News You Can Use February 1, 2016

February 2016

In This Issue

Lighting the Way

A Message from

Dawn Winkler

Executive Director

Welcome to our new newsletter design. Quarterly, we will be sharing with you our great work of "Making Children a Priority".

I am happy to share some of our 2015 stats with you. Here's how YOUR contribution helps:

In 2015 alone, United 4 Children has had the privilege to help:

* 15,341 children improve their social, emotional, physical and educational well-being

* 98% of children with challenging behavior secure and maintain inclusive child care

* 2,563 teachers and caregivers with career development

* Teachers and caregivers receive 1,505 hours of classroom coaching

* 8,070 children receive nutritious meals

Also mark your calendar for our 10th Annual Lighting The Way Gala on April 7th. Hope to see you there!

Join Us!

Like us on Facebook

Check out our Website

Will You Help Us Light The Way?

Will you join us for this important event which raises over $100,000 to help children who are at-risk develop and thrive regardless of their fragile environments?

Presented By:

Slay Industries

For additional event information click here.

News You Can Use!

Infant/Toddler:

Safe Sleep for Infants & Toddlers

By Anita Stover

Professional Development Coordinator

Safety should always be the #1 priority when working with children, and being knowledgeable in safe sleep is a requirement. An easy method to remember is A-B-C: A=ALONE (babies should sleep alone), B= on their BACK (place babies on their back), C= in a CRIB. The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) safe sleep guidelines are based on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Click here to continue reading.

Preschool:

Cabin Fever Cures

By Becky V ogel

Inclusion Specialist

We are finally getting to see a little cold weather in St. Louis! We were lucky to be able to have the children outside a lot in the late fall and early winter but now we have to keep

them busy inside. I know it's tempting to let center time take over their gross motor time but it's essential that the children get exercise to support their brain development. So here are a few ideas to keep the children busy inside:

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School Age:

School Age Engagement

By Elisa Zieg

Program Officer

When working in After School Programs it can be tough to assure that youth are given realistic ways to be empowered and engaged in the fast paced and ever changing schedule of the afternoon. However, the more youth feel engaged and involved in their After School Program the more invested they become in the mission.

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