PCDC Monthly Newsletter
January 2022
About Us
Email: nagee@pcdcva.org
Website: www.pcdcva.org
Location: 602 Main Street, West Point, VA, USA
Phone: (804)843-2289
Parent Child Development Corporation
Our Mission
The mission of Parent Child Development Corporation is to empower families to improve the quality of their lives through educational and self-help programs, family support services, and advocacy activities in partnership with the community.
Our Vision
The vision of Parent Child Development Corporation (PCDC) is to be a leader in comprehensive preschool programs, child care services, and family support services in Virginia’s Middle Peninsula. PCDC will provide direct services, coordinate regional and inter-agency service delivery systems for children and families, and advocate for programs and services which promote the welfare of all children and families in the community, state and nation. PCDC will forge partnerships with communities and organizations to effectively and efficiently utilize human and financial resources, both public and private.
Happy New Year, PCDC!
Happy Retirement, Ms. Mack!
PCDC thanks you, Ms. Mack for your years of dedication and care. You've been an inspiration to so many. What you've contributed and given to PCDC will never be forgotten.
Congratulations!
Jessica
Departures
It is with great sadness we announce the departure of our Human Resource Manager, Aixa Aklan. She has given 4 years of dedicated service to Parent Child Development Corporation. We thank her as well as appreciate her dedication, knowledge, and assistance in the HR Manager role.
In light of her departure, we are pleased to announce Jessica Poe will be Interim Human Resource Manager. She has accepted the position effective Thursday, November 11th, 2021. She will continue to be a guide and assist in the USDA Coordinator role as well.
We wish the following staff members well in their future endeavors:
Michelle Meehan, Mental Health Coordinator
Shadora Ball, TC Walker Teacher
Kimberly Taylor, Smart Start Manager
Carol Dodson, Family Advocate Manager
New Staff
Please welcome new hires to the PCDC team!
Teana Northrop-TC Walker, Teacher Assistant
Tatyana Gresham- Main Office, Fiscal Administrative Clerk
Congratulations!
Education Site
The Education Team created a site on Microsoft Share for teaching staff. You can go on the site, view material provided, and add commentary as well as articles and videos. This is your site to explore and share ideas with your colleagues. To log on, go to your email account. Click on the waffle next to Outlook on the left. Click Microsoft Share and you should be able to see the site.
The virus is rapidly spreading; we need everyone to be diligent and wear their MASK.
New Cleaning Products for the Classrooms
You Ask, Why Make a Change?
Bleach has been used for years as a disinfectant in health care facilities and schools. However, bleach is corrosive and an irritant, especially to asthmatics and can be dangerous to health. It is the cause of many childhood poisonings. Dangerous fumes are produced when mixed with ammonia products. It is recommended that an alternative to bleach be used to sanitize or disinfect where necessary. Choose the least toxic U.S. EPA registered sanitizer or disinfectant for the task. Information about products and ingredients can be found on the CT DEP database at:
http://www.kellysolutions.com/CT/pesticideindex.htm
New Products Purell Professional Surface Disinfectant Spray and Wipes!
The PURELL® brand brings solutions that are designed to help improve your current sanitizing and disinfecting processes. These intuitive products are easy to use and require little to no training. Because both the sprays and wipes are ready to go, they eliminate errors and makes application simple.
The new products will be arriving shortly and you will receive a supply for your classroom and a Revised Policy and Procedure on Classroom Sanitation. Hope you will find this change a positive to promoting the health and safety of our students and staff.
Gay Brooks & Chris Dyke
5 Tips to Keep Your Classroom Clean
As schools reopen, now is the time to think about how best to keep our school buildings and classrooms clean and sanitized. Below are some tips school administrators, teachers, and building maintenance staffs can follow to maintain a safe environment and reduce the risk of exposure for their students.
1. Use an EPA-approved surface disinfectant.
The EPA regulates surface disinfectants to ensure they are effective and safe for use by consumers. In today’s environment it’s important to use a disinfectant that is effective against coronavirus. Refer to EPA’s List N for EPA-approved disinfectant products that are appropriate for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The EPA expects products on the list, which includes all PURELL® Surface Disinfectants and PURELL® Surface Disinfecting Wipes, to kill the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 when used according to label directions.
2. Choose a surface disinfectant that is worry free around children.
Student safety is of utmost importance in a school setting. All EPA-registered disinfectants have a “Keep Out of Reach of Children” warning label, but not all disinfectants have precautionary statements like “Warning” or “Caution.” For instance, PURELL® Surface Disinfectants do not contain harsh chemicals and have the EPA’s lowest allowable toxicity rating. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends, “When possible, only products labeled as safe for humans and the environment (e.g., Safer or Designed for the Environment (DfE) certified), containing active ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide, ethanol [alcohol], citric acid, should be selected from this list, because they are less toxic, are not strong respiratory irritants or asthma triggers, and have no known carcinogenic, reproductive, or developmental effects.” Limit the use of disinfectants that contain precautionary statements when students are present.
3. Ensure surface disinfectants remain visibly wet for the contact time specified on the product label to ensure that they are effective.
Disinfectants are only effective if they are used as indicated on the label. Refer to the product label to familiarize yourself with the recommended contact time and use instructions. Reapply the product if necessary. Keep in mind that not all products have the same contact time. PURELL® Surface Disinfecting Spray kills many organisms in 30 seconds, including human coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
4. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently.
The CDC guidelines for maintaining healthy environments in schools recommends at least daily cleaning and sanitization of high-touch surfaces.2 Examples of surfaces include:
· doorknobs/push bars, locker handles
· light switches, pencil sharpeners
· sink handles, drinking fountains
· desks, playground equipment
· computer keyboards
Before using a disinfectant on screens or electronics, check with the manufacturer to make sure it is compatible with the device surface to prevent damage. PURELL® Surface Disinfectants are safe to use on electronic touch screens, including cell phones and tablets.
5. Re-sanitize surfaces regularly.
High-touch surfaces should be re-sanitized between uses as much as possible, especially after periods of increased activity. The use of shared equipment is discouraged, however when necessary, items should be sanitized between uses. Make sure you’re using the right disinfectants on the right surfaces – for instance, many disinfectants are not safe to use on soft surfaces, according to their label.
By Mary Czaplicki, Research Scientist, GOJO Industries
Winter Self-Care Challenge
How it works:
· Starting January 10, 2022
· Take 30 days and do something from the chart each day for yourself.
· Snap a photo of the activity and receive 1 point.
· Snap a photo of the activity with your face and receive 2 points.
· You can do the activities randomly or in any order you want.
· You will need to be creative to get photos of a few activities.
· Just write the date on your card in the activity square. · Forward your 2 point photos to pbrooks@pcdcva.org (which may be displayed in the Main Office)
· Turn in your card with dates and photos by Feb. 10, 2022
Winner:
· Announced Feb. 14, 2022
· Whoever gets the most points (total possible 60 pts.)
· Or a drawing from the staff who tie in points.
GRAND PRIZE:
· 60 Minute Full Body Massage from Willow Salon
Have Fun and Enjoy!
Hello friends,
Sometimes as you are going through the storm you must stop and reflect on the peace at the eye of the storm. Think of a time you were calm in the midst of the chaos. It is at these times we discover our strength and resiliency. Together...we make changes and strides every day to touch the lives of children and families in our Early Head Start and Head Start program. As we take care of yourself (mentally, emotionally, and physically), we can in turn take care of others. As a co-worker shared her daily meditations as she commutes to work,I thought I would pass this along to you as well some time to motivate your mind for the day at hand.
Quotes to remember.
If you have particular quotes or meditations that keep you motivated, please share those with me and I can in turn share with others.
Thank you,
Michelle, Former Mental Health Coordinator
Healthy and fun treats for the whole family to enjoy! Bon Appetit!
Roasted Pumpkin Seed Snack Mix
In each baggie, start with a base of 1/2 ounce equivalent of crispy rice or wheat cereal squares and 1/2 ounce roasted whole pumpkin seeds - if you want to upcycle leftover seeds from carving your own Jack O'Lanterns, try roasting the removed seeds by placing them on a baking sheet at 400°F until lightly brown.
Finish off your mix with your favorite add-ins. MyPlate suggests slivered almonds, dried cranberries and raisins. Just be aware of any choking hazards or allergens!
Important Dates
January 18-21, 2022- Special Review Follow Up
February 7, 2022- FA2 Review
Secretary Powell’s 13 Rules of Leadership:
- It ain’t as bad as you think! It will look better in the morning.
- Get mad then get over it.
- Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
- It can be done.
- Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
- Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
- You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let someone else make yours.
- Check small things.
- Share credit.
- Remain calm. Be kind.
- Have a vision. Be demanding.
- Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
- Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
Colin L. Powell
1937-2021