Volume 7, Issue 5 a non-profit family resource center March/April 2012 cape cod children’s place FAMILY NEWSLETTER for families and caregivers of children living on the Lower and Outer Cape Special Thanks! Spring into Action! Each year during the Thanks to the Bilezikian month of April, staff Family Foundation and to the members from Cape Cod Cahn Fund for Social Change Children’s Place join the Children’s Trust Fund and for providing generous other professionals and grants to help fund our families from around the Family Support programs. To state at the State House in Carl Freeman of Wellspring Boston to raise awareness for child abuse prevention. Body Mind Therapy for The month of April is donating his amazing chair devoted to celebrating massage services to the everything we can do to grateful teachers and staff at transform our community Cape Cod Children’s Place. into a place that cares Thanks to Sarah Nitsch, Tessa about—and actively supports—families and Szedlak and Allie Iles for children. By ensuring that volunteering their time to all parents in our organize our new library at community have access to Cape Cod Children’s Place. Inside this issue: Council News 2 Workshops 2,8 Annual Meeting 2 Raising Healthy Families 3 Learning Through Routines continued 3 News You Can Use 4 Playgroup Calendar 5, 6 Family Fun Fair 7 Workshops/Support 8 CCCP News 9 quality childcare, parenting education resources, support groups and playgroups, we make progress toward what the month stands for: April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The majority of child abuse cases stem from situations and conditions that are preventable in an engaged and supportive community. A community that cares about early childhood development, parent support and maternal mental health, for instance, is more likely to see families nurturing children who are born healthy and enter school ready to learn. Cities and towns that work to create good school systems and who come together to ensure that affordable housing is available are less likely to see stresses or isolated families who don’t know where to turn. So this April, learn more about what you and your community can do to support child abuse prevention. Pay attention to what’s happening at your annual Town Meeting and make sure your elected officials are doing their part to support families and children! *Learning Through Everyday Routines... Consistent routines—activities that happen at about the same time and in about the same way each day– provide comfort and a sense of predictability and safety for young children. Whether it is time to play, have a snack, a nap, knowing what will happen next gives children security and emotional stability. When children feel this sense of trust and safety, they don’t have to worry about what will happen next. They are free to do their “work”, which is to play, explore, and learn. Routines are like instructions– they guide children’s actions toward a specific goal. Routines can be used for many reasons, but two of the most important are ensuring children’s health and safety, and helping children learn positive, responsible behavior. As children grow, they come into contact with more people and begin to learn patterns and routine for social interaction. Play and talking with other children and adults are interactions that teach social skills like taking turns, sharing, cooperation, and helping others. These social routines are also opportunities for children to develop language skills. Depending on your child’s temperament, transitions between activities may be easy or more difficult. Routines can make transitions easier. Some parents use a time or a “5-minute warning” to prepare their toddlers for a change in activity. Others use a book, song, or special game. Daily routines are thought of as boring chores: meal times, running errands, getting ready for bed, taking baths. (continued on page 3) How to Raise a Successful Child “Parents often talk about the younger generation as if they didn’t have anything to do with it.” Haim Ginott Tuesday, April 10, 2012 5:30‐7:30 pm at Provincetown Public Library, 356 Commercial St., Provincetown register. Please indicate if you are in need of transportation. Babies under 6 months are welcome, but will stay with their parents during the program. Our dreams of a successful future for This program is funded by a Mass. Family our children begins at birth. Join Cindy Centers grant through the Children’s Trust Horgan, Family Support Coordinator at Fund, administered by Cape Cod Children’s Cape Cod Children’s Place and learn Place. how to prepare your children for life and the skills they’ll need to be successful. Free pizza, beverages and dessert for all and free childcare for the children while parents attend the workshop. Preregistration is required; call Cape Cod Children’s Place at 508.240.3310 to The Lower Cape Early Childhood Council The Lower Cape Early Childhood Council has two big events planned in March: The Family Fun Fair on March 24 and “Developing an Early Literacy Toolbox” on March 31 (see separate announcements in this Newsletter). Also on the Council agenda for upcoming meetings will be the approval of next year’s CFCE application—that’s the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement grant that funds playgroups, family support and parent education programs. Come to one of the next two Council meetings and find out more: Wednesday, March 21: 6‐6:30 pm Council business meeting; 6:30‐ 7:30 pm free “Welcoming Diverse Families” workshop with Cindy Horgan (EEC training certificate provided). Wednesday, April 18: 6‐7:30 pm regular Council meeting. Learning Through Everyday Routines continued... But these everyday activities are rich in opportunities to support your child’s learning and development while having fun. Routines offer the chance to build self -confidence, curiosity, social skills, self∙ control, communication skills, and more. You can use routines to help your child learn, such as when you are: ∙ Grocery Shopping: Count out the apples as you put them in a bag, or the bananas in a bunch. Have him count along with you if he likes. Ask him to find something red on the shelf. Or ask him to take three big steps and two little steps down the aisle. Games like these build language, counting, and listening skills—and make the routine more fun. ∙ ∙ Diapering: Name your child’s body parts and how they’re all connected to ∙ build her body awareness. ∙ Preparing meals: Let your toddler watch you prepare a meal and even help in safe ways (like putting the lettuce in a bowl for salad). Talk about the order in which you are doing things. This builds the skill of sequencing– putting events in order. Mealtime: Turn off the television and let mealtime be a chance for everyone at the table to share something about their day. This backand-forth conversation builds language skills and also strengthens the bond between you and your child. Bathtime: Provide your child with a variety of toys in the bath– plastic pitchers, cups, spoons, bowls, and sponges. As you play, use these items to talk about concepts like wet/dry, a little/a lot, floating/sinking, and pouring/scooping. Activities like these build math and science knowledge as well as language skills. your child’s literacy and language skills as well as her social-emotional growth. ∙ Driving Together: As you drive, ask your child what he sees out the window. Tell stories to your child. Or pick a favorite song and sin it together. Feel free to make it funny— like making The Wheels on the Bus all about The Wheels on the Stroller. Talking and singing together builds your toddler’s vocabulary and makes for a shared, joyful experience between the two of you. Routines provide the two key ingredients for learning: relationships and repetition. So enjoy these “extra-ordinary” moments with your child. If she’s having fun with you, she’s learning, too! Bedtime: Tell the “story” of what your child did that day. This helps her make sense of her experiences and the feelings that she dealt with that day. Chats like these strengthen *Zerotothree.org From Baby to Big Kid Raising Healthy Families while parents attend the workshop. Preregistration is required; call Cape Cod Children’s ∙ How to handle Place at 508.240.3310 to At Harwich Elementary tantrums register and arrange School, 263 South Street, ∙ Understanding transportation as needed. Harwich with Cindy temperament Babies under 6 months are Horgan, Family Support ∙ The value of routines welcome, but will stay with Coordinator at Cape Cod ∙ Setting limits and their parents during the Children’s Place. This four‐ boundaries, and much program. week parenting series will more. provide skills to support Free pizza, beverages and This program is funded by a parents with some of the grant from the League Club dessert for all and free challenges that make this childcare for the children of Cape Cod. job so difficult. Topics Tuesdays include: February 28 and March 6, 13, 20, 2012 ∙ Discipline without yelling 5:30‐7:30 pm NEWS YOU CAN USE... “Happiest Baby on the Block” Wednesday, April 18th 10 –11 a.m. At the Outer Cape WIC office, 79 Finlay Road, Orleans, with Gabrielle Hathaway. Open to WIC participants who are pregnant or who have a baby under three months. Sponsored by Outer Cape WIC. Information: 508-240-0853. Truro Tots Playgroup Mondays, 9-11 am At Truro Public Library through May 21 (except school holidays). Call Maggie Hanelt at 508-487-2693 for details and to learn about special events. This group follows the Truro Central School calendar. Eastham Public Library ∙ Lego Club; Tuesdays 4-5 pm ∙ Toddler Time with Lucy, Wednesdays at 10:30 ∙ Preschool Storytime, Fridays at 10:30 Call Fran McLoughlin for details; 508-240-5950. Elementary School’s Activity Room. Games, prizes, face painting, refreshments. Pitter Patter Puppets Brewster Ladies’ Library ∙ Story Hour: Wednesdays at 10:30 at 11 and Kathleen Healy at 12. $3 per child or $10 family rate—adults am. Children ages 2 and up are free. invited to this weekly program featuring songs, stories, and Wellfleet Public Library crafts. Story hour takes place in ∙ Mother Goose on the Loose the Children’s room. Thursday mornings at 9:30 am ∙ Free Baby Massage Class Call the library at 508-896-3913 for Thursday mornings at 10:15 am more information. ∙ Saturday Family Story times: 2nd and 4th Saturdays in March and April Call to register ; 508-945-5170 Attention Parents of Twins! New Twin Playgroup formed! The first meeting will take place at the Eastham Public Library on Saturday, March 3rd at 10 am. Thursday Playgroup Thursdays, 10-11:30 am At the Harwich Community Center playroom. This group is sponsored by the Harwich Early Childhood Council. “Open House Party” At the Family School and Salt Box School. Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 12 noon. Come and enjoy classroom tours & information for September. Meet & greet classroom teachers. Free Music Programs with Denya Snack & projects for children. Come and bring your friends and PLAY!! Levine: Eldredge Public Library “Multicultural sing-along with ∙ Wee Read Storytime/Playgroup “Math, Science and Technology rhythm band and movement” Fridays at 10 am for 12 mos to Expo” Wednesday, March 28, 2012 3 yrs. Registration required. The Laurel School, 1436 Long Pond Wednesday, April 25, 2012 ∙ Drop-in Story hour Rd., Brewster. Thursday, March 22, 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at 10:30 am for ages 3 2012 from 4:30-6:00 pm. Join us for At Eastham on Aging & up. No Registration required. our 16th annual math, science & 1405 Nauset Road ∙ Monomoy Story hour technology EXPO, as it demonstrates 2nd Tuesday at 3:30 Registration our students’ enthusiasm for Sponsored by Cape Cod Children’s required. Place. Funding provided by the discovery, their excitement for ∙ Book Clubs; Sign up is required, Eastham Cultural Council. learning, & our integration of call for dates & times: science, math & technology. Bring a My FIRST Book Group friend! “16th Annual Spring Carnival” (Gr. K to 2) The Harwich Early Childhood Chat and Chew (Gr. 3 & 4) Council invites young children, their Novel Conversations (Gr 5-8) families & friends to the 16th Annual ∙ Itsy Bitsy Yoga Page 4 Spring Carnival. Saturday, March Thursdays: 9:30 am Tyke; 10:30 10th from 10 am to 1 pm at Harwich am Tot; 11:30 am Infant Lower Cape Dads’ Talk First Wednesday of every month 6:00-7:30 p.m. At the Harwich Community Center, 100 Oak St., with Paul Melville, family support specialist. A monthly opportunity to get together with local fathers and other male caregivers. This is a great place to connect with other Dads and chat about being a father (or whatever else is on your mind). All Dads are welcome to this non-therapeutic gathering, regardless of their child(ren)’s age(s), their parenting situation, and where they live. Free pizza and child care. Sponsored by Cape Cod Neighborhood Support Coalition, Cape Cod Children’s Place, Harwich Early Childhood Council, and Cape Cod’s Youth Suicide Prevention Project. Information or registration: Paul Melville at 508-7714335 ext. 2 or [email protected]. “Developing an Early Literacy Toolbox” Saturday, March 31 9 am—1 pm Harwich Community Center 100 Oak Street, Harwich Early childhood educators and caregivers are invited to take advantage of this important, free professional d ev e l o p m e n t o p p o r t u ni t y co-sponsored by the Harwich and Lower Cape Early Childhood Councils. Keynote speaker Kathleen Kocaba will lead off the morning, speaking about skills that lay the foundation for early literacy. She will be followed by two sessions, each offering four workshops on different topics related to early literacy. Training credits will be provided. Advanced registration is required; email [email protected] for more information and to get a registration packet. Dads’ Group A five week parenting series for Dads and father figures... Thursdays March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2012 5:30-7:30 p.m. Harwich Elementary School 263 South Street and share your own. Create your own “toolbox” for effective parenting by gaining skills for handling challenging behaviors, effective communication & Studies show that positive discipline. children grow up Facilitated by Cindy happier and healthier Horgan, Family with nurturing fathers Support Coordinator at in their lives. At this the Cape Cod group you will have the Children’s Place and opportunity to hear Adam Pettengill, Early other dads’ experiences Childhood professional and dad. Free, childcare and pizza dinner are included ! Register by calling CCCP at 508-240-3310. Please indicate if you are in need of transportation. Funding is provided by a Mass. Family Centers Grant through the Children’s Trust Fund, administered by Cape Cod Children’s Place. CCCP News… Our Annual Meeting was held on Wednesday, January 25 from 7‐8 pm at the Cape Cod Children’s Place. The meeting was well attended by board members, staff, parents, grandparents, members of the League Club of Cape Cod, Brewster for the Holidays and others. Betsy Evans, Peg Shipman and Colette Clark from The League Club of Cape Cod received the Tom Newton Community Service Award from Elizabeth Aldred, in recognition of the club’s four years of financial support to our fam‐ ily support programs. Betsy Evans, Peg Shipman & Colette Clark of the League Club of Cape Cod receiving the Tom Newton Award from Elizabeth Aldred. Gail Briere, outgoing Board President, awarded the President’s Award to three current board members, Michelle Desmond, Liz Sorrell, and Tessa Szedlak in recognition of their significant contributions over the past year. Kate Macaulay, Executive Director and the Board presented Gail Briere with an award and Gail Briere presents Liz Sorrell with the President’s Award gifts in honor of her tenure as Board President. Cape Cod Children’s Place new Board President is Liz Sorrell. Kate Macaulay, Elizabeth Aldred, and Karen Gail Briere and Executive Director, Kate Macaulay Burns were at the Brewster Chamber of Commerce’s February meeting to accept a donation of $3,225 from the Brewster for the Holidays Committee, represented by Chairman Carol Edmondson. Cape Cod Children’s Place also received a $450 gift from Tom & Shirley Vautin of By‐the‐Bay Designs, Brewster; proceeds from the Brewster for the Holidays “Peppermint Patty” Charity Bead they sold to benefit Cape Cod Children’s Place. Elizabeth Aldred receives a check from Chairman Carol Edmonson of the Brewster for the Holidays Committee. Cape Cod Children’s Place received a gift of $15,000 made possible by Cahn Fund for Social Change and Massachusett’s Children’s Trust Fund. Marjie Cahn visited Cape Cod Children’s Place along with Alicia Linehan of the Children’s Trust fund on Febru‐ ary 24th to present her generous gift and meet with the staff and children. “This gen‐ erous contribution comes at an important time for us and helps fund our family sup‐ port programs,” says Kate Macaulay, Executive Director. “What makes it even more wonderful is Marjie has a home in Eastham and a strong commitment to children and Liz Sorrell, Board President, Marjie Cahn, Kate their families on the Lower and Outer Cape.” Macaulay, Executive Director, Monica Keefe-Hess, Parent Ed. Coordinator and students from the Lobster & Seahorse classrooms. NON PROFIT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ORLEANS, MA 02653 PERMIT NO. 54 cape cod children’s place P.O. Box 1935 10 Ballwic Road, off Nauset Road N. Eastham, MA 02651 508.240.3310 telephone 800.871.9535 toll free 508.240.2352 fax [email protected] www.capecodchildrensplace.com Check out this newsletter “in color” on-line at our website. Our newsletter is funded by grants from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care as well as other sources. HELPFUL FAMILY CONTACTS & RESOURCES For a more comprehensive list of resources and services check out The Lower Cape Family Resource Guide on-line at www.capecodchildrensplace.com or request a copy at 508.240.3310. A Baby Center 508.771.8157 Basic items for infants and toddlers up to age three living on Cape Cod and Islands Al‐anon 508.394.4555 Offering support for friends and families of problem drinkers Cape & Island Breast Feeding Warm Line 888.890.2229 Lactation services and classes are available to local Cape and Islands mothers Child Support Enforcement‐Mass DOR 508.771.2414 x 3 Assistance in enforcing the financial responsibilities of parenthood Consumer Credit Counseling 800.208.2227 Budgeting and debt consolidation assistance Family Support Program and Maternal Depression/Cindy Horgan 508.240.3310 Free referrals to parenting resources, child and family therapists, etc. Fuel Assistance Program 508.746.6707 Emergency fuel/heating help Healthy Connections 508.255‐1903 Referrals for free/low cost health insurance Homeless Prevention Council 508.255.9667 Counseling, advocacy, resources and referral services La Leche League/Gabrielle 508.237.8786 Providing education, information, and support to women who want to breastfeed Lower Cape Outreach Council 508.240.0694 Providing short‐term emergency assistance to Lower Cape families and individuals Mass APEAL 508.349.1173 Free clothing as well as information on Serve New England Program MSPCC 800.272.9722 Protecting and promoting the rights and well‐being of children & families Outer Cape Health Services 508.349.3131 Providing high quality primary healthcare to those living in or visiting the 8 Lower/Outer Cape towns, regardless of their financial situation Outer Cape Women, Infants and Children’s (WIC) Nutrition Program 800.675.1188 Supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education Parental Stress Line 800.632.8188 A free, confidential, and anonymous 24‐hour parent helpline for parental support Provincetown Family Resource Center 800.871.9535 or Providing support, referrals, and financial aid through the John A. Henry Trust administered by Cape Cod Children's Place 508.237.2688 WE CAN 866.430.8111 Assisting Cape Cod women through the transition of divorce, career change or growth, job loss, illness, or retirement