How are you surviving this typical Cleveland winter? We haven't had one for a while, so we have been spoiled. Winter can be a fun season with children. There are activities and opportunities that you can only do in winter. Have you tried snow painting with squirt bottles and food coloring mixed with water? How about studying igloos from library references and then building model ones with sugar cubes and then building one together outside? One of the best activities I enjoyed doing with my daycare children was feeding the birds and animals in my backyard. The children did this every morning after breakfast, and then we would sit by the window and watch. It is good for children to learn responsibility for the environment and it's nature around us. Also, children are naturally interested in wild life. Then in the spring we watched the nest building and the young birds learning to feed and finally in the fall we would collect bird feathers and make a collage with them.

My biggest message here is that often what people consider being a problem, once their perception is adjusted, can consider it an asset. Also, we can do so much with children without having to buy things. In fact, with the materialistic society we live in, it is best to teach children how to be creative with every day things. Trust me, they will not learn that lesson from society. How often have you heard that young children would rather play with the box than the toy? That is because young children are extremely creative. We just need to be open to that creativity and

Just a word here about paperwork. All of us will agree that keeping children safe, healthy and maintaining a rich learning environment is our first priority in childcare. But, as with any other business, there is required reporting. It is an unusual provider who is excellent at both social skills. Like direct childcare and parent relationships, and business. I certainly struggled in the business area. But, it is part of our business. Therefore we have to find tools to strengthen areas in which we are not strong. Our field people are trying to help you, they will be visiting you. In fact you may have already received a letter or call from one of them. But, an aide is only useful if you work in cooperation with it. Our attitude is always to be an advocate for you doing direct childcare, and to help you create the safest and healthiest environment for children. But, we have an obligation as you do to the federal regulations and regulators that make this support possible. Please work with us.

As promised you will find 2 articles from me in the newsletter, one addressing the problem with children and smoke detectors and the other about how providers help families cope during tragic times. Please feel free to give me other ideas for future articles you would like to see. Call and leave a message or e-mail me at penny@clevelandchildcare.org .

Stay warm! See you next month.

Take Care! Penny 

January claims received after the third of the month or in a condition we cannot scan will be processed with adjustments March 24,2003.

You can still be paid for late November claims and data entry errors to November claims already submitted if we receive them by January 24th.

Starting January 1, 2003 a new procedure in CACFP's offices will make it take 3 to 13 days longer for the funds to be wired to us from The Treasurers Department. We will all have to see how this will change our schedules. Thank you in advance for your patience.