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6-12 Years covers: 1. Your Childs Safety 2. I am still Growing 3. Literacy 4. Dental and Oral Health 5. When Your Child Get's Sick 6. Finding Quality After School Care 7. Bullying	Categories Sub-Index » Any number you select from left is listed on right column » Every category you select contains Sub-Topics.	1. Your Childs Safety » Sub-topics: » Car Seat Safety » Finding Good Quality After-School Care » Internet Safety

		Articles in the Growth Stages section are divided into three groups: 0-2 Years, 3-5 Years, 6-12 Years Articles for teens 13-18 years will be found in our Teen Spot section. The following articles will provide information for each age group as specified. Subject matter will range from breastfeeding for the 0-2 years category to bullying in the 6-12 years category. Go to each section by clkicking these links: 0-2 Years » 3-5 Years » 6-12 Years (see below)


					» Forward-facing seats can be used for a child that is at least 1 year old and weighs at least 20 pounds. This seat should be used until the child weighs 40 pounds and is at least 4 years of age. Harness straps should be at or above the child’s shoulders (use the top harness slots) and the harness chest clip should be at child’s armpit level. » Booster seats can be used after your child weighs more than 40 pounds. Use with the adult lap and shoulder belt, never use with lap belt only. The shoulder belt should cross the chest, resting snugly on the shoulder, and the lap belt should rest low across the upper thighs. Never have the lap belt high across the child’s stomach. Car Seat Safety Checks » Is the seat belt attached properly to the car seat? » Make sure the harnesses are snug and flat » Check to assure that the correct harness slots are being used » Place baby blankets around the baby AFTER adjusting the harnesses » Never leave a child unattended in a car seat !!

	Car Seat Safety All children under 12 should be securely fastened in the back seat when traveling by car. Never place a child or a child safety seat in the front seat of the vehicle. Air bags can cause death or serious injury to young children. If the vehicle has rear side-impact air bags, check with the vehicle manufacturer for the safest way to install the car seat. The safest car seat is the one that fits your child’s size, is properly installed, and is used every time. The back seat is the safest place for any child under 12 years of age. » Rear-facing seats should be used until the age of one and weighs up to 20 pounds. Even if the baby weighs more than 20 pounds before age one, the rear-facing seat should still be used until his/her first birthday. Recline at a 45 degree angle, harness slots at or below baby’s shoulders and the harness chest clip at armpit level. If the infant is not one year old yet, but weighs over 20 pounds, use a rear-facing convertible seat. Continued on right column »


					Are drop-in visits welcome? Is the facility clean and well kept? Do you agree with the discipline procedures? Do they have references you can call? What is the turnover of employees working as caregivers? Are drop-in visits welcome? Is the facility clean and well kept? Do you agree with the discipline procedures? Do they have references you can call? If you are considering an in-home caregiver or care provided by relatives, friends, or neighbors, make sure the caregiver has the experience and training (example: CPR or first aid training) necessary to care for your child. After you have made a decision, continue to be vigilant in watching for signs that may indicate a problem or a change in the care of your child.

	FINDING QUALITY AFTER-SCHOOL CARE Start looking for after school care several months before school starts. This will give you plenty of time to find the right place. Types of child care include: Child Care Centers – commercial child care facilities Family Child Care – child care within an individual’s home In-Home Caregivers – child care in the child’s home Care Provided by Relatives, Friends, or Neighbors If you are considering a Child Care Center or a Family Child Care, visit the site and ask plenty of questions. What is the ratio of children to caregiver? Babies should have a ratio of 1:4 (one adult for every four babies). Older children will be okay with a 1:10 ratio. How many children are at the facility and what are their age groups? What are the caregivers’ credentials (education, training, etc.)? What is the turnover of employees working as caregivers? Continued on right column »


					» Explain to your child about what to do if they receive email or instant messages that make them feel uncomfortable or scared. » If you suspect someone of sexual exploitation, report it to local law enforcement immediately Signs That Your Child May Be At Risk » You find pornography on your child’s computer » Your child receives phone calls from people or phone numbers that you do not know » Your child spends an excessive amount of time on the computer » Your child turns off the monitor or changes the screen when you enter the room » Your child receives mail or gifts from someone you do not know Actions To Take If You Suspect Your Child Is At Risk » Discuss your suspicions and the dangers of online sexual predators with your child » If you have caller ID, use it to determine who is calling your child » Monitor your child’s email » Report the receipt of any pornography or sexual solicitations to the authorities

	INTERNET SAFETY Children can access the internet not only from their personal computer at home, but from a personal computer at a friend’s house, the library, or at school. It is important for parents to discuss not only the benefits but more importantly the dangers of surfing the net. Potential Risks For Children Using The Internet » Exposure to unsuitable material of a sexual or violent nature » Contact by a sexual predator posing as another child or teenager » Harassment or bullying by others their age » Downloading a virus Reducing The Risks » Use parental controls to filter what your child is allowed to access online » Discuss with your child about not giving personal information (name, address, etc) to anyone online and never upload any photos » Talk to your child about never meeting anyone in person that they have met online without the parents knowledge » Do not allow your child to have the computer in his/her bedroom, have it located in a common area of your home Continued on right column »

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