BOBBEE BEE is off to a “SMART START” as he made an appearance at the Duplin County Partnership for Children’s Childcare Resource and Referral Conference on June 3, 2006 at James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville, North Carolina.The Duplin County Partnership is an advocate for the development, expansion, and promotion of positive quality opportunities for all children and families.
This year’s theme was “Navigating the Tides of Change”
Well, we all know that Bobbee Bee definitely needs to “Change” his attitude.
But, with both parent working (not excluding single parents), children are watching their parents leave home earlier and coming home later as 40-hour work weeks turn into 80 hours.
As a result, many families are giving up the care of their babies, toddlers, and preschoolers to others for 35 or more hours a week.
In other words, a large number of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are spending the lion share of their days in daycare or childcare.
So with over half of our children in daycare, we must ask ourselves as parents and educators whether these childcare facilities have the capability to provide a nurturing educational environment for our children.
Unfortunately, most daycare providers are often overwhelmed and stressed out.
Due to the fact that, most of them are having to care for four or more babies (and later six or more toddlers) while being paid minimal wage, and given “no training” or “little incentive” to avoid staff turnover “among those who can find a better jobs.”
As a result, there were several workshops given that addressed issues that would improve the quality of daycare services such as:
Asthma and Young Children-by Lisa Pickett, President Asthma Case Manager
Nutrition-by Twila Bowen, Child Care Health Consultant
Literacy and Young Children-by Marilyn Waddell, Early Childhood Specialist
Thinking Outside of the Box-by Alison Johnson & Mary Beth Cosby, Childcare Consultants
The Discipline Wheel-by Olga Khan, Behavior Specialist
Infant /Toddler Activities-by Karen Mintz, Infant Toddler Specialist
School Age Activities-Laura Gose, School Age Specialist
The Process of Child Abuse and Neglect-by Stephanie Jarvis
“We care about those who care for our children and we offer our cartoon character BOBBEE BEE “THE HATER” as a tool to assist them in the greatest job on the planet: taking care of our “beautiful children.” Author/Cartoonist Eric Graham
To purchase "In the Mind of BoBBee Bee" and "Larry Long Legs" go to www.barnes&noble.com, www.walmart.com, www.authorhouse.com
