Current Needs

• Nationwide Children’s Hospital: http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/
• The Columbus Foundation: http://www.columbusfoundation.org
• Help Me Grow: http://www.ohiohelpmegrow.org/
• iGive: http://www.igive.com
• Columbus Urban League: http://www.cul.org/
• Active Parenting: http://www.activeparenting.com/
• Parents as Teachers: http://www.parentsasteachers.org
• Franklin County Board of DD: http://www.fcbdd.org/
• Action for Children: http://www.actionforchildren.org
• Down Syndrome Assoc. of Central Ohio: http://www.dsaco.net/
• Ohio Legal Rights Service: http://www.olrs.ohio.gov
• Ohio Department of Education: http://www.ode.state.oh.us/
• Ohio Department of Health: http://www.odh.ohio.gov/
• Ohio Coalition for Education of Children with Disabilities: http://www.ocecd.org
• Regional Infant Hearing Program: http://www.infanthearing.org/
• Zero to Three: http://www.zerotothree.org
• Nectac: http://www.nectac.org/
• OCALI http://www.ocali.org/

Back to School health tips

There are many issues to consider going into the school year. The 10 listed are in no particular order, but are among the medical considerations sometimes overlooked. (From an article in Prescott Woman).

1.Sleep schedules
Children need eight to 10 hours of restful sleep on average. It’s important to readjust the summer schedule (earlier to bed, earlier to rise) starting one to two weeks before school starts.

2. Phsyical exams
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends yearly check-ups and some schools require completed exam forms for entry. Plan ahead by scheduling your child before this is needed and bring the physical exam form.

3. Immunizations
There are vaccines required and recommended for kindergarten.

4. Good nutrition
Plan now for how your child is going to get good breakfasts and lunches that are healthy and support good student performance. Carbohydrates should be limited to improve focus and avoid the one o’clock drowsiness. Include some protein and healthy fats in meals.

5. Adequate fluids
Drinking adequate water improves learning ability and decreases headaches and fainting.

6. Limit screen time
Total media time, especially on school days, should be limited to one to two hours per day of quality viewing. Monitor what is being watched.

7. Make bedrooms TV free zones
Children with TVs (or video games, computers, etc.) in their rooms spend more time using them than those who don’t have them. Moreover parents can’t monitor the content and children tend to sleep less when these are in bedrooms.

8. Social concerns/peer pressure
Bully and peer pressure are topics to discuss with your children – even elementary aged and younger.

9. Communication
Work at keeping the lines of communication with your child and his/her teacher open. Too often problems have been worsening for months before parents become aware.

10. Encourage healthy activities
Hiking, athletics, hobbies, reading, creative play, singing and conversation are valuable at all ages and should not be eliminated by TV, video games and the like. Balance is key.

Back to school resources

Helping Your Child Enjoy School

The transition from home to school can be a trying one for some children as they adjust to a new place and routine. Here are a few tips for families to help ensure that their child develops a trust of school staff and feels that school is a fun, safe place.

• Talk about the upcoming school day so it does not come as a surprise. Say things like:  “I think school will be lots of fun. Your teachers will take good care of you.”

• Talk about what you will be doing while they are at school and what you will do with them when they’re back home.

• Be sure your child is physically ready (healthy, clean, rested, fed, dressed comfortably).

• Offer some choices to help empower your child, such as: “Do you want wear this outfit or that outfit?” or “Do you want to read this book or that book before school?”

• Calmly talk about any of your child’s difficult feelings. Tell them sometimes you feel that same way and what you do to feel better. 

• Make sure you say “goodbye”. Don’t sneak out of the classroom or avoid a goodbye at home. Keep your goodbye cheerful, short and try not to reenter the classroom after you leave.

• Use the observation room to check on your child, versus peeking in the classroom door.

• Come back on time to pick up your child or be waiting as the bus arrives at home. Your child is excited about your return and can become anxious if you are not prompt.

• Communicate regularly with center staff by note, email or phone messages about your child’s needs and the transition to school.

• Remember that your child is managing a big change in the life. They may need a little more support and patience from you while making this transition. 

We want to partner with you to help them have a positive beginning!

Back to School Books for Young Children

Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for School?  Barney Saltzberg
Mouse’s First Day of School Lauren Thompson
I Love You All Day Long Francesca Rusackas
Spot Goes to School Eric Hill
Pepo & Lolo Are Friends Ana Martin
My Best Friend Pat Hutchins
My Friends Caroline Davis & Emma Treehouse
First Friends Lenore Blegvad
Mis Amigos = My Friends Taro Gomi
Little Quack’s New Friend Lauren Thompson
My Best Friends Anna Nilsen & Emma Dodd