Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal For Life! By Mitzi Rose, Data Services Coordinator

August 22 was the second annual Wayne County Breast Feeding Summit held during World Breastfeeding Month. Dr. Ruth Lawrence, world-renowned author and researcher and Professor of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, presented “Why Breastfeed?” a detailed look at the historical, cultural, and scientific evidence that supports breastfeeding. Newark-Wayne Community Hospital pediatricians Dr. Caryl Bjorseth and Dr. Michael Jordan, married parents of twins, also participated in a panel discussion. The event featured information tables for community resources related to breastfeeding health, education, and support. There were also break-out sessions with small groups to discuss assigned questions related to stumbling blocks mothers might face when planning to breastfeed. This year’s event included child care and refreshments and was attended by moms, community organizations, lactation counselors, and doulas. We shared information on breastfeeding support in child care and the CACFP Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care endorsement.

For information or ideas about breastfeeding friendly child care for your program, call 585-654-4720 and ask to speak to a Food Program Specialist.

Parents interested in referrals to Breastfeeding Friendly programs can speak to a Referral Specialist.

How are you helping moms make breastfeeding a winning goal for them and for their babies?

CARING MATTERS

President Christopher Yuskiw CEO Barbara-Ann Mattle Editor Jennifer Weykman

Main Office 595 Blossom Rd., Suite 120 Rochester, NY 14610-1825

Phone: (585) 654-4720 Fax: (585) 654-4721

Wayne County Branch Office 510 West Union St., Suite 1 Newark, NY 14513-9201 Phone: (315) 331-5443 Fax: (315) 331-5271

Livingston County Branch Office 3513 Thomas Dr., Suite 4

Lakeville, NY 14480-0670 Phone: (585) 346-6050 Fax: (585) 346-6058

* * * * * LOCATIONS * * * * *

October 2014 - Vol. 33 Issue 10

Inc.

The Money Talk: It's Never Too Early

The Monroe County Library System is excited to announce the addition of financial literacy "family kits" to its circulating collection that contain books, games, DVDs, and suggested activities pertaining to money. Families, teachers, and caregivers can use the kits to facilitate discussion around basic financial concepts such as spending,

saving, and budgeting. According to the National Financial Educators Council, only 32% of parents talk to their children about personal finance regularly and only 7% of parents say their child understands financial matters well. Research also suggests that children form their attitudes around money by the end of 5th grade. The kits are appropriate for Pre-K to 6th grade children. The kits will be available for check out starting in October and will be kept in the children's section of libraries. Thanks to a Smart Investing @ Your Library grant from the Financial Regulatory Agency (FINRA) and the American Library Association, these kits will be available at every public library in Monroe County. For more information, please contact Jennifer Byrnes of the Central Library at 585-428-8127.

Family Focus Pg 2

Fire Safety at Home and in Child Care By Renee Scholz, Referral Services Manager

October is National Fire Safety Month. Home fires can start and spread quickly. That is why it’s important to be careful and be educated when it comes to fire safety. Are you and your child care provider prepared in the event of a fire? Here are some questions to ask yourself and your child care program:

♦ Are children adequately supervised at all times? ♦ Are 911 and other important emergency numbers posted by the

phone and included in a mobile phone? ♦ Are fire drills conducted at least monthly with primary and

secondary means of egress? ♦ Is there a fully stocked first aid kit? ♦ Are all exits free of clutter and accessible for escape? ♦ Are electrical outlets covered? ♦ Are all electrical appliances and items with electrical cords out of

reach of children? Are toasters unplugged when not in use? ♦ Are fireplaces and wood stoves inaccessible to children? ♦ Are cigarettes, matches, lighters, and candles out of reach of

children? ♦ Are stoves and ovens turned off when not supervised by an adult,

and knobs inaccessible to children? ♦ Are smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire

extinguishers easy to reach and in working order? ♦ How will you, the parent, be contacted in an emergency? ♦ Is the contact information provided by the family current? ♦ What are the plans for alternative sites to pick up your child if the

program is evacuated? ♦ At home, do you practice evacuation drills and does your family

have a designated place to meet after getting out of the home? Having the necessary fire safety equipment and ensuring it’s maintained and in working order reduces the chances of dying in a fire by nearly 50 percent. Smoke detectors should be on every level of your home and in every sleeping area. In family child care homes it’s required that that a working smoke detector is in each sleeping area. Test the smoke detector once a month by pushing the test button. If the smoke detector is battery operated, replace the batteries twice each year. An easy way to remember to do this is during daylight savings time. Fire safety should be part of children’s everyday experiences whether they are in your home or a child care program. Having books about fire fighters and fire safety, going on a field trip to a fire department, or having a firefighter visit will help children to learn more about the importance of fire safety. It’s also important to practice monthly fire drills at different times of the day to ensure that in the event of an emergency children know what to do.

Pg 15

News You Can Use

Wayne County Professional Development Group

August is our month to relax our pace a little and enjoy a picnic together. This August we discussed the topic of “Professionalism.” The group is always ready to discuss ways to improve, promote, and enhance their businesses. These women and men really take their work very seriously! We also wanted to recognize them for their efforts over many years of service and for the many positive results from their excellence in their chosen field. As we celebrated, it was acknowledged that former children of many of the group had kept in touch to include these providers who were fondly remembered and highly regarded well into their lives! There were high school and college graduation invitations, wedding announcements and invitations, and some even have brought their own children to their own former child care providers. What a tribute that is!!! We shared some affirmations for people who care for children. One of my favorites is: “The decisions we make now affect the seven generations of children to come.” American Indian Wisdom through Carol Pierce. It was a wonderful evening with extraordinary company. Congratulations to the group for your many years of excellence in the field of child care service! We hope to see you continue for many more… Beverly Maisch, Education Specialist

Pg 14 News You Can Use

FREE Training Opportunity: Healthy Beverages in Child Care

If you are a Family Day Care or Group Family Day Care Provider that is not currently enrolled in CACFP, take advantage of this free training and earn credit! • The Office of Children and Family Services-Division of Child

Care Services (OCFS-DCCS) developed regulations for serving healthy beverages in child care.

• This training is available to help you and other providers learn the regulations and how to follow them in your child care program.

• The 45 minute training is available on demand. • All you need to do is view the training presentation, answer the

quiz questions, and receive your certificate of training. • Show your certificate of training to your licensor so he or she

knows you are aware of the regulations. • You may need to install Adobe Flash Player. Go to

http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer. Now is the time. Learn about healthy beverages at: http://nydontraining.health.state.ny.us/healthy_beverages_in_childcare/event/event_info.html.

If you need assistance, email: CACFPadmin@health.state.ny.us

The Know Place Pg 3

Supporting School Readiness By Rose Shufelt, Infant Toddler Specialist

Few parents or caregivers might imagine that when a baby first opens his eyes, he is actually preparing for his first day of school. Research shows that children are born ready to learn and are naturally curious beings motivated to make sense of the world around them. In fact, the brain is the only organ that is not fully formed at birth. Children learn best through their everyday experiences with the people they love and when learning is fun. Here are some suggestions for helping children develop skills to become eager learners: Language and Literacy Skills Language provides the foundation for the development of literacy skills. • Talk together. Copy a baby’s sounds and encourage her to imitate you. Point out things you see together. Read books. It’s never too early to start sharing books. Let him explore in whatever way he likes – even if it’s chewing on them or holding them upside down! Let a baby hold the book and point to the pictures as you read. Thinking Skills Children are born eager to understand how the world works. • Encourage babies to explore objects and toys in different ways. Touching, banging, and shaking help children learn about how things work. • Incorporate math games into your everyday routines. Count stairs as you climb them. Ask if there are enough crackers for everyone. Self Control Self-control is the ability to express and manage emotions in appropriate ways. It is essential for school success and healthy development overall. • Teach acceptable behaviors. Tell and show a child what he can do, not just what he can not do. For example, tell him balls can be thrown outside but not inside. Give choices. Present him with acceptable options and let him choose. If a decision is really yours, don’t offer a choice. Say, “It’s lunch time,” not “Are your ready for lunch?” Self-Confidence When children feel competent and believe in themselves, they are more willing to take on new challenges. • Establish routines with children. Most children feel safe and in control of their world when events are predictable. • Let the child be the problem-solver. Give her the support she needs to solve a problem but don’t solve it for her. Resources: Zero to Three

Nurse Notes Pg 4

Flu Season...Again By Emily Leone RN, C-PNP Health Services Coordinator

It is time to think about influenza again this fall. That means getting yourself, family members, children, parents of children, and co-workers vaccinated against the influenza virus. While not 100% effective, the influenza vaccine is the best protection against infection with the influenza virus, therefore everyone over the age of 6 months should be vaccinated (unless contraindicated). Due to the vaccine containing the same flu strains as last year, there is good news for children ages 6 months to 8 years who had at least one dose of the 2013-2014 vaccine last flu season. They will only need one dose this season, according to an immunization update from the Advisory Committee on the Immunizations Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Other recommendations for children 2 years to 8 years include administration of Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) by nasal spray because the nasal spray is a little bit more effective than the Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (IIV). The LAIV nasal spray vaccination contains the weakened live flu virus. It is not recommended for people under the age of 2 years or over the age of 49. It is also not recommended for children age 2 to 4 years who have asthma or wheezing within the past 12 months, people who are immunocompromised, or women who are pregnant. Available influenza immunizations include the Trivalent and Quadrivalent vaccines. The Trivalent contains three different strains of influenza and the Quadrivalent contains four different strains. There are also vaccines available that contain no mercury from thimerosal and no egg protein in the form of ovalbumin. Discuss these options with your health care professional. Of course, hand washing, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your clothed elbow, and social distancing of at least a meter are also effective at reducing the spread of influenza infection. Source: Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) United States, 2014–15 Influenza Season

CCC Annual Membership Application Individual Membership ($35) Center Staff Member Membership ($50) Family Provider Membership ($50) Single Site Group Family Child Care Membership ($75) Non-Child Care Organization Membership ($75) CACFP Family Provider ($25) CACFP Group Provider ($37.50) Center Nursery School School-Age Multiple Site Group Family 1 - 10 Staff Members ($150) 21-30 Staff members ($250) 11-20 Staff members ($200) 31+ Staff members ($300)

Name______________________________________________Home Phone ( )___________________

Home Address___________________________________________City________________Zip________

Center Name________________________________________Center Phone ( )___________________

Center Address___________________________________________City_________________Zip_______

Total $:__________ MC/Visa#______________________________Exp. Date__________ V#________ (3 digit # on back of credit card)

Amount Enclosed:________- Check #_______ Signature:__________________________________________

Please check one: Council Pin Lanyard Carabiner Key Tag

Mail form & payment to: Child Care Council Membership

595 Blossom Road, Suite 120 Rochester, NY 14610

Please √ one

___ New Membership ___Renewal Memb. Membership #_____

All Benefits

Above Plus

Benefits

All Benefits

Above Plus

All Benefits

Above Plus

Membership Fees are non-refundable

All Benefits

Above Plus

CCC Membership Benefits and Application

Individual-Non-Child Care Membership—$35.00/yr

› Loan privileges at the Early Childhood Professional Libraries › My First Library loan privileges for your own children between the ages of 6 wks thru 5 yrs › Free Notary Public Services › Council Pin, Lanyard, Tote Bag or Carabineer Key Tag

Child Care Center Staff Member, Registered Family Child Care Provider or Legally Exempt Child Care Provider Membership-$50/yr

› 50% discount on Business Center Services › 10% membership discount every Tuesday on Recycle Shop purchases › Access to group rate Health and Dental Insurance › Substantial member savings on Council offered classes and events

Non-Child Care Organization Membership—$75/yr › $5.00 discount on individual staff memberships in the Child Care Council

Single Site Group Family Child Care Provider—$75/yr › Substantial member discount on in-service training at your location › Substantial discount on Council classes and events for provider and assistants

Child Care Center, Nursery School, School-Age, Multi-Site Group Family Child Care Membership

$150.00/yr (1-10 staff members) $250.00/yr (21-30 staff members) $200.00/yr (11-20 staff members) $300.00/yr (31+ staff members)

› Substantial Discount on Individualized Training Program and In-Service Sessions › All staff members eligible for substantial member savings on Council classes and events

PUBLIC POLICY with BAM! Pg 12

If the signs on the lawns are any indication, elections are fast approaching. Right now is a good time to verify your voter information and to mark your calendar for the November elections. October 10 is the deadline to mail in a voter registration form for the November election (applications must be post-marked by 10/10 and received by 10/15). A change of address is subject to the same dates. You can check out our updated Public Policy page on our website for voter registration forms, links to the Board of Elections website, and other great resources related to issues important to early childhood: www.childcarecouncil.com/community-resources/public-policy/. The Monroe County Board of Elections Online Voter Information lets county residents verify voter registration, party affiliation, download a registration form, apply for an absentee ballot, and even view a map of the voter’s polling site. There are links to email elected officials directly as well as details about the voter’s district. Wayne and Livingston Counties offer similar resources on their BOE websites. Not affiliated with a political party? You can still vote in November—you only need to register by party for primary elections (too late this year). Your county BOE site will let you preview a sample ballot so you can take some time to read about the candidates and the issues that are important to you. Are you enthusiastic about the right to vote? Consider becoming a poll worker. You can apply to help out with polls right on the Board of Elections website. Young children holding you back from the polls? Polls are open from 6am to 9pm. Better yet, bring the children on a field trip and give them a mini civics lesson. Follow it up with a trip to the Susan B. Anthony House and remind them of what a hard-earned right it is. Regardless of your politics, let your voice be heard. Research your ballot, consider the candidates, and vote with your conscience. Your first step today? Verify your registration online and circle November 4 on your calendar. www.childcarecouncil.com/community-resources/public-policy/ www.elections.ny.gov/ Elizabeth Cady Stanton &

Susan B. Anthony

Legal Ease Pg 5

Putting Your Best Foot Forward- How to start school with success

By Tiffani McClain, Legally Exempt Enrollment Specialist

It’s that time of year again. Time for lunch boxes, book bags, and school buses. As the adults in the lives of children, as a provider or parent, we contribute to the structure of every child’s well-being as they attend school each day. There are several tips that adults can use that will help to support a successful school year! Healthy Sleep Schedule: One of the most important responsibilities for every child attending school is to get an adequate amount of sleep each night. Studies show that children who get more sleep at night achieve higher grades in school. As the adults in their lives, we are challenged to introduce a new sleep schedule after a summer of children waking and sleeping as they wanted. Here are a few tips for how to shape the new schedule: • For over-night providers, set the time. Do your best to set an appropriate bed time based upon

what time the child or children have to get up along with the age of the child (children who are younger may fall asleep earlier and easier than a teenager).

• Turn off electronics. To help the children wind down, turn off all electronics, including T.V.s, at least 30 minutes before the set bedtime.

• Create a sleeping environment. Ensure that each child’s bedroom and/or sleep area is set for sleep. The room should be quiet and dark with a comfortable sleeping temperature.

• Be a role model. Children often imitate the behaviors and actions of adults. When in the presence of the children, indulge in healthy winding down routines and sleep schedules as well.

• If possible, next summer attempt to keep each child’s sleep routine the same, only altering it by maybe 30 minutes later.

School Bus Safety: Each morning thousands of children are transported to and from school by a school bus. Each year thousands of parents put the lives of their children into the hands of complete strangers with the expectation that they will make it to their destinations safely. While it is ultimately the responsibility of the bus drivers to keep the children on the buses safe, child care providers and parents can help in preparing their children for travel by reviewing and practicing the following steps: • Leave plenty of time to safely get to the bus stop. • Walk on sidewalks at all times when available. • Remain alert at all times. No IPods, MP3 players, or video games. Children should remain alert

and aware of things happening around them. • Make sure the driver can see each child at all times when standing at the bus stop. Stay 12 giant

steps away from the outside of the bus. • Make sure they are waiting for the bus to completely stop before getting on the bus as well as off

of the bus. • Each child should know the bus driver’s name and bus number to be sure he or she is boarding

the correct bus. • Encourage each child or children to use appropriate volumes when talking and laughing on the

bus. It is important not to distract the bus driver. • Make sure each child keeps his or her head, arms, and any other item in their possession inside

the school bus at all times. • If and when a child has to cross the street, please instruct each child to wait until the driver lets

them know it is OK to cross.

These are just a few tips and ideas for keeping children safe and healthy during school.

Food For Thought Pg 6

Healthy Celebrations By Kim Klee, RD

With the holidays just around the corner, it is a good time to think about how you can make holiday celebrations a healthier, more active experience for the children in your care.

As we all know, physical activity is vital to the health and development of children. To celebrate the holidays, focus the celebration around an activity rather than junk food. Create a themed obstacle course which will allow children to practice fundamental movement skills. This can be an inexpensive way to provide great opportunities for physical activity. Examples include walking a curvy tape line, jumping over an empty storage container or box, and crawling to get a ball and then throwing it at a holiday themed target. Adapt your obstacle course to fit the classroom space. Have fun with it and be creative!

The holidays also tend to center around high calorie foods with few nutrients and sugary beverages. To help make your celebrations healthier, try some of the ideas below:

• Fizzy Iced Drink– Instead of soda, freeze ice cubes with 100% juice and add to seltzer water for a cool fizzy treat.

• Fruit Smoothies– Blend together frozen fruit of your choice, vanilla or plain yogurt, skim milk, and bananas for a healthy fruity drink.

• “Turkey” Muffins– In place of cupcakes, make healthier muffins of your choice using part whole wheat flour. Have kids decorate their muffins with fruit as part of the celebration. This can be adapted to fit other holidays as well!

• Fruit Faces– As a side to a sweeter holiday treat, create popular characters out of fruit and veggies! Kids will love seeing their favorite characters come to life and will need to have a taste.

Pg 11 Class Schedule Classes are 6:30pm—9:00pm unless otherwise noted

NYS Required Categories are listed in parenthesis (-) following the date

See the Jul-Dec Course Calendar for more details and a full list of courses. Child Care Council courses, and links to SUNY videoconference information and

EIP applications, are available at www.childcarecouncil.com

The Starting Your Own Child Care Business 101 Series covers all Family Child Care categories and includes:

Health & Safety Introduction to CACFP Developing Your Program CPR & First Aid Business Class Tax Class

October Rochester Office: 10/2-(2,4,7) MAT Independent Study 10am-1pm 10/7-(2,4,5) Asthma 101 10/7-11/13-Starting Your Own Child Care Business 101 Series* 10/8-(2,4,7) MAT Independent Study 6pm-9pm 10/9-Child Day Care Orientation 9:30am-12pm 10/14-Child Day Care Orientation 6:30pm-9pm 10/14- NEW CDA #80 starts 10/18-(2,4) CPR & First Aid Sat. 9am-2pm 10/25-(2,3,5) Building a Healthy Plate Sat. 9am-11:30am 10/28-(7,8) Know Your Regulations-Child Care Centers 10/29-(1,3,5) Intentional Teaching: Planning with a Purpose 10/29-MAT Skills Competency 6pm-9pm 10/30-MAT Skills Competency 9:30am-12:30pm

Lakeville: 10/18-(2,4) CPR and First Aid Sat. 9am-2pm 10/25 & 11/1-(2,4,7) MAT Sat. 9am-2pm 10/30-(1,2,3,5) Get Kids Movin’ and Groovin’ Newark: 10/4-(2,4) CPR & First Aid Sat. 9am-2pm 10/6-Provider Professional Development Group 6:30pm-8:30pm 10/9-11/25-Starting Your Own Child Care Business 101 Series *

November Rochester Office: 11/3,5,10,12,17-(1,2,3,4,5) Special Needs Training Series 11/3-The Director’s Role in Ensuring DAP 9am-4pm 11/4-(2,4,7) MAT Independent Study 9:30am-12:30pm 11/4-Child Day Care Orientation 9:30am-12pm 11/4-12/16-Starting Your Own Child Care Business 101 Series * 11/4-Being Successful in CACFP 11/5-(7,8) Know Your Regulations- Family Child Care 11/8-(1,2,3,5) Get Kids Movin’ and Groovin’ 9am-11:30am 11/8-(2,4) CPR & First Aid 9am-2pm 11/12-Child Day Care Orientation 6:30pm-9pm 11/15 & 22-(2,4,7) MAT 9am-2pm 11/18-MAT Skills Competency Demonstration 9:30am-12:30pm 11/19-(3,5) Environmental Rating Scales for Child Care Centers 11/19-(2,4,7) MAT Independent Study 6pm-9pm Lakeville: 11/3-12/17-Startig Your Own Child Care Business 101 Series * 11/6-MAT Skills Competency Demonstration 6pm-9pm Newark: 11/3-Provider Professional Development Group 6:30pm-8:30pm 11/4 & 6-(2,4) CPR & First Aid 6:30pm-9pm 11/10-MAT Skills Competency Demonstration 6pm-9pm 11/11-Being Successful in CACFP

Pg 10

Monroe County-Rochester Hours are Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Other hours available by appointment.

Livingston County-Lakeville & Wayne County-Newark Hours are Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Other hours available by appointment.

October • 1st-Closed for Child Care Council Staff Conference • 13th-closed for Holiday November • 27th & 28th-closed for the Holiday

Start Bright Gala—October 22, 2014 Don’t forget to register for our Gala! Invitations have been mailed. You can register by calling our main office at 585-654-4720 or visiting our website, www.childcarecouncil.com. There will be raffles, prizes, and a silent auction to include autographed sports memorabilia, Hot Air Balloon Rides, an iPad, 3 days/2 nights Resort stay in the Poconos Mountains, 4 Disney World Park Hopper Passes, Memorial Art Gallery Memberships, Assorted Gift certificates to Children’s Entertainment centers, and a wide range of adult prizes from kitchenware to nightly entertainment venues and tourist attractions.

Child Care Council Office Schedule and Calendar of Events

Meet the Staff of Child Care Council Linda Lane, Enrollment Specialist

Hello, my name is Linda Lane. I joined Child Care Council as a Legally Exempt Enrollment Specialist in April of 2007. Prior to working with Child Care Council, I did informal child care in my home, worked for Victor YMCA, taught at St. Patrick’s Preschool in Victor, NY and was a paraprofessional for the Pittsford Central School District. Working at Child Care Council has taught me the importance of customer service. I enjoy working with people on a daily basis. Teaching is another aspect of my job that I thoroughly enjoy. We recently added a Safe Sitter class to our trainings and I love connecting with the teenagers and preparing them to start their own child care business.

A Closer Look Pg 7

Updating Information with your Registrar By Diane Deveney, Registrar

You have worked hard to get your Day Care Registration and are excited to have a house full of kids. Just when you thought you were done with paperwork and talking with your Registrar and believed you wouldn’t have to deal with them again until Renewal…guess again! Here is a list of times when you will want to call and talk to us: • When a new household member arrives. • When a household member moves out. • When a household member turns 18. • When you want to add or drop a Substitute or an Assistant. • You are thinking about changing a space in your house. • You want to put in or take down a pool, fountain, birdbath, or

pond. • When you change your phone number. • When you want to change modalities (Family to Group, Group

to Family). • When you are moving. • If you decide to close your program or go inactive for a time.

All of these situations require you to contact the Office.

You may need to do paperwork which can be found on the OCFS website (http://ocfs.ny.state.gov), send it in and follow-up with your registrar. Some of these situations have a required time frame that can be found in the NYS Day Care Regulations (416 and 417).

When a household member turns 18, this has to be done within five days of the event. This can take some planning by downloading a conviction statement, SCR form, Fingerprint form, Staff Exclusion List form and make the appointment for fingerprinting prior to the birth date. When the birthday arrives, send the paperwork into the office.

If you change the main phone number that appears on your Day Care License, we will need to print a new license for you. Please call us with the new number so we get you your new Registration.

Remember, your registrar is here to help you and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us and let us help you be a successful business owner!

THE RECYCLE SHOP ITEM OF THE MONTH IS:

Plastic white frames (11 x 13 & ½ inches)

20 for $1.00

Pg 8

Language and Literacy Tips:

Introduce books ear ly and read of ten!

Reading Routines Read with your child every day. Make it a fun and special time. Same time, same place: Read the same story before naps or bedtime. Children love repetition and it is important for learning.

How it works: Before a child can read, she needs to be familiar

with the written word. She needs to look at

words, play with books, and watch you read.

Pg 9 NEWS FROM CPSC The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. Following is one of the important recalls to be found on the CPSC website at www.cpsc.gov On the site you can sign up to receive alerts through many avenues including email, YouTube, and Twitter.

Name of product: Ace Bayou Bean Bag Chairs Hazard: The zippers on the bean bag chairs can be opened by children who can then crawl inside, get trapped and suffocate or choke on the bean bag chair’s foam beads. Description: The recalled bean bag chairs have two zippers that can be unzipped and opened, including one of the exterior cover and other directly underneath that zipper. The recalled chairs with zippers that open were sold in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors and fabrics. They include round or L-shaped, vinyl or fabric, and are filled with polystyrene foam beads. They were sold in a variety of colors, including purple, violet, blue, red, pink, yellow, kelly green, black, port, navy, lime, royal blue, turquoise, tangerine and multi-color. The round bean bag chairs were sold in three sizes, 30, 32 and 40 inches in diameter. The L-shaped bean bag chair measures 18 inches wide by 30 inches deep by 30 inches high. “ACE BAYOU CORP” is printed on a tag sewn into the bean bag chair’s cover seam. They were made in China. Remedy: Repair: Consumers should check their bean bag chairs for any zippers that can open, take those that can open away from children immediately and contact Ace Bayou for a free repair kit to permanently disable the zippers so that they cannot be opened. Sold: The recalled bean bag chairs were sold at Bon-Ton, Meijer, Pamida, School Specialty, Wayfair and Walmart stores and online at Amazon.com, Meijer.com and Walmart.com before July 2013 for between $30 and $100. Contact: Ace Bayou toll-free at (855) 751-8151 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.acebayou.com and click on “Recall Information” for more information