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Upcoming Events
Thursday, February 28
5:50-8:00pm
Call 223-1624 to RSVP.
Saturday, March 9
8:30am - 2:00pm
Please call 257-1092
Brunch included, however child care will not be available.
Saturday, April 27
11:00am - 2:00pm
Second Wednesday of each month.
9:30-11:30am,
Call for location, 223-1624, x204.
For parents who have experienced the death of a baby from pregnancy through infancy.
Call 256-3691 or 257-1092 for more information.
Toddler Playgroups
All Playgroups run from 9:30-11:30am on the following weekdays at the given locations:
Mondays - Camanche
Tuesdays - Jackson
First 5 Amador
, 975 Broadway
Wednesdays - Ione
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February is
Children's Dental Health
Month
February is National Children's Dental Health Month and we want to provide some useful tips and knowledge about children's oral health.
Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions children in the United States face. Untreated cavities can cause severe pain and lead to infections that can cause problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Poor oral health can also eventually lead to missing school which could result in lower grades.
Infants are susceptible to tooth decay if they have been given pacifiers dipped in sugar, honey, juice, etc. Tooth decay can also begin when cavity-causing bacteria is passed from the saliva of a mother or care-giver to the baby's mouth. This is likely to happen if someone cleans a pacifier in their mouth or shares a feeding spoon with the baby.
Children often develop a fear of visiting the dentist therefore it's important to mold their views about dental visits and oral health positively.
Here are some useful tips to get your child excited about oral health
- Make oral health an important part of your daily routine. Try to make brushing teeth fun by creating a song they can hum or listen to while brushing. This is also a great way to teach them to take their time.
- Introduce books about visits to the dentist and oral health. Make it a routine to read a book before or after they brush their teeth, this creates excitement.
- Try brushing your teeth as a family. When children see an adult doing something they too will be influenced to do the same. If your little ones see that you like brushing your teeth, they'll be more interested in brushing theirs.
- Allow children to choose the toothbrush they want. Whether it's a toothbrush with their favorite TV character or their favorite color, offering that type of independence will make them feel good and make them want to keep brushing their teeth.
Tips on how to prepare your little one for their first dentist visit:
- Talk to your child and explain why oral health is important.
- Let them know what they can expect and avoid creating anxiety around the visit.
- Schedule the appointment at a time the child is well rested.
- Avoid using a visit to the dentist as a punishment or threat.
These tips are sure to help your little ones develop positive associations to dental health. The American Dental Association recommends that the first dental visit take place within six months after the first tooth appears, but no later than a child's first birthday.
If you need help locating a dentist call Anna -- Oral Health Educator, Public Health -- 223-6407.
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Celebrate being a dad (or uncle, or grandpa...) every month at
our D
ad and Me outings, held at fun venues around the county!
Saturday, February 23, 10:00am - 12:00pm.
Call 257-1092 to save your spot!
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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February is
Children's Dental Health
Month
Be sure to check out the display at the Amador Public Library
in Jackson this month!
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Calling all Child Care Providers
& Preschool Teachers!
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How can you give kids the best start in life?
... by taking your children to well-child and dental check ups and also, by doing an "ASQ."
The Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) is a way to make sure your child is "on track." The screening tools are 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.
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Healthy QUICK TIPS of the MONTH
Healthy Valentines Breakfast for Kids
- Greek Yogurt (or any kind really)
- Fresh mixed fruit (we used strawberries, raspberries & blueberries)
Instructions:
Prepare the fruit and place it in a serving bowl, setting aside an extra pretty piece for the top of each glass (or cup for littler ones).
Spoon the yogurt and granola
into separate bowls, with spoons for serving. Provide each child with a sundae style glass (any tall glass or even a bowl would work equally well if you don't have sundae glasses).
Allow kids to help themselves to the ingredients - layering them a spoonful at a time in the glass.
Top with a sprinkle of granola and the fruit that you had set aside and dig in!
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Self Care Tip of the Month for Busy Parents
Have you ever felt that taking care of yourself comes last? Many parents feel guilty when making time to take care of themselves because they think they should prioritize their family, job, and everything else before taking time for themselves. By the time everyone is fed, teeth are brushed, homework is done, bills are paid, and dishes are done, you may feel that you don't have much energy left for taking care of yourself. You are not alone in feeling this way.
These tips can be done even if you only have 5 minutes to spare!
For Fun:
Connect with others!
Hug someone for at least 20 seconds or hold hands for 10 minutes.
Research shows that hugs and hand-holding reduce the effects of stress, plus, they feel great!
Smiling and laughing are excellent ways to relax.
Read a funny comic or post.
Talk to a friend who makes you laugh.
Listen to your a favorite song or nature sounds.
You can dance, sway with the music, close your eyes, or sing at the top of your lungs!
Thank you to
Yolo Kids for sharing these fabulous tips!
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One day, California's success
will be measured by the
well-being of its youngest children.
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Calling all children 0 to 5 years of age.
Join Amador's favorite reading club!
Get free books for your children!
Currently 825
Amador kids are receiving books!
Sign your child up today and start receiving one free book every
month from the Imagination Library! This is a free program, paid for by First 5 Amador and donations from local individuals and service organizations locally. Books are 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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