EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

Early Head Start Exchange A Newsletter for EWU Early Head Start Families

Page 2 EWU EARLY HEAD START EXCHANGE

Carolyn Sola EWU EHS Director

Dear EHS Parents,

This is the last issue of the Early Head Start Exchange newsletter. Please take a few moments to read this letter to understand more about how EWU EHS will be sharing information with parents and how you can share your thoughts and ideas with Early Head Start.

The first issue of the Early Head Start Exchange newsletter rolled off the copier in black and white on February 2003 and has contin-ued without interruption for the last 15 years!

The Early Head Start Exchange newsletter started as a way to “exchange” information with parents with children enrolled in EHS.

Back in 2003, EWU had 5 different Early Head Start service models including center-based child care partnerships in Colville, Kettle Falls and Newport, a center-based program in Northport, a Teen-Parent program in Newport and Old Town, a Maternal Child pro-gram and home visiting throughout the rest of Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties. The newsletter was the main way that we were able to share important information with program families.

But a lot has changed over the past 15 years with the EWU EHS program and with communication technology. Today, EHS services are provided via the home visiting model across the entire Tri-Counties.

And communication technology is entirely different. Just think about it. In February 2003, when the first EHS Exchange newsletter rolled out, My Space was the most popular social network in the country. Who even remembers My Space?

But since then, we have had an explosion of communication options including:

2004 – Facebook starts

2005 – YouTube begins

2006 – Twitter launches

2007 – Apple releases the first iPhone

2010 – Instagram starts

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To stay relevant and engaging, the newsletter made lots of changes along the way, including moving to full-color (Aug. 2003), then changing to a magazine format with full front-page photographs of EHS children learning and growing and then changing the content to focus less on curriculum and more on activities happening in the communities we live in.

Several years ago, EWU EHS created an EHS Facebook site, and we have made (and are making) upgrades to the EHS website.

Today more and more families are receiving information via the internet either on smartphones or on tablets.

Now, 80% of the families enrolled in EWU Early Head Start have wireless internet access available at their homes. Texting is a favorite way to communicate with friends, family members and providers. It is a whole different world full of different communication opportunities!

So this will be the last issue of the Early Head Start Exchange. EWU EHS needs to grow and adapt its communication methods to better fit the ways that families communicate.

We will be working with you, the parents, and EHS staff members to learn more about what information you want to receive from EWU Early Head Start and how you like to receive it.

I am interested in hearing your thoughts and ideas about how we can communicate in ways that are meaningful and timely to you. Please feel free to call me directly at (509) 359-3151 if you have ideas you would like to share with me. I can also be reached via email at csola@ewu.edu.

And before I wrap up this last Director’s letter in the EHS Exchange newsletter, I would like to thank Ray Roberts, EHS Parent and Community Engagement Manager, for all his work on this newsletter over the past 15 years. Ray was there at the beginning of the newsletter and he will be putting this final issue to rest.

Ray is the person who made sure that the newsletter ran every month, that it was always vibrant and beautiful and that it included information that was meaningful to parents. He had one of the hardest jobs which was deciding which of the dozens of photographs of EHS children would make it into the newsletter each month. Ray always said that EHS has the cutest kids, and the photos really proved it to be true!

Thank you, Ray, for all your dedication throughout the years. And thank you EHS parents, for giving us so very many good things to share.

Keep in touch with your home visitors to learn more about upcoming opportunities to share your ideas and insights about how we continue to exchange information in our EHS program.

Sincerely,

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Please join with Early Head Start in welcoming Ashley Graisy as our newest Parent Child Educator!

Ashley began with EWU Early Head Start in early April of this year. She graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Children’s Studies and a triple minor in Psychology, Sociology and Special Education.

“Having the opportunity to work for EWU’s Early Head Start Program has been a dream come true,” says Ashley. “I’m doing a career I absolutely love and care about.”

Ashley was born and raised in Spokane, WA and recently moved to Kettle Falls with her husband who works for the US Forest Service. “I absolutely love this beautiful state,” she says. “Living here the past year has shown me how amazing

it is to live in a small community with neighbors helping neighbors.”

Ashley comes to EHS with six plus years of experience working in a daycare/preschool. “Working there all through high school and part of college really showed me that this is where I want to be in life,” she says. For a short while, Ashley also served as a lead preschool teacher for a migrant school in Southwestern Idaho where she helped teach students English as a second language and prepared them for kindergarten.

She has always been involved with sports and extracurricular activities, and was on her Varsity Basketball team all four years of high school. “I loved being a part of a team and creating those everlasting bonds and relationships,” Ashley says. “I strongly believe that sports and various other extracurricular activities hold so much value in developing relationships, while also positively engaging children in the emotional, physical, social and mental development.”

Ashley has two children of her own; a 3 year old boy and a 15 month old daughter and says, “They are my absolute world!” When not working, she says she likes to spend her time with family and friends. “I really enjoy going to the lake and doing outdoor activities as well as staying home and relaxing,” adds Ashley.

“We are so excited to have Ashley join the Early Head Start team and serve the Colville/Kettle Falls/Republic areas,” says EHS Developmental Services Manager Dani Cartledge. “She has a wealth of knowledge and lots of experience working with children and families and is eager to share it. Ashley sincerely cares for people and is a very kind and genuine person,” notes Dani.

“I am honored to be a part of EWU Early Head Start’s amazing program and look forward to meeting more wonderful families,” says Ashley.

Page 5 Volume 16, Issue 3

Children graduate and transition from EWU Early Head Start once they turn 3. Several EHS graduates were celebrated recently around the program including:

Madalyn Casteel, pictured at left with her mom Margot, and dad Toby

Freya Langley, pictured at right with mom Rachelle and dad Robert

Congratulations,

and best

wishes to

Madylan, Freya and their families from everyone at EWU Early Head Start!

EHS Home Visitor Jacqueline Pinkerton, and Everyone at Early Head Start wish to congratulate

Victor and Jennifer Brown, big sister Amiela, and big brother Blaize, (who are both also in Early Head Start), on the new addition to their family of

who arrived on May 9, 2018, at 7 lbs. 6 oz.

Come and invite friends to enjoy the fun activities, learning experiences and great things happening around EWU Early Head Start! Here are some pictures from recent Play & Learns, Home Visits and other EHS activities. Make sure to check the EHS calendars for the times and locations and call: (509) 359-3156 to reserve your spot at the Play & Learns in Colville and Newport!

Don’t miss out! At EWU EHS Play & Learns in July the Topic is Sun and Water Safety and the theme is Oceans of Fun. Activities include Fish-Bowl, Splish-Splash, Fishing, Boat Song, Pool of Books & more! EHS Families are invited to attend two Play & Learns per month. Ask your Home Visitor for details, including receiving Family Transportation Assistance cash to help cover some of your travel costs.

EWU Early Head Start Exchange Page 8

Here are a few summertime safety tips for keeping your children “Sun-Safe”.

While outdoor experiences and play for young children are great, it’s important to remember to protect against the sun's rays. Everyone is at risk for sunburn. Children especially need to be protected from the sun's burning rays, since most sun damage occurs in childhood.

Sun safety also involves avoiding heat-related illness and dehydration. So, giving them plenty of water is very important. Here are things to keep in mind and some tips on how you can keep your child “Sun Safe” this summer.

EXPOSURE TO THE SUN

Remember that infants and toddlers can get sunburned very quickly!

A baby’s skin is more delicate and thinner than an adult’s and burns and irritates more easily. Even dark-skinned babies may be sunburned.

Babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight. Move your baby to the shade under a tree, umbrella or stroller canopy. Dress babies in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs, and use brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn.

STAY IN THE SHADE

Dense shade is essential for babies. The first, and best, line of defense against harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is covering up. Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

APPLY SUNSCREEN

When adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of sunscreen with at least 15 SPF (Sun Protection Factor). It is okay to apply a small amount of sunscreen on infants under 6 months if there is no way to avoid the sun. Apply to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands.

Good sunscreen tips include:

Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days.

Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater to areas of your child's skin that aren't covered by clothing. Re-apply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

Before applying, test the sunscreen on your child's back for an allergic reaction.

Carefully apply sunscreen around the eyes, avoiding eyelids.

EWU Early Head Start wishes you and your family a safe and enjoyable summer!

You can find more AAP Sun Safety and Protection Tips at: www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Spring-Break-Safety-Tips.aspx

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Local farmer’s markets are great places to buy healthy, nutritious locally grown foods and products!

Buying local foods is good for your health, your community, the environment and the economy.

Other good reasons to shop your local farmer’s markets are:

SNAP/EBT (Basic Food) and WIC checks are accepted at many farmers markets.

You can try a new fruit or vegetable!

You’ll find healthier and fresher foods.

2018 Tri-County Farmer’s Markets:

Chewelah Farmer’s Market: NW corner of Chewelah City Park on Fridays from 11 am - 3:30 pm,

from May 11th - Oct. 5th. Contact (509) 680-2032 and on Facebook: Chewelah Farmers Market.

Clayton Farmer’s Market & Small Farm Animals: At Clayton Fairgrounds off HWY 395. Sundays

12 - 4 pm, June 3 - Sept 30. Contact Stephanie Littrel: (509) 951-4207 or on their Facebook page.

Kettle Falls Farmer’s Market: At Happy Dell Park adjacent to HWY 395, Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm

from May - September 30. Contact Fred Kruse: (509) 738-2439.

Northeast Washington Farmer’s Market (Colville): At Main & Astor St. Wed. & Sat. from

9 - 1 pm, May - October. Contact Aja Bridge: (253) 203-8920 and online at: newfarmersmarket.org.

Northport Saturday Market: (When possible) At the Visitors Kiosk on HWY 25 most Saturdays

from 9 am - 12 pm from May - Sept. Contact: Kathy Alexander (509) 732-4553.

Pend Oreille Valley Farmer’s Market: In Newport at the South end of Washington Ave. at

Gazebo Park, Saturdays from 9 am - 1 pm from May—October. Contact Nephi White: (208) 448-1145.

Republic Farmer’s Market: At 600 block of S. Clark St. on Fridays from 11 am - 5:30 pm from

May 5th through August 31. Call the Republic City Hall for more information at: (509) 775-3216.

Independence Day Holiday

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Professional Development Day

In Spokane

FREE CPR CLASS Covers Infant, Child

and Adult CPR + AED

9 am-12 pm at Providence Mount

Carmel Hospital

Call Heather Gregory at (509) 685-5450

for more info.

Policy Council

Orientation I at the Colville Center

9:30 am - 3 pm

Call (509) 359-3156 to reserve your spot for July 20 Play & Learns!

Colville Play & Learn

EHS Colville Center 10 —11:30 am

Newport 2 Play & Learns 10 —11:30 am & 12:30—2 pm

Be “Sun-Safe” While Enjoying Your Summer

To prevent sunburn, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends:

Keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight. Find shade under a tree, an umbrella, or the stroller canopy.

When possible, dress yourself and your children in cool, comfortable clothing that co-

vers the body, such as lightweight cotton pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats.

Check the AAP website for more Summer Safety tips at:

www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/ Pages/Sun-Safety-and-Protection-Tips.aspx

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August is National

Breastfeeding Month!

Breastmilk is the perfect food for your child

and has many special qualities that cannot be

reproduced in formula. Your breastmilk changes

to meet the needs of your growing child.

Ask your Home Visitor for more information, or go to

https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/

Policy Council

Orientation II at the Colville Center

9:30 am - 2:30 pm

FREE CPR CLASS Covers Infant, Child

and Adult CPR + AED

9 am-12 pm at Providence Mount

Carmel Hospital

Call Heather Gregory at (509) 685-5450

for more info. Call (509) 359-3156 to reserve your spot for the August 17 Play & Learns!

Colville Play & Learn

EHS Colville Center 10 —11:30 am

Newport Play & Learn

10 —11:30 am

Call (509) 359-3156 to reserve your spot for the August 24 Play & Learns!

Colville 2 Play & Learns

EHS Colville Center 10 —11:30 am & 1 —2:30 pm

Newport Play & Learn

10 —11:30 am

202 E Spokane Falls Blvd.

Suite #202

Spokane, WA 99202

1-(800) 776-9136

http://access.ewu.edu/ehs

Like Us on Facebook as: EWU Early Head Start

EHS parents like you, telling friends and family about your experience in the EWU Early Head Start program is still the #1 reason new parents join.

We always appreciate it when you help us spread the word by inviting others to join you, and telling them what you enjoy about being in Early Head Start!

EWU Early Head Start Enrolls All Year Long!

EWU EHS is available throughout the Tri-County area including: Republic, Curlew, Northport, Onion Creek, Kettle Falls,

Colville, Addy, Chewelah, Valley, Springdale, Loon Lake, Nine Mile Falls, Newport, Usk, Ione and Metaline Falls.

Each fall a number of children transition out of EHS to begin participating in ECEAP and Head Start. So, it’s a great time to invite friends, neighbors and relatives who are preg-

nant or have a child under age 3 to join you at an EHS event, to talk with your home-visitor or tell them how they can call to get more information on EWU EHS!