e-newsletter 16: Get People Talking About You! Community Outreach

Information Corner –

Get People Talking About You! Community Outreach…

There are many ways to put your name in the community. The more exposure your Centre gets the better.

• Many service clubs have specific mandates to serve families and children. Approach clubs in your community to suggest collaboration, such as, accepting a family in the Centre that is supported by the club. Highlight the benefits the family will receive by becoming part of your Centre.
• Participate in community events such as parades, Christmas concerts, charity fundraisers, etc.; participants from the Centre should wear something featuring the logo of the Centre
• Join with your local credit union for promotional events about co-operatives; arrange a display in the credit union; Co-op week is usually the third week in October; if there are other co-operatives in the area, ask to place a display or brochure in the ‘office’; offer to host a suitable workshop about parenting or children’s needs
• Invite the general public to parent education seminars; choose topics of interest such as behaviour management, nutrition, play or first aid
• Attend task force meetings, or committees, which focus on childcare in the community; if you are recognized as an expert in co-operative/non-profit childcare, you will be contacted for information or an opinion
• Schedule several ‘Open House’ times; depending on the community needs, morning, afternoon and evening sessions may have to be scheduled

Registration Incentives…

• Offering an enticing registration ‘package’ can encourage the parents to give your Centre a second look
• Include a T-shirt, sweatshirt or carrying bag featuring the Centre’s logo in the orientation package — the logo should be a good eye-catcher
• Offer home-made play dough (with the recipe attached) and tag it with the Centre’s name and telephone number; present this to any family who visits the Centre (any other item of interest to a family with small children could be substituted)
• Offering programming which is requested by the community such as drop-in sessions, JK enrichment, toddler programs, Grandparent’s days and a program for Dads
• Approach the local community for convenience programs such as hair cutting once per month, vision or hearing screening; the members can access these services at a reduced rate; potential members can be given a discount coupon to attend on one occasion

Parent Visits to the Centre…

• When a parent visits the Centre, remember that you have to be sensitive to their ‘inside’ reactions; they are asking ‘Would I send my child here?’; if the answer is negative, you’ll never see the parent’s child again
• Recently in a national survey, parents indicated that the most important factors for determining the Centre that their child will attend were: well-trained staff and a clean and safe environment
• Parents tend to look for bright, cheerful rooms — first impressions are critical; carefully examine the environment around the entrance in the classroom — is it welcoming? Is it tidy?; to achieve this, arrange colourful bulletin boards, maintain a tidy room (within reason), keep paint easels relatively clean, and so on
• Always follow-up a contact or visit by a parent within another call to maintain contact; be sensitive to parent’s concerns on this follow-up call — understand their anxieties
• Before a personal visit, provide the parent with a description of the program’s highlights; suggest what they should look for during their visit

Stay tuned to future newsletters for more tips and ideas on Marketing your Centre!

Sharing, Learning and Growing with PCPC at the Annual General Meeting!

Make sure to save the date October 8, 2009 on your calendars for the PCPC Annual General Meeting… watch for more information in the upcoming months!

Motivation and Passion in Life with Kids:
How to Have It, Maintain It and Share It! With Mary Stuart

Every day is a new day! Keeping up the joy and enthusiasm for life’s most important job — guiding children — can be challenging! Come prepared to rekindle the passion and be rejuvenated again in your role as Educator and Parent!

Location: Mitchell Field Community Centre (89 Church Avenue — at Yonge and Finch)
(*For those of you who attended our AGM last year, and for those of you who will be attending for your first time, PCPC wants you to know, that we have secured a room that has better acoustics than last!)
Registration: 7:15pm
AGM: 7:30pm

As a non-profit, co-operative charity, we need you, our members, to approve the audit and elect the Officers for 2009/2010!

Business Writing Tips — Now Available Online for PCPC Members!

Effective business writing skills can help you win that business contract, earn a promotion, resolve a dispute, or generate a significant increase in new business leads. Poor business writing, on the other hand, can never be undone; it can cause you to lose business to your competition, and could even cost you your job.

To learn ‘Ten Easy Ways to Improve Business Writing Skills’ please visit the PCPC website Member’s Only Section (http://www.pcpcontario.org/business-writing-tips)

FREE – Immunization Scheduler from Today’s Parent!

Visit the Today’s Parent website for a new downloadable chart to track your child’s immunizations http://www.todaysparent.com/baby/healthsafety/article.jsp?content=20090622_164525_7768&page=1&om_rid=BrRaLn&utm_source=_BKVOzKB7uX9FuR&utm_content=tpbw26&utm_medium=email

Medicine Cabinet Must-Haves!

This handy checklist from Today’s Parent can be printed and taken to the pharmacy to stock up on the essentials…

These over-the-counter remedies help you respond immediately to an illness or minor accident at home. For more serious symptoms, contact your family doctor; go to the nearest hospital or call 911.

Practise Prevention:

• Drugs decompose quicker when exposed to moisture and heat, so don’t store them in a bathroom and keep them away from direct light
• Keep all medications out of the reach of curious little hands, and always check with your health practitioner before administering medication to a child
• At least once a year go through your medicine cabinet and remove medications that are old (have changed colour, smell or taste), that you no longer take or are past their expiration date
• Do not flush medication down the toilet, pour down the sink or throw in the garbage; most pharmacies and municipalities offer environmentally-friendly drug disposal programs

Ingested Medications: examples

• Antihistamine (treats allergies)
• Children’s vitamins and adult multivitamins
• Loperamide (treats diarrhea)
• Oral electrolytes (replaces fluids and minerals lost after vomiting and diarrhea)

Topical Applications: examples

• Antibiotic ointment (treats cuts/ rashes/ bacteria-fighter)
• Calamine lotion (treats insect bites/ rashes/ sunburn
• Hydrogen peroxide (antiseptic)
• Zinc oxide ointment

Tools: examples

• Cup, dropper, spoon and syringe medicine dosage dispensers
• Reusable hot/cold gel packs
• Multi-purpose (ear and oral/ rectal/ underarm) digital thermometer (not mercury)
• Tweezers

Dressings: examples

• Butterfly closure bandages
• Compression bandages
• Cotton pads and swabs
• Waterproof adhesive bandages

This comprehensive checklist is also available online by visiting http://www.todaysparent.com/healthsafety/allages/article.jsp?content=20090623_105441_1144&page=1&om_rid=BrRaLn&utm_source=_BKVOzKB7uX9FuR&utm_content=tpbw12&utm_medium=email

Creating a Marketing Brochure — Information is Now Available Online!

Brochures are a great way to package a lot of information about your organization and its expertise into a format that is easily mailed, picked up, handed out or given to current customers/clients to pass along to possible referrals.

Visit the PCPC website Members Only section http://www.pcpcontario.org/creating-a-marketing-brochure for this new informative tipsheet!

Fadeout Myth Refuted by Long-Term Positive Effects of High Quality Preschool!

New research findings refute the myths — used by opponents of preschool — that pre-kindergarten benefits ultimately fade out and are of no benefit to children… instead, the evidence concludes the opposite — that high-quality preschool sets the stage for later success and for children!

Researchers determined that the benefits for children who attend a good preschool include improved mathematics, reading and social skills over several years. Melhuish, a professor of human development at Birkbeck, University of London, says he and his colleagues found that high-quality preschools offer learning opportunities over and above what most homes can provide. Children’s ability to work independently improves significantly as a result of preschool; something he points out is a high predictor of future academic success.

‘Providing pre-K for all children would mean higher test scores, less school failure and increased high school graduation and college attendance,’ said NIEER Co-Director Steve Barnett. Melhuish agrees, saying the boosts in children’s cognitive, language and social development his research found means children will benefit more from their experiences when they start school and that is likely to result in better math scores.

In addition to studying the effects of preschool, the research also evaluated the influence of home environments and the effectiveness of pre-K and primary school on children’s development – Melhuish showed that all three are critical to children’s development and that preschool is an important element in maximizing children’s development, regardless of family background.

Independent reviews of all the research on preschool education’s effects find that they are long lasting. Scientific research that averaged across all of the studies of preschool’s effects in the United States since 1960 found substantial positive effects on achievement, special education, grade retention and social behaviour at ages ten and higher.

‘The idea that preschool effects fade out by third grade originated with one flawed study in the early 1960s, and a small number of weak studies continue to be cited to support the idea,’ said Barnett. ‘Those opposed to public pre-K ignore the preponderance of evidence from more rigorous studies that refute their position.’

Revised and Updated — YRCHS Nutrition Services Website!

The YRCHS Nutrition Services website (http://www.york.ca/nutrition) has been revised and updated! The new website is more user-friendly and visually appealing, and has detailed information on:

• Food and your health
• Feeding you and your family
• Healthy weights
• Programs and services offered
• Fact sheets and resources

It also has:

• A direct link to the Nutrition Newsletter (Healthy Measures e-bulletin)
• An A-Z listing (still to come)
• Information on how to speak to a dietician

September Safety Blitz with the Ministry of Labour of Ontario! – look to HeartSafe for your WHMIS training

The Ministry of Labour of Ontario will be conducting a ‘Safety Blitz’ in September of 2009. Their focus will be on Workplace Hazardous Materials (WHMIS).

An up-to-date WHMIS program keeps employees current on the regulations concerning hazardous materials in the workplace.

HeartSafe offers a full complement of accredited First Aid Courses in Toronto, Ottawa, and London and elsewhere in Ontario that are approved for workplaces and follow the WSIB (Workplace, Safety and Insurance Board) Regulations and The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada guidelines.

HeartSafe is now offering the following workshop:

Workplace Hazardous Material Information System — WHMIS

WHMIS provides workers and employers with information about the hazardous materials to which they may be exposed. Both provincial and federal regulations require employers to provide proper training to all workplace parties who are likely to handle, store or otherwise be exposed to hazardous materials.

The specific content includes an overview of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act; WHMIS Legislations; Labels and Material Safety Data Sheets; Occupational Health and Controlling Hazards.

Time Required: 2 hours
Location: On-site for your convenience
Tuition: Call for group rate pricing
Topics:

• Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act
• WHMIS Legislation/ Regulation
• Labels and Material Safety Data Sheets
• Controlling Hazards

For more information or to schedule a session, please contact Glenn at:

HeartSafe EMS
416.410.4911 extension 21 or 1.888.322.3791
gburke@heartsafe.ca
http://www.heartsafe.ca

Childlife.ca – A “New” Newsletter Section Featuring PCPC’s Collaboration with Mary Stuart and Childlife.ca

GET READY FOR SCHOOL!

In the Race for Quality, There is No Finish Line!

Early Childhood Educators never cease in their planning, preparing and programming for bringing out the best in children’s development and behaviour. August is here and the new year begins in less than 6 weeks! We hope that you have had a relaxing summer — in spite of the rain — and have an opportunity to take the time to enjoy the rest of the summer before the rush of fall begins.

Why not take a few minutes to plan for your parent night, AGM or staff development days? Our Early Childhood Services partner, ‘Childlife… inspire their best’, is offering PCPC members deep discounts on customized workshops and personalized coaching and consultation. Only a few spots are available in September, October and November.

Don’t miss out! Check out www.childlife.ca for more information or contact Mary Stuart, E.C.E.D.H. at justask@childlife.ca

Fundraising Ideas

Remember that all of these fundraising ideas, and many more can be found in the Governance Series Workshops (Members’ Only Section) of the PCPC website www.pcpcontario.org

Calendars: Many Centres publish and sell calendars. Some print the calendar with pictures of the Centre’s children on their birthdays, while others print full-colour paintings by the children on every page, or feature pictures of children engaging in Centre activities.

Some Centres sell advertising space to local businesses, while others list on the appropriate date coming events of community organizations.

Costs for designing, laying out and printing the calendars can be reduced if the Centre lays out the calendar itself and gets a technical school or insurance company to donate the printing.

Get to know potential funders!

The G. Scott Paterson Foundation
Address: 38 Prince Arthur Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1A9
Contact: Gordon Scott Paterson, Trustee
Telephone: (416) 368-6464 (telephone)
Funding Interest: Children
Granting Region: Toronto Area

The Geoffrey H. Wood Foundation
Address: Suite 301, 300 The East Mall, Etobicoke, Ontario, M9B 6B7
Contact: John A. Broley, President and Executive Director
Telephone/Fax: (416) 234-0240 (telephone); (416) 234-5140 (fax)
Email/Website: ghwood@interlog.com and http://www.ghwoodfoundation.ca
Funding Interest: Children
Granting Region: Toronto Area
Grant Information: Application must be submitted in writing and include applicant’s history, objectives and activities, names of officers and directors, amount requested and reason, budget for request, last annual report and audited financial statements, CRA registration number, and details of any major funding for the project; deadline is April 1 and October 1 (annually)

The Goodman and Carr Foundation
Address: 200 King Street West, Suite 2300, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 3W5
Contact: David Stevens, Secretary
Telephone/Fax: (416) 595-2300 (telephone); (416) 595-0567 (fax)
Email: dstevens@goodmancarr.com
Funding Interest: Children
Granting Region: Toronto

Did you know? (fun facts and quotes)

You share your birthday with at least 9 million other people in the world!

Going Green!

More Car Ideas…

• Combine errands into one trip and save 800 kilometres of driving a year — you’ll also save $510.00 in fuel and wear-and-tear on your vehicle!
• Lighten your load — 100 pounds of junk in the trunk can reduce gas mileage by 2%!
• Keeping tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure (noted on the sidewall) and you’ll save $100.00 a year for operating your vehicle!
• Check your air filter monthly and replace it when it looks dirty — you’ll spend $800.00 a year less on vehicle maintenance!
• Don’t top off at the pump. You’ll eliminate accidental spillage and reduce toxic emissions!
• Remove your roof rack when you’re not using it; a rack can reduce fuel efficiency by 5%!

PCPC member schools

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New and recommended

Info about PCPC's Group Insurance for member centres · July 11
eNews: New Member Benefit: HR Performance & Results · May 30
eNews: 2011 PCPC Staff Benefits Renewal 10% DECREASE! · May 19
eNews: Co-op Cost Cutters bulk purchasing products and services in your mailbox! · May 9
eNews: It's that time again -- Contracts and Personnel Handbooks! · May 3

Going Green!

All 'Going Green' articles on one page »

Going Green 23 · January 15
Going Green 22 · December 17
Going Green 21 · December 4
Going Green 20 · November 20
Going Green 19: A Brief Overview of “Green IT for Dummies” · October 27

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