Teaching ToleranceI write a column, with Katherine Sand, every other week in the Aspen Daily News. I thought this one, from November 4, would be a good one to share with you as well. Enjoy.
Kids First just hosted our annual in-service training for all the childcare program staff in Pitkin County. Everyone successfully zoomed into the meeting, and we loved hearing Dr. Rosemarie Allen share information about implicit bias, micro aggressions, white spaces, and how we look at ourselves and our classrooms with new insight. Teachers and parents have a role that sometimes puts them in the middle of uncomfortable conversations, but this role requires us to put our comforts second to those of the children.
There are so many issues that all of us are trying to understand, and children have questions. They notice things about everyone, from the color of someone’s skin and hair, age, height and weight, gender differences and similarities, or people with different abilities. What do we want our children to understand, and how do we want to help them stay observant, and kind, and respectful, as they grow and continue to find their place in the world?
We would share that the first responsibility is to honor each child; their identity, their name, the person that they are. If we could all accept each other as we are, modeling this for our children and each other, they will see that. Children will see if when we do it right, and when we mess it up. They also see us when we correct ourselves, offer an apology, and keep trying to get it right. They see us when we ask someone new how to pronounce their name correctly – that is, the way they would like their name pronounced. They see us when we ask a friend how they identify whether that is their ethnicity or their gender identity. Just between us, if we guess because we think we know someone, there’s a strong chance we will get it wrong. Also, if someone asks you how you identify yourself, that is awesome! Thank them for asking, then tell them how you identify yourself.
Tolerance is surely an imperfect term, yet the English language offers no single word that embraces the broad range of skills we need to live together peacefully. Tolerance is harmony in difference. Tolerance is closely linked to the development of empathy, and resilience in young children. There are some excellent resources that give us words to use to practice anti-bias and social justice. Kids First has started a site, called a padlet, that has links to videos and documents, check it out here: https://padlet.com/kidsfirstaspen/yoqa57gdctxqc35w.
It’s never too early to talk with children about bias and race. Did you know babies as young as 3 months look more at faces that match the race of their caregivers? By age 2 children use race to reason about people’s behaviors, soon after that they use race to choose playmates. Likewise, it’s never too late to start that conversation. You can share something you’ve recently learned or experienced with an older child; they might share an experience they’ve had with you.
We think working together to build a world for our children that is more inclusive and just, is worth being uncomfortable. It will take all of us, and we can learn this together. Don’t look away.
Shirley
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Join the discussion!Colorado is developing a universal preschool system, that is available to all 4 year-old children. State leadership is holding virtual community listening sessions, and I think your voice should be heard on this. Please join us for a regional discussion with the Colorado Children’s Campaign and the Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Council, to talk about the Future of Preschool Funding. Feel free to share with your networks and with anyone who would like to attend!
To register, click the link below.
This virtual meeting is set for Tuesday, December 8, from 5:30 to 7:00pm. This is an evening session so that families and people working in early childhood may more easily participate. I hope to see you there.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpdemoqDopG9d7p04rm5G38i2qtGqU6255
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Ask A Nurse
It’s not too late to get your flu shot! The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the flu shot every year. Test your knowledge by reviewing these common myths...
Myth 1 – The flu shot will give me the flu.
Flu shots are made either with a flu virus that has been killed or using only a single gene from a flu virus that cannot cause an infection. Reactions including soreness, redness, swelling and occasionally low-grade fever and aches can occur, but this is not the flu. If this happens to you after the flu shot, it is one way your immune system may respond to the vaccine as it creates antibodies to protect you.
Myth 2 – It’s better to just get the flu.
Flu can be a serious disease, especially among young children, older adults, and people with certain chronic conditions.
Myth 3 – The flu shot doesn’t work.
Effectiveness varies from season to season and can depend on whether the vaccine components are well-matched to the circulating strains. Influenza can quickly become a severe illness and lead to hospitalization. Even when the vaccine doesn’t prevent the infection, it can help reduce the severity of the disease. For example, one study showed that even in a season where vaccine effectiveness is only 20%, influenza immunization can prevent 130,000 hospitalizations and 62,000 deaths.
Myth 4 – It’s too late to get vaccinated after the end of November.
Vaccination can still be beneficial as long as flu viruses are circulating. Influenza season most frequently peaks in February but is different every year. So keep vaccinating through December, January and February or as long as you have available vaccine. Even after the peak, the virus is still circulating, and a vaccine can protect those who have not yet had it.
Myth 5 – I should wait to get vaccinated, so my immunity lasts through the end of the season.
Published studies suggest that immunity lasts through a full flu season for most people.
Myth 6 – The flu shot is not needed every year.
Immunity only lasts for a flu season and the 4 strains (2 of type A and 2 of type B) may change year to year depending on recommendations from the CDC.
Myth 7 – The flu vaccine will protect me against COVID-19.
Getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, however flu vaccination has many other important benefits. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization and death. Getting a flu vaccine this fall will be more important than ever, not only to reduce your risk from flu but also to help conserve potentially scarce health care resources.
Myth 8 - COVID-19 is more dangerous than flu, so I don’t need my flu shot.
Flu and COVID-19 can both result in serious illness, including illness resulting in hospitalization or death. It is important to still get vaccinated against influenza. Flu can be a serious disease, especially among young children, older adults and people with certain chronic conditions.
This year more than ever it is important to get a flu vaccine!
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Robin Strecker RN
Child Care Health Consultant
Kids First
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The Family Visitor Programs is crafting and sharing success.
BIG SUCCESS:
Family Visitor Programs is excited to announce that we had our first ever virtual graduation Wednesday October 28th. We are so thankful to our families that have stayed connected with us virtually since March.
FUN CRAFT:
Here is a fun craft to do with you little one this fall indoors:
Turkey Foot/Hand Prints
Supplies needed:
Paint: Brown, Orange, Yellow, Red (We use Crayola washable paint)
Paper: White, Orange, Red
How to do the craft:
Paint babies feet brown and toes orange. Make two footprints. Cut these out and set aside.
Paint one of babies hands yellow and make a handprint. Cut and set aside.
Paint one of babies hands red and make a handprint. Cut and set aside.
Wash and paint one of babies hands red. Make a handprint. Cut and set aside.
Use orange paper to cut out beak and red paper to cut out gobble.
Tape everything together to make your cute turkey!
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Haile Martinez, MSN , RN
Nurse Family Partnership Supervisor
Family Visitor Programs
970-319-9620
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Coaching Corner
Sharing great resources!!!
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A huge shout out to our early childcare field!
Early Childhood Network would like to take this time to thank our childcare centers directors, teachers, support staff and our family childcare providers. During this pandemic, when childcare and public health regulations and recommendations are constantly changing to minimize health concerns in Colorado, our providers are hanging in there. Early childcare staff literally don’t know if their classroom will be open from one day to the other. Their flexibility and willingness to adapt blows me away.
I am not, by any means, indicating that childcare personnel are not struggling with all the uncertainties this pandemic has to offer but simply said, our early childcare workforce is putting what is best for children and families first.
Early childcare workforce, we are blessed to have you. We are fortunate to have lots of local resources to help you with whatever you may need to stay healthy financially, physically and mentally. Feel free to reach out to Early Childhood Network, Kids First, Early Childhood Partners or the Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Council if you need guidance with who to approach in your time of need. As well as looking out for our little ones, PLEASE take care of yourselves and your families.
We appreciate you!
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Early Intervention
Early Intervention is federally funded, state run program. Early Intervention is a support for all families whose child may need developmental supports (physically, cognitive, social and emotional, adaptive and communication) or who are categorically eligible. These supports are provided in the home for children aged 0-3 years. eicolorado.org
Making a referral for Early Intervention can be completed by anyone. This includes the parents, doctors, teachers and caregivers who have concerns for the child. A referral can be made by downloading and sharing with the local Community Centered Board (CCB).
Download the referral form.
Or calling the numbers below
A referral can be made directly to the local CCB or by calling 1.888.777.4041
In Colorado our local CCB is Mountain Valley Developmental Services.
CCB Name CCB Contacts
Mountain Valley Developmental Services Program and Referral Contact
Sarah Brotherson
P O Box 338, 700 Mt. Sopris Drive
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
Office: 970-230-9822
Fax: 970-945-6469
sarahbrotherson@mtnvalley.org
http://www.mtnvalley.org
If you have questions about a child's development, an evaluation can be accessed at any time to determine whether the child may benefit from services offered through the Early Intervention program. A referral can be made directly to the local Community Centered Board or by calling 1.888.777.4041
Eagle County: Daniela Melgarejo Phone: (970) 328-3750 daniela.melgarejo@eagleschools.net
Lake County: Kelly Horning: Phone: (719) 486-6920
Aspen: Caitlin Hawk 970-925-3760 ex 5005
Roaring Fork School District: Jocelyn Koenigsknecht (701) 212-5316
Garfield County (Rifle - New Castle) Deborah Ghan 970-319-7644 dghan@garfieldre2.net
Renee Giles - Casper
Service Coordinator
Mountain Valley Developmental Services
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Raising a Reader offering literacy supportAre you a teacher or childcare provider looking at ways to add more literacy resources to your toolkit? Would you like provide your families with a rotating library of high-quality, age-appropriate storybooks? Raising A Reader Aspen to Parachute would love to hear from you to learn how we might help support your early literacy efforts during these challenging times. Please send us an email at iliana@rar4kids.org.
Iliana Renteria Bernal
Associate Director
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Edwards Early Learning CenterEagle County Schools (ECS) is excited to announce the Edwards Early Learning Center renovation is completed and ECS now has a facility dedicated to serving children birth to five years old. With this renovation ECS was able to add 30 Preschool, 8 Toddler and 8 Infant spots bringing the number of children and families that can be served by ECS Early Childhood Department to 446. The facility also provides meeting spaces for community organizations and we are excited to currently be partnering with Early Childhood Partners to offer parenting classes and Hearts Reign providing Mental Health support to families. We would like to thank Eagle County Schools Leadership and Board of Education for this investment in Eagle County's Early Childhood System.
Shelley Smith M.Ed
Director Early Childhood Programs
Eagle County School District
(970) 328-3958
Shelley.smith@eagleschools.net
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Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Council
What's Happening???
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Oral HealthOral health is important to everyone. We hear this statement a lot, but how is this accomplished in this time of COVID-19 restrictions? DentaQuest is helping by offering a new Community Partners Tab to the DentaQuest Colorado website with a variety of digital oral health education brochures and guides. The digital documents can be included in newsletters, added to social media sites or shared in emails, and can be printed. Some of the topics include “Baby Teeth Matter” and “Oral Health for Pregnant Women”. There are also full guides for educators to add oral health to their in-person and online classrooms.
Click on the link below to access the documents. Be sure to check back often, new items will be added as available. The Colorado DentaQuest Team wish everyone a healthy, happy and fun Holiday Season!
https://dentaquest.com/state-plans/regions/colorado/community-partners/
Suprena Crawford, RDH
DentaQuest Outreach Coordinator-Colorado
M. 970.309.2284
suprena.crawford@dentaquest.com
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