Project Self-Sufficiency的动态

Ms Puspavalli Namasivayam, alongside Lead Practitioner Ms Sua Swee Lee, recently presented about KidSTART at the National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC) Conference 2024. Attended by an audience of early childhood educators and professionals who work with young children, Ms Puspa gave attendees a deeper understanding of the KidSTART programme and curriculum. Research shows that early experiences in utero and the first 1,000 days of one’s life have implications on child health and development. Negative experiences and stress that a mother is exposed to during her pregnancy can impact the foetus’ growth and its brain development, with consequences over its life course if not addressed. With early intervention from the antenatal stage till the child turns 6, KidSTART aims to mitigate the negative effects of these risk factors and promote positive child health and developmental outcomes. This is why KidSTART believes in a good start as early as possible, especially for children from lower-income families. As KidSTART believes in child-focused but family-centric support, the crux of KidSTART practitioners’ work is to empower families to build strong foundations for their children. The KidSTART Curriculum consists of guiding principles of encouraging parents to make everyday interactions count. KidSTART practitioners employ the acronym START to tell parents that strengthening parent-child relationships and interactions can be as simple as - Sing, Talk, Actively play, Read and Teach. KidSTART also subscribes to the Abecedarian Approach, wherein parents are encouraged to incorporate Enriched Caregiving during their daily caregiving routines. Whilst conducting home visits, KidSTART practitioners will also film parents to highlight and reinforce what was done well and how it contributes to their child’s development. Through the strength-based approach, KidSTART practitioners recognise, affirm and support caregivers in developing the skills to interact and engage their children positively. Ms Puspa closed her presentation with the key learnings from the KidSTART programme thus far. Parents know their children best, and have goals and aspirations for them. And KidSTART recognises that relationships and rapport-building are at the heart of interventions, which is why it is crucial to continue capability-building for the KidSTART practitioners who deliver the programme to the KidSTART families. In addition to supporting our practitioners, it is vital that KidSTART continues to have constant engagement with corporate partners and the local community to strengthen the ecosystem of support. It was a fulfilling and productive session for all involved as Ms Puspa explained and demonstrated why KidSTART believes so fervently in the importance of the early years. It is with our support today that we can help build their better tomorrow. #KidSTARTSG #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #AGoodStart #TheirBetterTomorrow?

This week we went public with a shocking piece of original research. But behind the scenes - ? We had actually found it hard to figure out how to tell this story at all. ? Our findings about children and screens were stark -- but we didn't want to be 'judgy' or blame parents. ? Because parents are not the ones who have caused this problem. ? Here's what our study of 2000+ UK families had found: - Wraparound childcare isn't good enough - So, many parents are having to work and look after kids at the same time - and give them screens for hours every day in order to cope. ? Specifically: - 88% of UK parents who theoretically have access to after school care either struggle to afford it, or it's not flexible enough for their needs - More than a third of parents therefore have to have their children at home with them after school while they attempt to work.?These parents give their kids an average of 1.5hrs screen time before 6pm (many a lot more) - Children with special educational needs - for whom childcare provision is particularly poor - get more screen time than those without - Nearly half of parents who used screens or devices to distract their kids after school say it makes it harder for kids to sleep at bedtime? - Over half say it has also created a vicious cycle with children expecting a certain amount of screentime, leading to battles when parents finish work - A third say it has become harder for their children to be entertained in other ways ? This matters, because we know that excessive screentime for kids is linked to changes in the brain related to - Processing information - Regulating emotions - Executive functions - Memory - Attention ... all of which impact literacy development and behaviour.? ? And we also know there's a huge epidemic of behavioural challenges in schools right now.? ? But here's the thing: ? *Parents aren't to blame for this situation* - because you can only work with what you have. ? And UK parents don't have good options. ? You simply can’t look after young children and work at the same time!???It's impossible. ? My company Koru Kids is trying as hard as we can to plug the gap.?Every weekday we look after over 3000 children.?But I'm keenly aware that our service is only available to parents who can afford it. ? I'd LOVE to provide our service to more people, but current funding structures do not make that possible. ? So - as we have done many times, today I'm calling for better childcare infrastructure for EVERYONE. ? What do you think? ? ?? Repost to join the campaign, and follow Rachel Carrell for more like this ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

I'm glad there is research going into this. But I have a beef ?? I'll preface my beef with that my wife and I are professional parents with our own careers. I fully appreciate the coordination and challenges that go along with caring for kids and working at the same time (especially working from home, particularly when they are sick). I think the use of screens is the easy way out. I have set strong boundaries on my expectations for my children. When they are home and I'm working, there are no screens. They are expected to find and list things they can do in the time I'm not attentive to them: - Playing with toys - Reading - Doing puzzles - Drawing, colouring in - Knitting Nancy - Going outside Screens are a problem now because there are parents who have abdicated responsibility. I'm not here saying the childcare system is set up in a way that serves the public at large. But these are two separate topics. 1) The use of screens and their impact on children 2) A fit-for-purpose childcare system. I believe you need to separate the issues. Just because the childcare system is not fit for purpose doesn't mean you resort to putting your kids in front of screens. Set strong, early boundaries for your children. Show them there are options for entertainment outside of 4 corners of a device. You are a parent. Parent. Then also raise with your local members the fact you don't have any good childcare options.

You can only work with what you have!!!! This is a really concerning situation and a great piece of research. If you find yourself in it then be kind, you are not to blame. What you can focus on is how to manage the effects of screen time outside of your working hours. If you want some more help with that then join me for 15 minutes on managing screen time. ?? https://lnkd.in/eeAeaCTj

I’m always pondering what other countries do to support #parents & #families & #children The issue of after-school care, particularly between 3 PM and 6 PM, is indeed a significant challenge for many parents. Here are some options that various countries implement to address this problem: 1. Expanded After-School Programmes: Many countries, including the U.S. and Canada, offer structured after-school programmes that provide supervised activities, tutoring, and enrichment classes. 2. Subsidised Childcare: In some European countries, like Sweden and Denmark, the government provides subsidies for after-school care, making it more affordable for families. 3. Flexible Work Policies: Countries like Germany and the Netherlands promote flexible working hours or remote work options, allowing parents to adjust their schedules for school pick-ups. 4. Community-Based Solutions: In places like New Zealand, community organisations often provide informal after-school care, leveraging local volunteers and resources. 5. Integrated School Services: Some countries integrate after-school services within the school system, offering activities directly on school grounds, which can reduce logistical challenges. 6. Public Awareness Campaigns: Countries like Australia have initiated campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of after-school care and encourage community involvement. By implementing these strategies, countries aim to alleviate the burden on parents, especially mothers, and create a more supportive environment for working families so it’s a long overdue investment & needs really addressing in the UK … not easy but important How do you juggle ?? screens & your children after school?

Systems work. Nothing is in a silo... the individual parts impact the whole. With 1 in 2 kids in ???? with a chronic condition, Houston, we have a problem ???? Big ones. ?? The school day does not match up with the work day. ? The workplace does not align with kids having summers off. ?? There is not enough affordable childcare. ? There is not enough childcare workers because we do not value childcare enough to pay them a livable wage (or teachers btw). ?? Many corporations cannot afford to offer employees paid leave and yet we refuse to offer universal paid leave programs in ????, making us the only industrialed nation on the planet without it, impacting the health and well-being of children (and mothers) out of the gate. ? All of this and yet companies are mandating workers back to the office STAT. ?? We allow chemicals in our food, water, air and products that Europe bans and we are ok with poisoning our kids every single day. All of this is contributing to our ridiculous (and preventable) infant and maternal mortality rates among women and babies in AMERICA. Again, some of the WORST rates for an industrialed nation and yet nothing to see here? This rolls right into why our kids in ???? are dying from disease and suicide at alarming rates. It's a national emergency. We moved ????????? for COVID. Now we stand back and watch a whole country ravish our children and we're too distracted to care. And we wonder why screens and electronics have become an issue? Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in 9 - 24 y/o children (CDC) because we will not fix our upstream systems impacting our most crucial asset we have in this country. Our kids. Our future. We can no longer afford to sit back and allow our children to die in the name of greed and politics. ?? Ban chemicals. ?? Paid leave for families. ?? Improve childcare. ?? Restructure the educational system to align with the work week. ?? Corporate stepping up to instill policies and values to uplift the 75% of employees who are caregivers. Until then, parents, we have to individually make decisions each day to protect our children. Follow along in the weeks and months ahead to learn impactful ways to improve what you can at your own house and for your own kiddos. #Onward ??????

Early childhood is a time of rapid growth, and ensuring children are on track with their development can make a world of difference. Health screenings during these formative years are designed to detect potential issues early, helping parents and healthcare providers intervene promptly for the best outcomes. Let’s look at why early health screenings are vital and how they can support your child’s journey. What Are Early Childhood Health Screenings? Health screenings in early childhood assess various aspects of a child’s growth and development, including physical health, vision, hearing, and developmental milestones such as language and motor skills. They’re performed regularly from infancy through early childhood, creating a clear picture of each child’s unique needs. Why Are They Important? 1? Early Detection for Better Outcomes Catching potential issues early—such as speech delays or vision problems—allows for timely intervention, which can prevent more significant challenges later on. Early support helps children overcome obstacles while they’re still small. 2? Enhanced Learning and Social Development Early screenings also focus on cognitive and social skills that are foundational for learning and interaction. Identifying areas that need support can set children up for success when they start school, boosting confidence and social ease. 3? Peace of Mind for Families For parents, these screenings offer reassurance and guidance on developmental milestones. Knowing that their child’s progress is being closely monitored gives families clarity, reducing stress about their child’s health and growth. 4? Access to Resources Early screenings help connect families with support services and programs, like speech or physical therapy, if needed. This access empowers parents with resources that can greatly enhance their child’s quality of life. Simple Steps to Take ??Stay on Schedule: Keep up with regular screenings, especially during early years. ??Communicate Concerns: Share any observations with your child’s healthcare provider. ??Follow Recommendations: If additional testing or support is suggested, consider these services to ensure your child’s health and development are optimized. At The Good Care Helpers, we believe early screenings build a strong foundation for children to thrive. By supporting families in navigating their child’s health, we’re here to help foster wellness and growth from the very beginning.

As a parent navigating the early years, it's evident that a positive shift is happening – fathers are playing a more active role in caregiving. Yet, the journey is not without its challenges. Stereotypes persist, hindering progress toward a more equal division of responsibilities. ? With this in mind, it’s fantastic to see the release of a five-point action plan to help kids thrive in the first five years of life by a ‘Dad’s Alliance’ of advocates, researchers, organisations and high-profile fathers. The five-point plan encompasses the importance of, and need for a national strategy to support fathers to take an equal share of parenting, including a major educational campaign, investment into tailored perinatal education and parenting support for fathers, twelve weeks of federally-funded paid parental leave for fathers and non-birthing parents, a commitment to develop, implement and fund universal access to an affordable early learning system, andal an early childhood workforce strategy that encourages male participation. ? Whilst I’m professionally invested in advancing gender equity, as a mum to a four-year-old son, the topic is also personal, and here’s why: ? ? Engagement in Early Years: My son is at a crucial developmental stage, and having his father play an active part in his early years is both critical and invaluable. ? ? Breaking Stereotypes for Him: I want my son to grow up in a world where stereotypes about parenting roles don't limit his or anyone else's potential. This initiative challenges outdated attitudes, creating a more inclusive environment for our children. ? ? Building Stronger Bonds: Strong family bonds are the foundation for a happy and healthy upbringing. By advocating for tailored support and dismantling stereotypes, the Dad's Action Group directly contributes to creating an environment where our family relationships can thrive. ? Improved Wellbeing: As a parent, wellbeing directly influences our ability to be present for our children. The focus on mental and physical health in the initiative ensures that fathers are supported in maintaining a healthy balance. ? ? Economic Benefits for His Future: Looking ahead, the economic benefits of increased workforce diversity and participation not only impact our family's financial stability but also contribute to a world where my son can explore diverse opportunities. ? Kudos to all involved in the Dad’s Alliance for continuing to draw attention to this important topic and calling for further action.

Agree it’s an impossible balance. It has to start with the workplace being more flexible to parents who juggle both work and childcare. Rather than parents having to plug gaps with expensive childcare solutions and spending more money they don’t have. The future I want to see is parents having the time and space to be with their children and work hours to wrap around children. Not childcare solutions wrapping around work. That is what will create a healthy and sustainable future for our children and their brain development and companies that embrace this will thrive too. Life moves forwards not backwards. This is the future. Human centred and more importantly children centred. #futureofwork #newleadership #children #patents #OD

The Child Happiness Institute of Love Development offers a variety of online courses designed for childcare professionals and parents. Here are some of the key features and courses they offer: Conscious Nurturing Child Discipline Program Training Certification1: This is a 24-credit-hour training certification that costs $100.?It includes training on social emotional child development from birth to twelve years, brain development, SIDS, AHT, and child abuse/maltreatment/endangerment1. Nurturing Conscious Discipline Positive Reinforcement2: This is a 6-hour online course that covers conscious nurturing, positive child discipline according to social emotional child development, and caregiver attachment styles2. A.I.R. 104-hour Parenting, Co-Parenting, Child Nurturing, Family Stabilization Education – Healthy Relationship Series1: This course is designed to educate parents about conscious and nurturing parenting, child abuse, domestic violence, and healthy versus toxic relationships3. Infancy to School Age Child Growth & Development 1011: This online course covers the stages that children go through, the milestones they exhibit as well as age-appropriate activities from birth through the school-age years1. Childhood Assessment of Growth & Development 1021: This online course covers definitions of terms around development and developmental stages and examines the types of assessment tools to plan educational experiences1. Healthy Brain Development in Early Childhood1: This online course about healthy brain development covers secure attachments, language development, brain chemicals, the impact of trauma and strategies for optimal health1. Child Maltreatment Abuse and Neglect Prevention1: This online course is designed to give child care professionals the tools to prevent, identify, and report child abuse and neglect with confidence and compassion1. All courses are certified by the Child Happiness Institute of Love Development and align with guidelines set by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Child Care Licensing Division, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention24.?The courses are convenient, affordable, and provide a wealth of knowledge1. Learn more 1 child.thinkific com https://lnkd.in/e2dryjVP