San Mateo County Family Child Care Association, Inc.
Fall Newsletter 2011/2012
San Mateo County Family Child Care Association, Inc.
Application for Membership / Renewal
Providers Please Note:
ALL Membership / Renewals are DUE January 1ST
and are DELINQUENT January 31ST!
January 2012
Send Membership/Renewal Form to:
The San Mateo County Family Child Care Association, Inc.
Attention: Membership
P.O. Box 306 Belmont, CA 94002-0306
Name: ___________________________________________________
Childcare Name: __________________________________________
Address: _______________________________ City/ZIP____________________________
Daycare License #:_____________________ Capacity: 6 ___ 8 ___ 12 ___
Phone Number: _________________________ New Member ____ Renewal ____
Fax Number: ____________________
Email _________________________________
Website ________________________________
Would you like a Daycare Insurance Application? Yes ____ No ____
Would you like to be listed on SMCFCCA’s referral webpage? Yes ____ No ____
Make checks payable to: San Mateo County Family Child Care Association, Inc. (SMCFCCA) Annual Dues are $60.00
President’s Letter
My name is Maureen Harrigan and I am the new president of the San Mateo County Family Child Care Association. I am writing this letter to introduce myself. I have been in the field of Early Child Development for the past 45 years. I have worked for large corporate preschools, Head Starts, owned my own preschool, and have finally come to where my heart is, family child care. I am relatively new to Northern California, I have been here only 4 years, but I truly love the area and have enjoyed all the other family child care providers I have met here. I know that our job is a difficult one, much harder than the preschools I worked at, but also much more rewarding.
This year, we as an association, will be focusing on increasing our membership and finding new and better ways to service our members. We need every one of you to help us. Bring a provider in your area, who does not belong to our association, to a meeting. We need to hear your voices at meetings, or over the internet (you can reach me at smcfcca@gmail.com), or call me so that we can get workshops, information, etc. that is relevant to you and your business. This is your chance to help create the association that you would like to have.
Looking forward to seeing you and all of your friends at our meetings,
Maureen Harrigan
Local and Out of State
Conferences
& Events:
NAEYC
2011 Forum for Professional Development
Pasadena, CA
October 14-15, 2011
2011 NAEYC Annual Conference & Expo
Orlando, Florida
November 2-5, 2011
Register Today!
CAEYC
2012 CAEYC Annual Conference & Expo
San Diego, CA
March 15 – 17, 2012
CAEYC (cont.)
2013 CAEYC Annual Conference & Expo
San Jose, CA
March 14 – 16, 2013
CAFCC
CAFCC ANNUAL CONFERENCE
April 13th - 15th 2012
The Double Tree Hotel
Arden Way
The San Mateo County
Family Child Care Association
P.O. Box 306
Belmont, CA 94002
(650)568-3200
www.SMCFCCA.org
Schedule for 2012
Jan 5,2012Taxes and preparing for an audit with Judy Lawrence. Bring a friend…..we will be drawing one name / winner of a 2012 SMCFCCA membership valued at $60.00!!!!
Taxes and preparing for an audit with Judy Lawrence. Bring a friend…..we will be drawing one name / winner of a 2012 SMCFCCA membership valued at $60.00!!!!Feb 2, 2012Marva Lyons will talk on safety issues and ideas to prepare for a disaster / emergency. Marva is a provider from Alameda County who had a fire during childcare hours and successfully evacuated the children from her home to safety. Unfortunately, she lost her home. You won’t want to miss this one.
Marva Lyons will talk on safety issues and ideas to prepare for a disaster / emergency. Marva is a provider from Alameda County who had a fire during childcare hours and successfully evacuated the children from her home to safety. Unfortunately, she lost her home. You won’t want to miss this one.March 1, 2012Signs of autism and how to talk to parents about it.
Signs of autism and how to talk to parents about it.April 5, 2012School readiness.
School readiness.May 3, 2012Social and nominations.
Social and nominations.June 7, 2012`Bingo and nominations.
`Bingo and nominations.All events are held at 4"C in San Mateo at 6:30 pm unless noted otherwise.
Bring a friend to any meeting....... Prospective members are always welcome!
GREETINGS FROM MEMBERSHIP
My name is Lori Palomares and I have been a licensed family childcare provider in Redwood City for over 11 years. I am excited to be taking the membership chairperson position for the SMCFCCA and look forward to growing our membership over the next year. When I first became a provider I joined the SMCFCCA and held this position. I have not been an active member (although always a firm supporter) for a few years and recently rejoined and encourage many of you who may have taken a break to consider coming back. I am fortunate to live in a city that has a local network of providers that support one another, however I feel there is also great value in expanding your network to include providers in the county. We all have something to learn or something to offer our fellow providers! Please do not hesitate to contact me (loripalo@comcast.net) if you have any questions regarding the many benefits you will receive as a SMCFCCA member. I encourage you to check out an upcoming meeting whether you are a new member, current member or have taken a break from the group for a while……… COME BACK, bring a friend, get acquainted or reconnect!
*****PLEASE NOTE***** January 5th meeting: We will be holding a drawing,and one lucky winner will receive their 2012 membership for free ($60 value). Must attend meeting to participate.
SMCFCCA Executive Board Members
PresidentMaureen Harrigan 650-364-1327
Maureen Harrigan 650-364-1327V. President Jerbanu Zack650-627-8418
Jerbanu Zack650-627-8418Treasurer Sharon Rogers 650-591-1565
Sharon Rogers 650-591-1565Membership Lori Palomares 650-299-1848
Lori Palomares 650-299-1848Secretary Bert Stoney 650-595-5577
Bert Stoney 650-595-5577Secretary Sima Goomer414-627-7206
Sima Goomer414-627-7206Webmistress Stacey Quezada 650-369-7541
Stacey Quezada 650-369-7541Please call any one of us if you have questions or suggestions on making YOUR association work better for you!
Coping With Separation Anxiety
Starting daycare is a major life transition for both young children and their families. Change, even when it is a positive change can be stressful. In many cases this may be the first time a child is away from the secure and loving arms of their family. Both the child and parents may experience anxiety about starting a daycare experience. Parents want to know that their child will be in a loving and safe environment when the child is not in their direct care. It is not uncommon for parents to feel guilty about placing the child in a daycare program, thus making the farewell more difficult. Young children have been developing an attachment to their parents and are often secure in their daily home life and routine. There are specific measures that both parents and caregivers can take to ease the transition to care and alleviate separation anxiety.
FOR CAREGIVERS:
•Recognize the parent’s feelings – Both parents and children are undergoing a major life change. Realize that parents may have feelings of apprehension or guilt in leaving their child in your care. Be sure to make both child and parents feel welcome. You can make the feel welcome by labeling the child’s cubby and other personal spaces in advance. You may want to hang a poster or banner welcoming the new family.
Recognize the parent’s feelings – Both parents and children are undergoing a major life change. Realize that parents may have feelings of apprehension or guilt in leaving their child in your care. Be sure to make both child and parents feel welcome. You can make the feel welcome by labeling the child’s cubby and other personal spaces in advance. You may want to hang a poster or banner welcoming the new family.•Make the first day a first week – One of the most successful strategies for alleviating separation anxiety is to encourage a slow transition. If at all possible, provide opportunities for the family and child to get to know you before the child starts daycare. Some caregivers make home visits where the child can meet them in the child’s secure surroundings. Some caregivers or daycare programs plan an open house, a chance for the child and parent to explore the program together. Invite the parents to bring the child in on a gradual schedule to allow them to adjust to daycare in a gentle way. Maybe only an hour the first day, two hours the next, until the child is comfortable remaining in care the full day.
Make the first day a first week – One of the most successful strategies for alleviating separation anxiety is to encourage a slow transition. If at all possible, provide opportunities for the family and child to get to know you before the child starts daycare. Some caregivers make home visits where the child can meet them in the child’s secure surroundings. Some caregivers or daycare programs plan an open house, a chance for the child and parent to explore the program together. Invite the parents to bring the child in on a gradual schedule to allow them to adjust to daycare in a gentle way. Maybe only an hour the first day, two hours the next, until the child is comfortable remaining in care the full day.•Reinforce a sense of trust with the child – Young children’s separation anxiety is often closely tied to fears of abandonment. It is important that they will know that the parent will be returning for them at a designated time. With an older child, you can even point out on the clock when they will return or give them a concrete milestone such as, “Mom will be back for you right after lunch time”. It may also be helpful to discuss with the child where she will be and what she will be doing during the time of separation. In any case, remind the child that she will indeed return.
Reinforce a sense of trust with the child – Young children’s separation anxiety is often closely tied to fears of abandonment. It is important that they will know that the parent will be returning for them at a designated time. With an older child, you can even point out on the clock when they will return or give them a concrete milestone such as, “Mom will be back for you right after lunch time”. It may also be helpful to discuss with the child where she will be and what she will be doing during the time of separation. In any case, remind the child that she will indeed return.•Let them bring something from home – Sometimes called transitional objects; blankies, teddys and other objects of comfort can help a child feel secure. Many caregivers find that an object that helps the child remember the parent is of great benefit. These “remembrance” objects may include photos or an object of the parents clothing.
Let them bring something from home – Sometimes called transitional objects; blankies, teddys and other objects of comfort can help a child feel secure. Many caregivers find that an object that helps the child remember the parent is of great benefit. These “remembrance” objects may include photos or an object of the parents clothing.•Communicate with the parent – They are your greatest ally in making the separation a smooth and calm experience. Be sure to let them know if you have any specific concerns and needs. Don’t be afraid to specifically ask how you can be of assistance. “I see you are ready to leave now, would you like me to hold Todd?”
Communicate with the parent – They are your greatest ally in making the separation a smooth and calm experience. Be sure to let them know if you have any specific concerns and needs. Don’t be afraid to specifically ask how you can be of assistance. “I see you are ready to leave now, would you like me to hold Todd?”•Say Good-bye – You may wish to warn the child that the parent will be leaving in five minutes, or that after the story they will be going to work. When it is time for the parent to go, encourage the parent to say good-bye and go. Continued extensions to the separation seem to only add to the anxiety and make the separation more difficult. Discourage the parent from “sneaking” out. Regardless of how upset the child is, sneaking out only adds to their anxiety, increases fear of abandonment, and breaks down the child’s sense of trust. You may want to help the parents establish a routine for saying good-bye. Such a routine may include 3 hugs and a wave from the window.
Say Good-bye – You may wish to warn the child that the parent will be leaving in five minutes, or that after the story they will be going to work. When it is time for the parent to go, encourage the parent to say good-bye and go. Continued extensions to the separation seem to only add to the anxiety and make the separation more difficult. Discourage the parent from “sneaking” out. Regardless of how upset the child is, sneaking out only adds to their anxiety, increases fear of abandonment, and breaks down the child’s sense of trust. You may want to help the parents establish a routine for saying good-bye. Such a routine may include 3 hugs and a wave from the window. Remember overcoming separation anxiety and adjusting to daycare, like any major life change is a gradual process. Soon daycare will become a positive and exciting part of the child’s daily routine.
Who are we?
A professional group of licensed family child care providers.
What is our mission?
The San Mateo County Family Child Care Association exists for the promotion of quality child care and provider professional growth.
What do we offer?
Information, support, and training on important issues concerning family child care providers.
Who can belong?
Any licensed family child care provider in San Mateo County.
Where & When Do We Meet?
Meetings are at 6:30 pm on the first Thursday of the month. No meetings in July or August. Meetings are held at the 4C’s building at 2121 S. El Camino Real, Suite A-100, San Mateo 94403
Referrals
We offer a very effective child care referral service. Our placement expert gets several calls daily from parents seeking quality licensed child care.
Website
We offer your program a free listing on our website, which includes your name, phone number, e-mail address and your business website if applicable. We provide a link from our website directly to yours. www.SMCFCCA.org
Education
We offer workshops, seminars, and guest speakers on many important topics such as: taxes, diversity, children’s activities, kindergarten readiness, disaster preparedness, etc.
Monthly Meetings
A chance for you to meet fellow members, discuss your concerns, share ideas, and obtain valuable information and materials for growing your business.
Newsletter
Published bi-annually, members receive a newsletter featuring meeting schedules, business aids, training announcements, activity ideas, recipes, safety tips and valuable resource information.
Insurance Discount
As an association member, you are offered a discount on your child care business liability insurance through our sponsor DCI Insurance. You can reach DCI at: (800)624-0912.
Networking
Advice from your fellow child care providers is always available. Many of our members have a wealth of experience and years in the child care business and are eager to share with you.
Liason
Liason between providers and Community Care Licensing in order to promote a better understanding of the challenges of child care. We help you interpret the regulations regarding licensed child care.
State Association Membership
You are automatically enrolled in the California Association for Family Child Care (CAFCC). Quarterly newsletters highlight issues of importance to all providers.
Legislation Updates
Notification of state legislative actions concerning child care providers. Keep informed of what your lawmakers are doing!
For More Information Contact:
Lori Palomares (650)299-1848
loripalo@comcast.net
Visit our website at: www.SMCFCCA.org
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