Archive for the ‘Child Care News’ Category
May
22
Posted by galleca on
May 22, 2009
According to Wikipedia, tuberculosis (abbreviated as TB for tubercle bacillus or Tuberculosis) is a common and often deadly infectious disease caused by mycobacteria, in humans mainly Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs (as pulmonary TB) but can also affect the central nervous system, the lymphatic system, the circulatory system, the genitourinary system, the gastrointestinal system, bones, joints, and even the skin. Other mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium africanum, Mycobacterium canetti, and Mycobacterium microti also cause tuberculosis, but these species are less common in humans.
When someone with untreated TB coughs or sneezes, the air is filled with droplets containing the bacteria. Inhaling these infected droplets is the usual way a person gets TB.
One of the most dreaded diseases of the 19th century, TB was the eighth leading cause of death in children 1 to 4 years of age during the 1920s. As the general standard of living and medical care improved in the United States, the incidence of TB decreased. By the 1960s, it wasn’t even in the top 10 causes of death among children of any age group.
But TB is making a comeback in the United States today — particularly among the homeless, those in prison, and those rendered susceptible because of HIV infection.
Signs and Symptoms
In older infants and children, primary pulmonary tuberculosis (the first infection with the tuberculosis bacteria) usually produces no signs or symptoms, and a chest X-ray shows no signs of infection. Rarely, there may be enlargement of the lymph nodes and possibly some coughing.
In most cases, only a tuberculin skin test (used to figure out if someone has been infected by the tuberculosis bacteria) is positive, indicating that the child has been infected. Children with a positive tuberculin test, even if they show no disease, will usually need to receive medication.
This primary infection usually resolves on its own as a child develops immunity over a 6- to 10-week period. But in some cases, it can progress and spread all over the lungs (called progressive tuberculosis) or to other organs. This causes signs and symptoms such as fever, weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, and cough.
Another type of infection is called reactivation tuberculosis. Here, the primary infection has resolved, but the bacteria are dormant, or hibernating. When conditions become favorable (for instance, a lowered immunity), the bacteria become active. Tuberculosis in older kids and adults may be of this type. The most prominent symptom is a persistent fever, with sweating during the night. Fatigue and weight loss may follow. If the disease progresses and cavities form in the lungs, the person may experience coughing and the production of saliva, mucus, or phlegm that may contain blood.
Treatment
A doctor may recommend hospitalization for the initial evaluation and treatment of TB, especially if:
* the child is a young infant
* there are severe drug reactions
* there are other diseases along with TB
However, most kids with tuberculosis can be treated as outpatients and cared for at home. The treatment is usually in the form of oral medications. In some cases, three or four drugs may be prescribed. Even though treatment may require months to complete, it’s vitally important that the full course of medications be taken in order for tuberculosis to be cured.
Vigrx VigRx is a prescription drug, which contains no side effects, along with being natural and safe.
May
11
Posted by galleca on
May 11, 2009
Child guardianship are legal terms which are sometimes used to describe the legal and practical relationship between a parent and his or her child, such as the right of the parent to make decisions for the child, and the parent’s duty to care for the child.
Following ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in most countries, terms such as “residence” and “contact” (known as “visitation” in the United States) have superseded the concepts of “custody” and “access”. Instead of a parent having “custody” of or “access” to a child, a child is now said to “reside” or have “contact” with a parent. For a discussion of the new international nomenclature, see parental responsibility.
Custody of children is one of the most intense aspects in family litigation. A custody battle could be an independent case or a mere incident in an annulment/separation case. Here are some basic matters relating to custody.
In custody disputes, what is the paramount criterion?
The paramount criterion in custody disputes is the welfare and well-being of the child, or the best interest of the child. The court, in arriving at its decision as to whom custody of the minor should be given, must take into account the respective resources and social and moral situations of the contending parents. Nevertheless, this primordial rule can override the rights of one or both parents over their children.
What is the general rule as to custody over children?
The general rule is that a child under seven years of age shall not be separated from his mother, which is based on the basic need of a child for his mother’s loving care. Article 213 of the Family Code provides that “[n]o child under seven years of age shall be separated from the mother, unless the court finds compelling reasons to order otherwise.” This is more pronounced in case of illegitimate children, as the law expressly provides that illegitimate children shall be under the parental authority of their mother.
Is this rule absolute?
This rule is not absolute. Even a mother may be deprived of the custody of her child who is below seven years of age for “compelling reasons.” Instances of unsuitability are neglect, abandonment, unemployment and immorality, habitual drunkenness, drug addiction, maltreatment of the child, insanity, and affliction with a communicable illness. Negligent and careless failure to perform the duties of parenthood is a significant element of abandonment, regardless of actual intention. A strong basis for a finding of the parent’s abandonment of his or her child is found in the case where the parent has left the child permanently or indefinitely in the care of others, given it to another, or surrendered it entirely.
I left my child to a relative, even signing a document to such effect. Am I barred from taking back my child?
Parental authority and responsibility are inalienable and may not be transferred or renounced except in cases authorized by law. The right attached to parental authority, being purely personal, the law allows a waiver of parental authority only in cases of adoption, guardianship and surrender to a children’s home or an orphan institution. When a parent entrusts the custody of a minor to another, such as a friend or godfather, even in a document, what is given is merely temporary custody and it does not constitute a renunciation of parental authority. Even if a definite renunciation is manifest, the law still disallows the same.
The rule is that children older than 7 years old are allowed to state his preference. Is the court bound by such preference?
While such choice is given respect, the court is not bound by that choice. The court may exercise its discretion by disregarding the child’s preference should the parent chosen be found to be unfit, in which instance, custody may be given to the other parent, or even to a third person.
Mar
31
Posted by galleca on
March 31, 2009
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD or ADHD) is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder. It affects about 3 to 5% of children with symptoms starting before seven years of age.
The most common childhood-onset behavioral disorder, is nothing if not controversial. Nearly every aspect of ADHD from diagnosis to prevalence to medication, and even its mere existence, is disputed by at least one ‘concerned’ group. And honestly, who could blame parents for being hesitant to medicate their young children, especially since medications come with risks? However, ADHD is a very real (and prevalent) disorder which has discrete neurochemical and, as more and more research is suggesting, genetic causes. It has been linked with one neurochemical in particular.
ATLANTA – More older children are being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder while the rate is holding steady for children under 12, according to a government report released Wednesday.
Some experts called the finding surprising, noting that most childhood diagnoses traditionally occur by age 11.
The study didn’t investigate why the increase in one age group was so much higher than the other. It found the percentage of older children diagnosed with ADHD has been rising by 4 percent each year.
Some symptoms of ADHD are described as inattention, difficulty in performing tasks, hyperactivity and impulsivity. According to the DSM IV (DSM4) Criteria for ADHD.
A. Either (1) or (2)
(1). 6 (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:
Inattention
(a) often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
(b) often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
(c) often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
(d) often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish
schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behaviour or failure to understand instructions)
(e) often has difficulty organising tasks and activities
(f) often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework).
(g) often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
(h) is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
(i) is often forgetful in daily activities
(2) 6 (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level
Hyperactivity Symptoms
(a) often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
(b) often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
(c) often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
(d) often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
(e) is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”
(f) often talks excessively
Impulsivity Symptoms
(g) often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
(h) often has difficulty awaiting turn
(i) often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games)
B. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7 years.
C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school [or work] and at home).
D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder)
Mar
02
Posted by careen on
March 2, 2009
On Jan. 27, 2009, the federal government introduced a budget that provided a $40 billion stimulus to the economy. There was temporary new spending for infrastructure, tax cuts for individuals and corporations and more money for employment insurance benefits and retraining. But there was nothing new for child-care.
Former prime minister Paul Martin, who ran for election in 2004 on the promise of universal daycare, also noticed: “A daycare plan would create immediate short-term stimulus and be good for the productivity of the country,” he said earlier this month.
After telling us about the high expense, the ineffectiveness of the “Harper hundred” subsidy and the lack of daycare spaces, some argued that the most urgent issue is that it’s the kids who are most affected by the current state of daycare in Canada. Here’s a summary of the themes that emerged.
Costs? What about space!
“The daycare cost is not the major issue for our family, although it does put a stain on our budget,” said SB, a parent in Winnipeg. “The main problem is the daycare space availability. For example, we had to place our child in a substandard private daycare in order for mom to go back to work, or lose her professional career.”
“For us the problem was less the cost and more the lack of availability,” a mom in Vancouver told us. “We have been on wait lists for months and heard nothing. We almost had to hire a nanny so that I could go back to work. I am lucky and at the very last minute found something great, but I saw some terrible places, and of those many of them didn’t even have space!”
It’s hard for first-time parents to think that far ahead, but as soon as they found out they were having twins at four months, they put them on several daycare waiting lists..
Feb
26
Posted by careen on
February 26, 2009
I start out this child abuse article on a piece of painful abuse. My daughter is 9 years old. She recently told me about some abuse going on for at least 8 months. You see, I am a devoted daughter to my parents. But, out of the course of my life my father has some mental illness. He has never been diagnosed. He refuses to think he has any kind of problem.
He has been sexually abusing my daughter for awhile now. She has been told to not tell anyone and especially her mother. I have been a protective mom. Nonetheless, try to teach my children to be careful of men and women and strangers.
I feel betrayed. I am now an outcast from the rest of the family because I spoke up. And to their disappointment, to the law. They all felt I should have discussed this with them. But, I did the right thing and went to the law.
Now it has been 3 months. And the loss of my family has been devastating. My father denies everything. But, my daughter is sure of everything he has done to her is true. I now face the future of both of my parents hating me. I only protected my daughter. My father has a history of lies, and making up stories that aren’t true. My mother and I had been close forever.
I am 45 years old. The law and counceling says I did the right thing. I know I did the right thing. I am on this earth to protect my child. Please readers, believe your children. Always ask questions if a relative seems to have special interest in your children. I thought he was just playing a game down in the bedroom. No, I guess not. He was playing a game with my daughter’s innocence. It hurts, but she is away from that monster who tried to steal her youth away from her. He needs help. I hope the law will prosecute him to full extent. He has been arrested for sexual abuse, first degree of sexual abuse and first degree on child endangerment. Please let me know if anyone has some input on healing.
Feb
23
Posted by careen on
February 23, 2009
Many parents are undoubtedly breathing a sigh of relief now that the miserable winter weather is over and along with it the constant barrage of colds, flu and every other virus under the sun.
While they may get a bit of a break, unless the daycare center or home employs a few basic hygiene and cleaning particles.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is the single most effective way of reducing the spread of infection. To be effective however, hand washing must be done properly and frequently.
HANDWASHING FOR STAFF
1) Use soap and warm running water.
2) Wet your hands and add soap.
3) Rub your hands vigorously for 5 to 10 seconds.
4) Wash all surfaces, including the backs of hands and between fingers.
5) Rinse your hands well under running water for 5 to 10 seconds.
6) Dry your hands well with a towel. Turn off the taps with a paper towel.
7) Dispose of the cloth or paper towel.
8) Apply hand lotion, as needed.
Cleaning & Sanitizing
Diapering areas should be sprayed or wiped with bleach solution after each use to reduce the risk or diarrhea.
Other Germ Eliminating Ideas
There are a number of other things a provider can do to eliminate or stop the spread of germs. She can:
- Teach the children how to cough or sneeze with their hand properly over their mouth and nose and to toss out the tissues as soon as they are through with them
- Keep cots and cribs far enough apart so that the children are not breathing, coughing, or sneezing on each other and make sure the same child uses the same cot/ crib every day
- Open windows daily to air out the facility.
- Give each child a separate place to keep their belongings
- Teach the children NOT to share toothbrushes, cups, hairbrushes or food
- Have an area where a sick child can comfortably be separated from the other children until their parents arrive
- Have a policy in places that excludes a child with a contagious disease and let parents know
about this policy
- Inform parents of any contagious disease affecting any of the other children at the facility, and
- Make certain each child’s immunizations are up – to – date.
Feb
20
Posted by careen on
February 20, 2009
There seem to be two peak times when children wind up with colds – at the beginning of the school year and after the Christmas holidays.Its quite simple, in fact. It is at these times that children are exposed to new viruses.
During the fall and winter seasons, children are more often indoors rather then outdoors. Close confinement with many others may increase your child’s chance of picking up the virus. Sneezing, coughing, and sharing kitchen utencils, cups, bottles, or food are common ways viruses spread amongst preschoolers.
Cold can be prevented but it has no cure.
Myth:
“If you take Vitamin C each day, you’ll keep colds away.”
Fact:
Research has proven that the Vitamin C does not prevent colds. However, some studies have shown that Vitamin C may actually help people weather colds better. When your child has a cold, oranges, grapefruits and juices with Vitamin C added, may reduce the severity and length of the cold. Drinking lots of water and eating soups are good ideas, too.
Myth:
“If you have a cold, don’t drink milk….it causes mucus.”
Fact:
While there is little evidence to support the belief that milk causes mucus, we do know that viral infections themselves often result in the production of mucus. Besides mucus, other common cold symptoms include tiredness, irritability and poor appetite. To speed up recovery from a cold, it is important to get your child’s eating pattern back on track. Choosing nutrient dense foods, like milk, is important when kids don’t want to eat or drink much. Your child may find milk easier to swallow if it is heated or added to other favorite foods like soups and pudding.
Myth:
“If you go outside with wet hair, you’ll catch a cold.”
Fact:
Colds are caused by viruses. There is no need to restrict activities like swimming. Make sure children dry their heads before going outside because they can lose body heat, especially with cooler winter temperatures.
Things You Can do to Prevent a Cold
- Remind children to wash their hands after they use the toilet, before they prepare or eat food and after they wipe their nose.
- Remind children not to share food or drinks, cutlery, dishes, bottles or cups.
- Protect your child against secondhand smoke; This has been shown to increase the risk for complications of colds.
Things You Can Do When Prevent Your Child Has A Cold
- Remind children to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing and to wash their hands afterwards, especially before rubbing their eyes.
- Encourage children to use a tissue. Be sure the tissue goes in the garbage right away.
- Make sure that your child is drinking lots of fluids. Water is a must. Try serving 100% juice, milk or soup.
- If your child isn’t hungry, try to serve energy-packed foods like scrambled eggs, hot cereals, cream soups, ice cream and homemade puddings. Try to get your child’s eating habits back on track as soon a possible.
Feb
19
Posted by careen on
February 19, 2009
No matter how careful a parent is in selecting child care, there is always the risk of child abuse. It is possible for even babies to be abused or neglected. But how is a parent to know when and if their child is being abused? The fact is, there is no standard behavioral patterns for children who are abused or neglected. A child’s reaction to such treatment is as individual as the child. There are however, some general signs that can alert a parent to abuse.
Behavioral Changes
- loss of appetite;
- a tendency to overeat;
- even the onset of nightmares or bedwetting.
A parent should also be concerned if their child shows or expresses an intense dislike for the caregiver. It is not unusual for a child to feel anxious about being separated from the parent. The concern comes when the child, who has begun to throw tantrums or who cries heavily at the sight of the caregiver or the center, is acting in a way inconsistent with his or her normal behavior. This could indicate a cry for help.
Improper Care
The signs of improper care being given to babies and infants may be more difficult to detect. Babies have been left in their car seats for virtually the whole day receiving neither physical or emotional care. In a situation such as this:
- A child may tire or become listless.
- The child may become completely detached from his or her environment.
- The child may show signs of developmental delays resulting from the lack of stimulation and affection.
- On the other hand, a baby or infant may become more demanding of a parent’s attention and affection.
Sleep patterns may become disturbed.
The child may develop a severe case of diaper rash, may vomit or become anemic.
Cuts, Bruises and Welts
Other signs of abuse may be more evident. Such is the case with unexplained cuts, bruises, burns or welts. A good provider will tell a parent when and how an accident occurred, and should provide an accident report of some sort.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse, every parent’s worst nightmare, may show itself in any of the aforementioned signs. Other possible signs include:
- torn or stained clothing;
- abnormal walk;
- an odd vaginal smell or discharge;
- pain in the region;
- possibly even trouble in swallowing;
- and a knowledge of sex unusual for the age of the child.
The Parent’s Role
What should a parent do if child or sexual abuse is suspected?
- For the well being of the child a parent must remain calm, and should not, in any way accuse, or upset the child.
- If the child is old enough, a parent should discuss the findings with him or her, then listen and be sympathetic, allowing the child as much time as is necessary to disclose what information he or she is willing or able to at that time.
- A parent should take the child to their family doctor or pediatrician for a full examination.
Feb
18
Posted by careen on
February 18, 2009
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — Cherokee County detectives arrested a 23-year-old nanny after the parents of a child produced a video tape showing alleged abuse of a boy, authorities said.
Officials said Smith was charged after the parents of a 13-month-old boy reported they had a video of Smith slapping their child in the face, pushing the child to the ground and pinching the child on the leg. The family said they recently began videotaping their living room due to concerns they had about their son’s behavior.
“And actually the first day that they placed this video camera, within the first hour of this babysitter watching the child, they captured the images on video,” said Sgt. Jay Baker with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
The child’s parents said they never expected what they saw on the video. They said Smith attacked their son as he stood crying at the bottom of some stairs.
“On the video, you see the babysitter slap this 13-month-old boy in the face. She also pinches the boy and pushes the child to the ground,” said Baker.
The parents said they hired Smith from a national online childcare service that specializes in in-home child care — called www.SitterCity.com. Smith had worked in the home 3 days a week since September.
“Apparently she’s been a babysitter for numerous years and has worked for this SitterCity.com for at least four years,” said Baker. “It’s just one of those things where you can’t be too careful about who you invite into your home to watch your children. And fortunately this family was smart enough to capture these images on video.”
When contacted by Channel 2, Melissa Underwood with SitterCity.com released the following statement: “Sittercity takes our position as the safest way to find childcare very seriously. We have a detailed four-step screening process that parents can conduct on sitters, including references, parent feedback, an interview process, and background checks. As soon as the allegation was reported to us, we immediately took action and terminated the sitter account in question.
Feb
09
Posted by careen on
February 9, 2009
EXCLUSIVE: CHILDREN have been abused, battered and abandoned in childcare centers across Victoria. Some were subjected to illegal punishments.
One carer picked babies up by one arm and dropped them on the ground to discipline them.
And 25 children, as young as 17 months, roamed free from centers.
The Government refuses to identify the centers, claiming it would be a breach of confidence and inhibit its capacity to collect such information in future.
Only four centres were prosecuted in the same period — all for allowing children to wander off.One carer said many incidents went unreported, despite mandatory reporting laws.
“Some parents are never even told of incidents involving their children,” the carer said.The documents show unreported incidents, including force feeding babies, were uncovered during other investigations.
A worker accused of smacking three children, pushing one off a swing, pinching another and pulling a child’s hair, was allowed to continue to work under supervision because the claims could not be proved.
The worker who dropped babies on the ground and force fed them was sacked. Claims the same worker hit a baby with a laminated sheet could not be substantiated.
A CHILD spent a night in hospital after being given 15 times the required amount of medication. CHILDREN at one center were left unattended in fenced-off areas.
Childcare worker Bronwen Jefferson said parents had a right to expect their children to be properly cared for. “You want to think when you drop your child off that they will be safe.”But the ratio of childcare workers to children in Victoria is not adequate . . . you’d have to be superhuman to carry out that all day diligently.”
Centres should have one qualified carer for every five infants up to two years old, and one carer for every 15 youngsters aged three to five.
“I hear from our members repeatedly that it’s just too hard to look after that many children and they’re completely burnt out,” union boss Jess Walsh said.”It’s not just a matter of ratios, it’s the other tasks, such as cleaning, that staff are required to do.”
The Government promised to review staff levels before current childcare regulations expired in May.
But just four days before Christmas, centres were told the rules would remain in place another year to allow for “further consultation”.
Opposition children and early development spokeswoman Wendy Lovell said the Government has had eight years to review the rules.
Children and Early Development Minister Maxine Morand said Victoria had Australia’s most robust on-the-spot inspections regime.Ms Morand said staffing exemptions were vital to keep some centres open.”We will work hard to make sure Victoria gets its fair share of the fully funded 8000 new early childhood TAFE places promised by the new Rudd Government,” she said.
A Department source said there was a reluctance to prosecute centers because the bad publicity would place further strain on already over-stretched services.”If the public heard what happened at some centers there would be a stampede to get kids out,” the source said.
One of the four centers prosecuted was the ABC center at Hoppers Crossing, where an autistic toddler with a fascination for cars was almost run over in busy Werribee Park Plaza car park after wandering unnoticed from care.
