Listen28 JUNE 2013
MASSACHUSETTS
Good Teaching Transforms the Future
National Teacher Survey Confirms Responsive Classroom Ideas
In the rapidly changing world of the 21st Century, children need highly effective teachers to help them master both academics and social-emotional skills in a meaningful, integrated way. Only with such teachers will children be ready to meet the new century's unprecedented economic, political, social, and technological challenges. According to "The Responsive Classroom Approach: Good Teaching Changes the Future," a white paper recently released by Northeast Foundation for Children, Responsive Classroom provides the specific skills teachers need to do this kind of first-rate teaching. The approach gives teachers concrete, practical strategies they can use from their first day of teaching and hone throughout their careers. Those strategies, the white paper asserts, ensure high-quality academic and social-emotional learning no matter the classroom or community, curriculum or standards.
"There is a national sense of urgency to ensure that all children excel in school, no matter where they live or their family background," says Lora Hodges, NEFC's executive director. "What's it going to take for children to reach that excellence? It's going to take world-class academic teaching combined with world-class social-emotional teaching—A+SEL. Teachers have to build students' academic muscle and their grit, resilience, and courageous spirits for the extraordinary times ahead. That's the powerful combination that Responsive Classroom delivers."
Hodges' perspective is echoed in a new national survey conducted by CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning), which found that U.S. educators believe teaching social and emotional learning leads to positive outcomes for children. As cited in CASEL's report on the survey, more than75% of preschool through grade twelve teachers believe that more focus on social and emotional learning would be of "major benefit" by positively impacting academic success, school attendance and graduation, workforce readiness, college preparation, and life success.
CASEL, in its survey report and its 2013 Guide to Effective Social and Emotional Learning Programs, cites the effectiveness of the Responsive Classroom® approach in successfully integrating academics with SEL. Since 1981, 120,000 teachers have been trained in the approach, learning concrete, practical strategies that increase their competence in three crucial and interrelated domains: engaging academics, effective management, and positive community.
"Teachers come into the profession because they feel a moral charge. They want to be good teachers. They want to guide and shape children to become ethical, smart, contributing members of society," says Hodges. "In this 21st Century, that means they need to create classrooms in which children are actively engaged in their learning, participating in lively dialogues, and developing higher-order thinking." By focusing on the three domains of engaging academics, effective management, and positive community, Hodges notes, the Responsive Classroom approach gives teachers the skills to do that kind of 21st century teaching. "It allows teachers to see the promise of a bright future realized in every student."
Research supports the efficacy of the Responsive Classroom approach. A recent major study and earlier studies associate teachers' use of the practices with students' higher math and reading achievement and better social skills—results that held across social-economic groups.
As knowledge of the importance of SEL plus academics continues to spread to more and more educators, Hodges says Northeast Foundation for Children will continue supporting teachers as they work to grow their classroom effectiveness. "If we want every child, every day, to learn the skills necessary to face the challenges of the 21st century, then let's focus on the most important ingredient – good teaching. That's what the Responsive Classroom is about."
About Northeast Foundation for Children,
Inc.
Northeast Foundation for Children, Inc., a not-for-profit educational
organization, is the developer of Responsive Classroom, a research- and
evidence-based approach to elementary education that leads to greater
teacher effectiveness, higher student achievement, and improved school
climate. Responsive Classroom practices help educators become more
effective in three interrelated domains: engaging academics, positive
community, and effective management. The Collaborative for Academic,
Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has recognized the Responsive
Classroom approach as one of a select group of "well-designed,
evidence-based social and emotional learning programs with potential for
broad dissemination to schools across the United States."
Press release: PR Newswire
Source: Northeast Foundation for Children, Inc.
26 June 2013
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1328294
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26 JUNE 2013
Children’s voices critical to sustainable future, says UNICEF study
Children’s issues as well as their voices and participation will be crucial to achieve sustainable development, says a paper released today by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which stresses that investing in the well-being of the world’s youth is essential to make progress on the post-2015 development agenda.
“Children and young people are the makers of a future sustainable world, and, measures of their progress will also be the markers of that world,” said UNICEF’s Senior Adviser on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, Richard Morgan.
“Their learning, their nutritional growth, their safety and confidence, their creativity and ideas – underpinned by freedom from fear, as well as freedom from want – will be the markers of how decisively we are moving to a sustainable future for all.”
According to UNICEF, children represent approximately one-third of the world’s population, and their rights and participation as part of a sustainable future are already guided by an extensive range of international conventions, treaties, and other legal instruments – including the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
In the position paper, UNICEF makes a direct link between what needs to be done for children today – particularly those most disadvantaged – and how this will affect the future of their countries.
The agency also outlines three key messages for achieving a world fit for children, which consist of recognizing that children can be a major drivers of sustainable development, children have the most to gain and the most to lose from success or failure of sustainable development measures, and children can and should be major participants in and contributors to a healthy, sustainable planet.
For example, preventing stunting – which currently affects come 165 million children under five – would help break the cycle of poverty and increase a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by at least two to three per cent every year, and save billions of dollars in healthcare costs and lost productivity.
Reducing children’s exposure to violence would also lessen their risk of transitioning into drug abuse, criminal, violent and other dangerous behaviours later in adolescence and in adult life. In addition, children are more vulnerable to environmental pollution as their bodies and brains are still developing, which should encourage countries to implement environmentally-friendly measures.
“The good news is that investing in children delivers big pay offs – for them, for their societies, and for the planet,” UNICEF said in a news release. “For example, a good quality education has major intergenerational impacts. A well-educated girl is likely to have greater personal earnings potential, be more likely to delay marriage and pregnancy and be more likely to access health service support, leading to lower rates of maternal mortality. Educated women tend to have fewer, healthier and more educated children.”
The paper also argues that empowering children and young people is important so they can be active participants and become effective guardians of a sustainable development world.
Press release: UN News Centre
24 June 2013
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45254&Cr=post-2015&Cr1=#.UcmtCv4aJD8
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24 JUNE 2013
ONTARIO
Better Access to Mental Health Services for Children and Youth
Ontario Government’s Mental Health and Addictions
Strategy
Benefitting More Young People
June 20, 2013 10:15 a.m.
Ministry of Children and Youth Services
Ontario continues to strengthen mental health services for children, youth and their families while reducing stigma and raising awareness of mental health issues.
Since launching the Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy in 2011, the province has supported the hiring of 770 new mental health workers in schools and communities. These workers provide timely and high quality services and have already helped approximately 35,000 kids and their families.
Starting this fall, the government will also provide 800 more children and youth in rural, remote and underserved communities with access to mental health consultations through videoconferencing. All publically funded mental health professionals will be able to refer young people to the new Tele-Mental Health service.
Improving access to mental health services for children, youth and their families is part of the Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy and supports the Ontario government's efforts to build a fair society for the benefit of all.
Quick Facts
Approximately one in five children and youth in Ontario have a mental health challenge, and seven in 10 of all mental health challenges begin in childhood or adolescence.
Since 2011, Ontario has added 175 new mental health workers in schools, 80 Aboriginal workers to help young people in First Nation communities, and 144 nurses who work in schools to help provide early identification and treatment for students with mental health challenges.
In the 2013-14 school year, Ontario will invest $8.6 million to fund a mental health lead for each of the province’s 72 school boards.
Press release: Ontario's official news source
20 June 2013
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21 JUNE 2013
Growing Instances of Acne Among Kids
Serigne Gueye Ndiaye, who owns SGN Dermatology, is offering his thoughts on a new article that discusses the increasing rate of acne among young children. According to the journal Pediatrics, acne is becoming common in kids ages seven to 12. In years past, it was rare to see children as young as 12 struggling with acne, but the age range for persistent pimples and blackheads is dipping increasingly lower.
Dr. Latanya T. Benjamin, who is a dermatologist at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, notes, "I've definitely seen a shift. It's not uncommon for a seven- or nine-year-old to walk in with the first signs of acne."
The cause for acne among young children has earned the attention of scientists. While some believe that acne in kids is partially due to early puberty, others feel that it is simply because parents are becoming less tolerant of pimples, and are now more likely to take kids to get treatment than they were in years past.
A 2011 study published in Pediatric Dermatology took a look at roughly 93 million acne-related visits among kids ages six to 18. The findings showed that the average age for those seeking assistance with acne has dropped slightly, from 15.8 in 1979 to 15 in 2007. Researchers also noticed that the number of acne visits from children in the six to eight age group jumped to 1.5 percent from basically zero.
Serigne Gueye Ndiaye comments on the occurrence of acne in young children, stating, "Regardless of the cause, it is important that parents and doctors know how to help this boy or girl, as acne can cause permanent scarring and damage to a child's fragile self-esteem. It's also essential that the young acne sufferer learns the most effective ways to deal with acne, and is given products that can help them get their pimples under control."
Dr. Anne W. Lucky, who is a pediatric dermatologist, explains that she sees more 12-year-olds in her practice that say that their acne started at least two to three years ago, with some experiencing serious pimples as early as third grade.
However, Dr. Lucky does not necessarily believe that acne is more common among pre-teens today than it was in the past. She refers to a 1994 study that looked at 365 girls ages nine and 10, which showed that 78 percent of those surveyed had acne. Dr. Lucky explains the difference stating, "Twenty years ago, a pediatrician would say, 'Ah, you'll outgrow it,' and now we think, 'Why wait to outgrow it when we can address it earlier?"
In instances of acne in younger children, doctors can choose to prescribe a topical ointment or antibiotic to keep the pimples at bay. However, if it is clear that the acne is not severe and will not cause scarring, many pediatricians and dermatologists simply advise a strict skincare routine.
Serigne Gueye Ndiaye notes, "Parents should weigh their child's level of concern about the pimples, and proceed from there. If the boy or girl is very self-conscious and upset about the acne, it's time to consult with a doctor. However, if it's clear that they're more focused on playing with friends and their acne is not severe, it's acceptable for parents to just make sure that their child sticks to a careful face cleansing regimen." Serigne Gueye Ndiaye encourages parents to talk to children about clear skin strategies, such as keeping pillowcases clean and not picking at existing zits.
Press release: Market Wired
19 June 2013
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19 JUNE 2013
LA84 Foundation Awards More
Than $1.5 Million
To Support Youth Sports Programs Across Southern California
Grants will give 37,000 children access to football, soccer, wrestling and other sports in local communities affected by budget cuts
The LA84 Foundation, which continues to invest proceeds from the 1984 Games to support non-profit organizations in eight counties in the Southern California area, has awarded $1.5 million this quarter to 38 youth sports programs. The Foundation has invested more than $214 million since its inception, and is on track to award close to $4 million in 2013.
As shrinking budgets continue to force schools to cut back athletic programs, this latest round of grants from LA84 will provide more than 37,000 children with the valuable opportunity to develop life skills through sports.
This round of grants covers a wide variety of athletic programs, including football, rowing, running, soccer, softball, speed skating, swimming, therapeutic horseback riding, wrestling, basketball, cycling, boxing and golf. While the majority of funding is being awarded to Los Angeles-based organizations, several programs throughout San Diego, Ventura, Riverside, Orange and San Bernardino counties also received grants.
"We're proud to continue the spirit of the Games and open doors to kids who might otherwise not have had the opportunity to participate in sports," said Anita L. DeFrantz, LA84 Foundation President and International Olympic Committee Member. A 1976 Olympian herself, DeFrantz remarked, "Once these children have the chance to get on the court, onto the field or into the pool, they establish good health and fitness habits and learn important skills like teamwork and leadership. And you never know, some of them may go on to compete in the Olympic Games one day!"
In its sixth year of partnership with the LA84 Foundation, the LAUSD "Beyond the Bell Branch" program is the recipient of the largest grant of nearly $500,000. These funds are used to provide year-round organized sports after school at all 98 middle schools in the district, reaching more than 18,000 children who would otherwise have to pay to participate in athletics.
"Every day, our staff is committed to providing all LAUSD students with access to high quality and safe programs beyond normal school hours," said Alvaro Cortes, Executive Director of Beyond the Bell Branch. "We're thankful for our partnership with the LA84 Foundation, which has enabled us to support the health and wellness of kids from local communities that need our assistance the most."
The renowned running program Students Run LA received a grant for $125,000. This organization provides mentorship and training for approximately 3,000 middle and high school students enrolled in 165 schools to run the LA Marathon. The results of this program have been profound: more than 99% of SRLA students finish the marathon every year, and 99% of high school senior finishers go on to graduate high school (compared to the 60% average graduation rate for LA County).
Another noteworthy recipient is the Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) Foundation, which applied for a $100,000 grant to finance its Summer Night Lights program. This initiative keeps 32 parks in Los Angeles open into the night during the summer, and has been a pivotal component of GRYD's success in reducing gang violence in at-risk communities over the past few years.
Since its inception in 1985, the LA84 Foundation has devoted over $214 million to support programs that have reached more than 3 million youth. This amount is more than double its original endowment of $93 million, which was derived from the surplus funds for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
For more information about this year's award recipients and the LA84 Foundation grant application process, please visit www.LA84Foundation.org.
About LA84 Foundation
The LA84 Foundation was established to manage Southern California's share of the surplus from the successful 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The Foundation received $93 million at its inception. Since it began operations in 1985, it has invested $214 million in sports programs serving more than 3 million youth in the eight Southern California counties of Los Angeles, Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura. Its headquarters is the historic Britt House near downtown Los Angeles where it houses the world's premier sports library and meeting facilities. The Foundation provides grants to youth sports organizations, manages programs, including a coaching education program, and convenes numerous forums for the exploration of the most pressing issues in sport.
SOURCE LA84 Foundation
Press release: PRNewswire
17 June 2013
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17 JUNE 2013
Oregon Youth Authority offers innovative education options to at-risk youth
Partnership with Education Portal to help overcome school-to-prison pipeline
As the first round of Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) kids graduate from their facility's high school this weekend, the agency is introducing a first-of-its-kind program to help troubled youth catch up on educational opportunities they missed before incarceration.
Known as Education Portal, the program offers free, online college courses that lead to widely accepted college credit. Oregon will be the first state in the nation to offer an array of college courses to juvenile offenders.
Because kids have limited internet access in OYA facilities during school hours, they will have more opportunities to learn from college video DVDs after school. Using Education Portal, youth can earn credit for the first two years of college and significantly reduce the time and cost of earning a degree.
"We who work with troubled kids are only too aware of the school-to-prison pipeline," said OYA Director Fariborz Pakseresht. "When at-risk youth arrive at OYA, they are often years behind in high school, have learning disabilities, and have suffered from abuse and neglect. We are deeply grateful to Education Portal for this partnership that offers kids a chance to make up for lost time and educational opportunities."
Each DVD contains a series of 5-minute lectures on math, English or other topics taught by experienced instructors. Each lecture is followed by a brief quiz that is instantly graded. The courses are designed specifically to help OYA youth pass credit-granting exams such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) test. CLEP credit is accepted by nearly 3,000 colleges and universities nationwide.
"We are proud to partner with OYA's efforts to bring college education to incarcerated students and reduce recidivism," said Ben Wilson, Education Portal president.
Approximately 300 of the more than 800 youth in OYA's 10 facilities statewide are eligible to participate in the Education Portal program. After they leave OYA's care, they can continue learning by using the company's internet-based courses.
Fifteen youth from Trask River High School at Camp Tillamook and Tillamook Youth Correctional Facility will graduate Saturday, June 8, with other OYA facilities holding ceremonies throughout June.
Click here for a video that explains Education Portal's program for incarcerated youth.
The Oregon Youth Authority is the state's juvenile justice agency, reducing victimization by helping at-risk young people lead productive, crime-free lives. Learn more at www.oregon.gov/oya and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/oregonyouth.
Education Portal makes education accessible through free, online courses that help students earn widely-accepted college credit, as well as pass the GED exam. Taught by experienced instructors and subject matter experts, Education Portal's 50+ courses consist of over 4,000 fun and engaging micro-lessons designed specifically for the online learner. Since their launch in 2011, over 2 million students have used Education Portal's free online courses.
Press release PR Newswire
13 June 2013
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1305164
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14 JUNE 2013
CANADA
The Foster Parent Survival
Guide: How to Navigate
the Child Welfare Matrix Book Launch
Canadian author Landy Anderson launches her book The Foster Parent Survival Guide: How to Navigate the Child Welfare Matrix during the Canadian Foster Family Association's annual conference.
On Saturday June 15, 2013 hundreds of foster parents from Pacific to Atlantic Canada gather for their annual conference. This year's conference is hosted by the Foster Parents Society of Ontario.
About the Book
"The Foster Parent Survival Guide is a must-read book for both new and experienced foster parents. It's refreshing to have a Canadian-based guide to the Child Welfare System within our own country." Sheila Durnford, President, Canadian Foster Family Association.
"The Foster Parent Survival Guide although written in Ontario, contains valuable information that highlights the fact that although child welfare legislation may differ depending on where you live, the epiphanies that you will realize after reading this book know no boundaries." Cecile Brookes, President, Foster Parents Society of Ontario.
"The book tour is going so well that I'm on my second run since publishing in February 2013. The reception is overwhelming! Several universities are ordering the book for their library and one college is using a chapter in their class," boasts Ms. Anderson.
About the Author
Ms. Anderson is a former Foster Care Supervisor with 27 years experience in child welfare. She has worked as a child protection worker, supervisor, and manager in several Children's Aid Societies in Ontario for various departments. Additionally, she has supervised staff operated group homes and foster care departments for various child welfare agencies in the greater Toronto area including an Aboriginal Children's Aid Society. Ms. Anderson also teaches part time at her local community college. Remarkably, she has been a foster parent to over 100 teenagers spanning a decade, where some teenagers stayed for days and others well into adulthood.
Press release: Market Wired
13 June 2013
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12 JUNE 2013
USA
New Yorkers for Children
Appoints Eric Brettschneider Next President
of the Board of Directors
New Yorkers For Children (NYFC), the non-profit that works in partnership with New York City's Administration for Children's Services (ACS) to improve the prospects of children supported by the child welfare system, has appointed Eric Brettschneider President of the Board of Directors. Nicholas Scoppetta, the organization's founder, has held this position since NYFC's inception in 1996. Brettschneider has been a member of NYFC's Board of Directors for 15 years, and currently serves as the Chairman of the Program, Audit and Strategic Planning Committees. Brettschneider's role as President commenced on June 6, 2013. Scoppetta, who is retiring as President, will remain involved with the organization as President Emeritus.
"We have focused on educational programs that help youth leaving foster care become self-sufficient. That includes all forms of education, academic, vocational and important life-skills. Education is the key to opportunity for these young people. I step down with some reluctance and more than a touch of sadness. NYFC has its roots in my personal history and has been an important part of my life for the past 17 years. However, those feelings are tempered by the fact that my successor is Eric Brettschneider, a talented, experienced child welfare professional who I am confident will build on and enhance the success we have enjoyed," said Nicholas Scoppetta.
As one of New York City's most dedicated and effective public servants, Scoppetta has worked under every New York City Mayor since John V. Lindsay, spending nearly five decades in City and Federal government. Currently Chairman of the city's Conflict of Interest Board, Scoppetta served as Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Deputy Mayor and Commissioner of Investigation, and Associate Counsel to the Knapp Commission. In 1996, then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani tapped him to be the City's first Commissioner of the newly formed ACS. Under Scoppetta's leadership, ACS engaged in a comprehensive reform of the City's child welfare system that won praise from national experts.
In 2002 Scoppetta became Fire Commissioner and rebuilt the Department, which had been devastated by the September 11(th) terrorist attacks. Upon his retirement from the FDNY in 2010, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, "Nearly every mayor over the last 50 years has turned to Nick Scoppetta for help – usually to get the City through a crisis. Few ever have served our City so long or so well."
It was during his tenure as ACS Commissioner that Scoppetta founded New Yorkers For Children -- a deeply personal endeavor. As a young child, Scoppetta and his siblings were removed from their home and placed into foster care. Since NYFC's founding, Scoppetta has been committed to connecting with youth in care on a personal level and to guiding NYFC in making a larger impact on the child welfare system by bridging the gap and providing services the government cannot offer. Over the past 17 years, NYFC has distributed over $50 million in funds to youth in care through direct programs, as well as through partnerships with ACS and other youth servicing organizations.
"The honor of serving New Yorkers For Children is magnified by the fact that Nick Scoppetta, a heroic leader, has been its President since NYFC's founding. We will continue the tradition Nick established – empowering the child welfare community," said Brettschneider.
Brettschneider is one of the foremost experts in child welfare. Currently the Chief of Staff and Assistant Commissioner at the New York State Office of Children & Family Services and President of the Viola W. Bernard Foundation, Brettschneider brings over 45 years of experience in both the private and public sectors to the position of President of the Board of Directors at NYFC. He is also a member of the faculty at NYU. Brettschneider entered child welfare and human services in 1967 as a family court intake worker and child care worker, before spending 10 years as Director of The Queens Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (now Safe Space).
In 1980, he joined the New York State Department of Social Services, where he worked on the implementation of the Child Welfare Reform Act. While Deputy Commissioner for The New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA), Brettschneider was instrumental in implementing major advances for Children's Services. He continued his work on behalf of New York City children and their families for almost 20 years as Executive Director of the Agenda for Children Tomorrow. As NYFC President, Brettschneider is committed to furthering the initial goals that led Scoppetta to found NYFC, and continuing his legacy of improving the conditions and futures of youth in foster care in New York City.
ABOUT NEW YORKERS FOR CHILDREN
New Yorkers For Children (NYFC) works in partnership with the Administration for Children's Services to improve the prospects of children supported by the child welfare system and to engage New Yorkers in that effort. With a focus on young people in foster care, NYFC supports programs that promote paths to stable adulthood through education and sustainable relationships with caring adults. Since 1996, NYFC has made a difference in the lives of these youth through college scholarships, impactful programing, skill building opportunities, and the encouragement, guidance, and support that every child deserves. There are almost 13,000 children in foster care in New York City, and NYFC is committed to providing them with the essential tools to become successful, self-sufficient adults. For more information, please visit www.newyorkersforchildren.org
Source: New Yorkers For Children
Press release: PRNewswire
10 June 2013
http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130610-906738.html
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10 JUNE 2013
Save the Children Welcomes Nutrition Breakthrough
Nutrition has been neglected for too long by world leaders. Today's announcement of commitments at the Nutrition for Growth event, which kicks off the 2013 UK G8 period, is a historic breakthrough.
Patricia Erb, Save the Children Canada President and CEO, said:
"This week, a study published in the Lancet medical journal showed that almost half of all preventable child deaths are attributable to malnutrition and it is the leading cause of child death globally. Despite this, until this week, nutrition has been a neglected topic marshalling less than 0.4% of global aid."
"Canada, an early leader in nutrition funding and donor accountability, has today continued its commitment to improving the nutrition and health of children in the global south. "
"If the substantial commitments made today by world leaders, business leaders and civil society are delivered, 2 million more lives will be saved."
"If we are to save the lives of these children, pledges must be delivered on quickly to ensure that programs on the ground can scale up now to help those who need it the most."
For more information or for an interview, broll, case studies and photos contact the undersigned.
For a copy of Save the Children's latest report on malnutrition and its impact on education outcomes and incomes, please visit: http://bit.ly/EVERYONEFoodForThought
Press release: Marketwired
8 June 2013
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1294331
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7 JUNE 2013
GEORGIA, US
Quality Care for Children Iimproves 877-ALL-GA-KIDS Online Search Capabilities for Easier, Better Results
Quality Care for Children (QCC), an Atlanta-based non-profit organization working to improve accessibility and quality of child care programs across Georgia, has made it even easier for families to source the highest quality child care in their area by relaunching 877-ALL-GA-KIDS (877-255-4254) to feature new and better functionality. All parents want to feel confident that their children are in a safe and engaging program, but finding the right one for each individual child is often difficult. QCC helped close to 25,000 families search and choose child care last year, and understands what information parents need when beginning to search for programs that fit their needs.
“Since we launched the database in 2009, technology has changed rapidly and we recognized that our services need to keep pace. Parents expect a quicker, easier search with more information, and the site – while still useful – needed to fit their requirements as well as adapt to the changes in Georgia’s child care environment,” said Pam Tatum, chief executive officer of Quality Care for Children. “With 877-ALL-GA-KIDS’ new capabilities, we are confident that we can align even more families with a high-quality early childhood education experience to ensure that their children receive the best possible start from the earliest age.”
877-ALL-GA-KIDS, the first statewide resource for connecting families to accessible and affordable quality child care in their area, was launched by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department for Early Care and Learning in partnership with Quality Care for Children. Those needing child care, including summer camps or after school programs, can access the free resource by calling 1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS (877-255-4254) and speaking directly with a trained QCC staff member to conduct searches for child care, or visit http://www.AllGaKids.org to conduct the research themselves.
With the recent improvements, ALL-GA-KIDS now has the following new features:
• Searches can be radial or based on a preferred
route, such as on the way to a workplace or another school.
• Parents will always get results and know the impact of their search
criteria since it is a faceted search.
• Up to six programs can be selected for side-by-side comparisons.
• Georgia’s new ranking system is incorporated and will be
available when ratings are made public later this year.
• Data from all three of QCC’s sites: QCCdata.org, AllGaKids.org, and
AllGaCamps.org is automatically synchronized to the site.
• Parents can receive education and other news tailored to their child’s
age from the site.
• AllGaKids.org now is optimized for mobile devices.
More than 470,000 of Georgia’s children under the age of six are in the care of someone other than their parents for as much as 10 hours a day, with the need for more child care spaces growing each year. Finding the best possible start for all of Georgia’s children is critical as the first five years in a child’s life are the most important for brain growth, with 85 percent of their brain developed by age four providing the foundation for children’s future health, academic success, and social and emotional well-being. QCC is determined to deliver the most comprehensive information, as well as tips on selecting a high-quality program, through its 877-ALL-GA-KIDS resource in order to help Georgia’s parents with the important decision of selecting child care.
About Quality Care for Children:
Quality Care for Children (QCC) is Georgia’s leader in equipping parents
and child care providers with the tools they need to receive and provide
high quality, affordable child care so that all children have access to
superior early learning experiences and are ready for school. The
non-profit organization launched 877-ALL-GA-KIDS (877-255-4254) in 2009,
providing Georgians with one source for finding the best quality child
care to fit their needs. 877-ALL-GA-KIDS (877-255-4254) is funded in
part by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and
Learning. Please visit http://www.QualityCareforChildren.org or call
(404) 479-4200 for more information.
Press release: PRWEB Newswire
5 June 2013
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1287916
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5 JUNE 2013
Trauma Common Among Detained Youth
Trauma resulting from past exposure to violence is common among youth in detention, according to a new bulletin released today by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). PTSD, Trauma, and Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders in Detained Youth found a majority of youth in detention previously experienced one or more traumatic events.
The bulletin is the second in OJJDP's series on the findings of the Northwestern Juvenile Project, which analyzes data collected from a randomly selected sample of 1,829 youth arrested and detained in Cook County, Ill., between 1995 and 1998. The project is the first large-scale prospective longitudinal study of psychiatric, substance use and behavioral disorders in juvenile detainees.
Among youth participating in the project, 93 percent reported previous exposure to trauma and 57 percent reported exposure to trauma six or more times. Significantly more males than females reported trauma. Eleven percent of study participants met the diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the past year. Of these youth, more than half reported witnessing violence as the precipitating trauma and 93 percent had at least one additional, or comorbid, psychiatric disorder.
Health News Digest
4 June 2013
http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/Children_s_Health_200/Trauma-Common-Among-Detained-Youth.shtml
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3 JUNE 2013
Benefits of Child Aerobic Exercise
According to a new study, published in the May issue of the journal Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, spending more time in physical education classes helps students develop muscle strength and doesn't increase their risk of broken bones. This is based on data from more than 900 girls and boys at a school in Sweden who had up to 200 minutes of physical education a week for two years, and a control group of students who continued with the standard amount of 60 minutes of physical education each week.
In a journal news release, study author Dr. Bjarne Lofgren, of Lund University in Sweden, commented that the findings “could have important implications on public health guidelines and recommendations for school-based physical activity.” He added, “Regular weight-bearing exercise has been shown to consistently improve bone mass, structure and strength during childhood and adolescence. It can also help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal diseases later on in adult years.” (http://www.healthfinder.gov/News/Article/675806/more-time-in-gym-class-equals-stronger-kids)
With this in mind, Yourwellness Magazine took a closer look at how aerobic exercise can benefit the health of children. Yourwellness Magazine explained, “Childhood obesity is an epidemic in this country, and it’s on the rise, so if you want to protect your child’s wellbeing against this problem, you need to work on their fitness levels. High levels of physical activity should be on the agenda when you’re trying to implement a lifestyle of wellness in your home.”
Yourwellness Magazine outlined some of the health
benefits of aerobic exercise for children:
1. Brain power. Aerobic exercise helps young people to concentrate on
their academics, improve their memory and, as a result, their grades.
2. Self-esteem. Aerobics is said to give people a good feeling about
themselves, reducing stress and depression and boosting confidence.
3. Stronger immunity. Aerobic exercise makes they body more able to
fight diseases, and so children are less prone to cold and allergies.
4. Weight control.
5. Increased blood flow. This helps the child’s blood to transport much
needed oxygen and nutrients to the cells in his or her body, which gives
them more energy.
To find out more, visit the gateway to living well at http://www.yourwellness.com.
Press release
PRWEB UK
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1280313
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