June is here and that means it's soon to be hot! We are providing you with an exciting list of events and safety tips to help you enjoy the beautiful weather! We are transitioning to our summer program schedule and undergoing some construction at our office, so continuing reading to find out what's changing!
As always, check our Facebook for additional information on summer programs and open play in the Discovery Playroom! Need more information about family programs? Fill out this quick form or call us at 919-202-0002 and speak with a Family Support Specialist to get started!
We hope to see you soon!
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We are hosting 3 NC Pre-K Application Events this month starting today! Let us answer your questions and lend support as you apply! Make sure to bring the required forms and you'll be one step closer to pre-k!
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Medicaid Eligibility Determination Are Back!
Kaylan Szafranski, Health Policy Director - NC Child
If you use Medicaid for your health insurance, you should be on the lookout for notices from NC DHHS and your local DSS offices this spring. As of April 1, states are required to start determining Medicaid member eligibility for the first time since the spring of 2020.
NC DHHS may mail, call, text, or email you with information about your eligibility, including any paperwork they may need to help determine if you or your family members are still eligible for Medicaid.
You are not alone! Find our more here.
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The Power of Language
Letty Urbina, Family Support Specialist
The words we chose to use have an impact on everyone that surrounds us, especially children. Who they become is based on who they are learning to be. Most parents recognize the importance of building up their child’s self-esteem, allowing them to have a strong positive attitude which helps them feel important and encourages them to turn their dreams into reality. Of course there are days that can be overwhelming, where we become frustrated or stressed and that’s when we tend to lose control and say things that we shouldn’t. This can be damaging to a child and over time have a negative long-term effect. This causes a child to feel hurt, angry, and confused. Children desire to please adults, so we should always use language that encourages them rather than discourage. We can’t take back the harmful things we say. One of the most common negative word’s parents use is “Don’t.” Instead of saying, "don’t throw food on the floor", we should be asking our child, "why are you throwing your food on the floor?" Open up a conversation with your child and help them validate their feelings and discover why they may be doing something. Instead we could say, "if you are finished eating you can throw the rest of your food in the trashcan." After they throw the food away, you can respond or praise by saying, "Thank you for throwing your food away."
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Check It Out!
Start June off on the right foot by attending some of the exciting events going on in the county with your family! Click here to see a full calendar of events.
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Programs are pausing for June, but be on the look out in July!
Open Play & PlayGroup
Our Discovery Room is currently unavailable for due to construction, so Open Play and PlayGroups will not happen for the time being.
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Circle of Parents
We have three Circle of Parents Support Groups:
Families That Include Children Who Have Special Needs
and
Non-Biological Parents and Caregivers (Grandparents, Foster Parents, Kinship Care, Aunts or Uncles, etc.)
and
Spanish Speaking Families
Circle of Parents provides a friendly, supportive environment organized by trained facilitators, but led by parents and other caregivers. It's a place where anyone in a parenting role can openly discuss the successes and challenges of raising children. It's a place where you can find and share support.
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Boating Safety
Safekids.org
Spending time with family and friends on a river, lake, or marina is a favorite summer activity. Follows these precautions to help children and adults boat safely.
Top Safety Tips
2. Remember that things such as water wings, noodles and other swimming aids are fun toys for kids, but they should never be used in place of approved PFDs.
3. Explain some basic boat rules and have everyone follow them. Children need to understand and follow rules such as keeping their hands and feet inside the boat at all times and not running on a boat.
4. Every child is different, so enroll children in swimming lessons when you feel they are ready.
Learn More About Water Safety At Home
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Literacy In Action!
Interact with the Imagination Library stories by visiting one of the Partnership's three story walks around the county. Read a story and answer questions with your child as you walk around the park and exercise!
Locations:
Smithfield
Address: 600 Booker Dairy Road
Book: Ocean Lullaby by Laura McGee Kvasnosky & Kate Harvey McGee
Selma
Address: 605 W Noble Street
Book: Brick By Brick by Heidi Woodward Sheffield
Benson
Address: 401 S Elm Street
Book: Birds of a Feather by Sita Singh and Stephanie Fizer Coleman
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Visit each and discover three different stories to enjoy! |
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Heather's Book of the Month:
"How We Say I Love You"
Written by Nicole Chen & Illustrated by Lenny Wen
Take a look at the front cover of this new book from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Who do you see? Do they look similar to people in your family? What do you think their names are? The name of this book is “How We Say I Love You”. It is written by Nicole Chen and illustrated by Lenny Wen. For the main character in the book, Hana, love is all around her in her home. Go through her day with her to see how all of the members of her family show her love without even saying a word!
As you read through the book snuggled with your child, take a picture walk first. Ask your child questions about the pictures and what they think is happening just from looking at the pictures. Then go back and read the book. Notice the different customs of this family and how the Grandparents live in the same home as the little girl. Talk with your child about how your day looks similar or different to this family.
Talk with your child about how they show love to each other, but do not say the words. Think about together how you can show love for your family and friends by the things that you do for them. Try out some of the family rituals in the book that may be new for your family. It is fun to learn about other customs of different families.
After you have read the book, draw a picture with your child about the members in your family. Take time to go visit your family if they do not live in your home. Try new foods together like in the book! Remember there are many ways to say I Love you!
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Are you Getting Your FREE BOOKS?
Your child can receive a book every month mailed right to your home. The program is FREE for children under the age of 5, and available throughout Johnston County.
DON'T MISS ANOTHER FREE BOOK!
Click here or call 919-202-0002 to register today!
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Something Exciting is Sailing Your Way! |
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Mark your calendars because our annual Raise the Booty fundraiser is back!
Keep an eye out for more details to wash up on shore!
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Partnership for Children of Johnston County | (919) 202-0002
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