One Mother in Three is Unhappy With Child Care
By Sarah Womack, Social Affairs Correspondent

One in three mothers is unhappy with the care her child receives in a nursery, according to a report today which rekindles the debate about day care.

Nurseries offer a lifeline for working mothers, although nearly a quarter of those surveyed was dissatisfied.

For millions of women, mortgages could not be paid or jobs maintained without nurseries, which – with their long opening hours and permanent staff – are the apparent solution to some of the difficulties of working motherhood.

Only 16 per cent of those surveyed said their life “could function” without using paid-for child care.

But 34 per cent of mothers have qualms about the quality of care their children are receiving.
Nearly a quarter said the nursery had failed to stimulate their child, and 22 per cent said they had raised “poor safety issues” with nursery staff.

There are 100,000 under-threes at full-time nurseries in Britain.

Prof Kevin Browne, an expert on child care and protection at the centre for forensic and family psychology at Birmingham University, said: “There are horror stories attached to some nurseries and they raise the concerns of mothers.

“Parents need to check Ofsted reports. The trouble is that when you get all the ticks in the box for any nursery, it will cost you an arm and a leg. And some women are beginning to take risks, and have informal child care, and that is when the child is more likely to suffer.”

Today’s survey of 2,000 mothers, whose average age was 32, was commissioned by the Discovery Home & Health channel for a programme about nannies. It found that a third of mothers were unhappy with the care their child received.

Unsurprisingly, seven out of 10 working mothers said their child was happier with them than at nursery, but 69 per cent also thought too many children were now in full-time child care.

Mothers had a host of complaints about their child’s nursery – 56 per cent thought the nursery had let their child sleep too long, 34 per cent thought the treatment their child received was generally poor, and a third said the nursery staff lacked common sense or showed them little respect.

However, complaints were not restricted to nurseries.

A quarter of mothers who used childminders thought their child had received poor care and 16 per cent had changed their childminder, said the report.

Only five per cent of mothers said they could afford a nanny. The National Day Nurseries Association said the research was “biased and irresponsible”.

Purnima Tanuku, the chief executive of the association, said Ofsted figures showed that 93 per cent of nurseries were working at or beyond the stringent requirements they set.

“If the regulatory body was to turn up and discover some of the scenarios this research paints as a common picture, immediate action would be taken,” she said.

“This survey insults the hard work of nurseries and the choices parents have made. Any parent who is unhappy with the care their child receives can make a direct complaint to Ofsted, which will trigger an inspection.”

Comment: Part of the problem with childcare is a division between what is possible and what is expected. A low paying job is not going to encourage “over and beyond” the call of duty. The other problem is the moral issue that concerns children. Childcare work is not putting nuts and bolts on inanimate objects. It’s a job that “cares” for the next generation. In addition, the so called “brains” of early childhood all reside on University campuses far far from the early childhood classroom. There are a lot of people willing and able to pontificate but not participate. That’s why I draw a distinction between what is possible and what is expected.

Day Care Providers Disagree on Day Care Proposals

By BARBARA NORD BY Tibune staff writer

SwriterSomecare providers can’t wait for a state program that would rate and improve day cares.

Ocares.Otherse proposal as government intrusion in their private businesbusiness.People

h side of the issue argued for their viewpoint during a discussion Tuesday night at the NatronaNatrona Public Library. It was part of a series of statewide meetings for the Department of Workforce Services to gain input on the proposaproposal.The

The goal is to expand both the quality and the capacity of child care in Wyoming, DWS director KatEmmonsosaid.Erin

in King, who runs the home-based Wee Ponder day care, says she was thrilled to hear about thprogram.She

he hopes it will put her on equal footing with big day care centers when it comes to buying materials and providing benefits such as healtinsurance.Her

er husband Doug King said, “Why would you not want to try to have a tool that’s going to enhance the quality of the environment?”

But other providers were very concerned that the program could mean the state would take away their right to develop their own curriculum, which in some cases is faith-based. Others thought they would appear to be less than quality if they chose not to participate in the ratinsystem.

State Rep.Brechtelchtel, R-Casper, attended the meeting and said he has many reservations about the proposal. He said it could create legal, financial and social problems.

Comment: I always wonder why people think the State will nix prayer. It’s not about prayer, it’s about forcing someone to pray. I can’t make a child pray, but I can make him leave the next child alone so the child next to him can pray. We have a special ministry to pray for the sick and those who have asked us to pray for them. It’s a quick, child friendly time when we pray by name. Being an example of prayer is part of a good education. Not knowing what to do to establish a relationship with God is neglect.

New Opportunities For Police Children

By

Tuesday, October 10, 2006 Newswatch

Sunday Ehindero, inspector-general of Police, orders that police schools be fully equipped to provide high quality education required under the Universal Basic Education, UBE, scheme

Sunday Ehindero, inspector-general of Police, is not leaving anything to chance in his efforts at ensuring qualitative education for the children of police officers. To this end, he has directed all police primary and secondary schools in the country to fully embrace the Universal Basic Education, UBE, scheme.

In order to equip head teachers and commandants of these schools with the knowledge required for effective implementation of the scheme, the police boss has also instructed the Force Education Unit to regularly organise seminars for them. Last week, one of such seminars was held in Lagos.

Abayomi Akeremale, a deputy commissioner of police and force education officer, told Newswatch that the seminar was meant to keep the heads of schools abreast of the current trends in education, particularly the new 9-3-4 system. He explained that after their own training, the heads of schools would, in turn train all the teachers under them. “It is a train the trainers’ seminar. Experts in the field of education were brought in at the seminar to enlighten participants on the methodology of teaching so that they would be in a position to give their best to pupils and students,” Akeremale said.

He noted that the force education unit has made adequate preparation for the UBE scheme, which he described as development-oriented and practical. With the new system, children will be in a better position to decide whether to pursue intellectual work or take up vocational training. To ensure that the scheme is functional in police schools, Akeremale said the unit had recruited qualified teachers for practical subjects like Introductory Technology and Agricultural Science.

The force education officer explained that the Inspector-General of Police was aware that in this computer age, children would need to have computer knowledge right from the primary school. This was why he released funds for the purchase of computer for all the police primary and secondary schools.

Already, introduction of computer education in police primary schools is yielding desired results.

Akeremale told Newswatch at a recent computer programme organised by Chevron, that pupils from the police primary schools exhibited a high level of understanding of the computer.

He said in order to further boost computer education and improve the standard of learning in police schools, the force education unit recently set up a research and development section. The new section is charged with the responsibility of using the computer to collate data required for the improvement of the quality of education in police schools as well as ensuring that they keep pace with the global trends in education.

Akeremale said the next major assignment of the force education unit was to establish more police primary and secondary schools in states that do not yet have them. The Inspector-General of Police, who is also an educationist, has given the unit all the support needed to achieve this goal. “Our target is to ensure that we have a police secondary school in each of the geopolitical zones of the country and that all the states in the country have police primary schools for the training of children of police officers,” he said.

Teachers are also being motivated to give their best and to help turn police primary and secondary schools into centres of academic excellence.

Sola Ehindero, a professor of education at Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, delivered a lecture on administrative procedures and problems in school management at the seminar. He told head teachers that they were the prime movers of the UBE scheme and should, therefore, adopt strategies to enable them meet the challenges posed by the educational reforms introduced by the Federal Government.

He, however, said that in order for the reforms to achieve desired objectives, early childhood education should be incorporated into the 9-3-4 system.

Comment: Interesting to see what’s happening in other parts of the world.

The Mystery of Food Cravings & Aversions

Solve This Now!
— By Becky Hand, Licensed and Registered Dietician

9 Ways to Get More Out of Your Day

Time to Ignore the Hourglass
— By Life Coach Mary Guarino, Ph.D. from Babyfit

Do you always feel pressed for time? You’re running from work, to the store, to the doctor, and back again. The routine, even in your pregnancy, is not getting any easier. If so, you are certainly not alone. Last October, millions of Americans participated in the first annual “Take Back Your Time Day,” a project of the Center for Religion, Ethics and Social Policy at Cornell University. The idea arose as a way to make the public aware of the “epidemic of overwork, over-scheduling and time famine” in our society.

Lack of time can be detrimental to our physical, emotional and spiritual health, 3 things that become extra-important when carrying a child. When we are pressed for time, we tend to exercise less, eat foods for their convenience rather than their nutritional value, have less time to interact with our families and friends, and spend little, if any time, on self-development and spiritual growth.

Here are some simple ways you can begin to take back some of your time:

• Set aside a certain amount of time each day just to do what you want to do. How about 1 hour each day? If that’s not “possible,” start with smaller increments of time, say 15 minutes, and work your way up. Want to spend time in the garden? Go for it. Need a nap? What’s stopping you?
• Doing part of something is better than doing nothing. Even if you can’t complete a task or a project, it is better to take a small “chunk” out of it rather than letting the whole thing slide until later. Get things done on days that your body isn’t fighting you with fatigue, back ache, or morning sickness.
• Learn to say “No.” This isn’t always easy, but it can make a world of difference. Even if you don’t want to say “No” completely, try to set limits around how much you will do and when. Taking care of yourself, hands down, is the most important thing for these 9 months. Worry about helping other people second.
• Bundle your tasks. Save up non-urgent errands so that you can do those that are logistically close to one another.
• Delegate. How much is your time worth? It may be worth the cost of hiring someone to do things like mow your lawn, clean your house, AND you will be purchasing the precious commodity of time. It’s more than okay to ask for help.
• Do the yucky stuff first. Take care of the tasks that you dislike so that you don’t waste precious mental time ruminating about not having done them!
• Are the things you feel you “have” to do really necessary? It can be easy to get caught up in the details to the detriment of the big picture.
• Take an honest look at the activities and people in your life that are “energy drainers.” Do they need to be part of your life? What would happen if you eliminated or reduced your time spent on/with them? Surround yourself with supportive individuals and positive pursuits throughout your pregnancy.
• And, most importantly, set aside time each week to do something special. Make sure that, no matter how busy you are, you take time to play. Spending time with friends, outdoors, at the movies, whatever makes you happy, is essential in helping you be the most focused and effective you can be with your time.

Don’t know about you guys but we have really been feeling it at school. We all have projects and extras at home and at school, and we just can’t seem to get to them. Time is elusive and frustrating, especially when you don’t think you have any. As for me and my house, I’m going to do more of what I want and less of what’s on my list.

Postpartum Depression

When It’s More Than Just the Baby Blues
— By Antigone Arthur, Health & Pregnancy Writer for Babyfit

For most women, having a baby is a happy experience, but it can also bring serious complications. An all too common complication associated with giving birth is Post Partum Depression (PPD).

Many women, up to 80%, will experience what is commonly referred to as the “baby blues” after giving birth. One out of every eight to ten women will experience a more severe form of the baby blues known as PPD. Researchers believe that PPD is caused by the rapid hormonal changes that occur just after birth.

How do you differentiate between the baby blues and PPD? The baby blues are more commonly associated with a short term sense of sadness after birth, usually lasting for no more than 2 weeks. It is normal after the excitement of pregnancy and the drama of birth for women to feel slightly blue and even let down. PPD is much more serious, and sometimes doesn’t kick in until a few weeks after delivery.

There are several warning signs that patients should look for if they suspect PPD.

Warning Signs of PPD:

• Constantly feeling restless
• Irritability that doesn’t fade day after day
• Feelings of sadness that last more than a few hours or one day
• Frequent and inexplicable crying
• Persistent lack of energy
• Inability to sleep despite fatigue
• Weight loss or weight gain that is extreme
• Feelings or fears that you will harm the baby
• Guilt
• Feelings of inadequacy
• Excessive anger
• Lack of interest in your newborn
• Intrusive thoughts

PPD is very serious. If you have one or more of the signs listed above and are concerned, it is extremely important that you consult with your doctor immediately. PPD can be treated with a combination of medication and counseling or therapy. There are also several things that you can do to care for yourself if you are experiencing signs of PPD.

Tips for Caring for Self:

• Rest as much as possible
• Talk to your partner about your fears and concerns
• Talk to your doctor
• Be around other people as much as possible
• Find a support group of other mothers or talk to friends of yours that have children for support
• Take some time to get dressed and fix your hair. Enlist the help of your partner when you need it.

Some people are more at risk for PPD than others. If you have a family history of depression, or have recently experienced events that were unusually stressful while pregnant or shortly after birth, you may be at risk. Single mothers are also more at risk. Be sure to reach out to friends, family members and even your doctor who might be able to recommend a community support group for you to get involved with.

“It’s normal for women to have the ‘baby blues’ up to two weeks post partum. It isn’t abnormal to be teary, moody and even tired. If those feelings persist coupled with more extreme symptoms including a fear of harming yourself of your baby, you must contact your doctor immediately!” C.Piccone – Labor and Delivery Nurse

If you would like more information on PPD or are looking for support, there are several resources available:

PSI International
Provides support for patients and their families. Links to locate support groups, communication forums, resources for fathers.

Depression after Delivery, Inc.
National, nonprofit organization providing support for women with PPD and antepartum disorders. Provides professional referrals, support groups.

Center for Postpartum Depression
Offers assessment and treatment options for women with PPD.

What a day! The kids were wild with the weather and when I went to pick up my Jack from Big School, I talked to the kindergarten teacher and she said hers were wild as well. We had biting, and one child earned 7 blue faces!

On the high side, we talked about American Indians a little and ate some of the food promised this morning. The kids really liked the moose burgers, the fry bread and the corn pone. Tomorrow it’s Hadatsa and cranberry fritters.

The workshop on Saturday stirred a lot of new ideas and thoughts about what we are doing. Miss Kelly and I briefly discussed rewards and how we often reward the children which has become an unpopular thing to do. We reminded each other that rewards were a very great part of our culture and included religious thought as well. I think what Miss Kelly is muling over is a new scheme for reward over and beyond the candy and special treat events. I think she might be right. We have the blue and green faces to denote poor behavior, but we don’t have anyway of showing rewards in the same way. Soooo… we will be working on that.

Too often we get bogged down – I get bogged down – with the idea that schedules must be kept absolutely, and then when we let the kids dictate a teachable moment, I think we’ve failed. Well, no more. The conference reminded me that at school we are in kid time, and because these are the most valuable learning years they will ever have, we need to do what we can as we can but remember that there are times when just doing a group thing or seeing something new or just letting the morning happen is as important as schedules – especially when the happening is science or art or theatre or something where the open door to learning is wide open.

Whenever we study a culture, it makes me very sad. I love culture, differences, languages, art, food, ways of life, and I was always very proud of being Dutch. I was Dutch for 54 years, and last year when my adoption information came from California, I found out that I’m Irish like my husband’s family. I’m probably the only person you know who “used to be Dutch.” Dealing with this particular lie was startling at best. Trying to find affinity with another culture after all those years is another hurdle. Think about what it must be like to have what few roots you have taken from you. This weekend I found a song called Athenry. It’s a crusher like so many of the Irish songs, but the music and the words really help me identify with these people and help to bring me home.

While we are re-examining our roots as Americans, I encourage families to remember their roots and revel in who they are and where they came from. Besides the Native Americans we are all johnny come latelys. We will be starting a new circle time game of “what I know about me.” Talk to your children and help them identify with who they are. If there is a song or a picture you think will help your child identify with his native group, please don’t hesitate to share it with us. We all came over – some though Ellis Island like my in laws and some came on slave boats, and some on planes, and some as brides or grooms. They are all good stories and great for kids.

Tomorrow we will be talking about the seven Indian Nations and some of the tribe names. Please help your child to know at least three for a contest.

Please remember that the cooler weather is cold and flu season. If your child is ill with a bad cold or flu – it’s your duty to keep him home.

We have one more week for the fundraiser. Fundraiser money is due on Monday, October, 23. Please take your fundraiser forms to work! 40% of the proceeds go directly to the school. If you need another order form, we have tons. See Miss Molly.
Items will be delivered on November 16, provided that all the orders are turned in on time.

If you didn’t pay your field trip fee last week please turn it in today!

We are studying American Indians this week. The children will participate in different projects and will sample American Indian cuisine! It’s going to be a very interesting week.

Parents please remember to dress your child according to how chilly it’s going to be. Heavy coats aren’t necessary. The playground is very sunny and can get very warm. Long sleeve tees, t-shirts with light jackets, or just a light jacket with everything is good.

FYI: Miss Molly has an old range. It’s in good shape. It is in perfect working order. It is free to anyone who is interested.
It’s a lovely almond color 🙂

Let’s have a great week!

As we move into Fall, we begin to look around us and teach the children what is relevant to our lives here in Southwestern Indiana. What’s the point of learning about the rain forest if we don’t know about our own woods and our own animals? We will explore our Native American way of life this week and bring in a lot about trees, plants, animals, and geographical land masses and water sheds.

I think it’s worth noting that leaves can be kept colorful using a complete coating of contact paper. Provided the air is removed in the sealing, the leaf will remain colorful for a long time.

Leaf collections are a really nice science project. I am trying to get Jana to teach science. Everyone encourage her.

One of the cultural areas of study is diet. We will be tasting some American Indian food. Today is Corn Pone and Cranberry fritters that the children will make because it’s going to rain all day, and it will be a neat thing to do. For lunch we will have Moose burgers. I had a heck of a time finding moose, so I had to substitute for beef. Too bad; I was looking forward to tasting moose. One year I looked for whale, but it simply wasn’t available in EVV, so I subbed for shark. Shark is good, but it’s not whale. I told the kids who balked that they’ve been eating us all these years, it’s about time we ate a few of them!

I think it’s probably a reality that if it can be cooked – I’ll try.

One of the American Indian recipes has goat – not sure quite what to sub. Anyone got some fresh goat? It has to be professionally butchered.

We will be making jewelry this week. I’m hoping the children will take the challenge and do some intricate work.

I’m going to try to get the tee pee down from the cloak closet – should be fun.

It should be a really nice week.