www.hamilton.ca/beststart
2011/2012
Promoting Healthy Child Development with
Ontario’s Enhanced18-Month Well Baby Visit
Your Child’s Enhanced 18-Month Well-Baby Visit
• Be prepared for this visit to be longer than usual
• You will fill out a checklist about your child’s
development
• Bring up any concerns about the way your child is
behaving, learning and developing
• Your child will also have a physical exam and
vaccination
At 18-months your child should be able to:
• Say 20 or more words
• Point to pictures in a book, for example:
“Show me the baby”
• Walk alone
• Show affection towards people, pets, or toys
• Stack three or more blocks
• Point to show you something
For more information and resources go to:
www.18monthvisit.ca
Funded by the Government of Ontario
Hamilton
Your Guide to Early Learning
and Care in Hamilton
Best Start
CONTENTS
2011/2012
4 Message from Hamilton Best Start Chair
11 Enhanced 18-Month Well Baby Visit
Find out about this free, confidential assessment of
your baby’s development
Paul Johnson shares how Best Start’s collaborative
approach has helped Hamilton’s families and children
5 Hamilton Parent Charter
Hamilton makes a statement on the important
role and rights of parents
STRENGTHENING OUR NEIGHBOURHOODS
6 City of Hamilton Neighbourhood Strategy
Our city is changing for the better, one
neighbourhood at a time
8 Through Our Children’s Eyes: ARTASIA
500 area kids use art and sound to express how they
would improve their communities
10
Positive Parenting
Discover the keys to responding sensitively to your
child’s behaviour and growing as a parent
Giving Special Needs Kids the Best Start in School
Advice for parents of special needs children on
making the first day of school an exciting and
positive experience
12 Grading Full-Day Kindergarten
How did local parents score the provincial initiative
after year one? What schools plan to introduce it
next?
14 Fire Safety Tips for Families
Does your family have a fire escape plan? Learn the
basics and check out other critical life-saving information
15 Look Who’s Cooking!
Children’s programs take off in Hamilton’s newest
community kitchen
16 Living Rock: Changing the Lives of Youth in the Core
Week of the Child 2011 honours Alan and Karen Craig
for over 25 years of work helping at-risk youth
18 Resource Directory & Community Guide
Your link to important early years resources – plus
other fun things to do and places to see in Hamilton
Best Start Vision
• Best Start is about Children
• Best Start is about Families
• Best Start is about Community
and Connections
• Best Start is about Our Future
The Best Start Network thanks the parents and professionals who were interviewed and photographed for this publication. Content and photos may not be
reproduced without the written permission of the editor. Editors of the publication endeavour to ensure that the information presented is accurate and correct.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by printed errors or omissions. Any inquiries may be sent to Grace Mater, Manager, Early Years System Management,
Social Development and Early Childhood Services for the City of Hamilton at [email protected] or 905-546-2424 x3590.
2011/2012 BEST START 3
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Q&A With Hamilton Best Start Chair – Paul Johnson
On any given day in
Hamilton, thousands of
children are involved
in many different
activities thanks to the
collaborative work of over
50 organizations that are
part of the Hamilton Best
Start network.
Wherever you go in the
city, Best Start’s footprint
is bound to be there
What impact is Best Start having on the lives of
families and children in Hamilton?
On any given day in Hamilton, thousands of
children are involved in many different activities thanks to the collaborative work of over 50
organizations that are part of the Hamilton Best
Start network.
Wherever you go in the city, Best Start’s footprint
is bound to be there: at a pre-natal program
hosted by our Public Health Department ensuring that families are prepared for the birth of
their child; in a doctor’s office where a family
is engaged in an 18-month well baby visit; at a
Check-It-Out drop-in session where professionals
work together to ensure families can receive comprehensive support for child development issues;
at an Ontario Early Years Centre where parents
and children can spend time interacting; or, in a
full-day kindergarten classroom where children,
teachers and early childhood educators work in
tandem in a great play-based learning environment.
The Best Start Network has been a champion of
collaboration since its inception in 2005. Is this
commitment to working together paying off?
The answer is yes…but we still have work to do.
I say yes because we see the results of professionals from different backgrounds working together
to deliver better service for families in locations
that make sense for those we serve.
I say yes because we have seen the desire to
work differently together lead to improvements
in service delivery that have led to the reduction
in wait-times for some services. And I say yes
because even in the midst of change in the early
learning and childcare sector, our members keep
working together to find solutions to the new
challenges.
I also say we have work to do because we know
around the Network table that we can do more
to integrate our services for families and children.
We know we can communicate more effectively
the information that families need. We know
4 BEST START 2011/2012
that we can work to be more effective at helping
families navigate the often confusing system of
services and supports.
You talked about change in the early learning
and childcare sector. What specific challenges lay
ahead and how will the Network deal with them?
The implementation of Full-day Kindergarten
means big changes for this sector. We commend
the Provincial government for taking this bold
step and our challenge is to ensure that by the
time full-day kindergarten is available to all children that our childcare system is re-engineered
to meet the needs of families and children in new
ways. The Best Start Network will continue to support a smooth transition of these services. There
will be some changes but we know we need
the expertise and commitment of all of those
connected with Best Start to continue to support
families and children in Hamilton.
What keeps you energized in your role of Chair?
Just look through this year’s magazine and you
will quickly see why I’m so proud to Chair the
Hamilton Best Start Network. Innovative approaches to service delivery. A real commitment
to working with parents. The Network is a huge
support to my new role in neighbourhood development with the City of Hamilton!
The heroes who make all of this possible are
many: the members of the Network whose commitment and dedication are inspiring; the funders
who continue to invest in this important work;
our elected officials at the Municipal and Provincial level who are true partners in Best Start;
and most importantly, the children and families.
They are the reason we do all of this work in the
first place. In short, Hamilton Best Start is about
building successful outcomes for the youngest
members of our community. Together we are
helping to make Hamilton the best place to raise
a child.
Enjoy the magazine!
Paul Johnson
Chair, Hamilton Best Start Network
Hamilton Parent Charter of Rights
Setting the gold standard for service excellence across the city
Hamilton Best Start believes
HAMILTON
PARENT CHARTER OF RIGHTS
parents have the right to be
treated with respect, to be
listened to, and to receive
timely, courteous service when
accessing programs and
services for their child
T
hat’s why Best Start
has led the way in
the groundbreaking development of
Hamilton’s first-ever Parent Charter
that aims to:
• Set a gold standard of how parents
can expect to be treated in their
dealings with service providers at
each stage of their children’s lives
• Provide a consistent message about
the value of the parenting role
• Provide a strong foundation for the
future of families, service providers,
and organizations that serve and/or
employ parents in Hamilton
The Parent Charter is truly made-in-Hamilton. It reflects the voice of the community
and was developed through extensive
public consultation and feedback. For service providers, adopting the charter means
building upon and enhancing the parentfriendly practices in their organizations.
A number of Best Start Network members are already doing just that and demonstrating their commitment to Charter.
The vision is for all service providers across
Hamilton to adopt the Charter and ensure
all parents continue to feel important. ■
F
rom the point of becoming a parent you should be involved in every step of your
child’s life. Parenting is a lifelong commitment. You should be offered support to
help you as you raise your children.
The Right to Respect
These rights shall apply
You will be:
to all parents without
• treated fairly and equally
• treated with dignity
• treated without judgement or discrimination
The Right to Information
You will:
• receive timely information
• receive accurate information that
will help you make informed decisions
The Right to Be Heard
You will:
• be listened to
• be understood
• get a response to your concerns
The Right to Assistance
discrimination according
to race, colour, gender,
sexual orientation, ability/
disability, ethnic origin,
region, economic status,
religion, source of income
or any other distinction.
This Parent Charter does
not replace the law.
“Parent” refers to mothers,
fathers, legal guardians,
and other adults
responsible for the care of
a child.
You will have timely access to:
• assistance
• services
• supports
The Right to be Involved
You have the right to:
• have an active role in all areas of your
children’s lives
• participate in opportunities to make change
The Right to Safety and Security
You can expect:
• privacy and confidentiality
• safe physical environments
The Charter is available in both
English and French at
www.hamilton.ca/beststart
The Right to Appeal
You have the right to:
• know the process for review
• ask for change to any decision you have
concerns about
2011/2012 BEST START 5
NEIGHBOURHOODS
Hamilton’s
Neighbourhood
Development
Strategy
Just as conditions within our homes have important
implications for our health and development, conditions
in the neighbourhoods surrounding our homes can also have
major impacts on our lives. Social and economic features of neighbourhoods have been linked with
mortality, general health status, birth outcomes, chronic conditions, educational attainment, as well as
mental health, injuries and violence.
The bottom line is that where we live matters.
T
he City of Hamilton’s Neighbourhood
Development Strategy is focused on
helping neighbourhoods to be great
places to live, work, play and learn. To do
that, the City of Hamilton is working with
community partners, neighbourhood
groups and residents to develop action
plans to build healthier communities. The
core elements of this work are:
1.Enhancing Community Development
Work. Through a partnership with the
Hamilton Community Foundation and
Hamilton Best Start, five community
development workers will work together
to support residents in 11 Hamilton
neighbourhoods. These workers are critical human resources that will help connect residents to their neighbourhoods
and encourage them to participate in
community planning and activities. We
hope this team will expand further in the
future.
2.Developing Resident-led Neighbourhood Plans. The City of Hamilton will
facilitate neighbourhood planning processes that focus on where residents and
key stakeholders feel action is necessary.
Staff from across various departments of
the City of Hamilton will help residents
build effective solutions.
3.Increasing Investments in Neighbourhoods. Once neighbourhood plans are
developed, new investments will be
required to address the improvement
that residents have identified. Hamilton
City Council has earmarked $2 million in
neighbourhood funding to help leverage
additional investments from private,
public and philanthropic sources.
4.Building New Partnerships to Support
Healthy Neighbourhoods. Working with
businesses, Provincial and Federal governments and non-profit organizations,
work will begin to better align existing
resources and find new investments that
can support neighbourhoods.
When people learn of all the great resources that are in their
neighbourhood, the energy level will increase exponentially.
6 BEST START 2011/2012
NEIGHBOURHOODS
While neighbourhood development should
occur in all areas of the city, we will begin in
targeted areas. Focus was placed on areas of
Hamilton where health, social and economic
outcomes were poorest but also where
there was a strong willingness amongst
residents to work together to address various issues.
In 2011/2012, the City will be working
with Keith Neighbourhood in Hamilton’s
north end, Stinson Neighbourhood just
south of the downtown core, and the
neighbourhood that surrounds Ivor Wynne
Stadium. In 2012/2013, we will add Beasley
Neighbourhood in our downtown, McQuesten Neighbourhood in the east end,
and Rolston Neighbourhood on Hamilton
Mountain.
It is also important to note that our
partnership with the Hamilton Community Foundation ensures that supports will
continue for the neighbourhood “hubs”
developed under the Foundation’s Tackling
Poverty Together initiative.
All of the work in neighbourhoods will
take a positive tone and focus on strengths.
Those working in the neighbourhoods will
use an approach called Asset Based Community Development (ABCD).
We know that how you perceive the
neighbourhood that you live or work in is
going to profoundly influence the way that
you act. Typically, a neighbourhood is seen
from the perspective of its largest deficits,
i.e. “that is a dangerous neighbourhood” or
“there is a lot of poverty in that community.”
How many times have you heard that as a
first description of a neighbourhood?
We all know about the negative things
that are a part of our community; but, at the
other side of every deficit is an asset beg-
ging for some attention. ABCD is intentional
about keeping our focus on those assets
and celebrating what is right with our community. As people begin to talk about the
positive things in the community, they are
encouraged to talk about what is working.
When they learn of all the great resources
that are in their neighbourhood, the energy
level will increase exponentially.
Hamilton Best Start is a model partner
in terms of neighbourhood development.
For years, Best Start has recognized the
importance of being neighbourhood-based.
Best Start partners deliver services in neighbourhoods across Hamilton and in locations
that provide the best access for parents and
children.
Innovative approaches such as the
“Check-it-Out” drop-ins help reduce
stress on families by providing seamless
approaches to service delivery. Service
provider teams work at building a stronger
understanding about each area of our city,
recognizing that the needs of families differ
depending on where they live. Best Start
partners have always listened to parents
and children and have developed quality
services and supports that respond to their
needs.
The challenge – moving forward – is
for everyone connected to our neighbourhoods to work more closely together. Our
planning and delivery of services and
supports in neighbourhoods needs to
be comprehensive – inclusive of all ages,
addressing economic and social concerns,
enhancing the infrastructure and fostering
attachment to the neighbourhood through
cultural activities. By keeping the big picture
in mind, and aligning all of the assets in the
neighbourhood, we will be successful. ■
What about
neighbourhoods that
were not selected?
The City of Hamilton is
encouraging all residents
to work together and build
great neighbourhoods. The
Neighbourhood Development Office is here to help
all neighbourhoods with
the following services:
• Advice on
neighbourhood planning
and engagement
• Access to tools (as they
are developed) to help
neighbourhoods plan
and implement ideas
• Connections to other
neighbourhoods
working on similar issues
• Help in connecting with
the appropriate City
departments
For more
information, contact
905-546-2424
ext. 5598.
“When all is said and done, the real citadel of
strength of any community is in the hearts and
minds and desires of those who dwell there.”
Everett Dirksen
2011/2012 BEST START 7
NEIGHBOURHOODS
Through Our Children’s Eyes: The arts are about expression and an innovative Hamilton summer arts
program, ARTASIA, is about helping children find their artistic voice.
“Kids are brave. They
say exactly what they
think,” said ARTASIA
founder Vitek Wincza.
“Hamilton wants to be
the best place to raise
a child but we’re only
going to get there if we
listen to children.”
The free program, for
children aged six to
12, is offered through
Culture for Kids in the
Arts, a registered charity
that has provided arts experiences to more than
40,000 children and youth in Hamilton.
About 550 children took part this summer in
ARTASIA’s second year. The theme was neighbourhood transformation.
“We encourage, empower and give children a
voice,” said Vitek.
No experience or skill is needed. ARTASIA
brings together artists and arts educators to structure and guide the programming, create lesson
plans and document every step.
“If you free the creativity of children, educators
know how to build capacity and unlock it,” said
Vitek.
This summer children took photos of 14 parks
and public spaces in their neighbourhoods and
then used their imaginations to envision what
they want changed.
They laid clear acetate paper over the blownup photos and with crayons, oil pastels, markers
and collage, they created their visions of the
future. They wanted to see more water parks and
slides, dog parks, a zoo, go karts, an amusement
park and an urban farm. The children wanted less
trash and more flowers. Some even saw airport
terminals and a Harry Potter library.
After the children completed their visions,
sound artist Victoria Fenner recorded the sounds
of the neighbourhoods and the children’s voices
and created eight-foot, painted “sound tubes”
that were installed at five locations across the city.
Passers-by could push buttons on the tubes that
explained the project and played the children’s
thoughts.
This summer, children
took photos of 14
parks and public
spaces in their
neighbourhoods
and then used their
imaginations to
envision what they
want changed.
ZOO
8 BEST START 2011/2012
NEIGHBOURHOODS
Paul Johnson, the director of neighbourhood development strategies with the City of
Hamilton, said access to the arts is critical for
child development. It enhances literacy and
connects youngsters to their communities.
He said this summer’s focus on neighbourhoods fits perfectly with the City’s
vision to build strong neighbourhoods and
shows that city planning doesn’t have to be
boring or dry or an adults-only exercise.
“We’re not building neighbourhoods for
our children. We need to build them with
our children,” said Johnson.
Vitek and his wife, Victoria Long-Wincza,
coordinator of ARTASIA, have big dreams
for the program, including a “junk to art”
initiative that collects unwanted materials
and makes them available for arts projects.
The vision for next summer is to focus
on neighbourhood playgrounds and finding ways to bring in cultural and artistic
elements for all age groups.
That might include chess tables for
senior citizens, a water element for kids, a
skating rink and natural elements, says Vitek.
“Imagine if Hamilton became known
as the city with the best playgrounds for
the whole family? What if we showed how
important art is in our everyday life?”
Though they constantly dream about
new directions, Vitek says ARTASIA has
evolved naturally, by listening to children.
“When you allow children to lead they
will always take you someplace wonderful.”
Brenda Ferguson, communications and
corporate affairs director at Today’s Family,
and a member of the ARTASIA board, says
the program is building active citizens.
“The possibility of change is about being creative and engaged citizens. As they
grow, they will know they have the power
to shape their communities and make every
neighbourhood
a great neighbourhood.”
Culture for
Kids in the Arts
also offers arts
scholarships and
free after-school
performing
arts programs, including dance, visual
arts, drama and music that are lead by
professional arts instructors. Participating
children, about 1,000 a year, take part in
performances, exhibitions and field trips. ■
ARTASIA is partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton, Today’s Family, Wesley Urban
Ministries, the YMCA and the Eva Rothwell Centre.
For more information, visit www.cfkarts.com or call 905-528-4020.
Soccer Field Pool
Lego World with a Life
Time Supply of Water
Zoo
Hospital
Movie Mansion
2011/2012 BEST START 9
POSITIVE PARENTING
You are the most
Parenting is not always easy
important person in your
child’s life
Your relationship with your child is very
important. How you respond to your child
makes a difference in your child’s behaviour,
what your child learns and how your child
feels about themself.
Positive parenting
is about responding to your child in a sensitive
way. To respond in a sensitive way, look at your
child’s cues. Cues are signals that tell you what
your child needs. Some examples of cues are smiling, turning away, or crying.
Responding sensitively to
your child’s cues:
• Creates a safe and loving environment
What choice would you make?
Ignore
Get Mad
Cuddle
Hamilton Best Start and City of Hamilton Public
Health Services is raising awareness about positive parenting approaches starting this November
through the spring of 2012.
Look for posters and billboards across the city
and visit www.hamilton.ca/parenting. You will
find information on many parenting questions.
For example: what to do if your child is having
trouble sleeping; how to encourage your child
to share and get along with others; and ideas for
managing temper tantrums and other challenging behaviours. ■
• Builds a strong relationship with your child
• Helps your child feel good about themself
To go directly to the website, scan the code
• Helps your child learn to get along with others
below with your smartphone:
To use a positive parenting approach,
it is important for you to:
Understand what is normal for your child
Look at your child and their surroundings
Respond sensitively to your child
Grow as a parent…you are learning too!
For parenting support, visit
www.hamilton.ca/parenting
You will find information on many parenting questions
10 BEST START 2011/2012
Enhanced 18- Month Well Baby Visit
New focus on development to improve outcomes
E
ighteen months is a milestone in a child’s
and a visit to a family
physician or other health care provider
at this time is important.
Well-baby visits are a chance for you to
see how your child’s development is coming along, and talk with your health care
provider about any questions or concerns
you might have. You can also get some tips
and suggested activities and resources to
help encourage your child’s development.
Should your child need a little help along
the way, the health care provider will be
able to make the right referrals. Take this
time to educate yourself on the resources
development
currently available to you to help make this
visit a meaningful one!
What can I expect at this visit?
Like other well-baby visits, you and your
health care provider will discuss your child’s
development. You will complete a checklist,
such as the Nipissing District Developmental Screen™, which provides a snapshot of
your child’s development and a starting
point for your discussion. Alongside the
checklist is information on typical child development, as well as activities to enhance
development. It is a helpful parent tool that
is free online to Ontario residents.
You should ask any questions you may
have about your child’s development. For
example, you may want to talk about your
child’s motor or communications skills or
behaviour concerns. The visit also allows
early identification of any concerns and a
referral to specialized community services,
if necessary, for your child. ■
For more information on the Enhanced
18-Month Well Baby Visit, please visit
www.18monthvisit.ca
Giving Special Needs Kids
the Best Start in School
T
he first day of school can be very exciting,
but it can be especially stressful for families with
special needs children. Our daughter Treva has many developmental and medical
challenges including a tracheostomy and a feeding tube. We had a very positive
experience introducing her to Junior Kindergarten. The following tips worked for us and we
hope they help others in this exciting time.
• Start your child in JK. Some people believe
that starting school in Senior Kindergarten
will make the child and school better
prepared. In fact, that year in JK prepares
everyone for future success.
• Attend the school intake meeting,
commonly held in January. Hosted by
Community Care Access Centre (CCAC),
both school boards and a number of
other key community resources, this event
allows you ask questions, connect with
supports and decide which board will best
suit your child’s needs.
• Attend your school’s orientation evening
in May or June. Bring your questions.
• If you are still feeling unsure, arrange
• To stay organized, tools such as the
KIT available from the Hamilton Family
Network (www.hfnet.ca) will help.
• If your child has medical equipment,
arrange to have this dropped off before
the first day of school. The first day should
be for pictures and happy tears, not
wrestling with oxygen tanks!
• On the first day of actual school, ask to
come in to classroom to help with the
transition. You may be denied like we were
at first, but persist. We were eventually
allowed in the classroom. We only needed
to stay for 15 minutes, but this helped
the nurses and the teachers as they had
questions only we could answer. ■
Starting JK is the first
step in building strong
school partnerships that
will last for many years.
Stay positive and enjoy
the year!
Randy and Susan Bassett,
parents of Treva, age 7
www.bassett.ca
a meeting with the Special Education
Resource Teacher (SERT) in June.
2011/2012 BEST START 11
PLAY- BASED LEARNING
Grading Full-Day Kindergarten
Free play is
recognized as
the fertile ground
through which
brain development
flourishes and roots
skills for a lifetime
of success.
S
ome parents thought they’d
have tired kids
trudging through the day when full-day
kindergarten started at Sir Isaac Brock Junior
Public School last September.
There were concerns that it was a lot for the
little guys and they’d be sleepy and wiped out
by the end of the day. That never transpired, said
principal Karen Henderson, who calls the program
“fantastic.” Sir Isaac Brock and Our Lady of Assumption School were two Stoney Creek schools among
600 schools participating in full-day kindergarten
across Ontario for the 2010-11 school year.
“The consistency for the kids was wonderful,”
said Sir Isaac Brock teacher Kim Platis, who has
taught kindergarten for five years.
Both schools used to have a kindergarten
schedule of two full days a week and every other
Friday.
This meant that in some instances, with long
weekends for example, students had five-day
breaks from school.
Assumption teacher Pat Hickey, who has taught
L
ea
rn
ing Through Play
ASIDE FROM THE
FULL-DAY ASPECT,
the program includes
structured, play-based
learning.
Current research
points to play as the
fundamental component of early childhood
education, yet it is one of the
most undervalued strategies
in supporting children’s
learning. Free play is
recognized as the fertile
ground through which
brain development flourishes
and roots skills for a lifetime of
success.
Play allows children the opportunity to discover themselves and their world and to
engage in meaningful ways.
For example, after the class
read a story about children saving money to give to hurricane
12 BEST START 2011/2012
kindergarten for 20 years, says the new program
made her relax.
In the past, she felt hurried through lessons
knowing she wouldn’t see the kids again the next
day. Now that they come every day, “I know we can
continue the next day. We do the same work, but at
a more relaxed pace.”
Another major contributor to the more relaxed
atmosphere is that the classroom is led by both
an early childhood educator and a kindergarten
teacher.
Hickey said that under the old kindergarten
program, the teacher to child ratio was 1:20. In the
class now, it is 1:13 with 26 kids.
Platis agrees: “The combination of two educators allows for more one-on-one time with children
and different teaching perspectives that complement each other.”
Being together every day also means children
get to know classmates better and develop social
relationships much quicker.
victims, a Sir Isaac Brock student
suggested doing the same for a
local food bank. It became a schoolwide initiative and raised $1,000.
Hickey and early childhood
educator Erica Martinello have also
worked a lot of outdoor time into
the program, with the kids even
singing O Canada and listening to
morning announcements outside.
Hickey likes that the program
is optional. “If a parent thinks their
child is too young for the full-day
schedule, they can pull them out, as
one Assumption family did this year.”
“We want to do what’s best for
them. We have your child for a year;
you have them for a lifetime.”
Hickey said parents with older
children feel these kids are leaps
and bounds ahead.
“Whether that’s the program
or the child, we of course can’t
determine.”
Joe Xamin, whose daughter
Ella took junior kindergarten at Assumption is pleased too.
For the first few months, Ella did
get tired and stayed home from
school some days.
She was used to preschool twice
a week and then spending the rest of
the time at her grandparent’s house.
Once she became comfortable
with the daily routine she loved it
and excelled.
Assumption principal Lian Cavarzan agrees the kids are flourishing. “They seem more comfortable.
They have developed a lot more
than they would have at a half-time
schedule. They are more immersed
and not losing anything day to day.
The snapshot of their world is more
complete.”
Abigail Cukier
PLAY- BASED LEARNING
Program in Hamilton
Full-day kindergarten will continue to be rolled out to Hamilton public and Catholic elementary schools
over the next few years. Before and after-school care, provided by a third party, is also available.
2012-2013
• Adelaide Hoodless
• Balaclava
• Beverly Central
• Billy Green
• Binbrook
• Blessed Sacrament
• Buchanan Park
• Canadian Martyrs
• Cecil B. Stirling
• Chedoke
• Corpus Christi
• Dr. John Seaton
• Eastdale
2013-2014
• Allan A. Greenleaf
• Central Junior
• Collegiate Avenue
• Dundas Central
• Elizabeth Bagshaw
• Flamborough Centre
• Franklin Junior
• George L. Armstrong
• George R. Allan
• Hess Street Junior
• Holbrook Junior
• Huntington Park Junior
2014-2015
• AM Cunningham Junior
• Ancaster Meadow
• Bell Stone
• CH Bray
• Dundana
• Earl Kitchener
• Eastmount Park Junior
• Fessenden
• Gatestone
• Glen Echo Junior
• Green Acres
• Hillcrest
• Holy Name of Mary
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Gordon Price
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James MacDonald
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Our Lady of Peace
Greensville
Guardian Angels
Helen Detwiler
Highview
Janet Lee
Lake Avenue
Lincoln Alexander
Memorial (City)
Mount Albion
Our Lady of Lourdes
Pope John Paul II
Queen Victoria
Mary Hopkins
Memorial (Stoney Creek)
Millgrove
Our Lady of Mount
Carmel
RA Riddell
RL Hyslop
Ray Lewis
Ridgemount Junior
Sir Wilfred Laurier
• Holy Spirit
• Immaculate Heart of
Mary
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Lawfield
Linden Park Junior
Mother Teresa
Mountview Junior
Norwood Park
Prince Philip Junior
Queensdale
Regina Mundi
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Queen’s Rangers
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Sir William Osler
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St. Bernadette
Rousseau
St. Agnes
St. Augustine’s
St. David
St. Eugene’s
St. Francis Xavier
St. Luke
St. Margaret Mary
St. Michael’s
St. Thomas
Tapleytown
Winona
St. Ann’s (Hamilton)
St. Columba
St. Daniel’s
St. Joachim
St. John the Baptist
St. Joseph’s
St. Marguerite d’Youville
St. Paul
St. Therese of Liseux
Strathcona Junior
Templemead
St. Clare of Assisi
St. James the Apostle
St. Mark’s
The facts on
play-based
curriculum
How is the new curriculum
different from the old
version?
Play is characterized as a
means to early learning that
builds on a child’s natural
curiosity. Play-based learning creates environments
where children can learn
through play with concrete
materials that encourage
discovery, curiosity, exploration, peer interaction and
engagement of children.
The new full-day kindergarten program is led by a
teaching team of an Early
Childhood Educator and
Teacher. The combined
skills and expertise of these
teams provide a meaningful,
relevant learning experience
that is respectful of a child’s
individual needs, development and interests. The
team uses observation and
documentation strategies to
identify children’s areas for
focus. A rich environment is
provided that allows ample
time for children to participate in meaningful play as
well as offering opportunities for small group and
teacher guided activities. All
of this will prepare children
to be successful in learning
and life. ■
St. Martin of Tours
St. Teresa of Avila
St. Vincent de Paul
Sts. Peter and Paul
Viscount Montgomery
WH Ballard
Woodward Junior
Rosedale
St. Ann’s (Ancaster)
2011/2012 BEST START 13
SAFETY
Fire Safety Tips for Families
Review Hot Home Hazard Checklist
Do the following fire hazards exist in your home?
❏❏ Candles – are they lit & left unattended?
❏❏ Cooking – is the stove ever left unattended?
❏❏ Dish towels & pot holders – are they kept away from
the stove?
❏❏ Electrical cords – are they frayed or broken?
❏❏ Matches and lighters – are they out of the reach of
children?
❏❏ Space heater – does it have a 3 foot clearance from
curtains & furniture?
❏❏ Wall plugs – are they overloaded?
Install & Check Your Smoke Alarm
• By law you are required to have a working smoke
alarm on every level of your home and outside all
sleeping areas
• If anyone in your household sleeps with the
bedroom door closed, consider installing a smoke
alarm inside the bedroom.
• Do not install smoke alarms closer than 1m (3’) to
kitchens or bathrooms (to prevent false alarms)
• Install smoke alarms high on a wall or on the ceiling.
Create A Fire Escape Plan
Most fires start between the hours of midnight and
6:00 am. Develop a home fire escape plan today and
practice it with your family. This could save your lives
tonight!
1.Draw a floor plan of your home
(similar to the picture below).
If mounting on a wall, position the top of the smoke
2.Include all possible emergency exits.
alarm approximately 10-30cm (4”-12”) from the
3.Show two ways out of every room if possible.
ceiling. If mounting on a ceiling, position the alarm
at least 10cm (4”) away from the wall
• Do not install smoke alarms near heating registers
where air movement may affect products of
combustion from entering the smoke alarm sensing
chamber
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month and
replace batteries once a year
Visit www.hamilton.ca/fire
and Captain Squirt’s Kids
4.Does anyone need help to escape? Decide in
advance who will assist them.
5.Choose a meeting place outside which is a safe
distance from your home.
6.Call the fire department (911) from outside your
home (i.e. a neighbour’s home).
7.PRACTICE YOUR PLAN.
Zone for more fire safety
information
BATH
ROOM
KITCHEN
DINING ROOM
LIVING ROOM
DEN
14 BEST START 2011/2012
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
Look Who’s Cooking!
Children’s programs take off in Hamilton’s newest community kitchen
I
n February 2011,
the renovated Hamilton
Farmers’ Market opened its doors with
a fantastic new feature. The beautifully
refurbished Charging Horsemen Clock (also
known as the Birks clock) captivates young
and old when the miniature jousting match
commences every fifteen minutes.
The new Community Kitchen also
excites many – especially children, who can
learn about, interact with and share market
foods.
“Kids in the Kitchen” runs every
Saturday morning from 10:00 to
10:30 a.m. This free drop-in engages
children ages 3-12 with hands-on
recipe preparation, cooking skills and
food education. Each week, guest
chefs and market vendors create
recipes that are tasty, fun and get
kids to experiment with new flavours
and ingredients sold at the market.
Watching this program evolve and grow
through participant feedback shows that
getting fussy kids to try new foods has less
to do with what we ask them to eat and
everything to do with how we go about it.
For example, when Ruth McCallum, former
Children’s Community Garden Coordinator at North Hamilton Community Health
Centre, made pita pizza, she didn’t stop at
fresh cheeses and tomato sauce. She challenged kids to try asparagus topping and it
went over well.
Making vegan cupcakes was another
great way of introducing kids to new foods.
It may seem easy to get kids to eat cupcakes; however, the challenge was actually
having the kids decorate their cupcake with
some out-of-the-ordinary toppings. Artificial dyes and processed sugar crystals were
substituted with pink icing coloured and
flavoured with real raspberries and crunchy
toppings like chopped nuts, toasted coconut and sliced strawberries.
The Community Kitchen has become
an important resource for agencies, nonprofits and community groups in need of
access to a kitchen space in the core.
Wesley Urban Ministries was one of
the first agencies to approach the market
about using the community kitchen for
their “Little Sous Chefs” program. Funded
by the United Way of Burlington and
Greater Hamilton and facilitated by Wesley
Urban Ministries’ Early Years staff, “Little
Sous Chefs” assists families with obtaining
the resources they need to make healthy
food choices for their children.
“Parents are their child’s primary teacher. When food preparation is enjoyable
and children are included in the process,
parents are more likely to succeed in having their child reach optimal nutrition,” says
Lisa Fulsom, Manager of Children, Family and Youth Programs at Wesley Urban
Ministries. “This spills out into life at home.
We consistently receive feedback that the
children are more willing to assist mom or
dad in the kitchen and are far more willing
to try and enjoy new foods.”
Fulsom adds: “The families attending
the program love the fact that it is seamless
and feel like it is an enriched part of their
Hamilton Farmers’ Market experience.” In
response to parent feedback, Wesley Urban
Ministries has added to the program by visiting the adjacent Central library for “Rhyme
Time” in the children’s department. “Parents
expressed that they enjoy making a day of
going to the market. They arrive early on
Thursdays, shop at the market, then attend
the Little Sous Chefs to prepare and eat
lunch together. Then, they proceed to the
library to look for books and participate
in Rhyme Time. It is all about meeting the
needs of the community.” ■
FUN RECIPE FOR KIDS – CARROT MACAROONS (GLUTEN-FREE)
Ingredients
Directions
• Packed cup grated raw carrots
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Mix all the ingredients together in a
(1-2 medium sized carrots)
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1/4 cup water
1/2 cup canola oil
2 cups coconut flakes
3/4 cup rice flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbs maple syrup or agave nectar
large bowl.
• Lightly grease a cookie sheet.
• Wash your hands and pat the
mixture into 24 balls, slightly smaller
than golf balls.
• Place balls on pan 2 inches apart
and bake for 30 minutes, rotating
once.
• Use a spatula to remove the
macaroons from the pan.
Source: Candle 79 Cafe recipe book
• Allow to cool and enjoy!
2011/2012 BEST START 15
WEEK OF THE CHILD & YOUTH
An interview with Honourary Chairs of
Week of the Child and Youth 2011
Photo: Strungfoto
“...we need to recognize
different walks of life,
different backgrounds and
address youth who are
street-involved.”
Alan and Karen Craig, Week of the Child and Youth Chairs
Living
Rock
Ministries
November 18-27, 2011
Founded in 1985, Living Rock Ministries is a non-profit,
Christian outreach. The ministry offers youth-at-risk a
place of belonging, safety, and a bridge to the community, while supporting youth to develop a personal vision
for their lives. Over 20 services are offered 7 days a week
for youth to connect into regardless of gender, religious
beliefs, and ethnicity.
www.livingrock.ca
How do you feel about serving as
honourary chair of Week of the Child &
Youth?
At first, I was curious about why us and
thought perhaps some of the committee members knew kids who had been
helped here. After giving service to
the community for 25 years, Hamilton
has learned more about us and is very
open now to what we’ve done. There’s
a lot to be said for awareness; it means
you know how to respond in the best
possible way to someone in pain. It’ll be
good to promote the work we do and
how we help street-involved youth.
What does being the best city to raise a
child mean to you?
I’m glad the city has established this
mission; it made me happy to be part
of this city. I’ve been impressed by our
council’s desire to be progressive with
our city. And Hamilton is a generous
and caring city, especially once it realizes what you are doing. We saw that
when our freezer broke down this year,
and the community came forward to
replace a lot of food we had lost. The
response was incredible; but, if Hamilton wants to be the best city to raise
a child, we need to recognize different
walks of life, different backgrounds and
address youth who are street-involved.
We cannot think it’s ‘somebody else’s
problem’. We just need to be more
aware of the realities for these youth.
They don’t wake up one day and are at
risk; it evolves.
What role will you and your
organization play in realizing that
vision?
We recognize that street-involved youth
come from different backgrounds. And
we’ve always believed in our youth. We
are just going to keep on doing what
we’re doing now and hope that we can
make a difference. We like to partner
with the police and the community. As
the old saying goes, it takes a village
to raise a child. None of us can do this
alone. ■
For more information on Week of the Child and Youth events taking place across Hamilton, visit:
www.wocyhamilton.com
16 BEST START 2011/2012
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Community Connections
Things to do & places to see in Hamilton
Ontario Early Years Centres / Parent and Family Literacy Centres
905-524-4884
ONTARIO EARLY YEARS CENTRES are for children up
to age six and their parents or caregivers to take part in
free programs and activities together. For information on
additional neighbourhood locations in your area, please
call 905-524-4884
■■ANCASTER, DUNDAS, FLAMBOROUGH AND WESTDALE (ADFW)
PARENT AND FAMILY LITERACY CENTRES are free
school-based programs for parents and their children,
aged birth to six years of age. These programs take
place in schools throughout the city during the day
and help to encourage families to be a part of their
children’s learning.
315 Dundas St E, Waterdown
7 additional neighbourhood locations in ADFW
■■HAMILTON-WENTWORTH DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
7 locations:
■■HAMILTON EAST
45 Ellis Ave (Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club)
Hillcrest – 40 Eastwood St
7 additional neighbourhood locations in Hamilton East
■■HAMILTON MOUNTAIN
Hill Park Secondary School – 465 East 16th St
Lime Ridge Mall – 999 Upper Wentworth St
7 additional neighbourhood locations on Hamilton
Mountain
■■HAMILTON WEST
155 Queen St N, Lower Level
5 additional neighbourhood locations in Hamilton West
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Bennetto School
Adelaide Hoodless
Lake Avenue School
Memorial School
Prince of Wales School
Queen Victoria School
Westwood School
■■HAMILTON-WENTWORTH CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 5 locations:
• St. Margaret Mary Catholic Elementary School
• Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Elementary School
• Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Elementary
School
■■STONEY CREEK
St David Catholic Elementary School
33 Cromwell Crescent
3 additional neighbourhood locations in Stoney Creek
• St. Lawrence Catholic Elementary School
• St. Eugene Catholic Elementary School
■■BINBROOK
Binbrook Library – 2641 Hwy 56
Binbrook Memorial Hall, 2600 Hwy 56
■■WINONA
St John’s Anglican Church – 1285 Hwy 8
■■ABORIGINAL EARLY YEARS CENTRES (NIWASA)
905-549-4884 EXT 227
Wesley Neighbourhood Centre – 93 Delena Ave N
Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre 192 Wentworth St N
■■FRENCH LANGUAGE CENTRES – 1-866-437-7606
460 Main St E, 4th Flr, Hamilton (Notre Dame School)
400 Cumberland Ave, Hamilton
For centre specific hours please call:
905-524-4884
2011/2012 BEST START 17
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
HEALTH
• Check it Out Drop-In Clinics – 905-524-4884
• Health Connections Public Health Services
905-546-3550
• Enhanced 18-Month Well Baby Visit
www.18monthvisit.ca
• Preschool Speech & Language Program
CHILD CARE
Find child care in Hamilton:
Coordinated Access for Child Care – 905-528-0591
www.cafcc.on.ca
Apply for child care subsidy:
Child Care Subsidy Office – 1 Hughson St. N, 5th Floor,
Hamilton – 905-546-4870
www.hamilton.ca/childcare
905-381-2828
COMMUNITY ATTRACTIONS
• Aboriginal Health Centre (De Dwa Da Dehs Nyes)
905-544-4320
• Francophone Health Centre
(Centre de Santé Communautaire) – 905-528-0163
CULTURE & RECREATION
Rec Centres, Fitness, Arenas & Pools
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City of Hamilton – 905-546-3747
Program registration: www.hamilton.ca/recreation
YMCA Hamilton Burlington – 905-529-7102
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Royal Botanical Gardens – 905-527-1158
Art Gallery of Hamilton – 905-527-6610
Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts – 905-528-4020
Confederation Park – 1-800-555-8775
Hamilton Farmers’ Market – 905-546-2096
Hamilton Public Library – 905-546-3200
Hamilton Tiger Cats – 905-547-2287
Hamilton Bulldogs – 905-529-8500
FUN FAMILY EVENTS – 2011-2012
YWCA Hamilton – 905-522-9922
Hiking, Swimming, Camping, Fishing, Waterfall Tours
Hamilton Conservation Authority – 905-525-2181
Ice Rink, Running/Biking Trail, Trolley and Boat Tours
Hamilton Waterfront – 905-525-4498
Hamilton Civic Museums
(including Children’s Museum)
www.hamilton.ca/museums
November 25-27
Canadian Aboriginal Festival
Convention Centre – 519-751-0040
December 18
Christmas Day in the Country
Westfield Heritage Village
1-800-883-0104
December 28 Christmas Family Evening Tour
Dundurn Castle – 905-546-2872
December 29-30 Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales
Hamilton Place – 905-546-3050
February 18-20 Hamilton Kids Fest
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
905-679-4183
March Break Camp
Various City of Hamilton Rec Centres
905-546-3747
March 15-18 Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic
Copps Coliseum–905-546-4040
Easter Weekend – Visit www.tourismhamilton.com
for information on events across the city
May 5-6 Bump, Baby & Toddler Expo
Convention Centre – 905-546-3000
For complete event listings, contact Tourism Hamilton
at www.tourismhamilton.com or call 905-546-2666
18 BEST START 2011/2012
Financial
Assistance for
Child Care
What is Child Care Subsidy?
Child care subsidy is financial assistance for eligible families who require child care for
children between 0 and 12 years of age. If you are eligible, you may only have to pay a
percentage of your total child care costs.
The Child Care Subsidy Calculator
Curious about your subsidy eligibility and your
child care payment if you qualify? Fill out the
following information in the subsidy calculator at
www.hamilton.ca/childcare to get a basic estimate.
REASONS FOR CHILD CARE
You must meet AT LEAST ONE of the following
conditions:
❏❏
❏❏
❏❏
❏❏
❏❏
I am working at least 20 hours/week
I am attending school at least 20 hours/ week
I am a full-time university or college student
I have an active participation agreement with OW
A referral has been made by a professional
ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Family gross income:
For the most accurate results, use line 236 from you
and your spouse’s Income Tax Notice of Assessment
(Form T451) or use the Family Income amount from
your Canada Child Tax Benefit Statement.
Number of Children (By Age Group)
0-18 months-----------------------------------------------
19 months - 2 ½ years:-------------------------------------2 ½ – 6 years:-----------------------------------------------6 – 12 years:-------------------------------------------------Include all children you are enrolling in child care.
For more information on Child Care Subsidy:
Office: 1 Hughson St. N, 5th Floor, Hamilton
(corner of King & Hughson)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (905) 546-4870
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.hamilton.ca/childcare
www.hamilton.ca/childcare
(905) 546-4870
Families
Neighbours
Communities
People
Make Hamilton
the Best Place
to Raise a Child
www.hamilton.ca/beststart
905-524-4884