Archive for the ‘Child & Youth Services’ Category
-
Spike in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in BC
The Province recently released an article over the concerning spike in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome( (SIDS) in BC. Over 21 cases were reported to date this year, whereas last year, a total of 16 was reported for the entire year.
SIDS is when a healthy baby (under the age of 1) dies unexpectedly sleeping in bed. There are no signs of suffering and no particular reason explaining the death.
The current statistic is alarming so here are a few tips to protect your baby from this:
1. Avoid bed-sharing or sharing a sleeping surface with a baby. Instead, place the crib in the parent’s bedroom for the first 6 months
2. Ensure the crib is equipped with a hard mattress and a fitted sheet (also ensuring that the crib meets the Canadian safety standards)
3. Breastfeed (it provides a safe environment)
4. Lay the baby to sleep on its back, not front or side
5. Avoid exposing your baby from second-hand smoke
For more tips and questions, please consult your doctor.
-
March 16 Update: Creekside Announcement
The Developmental Disabilities Association is excited to be the operator of the new Creekside Child Development Centre!
Waitlist applications available January 4, 2011.
Click here to download the application form.For more information, go to our website.
Updated Information: Projected opening of Creekside is some time in late Spring 2011.
Updated Information 2: Please visit the comment section for answers to frequently asked questions as well as more information.
-
Child & Youth In-Service 2010
This year, I once again attended the In-Service for the staff of our Child & Youth department. The purpose of this In-Service is for our child care professionals to attend workshops that teach them new ways or introduce knowledge for them to apply in their child care settings.
Things kicked off with Andrew, our director of Child and Youth, showing our new PSA and giving a little speech that showed his appreciation for the staff. Everyone then split off into smaller groups where they attended workshops that they picked.The workshops covered topics like Speech and Language Development, Sexuality and Supporting Children in Out of School Care Settings, Sensitive Topics, Respecting and Responding to Family Diversity and Inspire/Motivate/Believe. Professionals from different backgrounds shared their expertise with our staff in very unique manners. Some relied on only their voice to create a dialogue with the staff, some preferred a slide show presentation and some engaged us in fun activities.
The Keynote Speaker was Jeff Willis, Founder & Principal Consultant of Creative Toolbox/Fireside Adventures. He showed us how imagination can take us a long way, especially when interacting with children, the concept and importance of incorporating play and perspective. He had us all up on our feet doing crazy, yet simple activities that really engaged us. You could see all of us, full-grown adults, dropping our guards and just acting like careless souls. It was truly amazing!
The Child & Youth staff really enjoyed all the workshops as they covered very relevant and current topics that definitely applied to their work setting. It’s a great way for them to relax, learn and become even more skilled with taking care of the children they work with.
Although I personally do not work with children, I found all the talks very fascinating and insightful.
I look forward to next year’s In-Service and I’m sure the rest of the staff do too!If you’d like to learn more about our child development centres, please visit www.develop.bc.ca!
-
Summer Picnic at KIG
Last week, Kuldeep from the Kids in General Child Development Centre, which is located near the Vancouver General Hospital main building, invited me to attend their Annual Summer Picnic. Every year, I try to attend as many of these picnics as possible so I can experience the environment of each of our Child Development Centres, and as well, meet some parents and children who attend the centres. It’s a great way for me to see what age group belongs in which centre, the location, the friendliness of the staff, and of course, which families bring the best food
It’s interesting, cause every single picnic always has a great selection of food, and unique entertainment. At Kids in General, one of the staff played on her guitar and sang children’s songs to the kids. They were running about, but every time the chorus hit, they couldn’t help but sing along or dance to the rhythm.
As usual, the facepainting section was extremely popular, with a line up that never really quite seemed to get shorter.
Thanks to Kuldeep and the Staff at Kids in General for making it another wonderful Summer Picnic for me to enjoy!
If you’re interested in any of our Child Development Centres, please visit www.develop.bc.ca for more information!And if you don’t already know, the Vancouver Blogathon is happening August 21st. This year, Victor and I will once again be participating to raise funds for DDA! If you’re interested in showing your support or making a pledge please contact Victor at vtang@develop.bc.ca for more information. Keep checking back for our 24-hours of straight blogging in just a few weeks’ time. Stay tuned.
-
Berwick Family Picnic 2010
As you all know, the random bursts of sunny summer weather means the start of barbecue season again!
Last Friday, I went to Berwick Child Development Centre located at UBC for their Annual Family Summer Picnic and Barbecue. Of course, being the human GPS I am, I did make the wrong turn and ended up on the wrong side of UBC. Luckily, the people around that area were very helpful and I was eventually able to make it to my destination. Just outside the Berwick, I could smell the sweet aroma of barbecued goods.
The place was packed with children, parents, and other family members. There were several tables of delicious food, in addition to the burgers and hotdogs prepared! The kids were so absorbed in their food that some stopped in their tracks from playing tag just to enjoy their meals.
There was face painting, bouncy castles, activity tables, and much more. The children and families seemed to have had an awesome time in what couldn’t be more perfect weather for a picnic! I hope that this weather keeps up so I can go to more fun-filled BBQs over the next little while. Something about barbecuing in the rain just isn’t quite the same.
I remember going to this event last year, but somehow, this year it seemed a lot more lively (maybe it was because I took the scenic route to the centre) and different. Being my first official barbecue of the season, this kicked off what I hope to be a great Summer for barbecues.
Anyway, I look forward to next year’s events, and seeing all the new children and families having a great time!
For more information on our Child Development Centres, please visit www.develop.bc.ca, or click here.
Links & Resources
Recent Posts
- Communications & Design Coordinator
- Spring Fashion Extravaganza Event Recap
- Curling with Creekside Teachers
- HOW TO ensure your donations are going to the right place?
- SPECULATE BEFORE YOU DONATE