milk at lunch time. This demonstrated how quickly toddlers are able to grasp the concept and use it to communicate. We will continue utilizing these signs and add a few more additional signs in January. We encourage you to use the same signs at home to reinforce what we are learning at school. Using sign language allows children a head start in developing their language skills. If you would like more information about using sign language with your child, please see Ms. Lise or Ms. Pam.

Congratulations!
Congratulations to Clynesha, parent of Taylor, for perfect attendance for the month of November! Way to go!

Parent Referral Incentive

Pickus Infant/Toddler Center would like to reward you for referring new children and families to us. Heres how it works: 1. You tell a friend about Pickus Infant/Toddler Center. 2. Your friend calls us and provides your name as the referral source. 3. Your friend enrolls his or her child(ren) in our center. 4. Pickus pays you $25 after the child is enrolled for three months. (One incentive per each family referred.)

Spread the word!

Thank You!
A special thanks to all parents who participated in our Fall Food Tasting Celebration. Thank you for a 100% participation in bringing a dish to share with families. The food was delicious!

Reminders
We want to continue keeping a healthy environment. Please remember to wash your hands and your childs hands upon entering the classroom. Please remember to bring in extra diapers and wipes for your child. Jewelry and hair accessories are a choking hazard to young children. Please refrain from dressing your child in accessories while at the center.

Calendar
January 2014
SUNDAy MONDAy TUesDAy WeDNesDAy ThURsDAy FRiDAy SAtURDAy

Monthly

1 Happy New Year!

6 School resumes

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11

12

13

14

15

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18

19

20 School closed - Martin Luther King observance 27

22 21 School Professional Development; School Closed! 28 29

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31

CONNEcT

WITH US
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