Safe Practices/Crises/Child Care Careers A mixed bag! Objectives 2.02 & 2.03

How do you protect your child from the media, Internet, and TV programs that are not suitable for them to watch? Teach children critical viewing skills to distinguish fact from fantasy and good from bad. Monitor child’s viewing of programs and restrict them from watching shows that depict violence or inappropriate content Discuss what children see on TV with them Write or call the TV station if improvement is needed Remind children that watching a lot of TV causes them to miss out on other experiences

Crises That Affect Children Accidents/illnesses of family members Death Divorce Domestic Violence Job loss/financial difficulties Relocation Substance abuse World events – natural disasters, terrorism

How to make children feel safe during crises Explain crises in simple terms for children Maintain regular routines as closely as possible Provide a sense of family unity and structure Plan chores and activities that are reasonable Answer questions honestly and completely Be specific about how lives will change Acknowledge children’s feelings and concerns

Divorce When going through a divorce, it is best to tell the child in the presence of all family members, shortly before the parent moves out

Where to turn during a crisis – United Way – national network of organizations that focus on education, income, and health – Red Cross – provides clothes, shelter, and medical care after natural disaster – Social Services – needs assistance for child care, groceries, etc. – Employment Security Commission - helps people find jobs – Health Department – medical care to those who do not have it; may go to obtain immunizations

Child Care Careers 4 types of educational requirements – Entry-level – Associate’s Degree – 4 Year College Degree (Bachelor’s) – Graduate Degree and above

Entry-level Au pair Babysitting Camp counselor Nanny Puppeteer Storyteller Teacher assistant – child care

Associate’s Degree Nurse - LPN Public School Teacher Assistant Paramedic – provides on-site medical care Wildlife Educator Dental Hygienist Sonographer – checks on prenatal development of fetuses Child Care Teacher

4 Year Degree Activities Director – schedules special events and activities for patients such as games, programs, visits by children, etc. Animator Child Care Consultant Special Education teacher – works with children who have difficulty learning Toy designer Pediatric nurse

Parent Educator Teacher Librarian Nurse – RN Nurse/Midwife Dietitian Social Worker

Graduate Degree and Beyond Child psychologist and psychiatrist Family Court Judge Pediatric Dentist Genetic Counselor Speech Language Pathologist

Pediatrician – specializes in working with children from infancy through age 18 Child development researcher OB/GYN – specializes in caring for pregnant women Physical Therapist – specializes in helping children who have large and small motor skills impairments