"My Voice Matters" Children's Conference

On Friday October 16, 2015 60 children from across the community gathered to share their voices on what a healthy, safe community for children in Campbell River looks like. Here is a glimpse of what the day looked like.

The Action Committee Team wanted the Children to truly experience a Conference environment

Brainstorming thoughts

The children categorized all their ideas into themes

Groups of children highlighted the day by using one word

Thanks to Jody, from United Way, and Brad, from Heritage Online School, who assisted with table facilitation

Students brainstorming what makes our community safe and healthy

More brainstorming

Later in the day students were asked to write, create or draw their ideas from the morning

Setting the stage in the morning

Shawn welcomed us all to the Laichwiltach Territory with a Traditional Aboriginal opening

Councilor Marlene Wright, Acting Mayor, welcomed the children

Great listening and manners by all

Categorizing ideas

More categorizing facilitated by Assistant Superintendent Nevenka Fair

Getting to know other students from across the community

Time to create their thoughts

Brainstorming in groups

Children webbing their own ideas

More group work

Brainstorming

Creating

Final thoughts

A great day for all!

The information gathered from the students will be used to create the writing of the Children's Charter for Campbell River.  Watch for more details as the Action Committee (School District 72, City of Campbell River, Success By 6, Family Place, PacificCare) move forward.  For more information or to be a part of the development of the Charter contact crsuccessby6@gmail.com .

“Together We Raise Tomorrow”

Together we raise tomorrow is the slogan Alberta used in creating their provincial charter.  It is so fitting for the work being done in Campbell River on building a Children’s Charter.  What we do today effects the long term outcome of tomorrow.  The charter will ensure Campbell River and Area children’s safety, well-being, and quality of life. 

Voices are still being collected from children preconception (parents) to age 12, and parents, caregivers and grandparents of children to create the Campbell River Children Charter.  Visit us on July 1 at the Kids Fest in the Community Centre to participate from 11 – 3:30.  Many programs and agencies have already collected children’s voices for us, but we want more.  We want everyone to be heard. 

Technorati Tags: community development,children's charter,community,early learning,campbell river,children

I am a child

“We need our rights to be respected now – today – because it is right now – today – that we are children.” – Aurelia Fronty (I Have the Right to be a Child)

Children’s rights recognizes that children require special protection since they are more vulnerable than adults.  The United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child are based on:

• non-discrimination (the rights apply to all children)
• what is best for the child
• the right to live and grow in good health
• and the right for children to express their opinions

Children in Campbell River are being heard as the Children’s Charter Action Committee collects children’s voices to build the children’s charter for Campbell River.

Christian Life Children’s Centre

 

Technorati Tags: Children,Children's Charter,community,campbell river,community development,parenting,family,families,early learning

Golden Opportunity for Child Care - City Hall Rally

Last night, Monday May 25, Early Childhood Educators, gathered at City Hall in Campbell River with their children, partners, friends, parents and anyone else who was urged to be there. They took hold of a golden opportunity to show our local government that a plan is needed that addresses the child care crisis facing BC Families.  They held signs to show their strong support for the $10/Day Childcare Plan for BC. They filled the chamber and lobby of city hall.  

Child Care and Early Learning Critical to Healthy Development

Child care and early education is a critical component to a healthy British Columbian society, and it is currently in crisis and needs public commitment and political will to address it.  

The $10 Plan is a 10 year strategy to do this.

WHAT ABOUT THE COST?

On February 17, 2015, Finance Minister Mike De Jong announced a budget surplus for 2014/15 to hit $879 million "nearly double earlier forecasts". This surplus would cover implementation of the Plan.

A 10 year implementation means all the funds will not be required up front.  As we invest more we get immediate returns to government from increased income tax and sales tax.

Parents who are not spending $1750 each month (average for 2 children under 5 in Campbell River - State of the Child Report, Campbell River 2014) on child care have dollars to contribute in sales and other taxes to their local and provincial economies.

The experience of the Quebec plan has demonstrated what we can expect from our investment. Significant returns were realized in Quebec within two years of implementation. After 12 years, it is paying for itself!  Economists predict B.C. would see returns after the first year and follow Quebec's model.

Quebec's program helped 70,000 women with young children - who, without child care, would not be working - to enter the labour force, a 3.8% increase in women's employment overall.

The ripple effect of mother's employment contributed an additional $5.2 billion to the provincial economy and increased Quebec's GDP by 1.7%.

The impact of working mother's increased purchasing power and taxes paid, along with reduced social transfers, means that for every dollar Quebec invests in its child care system:

·         Quebec recovers $1.05, which more than pays for its 1.6 billion annual investment; and

·         Ottawa recovers 44 cents - for an additional $700 million in revenue - without having made any investment

o    The OECD ranks Canada last in its investments in child care for children under 6 years old.

o    UNICEF ranks Canada last among OECD countries for investing in families with children under 6 years.

o    Child care fees represent the second highest family expense (after housing).

o    The cost of regulated child care services reduces family income by more than taxes.

o    The savings of implementing a plan for caring for our children and families have been calculated at up to $17 for every $1 spent.  These savings represent tax dollars NOT spent over a lifetime of increased health, legal, and social costs, but costs in lost human potential are hard to calculate.

The early care and learning community of Campbell River believes passionately that support for the early years is a priority for achieving quality of life for everyone in our community.  We ask the City of Campbell River to join us.

Articles:

Children are an investment in our future

Council hesitant to support universal child care

I Have the Right to be a Child

Throughout the month of May children in Campbell River and Area are being asked at different centres, programs and classrooms across the community; What does a child need to be happy?  What does a child need to feel safe?  and What does a child need to have to be healthy and to grow?

Family Place 2

Children in Campbell River are learning what it means to have "rights".  Children in Campbell River are being heard as we continue to gather their voices for the Children's Charter.  Children in Campbell River have been describing what it means to have rights - from food, to "proper housing", to feel loved.

Family Place 2

Contact Cheryl crsuccessby6@gmail.com for further information, or if you would like to participate in the development of the Children's Charter.

Progress of the CR Children's Charter

 “Children and youth are our most precious resource. They are the life and future of our society.  Every child deserves to be loved, nurtured and given the care they need to grow up healthy in all ways: emotionally, spiritually and physically.” ~ Barbara Fitzgerald M.D. FRCP(C) Clinical Associate Professor, UBC, Developmental Pediatrician

A strong community, vibrant and healthy, is a community that recognizes the fundamental right of all its citizens to a quality of life that guarantees safety, and the reasonable expectation of health and happiness.  Campbell River has turned its attention to this goal by adopting a Charter of Rights for Seniors and a Charter of Rights for Youth.  Now we are asking children to help us define what it is that they need to be safe, to be happy, and to be healthy and grow.  With their help we propose to add a Children's Charter of Rights to the City of Campbell River.

Children as young as three are being consulted.  When presented with the silhouette of a baby, young children have been asked what they think this baby needs to be safe, to be happy, and to be healthy and grow.  Many of the answers have been both simple and profound. Babies need "their Mummies" and "families to love them". These things keep them safe and make them happy.  They need "help crossing the road, not with a little or bigger brother, . . . Well, maybe a teenager".  They need toys, and to be healthy they need "the special milk with the yellow lid" and "clean diapers".

When shown the silhouette of an older child, they have been asked if these children need anything different than the babies.  "Still to be with their Mum!” was a common response.

Slightly older children had insightful answers. "Proper housing", "good food", "a family to love", "a good fire department and locks", "clean water", "no pollution", "exercise", and "fruits, vegetables, meat and milk" were a few of their responses.  Play has been a common theme.

The thoughts of our children are confirming the declaration of the United Nations' Rights of the Child.  Our children will guide our own declaration of what we are committed to providing children who live in our community.

Contact crsuccessby6@gmail.com if you would like more information on the development of the charter, or would like to get involved.

Children’s Charter Action Committee, Campbell River Children’s Charter:  Project Timeline March – November 2015

Family Place 1

Campbell River State of the Child Report

Children's Health Fair 2015

Sobering statistics paint child welfare in unflattering light - Campbell River Mirror

Sobering statistics paint child welfare in unflattering light - Campbell River Mirror

Multi-Parental Roles Increase Depression, Especially For Stepfathers | Blog | BC Council for Families

Multi-Parental Roles Increase Depression, Especially For Stepfathers | Blog | BC Council for Families

December Newsletter

Check out our December Issue.  Feedback is always appreciated.

September 2014 Early Learning Newsletter

Check out our September 2014 newsletter!

Check out our new early learning community newsletter Summer 2014!

The Annual Children’s Health Fair

Friday, March 14^th from 10-2:00 at Robron Center, Campbell River

We are proud to once again present the Ready-Set Go Children’s Health Fair where community organizations will be available to provide parents of tots and preschoolers with information on health, literacy awareness, safety, recreation and a variety of other programs. 

Vision, hearing, development, dental and speech screening for children will be available free onsite; however, space is limited so come early! Other activities include; hands-on activities for children, drumming, face painting, zumbini and child find.

Thanks to BC Transit and City of Campbell River free bus services will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for anyone attending the event with children.  There will be free snacks, beverages and lots of prizes!

Come out and enjoy a fun filled day where the sound of children’s laughing and squealing, parents chatting with other parents and the soothing sound of a drum beat can be heard throughout the building.

For more information, contact coordinator Cheryl Jordan250-202-0307 or crsuccessby6@gmail.com

September 9th; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day

Every year on September 9th, International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day is observed around the world. The first FASD Awareness Day was celebrated on 9/9/99.  This day was chosen to symbolize the nine months of pregnancy, promoting a healthy, and alcohol free lifestyle during this time.

Prevention of FASD is about working together, healing people and healing communities.

In my work, providing parent supports and awareness about FASD, I often find myself fielding statement such as ‘I heard moderate drinking during pregnancy is ok; it was it on the news.’ The unfortunate part is that reports like this do periodically make headlines. And when they do, phones ring off the hook in FASD communities around the world. FASD experts band together and begin the frustrating task of damage control, making official statements and filtering accurate information back to the public.

I also hear comments like ‘my mom drank with me and I am fine!’ These statements are often followed up with a teasing comment from a friend such as ‘that is a matter of opinion.’ But in all seriousness, yes, some children who have been exposed seem fine while others are very impacted. How this is explained you ask? FASD experts know that there are many contributing factors such as timing, amount of alcohol consumed, and the health of both parents (just to name a few), but what we cannot do is predict which child might be affected. This is why the only true statement regarding the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure is that ‘there is no known safe amount, time or type of alcohol to consume during pregnancy.’ Studies suggesting otherwise cannot be one hundred percent accurate! With this in mind, it stands to reason that abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy is the only way to be sure to prevent the effects that alcohol can have on an unborn child.

If dispelling FASD myths was all that it took to prevent FASD, my work would be easy. I would soon whittle my way out of a job and find myself in the unemployment line (in this case a cause for celebration). The truth is, informing the public is only a fraction of the solution.

A large number of pregnancies in Canada are unplanned. Couple this with the high rate of alcohol consumption in all social groups and we begin to understand that women, in the early stages of their pregnancies, may use alcohol inadvertently causing damage to the unborn fetus.

Also, many people live with alcohol misuse issues, widely misunderstood by society to be a personal choice. It is my firm belief that no woman ever wants to hurt her child; however, stigmatized for the use of alcohol, pregnant women are less likely to seek out supports from family, friends and professionals to aid in their recovery. Even the most well meaning person can add to the guilt associated with alcohol use during pregnancy.

      Partners can support their spouse by also avoiding alcohol before;  during and after the pregnancy.

We can all help by promoting awareness in a non-shaming or blaming way. Partners can support their spouse by also avoiding alcohol before, during and after the pregnancy. The goal is to support all women of childbearing years to make healthy choices in pregnancy. Prevention of FASD is about working together, healing people and healing communities.

If you would like more information about FASD, if you drank during your pregnancy or if you think a child in your care might be affected by prenatal alcohol consumption, call Jenny McLeod, FASD Key Worker 250-286-0391 (all supports are confidential).

If you used drugs or alcohol during your pregnancy you can receive confidential supports from an international organization of mothers who have also used drugs or alcohol during their pregnancy. Contact the Circle of Hope Birth Mothers Network through Kathleen Mitchell at mitchell@nofas.org or view their website at www.nofas.org.

Jenny

 

All-Weather Family Place

Set aside a little time to enjoy and explore our wonderful outdoors! You might be surprised by the delights of caterpillars, a trail of rocks, a bridge to the duck blind, sticks on the beach, . . . Rain or shine join us in nature's classroom around the Dick Murphy playground, Tyee Spit on Thursdays between 1:15 and 2:30 or  Wednesday evenings through July from 6:30 - 7:45.

SB6 Ten Year Anniversary Reflection

“As the Success By 6 Coordinator for the region from mid 2005 through mid 2008, my most treasured memory is having worked with so many wonderful people in the community.  Goals were achieved because of their unwavering commitment to young children’s wellbeing and extraordinary generosity in contributing their time, knowledge, ideas and talents.”  ~ Brenda Wagman

 

Children’s Health Fair 2007

Success By 6 Celebrates 10 Years

Today, Success By 6 celebrates it's 10 year anniversary. Over the coming week we will highlight the past decade. Here's to another 10 years!

"Over the past decade Success By 6 has worked tirelessly to build a vibrant community for children in their early years. With only one coordinator and a volunteer board, this organization advocates for young children and provides outreach at multiple events including the Children’s Health Fair, National Child’s Day, and Canada Day-- just to name a few. At the same time, its members have shaped our city and our schools by placing early years advocates on city committees and the School District 72 Board of Trustees. The accomplishments of Success By 6 reflect both how deeply the Campbell River community cares about its youngest citizens as well as the unwavering dedication of the organization itself". –Lisa Scalapino, School District 72 School Psychologist and former coordinator of Understanding the Early Years

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder; the Invisible Disability!

We typically acknowledge that life creates challenges for people with mobility impairments or visible developmental disabilities, but what about people who live with an invisible brain difference such as FASD?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a term used to describe the range of damage that alcohol can cause to an unborn baby. FASD can best be described as a brain based disability with behavioural symptoms. The invisibility of FASD can be attributed the fact that people with FASD look the same as everyone else and come across as more capable than they actually are. This creates expectations for the person to perform and behave at a level that is beyond their ability.

Often the biggest challenge people with FASD face is that family, community, and professionals fail to recognize the extent of the disability. Children with FASD are continuously being told they could, “do better if they just tried harder” says Jenny McLeod, FASD Key Worker for the Campbell River/Gold River region . For these children, the emotional consequences of knowing that they are not living up to others’ expectations is often, “more crippling then the disability itself” emphasized McLeod. We often refer to people with disabilities as having, “special needs,” when in reality we all have the same needs, “to be loved and accepted for who we are” added McLeod. People with FASD have many personal strengths and the best strategy for success it to focus on these strengths!

If you or your community group would like to learn more about FASD contact Jenny McLeod, FASD Key Worker, Campbell River and District Association for Community Living. 250-286-0391