Welcome to our COMMUNITY BLOG! Throughout the year we will feature information, updates, and resources from the people who work with our children in our community. 

This entry, all about how parents can help young children build early learning and language skills, is brought to you by Jenny Tropia, Coordinator for the Derby Early Childhood Council and former teacher.


There is a lot of research that backs up the claim that that the key to early learning is talking, particularly on the effect the number of words a child hears from parents and guardians during their early years has on their later learning.

Those children who hear more spoken words in their early years are better prepared for school and do better in school than their classmates who hear less words in the home growing up. It is clear from the research, however, that words from the TV do not count. This is another reason to limit screen time for children and get talking!

If your child is six months old then it’s pretty obvious they won’t be answering back but that doesn’t matter. What is important is the interaction between you and your child and the number of words they hear. So talk, a lot.

But what do you say? When do you say it? That doesn’t matter either! It can be anything and anytime, just do it a lot. Even if you are busy out and about it can still be a great opportunity to talk. Here are just a few ideas of how to increase your child’s language skills.

Describe what you or they are doing: “The water is nice and warm. Here is your yellow duck. Now Mommy is going to get the shampoo and wash your hair. Let’s get nice and dry with this warm, fluffy towel.” With very young children you can just describe everyday activities as you are doing them. Even doing this is exposing your child to new words and experiences. You might feel a bit silly as you’re doing it but don’t worry about that!

Ask Questions: “What color is the sky today? Can you see the white clouds? Do you see the flag blowing in the wind? The wind is blowing our hair about too, can you feel that?”

Model and Repeat: With really young children who are unable to answer even some of your questions you can ask and then model the answer.  You can also repeat their answer and gently correct any grammar mistakes at the same time. So for “I done it Mom” you can say “Great! You did it” or if they mispronounce words such as “I see a tat” you can say “I see the cat too.” It is a simple and easy way of doing it without criticizing them and making them feel self-conscious.

Be interested and make eye contact: this shows children that you are really listening to them and that what they have to say is important, even if they are just babbling. You will often see babies and toddlers watching their parent’s mouths as they speak. This helps them learn how words are formed. You can even have your toddler sit in front of a mirror with you as you sing songs together so they can see their own mouths moving. Practicing this and copying their parents will also help them build the muscles they need to say words clearly.

Play: This is a natural time to just talk about what you and your children are doing “Is that a tower you are building with those blocks? I can see you used red, blue, green and yellow blocks. What bright colors… this block is shaped like a cube…”

Explore: Allowing a child to explore their surroundings and develop a sense of curiosity provides wonderful opportunities to talk and share in experiences together “The snow makes a crunchy noise when we step on it. How does it feel? I think it’s cold and wet. I wonder what happens if we take some inside and leave it in a bowl.”

Read books and Sing Songs: You don’t have to just stick to the words on the page, take the time to look at the pictures together and describe what you are seeing or what might happen next. Let your baby turn the pages and engage in the story. If your child is older, ask questions as you read.

Talking to your baby will help them develop a love of language and encourage them to interact with you and their surroundings. It will develop their vocabulary to help get them ready for school and beyond. 

Enjoy talking to your baby and your baby will enjoy it too.

Welcome to our COMMUNITY BLOG! Throughout the year we will feature information, updates, and resources from the people who work with our children in our community. 

This entry is brought to you by Cathi Kellett, Coordinator for the Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Chapter, based at Griffin Hospital. 

Does your little one know what an emergency is?

We need to teach our children about the importance of 911 and the dangers of misusing it.  We need to explain that while a true emergency is rare, sometimes they do happen.  Talk to your kids about:

·       Different kinds of emergencies; drowning, poisoning, fire and unconsciousness, etc.

·       Describe different types of emergency personnel and how they can help.

·       Visit open houses at local fire, police, EMS and hospitals

·       Use toys, like play phones and vehicles to role play emergency situations.

Remember also the following in an emergency and teach your children to how to dial 
9-1-1:

·       Be Calm

·       Wait for a Dial tone (if using a landline phone).

·       Dial the numbers 9-1-1. (Push the “talk” button if using a cell phone.)

·       Tell the emergency person what is wrong.  Speak slowly and clearly.

·       Tell them your first and last name.

·       Don’t hang up until the person tells you to hang up.

·       Never prank call to 9-1-1.

Is your family prepared?

Complete this guide with your child:

·       Place a 9-1-1 sticker and emergency phone number list near all phones in your       home.

·       Memorize your home address and telephone number.

·       Know the telephone number of another adult to call.

·       Learn how and when to call 9-1-1.

·       Have a complete first aid kit in your home.

·       Keep your family’s special medical needs and health insurance information handy.

·       In case of an emergency, have 2 escape routes from your home and have a meeting place outside.

·       Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the street.

Remember children (and parents) are excited to learn new things, let’s do it in a happy and safe way!

For more information, visit www.safekids.org or your local Safe Kids , Greater Naugatuck Valley at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

Safe Kids Worldwide is a global organization dedicated to protecting kids from unintentional injuries, the number one cause of death to children in the United States. Throughout the world, almost 1 million children die of injuries each year.  

By educating children and adults, we hope to make this number go away.

Cathi Kellett

Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Chapter Coordinator

Griffin Hospital

Community Outreach & Parish Nurse Dept.

ckellett@griffinhealth.org

203 732-1337

Welcome to our COMMUNITY BLOG! Throughout the year we will feature information, updates, and resources from the people who work with our children in our community. 

This blog entry full of great parenting ideas is brought to you but Millie VandenBroek, JD MPH, Project Director with Valley Kids Belong based at the Parent Child Resource Center in Derby.

Parenting; it is the most important job many of us will ever have. But children do not show up in our lives with a “how-to” manual. For every parent, there are times when we feel stressed or overwhelmed, or when we wonder how to best respond to difficult behaviors.

There are proven strategies that can increase your parenting skills and confidence, decrease your stress, and create more positive relationship dynamics at home with your children.

The Triple P Positive Parenting System recognizes that there is not just one right way to parent. Every family has unique values, skills and style. Triple P focuses on five areas: ensuring a safe, interesting environment, creating a positive learning environment, using assertive discipline, having realistic expectations, and taking care of oneself as a parent.

Here are the Triple P Top 10 Tips for Parents (modified from http://triplep-america.com/; for more parenting suggestions and resources check out the website.)

1.     When your child wants to show you something, stop what you are doing and pay attention to your child. It is important to spend frequent, small amounts of time with your child doing things that you both enjoy.

2.     Give your child lots of physical affection – children often like hugs, cuddles, and holding hands.

3.     Talk to your child about things he/she is interested in and share aspects of your day with your child.

4.     Give your child lots of descriptive praise when they do something that you would like to see more of, e.g., “Thank you for doing what I asked straight away.”

5.     Children are more likely to misbehave when they are bored so provide lots of engaging indoor and outdoor activities for your child, e.g., play dough, coloring, cardboard boxes, dress up, etc.

6.     Teach your child new skills by first showing the skill yourself, then giving your child opportunities to learn the new skills. For example, speak politely to each other in the home. Then, prompt your child to speak politely (e.g., say “please” or “thank you”), and praise your child for their efforts.

7.     Set clear limits on your child’s behavior. Sit down and have a family discussion on the rules in the home. Let your child know what the consequences will be if they break the rules.

8.     If your child misbehaves, stay calm and give them a clear instruction to stop misbehaving and tell them what you would like them to do instead (e.g., “Stop fighting; play nicely with each other.”) Praise your child if they stop. If they do not stop, follow through with an appropriate consequence.

9.     Have realistic expectations. All children misbehave at times and it is inevitable that you will have some discipline hassles. Trying to be the perfect parent can set you up for frustration and disappointment.

10.     Look after yourself. It is difficult to be a calm, related parent if you are stressed, anxious or depressed. Try to find time every week to let yourself unwind or do something that you enjoy.

For parents who are interested in learning more about the Triple P Positive Parenting approach and how to apply these strategies (and more) at home, there are Triple P classes available in Derby, Ansonia, Seymour and Shelton. Registration is open to everyone. Free childcare is provided during the group sessions. These groups are supportive, non-judgmental, free of charge, and a terrific way to experience positive results at home.

To learn more about Triple P and sign up for an upcoming group, please call (203) 893-0402 or TripleP@lnvpcrc.org to reach the Valley Kids Belong Program Coordinator. Triple P Groups are coordinated through the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center and made possible with the support of the Connecticut Health Foundation. 

Welcome to our COMMUNITY BLOG! Throughout the year we will feature information, updates, and resources from the people who work with our children in our community. 

Welcome to another entry from Bradley School Kindergarten teacher Jenny Ames containing advice on how to play phoneme games with your child; an important part of the process of learning to read. 

Before children learn to read, they need to become aware of how the sounds in words work. Words are made up of speech sounds, or phonemes (the smallest parts of sound in a spoken word that make a difference in a word's meaning). The ability to blend, delete, and manipulate sounds is known as phonemic awareness. It is the heart of literacy. Remember, phonemic awareness activities can be done in the dark. There are no letters in eyesight. That's phonics.

Here are some early phonemic awareness activities your family can spontaneously try anywhere from the car to the kitchen table! They are presented in order of difficulty with the easiest first.

1. Rhyming: First, let your child decide whether two words you speak rhyme. When that is mastered, move on to the child providing a rhyming word for a word you provide. Do not worry if the student produces a nonsense word.

2. Syllabication: Clap word parts with your child, or the opposite, provide a word broken up into syllables and have the students “slide” them together. Using names is fun.

3. Initial Sounds: Give your child a “sound stick” (fly swatter, giant pencil, fairy wand) and let them walk around the house tapping on items while identifying their first sound. Some students will be able to identify both the letter and the sound.

4. Phoneme Blending: First provide a three-phoneme word such as “cat” as /c/-/a/-/t/. Let your child slide the sounds together to say the word correctly. When that is mastered, play “Head Waist Toes.” The child touches each body part for every phoneme in a given word. Example: Parent says “mop.” Child breaks the word into sounds /m/ /o/ /p/ while touching a body part for each (start at head).

Students with strong phonemic awareness skills become the strongest readers.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at james@derbyps.org

Welcome to our COMMUNITY BLOG! Throughout the year we will feature information, updates, and resources from the people who work with our children in our community. 

This entry is brought to you by Pamela Lorenzo MSW, Program Manager and Clinical Supervisor with the Nurturing Families Network. www.VNASCC.org

Thinking about having a baby?  If you are then it is important to begin preparing your body (and yourself) now!  

Preconception care is equally as important as prenatal care. Many heath care providers recommend if you are thinking about getting pregnant that you schedule an appointment to discuss preconception health. There are many steps woman can take before becoming pregnant to reduce the risk of nay prenatal problems. Taking Folic Acid, for example, is recommended for any woman of childbearing age. The right amount of folic acid can help to prevent certain types of birth defects. A thorough preconception physical is also important as well as assuring you have had the appropriate vaccinations such as rubella. Blood work will also be done to test for immunity to chicken pox.

Prenatal care begins at conception. Things such as diet, physical activity, medications, smoking, and environmental factors cam all affect your pregnancy. That it why it is important to maintain a consistent prenatal care schedule with your medical provider. Prenatal care is more than just health care. It also includes education and counseling about how to handle various aspects of your pregnancy, what to expect from the birth itself and basic skills about caring for your baby. Remember that prenatal care doesn’t just monitor your health but also the health of your baby. The baby’s heartbeat is monitored as well as his/her growth. Women who see their medical provider regularly during pregnancy end up having healthier babies in general.

A large part of your care revolves around your diet. Healthy eating is necessary and now is the time to get your calories from nutritious foods such as lean meats, whole grain breads, fruits and vegetables. A pregnant woman needs more essential nutrients such as calcium and iron. You should eat sweets and fats sparingly. Prenatal vitamins are an essential part of your prenatal care. Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt are also important in your diet. Remember the foods you eat are the main source of nutrients for your baby.

A pregnancy calendar can aid in monitoring you and your baby’s growth as well as give you nutritional and diet information during each week of your pregnancy. You can download a calendar from www. pregnancy-calendars.net.


Enter our competition for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Walmart! Have you seen billboards in Derby from the Derby Early Childhood Council? Have you seen our flyers at events or at providers around town? If so finish the following sentence and email your answer to myfirst8@yahoo.com

Healthy Women Make....


Entries need to be in by October 14th. Check our Facebook page for updates and clues over the next two weeks.

Welcome to our COMMUNITY BLOG! Throughout the year we will feature information, updates, and resources from the people who work with our children in our community. 

September is Child Passenger Safety Month so this entry is brought to you by Cathi Kellett, Coordinator for the Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Chapter, based at Griffin Hospital. 


Cathi is also a Certified Child Passenger Safety Instructor. The next Car Seat Clinic in the area offered by Safe Kids will be held at the September 22nd Children's Health and Safety Fair at the Boys and Girls Club in Shelton, CT from 9am until 2pm. For details please click on the following link: http://www.myfirst8.org/events.html

Dear Families,

Did you know that only 1 out of 5 car seats in Connecticut is used properly?  Safe Kids Worldwide, and your local Chapter, Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley, recommend that children ride in rear facing car seats until they are 2 years old or until they reach the height or weight limit of their car seat.  CT Law requires infants to ride rear-facing until they are a minimum of one year old AND 20 pounds.

A properly secured child has the following:

• Harness straps are in the lower slots at or below should level
  

• Keep harness straps snug and fasten harness clip at armpit level
  

• Has your seat expired? Check the back or bottom of the seat for the expiration date
  

• Use LATCH or seatbelt, but NOT both
  

• Recline a rear facing set at about a 45 degree angle.  A firmly rolled up towel or pool noodle under the seat may help.
  

• Make sure the seat does not move more than an inch side to side at the belt path.
  

• Infants must ride in the back seat facing the rear of the vehicle.  This offers the best protection for your infant’s head, neck and spine.
  

Toddlers should be Forward Facing only after they outgrow their rear facing seats.

When facing forward the following ensures a secure fit:

•  Attach the top tether strap to the tether anchor (tether anchors are available in most vehicles 1999 or newer
  

• Read owner’s manual for information on which harness slots should be used forward facing.  Keep harness straps snug.
  

• Fasten harness clip at armpit level.
  

• Place seat in the upright position.
  

• Make sure the seat does not move more than an inch side to side at the belt path.
  

Keep kids in car sets longer.  Even kids 4 years and older should remain in a car seat until they reach the height or weight limit of their car seat.  Once reached, the kids can be in booster seat.

Kids should be in booster seats until the seat belt fits, usually until they are between 8 and 10 years old.  Connecticut law requires children to be in a booster seat until they reach a minimum of 60 pounds and they turn 7 years old.

When in a booster seat the following ensures a proper fit:

• If your vehicle has a low back seat and your child’s ears are above it, you need a high back booster seat.
  

• A shoulder guard and a hip guard make the lap and shoulder belt work better on booster seat.  Belt should flatly cover should and hip bones.
  

• Booster seats must be used with both the lap and shoulder belt, not just a lap belt.  Kids this size are too small to fit correctly in an adult seat belt alone.
  

If your child isn’t using a booster seat, try this simple 5-Step test the next time you ride together.

• Does the child sit all the way back against the vehicle set?
  

• Do the child’s knees bend comfortably at the edge of the vehicle seat?
  

• Does the seat belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm?
  

• Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?
  

• Can your child stay seated like this for the whole trip?
  

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, your child needs a booster seat to ride safely in the vehicle.  Kids like boosters because they are more comfortable, too!

Violators of the Connecticut car seat law must pay a fine and attend a 2-hour educational car seat class at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Remember children (and parents) are excited to be able to get out and go, let’s make it a happy and safe one!

Safe Kids Worldwide is a global organization dedicated to protecting kids from unintentional injuries, the number one cause of death to children in the United States. Throughout the world, almost 1 million children die of injuries each year.   

By educating children and adults, we hope to make this number go away.

Cathi Kellett

Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Chapter Coordinator

Griffin Hospital

Community Outreach & Parish Nurse Dept.

Welcome to our COMMUNITY BLOG! Throughout the year we will feature information, updates, and resources from the people who work with our children in our community. 

Our third Back-to-School post is all about keeping children safe on their way to and from school. It comes from Cathi Kellett, Coordinator for the Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Chapter, based at Griffin Hospital. 

Dear families,

As we approach the start of a new and exciting year, we should take a moment to review some tips on keeping your child safe on their way to and from school.  Safe Kids Worldwide, and your local Chapter, Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley, recommend that children:

• Always cross the street with an adult until age 10
  

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks,
  

• Look left, right, left again when crossing
  

• Always walk, never run, when crossing streets
  

• Walk on sidewalks or paths
  

• Walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible if there are no sidewalks
  

• Never run out into the street or cross in between parked cars
  

• Wear a properly fitting helmet every time they ride a bicycle
  

Drivers need to do their part to keep kids safe while they walk or bike to school also.  We recommend that drivers:

• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones
  

•  Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians, and on curbs
  

• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully
  

• Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours
  

• Remember that children may move in unpredictable ways
  

• Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings
  

• Never leave a child alone in a vehicle
  

• Always lock car doors and trunks and keep keys out of children’s reach
  

Remember children (and parents) are excited to start the new year, let’s make it a happy and safe one!

Safe Kids Worldwide is a global organization dedicated to protecting kids from unintentional injuries, the number one cause of death to children in the United States. Throughout the world, almost 1 million children die of injuries each year.   

By educating children and adults, we hope to make this number go away.

Cathi Kellett

Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Chapter Coordinator 

Griffin Hospital

Community Outreach & Parish Nurse Dept.

Welcome to our new COMMUNITY BLOG! Throughout the year we will feature information, updates, and resources from the people who work with our children in our community. 

Our second Back-to-School post comes from Jenny Ames, a Derby Public Schools Kindergarten Teacher, with tips on how you can help your child be prepared for the first day and get the most from their school experience.

Dear Derby Families,

The first day of school is just around the corner in Derby. Here are 5 tips for getting the littlest Raiders ready for August 28th.

1. Bedtime: Start going to bed as soon as possible at the regular school night time your family has decided upon. The school day is long and the students need to be well-rested to make it through the afternoon without falling asleep. Parents need to be rested as well.

2. Planning: Pack backpacks and lay out clothing the night before, including socks, shoes and hair accessories for the girls. I never did this growing up and I was forever racing out at the last minute, leaving homework and books behind, and with a questionable hairdo!

3. Label: Write your child's name on everything that will be sent to school. Sometimes we set aside items for later in the year. Also, all envelopes with money inside should be clearly labeled with your child's name, grade, teacher, and purpose.

4. Fun: Derby is a great place to be a kid. In addition to our fabulous schools, there are a lot of activities in town, especially at the Derby Public (Elizabeth St.) and Derby Neck (Hawthorne Avenue) libraries. Also, many sports teams are available: football, baseball, softball, cheer, soccer, and basketball. I really encourage students to become involved with a sports team. They present great opportunities to meet kids in other classes and the other elementary school as well as follow rules and directions. Many Derby parents have struck up friendships on the sidelines. Sign-up notices for Parks and Recreation leagues are sent home in the home/school folders.

5. Family Involvement: Keeping in touch with your child's teacher is easy. For non-urgent matters, reach us by email; first initial last name@derbyps.org. For example, my email address is james@derbyps.org. There are staff directories on www.derbyps.org. I highly recommend joining the PTA/PTO. These groups play a huge role in the school experience for your child and are great way to meet new friends.

I can't wait to see you on August 28!

Jenny Ames,

Kindergarten Teacher
Derby Public Schools

Welcome to our new COMMUNITY BLOG! Throughout the year we will feature information, updates, and resources from the people who work with our children in our community.

The first day of the new school year is fast approaching. Starting a new school or a new grade means having to deal with a lot of changes including new routines, places and people. Sue Sherman, the Children’s Librarian at DERBY PUBLIC LIBRARY has provided us with a list of BACK-TO-SCHOOL books for you to chose from to share with your children during these last days of summer in preparation for the big day! 

Reading books with your children on this subject:

• Helps your child know what to expect on their first day and helps ease the transition from summer days to school routines.
  

• Encourages your child explore any fears or anxieties they may have about school. Be prepared to ask and answer questions to help your child to talk about their feelings. 
  

• Develops your child’s vocabulary by introducing them to new words they might hear at school.
  

• Provides you and your child the chance to share in the excitement of a new adventure together ahead of time!
  

Back to School Titles

Take a Kiss to School by Angela McAllister

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

You’re Wearing That to School?! By Lynn Plourde

A Place Called Kindergarten by Jessica Harper

Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate

Kindergators series by Rosemary Wells

First Grade, Here I Come by Nancy Carlson

Best Seat in Second Grade by Katharine Kenah

Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown by Paula Danziger

I Love School by Philemon Sturges

Ready, Set, School! by Jacquelyn Mitchard

Wow! School by Robert Neubecker

Starting School by Janet Ahlberg

My New School by Kirsten Hall

Hello, School Bus by Marjorie Parker

Scholastic Series:  Back to School Safety, Going to School, Getting Ready for School

For Parents

What Your Preschooler Needs to Know by E. D. Hirsch, Jr.

Kindergarten Success by Amy James

Kindergarten Success: Helping Children Excel Right From the Start by Jill Frankel Hauser

Starting Out Right: a Guide to Promoting Reading Success by M. Susan Burns 


THE DERBY PUBLIC LIBRARY will also be hosting the following back to school events:

Kindergarten Day – Friday, August 23 at 11:30 a.m. for children entering kindergarten in the Derby school system this school year. This is an opportunity for children to apply for their own library card, listen to stories, tour the Children’s Room and more.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Registration is requested.

First Day of School Blues and Yahoos!! – Wednesday, August 28 starting at 8:30 a.m. (following school drop off).  Parents are invited to attend this 1st annual back to school social to share their feelings whether they be excitement, relief, anxiety or joy.  Come and enjoy coffee, donuts, and a shoulder to cry on, a friend to celebrate with or just some good conversation.

For information on what is on offer at the Derby Neck Library or Ansonia Libraries please visit their websites. Links can be found in the Quick Links section of this website. For information on Kinder Kamp, offered at the FRC in Derby call Ayanna Williams on (203) 736-5420 x208

If you have any questions about the blog or any suggestions for topics you would like us to cover, you can contact us on the My First 8 Facebook page or at myfirst8@yahoo.com