Yeled V'Yalda Blog

Infant Massage Training

EGrossman — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:34:17 +0000

In an exciting training beginning June 7,Linda Storm, Certified Infant Massage Instructor, spent four days instructing ARRA home visitors from Boro Park and Staten Island. In addition, Post partum specialists from EMP attended, as well as home visitors from Crown Heights and Williamsburg.
Staff members learned baby development, attachment theory, relationship development, and the importance of touch, as well as how to teach mothers to massage their babies. Parents were invited to bring their babies to the class to show staff members baby and mom reactions and development with infant massage.

Father Time at EHS

EGrossman — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:07:18 +0000

Fridays at YVYEHS (99 Heyward Street) is “Tatty Time”. The new Early Head Start program is designed to give fathers a chance to interact with their children in a very kid-friendly environment. They can also meet and “schmooze” with other Tatties.

The children are given an opportunity to play “dress up”, use the art center, and enjoy the sand and water table. Siblings have time to spend playing with their younger brothers and sisters.

Families participating in this wonderful program realize what a “win-win” situation it is. Tatties enjoy quality time and Mommies,at home, get a well-deserved break.

Ezra Medical Center in Forefront of Community Battle Against Mumps

EGrossman — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:37:40 +0000

YVY’s affiliate Ezra Medical Center has teamed up with the New York City Department of Health to offer free MMR vaccines to adults who have not been fully immunized or are uncertain of their immunization status ( children can already receive free vaccines through the Vaccines for Children Program). As the summer approaches and children and adults go off to camp and bungalow colonies where infection can pass easily from one person to another, it is more important than ever to assure that all possible precautions are taken to minimize transmission of the mumps virus.

It can take from 12 to 25 days after a person is exposed for symptoms of mumps to appear, and a person is most contagious just before the onset of symptoms. This can have severe ramifications for susceptible individuals, especially children who are not fully immunized and who can suffer severe reactions from the disease.

Ezra Medical Center has walk-in hours for those wishing to get the mumps vaccine. Please call 718.686.7600 and press the * key for more information.

Federal Reviewers Visit YVY Head Start and Early Head Start

EGrossman — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:34:58 +0000

The week of April 18 was a busy one at Yeled V’Yalda. YVY hosted a team of twelve reviewers for the triennial review of its Federal Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Each member of the review team was assigned to a particular area and conducted staff interviews and in-depth examinations of documents to assure that YVY is complying with all Head Start regulations. The reviewers also visited YVY Federal classrooms and spoke with YVY parents.

The reviewers’ preliminary reaction to the visit was very positive. They were pleased with the scope of YVY’s services, the dedication of its staff, and the meticulousness of its record keeping. YVY thanks the Board members, Policy Council members, and parents who made themselves available for interviews during the week of the review. YVY’s success is very much dependent on the input and cooperation of both Board members and parents.

From Wheat to Matzah

EGrossman — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:12:57 +0000

The children at 1257 38th Street baked matzah this week in honor of the upcoming Yom Tov of Pesach. All Head Start Classes were hands on baking matzohs at a mock Matzoh factory at the Yeled v’Yalda building at 1257 38th Street.

All the Children greatly enjoyed themselves!

Health Seminar at 99 Heyward

EGrossman — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:31:40 +0000

Today, YvY in Williamsburg had a very successful health seminar presented by Jeniffer Grossman. Ms. Grossman is a registered nurse from Weill Medical College and Lolo Phillips, Coordinator from Hunter School of Nursing, and is in partnership with Weill Medical College.

Despite the busy season,19 mothers took the time and effort to attend this very informative and educational workshop. A nutritious lunch was served and the mothers all enjoyed a break from their hectic schedules.

The presenter spoke about various health issues including asthma (Williamsburg has a very high percent rate of asthma in young children), pneumonia, bronchitis, the effects of second hand smoke, mumps, and the importance of immunizations. Ms. Grossman spoke about how to prevent these illnesses, the symptoms of these diseases and an action plan if and when they occur. The nurse checked their blood pressure and parents had an opportunity to talk privately with the presenter on health related issues. The mothers all felt it was worth their time to attend this important workshop. YvY will be scheduling an additional workshop in April on other related topics.

Head Start Hosts Nutrition Workshop

EGrossman — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:26:25 +0000

February 1st marked the first installment of the the 8-session nutrition curriculum hosted by We Care Early Head Start in Williamsburg in collaboration with the Cornell Cooperative Extension. The presenter spoke about the food pyramid, and illustrated her talk with interactive activities, models, and group feedback.
Following the lecture segement, participants prepared a healthy recipe incorporating the various food groups, and were invited to submit their personal information to receive personalized nutritional advice based on their height, weight, and lifestyles.
The learning experience was succinctly summed up by one of the enthusiastic participants: “very informative and enjoyable.”

YvY WIC Responds to Food Package Changes

EGrossman — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:10:33 +0000

Paving the way for the rest of the nation, NYS WIC changed the food package in 2009 and has made some additional revisions now, in January 2010. Soy products, whole grain tortillas, and an increase in fruits and vegetables are now offered to participants. USDA is offering the public the opportunity to comment on the food package revisions.
YvY WIC has taken the opportunity to register its response, which is based on feedback, reactions and requests from participants. This feedback, gleaned through participant surveys and one-on-one counseling sessions, has been positive. Participants say they appreciate the opportunity presented by the new food packages to add healthier foods to their diets and are thereby motivated to learn about changing their lifestyles to lead increasingly nutritious lives.

Ezra Medical and Head Start Launch New School-Based Dental Initiative

EGrossman — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:32:58 +0000

As part of their commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle for all children, Ezra Medical Center and Yeled v’Yalda Head Start are launching an exciting new collaborative project. Beginning the first week of February, Ezra Medical Center’s School Based Dental Team will be visiting all YvY Head Start classrooms. A dentist and a dental hygienist will conduct classroom education on proper brushing techniques and discuss healthy dietary habits. Each child will have their teeth brushed and receive their very own toothbrush to take home with them.
For more information, parents may contact Dr. Meryl Hersh, DDS, Regional Dental Director at (718) 686-7600, option 8.

Early Head Start Staff Trainings

EGrossman — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:44:16 +0000

Yeled v’Yalda has always believed in maintaining a high level of professionalism among its staff. As part of that commitment, Early Head Start conducts ongoing professional development events.
On January 11, Early Head Start hosted a full-day training for both center- and home-based Head Start staff. Employees from Boro Park, Williamsburg, and Staten Island Sites attended the training, which was given by the National Head Start Family Literacy Center.
The morning session was titled “Talk to Me: Encouraging Language Development in the Home,” and the afternoon session was “Language Development: Enhancing Intentional Teaching Strategies.” Both trainings were specifically geared to staff working with the EHS population.
On the same day, Janie Friedman and Devorah Barnett presented to EHS home visitors and family workers important information concerning providing services to pregnant women participants. This training was as a followup to the informational memo distributed by the National Head Start Bureau.
On January 13, the EHS home visitors, program coordinators and mental health consultant attended a very informative Full-day training on perinatal mood disorders, given by Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services.