NewsletterRCFCCA.com 1

Family Child CareFamily Child CareR a m s e y C o u n t y

A s s o c i a t i o n

RCFCCA Winter 2012

In This Issue l FCC Changes Recommended l Don’t Let Stress Sabotage the Season l FREE RCFCCA Trainings -Sleepless in America -Children’s Anger l RCFCCA Website l Conferences l Easy Cleaning Ideas for Your Holiday Party l Membership - New & Renewed - Renewals l Food Program l Social Media l Ask the Licensor l Library Resource l December is Write to a Friend Month l Dates to Celebrate l January is Oatmeal Month l Show Your Support l A Story of Compassion l Lori Castor’s Corner - Group Time l February is National Snack Food Month l Networking Contacts l Board Meetings: Dec., Jan., Feb. l Membership Application l From the Eyes of a Child l RCFCCA Board l RCFCCA Newsletter Submission Deadlines l Note From the Editor l Kid’s Chores l Mission Statement l Union Point of View l Outreach Removal

This Newsletter is coming to you by providers for providers. If you have ideas you would like to share with other child care providers, please feel free to e-mail them to Newsletter@RCFCCA.com. This seasonal newsletter is

offered 4 times a year. The submission deadline for the Spring Newsletter is February 10.

In August a report was released entitled, “Review of Child Deaths in Minnesota Licensed Family Child Care Homes, January 2002 - August 2012”. This 21-page report is authored by a panel of 35 state and county officials, including Child Protection, De-partments of Health and Human Services. (No representation was noted from family or center child care professionals or advocates.) The focus of the report was to understand the significant increase in child/infant mortality (deaths) during the 10½ year period reviewed. A copy of the report is at www.RCFCCA.com. You can click on a link on the Home page for the above named report.

This report is important because the panel recommended changes that will affect several areas of our businesses.

Recommendations made in the report include: l changes to adult/child ratios l increased hours of annual training for SIDS, CPR and general topics l safe sleep training, procedures and licensing actions l high school diploma or GED requirement prior to licensing l increased pre-license education requirements.

It also recommends DHS needs to maintain supervision of licensed providers and en-force statutes and rules in a “consistent and strong” manner. A complete list of recom-mendations is listed on pages 13, 14 & 15 of the report on the RCFCCA website.

RCFCCA has scheduled an informational meeting on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at the Roseville Public Library in the large meeting room. Doors will open at 6:00 pm with the meeting starting promptly at 6:30.

A summary of the report will be presented with a Q&A opportunity and discussion. We urge every licensed family child care provider to attend. Bring a friend as these rec-ommendations will be implemented state-wide if mandated. Jenny Mateer, Director of Ramsey County DHS Licensing, and Katy Chase, Executive Director of MLFCCA will be in attendance. Katy will be gathering input from the discussion and will attend the Stake-holder’s meeting on November 29th. Please urge other providers, county licensing, and association representatives to attend. This is a very important issue.

Please review the report and mark your calendarto attend the meeting on November 27th. Please RSVP to newsletter@RCFCCA.com, or call or text 651-373-0437 with your name and “yes”. We would like to have our voice in the discussion.

Join Us!* Tuesday, November 27, 6:30 pm Ramsey County Library in Roseville NE corner of County Road B and Hamline Avenue. *RC licensing has approved this for 2 training credit hours.

Family Child Care Changes Recommended

This is our time to speak up!

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DON'T LET STRESS SABOTAGE THE SEASON The holiday season is full of joy and beauty -- but high expectations and pressure to create the ideal holiday celebration can lead to anxiety, stress and eventual burnout.

This year, take some simple steps to bust stress so you and your loved ones can enjoy the true meaning of the season. 1. Stay healthy With all the shopping, cooking, decorating, entertaining and other tasks associated with the holidays, you may be tempted to take exercise off your to-do list. Don't. Whether you work out at the gym, walk in the neighborhood or take a yoga class, physical activity is one of the best ways to burn off tension, clear your mind and boost vitality. Keep your mood and energy level high with plenty of sleep and a healthy diet of lean protein and plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. Go easy on the holiday treats, rich hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. 2. Pamper yourself occasionally Take time out from your responsibilities and endless to-do lists to savor some alone time, even if it's only for a few min-utes a day. Making time for you will pay off in a better attitude and better relationships with those you care about. Get a manicure or a massage. Or make yourself a bubble bath, complete with scented candles, soft music and a glass of wine. Don't forget to turn off the phone and lock the bathroom door. (Guard dog optional.) 3. Fight the urge to spend, spend, spend If you don't leave shopping until the last minute, you can take your time to create unique handmade gifts or treats for coworkers, neighbors and your child's teacher. For family and close friends, you can shop more thoughtfully when not rushed and purchase an item that reflects the recipient's personality. Whatever you do, don't stress over finding just the right gift. Everyone loves a gift card. Whether you craft or buy gifts, make a list and a budget and stick to both. When everyone is checked off the list, stop buying. 4. Focus on the people who really matter to you If you don't have the time or energy for one more neighborhood cookie swap, don't sweat it. Spend time with people who support and care about you. If there are people in your life who consistently ruin the holidays, find a way to avoid being with them, if at all possible. 5. Spread out the fun Don't think everything has to be done by December 24, advises Atlanta mom Rhoda Dunwoody. Plenty of celebrating and fellowship continues into the new year. Spread out the fun and enjoy the season. No one cares if your Christmas card arrives on December 21 or December 27. If you get a really late start, send New Year's cards.

Source: www.sheknows.com

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FREE RCFCCA Member TrainingsTo register for these two FREE classes contact Brenda by e-mail: hruzahome@comcast.net, or phone:

763-785-0314. Registration information and training fliers are also available on our website at: RCFCCA.com.

Linwood Recreation Center 860 St. Clair Ave. St. Paul, MN 55105

Questions?Call Brenda at:763-785-0314.

Sleepless in AmericaTrainer ~ Kristen Wheeler Highland

Registration info. is posted on our website at RCFCCA.com

FREE RCFCCA Membership Training for Providers

*Training Approved by Ramsey County Licensing Unit*If you are a member of RCFCCA, this

training is FREE for you.Membership for 1 year is $30 (4 FREE classes,

8 hours total) or you can pay $20 for each class.

Winter Class Tuesday, February 12, 6:30-8:30 pm

R S V P B Y : 2 - 5 - 1 3

Conferences

Not a Member of RCFCCA? You can join anytime! Download a membership form from RCFCCA.com,

or print a form from page 11 of this newsletter.

Members receive 8 hours of FREE professional training per membership year!

Licensing Resources

Tired of searching the Ramsey County website forlicensing information and/or updated forms? You can access all of this information from RCFCCA.com.

Go to: RCFCCA.com l Click on “Home”. l Click on “Licensing Resources” (at the top of the RCFCCA home page). l Click on the first link on the page that reads, www.co.ramsey.mn.us/hs/childcare/. This will take you to a page that provides info. regarding licensed child care. l Click “Licensed Providers”, listed under the picture for children at the top of the page. Scroll to the bottom of the page to view links to enroll- ment forms. (These are all printable PDF forms.)

RC F C CA We b s i te

January 26, 2013 Together We Grow Early Childhood Conference

Pine Technical College, Brainerd, MNFor more information contact: CCRRProfDev@pinetech.edu

February 16, 2013

Scott County Licensed Family Child Care Spring Conference Shakopee West Jr. High School

Messiah Lutheran Church 2848 County Road H2 Mounds View, MN 55112

Questions?Call Brenda at:763-785-0314.

FREE RCFCCA Membership Training for Providers

*Training Approved by Ramsey County Licensing Unit*If you are a member of RCFCCA, this

training is FREE for you.Membership for 1 year is $30 (4 FREE classes,

8 hours total) or you can pay $20 for each class.

Spring Class Tuesday, April 2, 6:30-8:30 pm

R S V P B Y : 3 - 2 6 - 1 3

Children’s Anger: Triggers and Solutions for Coping

Read more info. on our website at RCFCCA.com

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It’s time to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. If you’re hosting a party this year, it might be a lot of work, but the enjoyment of your guests can make it all worthwhile. Learn fresh tips to helpyour home sparkle.

Help Make Your House Noticeably Clean 1. Act like a guest.

Grab a notepad and a pen. Stand at the front door and trace the steps your guests might take through your house. Write down which rooms you encounter. This will give you an idea of exactly what areas you need to focus on. "Your guests will have unlimited time to look around in your bathrooms," says Linda Cobb, Queen of Clean, best-selling author and television personality. "Walk in, sit down, look up, look down and around … and then clean! Be sure you have extra toilet paper and disposable hand towels during cold and flu season."

2. Declutter.

Look through your house at a high level. Are there disorderly corners in your family room? Stacks of papers in your kitchen? Go through these items and either put things in their proper place or throw them out. Cobb recommends carrying a laundry basket throughout the house to collect things that are out of place. "Then, walk through your house and put them back where they belong. You'll be amazed at how fast and easy this is, and how neat the house will appear," she says.

3. Get nitpicky.

It's time to get down to business. Go through your house and pay specific attention to your wood furniture, bathroom floors and any other surfaces that need to be swept, mopped or dusted. Swiffer® products offer solutions for a deep clean virtually everywhere in your home.

4. Focus on the scent.

After your house is clean, add touches of freshness by hiding Gain® dryer sheets all over your house. Try placing them between the couch cushions, behind bookshelves and in drawers.

5. Shine some light. Before guests arrive, turn on a lot of lights. Cobb says, "A bright house looks cleaner."

Source: adapted from www.pgeveryday.com

Easy Cleaning Ideas for Your Holiday Party

Happy Holidays!

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Food Program MEMBERSHIP

New Brighton Rita Iacarella & Helpers Mary Jo Jacobson Jackie & Joe King Rebecca Kuehn

North St. Paul Patty Fykson

Maplewood Karen Kubesh Kristi Moran Mounds View Annette Katzmarek Teresa Netkow St. Paul Carol & Jim Behr Paula Beltz Sharon Bohl Joanne Braun Ann Clark Julie Dahl Shelly Kirchoff Susan Kraemer MLFCCA April Oldenburg Vickie Ries Amy Toby Lois Walker Rosa Wood

Roseville Karie Heffernan Mary Woodruff

Shoreview Susan Nygaard & Helpers White Bear Lake Jill Shaw

Thanks for your membership and

support!

New & Renewed Members

MEMBERSHIP

December Minneapolis Pam Colby

St. Paul Patrica Boyd Bonnie Lawrence Kelly Massey Alexandra Meerovich Janet Novak Deb Scott

Roseville Sally Jenner Denise Schroeder January Mounds View Kari Sandstrom

Roseville Monica Gurule

Shoreview Kim Mankowski

St. Paul Tabitha Baenci De Rango Ethel Knowles & Helpers Donna Sullivan Patricia Webster

February St. Paul Shelly Chaffin Tracy Lane

White Bear Lake Terri Daley

A Membership Form can be found on page 11 of this

newsletter or on our website at RCFCCA.com.

Members Needing to Renew Soon

TIER 1 OR TIER 2?Did You Know?

The 2010 Census has redrawn the Tier 1 and Tier 2 boundaries for the CACFP Food Program

If you dropped the food program after getting moved to Tier 2, your area may have been returned

to Tier 1. MLFCCA is a CACFP Food Program Ad-ministrator and can help restart the food program for you. Call them to find out. Your joining MLFC-CA CACFP Minute Menu Food Program will continue to support their efforts on behalf of all licensed child

care providers. Call today 651-636-1989.

Find us on Facebook. Search for RCFCCA. Then click “Join Group”.

Fa c e b o o k

Ramsey County Family Child Care Association (RCFCCA.com)

Create a Facebook Page

Social media can be helpful in child care if used prop-erly. Are you interested in creating a Facebook page for your child care? Follow these simple steps: 1. Sign onto your account. 2. Type in “Create a Page” in the search bar. 3. When you get to the Create a Page page, click on “create a page” in the upper right hand corner. 4. Follow the steps to create your own Facebook page.Please be aware that there is a DHS Rule that applies to social media. It prohibits providers from posting informa-tion about a child, adult, or the individual’s family on a per-sonal blog, website, Facebook page, or My Space page.

DHS Rule:NEW - October 2012Data Privacy Issues • FaceBook, MySpace, All Blogs The Family Systems Unit frequently receives ques- tions concerning posting client information on social networking and websites. While general use of these sites is not prohibited, disclosing records or pictures of children and adults served in licensed programs without permission is prohibited. MN Rule 502.0345, subp 2, addresses this issue.

Questions? Feel free to contact your licensing worker.

Social Media

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Library ResourceWorkshop

The Youth Services Department of the Central Library will again be offering a workshop for childcare providers and educators. In addition to our favorite read-alouds from 2012, the focus will be about fun math and science resources for preschool and early elementary kids. When: Sunday, March 3 from 2-4 p.m. 2-3:30 formal presentation 3:30-4 Department tour, browsing time, Q & AWhere: Saint Paul Central Library 90 West Fourth St. St. Paul, MN 551021.5 inservice hours offered.

Registration is free, but lim-ited. Register by calling 651-266-7034 after January 1.

If you educate and care for young children, this workshop is for you!

Source: St. Paul Library

Ask the Licensor

Q: When an infant falls asleep in a swing, stroller, car seat or other location (library, na-ture center) what is the proper response of the provider?

A: Minnesota Rule 9502.0425 Subp. 9: there must be a safe, comfortable sleeping space for each infant or newborn. A crib, portable crib, or playpen with water-proof mattress or pad must be provided for each infant or newborn in care. (Remember that Statute supersedes Rules so mattress pads are not approved in cribs. Only use firm mattresses and refer to MN Statute 245A.1435 below!)

Minnesota Statute 245A.1435: (a) when a license holder is placing an infant to sleep, the license holder must place the infant on the infants back.Minnesota Statute 245A.1435 (b) the license holder must place the infant in a crib directly on a firm mattress with a fitted crib sheet that fits tightly on the mat-tress…..The license holder must not place pillow, quilts, comfort-er, sheepskin, pillow-like stuffed toys, or other soft products in the crib with the infant. The require-ments of this section apply to license holders serving infants up to and includ-ing 12 months of age. Licensed child care providers must meet the crib requirements under section 245.146.

Given statutory requirements, providers must move an infant into an approved crib, portable crib or playpen when sleeping. To assure compliance with statutory re-quirements providers should make sure any outings into the community are scheduled outside of the times when an infant normally sleeps.

http://www.sidscenter.org/SafeSleep/index.html

Always remember that your Licensor is available to answer any of your questions or concerns!

?

? We need to hear from YOU! Send a question you would like answered by a Ramsey County Licensor to: Newsletter@RCFCCA.com. We will publish one question per Newsletter.

(This will be done anonymously - no names used.)

December is Write to a Friend Month December is Write to a Friend Month. Think about it. When was the last time you actually wrote to a friend rather than typed? Although technology makes it easier for us to connect with each other within seconds, many say they miss receiving letters and cards in the mail. Whether you’re writing a letter or a Christmas card, use this month as a chance to give someone a surprise by sending them something that isn’t read via the screen on a computer or phone.

Write letters to those who need it There are military members stationed all over the world who receive little or no mail and could use a little pick-me-up. Send letters thanking them for their service and let them know you appreciate what they’re doing. Two sites you can do this through are Letters to Soldiers and Operation Gratitude. If possible, send a treat or two along with each of your letters.

Source: weekendnotes.com

December

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December Safe Toys and Gift MonthDecember 1 Eat a Red Apple DayDecember 4 National Cookie DayDecember 13 National Cocoa DayDecember 19 Oatmeal Muffin DayDecember 21 First Day of WinterDecember 25 Christmas DayDecember 26 National Candy Cane Day

January National Thank-you MonthJanuary 3 Sleep DayJanuary 11 Milk DayJanuary 13 Rubber Ducky DayJanuary 20 Cheese DayJanuary 21 National Hugging DayJanuary 29 National Puzzle Day

February International Friendship MonthFebruary 3 Elmo’s BirthdayFebruary 9 Toothache DayFebruary 11 Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk DayFebruary 15 National Gumdrop DayFebruary 21 Love Your Pet DayFebruary 24 National Tortilla Chip Day

Source: Family Crafts www.time4felt.com

Dates to Celebrate

Show Your Support

Are you a member of MLFCCA?

MLFCCA is a strong advocate for licensed family child care. Your membership is needed now more than ever. Make your membership count twice…. 1. As a deduction on your 2012 taxes. 2. To make your voice louder with MLFCCA sitting at the table for us.

Support MLFCCA!JOIN MLFCCA Today!Go to www.MLFCCA.org for membership information and forms or call 651-636-1989

January

More oatmeal is eaten in January than in any other month of the year! In fact, according to the Quaker Oats Company, Americans bought enough oatmeal in January to make 470 million bowls. To top off all of these bowls of oatmeal, most people add milk, sugar fruit or butter. More unusual toppings include peanut butter, eggnog and cottage cheese. Studies have shown that people who eat oatmeal have healthy hearts, which is one reason why this food has retained its popularity. The soluble fiber in oatmeal can help to lower cholesterol, and oatmeal may also reduce blood pressure. In addition a bowl of oatmeal keeps people feeling full, which leads to less snack-ing in between meals. Overall, eating a hot bowl of oatmeal in the morning is a very healthy way to start the day!

Source: Candice Buckley for SmarterKids.com

Oatmeal Soap Activity Making oatmeal soap is easy and fun. It’s also a great way to use up soap slivers from the kitchen or bathroom! Age range: 4-8 years Grade Level: Preschool to 2nd grade Skills used: • Math: Measurement • Creative Arts: Visual Arts • Learning style: Physical/hands on

DirectionsMaterials: ½ cup oatmeal, ½ cup small soap pieces, 1½ tablespoons cooking oil, 1 tablespoon water, blender, smocks or t-shirts to protect clothing, fabric and ribbon. 1. Have the children collect small pieces of soap in a plastic bag and pound them into small chunks. 2. Depending on the age of the children, allow them to place their soap chunks into a blender and add the oatmeal. Pulse the mixture until it has reached a grainy consistency. 3. Pour the mixture into a bowl and remove any large pieces of soap. 4. Add the oil and water and mix with hands. 5. Form the soap into a firm ball and let set until hard (about 2 hours) 6. Wrap the balls in fabric and tie with ribbon.

Adapted from:www.SmarterKids.com

January is Oatmeal Month

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A S t o r y o f C o m p a s s i o nTwo Choices

What would you do? Would you have made the same choice?

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:

“When not interfered with by outside influences, everything na-ture does, is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?”The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. “I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled, comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.”Then he told the following story:

“Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, ‘Do you think they’ll let me play?’ I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by oth-ers in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expect-ing much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, ‘We’re losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we’ll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning..’

Shay struggled over to the team’s bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt.. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being ac-cepted.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay’s team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.

In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obvi-ously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay’s team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Every-one knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn’t even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the Plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay’s life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The game would now be over.

The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman’s head, out of reach of all team mates.

Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, ‘Shay, run to first! Run to first!’

Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.Everyone yelled, ‘Run to second, run to second!’

Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleam-ing and struggling to make it to the base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder, the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team, had the ball. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher’s intentions so he, too, inten-tionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman’s head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home. All were screaming, ‘Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay’

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, ‘Run to third! Shay, run to third!’

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the specta-tors, were on their feet screaming, ‘Shay, run home! Run home!’Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.”

‘“That day”, said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, “the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world.

Shay didn’t make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and com-ing home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!”

We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the “natural order of things.” So many seemingly trivial inter-actions between two people present us with a choice:Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?

A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats its least fortunate among them.

Source: Email

Group Time By Lori Castro

This is a time of the day that I really enjoy. You sit down with the kids, read a book and talk about it, sing songs, do calendar, count, and discuss what the kids are interested in. I love to hear what’s on their minds and what they think about different topics we are talk-ing about (or not).

When should I do this? I usually try to get breakfast done, diapering out of the way, and maybe some lunch and activity prepping before I start group time. Find a good activity to draw them into group, like a good morning song or greeting that involves them using each others names. Have a Morning Message that you can say or have written on a poster or paper as you say it. Keep it simple and try to use the same format every day to keep it repetitive.

If you are up to it, you can have a calendar available and practice counting, learning the days of the week, month, weather, etc. We count in English, then in Spanish. On occasion when I have another boy here, he will count in Chinese, since he is learning that language in school and is excited to share it with his friends. So if you know other languages, feel free to try them out with the children.

I have a special bin with all the books that go with my theme for the week. I choose one or two to read during group. Keep them short and read them multiple times throughout the week. Ask open-ended questions as you read the books and encourage discussion while reading. My kids love acting the books out as well. So if you find a book that the kids might be able to drama-tize, read it first, then let them act it out the second time around. They will eventually ask to perform.

Keep index cards on hand to copy words from the books you are reading and from your discussions. You can add them into your writing center if you have one. Occasionally, I try to incorporate games into my group time.

I typically don’t include the one year olds in group time. If they want to join, they do. By the time they are two years old, they usually want to join us and pretty much know the group time routine because they listen to us while they play.

Keep it simple and keep an eye out to see if you are losing the children’s attention. If so, stop what you are doing, change it up, or go on to something else.Group time should be fun not stressful. Limit the time to 15-20 minutes and enjoy!

If you would like to talk more about Group Time or anything else, don’t hesitate to contact me at loliloli@msn.com

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Lori Castro’s Consulting Corner

February is National Snack Food Month

The decline of family sit-down meals as well as a blurred line separating meals from snacks means that today it’s easier than ever to not even once during the day eat a meal. Whether it’s the breakfast bar you can chew on your commute or a bag of chips in your desk drawer, we’re always an arm’s reach away from a quick and easy hunger fix.

Riding on the health trend, marketers are now busy re-formulating and re-messaging their products as healthy snack options. Whether it’s the 100-calorie snack genre, the “health hallowed” granola bar, or potato chips with only 3 natural ingredients, consumers are being convinced that the snacks they are consuming by the billions are the best thing to happen in the world since sliced bread.

Now don’t get us wrong. Snacking is fine, and can fill an important part of the day both nutritionally and so-cially (cookies and milk, anyone?), but we’ve really, re-ally got to notice how often we snack, what we choose, and how it affects our mealtimes.

This is especially true with young children, where a less than ideal snack can fill up a small tummy instead of a much more balanced meal to be served an hour or two later.

What do you do?Get out of the snack aisles and choose your snacks from surprising lanes in the supermarket. Buy fruits, veggies in a dip, or bake your own cookies from scratch.

These are always a favorite of the kids:

Source: Fooducate.com Post navigationPosted on February 2, 2010 by Hemi Weingarten

February

2 Sticks Margarine 1 Tbsp. Vanilla 2 Cups Brown Sugar 4 tsp. Soda 2 Cups White Sugar 1 Cup Chocolate Chips 6 eggs 1 Cup M & M’s 3 Cups Peanut Butter 9 Cups Oatmeal ½ Tbsp. Karo Syrup

Monster Cookies

Mix ingredients in order given. Bake at 325° for about 10-12 minutes. This makes about 9 dozen cookies.

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Arden Hills Contacts: See Mounds View, New Brighton, ShoreviewComo / Little Canada / Maplewood / North End Contact: Mary Ksiazek (651) 489-2514 Dayton’s Bluff Contact: Pat Wester (651) 774-6920Eastside Providers Contact: Lisa Thompson (651) 308-2055 Frogtown Contact: Bobbi Gant (651) 489-9130Highland Park / Mac-Groveland Contact: Anne Scheller (651) 690-3848 Little Canada, Maplewood, North End, Como Contact: Chris Christofore (651) 484-9077 Maplewood / Como / Little Canada / North End Contact: Sue Kraemer (651) 489-2866 Julie Conrad (651) 487-81606 Merriam Park Contact: Lois Walker (651) 646-5376Midway Contact: Beth Jackson (651) 330-8756 Mounds View / Arden Hills / New Brighton Contact: Brenda Hruza (763) 785-0314

New Brighton / Mounds View / Arden Hills Contact: Jane Carlson (651) 631-1725North End / Como / Little Canada / Maplewood Contact: Amy Toby (651) 489-8452North St. Paul / Oakdale Contact: Ruth Von Wald (651) 779-7718Phalen / Duluth & Case Contact: Kelly Massey (651) 776-4046 Roseville Contact: Sally Jenner (651) 636-4293Shoreview / Arden Hills / Mounds View Contact: Nancy Peake (651) 481-0102South Maplewood Contact: Shelly Stadt (651) 739-6371St. Anthony Park Contact: Adella Wiest (651) 644-5516Summit - University Contact: Terry Martin (763) 434-3039Vadnais Heights Contact: Sally Hesse (651) 762-9590West 7th Street Contact: Mary Jo Bjornson (651) 292-8596White Bear Lake Contact: Jill Shaw (651) 426-2636

Neighborhood ContactsWe need your help! In the interest of keeping providers connected, RCFCCA is encouraging every neighborhood listed below to have an area contact person and to work towards an active network with a list of providers in your area. This is a vital part of helping us keep you informed, even if you are not a member of RCFCCA! If you live in an area that does not have a contact person or does not hold regular meetings, please consider taking on the task. Area networks that are active have found the fellowship and support to be as important as training opportunities that can also be offered.

Please contact Brenda Hruza at 763-785-0314 if you or a friend can help to get your area connected today!

Networking

Meeting Dates: December 17, January 21, February 18.

Meeting Location Ramsey County Library in RosevilleNE corner of County Road B and Hamline Avenue. We will meet in the Loft of the Dunn Brothers Coffee Shop.

If you would like a reminder e-mail, please contact Mary Ksiazek at 651-489-2514.

Board MeetingsBoard meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 pm.

Board Vacancy Secretary - This person attends board meetings and takes minutes. View a full description of this position in our By-laws on the About Us page on our website at RCFCCA.com.

Get InvolvedLooking to add some professionalism to your resume? Join us at our monthly board meetings to share your ideas and voice your opinion.

**Anyone who holds an active Board position (75% attendance per year) will earn a FREE RCFCCA yearly membership. This also includes your spouse and/or helpers.**

NewsletterRCFCCA.com 11

Dear Child Care Provider,Your Ramsey County Family Child Care Association (RCFCCA) is where your support strengthens your connections to other providers and advances professionalism in family child care. RCFCCA is made up of a volunteer staff of Family Child Care Providers just like you. We strive to support Family Child Care. We help you stay updated, educated, and connected. Our goal is to keep you informed and help you promote quality child care in a professional manner. We offer electronic updates, a website, yearly educational experiences, and networking to help you achieve this goal. We are happy and proud to represent you and enjoy offering these support services.

Yearly Membership Benefits Include:• Four FREE training opportunities (8+ hours) during your membership year*• Additional Trainings at a reduced cost• Reduced rate for the Tour of Homes• An electronic newsletter offering community resources and information emailed to you*• Mentorship opportunities (providing or receiving) • Opportunities during the year for socials with other Ramsey County Providers• An open invitation to attend and be heard at our monthly RCFCCA Board meetings• Networking through the Neighborhood Contacts in your area

RCFCCA will be branching out to capture many providers through an electronic email loop that will keep providers up-to-date with upcoming trainings, changes in legislative issues, recall updates and information that is critical to our jobs as Professional Child Care Providers. Our communication will be largely electronic, so please make sure we can continue to get critical information to you.

Thank you for your continued support,Rebecca Skally (Membership Chair) Brenda Hruza (Training & Outreach Coordinator) 763-785-0314 ~ *Coordinator for above items

(Tear on the line & send with your payment or send in your email address to receive the electronic newsletter)RCFCCA Membership Application

Name: (print)________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________________

Telephone:_________________________

Current E-mail:_____________________________________If you do not have a personal one, please list someone who can get you this information.

___ 1 Year Tax Deductible Membership - $30.00___ 1 Year Tax Deductible Membership for Spouse and/or helpers - $20.00___ 2 Year Tax Deductible Membership - $55.00

Checks Payable to RCFCCA c/o Brenda Hruza, 7917 Eastwood Road, Mounds View, MN 55112

NewsletterRCFCCA.com 12

Mission Statement RCFCCA is here to provide support services and resources, training and professional development for child care providers and act as advocates for children and families served by licensed family child care while respecting cultural diversity of all.Union View Point RCFCCA neither supports nor opposes any Union, their statements, beliefs, or practices. We, as an organization, are here in support of family child care providers and feel that the decision to join a Union, or not, is a personal and indi-vidual decision to be made by each family child care provider. Outreach RemovalYou are receiving this e-mail loop ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER because you are already a member of RCFCCA, a past member of RCFCCA or have recently talked to an active RCFCCA member and have agreed to receive this. If you would like to be removed from this e-mail list, please “REPLY” to this e-mail and put “Remove From List” in the Subject Line and we will gladly remove you.

Mary Ksiazek Rebecca Skally Association Chair Membership Chair Como MacGroveland/Highland

Kate Bridgeman Secretary Treasurer Vacant Position White Bear Lake

Brenda Hruza Jill Shaw Training Coordinator Newsletter Editor Outreach Coordinator Webmaster Mounds View White Bear Lake

RCFCCA is run by volunteers who give their heart and soul to their businesses and this organization. The

membership fees collected help fund support services and effective training opportunities for child care providers.

From the Eyes of a Child “Guests” is just another word for “cleaning”.

Source: www.generat ionterror ists.com/quotes/k ids.html

RCFCCA Board

Vickie RiesPast Chair

MacGroveland/Highland

RCFCCA Seasonal NewsletterThe submission deadlines for upcoming issues are: - Spring - March Deadline February 10th - Summer - June Deadline May 10th - Fall - September Deadline August 10th - Winter - December Deadline November 10th

Dear Reader,I hope you enjoyed this issue of the RCFCCA Newsletter. Thanks to the following people for their contributions and time:

We wish you a blessed, happy and healthy Holiday!

Jill ShawRCFCCA Newsletter Editor

How Do Parents Motivate Kids to Do Chores?

Source: CLR Chore Wars Survey

Kid’s Chores

Note From the Editor

• 53% Don’t give allowance until chores are done • 27% Threaten to take valued possessions away • 26% Offer a reward • 13% Use Chores as punishment

Brenda HruzaLori CastroMary KsiazekVickie RiesRebecca SkallyBecky Ouimet-LewisMiki Sebesta

Family Child Care ProviderFamily Child Care ProviderFamily Child Care ProviderFamily Child Care ProviderFamily Child Care ProviderLicensing WorkerCopy Editor