Recent articles

This article on "Tips for Parents of Soon-to-Be Kindergartners" ran in both the Verde Independent and the Camp Verde Bugle:

http://www.verdenews.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=54860&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1190&S=1

Tips for Parents of Soon-To-Be Kindergartners

The transition from home or childcare to kindergarten can be daunting for both parents and children.  Remember that children can sense how we’re feeling from what we say and do.  A parent’s enthusiasm and anxieties will most likely be similar to their child’s. Showing a positive, excited approach can reassure children and give them confidence about their new school.



“I have enjoyed the kindergarten experience three times, twice as a parent and most recently as a grandfather,”said Yavapai County School Superintendent Tim Carter. “Whether you are a single parent or a couple with an extended family, your interest and role in preparing a child for life are critically important.”

Zade Gardipee, Saige Scott and Carson Patton are excited to be entering kindergarten this fall.

To support families in getting their kids ready for kindergarten, First Things First has a few suggestions to make sure your child is prepared for their big day:

1.      If you haven’t already done so, start a regular bedtime to prepare your child for waking up on time. Kindergartners need approximately 8-10 hours of sleep per night, so plan ahead.



2.      Prior to that first day, meet your child’s teachers and introduce them to your child. Be sure to express your appreciation for their hard work.

3.      Make sure your child’s immunizations and health records are up-to-date. Most schools have standard requirements for immunizations, vision and hearing tests. Contact your local school district for an updated list.

4.      Talk with your child about what to expect during a typical school day. This includes lunches, snacks and bathroom breaks. The more you speak with your student about the details, the less anxiety he or she is likely to experience on that first day of class.

5.      To help overcome any fears, rehearse for the big day by practicing all the activities that will happen at school. Do a test-run of the new routine:

a.      Practice waking up in time for school. Allow your child plenty of time to get ready.

b.      Plan and fix a healthy breakfast. Teach your kindergartner how to help.

c.       Lay out clothes the night before. Make sure zippers, buttons and ties can be easily fastened. 

d.      If your child will take the bus, walk to the bus stop and talk about boarding and where to sit. If you’re driving them to school, do a dry run and talk about landmarks along the way.

e.      Pack a lunch for both of you and sit down with your children and practice opening things together. If you will be sending a lunch, make sure its nutritious food that they like and can open easily.  Juice boxes, fruit cups, and zip lock bags can frustrate your child if they haven’t had practice!  Remind them to ask for help if needed.  Teachers and lunch staff will be there to help.

6.      Reassure your child about what kinds of activities will happen at school and after the day is over.  If they are going to afterschool care, talk about the activities and schedule during this time.

7.      Kindergartners sometimes have accidents. It’s a reality that should be anticipated. Pack an extra pair of clothes for your child and bring it on or before the first day of class.

8.      Give your child a family picture of you to keep in their pocket or backpack, and reassure them about what time you will be back to pick them up.  Send them off with a reassuring hug and kiss!

9.      Getting involved in your child’s school activities will not only benefit you and your child, it will help the school and community as well. Speak with your child’s teacher regularly. Consider participating in your school’s PTO/PTA. These things send a message—to your child, teachers and the community—that your child’s education is important.

10.  Most importantly, celebrate and enjoy this milestone with your child!

“In previewing the list of ‘Tips for Parents of Kindergarteners’ offered by our colleagues at First Things First, I can assure they are well founded, research based, and have a significant and positive impact on the success of families with children entering kindergarten,” said Superintendent Carter.

First Things First works to ensure that all Arizona children arrive at their first day of kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed. For more information, please visit us at azftf.gov/brains.

Video: Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services

Learn about Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services (TOPS), a service that makes sure teen parents have a healthy pregnancy and a health baby.

Video: TOPS

Video: Read Early, Read Often

Just a little reminder that reading to young children every day is one of the BEST ways to get them ready to succeed in school!

Video: Read Early, Read Often

Sun Safe

 

Tips for Keeping Young Children Healthy in the Summer Months

Summer weather is finally here, and for most families, that means more time outdoors. To help everyone have a fun and healthy summer, First Things First has partnered with Barbara Jorgensen, Public Program Manager at Yavapai County Community Health Services, to offer tips to help parents keep their young kids sun safe.

Jorgensen said that families in our area need to be especially sun-cautious. “Here in Prescott, the sun is more intense because of our altitude,” she said.



Jorgensen recommends that parents avoid all direct sun exposure for children under the age of six months. After six months, if a child is exposed to direct sunlight, she recommends that parents apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every couple of hours, put a shaded hat on their child, and have their child wear sunglasses. “Bright sunlight can damage the eyes,” said Jorgensen. “Sunlight can also harm the eyes by reflecting off surfaces such as water and concrete.” Parents should choose sunglasses for their child that protect from both UV-A and UV-B rays.



Paige Safro of Prescott gives a leg up to his
 2-year-old great-grandaughter, Maia.

 “The sun is most intense during the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM,” said Jorgensen. To reduce sun exposure, families can plan their outdoor activities before or after these times of day.

“When the weather gets warmer, it seems logical to dress your child in less clothing, but less clothing means more sun exposure” said Jorgensen. She recommends that young children be dressed in lightweight long-sleeved clothing. 

Young children often need to be reminded to take water breaks when they are playing outside. “The younger the child, the more frequent the water breaks should be,” said Jorgensen. “By the time they feel thirsty, they’re already dehydrated.” To hydrate a child, parents should regularly give their children non-caffeinated beverages, like juice or water.

Lastly, parents should have a conversation with their kids about staying sun safe, which will help them develop healthy habits now and in the future. Jorgensen is the local Director of Child Care Health Consultants, a program funded by First Things First that provides health and safety trainings to preschools and child care centers. Through the program, young kids learn about sun safety, including sun-appropriate clothing, sunglasses, hydration, and sunscreen.  After participating in the program, it’s often the kids that are reminding their parents about sun safety.  

“It’s so much easier to prevent sun damage than to fix it,” said Jorgensen. By following these tips, parents can make sure their whole family has a safe, happy, healthy summer.

Barbara Jorgensen is a Public Health Program Manager at Yavapai County Community Health Services, which receives support from First Things First. To learn more about First Things First, please visit ReadyAZKids.com

Link to article:Yavapai Diaper Drive

Below is a link to a recent article about the 4th annual Yavapai Diaper Drive, which is being organized by the Coalition for Compassion and Justice and supported by First Things First:

http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=120064&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1086&S=1

Video: Tips for Parents of Kindergarteners

The transition from home or childcare can be daunting for both parents and children.  First Things First is dedicated to helping kids reach kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed. Watch this video for a few suggestions to ensure that your child is ready for their big day:

Tips for Parents of Kindergarteners

New Dads Get the Support They Need

E.J. Webb, father of 4-year-old Alden, takes fatherhood very seriously. “You have to give your 110%,” Webb said. “Like any father, I want my son to grow up to the best person he can be.”

E.J. and his wife Leah recently begun taking a parenting education class, which are free to all parents of kids ages 5 and younger through a grant from First Things First.  The class, called “Becoming a Love and Logic Parent,” gives parents information to support their child’s learning and promote family wellbeing.

E.J. chose to take the class because he wanted to improve his communication with his son and reduce conflict. “My strategy used to be ‘you’re going to do what I say, or else’, but it wasn’t working and everyone was unhappy,” E.J. said. “It takes so much out of you to argue with somebody- especially a 4-year old.”

E.J. Webb and his 4-year-old son Alden

The class meets for two hours every week for six consecutive weeks. After just a few sessions, E.J. has already put the strategies he has learned to work. “The class has made a big difference.  It’s helping me take the fight out of things, and I’m communicating with Alden a lot better.”

E.J., who works as a Water Operator for the City of Prescott, compares taking parenting classes to professional development. “Through your job, you’re always trying to achieve next levels of certification,” E.J. said. “Parenting should be the same. The classes are free and it’s easy to learn something. Why wouldn’t parents want to learn more?”  

A calendar of parenting education classes across Yavapai County can be found at parentsaz.org.

There are several other resources in our community to help dads of young kids be the best they can be. One of them is the Birth-to-Five Helpline, a free telephone service (1-877-705-KIDS) available to any parent or caregiver of a child 5 and younger. The line is staffed by nurses, child development specialists and other early childhood professionals who can answer questions about any issue or challenge you are facing. Questions also may be submitted online at: www.swhd.org/get-help/birth-to-five-helpline.

This Father’s day, E.J. said he’ll probably have a quiet day hanging out with his family. This, he said, is one of his favorite things to do. This month, First Things First says thank you to great dads like E.J., grandpas and other father figures whose love and nurturing gives young kids the safety, security and support they need to grow and thrive. For more information about First Things First, please visit ReadyAZKids.com.

Scholarship Program Strengthens Teachers, Benefits Children

Ashley Espolt, Jessamin Conway and Sheri Contreras

If you were to see Sheri Contreras, Jessamin Conway and Ashley Espolt at work, one thing would be clear: they have a passion for educating young children. The three women work as child care professionals at Discovery Connection Preschool in Clarkdale, and they know that what they do makes a difference- now and for years to come.

 “Developmentally, preschool helps young kids build a foundation for life” said Sheri Contreras, Preschool Director. “As a teacher, I love to see them growing and learning and knowing that I’m a part of that.”

Ashley Espolt a recent high school graduate, has been working at Discovery Connection for only six months, but loves working at the preschool so much that she plans to make early childhood education a lifetime career.

 Jessamin Conway wakes up excited to go to work. Even if she gets up on the wrong side of the bed, “you’re with these kids for ten minutes, and your mood is brightened,” she said. “These children are the world. I’ve fallen head over heels in love with this job.”

These women are driven by enthusiasm, but they know it takes more than passion to be a good teacher. Being a top-notch early childhood educator also requires special skills and knowledge. Since 90% of a child’s brain develops before age five, the brain connections the young kids of Discovery Connection are making now – with the guidance of their teachers- are laying the foundation for a lifetime.

Knowing this, Contreras, Conway and Espolt were determined to be the best teachers they could be. When they heard about T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps), a college scholarship program funded by First Things First for early childhood professionals, they jumped at the opportunity. All three women were awarded the scholarship to pursue a degree in early childhood education, and began taking classes this spring. They’ve already started to put what they’ve learned to work.

“The knowledge I’ve gained is building my confidence, and helping me be a more prepared teacher,” said Conway.

 “The classes are giving me the opportunity to learn more about brain development and how children’s minds work, which is helping me help the kids,” said Espolt. Espolt, like her colleagues, is grateful for the financial assistance T.E.A.C.H. has offered her to pursue a college degree. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it on my own,” she said. 

With the help of TEACH, all three women are working towards a better future- not just for themselves, but for the children in their care. 

T.E.A.C.H. is a college scholarship program for child care professionals, and is funded by First Things First. For more information on T.E.A.C.H., please visit asccaz.org. For more information on First Things First, please visit ReadyAZKids.com.

Young Kids and Depression

Promoting Early Childhood Mental Health

Depression in early childhood? When we think of depression, young kids are probably not what come to mind, but new research is showing that early childhood depression is a real thing.



Smart Support Consultant Laura Crimmins conducting

 an observation at a preschool in Prescott

“Depression has been diagnosed in children as young as 3 years old,” said Licensed Professional Counselor Laura Schulz. “Research is showing that if depression is experienced in early childhood, it is more likely to occur in adulthood. We need to get to it early.”



Schulz said that one of the signs of early childhood depression is anhedonia, or the inability to enjoy everyday activities. “We usually think of a child ‘acting out’ as a worrisome form of expression,” said Schulz. “However, it can be the quiet and overly compliant child who is experiencing something difficult inwardly as well.”  Whether children act out or internalize, there is meaning behind their behavior. For example, they may stop enjoying play time or seem to “go through the motions” of play without engaging. Children experiencing depression could feel excessive guilt, decreased joy, irritability, and may experience changes in eating and sleeping patterns.

Laura Schulz also works as a Supervisor with Smart Support, a program funded by First Things First in Yavapai County. Through Smart Support, a mental health consultant partners with child care professionals to assess a situation, address concerns, and find long-term solutions to challenging behaviors in young children.  These behavioral concerns can range from outward expressions such as biting and hitting to less noticeable concerns such as withdrawing or restricted emotional expression.

Smart Support focuses on building a trusting, strong relationship between child care providers and their mental health consultant. When child care professionals feel supported by this relationship and the new skills they acquire, this both reduces their stress and works as a model for building stronger, more nurturing relationships with the children they serve. Everyone benefits - especially the children.  “Being a child care professional is a hard job and it isn’t glamorous,” said Schulz. “If the caregiver feels supported, then they in turn can care for the children in a deeper, more significant way.”

Smart Support also helps caregivers find opportunities to teach young children to identify and name their emotions. “When children act out in some way, they’re trying to tell you something,” said Schulz. “Helping a child understand and label their feelings gives them the vocabulary to express themselves and get their needs met. This is turn helps children build their self esteem and feel confident in their world.”

Though early childhood mental health is an important concern, Laura Schulz warns about being too quick to diagnose a child with a disorder. “Just because a child is feeling down one day doesn’t mean they’re depressed,” said Schulz. “If you have serious concerns about your children, make sure they are brought to a developmental pediatrician or psychiatrist.”

Parents or child care providers who have a concern about their child’s behavior are encouraged to call the Birth To Five Helpline, a completely free helpline where they can get their questions answered by an early childhood specialist, at 1-877-705-5437.

“Overall,” Schulz says, “The most important thing parents and caregivers can do to help their children grow into healthy, well-adjusted, productive adults is to create nurturing, trusting, and warm relationships with them. Validate their feelings, respect them as individuals, and create a safe space for them to express themselves,” said Schulz.

Parents can do things such as explain their own emotions to their children, focusing on labeling what they feel and what it means. Parents can also read books about feelings and appropriate ways to express them. It is important that parents encourage safe expression of emotion, rather than telling kids to stop crying or stop feeling a certain way. “No matter what their behavior,” said Schulz, “all children are saying ‘I need to feel safe, secure, and loved.’”

Smart Support is a program funded by First Things First. To learn more about First Things First, please visit ReadyAZKids.com.