Surviving Parenting!

First Task of the New Year: To Find the right Preschool

2011-12-27T11:20:00.007-05:00

First Task of the New Year: To Find the right Preschool by
Long Island Parent Magazine serving Nassau and Suffolk Counties New York
Compiled by Liza N. Burby

Click on the picture to read the article online or scroll down.

We know that this holiday season the fall 2012 school year seems far in the future. But if you have a child who will be attending preschool, it’s not too soon to begin the search process for the right fit.

In fact, parents should begin their search just a few weeks after the New Year, advises Dana Friedman, Ed.D., president of the Early Years Institute in Plainview. “It’s best to look starting in January so you have time to visit programs and see what would be a good choice for your children. The better programs fill up quickly because so many children return the next year and they get word-of-mouth publicity.”

Lindi Nubel, director of Roslyn Trinity Co-op in Roslyn, now in its 60th year, says another reason to start in January is that you need time to see a variety of programs in session before making a decision. Most schools hold open houses in January as well, which makes visiting easier.

But how do parents decide which preschool is right for their child? With so many programs and limited classroom space, choosing the right school can be an overwhelming task. The good news is it doesn’t have to be. Nubel says there are certain measures parents can use to help them select a preschool that’s right for their child.

Getting Started
It’s helpful to note that the word preschool encompasses many types of learning environments. “Pre-K (which is run through the schools) is different from child care centers, Head Start programs, family child care homes and nursery schools,” explains Friedman. “They all take care of children, but their hours and the requirements for staff, as well as the ancillary services they provide, are different.”

Yet the selection criteria parents should use when considering a prospective school remains the same regardless of the type of care your family chooses. Start by making a list of preschools in your area. Find them through the Child Care Councils of Nassau and Suffolk (www.childcarenassau.org; www.childcaresuffolk.org), your Chamber of Commerce, library and most important, other parents.

Factor geography and timing into your choices; it’s important to determine how far you’re willing to travel and if the program will fit into your schedule.

Another consideration is how many days you want your child to attend. Many schools offer two-, three- or five-day programs or some combination. Lori Fagan, principal of Gloria Dei Nursery Preschool in Huntington Station, which has been in existence for over 40 years, says that many schools have become more flexible to accommodate working families. In fact, her school has three sessions a day, rather than the traditional two, since her parents’ hours vary.

Curriculum Considerations
In addition, consider different teaching methods when making your decision. Some parents want schools to have an academic focus and expect kids to have computer time. But Fagan says research shows children learn best when they play and “most already get plenty of computer time at home.”

“Of course the choice is individual. But parents should find a place that offers a loving, caring and nurturing environment, where children learn basic social skills like sharing, and get to spend plenty of time using their imaginations,” Fagan says. Be sure to find out if the program’s curriculum includes a variety of age-appropriate activities and if there’s a daily balance of play, story, activity and nap times offered to the children.

Your First Visit
After you’ve narrowed your list to a few preschools, you’ll want to visit each one. Nubel recommends that parents visit three to four schools since you’ll likely find that they’re all different.
“When you visit, trust your gut. When you walk into a school, you’ll get a feel for it,” she says. “And don’t just visit during open houses, but also during a regular school schedule. You want to get a sense of how your child will spend their day and how well the teacher interacts with children. They can have the fanciest equipment, but the highest determinant of a quality program is the interaction between the teacher and children.”

Nubel says you can bring your child with you, but the decision should be yours “as very often a child will see something they like—or don’t like—at that moment, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right choice. Trust your decision.”

There are very practical factors to consider besides your personal reactions as well. You also want to find out the following:
1. Is the program regulated by New York State, licensed by the Office of Children & Family Services or accredited by a national organization such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)?

2. Make sure there’s enough “moving around space” both inside and outside.

3. Does the school comply with the recommended adult/child ratio of approximately 1 teacher to 5 children for 2-year-olds; 1-to-7 for 3-year-olds, and 1-to-10 for 4-year-olds?

4. Outdoor play spaces should be separated from traffic, both foot and vehicular, by a gate or fence kids can’t open from the inside.

5. Make sure children will be within sight of an adult at all times. If there are separate rooms, there should be an adult in each room. If there’s a more open arrangement, adults should be able to see over room dividers.

6. Check for basic safety features such as child-size furniture and bookshelves secured to the wall.

7. Inquire if the teachers have degrees in early development. Ask about their backgrounds and their opportunity for professional development. This will provide you with a clue as to how professional a program is.

It’s also a good idea to learn what the school’s policies are on issues such as handling separation anxiety, administering emergency medical attention and dismissal.

For separation, many preschools practice a “phase-in” period that allows children to start the school year with a parent in the classroom. They then phase you out of the mix in a slow, steady fashion.
When it comes to a medical emergency, schools should have a plan in place. Some preschools have a nurse on hand, while others may have parents sign a form that permits the school to administer emergency medical attention.

Parents also need to know how the school handles dismissal. For instance, most schools require parents to fill out a dismissal sheet on which they must provide the names of all persons permitted to pick up their child.

The Benefits of Early Education
The big question for most parents is whether or not sending their child to preschool will give them a boost when they head off to kindergarten and grade school. Experts emphatically believe that it does.

“Effective preschool programs capitalize on a time when children’s brains are rapidly developing, laying a foundation of social skills, knowledge and self-confidence that paves the way for success in kindergarten and beyond,” explains Friedman, whose organization works with numerous organizations across the Island to improve the early childhood experience. She notes that skills such as following a routine, getting along with others, learning how to wait, to take turns and to listen, are coupled with learning opportunities that are interwoven into a high-quality curriculum.

“The majority of 3- and 4-year-olds go to preschool. Those who don’t attend may find kindergarten a little hard for them,” says Nubel. “The ultimate goal of preschool is for them to gain more emotional independence and of course to be happy.”

Liza N. Burby is the mother of two daughters who attended a preschool so nurturing she was sorry when they graduated to kindergarten.

Where to Find More Information

New York State Early Childhood: www.earlychildhood.org
Zero to Three: www.zerotothree.org
Pre-K Now: www.preknow.org
Talaris Research Institute: www.talaris.org
Office of Child and Family Services: www.ocfs.state.ny.us

Tonka Chuck & Friends App

2011-12-26T13:42:00.020-05:00

Join Chuck & his friends for this fun interactive 74 page story. You can have the story read to you, read on your own, or you can record yourself reading the story. Throughout the story you can play games and see some action to enhance the story. Feel free to close the story and when you come back again you will be right where you left off. Itunes $3.99, ages 3 & up

Rub the screen letters pop up and spell a word that answers the question from the story

Play the match game and letters pop up and spell a word that answers the question from the story

Swipe the screen to turn page, touch the arrows in the corner to go forward, or back or drag the toolbar on the bottom in this 74 page interactive story

Create your own “Mad Lib” style story based on the words you created playing games throughout the story.

I downloaded this app on my ipad and let my 3 year old explore. He quickly found a way to interact with the engaging story and play some fun games. This is an app that he has repeatedly gone back to play. As he gets older I think he will enjoy more of the features such as recording his own voice.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-26T13:29:00.005-05:00

I hope everyone has enjoyed the holidays. If you received an ipad, iphone, etc. for the holiday you may want to purchase some apps.We will be reviewing free and fee apps to help you. Look for an ipad to be coming soon to Youth & Parent Services so you can test out some of the apps. Youth & Parent Services has just welcomed an iMac to our computers. Come in and try it out. If you have any suggestions for games or apps just send us an email.

Local Nursery Schools and Preschools Guide

2011-12-06T13:46:00.003-05:00

Our "Local Nursery Schools and Preschools A Guide for the 2012 School Year" has been updated for the 2012 school year. Please stop in to pick up your copy or click on the School Days picture on the right to print a copy.

New Online Resources

2011-10-03T18:05:00.017-04:00

Check out these new online resources available for use in the library and at home.

TRUEFLIX™

A fun, new online resource that you and your child can access from home
or anywhere there is an internet connection!

For students in Grades 3 - 5, TRUEFLIX™ provides engaging subject-area content in science and social studies. Forty-seven TRUEFLIX™ titles help your child hone literacy skills, bolster their understanding of crucial subjects, and enhance their ability to organize and assemble information - for class reports, exams, and assignments. Titles come with related content and primary sources, featuring videos, audio, images, and text. Students have the benefit of voice-over reading features, questions in a fun, quiz format, and “clickable books” that allow them to jump to the part they’re most interested in. Challenging words are highlighted and defined. Subject areas include Natural Disasters, Space, The Human Body, Ecosystems, Continents, Ancient Civilizations, U.S. Government, and Westward Expansion.

BookFLIX™

Scholastic’s online literacy resource that pairs Weston Woods’ classic video storybooks with related, nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic to build a love of reading and learning.

For more information about both TRUEFLIX™ and BookFLIX™,
speak to a librarian in the Youth and Parent Services Department at 631-427-5165 ext. 231.

June is Potty Training Awareness Month

2011-06-09T11:52:00.002-04:00

Click here to check out some books and DVDs from our collection

Summer Camps 2011

2011-05-18T14:27:00.001-04:00

Summer is just around the corner. Are you looking for a camp to send your child to? Stop by the library or click the link below for a copy of our 2011 Summer Camp Directory.

Also the start of summer means Summer Reading Clubs. Check out our new website http://www.thehuntingtonlibrary.org/ for a list of all upcoming programs.

Summer Camps 2011

New Eating Guidelines for Americans

2011-03-28T20:00:00.004-04:00

The USDA just released a document outlining new eating guidelines for Americans.

http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/dietaryguidelines.htm

Use MyPyramid to help your preschooler eat well, be active, and be healthy.

Don't forget to stop in the library for some cookbooks and books on the new food pyramid

American Academy of Pediatrics UPDATES RECOMMENDATION ON CAR SEATS

2011-03-22T09:26:00.003-04:00

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) UPDATES RECOMMENDATION ON CAR SEATS

Children should ride rear-facing to age 2, use a booster until at least age 8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below is a policy appearing in the April issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

For Release: Monday, March 21 , 2011 12:01 am (ET)

New advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) will change the way many parents buckle up their children for a drive.

In a new policy published in the April 2011 issue of Pediatrics (published online March 21), the AAP advises parents to keep their toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age 2, or until they reach the maximum height and weight for their seat. It also advises that most children will need to ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until they have reached 4 feet 9 inches tall and are between 8 and 12 years of age.

The previous policy, from 2002, advised that it is safest for infants and toddlers to ride rear-facing up to the limits of the car seat, but it also cited age 12 months and 20 pounds as a minimum. As a result, many parents turned the seat to face the front of the car when their child celebrated his or her first birthday.

“Parents often look forward to transitioning from one stage to the next, but these transitions should generally be delayed until they’re necessary, when the child fully outgrows the limits for his or her current stage,” said Dennis Durbin, MD, FAAP, lead author of the policy statement and accompanying technical report.

“A rear-facing child safety seat does a better job of supporting the head, neck and spine of infants and toddlers in a crash, because it distributes the force of the collision over the entire body,” Dr. Durbin said. “For larger children, a forward-facing seat with a harness is safer than a booster, and a belt-positioning booster seat provides better protection than a seat belt alone until the seat belt fits correctly.”

While the rate of deaths in motor vehicle crashes in children under age 16 has decreased substantially – dropping 45 percent between 1997 and 2009 – it is still the leading cause of death for children ages 4 and older. Counting children and teens up to age 21, there are more than 5,000 deaths each year. Fatalities are just the tip of the iceberg; for every fatality, roughly 18 children are hospitalized and more than 400 are injured seriously enough to require medical treatment.

New research has found children are safer in rear-facing car seats. A 2007 study in the journal Injury Prevention showed that children under age 2 are 75 percent less likely to die or be severely injured in a crash if they are riding rear-facing.

“The ‘age 2’ recommendation is not a deadline, but rather a guideline to help parents decide when to make the transition,” Dr. Durbin said. “Smaller children will benefit from remaining rear-facing longer, while other children may reach the maximum height or weight before 2 years of age.”

Children should transition from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat with a harness, until they reach the maximum weight or height for that seat. Then a booster will make sure the vehicle’s lap-and-shoulder belt fit properly. The shoulder belt should lie across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not near the neck or face. The lap belt should fit low and snug on the hips and upper thighs, not across the belly. Most children will need a booster seat until they have reached 4 feet 9 inches tall and are between 8 and 12 years old.

Children should ride in the rear of a vehicle until they are 13 years old.

Although the Federal Aviation Administration permits children under age 2 to ride on an adult’s lap on an airplane, they are best protected by riding in an age- and size-appropriate restraint.

“Children should ride properly restrained on every trip in every type of transportation, on the road or in the air,” Dr. Durbin said.

A car seat guide for parents is available at www.healthychildren.org/carseatguide

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

Check Out this Website!

2011-03-11T11:05:00.004-05:00

http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/

The goal of the Child Development Institute is to provide the latest information on child development , psychology, health issues, parenting and family life.

12 Immunity-Boosting Snacks

2010-12-21T15:39:00.015-05:00

Flu season has arrived. Check out Parenting Magazine's list of 12 healthy snacks to help boost your child's germ fighting power.

12 Immunity-Boosting Snacks - Parenting.com

For more information about the flu check out the CDC's website.

Thanksgiving Fun

2010-11-23T11:12:00.005-05:00

Click on the Turkey to gobble up delightful Thanksgiving activities courtesy of Family Fun.

35+ Easy Homemade Halloween Costumes for Kids

2010-09-15T09:48:00.008-04:00

Halloween is almost here! click for

35+ Easy Homemade Halloween Costumes for Kids - Parenting.com

Museum Passes

2010-07-01T16:43:00.009-04:00

Huntington Public Library is offering family museum passes

to all Huntington patrons.

Click below to reserve your pass or call

Adult Reference at 631-427-5165 x251 or 252

Unlimited complimentary general admission and special exhibition tickets for two adults and up to four children.

Unlimited discount on Space Show and IMAX Theater tickets for two adults and up to four children

Discounts on Museum shops Museum shops & restaurant purchases and on Museum programs

Free admission to the Museum.

Discount of 10% at the Museum Shop.

Free admission to the Museum.

Discount of 10% at the Museum Shop, the Wright and Café 3.

Special prices on all education and public programs including Works & Process, artists’ talks, and live music events.

Free admission to the Museum.

Reduced rates on books and catalogues.

Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Free admission to the Museum for up to six people per day.

The pass entitles 4 patrons from the Huntington Public Library to free visits to the Long Island Children’s Museum.

No adult without children, no children unaccompanied by any adult will be admitted.

Free Parking

Not valid for complimentary nor discounted admission to theater performance, workshops or special events. Other restrictions may apply.

Free admission to the Museum, Museum galleries, Sculpture Garden and Tree Ridder Miniatures for two adult and children of these Members through the age of sixteen. Free Parking at the Museum.

Discount of 10% on Museum merchandise on non-sale items. Discounts on lectures, trip events, Art Classes, NCMA exhibition catalogues and other special programs.

Closed Mondays.

Unlimited admission to the House & Gardens.

Free or Special Discounts on lectures, workshops, concerts, trips & special events

Discount of 10% in gift Shop, Plant Shed and Plant Sales.

Little Puddle Hoppers Read to Me

2010-06-29T14:14:00.013-04:00

Birth - Entering Kindergarten

This club is just right for your little ones to experience the pleasure of reading books. We have plenty of books for a whole summer of reading!

And there will be great prizes for all to enjoy.

Entering grades 1-7

2010-06-14T14:20:00.005-04:00

Registration for summer programs begins June 25, 2010 @ 10:00am

Click on the splash to view the brochure

Community Resource Booklet

2010-06-01T10:26:00.009-04:00

Stop into the library or click on the above picture for a copy of our 2009 Parenting Resources Brochure.

It includes information on local organizations and agencies.

Did you purchase recalled toys?

2010-05-21T16:13:00.011-04:00

Purchasing toys for children can be challenging. It seems as if toys are recalled every day. The best way to keep up with recalls as they happen is to sign up for the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Subscription List. You can sign up for all product recalls or specific recalls such as infant/child products, products used for sports & recreation, products used outdoors, household items, or specialty products.

Welcome!

2010-05-14T16:21:00.001-04:00

Welcome to our new blog for parents!