Good Morning fellow Kiwanians!

Fact: Every year 60% of drownings occur in rural lakes, ponds and gravel pits.

Fact: Preventable injury is the number one killer of children in most developed countries.

Fact: In a single year more than 14 million children in the U.S. are injured seriously enough to require medical treatment.

Fact: Heat is much more dangerous to children than it is to adults. When left in a hot vehicle, a young child’s core body temperature can increase three to five times faster than that of an adult, which can cause permanent injury or even death. (“Children In And Around Cars” www.safekids.org)

SAFETY AND PEDIATRIC TRAUMA

It only takes one accident to permanently injure or kill a child. That is why parents and children need safety education. In the United States alone, several thousand children age 4 and under die each year because of accidental injuries. Forty-five times that number are hospitalized. The leading causes of death for children 1 to 4 years old are motor vehicles, fires/ burns, drowning, choking, poisonings and falls. When a serious accident does occur, special expertise and equipment may be needed to save the child’s life. That is why a pediatric trauma center should be linked to every community. Now that summer is quickly approaching, there are many potential projects that can be done to educate the public and help prevent injuries while kids are enjoying their summer vacation.

CAR SAFTEY IN AND AROUND CARS

Nearly 10% of motor vehicle related deaths DO NOT occur on public highways or in vehicular accidents or traffic, but happen in parking lots, driveways or when children are left unattended in vehicles. This is a serious public health issue and these deaths are totally preventable.

NEVER LEAVE A CHILD ALONE IN OR NEAR A CAR

From 1998 to 2010, more than 494 children – most of them 2 years old and younger – died from heat stroke after being left or becoming trapped in a car.

These deaths fall into three main categories: children who were trapped while playing in a vehicle without supervision; children who were accidentally left behind; and children who were intentionally left alone in a car.

Leaving a child in a vehicle for a “quick” errand is a huge mistake. A delay of just a few minutes on a warm day can lead to tragedy.

SPOT THE TOT

Each year almost 2,500 children ages 1 to 14 go to emergency rooms with injuries sustained from a vehicle backing up. On average, another 230 kids in that same age group die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Danger can come from any direction, and children should never play in driveways, in parking lots or on sidewalks when vehicles are present.

PREVENTING TRUNK ENTRAPMENT

For many kids, a car trunk looks like a fun place to play or hide. Tragically, many families have discovered that kids can get in but they can’t always get out. A trunk can be deadly for an unattended child.

Children can access trunks in several ways, even without having the vehicle’s keys. Most cars have a lever or button located near the driver’s seat that pops the trunk open, while other cars also have fold-down seats or a “pass through” that enables children to climb into the trunk from the back seat. Always lock all vehicle doors.

For more information, a brochure and checklist for parents, go to

www.safekids.org

Kiwanis Clubs can help by increasing public awareness of problems of children and car safety

– distribute information at grocery stores, to childcare centers, pediatrician’s offices etc.

The flowing brochures are available from KPTI(Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute at Tufts Hospital, Boston)

HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST

The Home Safety Checklist Brochure is designed to help protect family members from unintentional injuries. It is designed to be an easy room-to-room survey that will quickly point out dangers that need to be changed immediately. It covers the kitchen, basement and garages, outdoor play areas, bathroom, child’s bedroom, play areas, windows, stairs and railings, electrical outlets, and fixtures, and general living areas.

WHAT CAN KIWANIS CLUBS DO?

Distribute this brochure to Pediatricians, Clinics, Day Care Center, Health Fairs, Pre-school Programs, Health Department, Hospitals that offer Prenatal Classes or New Mom Classes.

OPEN WATER SAFETY

This brochure covers tips for open water safety: never swim in drainage ditches, what to do in an emergency situation if a child is struggling in the water or if a child is unconscious in the water etc.

WHAT CAN KIWANIS CLUBS DO?

Distribute this brochure to schools, day care centers, Fire/Police Departments, Fishing Derby, any organized family day sponsored by Kiwanis, pool supply stores, public beach concession stands.

SET UP A CAR SEAT PROGRAM

Kiwanis clubs can make sure that safety seats are available to everyone in the community by setting up a car seat loan program. This involves purchasing or securing donations of new car seats, establishing a location (car dealership, hospital, police station) from which the seats will be loaned or given, establishing the criteria for providing a seat to a family and making sure the people handing out the car seats have the training to install them

SMOKE ALARM SAFETY

One-third of the smoke detectors installed in houses don’t work. If a fire occurs, they won’t make a sound, because most smoke alarms still contain their original batteries. A simple project can solve this problem: an annual campaign for everyone to check the batteries in their smoke detectors. This can involve ads in the local paper or distribution of fliers. This campaign can be expanded to include distribution of batteries and smoke detectors in neighborhoods

The American Red Cross offers a FREE Program …installation of smoke detectors (free) in your home, will check batteries in existing smoke detectors, replace batteries if needed, and help families create an escape plan.

For more information: www.redcross.org

Other safety brochures available from KPTI

• Window Safety
• Summer Safety
• Pedestrian Safety
• Water Safety
• Holiday/Winter Safety
• Fire Safety
• After School Safety
• Poison Information
• Car Safety In And Around Cars

SUPPORT A PEDIATRIC TRAUMA PROGRAM

KIWANIS PEDIATRIC TRAUMA INSTITUTE (KPTI) is supported by the Kiwanis Foundation of New England and other sponsors. Materials are available from KPTI which deal with prevention.

I hope there is at least one project that motivates you to do more for our children to promote safety in our communities. Imagine the lives and money we could save by promoting prevention education to parents and families. With the high cost of hospitalization, insurance and emergency room care today in the U.S. we could all do our part to educate parents to keep their children safe and possibly lower rising health care costs.

Please remember that without the support of the Kiwanis Foundation of New England , the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center Programs could not function.

I hope your Club will consider making a donation to the KFNE, and if you wish the money to go to KPTI you can indicate “KPTI” on the memo line of your check. Kiwanis Clubs need to support these programs if we wish them to continue.

Kiwanis Foundation of a New England
P.O. Box 50891
New Bedford, MA. 02745

Sincerely,

Ava Adams, District Chair
Young Children Committee
Member, Kiwanis International Committee on Young Children
New England and Bermuda District
email: [email protected]

Good morning fellow Kiwanians!

This month I will focus on the importance of immunizations for young children.

Measles killed an estimated 207,500 people last year worldwide after a decade-long failure to reach optimal vaccination coverage, resulting in the highest number of cases for 23 years, the World Health Organization (WHO) and US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said in a joint report November 2020.

Measles Cases in 2019

From January 1 to December 31, 2019, 1,282 individual cases of measles were confirmed in 31 states. Of these cases, 128 were hospitalized and 61 reported having complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis.

INCREASE IN WHOOPING COUGH (PERTUSSIS)

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.

Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After cough fits, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths, which result in a “whooping” sound. Pertussis can affect people of all ages, but can be very serious, even deadly, for babies less than a year old.

The best way to protect against pertussis is by getting vaccinated. During the 1980s pertussis reports began increasing gradually, and by 2018 more than 15,000 cases were reported.

WHY VACCINATE YOUNG CHILDREN?

Immunizations can save a child’s life. Because of advances in medical science, a child can be protected against more diseases than ever before. Some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children, have been eliminated completely and others are close to extinction– primarily due to safe and effective vaccines. Polio is one example of the great impact that vaccines have had in the United States. Polio was once America’s most-feared disease, causing death and paralysis across the country, but today, thanks to vaccination, there are no reports of polio in the United States.

Maternal neonatal tetanus deaths are greatly diminished due to the increase of the tetanus vaccine being made available through the world.

MNT ELIMINATE PROGRAM SPONSORED BY KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UNICEF has saved hundreds of thousands of lives by providing vaccinations to women and young children.

Vaccination is very safe and effective. 

Vaccines are only given to children after a long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and healthcare professionals. Vaccines will involve some discomfort and may cause pain, redness, or tenderness at the site of injection but this is minimal compared to the pain, discomfort, and trauma of the diseases these vaccines prevent. Serious side effects following vaccination, such as severe allergic reaction, are very rare. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children.

There is NO link between autism and childhood vaccines, a major new study finds. The systematic international review, first of its kind, conducted by University of Sydney researchers “No statistical data to support a link between vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough and the development of autism or autism spectrum disorders.” (www.myasdf.org)

Immunization protects others 

 Children in the U.S. still get vaccine-preventable diseases. In fact, there has been a resurgence of measles and whooping cough (pertussis) over the past few years. Since 2010, there have been between 10,000 and 50,000 cases of whooping cough each year in the United States and about 10 to 20 babies, many of which were too young to be fully vaccinated, died each year. While some babies are too young to be protected by vaccination, others may not be able to receive certain vaccinations due to severe allergies, weakened immune systems from conditions like leukemia, or other reasons. To help keep them safe, it is important that all who are able to get vaccinated are fully immunized.  This not only protects those who are vaccinated but also helps prevent the spread of these diseases to others around them.

Immunizations can save time and money. 

A child with a vaccine-preventable disease can be denied attendance at schools or child care facilities. Some vaccine-preventable diseases can result in prolonged disabilities and can take a financial toll because of lost time at work, medical bills or long-term disability care. In contrast, getting vaccinated against these diseases is a good investment and usually covered by insurance. The Vaccines for Children program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children from low-income families.

Immunizations protect future generations

Vaccines have reduced and, in some cases, eliminated many diseases that killed or severely disabled people just a few generations ago. For example, smallpox vaccination eradicated that disease worldwide. Your children don’t have to get smallpox shots any more because the disease no longer exists. By vaccinating children against rubella (German measles), the risk that pregnant women will pass this virus on to their fetus or newborn has been dramatically decreased, and birth defects associated with that virus no longer are seen in the United States. If we continue vaccinating now, and vaccinating completely, parents in the future may be able to trust that some diseases of today will no longer be around to harm their children in the future.

National Infant Immunization Week(NIIW)

April 26 – May 3, 2021 (NIIW) was established to raise the profile of the infant immunization program in the United States.

Infant immunization protects people from vaccine-preventable diseases throughout their life.

NIIW is also a time to appreciate and celebrate the achievements immunization programs have had in promoting good health. Supported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the first National Infant Immunization Week took place in 1994.

While aspects of the campaign may differ each year, the message behind this week is always, ‘Love Them. Protect Them. Immunize Them’ and parents are encouraged or reminded to have their children immunized by the age of 2. 

For more information about National Infant Immunization Week, visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/index.html.

For more information about the importance of infant immunization, visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

Consequences Of Not Immunizing Infants

If infants are not immunized the consequences can be severe. Disease often brings economic and social costs, misspent time and resources visiting doctors, hospitalizations and poor child and educational development. These consequences are in addition to any of the direct physical symptoms and problems associated with a given condition. Also in some cases a disease can be fatal.

WHAT CAN KIWANIANS DO TO HELP?

Spread the word to friends and family about the importance of vaccinations.

To get materials go to www.cdcp.gov

Materials to Share (Resources to share with the public)

To view easy-to-read immunization schedules, an immunization tracker, videos, listicles, infographics, fact sheets, PSAs, print ads, and posters, go to Vaccine Resources for Parents.

Share these materials with your audiences by:

• Linking to them from your website
• Sharing them via your social media channels

Kiwanians can make a difference in a child’s well-being if we take the time to share this important information

Ava Adams, District Chair,
New England & Bermuda District
([email protected])

Good Morning fellow Kiwanians!

Family violence and child abuse during COV19:

The National Domestic Violence Hotline reported a 9% increase in calls between March 16 – when many states issued lockdown orders – and May 16 compared with the same period in 2019. Similarly, the San Antonio Police Department received 18% more calls related to family violence this March compared with March of last year, and there was a 10% increase in domestic violence reports in the same month to the New York City Police Department compared with March 2019. The Portland Police Bureau also recorded a 22% increase in arrests related to domestic violence in the weeks after stay-at-home orders.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in incidences of family violence and child abuse across the globe. Fear, frustration, uncertainty, economic hardship, increased stress levels, and barriers to resources are all contributing factors to this increase. In addition, support systems such as extended family, religious institutions, schools, and shelters have been less accessible during the pandemic, leaving victims even more isolated. The pandemic has also led to increased use of substances and an increase in anxiety and depression, which may also contribute to the risk of violence in the homes.

Family violence refers to threatening or other violent behaviors within the family that can include:

• Physical abuse- Assaulting another person by hitting, choking, pushing, or kicking.
• Verbal abuse- The use of abusive words to erode a persons’ self-worth and confidence.
• Emotional abuse- Criticizing, embarrassing, shaming, and bullying another person.
• Sexual abuse- Forcing a person into unwanted sexual activity.
• Economic abuse- Controlling or withholding funds or documents such as identification or passports.
• Child abuse- Physically, verbally, emotionally and sexually abusing a minor child.
• Animal mistreatment.

According to data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS), 49 States reported a total of 1,585 fatalities.

Nationally it is estimated 1,670 children died from abuse or neglect in 2015, which is 5.7 percent more than in 2011. This translates to a rate of 2.25 children per 100,000 children in the general population and an average of nearly five children dying every day from abuse or neglect

Three-quarters (74.8 percent) of child fatalities in 2015 involved children younger than 3 years, and children younger than 1 year accounted for 49.4 percent of all fatalities. 

In 80% of child abuse and neglect cases, the alleged abusers are overwhelmed, stressed parents who took their frustrations out on their own children; in other cases child abuse results because some parents were abused as children and never learned how to be a good parent. 

DO YOU KNOW APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH?

In the United States, April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. A Kiwanis club could assist local events for Child Abuse Prevention Month in a variety of ways: 

• Recognition event. Hold a luncheon, dinner, award ceremony or other event to publicly thank child protection workers, foster parents, a media personality or others who have made a significant contribution to preventing child abuse.

• Publicity. Send press releases to local radio and television stations.

• Proclamation. Work with the sponsoring organization to have government leaders issue 

proclamations supporting Child Abuse Prevention Month.

WHAT ELSE CAN KIWANIS CLUBS DO? 

• WORK WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

One of the best ways for a Kiwanis club to effect change in child abuse situations is to work with organizations already addressing the problem. In many countries there is a group dedicated to preventing child abuse through public education, such as UNICEF and the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. The United States is fortunate to have chapters of Prevent Child Abuse America in most areas. Using their website, www.preventchildabuse.org, you can find your local chapter. 

• RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS

Most child abuse prevention organizations have public awareness materials that they will share with Kiwanis clubs. Rather than starting from scratch, clubs should seek-out these organizations and ask permission to use printed and video public service announcements, radio spots or art for fliers and brochures. Some also offer “op-ed” pieces that can be submitted to newspapers 

Below are two additional websites providing current information on child abuse information

https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/fatality.pdf

and 

https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse-statistics/

This information was sent to me by former Kiwanis International President Wil Blechman,: “approximately 1500 of these abused children die annually. Worse, yet, is the torture some of these children undergo prior to death.

Another point to be made is that in the U.S., more than three million reports are actually called in to the various state investigating agencies. While less than a million of these are confirmed, there is little question in the minds of experts in the field that there are likely a significant number which couldn’t be proven but still actually occurred. Furthermore, what reinforces this as a Kiwanis Young Children issue is the percentage of child abuse deaths that occur before the age of five.

The information suggests how much society pays in the future because of what we don’t do to prevent problems early in life. Money is wasted because we have adults who can’t function normally as a result of childhood abuse and end up in poor health, unable to learn, in jail or simply in situations where they take from society in the form of whatever safety nets are available rather than being able to provide positively to society.”

I hope your Club will consider doing a project to help prevent Child Abuse. Every child deserves to be born into a world knowing and expecting warmth, love, nourishment and security. And isn’t this what Kiwanis is all about?

Ava Adams, District Chair

Committee for Young Children

New England and Bermuda District of Kiwanis

email: [email protected]

Good morning fellow kiwanians!

Kiwanis International President Art Riley has indicated 3 areas that he hopes 

Kiwanians will focus on this year!

• Literacy
• Anti-bullying programs
• Prevention of Child Abuse

What is bullying in preschool?

Preschool bullying is more than garden-variety childhood insensitivity, occasionally teasing or fighting. The American Academy of Pediatrics describes bullying as consistently picking on another child who’s usually smaller, weaker or shy, and who usually gets upset or gives in to the bully.

Most people think of the physical aggression and social sniping that characterizes bullying as starting around late elementary school and stretching through high school. But, believe it or not, bullying among preschoolers is more common than you think. Because the behavior is typically associated with older kids, it is often overlooked during the younger years, when it’s hard to tell the difference between normal social experimentation and emergent bullying behavior.

A young child may be being bullied if he/she:

• is suddenly scared to go to preschool
• complains of headaches or stomachaches for no reason
• is clingy and whiny
• comes home with unexplained injuries
• is withdrawn or depressed
• talks about one particular child doing mean things to him
• has trouble concentrating
• avoids eye contact when you ask him about school

What’s a parent to do if bullying may be at play in your child’s preschool? Here’s how concerned parents should handle the situation:

1. Communication is Key If you suspect your child is being bullied at preschool, let him know that you can help with the situation if he tells you what’s happening. If your youngster seems scared or embarrassed, use books as a nonthreatening way to open the lines of communication. Some children’s books that address the topic of bullying include Shrinking Violet by Cari Best (Melanie Kroupa Books, 2001), and Myrtle by Tracey Campbell Pearson (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2004). Once your child discloses all the details about being bullied, stay calm, avoid judging, and reassure him that you’ll help put a halt to the bullying.
2. Talk to the Teacher “Even though adults are always present in preschool and daycare settings, with so many kids running around, it’s not realistically possible for teachers to see everything.” says retired pre-kindergarten teacher Tricia Young. And since bullies prefer to strike when adults aren’t watching, it’s important to talk to your child’s teacher and make him/ her aware of the situation so he/she can be more vigilant with supervision.
3. Take Advantage of Open Doors. Most reputable daycare centers and preschools have an open door policy which allows parents to drop by anytime (as long as they’re not disruptive) during normal hours. So make periodic unannounced visits to your child’s classroom. These surprise visits will keep the preschool staff on their toes and reduce the likelihood of your child being tormented by a bully.   
4. Schedule a Parenting Conference. When young children bully, the behavior is often learned from experiences in the home such as domestic abuse, inappropriate television shows, hearing siblings ridicule others, or being victims of bullying themselves. So work with your child’s preschool administrators to set up a meeting with the bully’s parents to bring the behavior to their attention – but don’t be surprised if the parents are uncooperative, nonchalant, or in denial.
5. Bully-Proof Your Child. Give your child the tools he/she needs to handle a bully. Teach him/her how to stand tall, look the bully in the eye, tell an adult, and avoid being alone. You can also empower your child by role-playing with him/her so he/she can practice what one is going to do next time one is approached by a bully. Confident children are less likely to be targeted by bullies, so find ways to build your child’s self-esteem. You can help your child develop friendships outside of preschool and get involved in confidence-boosting activities.  
6. Consider Changing Classrooms Sometimes bullying can be so aggressive that your efforts to stop it are unsuccessful. So if you’re getting nowhere, talk to the preschool director about having your child moved to another classroom. If this is not feasible, consider removing your youngster from the school.

WHAT CAN KIWANIS CLUBS DO TO HELP?

• Educate the public that preschool bullying is real.

• Have speakers present expertise and suggestions to assist your club in helping in your community.

• Work with the early childhood programs in your community to promote anti-bulling curriculum in their facilities.

For more information and resources:

www.education.com

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/blog/bullying-early-childhood

Bullying in Elementary School

https://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/public-schools-and-bullying-the-issues-and-the-solutions

https://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/stats.asp

https://www.pacer.org/bullying/classroom/elementary/

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_are_the_best_ways_to_prevent_bullying_in_schools

Ava Adams, District Chair

Young Children Committee

Member, KI Committee on Young Children

New England and Bermuda District

email: [email protected]

Click the link below to view the December 2020 update from the Kiwanis International Committee on Young Children.

Good Morning Fellow Kiwanians!

UPDATE READING CORNERS

ITS’S NOT TOO LATE TO ESTABLISH A READING CORNER! A PERFECT FIT WITH KIWANIS’ YOUNG CHILREN PROGRAM

Consider establishing a Reading Corner in other venues in addition to laundromats

SOME POSSIBLE VENUES

Health care facilities

Barbershops

Hair salons

Urgent care facilities

Credit unions

Pediatricians offices

Family court facilities

GREAT NEWS!

The Kiwanis Foundation of New England, through their Grant Program, has approved funding to help pay for the kits for the Reading Corners (total $200 maximum cost per set up). A Kiwanis Club must fill out the KFNE Grant application with specific information about the laundromat location or other venue where the Reading Corner will be set up. Submit the completed application to [email protected]. Each Club may apply only once for this assistance. For more information go to www.kfne.org and click on grant program info.

I encourage you to establish a Reading Corner in a venue in your community. The Reading Corner set up is a relatively low cost project ($200 or less) and can have a huge impact for local families and young children. Once set up you may find that your local library will supply your Club with gently used books, or Club member and friends can be asked to donate gently used books to replenish the supply of books. What better way to change a child’s life…to promote literacy and the love and joy of reading!

Let us fuel high expectations in young children. Children are influenced by expectations….high or low! Reading corners allow the use of valuable time to encourage young children to read and learn which results in maximum brain development and high expectations for that child.

We all share the responsibility of children leaning and learning happens everywhere and all the time! A book can become a friend to a child and the friend is always there.

IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE CONTACTING THE LAUNDROMAT

You can get ownership information about a local laundromat at your TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE in order to communicate with the laundromat owner,

WHY ESTABLISH A READING CORNERS IN A LAUNDROMAT OR OTHER VENUE?

1. Almost 60% of children entering kindergarten are not prepared. They don’t recognize letters,numbers and colors. This number is increasing with the cov-19 pandemic and the closure of preschool facilities and childcare programs.

 2. Parents spend time with their young children doing necessary chores at a               these venues.This time provides a wonderful opportunity for children and        parent to spend quality time reading with appropriate books for young       children to enjoy.

3.       The interaction at laundromats or other venues can promote not only basic literacy but also early math and science concepts that build different parts of the brain and complementary skill sets. Creating simple but attractive reading corners can help make the best use of these ordinary parts of the day to build both parental bonds and children’s skills.

4. These reading corners are also attractive for venues because they set them apart from other competitors, offer a resource for customers, demonstrate their involvement in the community and engage children in productive activities.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Each corner would consist of an attractive book holder; a rug that promotes letters, numbers and geometric shapes (if space allows); and books that parents can use in the moment.  Books can be provided in various languages to meet the needs of the community. Kiwanis Clubs need to contact the laundromat owner personally and encourage them to participate.  

 I strongly urge you not to order supplies until the laundromat/venue has agreed. Kiwanis members are responsible for the costs of all supplies, including set-up and ongoing replenishment of booke. This book holder (2’ x 1’, about $30) and, if space allows, this rug (5’ x 6 1/2’ – optional if space is tight, about $55).  Both are available on Amazon.com.

Books need to be replenished if children take the books home. It’s ok if the books are not returned. Some children may not have books at home to read. Ownership of books is the first step to encourage the love and joy of reading!

You can get inexpensive new books several ways.  One of these is through www.FirstBook.org.  This organization sells new, quality books at very low cost – ordinarily you would need to be approved as an organization that serves disadvantaged children.

 Other options recommended by other Kiwanis members are companies such as Reading Warehouse or BooksaMillio or Scholastic Literacy. A month’s supply of books can cost from $0 to about $50.  Books must not have religious, political or controversial themes, should include math/science topics, and should feature diverse characters in terms of race, ethnicity, physical ability, etc. Sponsors can also get used books through donations from employees or civic groups, as well as purchased at thrift stores, libraries, etc.  The venue owner and Kiwanis are responsible for any liability coverage or issues.

Please contact me if you have questions, or if I can assist you in any way!

Sincerely,

Ava Adams, District Chair
Young Children Committee
Member, International Committee on Young Children
New England and Bermuda District
email: [email protected]

Good morning fellow Kiwanians!

I am the New England District Chair for YOUNG CHILDREN. This program focuses on the needs of young children with an emphasis on infants and youngsters ages 0 to 8.

I have been your District Chair for 9 years, and I am passionate about educating new parents to promote optimal health and brain development in their babies along with preventing trauma in their lives.

This month I am focusing on materials available from:

KIWANIS PEDIATRIC TRAUMA INSTITUTE (KPTI) at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Materials for Young Children projects will be provided from KPTI at no charge to your club. More information and an order form can be found at: www.kpti.org

Two valuable projects available from Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute (KPTI) in Boston are:

1)First Aid/ CPR Chart

This chart is provided by the American Association of Pediatric available to KPTI. One side provides Choking/CPR for INFANTS UNDER ONE YEAR and another section covers CPR/CHOKING for children ONE TO EIGHT YEARS. The First AID/CPR Chart is a large 11″ x 17″ wall chart includes first aid guidance on one side – choking/CPR guidance on the other. Topics include burns, scalds, fractures, sprains, head injuries, poisons, skin wounds, stings and bites, and infants/child CPR. For Kiwanis clubs to be distributed to pediatrician’s offices, parenting groups and also can be handed out at club events for the public.

2) EARLY CHILDHOOD INJURY PREVENTION KITS include Bath Safety Duck to test water temperature, Car seat information sticker, Car seat and seat belt information card, Shaken baby information card, “Keeping the Promise” window safety brochure, Burn prevention brochure, Home safety checklist booklet, Electric outlet covers(24 pk). 

These materials are delivered to the Kiwanis Club and need to be put together in a plastic bag which is also provided with the materials. Then the Kits need to be delivered. Possible distribution to: Day Care Centers, Day Care Homes, Mother’s Groups, Hospitals with Birthing Centers, Health Clinics, Pediatricians’ offices, any facility that provides prenatal classes or care for expectant mothers.

EACH CLUB IS ALLOWED 200 KITS ANNUALLY FOR DISTRIBUTION.

Many more materials are available online at KPTI.org under Community Programs and an Order Form is also available on this website.

And if your Club is currently using materials from KPTI consider making a donation to the Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) which supports KPTI which pays for these materials. 

I am YOUR District Chair. Please feel free to contact me with questions. And please share with me anyYoung Children projects you are doing this year.

Finally, I hope to see you at Fall Conference and other District happenings once COVID19 is under control.  I have a Young Children table in the exhibit hall with lots of educational materials and project ideas which I hope you will share with your Kiwanis Club. I look forward to meeting each of you in the near future!

Ava Adams,  District Chair Young Children Committee
Member, Kiwanis International Committee on Young Children
Scarborough Maine Kiwanis Club
New England and Bermuda District of Kiwanis
email: [email protected]

Learn more about Kiwanis International’s Committee on Young Children.

Good morning Fellow Kiwanians!

I hope you are well during these challenging times! And I hope you are finding ways to continue working with your Kiwanis club.

Are you looking for a new project?

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, masks must be worn at all times by educators in group situations. Wearing masks can have a negative impact on babies, birth through 3 years of age. It is most important that these children see the faces of their caregivers as they provide protection, love and security. Clear face masks make this possible. A young child’s  brain development and mental health, especially their emotional health, are so important during these early stages of life; learning happens through relationships. Seeing a caregiver’s whole face is essential in language development and brain development.

Interactions with caregivers are the way in which babies learn about themselves and the world.

Specifically babies and young children require visual input from faces in their caregiving interactions in order to develop strong, healthy brain connections.

How Can Kiwanians Help?

Provide clear face masks to pre-school or early childhood education centers in your community.

Clear masks can be purchased on line at:

Amazon prime

4Pcs Solid Color Reusable Clear Mask, Face Bandanas with Clear Window, Visible Expression for Adults, Indoors and Outdoors for Deaf and Hard Of Hearing (Navy) 4 pack for $4.82

www.theclearmask.com

Also clear masks may be found at websites for the deaf or hearing impaired.

Here is a project that can make a positive impact in the lives of young children…our Kiwanis mission!

Ava Adams,  District Chair Young Children,
Committee Member, Kiwanis International Committee on Young Children
Scarborough Maine Kiwanis Club
New England and Bermuda District of Kiwanis
email: [email protected]