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Upcoming Events
Provider Appreciation Night
Thursday, May 11, 6:00-8:00pm
975 Broadway, Jackson
Please RSVP, 257-1092.
Child care available.
Annual Chaw'se Day
Saturday, May 27, 10:00am-12:00pm.
Enjoy traditional Indian tacos, guided park tours and Native dancing while shopping for unique, custom crafts from local Native vendors, basket weaving demos, Native American games and Miwuk and other Sierra Nevada native American displays and artifacts at the Chaw'se Regional Indian Museum.
Monday, June 12 - Thursday, June 29.
8:00am - 11:30 at each elementary school.
Now in Plymouth on Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30.
Third Wednesday each month,
6:00-7:30pm.
Sophia's Well, 270 A Hanford Street, Sutter Creek.
Call 256-3691 or 257-1092 for more information.
Playgroups follow the ACUSD calendar.
Click for the schedule of times and locations.
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May is Mental Health Matters Month
It's never too early to start thinking about our children's mental health and well-being. 50% of adult mental health problems begin by age 14.Luckily, parents and families can do a lot to help create healthy environments that support mental health in our kids. Being diligent and aware of changes in attitude, potential bullying situations and overall demeanor can help identify potential problems before they go too far.
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Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially and
learn ne
w
skills. Additionally, good friends and encouraging words from adults are all important for helping children develop self confidence, high self-esteem, and a healthy emotional outlook on life.
Give children unconditional love.
Love, security and acceptance should be at the heart of family life. Children need to know that your love does not depend on his or her accomplishments. Mistakes and/or defeats should be expected and accepted. Confidence grows in a home that is full of unconditional love and affection.
Nurture children's confidence and self-esteem.
- Praise Them - Encouraging children's first steps or their ability to learn a new game helps them develop a desire to explore and learn about their surroundings. Allow children to explore and play in a safe area where they cannot get hurt. Assure them by smiling and talking to them often. Be an active participant in their activities. Your attention helps build their self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Set Realistic Goals - Young children need realistic goals that match their ambitions with their abilities. With your help, older children can choose activities that test their abilities and increase their self-confidence.
- Be Honest - Do not hide your failures from your children. It is important for them to know that we all make mistakes. It can be very re-assuring to know that adults are not perfect.
- Avoid Sarcastic Remarks - If a child loses a game or fails a test, find out how he or she feels about the situation. Children may get discouraged and need a pep talk. Later, when they are ready, talk and offer assurance.
- Encourage children - To not only strive to do their best, but also to enjoy the process. Trying new activities teaches children about teamwork, self-esteem and new skills.
Make time for play!
To children, play is just fun. However, playtime is as important to their development as food and good care. Playtime helps children be creative, learn problem-solving skills and learn self-control. Good, hardy play, which includes running and yelling, is not only fun, but helps children to be physically and mentally healthy.
Children Need Playmates.
Sometimes it is important for children to have time with their peers. By playing with others, children discover their strengths and weaknesses, develop a sense of belonging, and learn how to get along with others. Consider finding a good children's program through neighbors, local community centers, schools, or your local park and recreation department. Parents Can be Great Playmate! Join the fun! Doing puzzles or coloring with a child gives you a great opportunity to share ideas and spend time together in a relaxed setting.
Provide appropriate guidance and instructive discipline.
Children need the opportunity to explore and develop new skills and independence. At the same time, children need to learn that certain behaviors are unacceptable and that they are responsible for the consequences of their actions.
As members of a family, children need to learn the rules of the family unit. Offer guidance and discipline that is fair and consistent. They will take these social skills and rules of conduct to school and eventually to the workplace.
Suggestions on Guidance and Discipline
- Be firm, but kind and realistic with your expectations. Children's development depends on your love and encouragement.
- Set a good example. You cannot expect self-control and self-discipline from a child if you do not practice this behavior.
Criticize the behavior, not the child.
It is best to say, "That was a bad thing you did," rather than "You are a bad boy or girl." Avoid nagging, threats and bribery. Children will learn to ignore nagging, and threats and bribes are seldom effective. Give children the reasons "why" you are disciplining them and what the potential consequences of their actions might be.
Talk about your feelings.
We all lose our temper from time to time. If you do "blow your top," it is important to talk about what happened and why you are angry. Apologize if you were wrong! Remember, the goal is not to control the child, but for him or her to learn self-control.
Provide a safe and secure home.
It's okay for children to feel afraid sometimes. Everyone is afraid of something at some point in their life. Fear and anxiety grow out of experiences that we do not understand. If your children have fears that will not go away and affect his or her behavior, the first step is to find out what is frightening them. Be loving, patient and reassuring, not critical. Remember: the fear may be very real to the child.
Signs of Fear.
Nervous mannerisms, shyness, withdrawal and aggressive behavior may be signs of childhood fears. A change in normal eating and sleeping patterns may also signal an unhealthy fear. Children who "play sick" or feel anxious regularly may have some problems that need attention. Fear of school can occur following a stressful event such as moving to a new neighborhood, changing schools, or after a bad incident at school.
Children may not want to go to school after a period of being at home because of an illness.
When to seek help.
Parents and family members are usually the first to notice if a child has problems with emotions or behavior. Your observations with those of teachers and other caregivers may lead you to seek help for your child. If you suspect a problem or have questions, consult your pediatrician or contact a mental health professional.
The following signs may indicate the need for professional assistance or evaluation:
- Decline in school performance
- Poor grades despite strong efforts
- Regular worry or anxiety
- Repeated refusal to go to school or take part in normal children's activities
- Hyperactivity or fidgeting
- Persistent nightmares
- Persistent disobedience or aggression
- Frequent temper tantrums
- Depression, sadness or irritability
Where to seek help.
Information and referrals regarding the types of services that are available for children may be obtained from:
- Mental health organizations, hotlines and libraries
- Other professionals such as the child's pediatrician or school counselor
- Other families in the community
- Family network organizations
- Community-based psychiatric care
- Crisis outreach teams
- Education or special education services
- Family resource centers and support groups
- Health services
- Protection and advocacy groups and organizations
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Celebrate being a dad (or uncle, or grandpa...) every month at our Dad and Me outings, held at fun venues around the county on the fourth Saturday from 10:00am-12:00pm.
This month join us at the annual
Chaw'se Day.
Saturday, May 27, 10:00am-12:00pm.
Enjoy traditional Indian tacos, guided park tours and Native dancing while shopping for unique, custom crafts from local Native vendors, basket weaving demos, Native American games and Miwuk and other Sierra Nevada native American displays and artifacts at the Chaw'se Regional Indian Museum.
We will have fun activities for everyone!
Click
here for the all the information.
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Upcoming Workshops & Events
Thursday, May 11, 6:00-8:00pm
First 5 Amador, 975 Broadway, Jackson
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QUICK TIPS of the MONTH
What snacks are best for my
children's teeth?
The best snacks for your young ones are those don't have lots of sugar. Sugar mixes with bacteria in our mouths and make a mild acid. This acid will attack the hard outer layer of our teeth. Over time, sugary food and drink can cause cavities. Try to cut out sugary foods from your kids' diet altogether and offer healthy snacks instead.
Tooth-friendly, healthy snacks include:
- raw or cooked vegetables
- fresh fruit
- plain popcorn
- plain yogurt, or yogurt mixed with unsweetened fruit puree or chopped fruit
- hard-boiled eggs
- cubes of cheese
- oatcakes with peanut butter
- hummus and pita bread
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Calling all children 0 to 5 years of age.
Join Amador's favorite reading club!
Over 800 Amador kids and counting! Get free books for your children! Sign your child up today and start receiving one free book every month from the Imagination Library! This is a free program, available to all Amador County children aged 0-4 (from birth until their 5th birthday).
All you have to do is read to your child!
For more information click
here.
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It's Our Job as Adults to Keep Kids Safe
Stay up to date on all the news and information about keeping our kids safe from abuse and neglect. Sign up for the
Amador Child Abuse Prevention Council's monthly e-newsletter
HERE!
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PO Box 815 / 975 Broadway | Jackson, CA 95642
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First 5 Amador supports and designs programs for children 0-5 years old and their Families.
For more information call us at (209) 257-1092, visit our website,
and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
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