North Shore Child Care Resource & Referral Program

Autumn 2006

North Shore Community Resources - Capilano Mall, 201 - 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver, BC V7P 1S3 604-985-7138 website: www.nscr.bc.ca

Funded by: Province of BC,District of North Vancouver, Cityof North Vancouver, District ofWest Vancouver, United Way ofthe Lower Mainland

June MaynardManager,Child Care Resource Program

Fall is approaching fast and we will all be back into the “new year” forchild care. When I think about the last few months of child care activitiesand events on the North Shore, the word “community” keeps comingto my mind. The North Shore has a strong sense of community andthat has been reflected in many ways lately in child care.

May is Child Care Month saw a wonderful community response. OurCCRR Program presented a power point presentation to each of thethree Municipal Councils. This gave an overview of CCRR servicesas well as a “snap shot” of the child care situation on the North Shore.All three were well received with high interest and supportive, intelligentquestions. We also participated in, and hosted, several events in Maywith a great turn out from families and child care providers madepossible with generous support and sponsorship from communitybusinesses.

Another recent community initiative comes from local child careproviders keen to educate and advocate for a secure child care systemfor families. They are mobilizing to educate families, the communityand politicians about the uncertain future of child care and see howwe can work together to stabilize this essential service. This is a trueexample of action coming from the heart of the community.

At North Shore Community Resources, Fall will see the renewedparticipation in exciting collaborations of community agencies throughthe Inter-Agency Network, the Early Childhood Network, and theUnderstanding the Early Years projects. All of these reflect NorthShore community agencies working together to address communityneeds as a whole rather than from the interest of any specific agency.

The Child Care Resource & Referral Program is increasinglycollaborating with a variety of agencies and services to provideworkshops and develop resources and activity kits. This again, showsa strong sense of community focus and is an efficient use of skills andresources on the North Shore.

As we head into the busy time of year for child care, be assured thatthere is increasing recognition that supported families and quality childcare is fundamental to a healthy community the community is here tosupport you.

- NSCCRR Calendar- NSCCRR Wage Survey Results- NSCCRR Extended Hours Poster- Universal Child Care Benefit Information Sheet- BC Child Care Provider News (issue 13)- Child Care Advocacy Poster

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Our Staff:Li Boesen, Executive DirectorJune Maynard, Child CareManagerFariba Aghdassi, Information &Resource ConsultantChristine Mann, Support &Outreach Consultant (ChildCare Providers)Maria Morisseau, MunicipalChild Care ConsultantVirginia Pateman, Information& Resource Consultant (parents& families)Tunde Skiba, CommunityAccess ConsultantSara Sutherland, CommunitySupport ConsultantCatherine Janusz, MadeleineKhodaverdian, Elaine Smithand Bibiana Grossling,Reception and Administration

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Do you have an emailaddress?To keep you informed andup-to-date with our programand with current events inchild care please let us knowyour email address.

Christine.Mann@nscr.bc.caor

Virginia.Pateman@nscr.bc.ca

It is that time of the year again: time to purchase orrenew your subscription to the North Shore ChildCare Resource and Referral (CCRR) Program.A subscription offers core services (newsletter,access to resource library, networking, drop-insessions, print resources, support visits and

consultations) at no cost to LNR and LFCC providers and a $30cost to group centers per location. A $20 fee for workshops andborrowing privileges applies to all.As there is a $20.00 drop-in fee for each workshop for non-subscribers, your $20.00 workshop/borrowing fee is a greatdeal for attending workshops all year.Your subscription will be valid for one year from the month yoursubscription form, lending agreement and fee are received.Please renew today and remain a committed member of the NorthShore Child Care community.You can contact our office for the registration form. Please feelfree to call me if you have any questions or concerns.Fariba Aghdassi, Information & Resource Consultant, 604-982-3314

Sue Irwin, Vancouver CoastalRegional Coordinator, CCRRPrograms, is located in ouroffice.

2006 � 2007 SubscriptionRenewals

Universal Child Care Benefit

Starting in July 2006 families with children under six yearsof age, in Canada, will be receiving a $100/month/childtaxable payment from the Federal Government called theUniversal Child Care Benefit (UCCB). See specificinformation on “Who will receive the UCCB” and “Do youneed to apply” on the website below.

For more information & the application form if neededvisit: www.cra.gc.ca/uccbOR call: 1-800-387-1193

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North Shore CCRR Best Wishes and Good Fortune: As many ofyou know, Purcell Gray, our long time Parent Information &Resource Consultant left in April to take on the exciting role of aLicensing Officer in Richmond. Purcell worked for the North ShoreChild Care Resource & Referral Program for over 12 years andbrought a passion and dedication to the Parent Information Line thatserved this community with excellence. True to her character,Purcell did not want any fanfare when she left. We sent her off withthe best wishes of this agency and the community she served sowell. It is our program’s very good fortune that Virginia Patemanshowed an equal interest and skill and has taken on this position.We are so pleased to have Virginia take over the ParentInformation Line. Please make Virginia welcome. I know shelooks forward to working with you.

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May is Child Care Month for 2006 was another resoundingsuccess. We held several events including a Resource Fairat Lynn Valley Shopping Centre; participated in the FamilySpring Fest at Mahon Park; presented a CCRR workshop forchi ld care providers to celebrate and learn aboutprofessionalism; hosted a Magic Show at Presentation HouseTheatre (116 attended) and an afternoon of play at GoBananas (over 100 attended) for care providers, families, andchildren. Thanks to all who participated in this celebration.These events were made possible by generous donationsand sponsorship from the following North Shore businesses:

Go Bananas Playcentres

Yeeri Slovencik (Vancouver’s Funniest Magician)604-306-6229

Sylvan Learning Centre (North Shore)

Market Place IGA (West Esplanade, North Vancouver)

Lower Lonsdale Business Association

Starbucks Coffee (Capilano Mall)

Presentation House Theatre

Thank you to all of these community minded businesses formaking our events successful and recognizing the importantcontribution of child care.

Yeeri Slovencik(Vancouver�sFunniestMagician)

A special note of thanks toNadine Rogers, Coordinator of

our May is Child Care Monthevents. Nadine workedenthusiastically andtirelessly to organize the

above events and publicity forMay is Child Care Month. We

could not have done it without her!

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Child Care Resource Program Library Here are the newest additions to our resource library:

Early learning and development framework for 3-5 year oldsproduced by School District No 23(Central Okanagon)Squamish peoples of the Sunset Coast by Barbara WyssFeelings: Responding to your child’s feeling produced by thePublic Health Agency of Canada and Department of Justice CanadaFatherhood: It’s the best job on the planetFirst steps toward teaching the Reggio way by Joanne HendrickHealthy eater: a novel approach to healthy eating by DavidHennesseyEveryone poops By Taro GomiI forgot to say I love you by Miriam Moss & Anna CurreyLobster kids’ guide to exploring Vancouver by Jeni WrightRaising happy, healthy, weight-wise kids by Judy Toews &Nicole PartonMind at a time by Mel LevineRoots of empathy: changing the world child by child by MaryGordonRebuilding: when your relationship ends by Bruce Fisher &Robert AlbertiConstructive guidance and discipline: preschool and primaryeducation by Marjorie Fields & Debby FieldsYou can’t say you can’t play by Vivian Gussin PaleyWhite teacher by Vivian Gussin PaleyYou can tell a story: a handbook for new storytellers withseven stories by Celia Barker LottridgeCanadian directory to foundations & grants, Volume 1 and 2published by Imagine Canada, 2006.

New books specifically for children:Mile-high apple pie by Laura Langston & Lindsey GardinerRaven goes berrypicking by Anne CameronTell me a real adoption story by Betty Jean Lifton

Take a moment to check outthese websites:www.freecycle.orgThe Freecycle Network™ ismade up of many individualgroups across the globe. It’s agrassroots and entirely nonprofitmovement of people who aregiving (& getting) stuff for free intheir own towns. The Networkprovides individuals and non-profits an electronic forum to“recycle” unwanted items. Oneperson’s trash can truly beanother’s treasure!www.canlearn.caAs a parent, you know that time,love, care and support are thebest investments you can makein your child. This site hasinformation, tools and strategieson how to invest for post-secondary education for yourchild.www.childcarepolicy.netHere you will find economicresearch papers on EarlyChildhood Education and Care(also called Child Care, or EarlyLearning and Child Care).www.findfamilyfun.comA great site for families to findfun things to do in Vancouver. Itis like a tourist guide for kids.www.toddlerplayideas.comThe site offers many interestingand fun activities to do withtoddlers.

2006 Canadian directory to foundations & grantsVolume 1 and 2

This 20th edition of the directory provides detailed information onover 3000 active Canadian foundations that are open toapplications for grants.This directory is available in our library as a reference for you toresearch and apply to various Canadian foundations.Besides a listing of the foundations, the first part of the directory(70 pages) has great information on: foundation facts, preparingfor foundation fundraising, the research process, and proposaldevelopment.

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Healthy Start for Life Workshop Series, Fall 2006Register for any of these free workshops offered by Vancouver Coastal Health.Location: Community Room (#203), 2nd Floor, Capilano Mall, just next to NorthShore Community ResourcesOctober 12 (6:30 - 8:30pm) Feeding Children Covers the importance of healthy eating, Canada’sFood Guide to Healthy Eating, (brand new from Health Canada!) and Managing Food Issues- Coversthe eating habits, food preferences and feeding issues of children, how to manage them in positiveways and the importance of role modeling.November 9 (6:30 - 8:00pm) Menu Planning Covers how to plan healthy meals and snacks basedon the new Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating and Budget Wise Meals and Snacks – Covershow to stretch your food dollar and still provide nutritious meals and snacks. Demonstration andtasting included.November 30 (6:30 - 8:00pm) Nutrition Education Covers activity ideas and tools for makingnutrition an occasional or ongoing theme in your centre. A free manual is offered. We’ll share ideason how to use the books, games and props included in the nutrition theme boxes available for loanat the NRCC.To register call Dawn Lavender, Admin Support Clerk, Vancouver Coastal Health 604-904-6279.You must register by one week prior to each session. A light dinner is provided. If you cannotattend, please send a replacement or call to cancel your space.

Healthy Start for LifeStart the year well with a Healthy Start for Life unit. Two resource kits are available to help you:food/nutrition and physical activity promotion. Plenty of books, games and props suitable for freeplay, outdoor play, circle time, snack time, and dramatic play are included in each box.The Healthy Start for Life kits support your role in fostering healthy life long food preferences andactivity habits among children.Healthy Start for Life kits contain resources that will:

√ Help childcare providers learn more about the nutrition and physical activity needs ofpreschoolers

√ Suggest activities that promote positive attitudes towards healthy eating and active living√ Provide equipment to help you incorporate nutrition education and physical activity into your

program.The manual that accompanies each kit and a listing of the resources will be posted on the NorthShore Child Care Resource & Referral Program website for everyone to access at http://www.nscr.bc.ca.Healthy Start for Life, Healthy Eating and Active Living for Young Children were developed througha partnership of Vancouver Coastal Health, North Shore Community Resources – Child CareResource & Referral Program and Dietitians of Canada. Funded by the Ministry of Children andFamily Development.

Public Health Nurses in the Early Years Team would like to support youin your care of children from birth to age 5.We are available by phone Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30 to answerany health related questions. We are also available to come to yourdaycare or preschool to consult with you on medication management,

health education, growth and development, immunization, allergy management or other healthconcerns. Call 604-983-6700 and ask for the Early Years Nurse on call.

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North Shore Child Care Resource ProgramWorkshop Schedule

All workshops take place in the Community Room (#203) in Capilano Mall unless otherwise noted.Register for workshops by calling 604-985-7138.

COME AND PLAY!Join us for a fun evening of play and exploration as the child care resource and referral staff share withyou the endless possibilities of some of our favorite activity boxes. This interactive workshop willinclude many hands on opportunities for learning and you are sure to go home with lots of newprogramming ideas!Date & Time: Thursday September 21, 2006 6:30 - 8:30pm

CCRR program presents workshops based on clientrequests and identified need. We cannot guaranteethat our workshops will meet the requirements of theECE Registry. It is the responsibility of the individual toensure they have sufficient and acceptableprofessional development hours for ECE renewal.

NOTE!

CHILD SAFE FIRST AID - Full-Day TrainingIs it time to renew your First Aid certificate? If your certificate is up for renewal in the next six months,don’t wait until the last minute! Complete this Red Cross First Aid Certificate in one day. Please note:Registration and payment for all First Aid courses hosted by NSCCRP can now be handled directlythrough Safe and Sound First Aid Training Ltd. (www.firstaid.citysoup.ca). (For registrants without homeinternet access, phone 604-945-7277 and Safe and Sound staff will be happy to take your registrationinfo by telephone.) Limited to 24 participants. Will receive a manual & certificate.Presenter: Safe and Sound First AidDate & Time Full-Day Training: Saturday, October 14, 2006 (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) Cost: $81.00

Mark your calendars!ADMINISTRATOR’S MEETINGS...Bringing together administratorsfrom group child care programsacross the North Shore to networkand share information. Presentersfocusing on specific topics are

occasionally invited. Co-facilitated by MariaMorisseau, North Shore Child Care Resource and Referral Program and Kitty Roberts, CCFL,Vancouver Coastal Health, North Shore. Please contact Maria at 604-985-7138 or by email:maria.morisseau@nscr.bc.ca for further details.Dates & Times: To be arranged.Place: Community Room #203, Capilano Mall

THE POWER OF PLAYJoin us as we look at the importance of play in connection with language development and literacyreadiness. Barb Mathieson is the Early Literacy Facilitator for the North Vancouver School District andhas been teaching since 1987. Barb has also had the joy of teaching in preschool settings and will sharewith us ways that we as parents and care givers can develop and promote thinking and language skillswithin a play based approach.Date & Time: Thursday, November 16, 2006 6:30 - 8:30pm

INTERACTIVE STORY TIMEJoin us for a fun evening at the library! Walter Zicha will share his expertise in bringing children andbooks together through story telling, puppetry, finger plays, songs and rhymes. He will demonstrateways of bringing books alive for children and toddlers using simple props and will provide us with usefultips on selecting appropriate books for children and how to pull together resources for a fun filledstorytime session. Walter has a Masters of Library and Information Studies and he is currently workingas the Supervisor of Children’s Services at the North Vancouver City Library. Parents and caregivers play a powerful role in children’s learning, come and discover ways you canstimulate a love of literacy and life-long learning! Refreshments will be served.Date & Time: Wednesday October 18, 2006 6:30 - 8:30pmPlace: North Vancouver City Library, 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver

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Other Professional Development Opportunities

Good Beginnings: An Introductory Family Child Care CourseWe are pleased to offer the Family Child Care Course again at our office in room 203at the Capilano Mall starting on September 25, 2006. This certificate course isrecognized by Community Care Facilities Licensing.Cost: $ 210.00 (including all course materials)For more information and to register please contactChristine by phone: 604-985-7138 or email: christine.mann@nscr.bc.ca.

Role of the PedagogistaA new course for licensed early childhood

educators.

This course is offered as a series of five four-daysessions beginning in October 2006 and endingin June 2007. As we will begin to unpack the roleof the pedagogista, we will encounter thinkingand tools for dialogue within our ownorganizations as well as local communities. Wewill connect early childhood values to localcommunity projects.ECCE students are required to have graduatedfrom Basic Program. Graduation from ECCEPost-Basic diploma or equivalent isrecommended.Session 1: October 12 to 15, 2006Session 2: January 25 to 28, 2007Session 3: March 29 to April 1, 2007Session 4: May 3 to 6, 2007Session 5: June 21 to 24, 2007Course Details: Role of the Pedagogista(ECUC 379)Dates: October 2006 - June 2007Location: Cedar Building, Room 347College Credits: 6.0Cost: $667.82For further information on the course andapplication procedures, contact 604-984-4960.This course may be used towards licenserenewal as an early childhood educator.

Attention All Care Providers!You are invited to the holiday Caregiver Celebration on Thursday December 7th.Here is an opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the company of care providers andChild Care Resource staff.Please be aware that this is a celebration, not a workshop and therefore nocertificates will be issued for attendance.

Capilano CollegeFor more information or to register:Call 604 -709 -5661 or visit www.wstcoast.orgTo mail registration payment:Training RegistrationWestcoast Child Care Resource Centre3rd floor, 210 West BroadwayVancouver, BC V5Y 3W2

Saturday Workshop Series - Fall 2006

Challenging BehaviorsDate: Sept 30 2006 9:30 am to 11:30 amCost: Westcoast subscribers $27; nonsubscribers $30.00Presenter: Rosyln Kushner BelleFestival of LightDate: 28 October, 2006 9:30 am to 11:30 amCost: Westcoast subscribers $27.00 nonsubscribers $30.00Presenter: Sarah Chapman-ChenTemperament of ToddlersDate: 25 November, 2006 9:30 am to 11:30 amCost: Westcoast Subscribers $27.00 nonSubscribers $30.00Presenter Susan SwansonSafe Spaces Bullying Prevention TrainingWestcoast has developed a preschool bullyingprevention program called Safe spaces. Itfocuses primarily on teaching key pro-socialand emotional vocabulary and skills identifiedas essential in preventing bullying behaviours.

Westcoast Child Care ResourceCentre

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Family Child Care Welcome to our newestFamily Child Care

Providers !

Thank you for yourenthusiasm! !

While we all certainly took a short time off and enjoyed some time atthe beach and with friends and family, this summer was a greatsummer at the office to clear old files and clutter and to make roomfor new and fresh ideas.

Our Network Meetings will now have afixed date: every first Thursday of themonth at the office of North ShoreCommunity Resources Society in room#203 at the Capilano Mall from 7-9 pm.Refreshments, coffee, tea and cookies will be provided.September 7, October 5, November 2, and December 7, 2006

The Network Meetings are a great opportunity to meet others inyour same profession and to make connections and create support.We can discuss needs and how to meet them, make plans for futuremeetings (have speakers/ do an activity etc) and of course makeplans for our December meeting (make a party?). Since Thursday isalso the day when our office is open late, you can even use the timeto browse our lending libraryand make full use of the activityboxes.

Lending Library News:NSCCRR staff has been busycreating new activity boxes thatare sure to enhance anyprogram. Here is a list of some which are complete or in process. Come and check them out!

Let’s Eat!Kid’s in the KitchenLet’s Get MovingI am Unique, You are UniqueAll About MeMy Family is SpecialLittle BuildersFun with NumbersA is for AppleShapes and Colours

We also added a new service: we will come out to your family childcare with an activity box and help you set up the activities in yourenvironment and show you how to engage the children. We couldeven do some special circle time at your Family Child Care.

To book a visit call the office at 604-985-7138 and ask for Christineor Sara or contact them through their email:christine.mann@nscr.bc.ca and sara.sutherland@nscr.bc.ca

Would you like to have asupport visit or delivery of

resources?

Any child care setting (GroupCare, Child Minding,Preschool, Out-of-SchoolCare, LNR or LFCC) that hasa subscription with the NorthShore Child Care Resource &Referral Program is entitled tosupport visits. If you would likea support visit please call 604-985-7138 to set up anappointment.

Choosing Books for Children:• Choose simple stories

with clear, unclutteredpictures that representthe words

• Look for stories withgood sound and rhythm

• Repetitive or patternbooks are so full of funthat they are a joy toread aloud. Children loverhyme, rhythm, andrepetition

• Look for books thatencourage participation

• Will it be interesting toyour child? Consideryour child’s age, learningstage, likes and dislikes.

• My Little Star FamilyChild Care (LNR)

• Peekaboo FamilyChild Care (LNR)

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Are you a relative, friend, nanny,family child care provideror neighbour providing care for a childor children?Come join us every Tuesday

from 9:30am-11:30amin the Family Resource Room at

John Braithwaite Community Centre:145 West 1st StreetEnjoy a fun morning of networking andplaytime!

For more information, please call 604-985-7138

DROP-INS / NETWORKING

Learn the power of oralrhymes, songs and stories

Enrich daily interactions withyour children by practicingrepetitions, rhythms and rhymesin a fun and informal way. Cometo the Mother Goose Programfor Child Care Providers everyFriday morning from 9:45 to10:45 am starting on September15 and finishing on December15, 2006, with the exception ofFridays before a long weekend(October 6 for Thanksgiving andNovember 10 for RemembranceDay) at St John’s AnglicanChurch.This is very a popular and free-of-charge program with ongoingregistration for child careproviders and the children intheir care. For more informationor to register please callChristine at the Child CareResource & Referral Program604-985-7138 or email:christine.mann@nscr.bc.ca

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Advertisement

While the day and time will stay the same you will now find everyweek a new activity to do. We will also bring an activity box of ourlending library to the Circle of Care so you may have the opportunityto explore the ideas of each box with the children in your care. Wealso have healthy snack and refreshments available for you and thechildren.Every Tuesday starting September 12, 2006 from 9:30 to 11:30am we are back in the large Family Resource Room at JohnBraithwaite Community Centre at 145 West 1st Street in NorthVancouver with the exception of October 10 (for Thanksgiving), andNovember 14 (for Remembrance Day).The last drop-in before the Christmas Holidays will be on December12, 2006Come and visit the new and improved Circle of Care! Pick up amonthly schedule of activities!���������������������������������������������������������������������������������

Opening September 11, 2006West Vancouver FamilyPlace is a drop-in programfor caregivers, parents and

grandparents together with children, infant to age5, located in the Ambleside Adventure Cabin (onthe back road going to the doggie walk, betweenthe Par 3 Golf Course and the baseball diamond)

Monday to Friday: 9:00am to noonDrop-In Fee $3 per family

Please bring a healthy snack to share withfriends. For more information contact Sharon at604-922-6728

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ACTIVITIESWhen the Leaves are Red and Yellow...A Song for Fall [30 minutes]What to do:

1. When you’re outside, ask your child what she sees, hears, tastes andfeels in the fall.

2. Then teach her the following song. Tune: “She’ll Be Coming Round theMountain”:When the leaves are red and yellow in the fall (clap, clap)When the leaves are red and yellow in the fall (clap, clap)When the leaves are red and yellow, the apples taste so mellow.When the leaves are red and yellow in the fall (clap, clap)

Oh, the air is crisp and colder in the fall (brr, brr)Oh, the air is crisp and colder in the fall (brr, brr)Oh, the air is crisp and colder and the wind is getting bolder,Oh the air is crisp and colder in the fall (brr, brr)

3. Tell her to shiver when she sings “brr” and clap when it says “clap”.

4. Make up your own verses about what your experience together in the fall.

5. At another time take a fall walk and create a new verse about things you see on your walk.

Let’s Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• Let’s make up a verse about things we taste in the fall. Things we hear in the fall.• Do you know any other songs we could sing about fall?Useful information:While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop listening skills and languageskills.

How Do They Go? [20 Minutes]You can help your child think about the differences in “how things go” by sorting pictures of vehicles. It isa wonderful math lesson and requires no elaborate workbooks.

You’ll need:

• old magazines • child safety scissors • envelopes

What to do:1. With your child, rip or cut out pictures of things that “go” frommagazines.2. Make a pile of all the pictures.3. Let your child decide on categories: things with wheels, things

that fly, things that float, and so on.4. When the categories are decided upon, label the envelopes and challenge her to place each picturein the correct category.5. One by one, begin to look through the pictures together, putting them in the correct envelopes.6. Encourage your child to look through the pictures again and choose her favorite vehicle.7. Then let your child paste it on a plain sheet of paper, and encourage her to draw herself in or on thevehicle in the picture.

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ACTIVITIES cont�d

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Let’s Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.• Can you think of some things that have wheels, but do not move youfrom place to place? Let’s take turns naming them.• Besides using wheels, how else can things move?Useful information:While you are having fun together, your child is learning observationalskills and sorting skills, both important in math.

The North Shore/Coastal, Community Care Facilities Child CareLicensing Program has experienced a few changes this year.In April Eve Adams, Senior Child Care Licensing Officer accepted aLicensing position in Vancouver. We all wish her the very best inher new program.In April of this year Glenda Burrows accepted the position of SeniorChild Care Licensing Officer and has been involved with licensingfor 10 years working in several regions of the Province and spentlast year working with the Director of Licensing at the CCFL Branchon the re-write of the Residential and the Child Care LicensingRegulations.We have increased our staffing by .8 FTE (Full time employee).Christine Broatch has increased her work time to 4 full days andKitty Roberts is now working in a full time position.Cindy Devlin and Shelley Esau are also full time Licensing Officers.We are also fortunate to have Sam Sew, Environmental HealthOfficer responsible for Community Care Facilities Licensing and partof the Child Care and Residential CCFL Teams.We are currently assessing case management and re-assigningsome facilities. This process will be completed for September andyou may find another licensing officer knocking on your door.To help with the transition and to meet the licensing staff we havearranged to welcome you to an Open House. So please mark yourcalendars and we are looking forward to meeting you all.

Community Care Facilities LicensingOpen HouseMonday September 11th 2006 6:00 - 7:00pm or 7:00 - 8:00pmLocation: The Shoreline Room,John Braithwaite Community Centre,145 West 1st Street, North Vancouver.

Please RSVP to Sabrina at 604-983-6787no later than September 5, 2006 with yourtime preference. Light refreshments will beserved and pay parking is available beneaththe Time Building.

Attention parents andcare providers!

Our Office Hours:

Monday: 9 am – 4:30 pm Tuesday: 9 am – 4:30 pm Wednesday: 9 am – 4:30pmThursday: 9 am – 8:00 pm Friday: 9 am – 4:30 pm Saturday: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Come in and take advantage ofour extended hours and browseour resource lending library! Wehave been working very hard onour activity boxes and we encour-age everyone to come and checkthem out!There is a notice regarding ourextended hours in the newsletterinsert. We encourage careproviders to post this notice onyour parent bulletin board as itcontains important informationregarding the role our office nowplays in assisting parents with thenew subsidy application. Please help us to get thisinformation out to parents!

Community Care Facilities Licensing

Child Care Referrals

This is just a reminder that inorder for us to serve you in thebest way we can we need to haveyour files up to date. If you havea vacancy or you have changedyour days, hours, or type of careplease let us know immediately.If there are any changes to yourprogram ……….call Virginia at604-985-7138.

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In the months of April, May, andJune of 2006, child care spaceswere requested for 310 children.Of those 310, 48% were under 3years, 33 % were between 3 and5, and 19% were school age. Full-time care was requested by 53%of families, and 47% part-time.During this same time period in2005, we received 63% ofrequests for full-time care and37% part-time. In April throughJune of 2006, families wereprovided with a total of 6,861facility names located in 59different neighbourhoods.

Child Care SubstitutesAre you a qualified ECE teacher?Do you have relevant child caretraining and experience? Wouldyou like to substitute in child carecentres across the North Shore?The North Shore Child CareResource & Referral Program isnow registering qualified childcare substitutes.Anyone interested in registeringcan call us at 604-985-7138 orvisit our office on the second floorat Capilano Mall and we would behappy to supply you withinformation about requireddocuments and qualifications.

Did You Know?.....The North Shore Child Care Resource and Referral Programprovides a service to the employees at the City of North Vancouverand the District of North Vancouver called ECCIS (Employee ChildCare Services and Information). This subscription is paid throughthe City and the District of North Vancouver.We provide a variety of services and information to families withchildren from birth to teens. If you would like to know moreinformation about ECCIS or if you think your employer would beinterested in this service for employees, please call Tunde anytimeat 604 982 3324 or email tunde.skiba@nscr.bc.ca

The numbers are in! We are happy toprovide everyone with the results of thewage survey.We mailed out 132 surveys to NorthShore licensed group child care centersas well as preschools in April 2006. Sincethen we have received 34 completedsurveys. This is approximately a 25%return rate. All your input has been greatly appreciated, thank you!

To view all the results please see the Wage Survey Results insert inthis month’s newsletter.

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Child Care Wage Survey

As many of you know the Federal Government has announcedthe termination of Federal Child Care Dollars to the Provinceseffective April 1, 2007.

At this time the Provincial Government has not indicated to ChildCare Providers whether the Child Care Operating FundingProgram (CCOF) will remain in place, be downsized in funding oreliminated.

THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW!North Shore Child Care Providers have formed a workingcommittee to inform all childcare providers (Family and Group),parents and other interest groups about the devastating effectsthe loss of this grant will have on the Child Care sector.An Information Sheet about the impact of the loss of the CCOFas well as a Poster for display purposes have been created andwill help to deliver the message to our parents and thecommunity.We are in the process of organizing a Meeting to deliver ourconcerns to politicians (Federal, Provincial, Municipal). Thedate, time and place will be announced within the next fewweeks. Please make time in your busy schedule and attend thisimportant meeting as well as inform your parents about thedetails and urge them to attend as well.Sigrid Lightfoot, (on behalf of NS Child Care Providers)

The Termination of the CHILD CARE OPERATING FUNDINGPROGRAM could be Reality as early as April 2007