31% of Wee Hands instructors are speech-language pathologists!

In the past week, I have read many people assume that a child learning sign language can actually hinder their verbal development. I have asked those that have been in the field (not just a pediatrician who has no formal training on the subject, or a neighbor who never hard of such a thing!) and they all say they have yet to come across any reliably backed up studies on ASL delaying speech, but the exact opposite!

Yes, I am passionate about this. Not only because I am an instructor, but also because I have seen the benefits for more years then I have been a mother!

Sign language is a wonderful resource in the classroom – from infancy, preschool, kindergarten, and beyond. Sign language reinforces auditory skills by adding visual and kinesthetic input. Signing also stimulates connections in the brain and provides a secondary avenue for conceptual understanding to occur. Sign language also improves spatial skills that are important for solid reasoning. There are so many cognitive benefits to learning sign language!

Research conclusively indicates that babies who sign tend to have a stronger command of verbal language and often begin speaking at an earlier age than babies who do not sign. Countless parents and caregivers have confirmed these findings with their personal experiences and observations. In addition, many Speech-Language professionals, pediatricians, and educators are supporting the use of signs to encourage early language development.

Even in a study by the National Institutes of Health found this to be the case: A study funded by the National Institutes of Health has shown that children who sign as infants are advanced linguistically and cognitively in preschool and have higher IQ’s in elementary school than non-signing children.

From the company Wide Eyed Learning, makers of Signing Smart: Wide-Eyed Learning recently completed their National Research study with over 165 infants. At 12 mos., Signing Smart children use an average of 25 signs and 16 spoken words, versus the 2-3 words non-signing children use. At 18 mos., Signing Smart children use an average of 79 signs and 102 spoken words, versus the 10-50 words non-signing children use. Between 11-14 mos., a majority of Signing Smart children begin using signed/spoken “sentences,” about 10 months earlier than is typical!

Through this note, I am searching and searching for articles stating just the opposite...I can not find any...no matter what words I use to search or how I word it.

Signing is also a great way to help children with special needs such as Autism and Downs Syndrome efficiently communicate with their family, friends, and teachers!

Many tantrums and the "Terrible Twos" are directly linked to frustration about communication. There is less frustration when your child can augment their communication skills with signs that both of you can understand.

Teaching sign language to your child can even encourage early reading! I know of a few kids so far, that started reading simple words from books after being read and signed to, before the age of 2!


I would just like it if more people would do their research, or talk to professionals in the field, before passing on false or inaccurate information. It does not help anyone!

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 17 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Why wait to communicate?

Ever Play the "Scream and Guess" Game with your baby, toddler, or preschooler?
I'll scream until I get tired or you figure it out! It's great for building bonds and nurturing communication. I can play this one ALL DAY LONG!
You're not a bad parent! You just don't know what's on your child's mind! You can't know that ... or can you?


Sign language encourages early reading!


It is never too early to start signing with your little one! Some babies can learn to sign as young as 3 months old, or less! In our classes, you can learn to identify your baby's early signs. Is he signing Mama? At 2 months old? Did my 5 month old just sign a 2 word sentence? If you are consistent, you might just see some early indications of signing and advanced cognitive skills!

Many tantrums and the "Terrible Twos" are directly linked to frustration about communication. There is less frustration when your child can augment their communication skills with signs that both of you can understand.

I want more. Is that an airplane? Let me tell you what I want ... Can I play with the ball, Daddy? - see my apple. I can "talk" with my hands! Look Mommy, HAT! CAT! DOG! (I'm only 6 mos. old) I won't be talking out loud for several more months, but we can already communicate using the Wee Hands method of Baby Signing.This also helps in communicating to your child with special needs

If your little one is not signing yet, consider these suggestions

Also try some signs to start with.
And don't forget your ABC's!
Also try a cute little ASL chant.

Long before your baby can speak, he has the ability to understand speech and wants to communicate.

Our classes teach parents how to use American Sign Language with their babies, no made up signs here! We also have a strong focus on language development and provide parents with activities that help them teach their babies ASL vocabulary and include language development strategies.

Since 2001, WeeHands™ has taught over 5000 families, child care staff, teachers and other caregivers how to sign with their infants and toddlers. Our classes and workshops teach you how to use American Sign Language vocabulary with your wee one throughout the day. We teach you ASL signs, songs and motivating language strategies you need to teach your wee one!

Benefits:
# The benefits of teaching sign language to a preverbal baby: Creates a new awareness of a preverbal baby's potential
# Strengthens the parent-infant bond
# Reduces frustration for babies and caregivers
# Stimulates intellectual development
# Enhances infant self-esteem
# Accelerates verbal language development
# Provides a window into baby's world


The benefits of teaching sign language to a verbal child-
# Sign language can be used to improve hearing children's: English vocabulary
# Reading ability
# Spelling proficiency
# Self-esteem and self-confidence
# Comfort with expressing emotion
# Increased interest in books and literacy skills


Sign language helps all children become better readers. Sign is a visual language. As children are learning sign, they are exercising the visual-spatial part of their brain. This is the same part of the brain they will use to read. Research shows children that learn sign language are more readily able to translate letters and words to the written language.

Research also indicates that learning a second language, including sign language, actually increases IQ scores.

# Mother-proven benefits of having a signing child: Children can cry and sign simultaneously
# You can eat and sign
# Parents can correct a child from across the room
# Children can communicate with parent from a distance without yelling
# Children can be reminded to use manners from a distance
# Children learn to read body language
# You can talk in a movie, theatre or church
# You can talk under water
# Your child can complain when a parent is flossing her/his teeth too hard
# Your child can express where they are feeling pain and what they need


# What teachers are saying about signing in the classroom: Boosts enthusiasm and readiness to learn
# Influences a child's ability to attend
# Decreases classroom conflict
# Raises cultural awareness
# Increases self esteem

Using Sign to Facilitate Oral Language: Building a Case with Parents
Shari Robertson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
http://www.speechpathology.com/articles/article_detail.asp?article_id=315



Using Sign Language and Fingerspelling to Facilitate Early Literacy
By Marilyn Edmunds and Debra Krupinski
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/earlychildhood/articles/signlanguage.html




Capone, N.C. & McGregor, K.K. (2004). Gesture Development: A Review for Clinical and Research Practices. Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research, February 2004, 47, 1, 173. Retrieved June 28, 2006 from ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health Source.

Clibbens, J. (2000+). Signing and Lexical Development in Children with Down Syndrome. Centre for Thinking and Language, University of Plymouth. Retrieved June 30, 2006 from http://www.altonweb.com/cs/downsyndrome/index.htm.

Coryell, J. & Holcomb, T.K. (1997). The Use of Sign Language and Sign Systems in Facilitating the Language Acquisition and Communication of Deaf Students. Language, Speech & Hearing Services in Schools, Vol. 28, Is.4, p. 384. Retrieved June 28, 2006 from ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health Source.

Dessell, D.D. & Pearlmutter, L. (1997). Navigating Two Cultures: Deaf Children, Self-Esteem, and Parents? Communication Patterns. Social Work in Education, Jan97, Vol. 19, Issue 1. Retrieved June 22, 2006 from EBSCO: Academic Search Premier.

Daniels, M. (1996). Seeing Language: The Effect over Time of Sign Language on Vocabulary Development in Early Childhood Education. Child Study Journal, 1996, Vol. 26 Issue 3, p193. Retrieved July 6, 2006 from EBSCO Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition.



Goldstein, H. (2002). Communication Intervention for Children with Autism: A Review of Treatment Efficacy. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Vol. 32, No. 5 October 2002. Retrieved June 28, 2006 from ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health Source.

Hawkins, L. & Brawner, J. (1997). Educating Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Total Communication. ERIC EC Digest #E559, August 1997. Retrieved June 30, 2006 from http://ericec.org/digests/e559.html.

Millar, D.C., Light, J.C, & Schlosser, R.W. (2006). The Impact of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention on the Speech Production of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: A Research Review. Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research, April 2006, 49, 2, 248. Retrieved June 28, 2006 from Proquest Nursing and Allied Health Source.
Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 17 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

The Colic Cure: The Mystery of the Fourth Trimester

and How to Calm a Colicky Baby

….and get some sleep in the process!

New babies are such a blessing, but they can also bring with them sleepless nights, crying, and sometimes quite a bit of stress. We can help you become less frustrated with the baby (aged 0 to 3 months) in your care!

We believe every child is a precious gift and those entrusted with caring for them should be well educated and well informed! Learn an extraordinary approach to keeping your baby happy.

The Happiest Baby On The Block method formulated by Dr. Harvey Karp, addresses these issues by helping you learn how to effectively recreate the environment of the womb, outside of Mom's body. Once you have learned the steps, you will be able to alleviate some, if not all, of your baby's colic symptoms.

Dr. Karp believes that babies, especially in their first few months of life, can experience "fourth trimester" issues. Babies can have a difficult time getting used to the huge amount of stimuli present in life outside of Mom's body. Their reaction to all of this is to cry and cry.
Colic is essentially non existent in several cultures around the world.

The 5 S's:
There are 5 components to this method which, when used together, work amazingly well to calm your crying baby and in many cases help your baby go to sleep with no fuss. Using cross-cultural techniques combined with his own research, Dr. Karp has developed the "five S's system". Some babies will need all five, others just a few to help induce what he calls the "calming reflex."
Swaddling - Tight swaddling provides the continuous touching and support the fetus experienced while still in Mom's womb.
Side/stomach position - You place your baby, while holding her, either on her left side to assist in digestion, or on her stomach to provide reassuring support. Once your baby is happily asleep, you can safely put her in her crib, on her back.
Shushing Sounds - These sounds imitate the continual whooshing sound made by the blood flowing through arteries near the womb. This white noise can be in the form of a vacuum cleaner, a hair dryer, a fan and so on. The good news is that you can easily save the motors on your household appliances and get a white noise CD which can be played over and over again with no worries.
Swinging - Newborns are used to the swinging motions that were present when they were still in Mom's womb. Every step mom took, every movement caused a swinging motion for your baby. After your baby is born, this calming motion, which was so comforting and familiar, is abruptly taken away. Your baby misses the motion and has a difficult time getting used to it not being there. "It's disorienting and unnatural," says Karp. Rocking, car rides, and other swinging movements all can help.
Sucking - "Sucking has its effects deep within the nervous system," notes Karp, "and triggers the calming reflex and releases natural chemicals within the brain." This "S" can be accomplished with breast, bottle, pacifier or even a finger. These steps sound pretty easy, but seeing them done properly, in conjunction with each other, is the key to relieving your baby's colic symptoms and making Mom, Dad, and baby less stressed and much happier!

Why does it work?

Dr. Karp has uncovered 2 facts that began to put everything into focus for him. First, he learned that there are profound differences between the brain of a 3-month-old baby and that of a newborn. During the first few months of life, babies make massive developmental leaps. This accounts for the huge gap between how parents in our society expect new babies to look, and act, and their true behavior and nature. His second pivotal discovery came when he began to read about child rearing in other societies. As he explored the musty shelves of old books and journals at the UCLA Library, he was shocked to learn that the colicky screaming that haunted so many of his patients and their parents was totally absent in the babies of several cultures around the world! The more he investigated this issue the more he realized that although our culture was advanced in many ways, it was very backwards when it came to understanding the needs of babies! Somehow, somewhere we had taken a wrong turn. He began to realize our ideas about babies' crying had been built upon centuries of myth and misconception.

In many ways, the peoples living in primitive cultures seem ignorant and backward. However, in some areas their wisdom is great…and we are actually the "primitive" ones. This is particularly true when it comes to understanding infant crying. While researching information from the past and then blending them with cutting edge modern research and his own unique observations, made while caring for more than 5000 young babies over the years.

Although today’s mothers and fathers are very well educated, they are the least experienced parents in history. No wonder even loving parents sometimes feel pushed to the breaking point by their infant’s screaming.

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 17 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Elizabeth Pantley Contest!

Here were the rules :
In honor of Mother’s Day I’m holding a new contest ~
TWO people will each win a full set of No-Cry Solution books – autographed!
You can keep them for yourself, give them to a friend, or hold your own give-away contests on your blog or website!

The No-Cry Nap Solution *NEW*
The No-Cry Sleep Solution (for babies)
The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers & Preschoolers
The No-Cry Discipline Solution
The No-Cry Potty Training Solution
Choose a line or two from any of my books. (Lots of excerpts on my website.)

Quote it on your blog, website or Facebook page.

~ Include the title and author, PLEASE.

Add a comment about your Mother – For example: How did she {use/not use/apply the ideas} in the quote.


So here goes lol
Choose a line or two from any of my books.

This is one of my favorites! :) (Situation) We'd like to take our children to a real restaurant-one that serves food on a plate, with silverware-and actually enjoy it for once! But every time we try this kind of adventure, we end up wishing we'd stayed home and ordered pizza!



Elizabeth Pantley, Perfect Parenting

I remember growing up being raised by my grandparents. Perhaps because of this, I was probably a little more well behaved in public then most of my friends. BUT I was a squirmer. I know that when I would act up in a place, especially a restaurant, I would get the EVIL EYE! I would also be told what my punishment would be...and they would follow through! That seems to not be the norm anymore these days!

If you have not read any of Pantley's books, DO IT!!! They are incredible! 

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 17 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

I have been asked...

Where I am! I am sorry readers, we are in the middle of moving to a house, and I have been having some troubles with this pregnancy. But all is fine for now. I will be on more after the end of the month! I PROMISE!

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 17 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

More recalls!

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2009
Release #09-119

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 704-3595
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Intermatic Recalls Digital Timers Due to Shock Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Intermatic DT17 Heavy Duty Digital Timers

Units: About 200,000

Importer: Intermatic Inc., of Spring Grove, Ill.

Manufacturer: Computime Ltd., of China

Hazard: The recalled timers can have a faulty ground connection, posing a shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled Intermatic DT17 heavy-duty digital timers are lamp and appliance timers. They were packaged as the "DT17C Heavy Duty Digital Timer" and the "DT17C8 Heavy Duty Digital Timer." The timer is white-colored and measures 3 3/8" tall x 2 5/8" wide x 1 5/8" deep. Only products with date codes of "40Z" through "52Z" or date codes ending in "A," "B" or "C" are included in the recall. The brand name "Intermatic" is molded on the front of the timer, and the model number ("DT17") and date code are printed on the back of the timer.

Sold at: Retailers and electrical distributors nationwide from September 2005 through December 2008 for between $15 and $25.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should unplug the timer immediately and contact Intermatic to obtain a free replacement including shipping.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Intermatic at (800) 704-3585 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.intermatic.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recall product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09119.html

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

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Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 17 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Recalls!

This message contains the following:

1. Children's Hooded Sweatshirts Recalled by Jerry Leigh of California Due to Strangulation Hazard (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09094.html)
2. Bicycles with R-SYS Wheel Rims Recalled by Mavic USA Due to Crash Hazard (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09116.html)
3. Dorel Juvenile Group Recalls Safety 1st Stair Gates Due to Fall Hazard (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09117.html)
4. Playland International Recalls Swing Sets Due to Fall Hazard (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09118.html)
5. CPSC Public Calendar



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1. NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2009
Release #09-094

Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 800-0824
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Children's Hooded Sweatshirts Recalled by Jerry Leigh of California Due to Strangulation Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the Jerry Leigh of California, Inc., today announced a voluntary recall of the following Harajuku brand hooded sweatshirts with non-functional ties. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Harajuku Lovers Hooded Jackets

Units: 1,200

Distributor: Jerry Leigh of California Inc., of Van Nuys, Calif.

Hazard: The jackets have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the Harajuku Lovers Hooded Jackets with the RSL Hoodie & Lovers Leopard styles. The RSL Hoodie style has numerous pictures of girls riding motor scooters and the words "ready steady love" printed on it. The Lovers Leopard style has a leopard design in grey and black."Harajuku Lovers" is printed on a tag sawn next to the care label.

Sold at: Nordstrom's, Macy's, and other retailers nationwide from August 2008 through January 2009 for about $75.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the ties from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard, or return the garment to either the place of purchase or to Jerry Leigh of California for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information contact Jerry Leigh of California toll-free at (877) 800-0824, ext. 122, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09094.html


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2. NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2009
Release #09-116

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 664-9228
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Bicycles with R-SYS Wheel Rims Recalled by Mavic USA Due to Crash Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Bicycles with R-SYS Front Wheel Rims

Units: About 12,000

Importer: Mavic USA, of Haverhill, Mass.

Manufacturer: Salomon SAS, of France

Hazard: The spokes on the bicycle's front wheel rim can break during use, posing a fall and crash hazard to riders.

Incidents/Injuries: Mavic USA has received one report of an injury involving broken teeth.

Description: This recall includes R-SYS and R-SYS Premium front wheel rims. They were sold as original equipment on various bicycle brands and were also sold separately. R-SYS wheel rims are designed for road bikes. "R-SYS" is printed on the front rim of the wheels. The rims are 22mm in diameter, with 16 tubular, unidirectional carbon spokes.

Sold at: Specialty bicycle retailers from May 2007 through December 2008 for between $700 and $750 for the front wheel of the two-wheel set when sold separately from the bicycle.

Manufactured in: France

Remedy: Consumers should stop using bicycles with the recalled front wheel rims and contact their bicycle retailer for a free replacement front rim.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Mavic USA at (800) 664-9228 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.mavic.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09116.html


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3. NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2009
Release #09-117

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 690-2540
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Dorel Juvenile Group Recalls Safety 1st Stair Gates Due to Fall Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Safety 1st SmartLight Stair Gates

Units: 100,000

Importer: Dorel Juvenile Group USA, of Columbus, Ind.

Hazard: The hinges that hold the stair gate in place can break, posing a fall hazard to children if the gate is placed at the top of the stairs.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves the Safety 1st SmartLight Stair Gate with model number 42111, which is printed on a sticker under the handle panel. The gates, which were manufactured before December 31, 2007, are white metal with a gray handle and a motion sensor nightlight that illuminates on approach. The manufacture date is located below the gate's handle as a date wheel imprinted in the plastic; an arrow indicates the month, and the year is stamped inside the circle. The manufacture date is also printed on a sticker inside the battery door.

Sold at: Mass merchandise and juvenile product stores nationwide, including Babies R Us and Wal-Mart, from January 2005 through December 2007 for about $60.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled gate and contact the company to obtain a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: Consumers can call the toll-free number 1 (866) 690-2540 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m EDT; complete an online order form on the Dorel Juvenile Group Web site at www.djgusa.com/safety_notice/ to obtain their free repair kit; email the company at Smartlightgate@djgusa.com, or send a fax to (800) 207-8182. Consumers should not return product to retail stores.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09117.html


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4. NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2009
Release #09-118

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 356-4727
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Playland International Recalls Swing Sets Due to Fall Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Arch Swing Sets

Units: About 700

Manufacturer: Playland International, Carrollton, Ga.

Hazard: The metal around the weld at the top of the swing frame can fail, causing the top bar to fall, posing a fall and impact hazard to the user or by-standers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm received one report of a child who suffered a head injury as a result of being struck by the top of the bar on the swing.

Description: The recalled includes swings sets with a 3.5 inch arch swing frame and a 3.5 inch top metal bar. The recalled swing sets come in red, orange, yellow, blue, tan, white, black , brown, teal, green, fuchsia, burgundy and purple.

Sold by: Playland International dealers nationwide from September 2001 through May 2006 for between $800 and $2300.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled swing sets and contact Playland for instruction on receiving and installing a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Playland International at (800) 356-4727 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.playland-inc.com, or e-mail the firm at swingrecall@playland-inc.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09118.html


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5. CPSC Public Calendar

Vol. XXXVI No. 18
February 4, 2009

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Bethesda, Maryland 20814

Commission Agendas

There are no Commission briefings or Commission meetings scheduled for the week of February 9, 2009. For a recorded message concerning the latest agenda information call (301) 504-7948.

Meetings Between Commission Staff and Outside Parties

All meetings listed below are open to the public unless otherwise stated. For information on a specific meeting or to attend a meeting, please call the contact person listed for that meeting.

Abbreviations: we use asterisks (*) to identify meetings for the current week which have not appeared before in the printed Public Calendar. If the meeting involves discussion of a "substantial interest matter," defined by CPSC's Meetings Policy, we show the date when we posted notice of the meeting on the Master Calendar. The Master Calendar is in the Office of the Secretary, Room 502, telephone (301) 504-7923. We indicate whether a meeting is of substantial interest by the symbol (S); we use the symbol (N) to indicate non-substantial interest meetings. The Commission offices are located in the Bethesda Towers Building, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland.

Under the Meetings Policy, a staff person holding or attending a substantial interest meeting must file a log of the meeting with the Office of the Secretary within 20 days.

Week of February 9 thru February 15

No such meetings listed this week.

Future

Thursday, February 26

Thomas Caton, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, attending the Pennsylvania Spring Amusement Ride Safety Seminar to discuss metallurgy and dissimilar metals; 9:10-10:10 a.m., Holiday Inn Harrisburg/Hershey, Grantville, PA. For additional information contact Thomas Caton, (301) 504-7543. (S)

Addendum

Meeting notices printed in this section did not reach the Office of the Secretary in time to meet the Tuesday noon deadline for the previously printed Public Calendar. Under the CPSC Meetings Policy, however, staff persons, including Commissioners, can meet the seven-day notice requirement by placing notice of the meeting on the Master Calendar at least seven days before the meeting. The Master Calendar is in the Office of the Secretary, Room 502, Bethesda Towers Building.

In addition, the policy allows the Office of General Counsel to waive the seven-day notice requirements of meetings of the staff personnel, and individual Commissioners can waive the requirements for themselves and their personal staff.

Wednesday, February 4

Commissioner Thomas H. Moore; Pam Weller and Michael Gougisha, Counselors to Commissioner Moore, meeting with Michael Smith, President, Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA); William Estrada, Director of Federal Relations and Eric Lansing, HSLDA, to discuss Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and the impact on small business; 1:00 p.m., Bethesda Towers, room 725. The meeting was requested by Eric Lansing. For additional information contact Ltaylor@cpsc.gov. Posted on Master Calendar 1/28/09. (S) (Added to Public Calendar No. 17 on CPSC Website on 1/29/09.)



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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

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Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 17 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

President Signs SCHIP!

Today is truly a historic day for all who have sought to give North Carolina's children the healthy start they deserve. Congress has passed legislation extending and strengthening the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), known in North Carolina as Health Choice, and President Barack Obama signed the bill into law today! This federal investment is a huge win for Action for Children North Carolina partners throughout the state who have worked for years to make covering uninsured children a priority in Raleigh and on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle from the statehouse to the White House have agreed with us: covering kids is efficient, achievable, important to our present and our future, and just the right thing to do. The White House is asking Americans to comment on this remarkable passage. Take a few minutes to visit the White House Web site and share your support for covering kids. The federal government's foresight creates an outstanding opportunity for North Carolina's legislators to completely fund and implement Health Choice. Let your state representatives, senators and governor know how important it is to avoid a freeze or waiting list for Health Choice. In these tough economic times, we cannot afford to shortchange our children. Celebrate today because you have made a real difference for North Carolina's children.   Sincerely,   Action for Children North Carolina

Tax-deductible contributions to Action for Children are needed and greatly appreciated.  Donate online at www.ncchild.org, or send a check to: Action for Children North Carolina, 1300 Saint Mary's St., Suite 500, Raleigh, NC 27605-1276. Thank you for helping make North Carolina the best place to be and raise a child!

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 17 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Life has been hectic!

I am apologize to my readers for leaving you all for a couple months! Life has gotten in the way, but I am going to try to be more diligent in my postings!

Hope you and your family are having a wonderful New Year so far!

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 17 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com

Reall info

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2008
Release #09-065

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Pool And Spa Safety Law Aimed At Preventing Drain Entrapments of Children Goes Into Effect This Week:
Failure to comply with Congressionally-enacted law can result in closure

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is again reminding public pool and spa owners and operators nationwide that the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act becomes effective on December 19, 2008. This law requires installation of anti-entrapment drain covers and other systems as outlined in the Act.

The Pool and Spa Safety Act was enacted by Congress and signed by President Bush on December 19, 2007, and is designed to prevent the tragic and hidden hazard of drain entrapments and eviscerations in pools and spas. Under the law, all public pools and spas must have ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 compliant drain covers installed and a second anti-entrapment system installed, when there is only a single main drain. Congress gave all affected pool and spa operators one year to comply with this law.

Public pools and spas that operate year-round are expected to be in compliance by December 19, 2008. CPSC staff has taken the position that seasonal public pools and spas that are currently closed must be in compliance with the law on the day that they reopen in 2009.

"Our mission at the CPSC is to keep American families safe," said Nancy Nord, CPSC Acting Chairman. "CPSC will enforce the requirements of this pool and spa safety law with a focus on where the greatest risk of drain entrapment to children exists, such as wading pools, pools designed specifically for toddlers and young children, and in-ground spas, particularly where these types of pools and spas have flat drain grates and single main drain systems."

Nord added, "State health and enforcement agencies share the responsibility to ensure this law is properly enforced. I recommend these agencies take the same approach as CPSC concerning enforcement priorities."

Pool and spa operators are encouraged to continue working as diligently as possible to come into compliance, as the agency and state Attorneys General are empowered to close down any pool or spa that fails to meet the Act's requirements.

For more information about the Pool and Spa Safety Act, how to comply, and which companies have been certified to manufacturer drain covers and safety vacuum release systems, please log on to: www.cpsc.gov/whatsnew.html#pool

To see this release on CPSC's web site, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09065.html



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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.


Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 17 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com




Proud Mama To

Positive Parenting Idea of the Day

Those who succeed in our society are able to handle problems effectively.

--Michael H. Popkin, Active Parenting Now
Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 17 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com




Proud Mama To

Recalls

This message consists of the following:

1. The Toro Company Reannounces Recall of Electric Blowers Due to Projectile Hazards (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09062.html)

2. Propane Gas Fireplace Inserts Recalled by Wolf Steel Due to Laceration Hazard (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09063.html)

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1. The Toro Company Reannounces Recall of Electric Blowers Due to Projectile Hazards

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2008
Release #09-062

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 279-3191
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Note: The Toro Company originally recalled these electric blowers on July 26, 2007.

The Toro Company Reannounces Recall of Electric Blowers Due to Projectile Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Toro Power Sweep Electric Blowers

Units: About 900,000

Manufacturer: The Toro Company, of Bloomington, Minn.

Hazard: The blower's impeller, which is a rotating component on the blower, can break, resulting in pieces of plastic flying out of the blower. This poses a risk of serious injury to the user or a bystander.

Incidents/Injuries: Toro has received 162 reports of broken impellers, including 28 reports of minor cuts and bruises resulting from projected impeller pieces.

Description: The recall involves Toro Power Sweep electric blower model 51586 that was manufactured between 2000 and 2002. The recalled units have serial numbers that range between 000055100 and 220255609. There are two decals on the main housing of the blower. One decal reads, "TORO Power Sweep" and the decal on the opposite side of the blower contains the model number and serial number (shown by the letter "A" in the picture below). The recalled units can be identified by a black impeller fan, which can be seen through the air inlet screen on the bottom of the unit.

Sold through: Toro dealers and various mass retailers nationwide including The Home Depot, Lowes, Target and K-Mart stores from January 2000 through late December 2002 for about $32.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled blowers immediately and contact Toro to receive a replacement blower.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Toro at (888) 279-3191 between 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday. Consumers can also visit the Toro web site at www.toro.com. The Toro Company has notified registered owners directly.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09062.html

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2. Propane Gas Fireplace Inserts Recalled by Wolf Steel Due to Laceration Hazard

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2008
Release #09-063

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 539-2039
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Propane Gas Fireplace Inserts Recalled by Wolf Steel Due to Laceration Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Napoleon Propane Gas Fireplace Inserts

Units: About 1,200

Manufacturer: Wolf Steel USA, of Crittenden, Ky.

Hazard: Delayed ignition due to a build-up of propane gas can cause the insert's glass cover to break, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Wolf Steel has received one report of a consumer who suffered minor lacerations when the glass cover shattered.

Description: This recall involves Napoleon propane GDI44 gas fireplace inserts. Model number GDI44 is located on the front cover of the operating instructions or on the rating label found behind the right side panel next to the insert's viewing glass. The glass size is 36" wide and 22" high. Napoleon natural gas GDI44 inserts are not affected by this recall.

Sold at: Authorized Napoleon fireplace hearth dealers nationwide from July 2002 through September 2008 for about $2,000.

Manufactured in: Canada

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the fireplace and contact Wolf Steel to receive a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Wolf Steel toll-free at (866) 539-2039 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.napoleonfireplaces.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09063.html



********************************************************

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.


Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 17 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com




Proud Mama To

Economic recovery must include moms

"So far this week around 40,000 job cuts have been announced by an array of companies as varied as Dow Chemical, Electronic Arts, the National Football League and Sony Corp," writes CNN this morning¹.  Times are tough. But they can be even tougher for people who have (or had) part-time positions.  Did you know that two-thirds of the states don't provide unemployment compensation to part-time workers? That's right, for the 6.6 million mothers of children under 18 who work part time², many have zero economic security in this time of historic levels of job loss.
Which begs the question:  "What are we, chopped liver?"  Our paid and unpaid work isn't just gravy, it's essential to the economic survival of our families.
Ask your Senators to support the Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act (UIMA) as part of the economic recovery package they're working on now.

http://www.momsrising.org/ModernizeUnemployment
Forward this message to your friends, and to anyone you know who works part-time, so they can contact their Senators too.  Congress is making big decisions, right now, about what to include in the economic recovery package -- they need to hear from as many people as possible that this issue should be at the top of their list for inclusion in the recovery package.
Including the UMIA in the economic recovery package is essential because right now only 37 percent of unemployed workers are eligible for unemployment benefits.  That leaves 63% of people out! This is because Unemployment Insurance was created in 1935, but the workforce has changed dramatically since then: There are far more low-wage, part-time, and women workers in the labor market whose incomes are essential to the family budget.
To be an effective safety net, Unemployment Insurance needs to be updated to meet 21st century economic demands on families³.  Without these updates, the economic recovery package will fall short of  supporting working families who will be the engine of our long-term economic success.  Current Unemployment Insurance programs that do not cover part-time workers and low wage workers discriminate against mothers and threaten the economic security of families.
Click here to ask your Senators to support the Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act today.
http://www.momsrising.org/ModernizeUnemployment
Thank you!
--Donna, Katie, and the MomsRising.org Team
P.S.  Have you been denied unemployment insurance because you work part time or have low wages?  If so, share your story here: http://www.momsrising.org/node/1234
1. CNN article from this morning -
http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/09/news/economy/no_layoffs/index.htm?postversion=2008121105
2. In 2007, according to the Census, 6.6 million women with children under age 18 worked part-time.  This represents 25.8 percent of all employed mothers.
3. The UIMA responds to this need for modernization by rewarding states that adopt innovative and successful reforms, thus providing benefits to  workers who are now falling through the cracks of the unemployment program.For more info on the UIMA, see a great (and short) article at
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/dec2008/db2008127_576014_page_2.htm

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 17 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com




Proud Mama To

Positive parenting idea of the day

Praise, praise, praise!  When children are expressing their feelings appropriately, let them know you like what you hear.  Remember, the behaviors you pay attention to are the behaviors that are being reinforced.  Catch your children behaving.

--Stephen J. Bavolek, Nurturing Skills for Families

 

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 17 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com




Proud Mama To

Britax Recall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kate Clark

Britax Child Safety, Inc.

(704) 409-1700

BRITAX ANNOUNCES VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL

- Remedy kit will be shipping no later than January 7, 2009 -

CHARLOTTE, NC (December 12, 2008) - Britax Child Safety, Inc. announced today that it is conducting a voluntary safety recall on the FrontierT combination Harness-2-BoosterT child restraints. The recall includes Frontier child restraints manufactured between April 1, 2008 and September 14, 2008 for Model #s E9L54E7, E9L54H6, E9L54H7 and E9L54M6 and between April 1, 2008 and September 17, 2008 on Model # E9L5490.

If the harness straps are repeatedly loosened one strap at a time, then the harness strap(s) may become detached from the metal yoke located on the back of the child seat. If the harness strap(s) becomes loose or detached then the condition can be corrected by inspecting the back of the child seat and reattaching the harness straps. If this condition occurs, the child may not be properly restrained, and in the event of a vehicle crash there could be an increased risk of injury.

To address this issue, Britax will provide two rubber caps that can be easily placed on the yoke slots to prevent the harness straps from detaching. The rubber caps have been specifically designed for the Frontier yoke to provide a secure fit and have been tested to verify their effectiveness.

No later than January 7, 2009, the rubber caps will be mailed with an instruction sheet to all registered Frontier child restraint owners with manufacturing dates prior to September 15 or 18, 2008. Additional caps will be made available to retailers with affected inventory of Frontiers manufactured prior to September 15 or 18, 2008. All Frontier child restraint owners should confirm whether their Frontier is affected by verifying the date of manufacture. Detailed instructions for locating this information can be found at www.FrontierRecall.com

Until consumers receive their remedy kit, they should confirm that their harness system is properly attached to the metal yoke and they may continue to safely use their child restraint.

Owners of the Frontier child restraint who have not registered their product or need to verify existing registration should contact the Britax information line, toll free at 1-800-683-2045 or visit www.FrontierRecall.com.

Becka has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Development, and has 17 years experience in the field. She is a Certified Parent Educator and Licensed Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Sign Language Instructor. You can visit her site, at www.learnandgrowtogether.com




Proud Mama To