Welcome to the August 2010 Camden Macarthur Child Care Directory Newsletter.

This month we welcome Smart Start Learning Centres to our Resources for Children Directory read more about this service below.

Some child care services still have vacancies for 2010, so be quick to get in contact with the services that you are interested in and get your child's name on the list for 2010 be sure to check out the detailed listings.

This month's parent resource is about Toddlers and Eating. Hope this resource gives you some tips about toddlers and eating which can be a difficult stage in parenting.

WIN...WIN....have you used our website to look or find child care? This month you have a chance to win a $100.000 gift voucher from http://www.plusmaternity.com.au/

Smart Start Learning Centres offer school preparation programs aimed at 3 - 6 year olds that give children a positive beginning to learning early literacy and numeracy skills. The programs promote a love of learning and the opportunity to develop important skills necessary for BIG school. The curriculum explores literacy and numeracy through memorable characters, stories and songs.

All concepts are presented in a workbook and supported by concrete materials. Children are also given a homework book which reinforces the work covered in class. The programs are taught by a qualified teacher. Small classes (maximum of 8) allow the teacher to work individually with each child and also foster social skills as children gain confidence and make new friends.

Smart Start Learning Centres offer their school preparation program at 2 levels;

Smart Start 1. This level is designed for children aged 3 - 4 (i.e. 2 years prior to school).
Smart Start 2 This level is designed for children aged 4 - 6 (i.e. the year prior to school).

Smart Start Learning Centres is based in the Sutherland Shire (south of Sydney). Please contact us to discuss the timetable and availability.

Karuna Health Care Getting Well Again!

Is your child repeatedly getting ear, nose and throat infections? Tired of repeated courses of antibiotics and are looking for a natural option? Naturopath, Registered Nurse and Homeopath Nyema Hermiston treats acute and ongoing ear infections, tonsillitis and repeated colds, using nutritional assessments and homeopathic medicines.

Karuna Health Care is located in Mittagong and Wollongong. Contact us for more information or a consultation.

ACCCO, an early Childhood Training Institution is an Australian wide organisation which has a locally based office in the Macarthur area. ACCCO offers a range of Nationally Recognised & VETAB Accredited Training Programs delivered on a Full-time, Part-time basis as well as being able to offer external studies and traineeships.

Courses available are:
Certificate III in Children's Services (CHC30708)
Diploma in Children's Services (CHC50908)
Advanced Diploma in Children's Services (CHC60208)
Certificate IV in OSHC (CHC41208)
Diploma in OSHC (CHC51008)

ACCCO is dedicated to improving excellence in training and meeting the needs of industry and clients. All trainers are fully qualified and experienced in the Early Childhood Industry.

Winner of 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2008 Quest Business Achievers Award (Inducted into the Hall of Fame)

Winner of the 2009 Campbelltown Local Business Awards in the "Outstanding Specialised Business" category

Finalist in the 2010 Campbelltown Local Business Awards in the "Outstanding Specialised Business" category

Chatabout Speech Pathology

Karuna Health Care - CLICK HERE to read our Health Helps for Mum's article information sheet

Learning Links
Comprehensive Psychological Assessment Centre

Pencil Grips Plus
The Sensational Kids SPOT

Ambervale
Kindy Patch

Appin
Bambinos Kindergarten Appin

Bargo
Bargo Child Care Centre
Kids Korner

Bow Bowing
Kool Kids Kindacare

Campbelltown
Campbelltown Prebyterian Community Child Care
Little Einstein's Early Learning Centre - Campbelltown
St Patrick's Child Care Centre
Unique Kids Early Childhood Centre Inc

Currans Hill
UnitingCare Currans Hill OSHC

Denham Court
Leaping Learners Early Education Centre

Glenfield
Glenfield Preschool Kindergarten
Playground Learning Centre

Eating & Toddlers

After the age of 12 to 18 months, there is a definite change in children's eating patterns as their growth slows down and they require less food. It is common for parents to be concerned that their toddlers are not eating enough or seem to be becoming fussy with the type of food they will eat.

Toddler eating behaviour:

• eat less
• like to eat frequently
• may become fussy with their food
• like to handle and explore their food
• may develop strong likes and dislikes ... and frequently change their minds about what they like and what they don't like!
• frequently mimic the eating behaviours of their parents

Meal times

Parents need to provide a safe, comfortable environment, and food that is nutritious and appropriate to the age and stage of your toddler.

Remember toddlers enjoy:

• eating with the family and they will often try to eat from other people's plates
• eating without interference from others as they will use a spoon as well as their fingers - but be prepared for a bit of a mess and meal times to be time consuming
• eating small meals or snacks at regular intervals
• helping with simple food preparation - toddlers will often snack on the food as they help you
• having things ready straight away - they don't like to wait for anything so BEFORE sitting your toddlers in their high chair have their food ready to eat
• having food preferences that seem boring to us as adults e.g. will only eat carrots for a week or beans
• helping to serve their own meal
• drinking milk and juice - this can decrease their appetite - so limit these types of drinks or add water to dilute the concentration

Things to remember:

• Aim to make mealtimes enjoyable for the whole family, not a battleground
• If your family normally eats their evening meal late, your toddler may be tired and will need to eat earlier
• Provide a variety of foods
• Encourage safe eating habits - always get your child to sit down to eat
• Praise your child for eating a range of foods rather than the quantity of food they eat
• Try to model a health approach to nutrition by trying to avoid offering foods low in nutrition such as chips, biscuits or lollies
• Be realistic about what you expect your toddler to eat
• Keep food simple for example finger foods such as pieces of fruit
• Reduce distractions during mealtime - turn off the television

Toddlers like attention:

• If behaviour is positive - praise
• if behaviour is disruptive ue distractions, or remove them from the table and re-offer once again a short time later
• Always wash your hands and your toddler's hands prior to handling food
  

Reassure yourself with the following thoughts, young children: