As a parent, you are your child's first and most important teacher!
Ready ... Set ... Grow!
October 2018
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Upcoming Events
     



Dad and Me
Let's build with our hands! 
S aturday, September 29, 10:00am - 12:00pm. 
RSVP to save your spot! (209) 257-1092.


Join us to make a difference to reduce childhood trauma, develop trauma-informed systems, and create a thriving and resilient Amador County.
Tuesday, October 9, 5:00-7:00pm, Jackson.
Light dinner and child care will be provided. 
Please RSVP, (209) 257-1092


Thursday, October 18, 4:30-8:00pm
975 Broadway, Jackson.

Wednesday, November 14
5:30-7:30pm
For all child care providers, T-K and Kindergarten teachers!
Please RSVP, (209) 257-1092
 

Ongoing 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.  

Toddler Playgroups
Back in action!
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  
First 5 Amador  , 975 Broadway
Wednesdays - Ione
Memorial Hall,  207 South Amador Street
Thursdays - Pine Grove
Upcountry Community Center , 19386 Highway 88

 
Lead Poisoning is Not Yesterday's News

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 25-31

While some contaminated old buildings have fallen to the wrecking ball, the threat of exposure to high levels of lead remains real for Americans living and working in unsafe conditions.


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says children living in 4 million households in the United States are being exposed to high levels of lead.

Research indicates about 500,000 U.S. children between the ages of 1 and 5 have blood lead levels above 5 micrograms per deciliter, the reference level at which the CDC recommends public health actions be initiated.

Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over a period of months or years. Children under the age of 6 are especially vulnerable because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Furthermore, the Mayo Clinic says signs and symptoms of lead poisoning often don't appear until dangerous amounts accumulated. Low levels of lead in blood have been shown to affect IQ, the ability to pay attention and academic achievement. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.

Where Does Exposure Occur?
Typically, children are poisoned by lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in older buildings (built before 1978). Other sources include contaminated air, water and soil.

In Flint, Michigan, a 4-year-old boy's blood lead level jumped from 2 micrograms to 6.5 after the city decided to pump tap water into homes from the Flint River. The decision drew harsh criticism because high levels of lead were discovered, an expected result in any public water system not providing corrosion control treatment, according to a draft report issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Adults who work with batteries, do home renovations or work in auto repair shops also may be exposed to lead. Eating or drinking from dishes or glasses that contain lead poses a risk, too. Lead is a concern for pregnant women because it can result in reduced growth of the fetus and premature birth, according to the EPA.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC are sponsoring National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 25-31, 2015. This year's theme is, "Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future."

The event will focus on the many ways parents can reduce a child's exposure to lead and prevent its serious health effects.

Can You Minimize Risks?
The EPA says simple steps, such as keeping your home clean and well-maintained, can go a long way in preventing lead exposure. The EPA also recommends you:

  • Get tested; pediatricians and local health departments can test children's blood to measure lead levels
  • Inspect and maintain all painted surfaces to prevent paint deterioration
  • Address water damage quickly and completely
  • Keep your home clean and dust free; household dust from deteriorating lead-based paint or contaminated soil can be a major source of lead exposure for children
  • Let the water run to flush the tap, use only cold water to prepare food and drinks and use a water filter; lead in older pipes can leach into drinking water
  • Teach children to keep their hands and toys out of their mouths and wash their hands frequently
  • Eat well; prevention begins with a healthy diet rich in calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin C
Lead poisoning is preventable. 



Thank you to the National Safety Council for this article.

dadandme
Dad and Me Every Month!

Celebrate being a dad (or uncle, or grandpa...) every month at  our D ad and Me outings, held at fun venues around the county!

This month we will visit a horse ranch! Enjoy a snack, story-time and a free book to bring home.

Saturday, October 27, 10:00am - 12:00pm. 
See the FLYER with all the information.

Save the fourth Saturday of every month for more outings held at fun venues around the county. Story time, a snack and a free book are provided each month!





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How can you give kids the best start in life?  


One of the most important factors for early intervention services, is the  early  and accurate identification of infants and young  children who may have developmental delays or disabilities.
 
The Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) are screening tools designed
to be completed by parents or primary caregivers, that encourage parent-caregiver involvement. Each questionnaire can be completed in 10-20 minutes, and is divided into five areas: Communication, Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Problem Solving, and Personal-Social. The benefit for all children and families is so that parents/caregivers know which areas they can focus on at home with their children.
 

For more information, please call First 5 Amador at 257-1092. 
              
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Get Involved! 

Would you like to improve the quality of care you offer to children in your family child care home, 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.


Print this info-graphic to share!


Healthy QUICK TIPS of the MONTH
 
Spooky Snacks!
Slices of sandwich bread
Marinara sauce
Thin strips of mozzarella cheese
Sliced black olives



Instructions:

Toast sandwich bread; spread with marinara sauce. Top with thin strips of mozzarella for gauze and sliced black olives for eyes. Broil until the cheese melts slightly.


Happy Snacking!

One day, California's success 
will be measured by the 
well-being of its youngest children.


   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!

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