As a parent, you are your child's first and most important teacher!
Ready ... Set ... Grow!
October 2017
Like us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter 
Upcoming Events
     
 
Saturday, October 7, 8:00am-4:00pm

Wednesday, October 11, 6:00-8:00pm.
First 5 Amador, Jackson.  Call if you need 
child care, 257-1092.


Saturday, October 15, 12:30-3:30pm
Sutter Amador Hospital
Call 223-7452 to RSVP.

Tuesday, October 17, 9:00-11:30am
American Legion Hall
11350 American Legion Dr., Sutter Creek

Speech and Language Workshop
Thursday, October 19, 5:30-7:30pm
First 5 Amador, 975 Broadway, Jackson. Call to RSVP 
and for free child care, (209) 257-1092.

Mind Matters - Dr. Thompson
Thursday, October 26, 5:30-7:30pm
First 5 Amador, 975 Broadway, Jackson.
Call to RSVP  and for free child care, (209) 257-1092.

Saturday, October 28, 10:00am-12:00pm.   
Call to save your spot! (209) 257-1092 

Saturday, November 4, 8:30am-12:30pm
The Resource Connection,  RSVP by 10/22/17 to  Leslie - (209) 223-1624 x: 204


Ongling Events:

Grandparent Cafe
Second Wednesday of each month.
9:30-11:30am
Call for location, 223-1624, x204.
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.  

All Playgroups run from 9:30-11:30am on the following weekdays at the given locations:
Mondays - Camanche 
Camanche Lake Community Center, 4240 North Camanche Parkway North
Tuesdays - Jackson  *NEW LOCATION*
First 5 Amador  , 975 Broadway
Wednesdays - Ione
Memorial Hall,  207 South Amador Street
Thursdays - Pine Grove
Upcountry Community Center , 19386 Highway 88

 

Why does Potter the Otter love drinking water and being healthy?

Potter the Otter knows that making the right choices can help you grow up to be healthy inside and out. He teaches kids that it's important to drink water, eat fruits and vegetables, and get exercise so they can be their best. Follow along as Potter demonstrates fun ways to be healthy every day!
  • Eating right: Potter loves to eat good foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
  • Choosing water: Potter knows it's best to drink refreshing water instead of sugary soda or juice.
  • Getting exercise: Potter makes sure to play o utside and get plenty of activities every day.

Did you know?
The American Heart Association recommends limiting children's sugar intake to  3-4 teaspoons per day. Consuming more than that can lead to health risks, such as childhood obesity.

The average 4-to-5-year-old child consumes 17 teaspoons of added sugar every day. That comes to 65 pounds of added sugar a year! Most of this sugar intake comes in the form of fruit juices, high-fat desserts, soft drinks, and candy.


Potter the Otter's Tips for Healthy Kids
  • Drink water & skim milk
  • Exercise
  • Reward children with non-food prizes
  • Limit 100% juice to 4-6 oz. per day

Potter the Otter Also Loves to Read!
Did you know that Potter the Otter has SEVEN different books that he loves t o rea d?  He also happens to be the main star in all of them. His newest book is about his adventures at the Farmer's Market with his friends. Give us a call here at First 5 for a free book,  (209) 257-1092!

You can also read all of his books online, HERE

There are also tons of activities and games on Potter's website for families, click HERE for games and HERE for more activities.


Halloween Safety Tips
 
Everything you need to know to keep your kids safe on Halloween.
 
Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety. There are several easy and effective behaviors that parents can share with kids to help reduce their risk of injury.
 
Walk Safely
  • Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
  • Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
  • Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street.
  • Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
  • Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
  • Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
 
Trick or Treat With an Adult
  • Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or treat in groups.
 
Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe
  • Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
  • Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child's vision.
  • Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
  • When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
 
Drive Extra Safely on Halloween
  • Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
  • Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
  • Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
  • Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
  • Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
  • Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

Thanks to Safe Kids Worldwide for these great Halloween Safety Tips!
 

dadandme
Dad and Me Every Month!

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. Story time and a snack are provided each month!

toy-jackolantern.jpg
This month join us at the Amador Flower Farm! Come out to and enjoy the corn maze, tram rides, farm animals, and of course pumpkins of all sizes and colors! 

Saturday, October 28, 10:00am-12:00pm. 
See the FLYER with all the information.

Call (209) 257-1092 to save your spot!



Upcoming Opportunities   

Stay tuned for our next provider event:

A Quality Improvement Mapping Night!

_____________________________________

Get Involved! 
Would you like to improve the quality of care you offer to children in your home day care, preschool setting, or other early learning environment?

Give us a call at First 5 and find out about the many resources (and incentives!) available to you, (209) 257-1092.

 
Healthy QUICK TIPS of the MONTH
 
Easy Pumpkin Ideas for Fall!

In Smoothies
Stir 1 cup pumpkin puree into vanilla yogurt. Layer with granola for a parfait.

Pumpkin Seeds
Toss pumpkin seeds in melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Bake at 300°F until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Pancakes
Add 1/2 cup pumpkin puree and 1/2 tsp pumpkin-pie spice to your favorite pancake batter. Cook, then top with a dollop of pumpkin-flavored whipped topping (next).

Pumpkin Spice Cocoa
Fold 1 cup pumpkin puree and 1 Tbsp pumpkin-pie spice into 2 cups whipped topping. Use a dollop on top of hot chocolate.

Hummus
Combine 2 cups pumpkin puree, 2 Tbsp tahini, 1 garlic clove, 1 tsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp each ground cumin and salt in a food processor. Serve with toasted pita bread.

Oats and Honey
Stir 1/4 cup pumpkin puree into prepared oatmeal, and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey.

Cheesy Pumpkin Spread
Stir pumpkin puree and pumpkin-pie spice into cream cheese. Spread on toast or bagels

   ILibaryCalling all children 0 to 5 years of age.   
Join Amador's favorite reading club!
Imagination Library Logo

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. 

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!
First 5 Amador | (209) 257-1092 | www.first5amador.com

PO Box 815 / 975 Broadway | Jackson, CA 95642
 
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!

Like us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter