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

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

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

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

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

Let’s Get BC’s Children and Youth on the Political Agenda!

First Call: BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition is a non-partisan, province-wide coalition of over 90 provincial and regional organizations, engaged communities and hundreds of individuals who come together to mobilize British Columbians in support of strong public policies and the allocation of resources for the benefit of children and youth. First Call has built a broad provincial consensus around the need to ensure all British Columbian children and youth benefit from the 4 Keys to Success for Children and Youth: A strong commitment to early childhood development; Support in transitions from childhood to youth and adulthood; Increased economic equality; and Safe and caring communities
May 14, 2013 is Election Day in the province of British Columbia. On that day, eligible voters exercise their right to vote for one of the candidates in their riding to represent them in the provincial legislature.
First Call has developed an election toolkit to support individuals and community groups in their advocacy for legislation, policy and practice that benefit children and youth and their families in the lead up to the May 2013 provincial election. First Call partner organizations with expertise in different areas contributed many of the facts, ideas and recommendations in the kit. The toolkit is structured around the 4 Keys to Success. Each section highlights some of the current issues facing children, youth and families in BC and suggests solutions government can act on, in the form of questions to candidates. We have also included information on how to vote, information about the parties running in the election, and information about where to find the money for children and youth.

Thank You

It takes the community to ensure all of our young children have the best start in life. Many thanks go out to the many organizations, groups and volunteers who participated in the Campbell River Children’s Health Fairs this year on Friday March 15.

Thank you to: Active Campbell River, BC Transit, Campbell River and District Association for Community Living’s Support Child Development Program, Campbell River Childcare Society, Campbell River Community Literacy Association, Campbell River Family Place, Campbell River Family Services Society, Campbell River Fire Department, Campbell River Literacy Now, Child Find, City of Campbell River, Coastal Eyecare Centres, Campbell River Emergency Social Services, Judy Hagen and her little dogs, KDC, Laichwiltach Family Life Society, Little Ladybug Yoga, PacificCARE, Rivercity Therapeutic, School District 72, Strathcona Regional District (Recycling Queen), Strathcona Gardens, Success By 6, Sunrise Resources for Early Childhood Development, Vancouver Island Health Authority and War Amps.

A huge THANK YOU to School District 72 for the promotion and hosting of the Fair and to the City of Campbell River and BC Transit for providing free bus services. Thanks to the Eagle and the River radio stations for promoting the Fairs. A special thanks to QUALITY FOODS, Save On Foods, Thrifty’s and McDonalds for donating the healthy snacks and coffee. A very active thanks to Pam from Stereo Fitness for getting the children and parents moving. A definite highlight of the day.

Extra thanks go to our wonderful volunteers; Liza, Darlene, Sue, Susan, Heather and the Bladerunners from Laichwiltach who help make the day possible.

With immense appreciation from the Organizing Committee for the Campbell River Children’s Health Fairs and the Campbell River Family Network.

 

Thank you to all our Sponsors and Supporters for the Children’s Health Fair

Check out our facebook page to view photos from the day.

Children’s Health Fair Schedule ~ Friday March 15, 10–2, Robron Centre

Children’s Health Fair

Children’s Health Fair

We are proud to once again present the Ready-Set Go Children’s Health Fair, Friday March 15, 10 – 2 @ Robron Centre, where community organizations will be available to provide parents of tots and preschoolers with information on safety, health, literacy awareness, 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; zumbatomic, mini workshops, nutrition, drumming, face painting, puppet shows and child find.

Thanks to BC Transit and City of Campbell River free bus services will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 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.

 

                                                                                          Cedar Weaving 2012

 

 

    Zumbatomic with Pam from Stereo Fitness

Turning off Electronics

Monday February 11 is a day for family.  Our children, our families are worth spending time with.  Pull out board games, go for a walk, sit and talk, turn on some music and dance around the living room.  The list is endless and doesn’t need to cost a cent.  So, let’s “unplug” from our electronic devices, and re-connect with our children. We know the profound effect that spending time with family has on a child’s growth and future success.

“Turn off the media. My husband told me a statistic that he had read regarding people and their smart phones - that most people are never more than three feet from their phones most of the time. Imagine that - three feet. I know how distracting it can be. You hear the ding of an alert and you just want to check the one thing and then it becomes that you have to send an email back and then more and more. Turn off your media for a bit. And set media parameters. Our family loves media, but I know that we need boundaries. Every once in a while have a media free night - play games, talk, sit in the living room and just be together. It's balance - and they just want your attention - bless them with it. Undivided. “  As stated in Finding Joy.

Spread our message by sharing with others, today!!

Unplug and Connect on Family Day

 

Success By 6 supports the children of our community, and on this first Family Day we are asking families to spend meaningful time together. Family Day is an opportunity for us to come together, to “unplug” from our electronic devices, and re-connect with our children. We know the profound effect that spending time with family has on a child’s growth and future success. Let's take this, and every opportunity to listen, talk, sing and play together. Put down your devices, and enjoy some quality family time.  Family Day is the perfect day to commit/ recommit our attention to what is most important, our children.  Let’s take this opportunity to celebrate our children and family on Monday, February 11, 2013.

 

Family Literacy Week

Family Literacy Day is January 27. How does your family learn at
home on a daily basis?

Check out how our community is celebrating National Family Literacy Day, a whole week's worth of fun, Jan. 21 - 27:

Monday: Family Cooking Series @ Campbell River Community Centre (2:00-3:00 and 3:30-4:30)

Tuesday: Open Stage at Tidemark Theatre (2:00-4:00 pm)

Wednesday: Rotarians Read at your School (Throughout the school day)
Wednesday: Free Family Gym at Campbell River Community Centre (10:30 – 11:30)

Thursday: Create a graphic story at Vancouver Island Regional Library (2:30 – 3:30)
Friday: Fire safety and tour your local fire hall

Saturday: Super Saturday at Campbell River Art Gallery (1:00-3:00 pm)
Saturday: Story telling at the Campbell River Museum (1:00 – 3:00 pm)

Sunday: Free family swim and grand prize draw at Strathcona Gardens
(6:30 – 9:00 pm)

Each day you are eligible to enter into the grand prize draw. Tickets available at each location/activity.

For more information visit here

Time to Celebrate

Many forces are at work making Campbell River a community that values and nurtures its families, particularly families with young children.

In a recent survey of these families many examples of family friendly businesses and services that support healthy childhoods in our city were named.

Other contributions are recognized by those working behind the scenes.

We are grateful to all of our Early Years Heroes!

Businesses

Thrifty Foods                                                  “The Lady” at Save on Foods
Walmart, “especially Rhonda”                Superstore
Boston Pizza                                                   Quality Foods
Eco Booty                                                       Kidlets
Cuddles                                                          Coho Books                                         
McDonalds                                                    Serious Coffee
VI Fitness                                                        Coastal EyeCare
Home Depot                                                 Bikram Yoga
Tremain Media                                             Healthy Way
Stereo Fitness                                                MVP
Shoppers Drug Mart                                   B.C. Ferries
Starbucks                                                      Chan Nowosad Boates
Banners Restaurant                                   Miki’s Sushi
First Choice Hair Cutters                           New 2 U Consignment
Wise Owl                                                        Kotos
Sharkare                                                        Rickis
Royal Coachman                                       Iris
Ocean Pacific

Programs and Services

Sch. Dist. 72; Strong Start and SD72 Aboriginal Liaisons
Laichwiltach Family Life Society
Quinsam Baby Group                   
KDC Programs
Sunrise Resources for Early Childhood Development (special       
              mention – Gayle Maclean)
Campbell River Family Services Society (Baby’s Best Chance,  
                                                                      Family Place, . . .)
the Library
Baby Yoga and Stroller Fit (Dawn Pomponio)
Strathcona Gardens (special mention – leisure pool and skate and            
                                                                     read)
City of Campbell River (special mention – Life Program, Family                                              Gym (Uschi), Family Place, Teen Family Night, transit free under 6)

Join us on Monday November 19 to find out who this year's Early Year's Heroes will be.  Keynote speaker, David Sheftel from BC Council for Families.

RSVP crsuccessby6@gmail.com

 

The Path to Prosperity: The Father Factor

Fathers play an essential role in children's lives, and that promoting positive fathering is a key element in building healthy families and communities. Explore innovative ways to support fathers in the workplace.

"The Path to Prosperity: The Father Factor" lunch and learn event sponsored by Success By 6, speaker David Sheftel from BC Council for Families will join us. Monday November 19, 2012 @ 11:30 - 1:00 at the Community Centre.

Success By 6 will also be recognizing individuals and businesses that were identified by the Community that support children and family.
RSVP by Monday November 12.