Festival of Cultures

ACPC attended the Festival of Cultures held on Saturday, October 29th. Children and families attended the event at Alexander Central High School. ACPC provided books for children along with a painting activity.

Not Too Early to Think about the Holidays!

Preschool children and their families run, run fast as you can so you can get to the Alexander County Partnership for Children on Saturday December 3rd ,before the Taylorsville parade, or on Monday December 5th to participate in our 1st annual community Gingerbread House Making Party. Come join the fun to create and take home your very own gingerbread house. Hear the story about the gingerbread man that inspired this seasonal tradition.

When: Saturday December 3rd or Monday December 5th
Where: Alexander County Partnership for Children office
Time:10 am- 12 noon

Call 632-3799 or email andrea@alexanderchildren.org to register. Space is limited so don’t miss this wonderful chance to make some family memories while sharing in a tradition that has been part of children’s lives for generations.

ACPC Receives Shape NC Grant

Alexander County Partnership for Children has been selected to implement Shape NC: Healthy Starts for Young Children. Shape NC is a groundbreaking initiative that tackles the childhood obesity epidemic by focusing on young children, from birth through age five, in child care and community settings. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation has partnered with The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc. (NCPC), the organization that oversees Smart Start, to invest $3 million for 30 Smart Start partnerships to administer Shape NC over three years. In this second phase, the program expands to10 Smart Start local partnerships serving Alamance, Alexander, Anson, Carteret, Chatham, Iredell, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell-Yancey, and Wayne counties.

Last year, eight child care programs in Buncombe, Guilford, Onslow, Orange, Randolph, and New Hanover counties as well at the Nash-Edgecombe area and the state’s Western-most counties, launched the program. After the first year, 120 early childhood and other related professionals are more effective at engaging children in physical activities indoors and outdoors, improving activity levels for 600 children birth through 5. Through Shape NC, Alexander County Partnership for Children will provide nutrition and physical activity programs to over 500 children in Alexander County.

Susan Cogdill, Executive Director of the Alexander County Partnership for Children, shared “Alexander County young children will be the recipients of this wonderful opportunity. Shape NC gives Alexander County the initiative to focus on keeping our children fit and healthy as we work to prevent childhood obesity. Alexander County cares about young children and Shape NC will give us a chance to collaborate with community partners to make a deep impact at the local level”.

North Carolina has the 11th highest childhood obesity rate (18.6%) in the nation, according to a 2011 report by the Trust for America’s Health. Shape NC seeks to create a replicable, sustainable statewide early childhood model to reduce obesity rates among young children by improving their daily nutrition and physical activity as well as their outdoor environments in child care and the community in general.

“From Cherokee County to Edgecombe County, local child care programs will become the centers to help bring the benefits of nutritious foods, physical activity and healthy living to children, their families and teachers,” said Kathy Higgins, BCBSNC Foundation president. “The expansion to include these ten communities continues our progress at addressing the childhood obesity epidemic.”

For more information about Shape NC or other Smart Start programs, visit www.smartstart.org or contact your local Smart Start partnership. Alexander County Partnership for Children is funded by Smart Start and United Way of Alexander County.

Birth to Four Screening is Planned

On October 31, 2011 Alexander County Schools in conjunction with the Children's Developmental Services Agency and the Alexander County Partnership for Children is sponsoring a FREE screening event for children birth to four years age. Any child age zero to four years of age is invited to participate in this event. Services available include developmental, hearing and vision screenings, fingerprinting, car seat inspections, plus much more. Call the partnership at 632-3799 to get started with the registration process!

Maggie Breden Taylor Joins ACPC Staff

Maggie Breden Taylor, RNC has joined Alexander County Partnership for Children as the Child Care Health Consultant (CCHC). Maggie has over 20+ years of successful experience in various health care settings including working in pediatric care, occupational health, and nursing instruction. Maggie was honored with the Order of the Long Leaf by the governor of North Carolina for initiating an “Action for Children” program in Charlotte.

The CCHC is a vital link between the children in child care and preschools, parents, providers, and community resources. Maggie will be working with child care facilities in addressing health and safety environmental needs as well as specific health needs of young children. Services will include: on-site consultations, immunization record reviews, and health and safety related educational opportunities for child care providers. Assistance with referrals to the children’s medical home and other services including Children's Developmental Services Agency (CDSA) or Exceptional Children’s Program may occur as needed.

Susan Cogdill, Executive Director of Alexander County Partnership for Children, commented, “Maggie brings a high level of enthusiasm and experience to the Partnership For Children. Her commitment to Alexander County and to children is contagious!

The PreK Roundup is Coming

The Pre-K Roundup is returning on Tuesday, October 18th from 6:30 to 8:30pm at Varsity Gym-Alexander Central High School. Children who will be entering Kindergarten in August 2012 and their families are invited to attend. This is a drop-in event. The Pre-K Roundup is an opportunity for children and families to become acquainted with representatives from their school including teachers and other staff and make connections that will make an easier transition to Kindergarten for children.
Also participating in the Pre-K Roundup will be representatives from after-school care, the Exceptional Children’s Department, and other school programs. Children will have the opportunity to ride a school bus. The first seventy-five children in attendance will receive a Kindergarten Transition backpack. Each child attending will receive a book from the Ready Schools Committee. You will not want to miss this exciting opportunity being hosted by the Ready Schools Committee along with the Alexander County Schools and the Alexander County Partnership for Children.

Play to Learn Returns!!!

Back by popular demand is the Alexander County Partnership for Children’s Play to Learn group for parents and children. Play to Learn will begin October 13th and will be held at Alexander County Partnership for Children. The parent and child playgroup will meet the second Thursday of each month from 10am to 11:30am and is designed for children ages two, three, and four. Registration is currently being conducted for this FREE program. Interested parents are asked to register by calling the 828-632-3799 to receive a registration form or by emailing info@alexanderchildren.org.

Activities will be based on the Creative Curriculum for the children and help parents/caregivers by providing age appropriate adult/child interactions through play. Children will be introduced to visual arts, creative drama, creative movement, and music with a literacy enhancement component. Sessions will include themes that allow children to receive take home materials to extend the session into their home with parental support.

Participants will also have the opportunity to check out for take home use educational toys and learning materials from the Lending Library. The Lending Library contains thousands of exciting materials for children including puzzles, books, manipulatives, blocks, musical instruments, puppets, CDs to name a few.

You will not want to miss this exciting learning opportunity for children! Space is limited so sign up today. Children must be accompanied by an adult (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, and caregiver).

ACPC Is Fueling Good!

ACPC has entered the Fueling Good contest by CITGO. Help support Alexander County Partnership for Children (ACPC). Participate in this campaign which would allow ACPC to receive up to $5,000 in gas for participants of The Nurturing Program- a 16 week program that helps adults learn to parent with empathy and positive discipline. Fueling Good will assist parents with the cost of getting to and from class which can often be a barrier to participation.

Voting begins September 29th and ends on October 27th! Please vote daily for ACPC and The Nurturing Program. Voting may take place from one email account daily. Show you support of our Alexander County families and ACPC by voting. Share this information with all your friends and families to help us make this funding a reality!!!
www.fuelinggood.com/rewardinggood?id=838492

Child Passenger Safety Week Observed

Child Passenger Safety Week is September 18-24, 2011 and is celebrated every year to remind parents and other caregivers of the need to keep children of all ages properly restrained in the seat that meets their weight and height requirements.
• Children grow at different rates and restraints should be checked frequently to ensure safety.
• Families are urged to have their child seat checked to be sure they are using the right restraint: a car seat, booster seat or seat belt. When it comes to the safety of a child, there is no room for mistakes.
• Make sure you are securing your children correctly.
Parents and caregivers should follow a few basic guidelines to determine which restraint system is best suited to protect their children in a vehicle.

Top Child Passenger Safety Tips
• For the best possible protection keep infants in a back seat, in rear-facing child safety seats, as long as possible—up to the height or weight limit of the particular seat. Never turn a child forward-facing before age 1 and at least 20 pounds, although keeping kids rear-facing until at least age 2 is safer and preferred if the seat allows.
• When children outgrow their rear-facing seats, they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in a back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular harnessed seat. Many newer seats exceed the old 40 pound weight limit.
• Once children outgrow their forward-facing seats, they should ride in booster seats, in the back seat, until the vehicle seat belts fit properly.
• Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt rests on the shoulder or collar bone (usually when the child is between 8 and 12 years old, approximately 4’9” tall and 80 to 100 pounds)

For more information on child passenger safety visit the Alexander County Partnership for Children at 1565 NC Highway 90 West, Taylorsville-one mile past Food Lion on the left. Car seat inspections are conducted by appointment. Call 632-3799 to make an appointment for your child. Alexander County Partnership for Children is a United Way agency.

Andrea Little Joins Staff

Andrea Lail Little has joined ACPC as the new Child Development Specialist. A native of Hickory, Andrea is no stranger to Alexander County. From 2006 to 20008 she was employed by Alexander County Schools as an Exceptional Children’s Preschool teacher at Alexander County Head Start. For the past three years she has worked as a Preschool teacher in a NCPK, formerly More at Four, classroom at Jenkins Elementary in Hickory. Additional work experience includes assistant director in after-school program, summer camp counselor and teacher assistant in a preschool program.

Andrea is primarily responsible for the Partnership’s goal of increasing the quality of child care in Alexander County. Job responsibilities focus on the child care related components of grant funds through Smart Start, the Division of Child Development, and other sources. She serves as the primary CCR&R liaison with the child care community by providing technical assistance, consultation and child care provider trainings.

Welcome Andrea!!!

Outgoing Board Members Honored

Alexander County Partnership for Children recently held their annual meeting. Outgoing board members honored were Kay Hamby from Alexander County Department of Social Services and ACPC secretary along with Deborah Ferguson from Alexander County Head Start and ACPC treasurer. ACPC is an Alexander County nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure that Alexander County children enter school healthy and ready to succeed. Funding for ACPC is provided by Smart Start, NCPK, United Way, and private donations. The partnership serves children birth to five, their families, and child care facilities.

More at Four Now NCPK

During the recent North Carolina General Assembly session the Division of Child Development and Early Education was designated as the lead agency for North Carolina’s prekindergarten program (formerly known as More at Four). The program was renamed NC Prekindergarten Program (NCPK) with changes being effective July 1, 2011.

Pre-kindergarten is a research-proven strategy for school readiness. Parents can have the greatest impact on a child’s school readiness as the first and most consistent teacher in a child’s life. Children will make the most progress when parents are involved.

The NCPK continues to be a high quality prekindergarten program with high program standards, teacher education standards, and local administration and eligibility determination. In Alexander County the Alexander County Partnership will continue to administer the program now known as NCPK. Alexander County currently has 105 NCPK slots, housed in both private child care centers and Alexander Head Start.

Applications for the NCPK Program are now available. NCPK is designed to provide quality educational experiences in order to enhance kindergarten readiness for four-year-olds. The program is community-based, voluntary and designed to prepare four-year-olds in North Carolina for success in school.

For families who have submitted an application to the More at Four program that application is now being considered for eligibility in the NCPK program. A new application is not necessary.

If you child turns 4 by August 31, 2011 he or she may be eligible for the program. If you have concerns about your child’s development he or she may be eligible for the program. For more information, or to get an application, e-mail Susan Cogdill at susan@alexanderchildren.org or call 632-3799, extension 12. Applications are available at Alexander County Partnership for Children, 1565 NC Highway 90 West, Taylorsville and the website www.alexanderchildren.org.

Sandy's Day Care and Read 100

Children from Sandy’s Day Care Home who participated in READ 100 include Evie Teague whose guardian is Arlie Mast, Ava and Laina Keith, daughter of Jennifer and Ron Keith sitting with Sandy Herman, owner operator of Sandy’s Day Care Home. Not pictured Julio Sosa, grandson of Trinidad and Deborah Corales.

All God's Children FCCH and Read 100

Children from All God’s Children who participated in READ 100 include Meredith Wike, daughter of Brooke and Fred Wike; Samantha Snyder, daughter of Traci and Dennis Snyder; Leah Cronan, daughter of Liz and Scott Cronan; Caden Cox, son of Lindsay and Derek Cox; Mrs. Sheri Hamrick, owner and operator of All God’s Children Child Care Home, who is holding Layla Geiger, daughter of Tara and Robert Geiger. Not pictured: Katelyn Richards, daughter of Melissa and Dustin Richards.

100 Books are Read by Children!

Family Child Care Homes in Alexander County recently participated in “READ 100” which was designed to extend the love of reading into the child’s home. This program is designed to assist children and families as they develop a love of reading. ACPC acquired books specifically for “READ 100”. Books were divided into reading collections. FCCHs checked out the collections-one collection at a time. Spanish books were also be available.

With the collection in hand each child was given a book to take home. The parent read the book to the child and signed off the child’s reading log. The book was returned to the FCCH and thus the exchange began when another book is sent home.

“READ 100” children and their families read 100 books by June 15th. Children had approximately 20+ weeks to complete the program. Children who successfully completed the program were recognized with a certificate and also received a book. FCCHs who had three or more children completing the “READ 100” program received a book collection for their FCCH.

Join Us For "Sock It To Me Wednesday"

“Sock It To Me” Wed is coming to Alexander County Partnership for Children on June 22nd from 10am until Noon. The Partnership for Children has received a donation of over 600 pairs of socks including socks for men, women, and children. Bring a bag and pick out free socks-limit 7 pairs per person (socks for a week)!. Supplies are limited and available on a first come first serve basis

Reader Roo Visits Spring Fling!

Children had the opportunity to meet Reader Roo at the Spring Fling on May 2th hosted by the Alexander County Partnership for Children at Matheson Park. Assisting in the event were community agencies who provided fun filled activities for children and families. UNC-TV sponsored Reader Roo and provided free books to children.

Executive Director Completes Duke Nonprofit Management Certificate

Susan Cogdill, Executive Director of the Alexander County Partnership for Children, was recently awarded the Duke Certificate in Nonprofit Management. This distinction is given to an elite group of professionals from North Carolina and throughout the country- who made a commitment to gain new skills and knowledge essential to the nonprofit sector.

Nonprofit organizations provide vital services that markedly contribute to the health of communities. The goal of the Duke Nonprofit Management Program is to ensure that these vital services continue to grow in scope and quality. The Program has proven that pursuit of the Certificate results in better-managed nonprofits that translate into more vigorous communities.
Fundamental organizational and management principles can be used by leaders in the nonprofit sector to strengthen both their systems and service delivery. The Nonprofit Management Program provides educational opportunities to people working in and with the nonprofit arena, whether they are paid staff, directors, board members, philanthropists or volunteers. It integrates Duke University’s commitment to academic excellence with the practical wisdom of the instructors and the realistic work experience of the participants.

Mrs. Cogdill has worked in the nonprofit sector for 33 years including over two years with the Alexander County Partnership for Children a local nonprofit that receives funding from Smart Start, More at Four, United Way, Division of Child Development, foundations and local donations.

It is Time for Spring Fling!!!!

The Alexander County Partnership for Children will be holding their annual Spring Fling on Thursday, May 26, at Matheson Park from 3:30 PM until 6:00 PM. This event will be full of fun activities and games for all children. This will be a great way to welcome summer for your children and to spend quality time with your family. There will be lots of information available from local agencies and it should be a great evening for all who attend.

Join Us April 11th!

Week of the Young Child is a national celebration April 11-15 and is held each year to honor young children and thank teachers and all those who make a difference in young children’s lives. Alexander County Partnership for Children will hold a Week of the Young Child Kick Off and Open House Breakfast April 11th from 7:30am to 9am. Stop by and view children’s art work, book projects and recycled art.

Is Your Car Seat Properly Installed?

9 out of 10 car seats are improperly installed. Could yours be one of them? Come talk with a certified technician to learn more about safely installing your seat every time. Stop by the Alexander County Partnership for Children on Mon, April 11th
from 2pm to 4pm to have a certified technician check your child’s seat. Appointments are available at other times. Call 632-3799 Extension 11 for more information.

Come Read With Rudy!!!

In recognition of Week of the Young Child come join the Alexander County Partnership for Children on Wednesday, April 13th from 12:15pm to 1:15pm for Reading with Rudy at Matheson Park, Taylorsville. Children can come and listen to stories, receive a take home book, and learn about Rudy a certified Therapy Dog through Therapy Dogs International. Rudy is a Tail Waggin' Tutor at the Alexander County Public Library and is owned by Susan Cogdill, Executive Director of the Alexander County Partnership for Children.

Celebrate Week of the Young Child!!!

Week of the Young Child is a national celebration April 11-15. Week of the Young Child is held each year to honor young children and thank teachers and all those who make a difference in young children’s lives. Alexander County Partnership for Children will hold a Week of the Young Child Kick Off and Open House Breakfast April 11th from 7:30am to 9am. Stop by and view children’s art work, book projects and recycled art.

Other special activities for this week include:
Monday, April 11
Car Seat Check
ACPC
2pm to 4pm
Car seats that are inappropriate will be replaced. No appointment needed.
April 12
Story Hour at Library with Ms. Mel
10am
Children attending will receive a free book to take home and read.
April 13
Reading With Rudy
Matheson Park
12:15-1:15
Join Rudy, the Black Lab from the Alexander County Public Library’s "Reading with Rudy", under the canopy at the park. Children attending will receive a free book to take home and read.
April 14
Spring Art Extravaganza
ACPC
10:30-Noon
Parents, grandparents and children are invited to attend an art session designed with the child in mind. Children will participate in art projects to take home.
April 15
Story Hour at Library
10am
Children attending will receive a free book to take home and read.

"Stewards For Children" Community Program

As part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, April 2011, Alexander County Partnership for Children is presenting
“Stewards of Children”- A program to empower Alexander County in the prevention of child sexual abuse.

“Stewards of Children” is proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes and change child-protective behaviors. This revolutionary program is for any responsible adult who cares about the welfare of children including sports leagues, child care centers, after school programs, children’s clubs, church groups and more. Parents will also benefit from the program. Join us and learn:
• Facts about the problem of child sexual abuse
• The types of situations in which child sexual abuse might occur
• Simple, effective strategies for protecting children from sexual abuse
• The importance of talking about the prevention of sexual abuse with children and other adults
• Plus much, much more!

This powerful program will be presented on Thursday, April 28, 2011, 10:30am to 2pm at Taylorsville Presbyterian Fellowship Hall with lunch included and Thursday, April 28, 2011, 5:30pm to 9pm at Alexander Head Start with dinner included and child care available.

The real prevalence of child sexual abuse is not known because so many victims do not disclose or report their abuse. Researchers have suggested rates varying from 1% to 35%. Most professionals in the field of abuse use rates from 8% to 20%. Even if the true prevalence of child sexual abuse is not known, most will agree that there will be 500,000 babies born in the US this year that will be sexually abused before they turn 18 if we do not prevent it-1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls will be abused before their 18th birthdays.

Adult retrospective studies show that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men were sexually abused before the age of 18 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006). This means there are more than 42 million adult survivors of child sexual abuse in the U.S.

The primary reason that the public is not sufficiently aware of child sexual abuse as a problem is that 73% of child victims do not tell anyone about the abuse for at least a year. 45% of victims do not tell anyone for at least 5 years. Some never disclose (Smith et al., 2000; Broman-Fulks et al., 2007).
Think about it – attend “Stewards of Children” and in just 3 hours, you’ll have the information you need to better protect every child you know including your own. How can you say no? Sign up today! Space is limited and is available on a first come first serve basis.

1,002 Pledges Presented!

An Alexander County delegation traveled to Raleigh on March 23rd to meet with local legislators to discuss the importance of services for young children. Pictured are L-R Bonnie Canter, Director of Millersville Child Development Center; Kim Draughn, Director of Lulus Child Enrichment Center; Representative Mark Hollo; and Dale Clary, General Manager of Carris Reels and Board Chair of the Alexander County Partnership for Children. Not pictured Susan Cogdill, Executive Director of Alexander County Partnership for Children. 1,002 people who work & live in Alexander Co signed the Pledge to Protect the Children. This pledge acknowledges that communities thrive when children thrive. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, ministers, business professionals, doctors, social workers, nurses, and retirees are just a few of the folks who took the time to say children are important in Alexander County. This effort was led by the Alexander County Partnership for Children Board of Directors and assisted by the Chamber of Commerce. Signed pledges were presented to Representative Mark Hollo and Senator Dan Soucek. Alexander County Partnership for Children is a United Way agency.

Is It Time to Say "Good- Bye Diapers"

Thinking about saying good-bye to diapers for your child? Confused about how to begin the potty training process? It’s very difficult to go through the entire process of potty training without frustration or stress!

Alexander County Partnership for Children (ACPC) is once again providing a Potty Training 101 class for parents to help you in the process. Potty Training 101 is your resource for information on potty training toddlers, potty training readiness, potty training regression, and related information to assist you in successfully toilet training toddlers when they’re ready. Between the ages of 18 and 30 months, a child begins to show the readiness signs for potty training.

Potty Training 101 will be held on March 17th, 6pm at the ACPC office, 1565 NC Highway 90 West, Taylorsville-one mile past Food Lion. Come learn practical information, and proven techniques to ensure the best toilet-training experience for children and parents. Class will be taught by Tiffany Shumate CCR&R. Call Tiffany at 632-3799 extension 15 to register for this class or email tiffany@alexanderchildren.org. Child care can be made available upon request and no later than two days before the class.

More At Four Applications Available

Applications for the More at Four Pre-Kindergarten Program are now available. The More at Four program is designed to provide quality educational experiences in order to enhance kindergarten readiness for four-year-olds who are at-risk of school failure. The program is community-based, voluntary, free to participants, and designed to prepare at-risk four-year-olds in North Carolina for success in school.

Alexander County currently has 119 More at Four slots, housed in both private child care centers and Alexander Head Start. For more information, or to get an application, e-mail Susan Cogdill at susan@alexanderchildren.org or call 632-3799, extension 12. Applications are available at Alexander County Partnership for Children, 1565 NC Highway 90 West, Taylorsville and oour website www.alexanderchildren.org.

If you are concerned about your child’s readiness for Kindergarten, More at Four encourages you to complete an application. Children who are not currently enrolled in a child care program are prioritized. Your child must turn 4 on or before August 31, 2011 in order to be eligible. Eligibility is also based on income.

The application deadline is May 2, 2011 and must be received by the Alexander County Partnership for Children. Send to P.O. Box 1661, Taylorsville, NC 28681 or deliver to the ACPC office at 1565 NC Highway 90 West, Taylorsville on or before May 2nd in order to be eligible for one of the slots. Applications received after that day will be considered only when there are openings. More at Four classrooms operate on the school calendar. All More at Four services are free. Transportation is not provided.

Prevent Burns

Did you know that young children’s skin is thinner than older children and adults, and their skin burns at lower temperatures and more deeply?

Since burns are recognized as one of the most painful and devastating injuries a person can sustain and survive, we want to arm you with the tools to keep your children safe from this devastating injury.

• A scald is a burn from hot liquid or steam.
• 60% of all scald injuries are to children ages 0-4.
• The most common places children experience scalds are in the kitchen or dining rooms and in the bathrooms.
• The maximum recommended residential water temperature is 120˚F (48˚C).

It is important to remember that children, especially those ages 4 and under, may not perceive danger, have less control of their environment, may lack the ability to escape a life-threatening burn situation and may not be able to tolerate the physical stress of a burn injury.
Top tips to keep your kids safe around the house.

KITCHEN AND HOT FOOD
• Keep children at least 3 feet from hot appliances, pots, pans or food.
• Use spill-resistant mugs when drinking hot liquids around children.
• Avoid using tablecloths or anything a child can pull on and cause hot food to spill.
• When cooking, use back burners and keep pot handles turned towards the back of the stove.
• Always tuck cords from appliances where children cannot reach them.
• Never hold a child when cooking something hot.
• Test and stir all food before serving children to make sure it is cool enough to eat.
• Supervise children closely when they are in or near the kitchen.
BATHROOM
• Always test the bath water with your hand before bathing children.
• When children are in or near the bath, watch them closely checking the water temperature frequently.
• If you are unable to control the temperature that comes out of your faucet, install special tub spouts or shower heads that can shut off the flow of water when it gets too hot.

Information from SafeKids http://www.safekids.org.

Learn How to Prevent Poisoning

Every 30 seconds a child is poisoned in the United States. Many well-meaning adults fail to recognize how toxic certain substances can be and have them in child accessible places. Every parent needs to practice Poison Prevention! Come join other parents on February 24th from 6pm to 7pm at ACPC and learn more about this important topic. Child care is available upon request. Call Tiffany at 632-3799 to register for this important Parent Education Session.

Family and Friends CPR Now Available

Family and Friends CPR classes are now being offered by Alexander County Partnership for Children. Family and Friends CPR is an instructional class on how to give CPR to an adult, child or infant. This program was created for anyone who wants to learn CPR and does not need a completion card. You will learn CPR basics and have a chance to practice those skills. Because of the nature of our funding, this class is only provided for people who have children ages 0-5 years of age.

This class is approx. 2 ½ hrs long and will be on March 3rd at 9am- Alexander County Partnership for Children, Highway 90 West Taylorsville. For more information please contact Tiffany Shumate at 632-3799 ext. 15. Registration is required. Alexander County Partnership for Children is a United Way agency.

Keep Children Riding Safe

Is YOUR CHILD riding safe? Nearly 73% of child restraints are not installed or used correctly. The Alexander County Partnership for Children will be offering free car seat inspections and installations Friday, March 4, 2011 from 11:00am – 1:00pm in the parking lot of Community One Bank in Taylorsville. Please stop by and let a certified child passenger safety technician inspect your child’s seat.

If you are unable to attend this event, but would like to have your child’s seat inspected please call the Alexander County Partnership for Children at 828-632-3799 to schedule an appointment. The Alexander County Partnership for Children, a United Way agency, is a Permanent Checking Station and Buckle-Up site.

January Filled with Activities

The Partnership for Children is planning new and exciting activities for 2011. Our January calendar is filled with activities for parents and children. To register for sessions call Tiffany at 632-3799, extension 15 or by email at tiffany@alexanderchildren.org. All sessions are FREE! Alexander County Partnership for Children is located one mile past Food Lion at 1565 NC Highway 90 West, Taylorsville.

PLAY TO LEARN
Mt. Wesley Wesleyan Church
Tuesdays Beginning January 4, 2011
10am to Noon
or
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church
Wednesdays Beginning January 5, 2011
10am to Noon
Come join other parents and their preschoolers in fun age appropriate play activities. Information is provided on child development, community resources, and ideas for activities that can be used at home. Children are introduced to visual arts, creative drama, creative movement, and music with a literacy enhancement component all through play! Choose the site that is most convenient for you.

FANTASTIC FAMILY ROOM
Tuesdays and Thursdays Beginning January 4, 2011
9:30am to 11:30am
Alexander County Partnership for Children
Have you ever wished for a place for you and your child to go to meet other children and their families? Would you like for your child to have new and different educational toys to play with? This room is designed with the parent and the preschool child in mind. Children can play independently or play together with educational toys that are rotated on a weekly basis. With the colder weather this is a great place to bring your child for a few minutes or stay the entire time. Children birth to five and their families are welcome!

POTTY TRAINING 101
January 13, 2011
6:00pm-7:30pm
Alexander County Partnership for Children
This session is a must for all parents who need assistance in teaching potty training! Come learn practical information and proven techniques to ensure the best potty training experience for you and your child. Child care is available upon request

FAMILY and FRIENDS CPR
January 25, 2011
9:30am-11:30am
Alexander County Partnership for Children
Knowing CPR can mean the difference between life and death in many instances. This session is designed for parents, grandparents and family members who care for young children. The Family and Friends CPR program contains information on how to perform CPR in adults, children or infants and how to help an adult, child, or infant who is choking. This course is designed for family members, friends and members of the general community who care for children and want to learn CPR but do not need a course completion card.


“Be My Valentine” Workshop
January 27, 2011
10am to 11:30am
Alexander County Partnership for Children
Would you like for your child to show others how much he/she cares with handmade Valentines? This class will give children and adults a chance to work together to make original creations to take home and share with those they love! All materials are provided free by the Partnership for Children.

PARENTS SUPPORTING PARENTS
January 31, 2011
6:00pm to 7:00pm
Alexander County Partnership for Children
This meeting is for parents of children with special needs. If you are a parent or guardian of a child with special needs please make plans to join us. Our program will include information meeting the needs of your child. Child care is available upon request.

"Read 100" Comes to Alexander County!

Alexander County Partnership for Children is pleased to announce a book exchange program designed specifically for our Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs)- “READ 100”. All licensed FCCHs who participate in ACPC trainings and are registered with ACPC (though a yearly licensing agreement) are eligible to participate.

ACPC recognizes that FCCHs are already doing a wonderful job reading to children. READ 100 will extend reading into the child’s home. This program is designed to assist children and families as they develop a love of reading.
ACPC has acquired books specifically for “READ 100”. Books are divided into reading collections. FCCHs will be able to check out the collections-one collection at a time. Spanish books will also be available.

With the collection in hand each child will be given a book to take home. The parent will then read the book to the child and sign off the child’s reading log. The book will then be returned to the FCCH and thus the exchange will begin when another book is sent home.

“READ 100” is designed to have children and their families read 100 books by June 15th. Children will have approximately 20+ weeks to complete the program. Children who successfully complete the program will be recognized with a certificate along with their photo with you in the paper. FCCHs with three or more children completing the “READ 100” program will receive a book collection for their FCCH.
This is an great program and ACPC is excited to offer “READ 100” to our FCCHs!