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By Lori M. Myers

Penn State Hershey Medical Center has been

providing outstanding care to children and their

families for more than 40 years and serves as the only

children’s hospital and pediatric trauma center between

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. It is healing the sick,

alleviating suffering, and changing lives, providing the

best medical expertise from dedicated doctors and staff

and the latest advances in technology and procedures.

Now, that quality

and care is about to

get even better. A

new freestanding

facility will soon

be completed that

will house the

expertise and

state-of-the-art

care that has been

the hallmark of

the center for all

those decades. It

will be on par

with any children’s

hospital in the

country.

“We wanted to

bring up-to-date

technology and

advances to the

care we provide to

the children of

Central PA,” says

Dr. Barbara E.

Ostrov,

pediatrician in chief and vice chair of pediatrics in the

Department of Pediatrics at the hospital. “This new

facility will allow us to do this.”

The Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital at Penn

State Hershey Medical Center has always provided the

entire spectrum of services needed to give children the

best of care—from the very premature to those with

heart problems, skin conditions, kidney transplants, or

those having other surgical needs.

“We have more than 30 different specialists here

that can address the needs of any child with health

concerns or who need childcare,” Ostrov says. “We

also have pediatric consultants in any other area

needed, such as radiology, pathology, and physical

therapy, to improve the lives and outcome of

children who come through our doors.”

Along with providing jobs to many people and

increasing the number of employees in Central PA

who work at Penn State Hershey Medical Center,

the new Penn

State Hershey

Children’s

Hospital

allows the

expansion of

the center’s

clinical

program by

having a

new first-

floor clinic

and infusion

center for

children

with cancer

as well as

other

illnesses.

Two new

procedure

rooms for

children—

such as those

with stomach

issues who

need colonoscopies—will be in a pediatric center

for the first time. The new facility will also have

five pediatric operating rooms and a special heart

procedure room that can be turned into an

operating room that improves the safety of these

complex procedures for children with heart disease.

“These ORs and the family waiting room will be

wwwwww..BBuussiinneessssWWoommaannPPAA..ccoomm ffaammiillyy 22001122 3

Dr. Barbara E. Ostrov, pediatrician and vice chair

of pediatrics in the Department of Pediatrics.

Continued on page 5

In the Best Interestand Care of the Children

3912 Abel Drive • Columbia, PA 17512 717.285.1350 • onlinepub.com

A supplement to BUSINESSWWoommaann magazine

Inside:

Welcome to ffaammiillyy, a special insert to BUSINESSWWoommaann

magazine. We are pleased to provide information and resources

that will support you in your adventure through parenthood.

Education starts very young and begins with the parents.

But through the Keystone STARS program, standards have

been set for early learning centers. Find out what they are and

what you should look for in a quality daycare.

Moms and dads are always concerned about the well-being

of their children, both physically and emotionally. We are

grateful to Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, our

sponsoring partner, for working with us on this venture. Penn

State Hershey Children’s Hospital offers hope and healing for

those within our community and beyond. Find out more

about what you can expect to see and experience when the

new Children’s Hospital opens in the near future. Read

about some of the enhanced services they will provide.

Other information is also offered for parents of infants

through teens to assist them in a variety of aspects of

family life.

3

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

IInn tthhee BBeesstt IInntteerreesstt aanndd CCaarree ooff tthheeCChhiillddrreennProviding the best medical expertise.

FFaammiillyy RReessoouurrccee aanndd SSaaffeettyy CCeenntteerrssCenters for the overall wellbeing of the family.

TTeecchhnnoo--TTyykkeessIs using a computer good for your preschooler?

CCeenntteerreedd oonn tthhee PPrrootteeccttiioonn ooffCChhiillddrreennCoordinating and expanding initiatives to protect

children.

PPeerriinnaattaall SSeerrvviicceessSupport for the mother, baby, and family unit.

YYoouutthh VVoolluunntteeeerriissmmDefying the ‘Gen-Y’ stereotype.

SSeelleeccttiinngg aa DDaayyccaarreeWhat’s right for your child?

LLuunncchheess KKiiddss WWiillll LLoovveeThey’ll ask for them again and again.

IImmpprroovvee YYoouurr FFaammiillyy’’ss IIQQWays to make education come naturally.

RReeaaddeerrss’’ CCoorrnneerrSharing moments through books.

Christianne Rupp

Managing Editor


children focused for the first

time in our history,” Ostrov

says.

The new 252,000-square-

foot facility is located at the

east side of the center’s campus

adjacent to the main entrance

and in front of the University

Physician’s Center. It

completes what has been

termed the “arc,” which is

comprised of the Cancer

Institute in front and leads

to the main lobby and then

the Children’s Hospital.

Multicolored posts and a

waterfall, which flows down

the east wall of the building

and will be lit at

night, have been

incorporated in the

design to enhance the

visual beauty of the

facility.

“The new building

is designed for

children and their

families,” Ostrov says.

“The color scheme was

designed with our

Family Advisory

Council and is nature

focused.”

The new facility’s

ground floor will

include a new pediatric

radiology unit along

with a state-of-the-art

blood bank and

pharmacy, which will

serve both children and

adults. An interactive

learning wall is on the

first floor and there are

several outdoor spaces

for patients and families

as well as a meditation

space near the first-floor

café.

The first floor also includes the

Family Resource Center, where

families can learn about childhood

illnesses and health and wellness,

and the Safety Store, where car

seats, helmets, and other

important injury-prevention and

safety items can be assessed.

The Children’s Hospital’s

second floor will have operating

rooms and procedure rooms, and

the third floor will have medical,

surgical, and oncology patients.

The fourth floor will house the

intensive care areas. All of the

inpatient rooms, which are located

on the third and fourth floors, will

be private rooms and include space

where two parents can

comfortably spend the night

with their child. The

doctors who care for these

sickest patients will have

offices nearby on the fifth

floor. The building is

designed to accommodate

three more floors if needed

in the future.

The hospital belongs to

the children and families of

Central PA, Ostrov says.

She’s proud of the quality

and range of family and

child-focused services that

will be provided for those

coming to the new

facility to receive the best

of care.

“As vice chair, I am

most proud of our faculty

and staff,” she says.

“They put their hearts

into everything they do

for kids and families. The

new building will enable

them to continue this

effort in a wonderful,

new, up-to-date, child-

centric facility.”

The new Children’s Hospital building features a 40-foot-high by 27-foot-wide playful sculpture titled The Promise

by Rochester, NY-based artist Albert Paley. The sculpture ismore than 35,000 pounds of weathered steel with brightly

colored natural elements, including clouds, the sun andstars, a waterfall, and various animals—all designed to

not only delight and surprise hospital visitors who interactwith the sculpture, but to also aid in the spiritual and

emotional journey taken by ill children and their families.

The new Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.

Best InterestContinued from page 3

6 ffaammiillyy 22001122 wwwwww..BBuussiinneessssWWoommaannPPAA..ccoomm

By Lori M. Myers

Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital reaches out to

entire families, from admission to discharge. In order to

enhance its services, the facility has created a warm,

inviting place inside with its new Penn State Hershey

Family Resource

Center. Families,

patients, and

visitors can take

a break from the

patient’s bedside

and obtain

information

about services,

programs, and

resources

available within

the Children’s

Hospital and the

community.

“Computers

are available for

families and

visitors to stay in

touch with their

loved ones, as

well as stay

connected to

their workplace

if necessary,” says

Debbi Fuhrer,

family-centered

care coordinator.

Resources at

the Family

Resource Center

are divided into three main categories: hospitality (where

to eat, where to stay, local attractions, etc.); hospital

services (description of each support service and how to

get in contact with them); and clinical information (top

five diagnoses for each pediatric service and reputable

websites recommended by physicians).

The needs of and caring for families also extends to

patients’ siblings, who must deal with their own

challenges. With that in mind, the Family Resource

Center includes a sibling play area with planned activities

for siblings of patients. There are also private rooms for

family meetings if needed.

The Family

Resource Center

is partnering with

the Lois High

Berstler

Community

Health Library,

located on the

East Campus of

Penn State

Hershey Medical

Center, for

specific medical

information.

Included

along with the

Family Resource

Center will be

the Penn State

Hershey Safety

Center, both

located near the

main entrance of

the new Penn

State Hershey

Children’s

Hospital. This

location provides

high visibility to

everyone who

enters and exits.

Injuries are the leading cause of death and disability to

Pennsylvanians ages 1 to 44 years. And injury prevention

efforts at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital have

been expanding since 1995. Its success has resulted in a

decrease of admissions of injured children to the intensive

care unit and rehabilitation.

Susan Rzucidlo, MSN, RN, pediatric trauma and injury preventionprogram manager, and Debbi Fuhrer, family-centered care coordinator.

Family Resourceand Safety Centers

Nevertheless, injuries are still occurring and there are

increasing demands for injury prevention information.

Leading causes of injuries for children admitted to the

Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital are motor vehicle-

related trauma and falls. Other injury causes include

pedestrian, bicycle, sports and recreational, burns, farm

injuries, and intentional injuries such as child abuse,

stabbing, and gunshot wounds.

“It became apparent that a highly visible and physically

permanent location is needed to continue to meet the

needs of our growing population,” says Susan Rzucidlo,

pediatric trauma and injury prevention program manager.

“The Penn State Hershey Safety Center will provide an

opportunity for an expansion of the program and further

reduce the number and severity of injuries that will be

suffered by the children of Central Pennsylvania.”

The Safety Center will provide prevention information

and access to safety devices known to reduce the risk of

injuries for every child and family. Personalized, age-

appropriate education about preventing injuries will be

given by an injury prevention health educator with

“hands-on” opportunities for how to use smoke detectors,

car seats, and safety gates. Selected safety devices that

target major risk areas will be available for employees,

patients, families, and the public.

Additionally, educational programs for outreach

activities for healthcare providers, schools, and others

interested in keeping children healthy and safe will be

offered. The Safety Center will also serve as a resource for

local practitioners on injury-prevention strategies and

resources for preventing injuries to children.

These new resources for children and families were

made possible through partnerships with staff at Penn

State Hershey Children’s Hospital and local businesses.

Also, generous donations to the Children’s Hospital’s

building fund were made by the PNC Foundation and the

Hershey Company.

“We must be an advocate to prevent the injuries to

children,” says Rzucidlo, “but also improve the safety for

parents and other family members.”


Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital Safety Centernearing completion.

By Kelly James-Enger

Our family members are amazed when they see my

2-year-old son at the computer. He can already sign

on, play games at Sesame Street online

(www.sesamestreet.org), and insert and play

educational CDs.

It’s surprising to watch how absorbed he becomes,

and how skilled he’s become at using the mouse, but I

have to wonder—is computer time a good idea for a

child his age?

Today the home computer has become as

ubiquitous as the toaster, and kids are exposed to PCs

from the time they’re young. But you may be

wondering how much computer time is appropriate

for young kids, or whether you should keep them off

of it altogether.

At the same time, you don’t want your child to be

behind the learning curve when he enters preschool or

kindergarten.

“A computer is like any other appliance,” says

technology and parenting expert Sharon Cindrich,

author of E-Parenting: Keeping Up with Your Tech-Savvy Kids. “It’s like TV. Kids are going to come across

it in the course of their day.”

That’s why it’s better for parents to introduce their

kids to the computer instead of waiting for them to

learn about it in preschool or kindergarten.

“When you allow your child to interact with it at

an early age, you have the opportunity to teach them

safe habits and good behavior, and lay that foundation

early on,” says Cindrich. “The other thing is there are

a lot of educational advantages. We used to buy toys

that blinked and had colored lights and talked to us,

and even though we don’t consider the computer a

toy, it does all of the things that we used to look for in

educational play toys.”

Using a computer can help toddlers improve their

eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills and to

learn cause and effect. In addition, playing games can

help them learn skills like letter identification,

counting, color and shape identification, and

matching and sorting.

“We have a lot of educational games for different

age ranges,” says Wendy Lambert, the mother of two

Techno-Tykes: Is Using a ComputerGood for Your Preschooler?


boys, Zachary, 6, and Maxwell, 4, who started playing a

simple software game when they were about 2. “There are

games like Clifford, Bob the Builder, and Blue’s Clues,

and they have adjustable skill levels, which is nice.”

They also play games on Nick Jr. online

(www.nickjr.com). (See the sidebar for toddler-friendly

websites.)

“I think it’s definitely helped their matching and

sorting skills, and it’s improved their eye-hand

coordination,” she says. “I do think using the computer

has been worthwhile.”

The boys each have a daily time limit of 25 minutes,

and they can only use the computer when Lambert or her

husband is in the room.

Yet the most advanced software is no match for simply

spending time with, playing with, and reading to your

toddler or preschooler.

“I think many parents believe that they must rush,

even before the baby is born, to get all the technological

apparatuses ready,” says Peggy S. Meszaros, Ph.D., the

William E. Lavery professor of human development and

director of the Center for Information Technology

Impacts on Children, Youth, and Families at Virginia

Tech. “They fail to realize that they are the most

powerful teachers their children have.”

Computer time should be balanced with “outdoor

activities and face-to-face activities that will help their

children’s development intellectually, emotionally, and

physically,” says Meszaros.

And remember that a PC isn’t a babysitter for kids this

young.

“The parent should be sitting with the preschooler,”

says Meszaros. “Then you can also engage them in

conversation about what they’re doing. That’s a

higher level of learning than just ‘point and click.’”

Setting time limits, like Lambert does, prevents

young kids from spending too much time moving

their mouse around.

“Fifteen minutes is long enough for a young

child to be at the computer,” says Cindrich.

“Establish a time boundary early on, whether with a

timer or a watch.”

Start out with your child on your lap, and teach

your toddler the following computer rules:

• Wash your hands before using it.

• Keep food and drinks away from the

computer.

• Sit facing straight ahead, with proper posture.

• Only use the computer with a grown-up.

Make sure that the room is well lit to reduce

eye strain, and keep children at an appropriate

distance from the computer screen. Teach your child to

treat the computer responsibly, such as letting her clean

the screen, turn it off when she’s done with it, and store

and take care of her software discs.

Like educational videos, computer games can’t replace

reading or interaction, but your toddler may benefit from

playing with your PC—with your help. Not only will she

learn about numbers and letters, but she’ll help develop

healthy computer habits as well.

Great Sites for Toddlers

Crayola (www.crayola.com) – Hands-on fun

featuring crayons and your child’s imagination

Lil’ Fingers (www.lilfingers.com) – Activities that

encourage reading, drawing, and interactive learning

Nick Jr. (www.nickjr.kids.us) – Games and

printable material featuring Blue, Dora, Little Bill,

and all your favorite Nick Jr. characters

PBS Kids (www.pbskids.org) – Arthur, Clifford, the

gang from Sesame Street, and all your favorite PBS

programs are featured in games, stories, and activities

Peep and the Big Wide World

(www.peepandthebigwideworld.com) – Interactive

science activities for preschoolers

Starfall.com (www.starfall.com) – A great site for

kids just learning to read

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By Lori M. Myers

Children are one of the most

vulnerable members of society. Our

region has become more acutely aware

of this fact as we read the headlines

and turn on the news to learn about

how some of our most responsible

adult leaders and caregivers are being

accused of abusing children and

destroying the lives of the very young

and innocent.

In the wake of recent child abuse

tragedies, Penn State Hershey Medical

Center has instituted The Penn State

Hershey Center for the Protection of

Children in order to coordinate and

expand clinical, research, and

educational initiatives to protect

children from abuse and help heal

those who have been injured.

But the new center’s facility, with

an expected completion in the early

part of 2013, isn’t the medical center’s

first time at taking action. Since 2008,

the medical center had instituted

educational programs for all of its new

employees to make them aware of

their responsibility in identifying and

reporting suspected child abuse.

The statistics are startling.

According to the Centers for Disease

Control, nearly 6 million children are

reported for suspected child

maltreatment each year in the United

States. An average of five children—

most of them under the age of 4—die

every day from abuse or neglect.

One out of every five children in

Dr. Benjamin H. Levi, director of thePenn State Hershey Center for the Protection of Children.

Centered on theProtection of Children


the country will be sexually abused before their 18th

birthday. Many victims stay silent about their abuse,

resulting in scars that could last a lifetime as well as

injuries that could be passed on to the next generation.

“Child abuse has been recognized by the Centers for

Disease Control as a major public health concern,” says

Dr. Benjamin H. Levi, director of the Penn State

Hershey Center for the Protection of

Children. “Yet Pennsylvania has one of

the lowest rates in the nation for

reporting and identifying child

abuse.”

Fortunately, in light of

recent reports, the laws against

child abuse are changing in

our state. Levi says there is

emerging legislation that will

update “in a good way” what

qualifies as abuse and how it’s

reported.

Levi will be joined at the new

center by a clinical child-protection

team that includes one child-abuse

specialist, two pediatricians who have

completed specialized post-graduate training

in child protection, and a social worker. The larger

team of specialists includes physicians and nurses in

pediatric surgery, neurosurgery, critical care, neurology,

psychiatry, pulmonary ophthalmology, and other fields.

The center is also in the process of recruiting a clinical

psychologist and an additional board-certified child-abuse

specialist.

“When treating children who have been abused, it is

critical to treat the whole child, which includes addressing

their psychological and social needs, in addition to their

physical injuries and developmental concerns,” says Levi.

“Because each child is unique, their treatment plan is

developed specifically around their individual needs.”

The center’s plans include expanding its clinical

outreach by developing an outpatient clinic

that will serve as the medical home for

children who have been abused and

placed in foster care.

Additionally, the center is

developing an eLearning

module for school personnel on

how to become a responsible

mandated reporter. It includes

a variety of research and

outreach initiatives that focus

on the prevention of child

abuse, as well as sharpens its

ability to accurately identify and

report suspected abuse.

One of the center’s challenges, Levi

says, is educating people on the

frontlines—teachers, healthcare professionals,

and others working with children—to be aware and

vigilant without overreacting, to understand the

prevalence of child abuse and what their role is in the

protection of children.

“We don’t expect anyone to become an expert on child

abuse,” Levi says, “but to be a good citizen.”

““WWhheenn ttrreeaattiinngg

cchhiillddrreenn wwhhoo hhaavvee

bbeeeenn aabbuusseedd,, iitt iiss

ccrriittiiccaall ttoo ttrreeaatt tthhee

wwhhoollee cchhiilldd..””

Perinatal Services –Support for the Mother, Baby,

and Family Unit

By Lori M. Myers

To find out that there is something medically wrong

with a baby that is not yet born is certainly an

overwhelming moment that can leave parents numb.

The Perinatal Program at Penn State Hershey

Children’s Hospital was developed to guide parents and

families through this stressful time by working one on one

with each family, taking them through the consultation

process from scheduling of appointments and personally

escorting them to these appointments to providing them

with a real person to whom they could ask questions and

get information.

“As the perinatal program coordinator, I have the

privilege of working with families, community

healthcare providers throughout Central PA, and

the healthcare providers at Penn State Hershey

Children’s Hospital and Hershey Medical Center

to support the overriding goal of helping parents

deal with the challenge of having a baby who will

need special care after they are born,” says Pat

Avakian. “It is all focused on achieving the best

outcome for the baby and the family.”

The Perinatal Program also makes it easier for

healthcare providers in the region to refer their

patients to Penn State Hershey Children’s

Hospital for consultations related to the

management and care of unborn babies

diagnosed with fetal abnormalities that will

require either immediate or early intervention

following delivery. It also ensures that

communication between Penn State Hershey

providers and the referring physician is done in a

complete and timely manner.

The pediatric specialty groups include the

Children’s Heart Group, neurosurgery,

orthopedic surgery, general surgery, plastic

surgery, and urology. They treat conditions such

as atrial septal defects, brain tumors, clubfoot,

airway obstructions, bladder exstrophy, and many

others.

“In addition to the surgical specialties, there

are an extensive number of support services

available that provide follow-up care and

Pat Avakian in the present pediatric play area, looking forwardto the quickly approaching move to the new hospital.



management of children throughout childhood and

adolescence to adulthood,” Avakian says. “All these

services are conveniently located here in Central

Pennsylvania.”

Diagnosis involves state-of-the-art equipment at Penn

State Hershey Children’s Hospital that is unequaled. The

discovery of birth abnormalities is most often determined

through prenatal ultrasound, Avakian says. When an

abnormality is identified involving the brain, fetal airway,

or possible chest mass, a fetal MRI performed at Penn

State Hershey provides a more detailed view of the

anomaly.

“No other facility in Central Pennsylvania has this

diagnostic tool available,” Avakian says. “The fetal MRI is

instrumental in determining the most appropriate

management plan for the delivery of the baby.”

Central PA is also very fortunate to have a neonatal

intensive care unit at Penn State Hershey Children’s

Hospital that is classified as a Level IIIC, the only one in

our region to have this type of classification. The next

closest at that level are in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Located in the same building as the NICU are the

maternal child unit and the maternal fetal medicine

department, where obstetrical specialists provide prenatal

care to the mother and are able to effectively and safely

care for both routine and highly complex deliveries.

Supporting the mother, baby, and family unit is the

goal of the Perinatal Program at Penn State Hershey

Children’s Hospital. A very important part of Avakian’s

responsibilities includes meeting on a regular basis with

the maternal fetal medicine physicians and neonatologists

at other Level III facilities in the area to discuss patients

who will be referred to Hershey for consultation. She also

visits community hospitals in the region to identify ways

in which Hershey can support them.

“The ability to collaborate with the providers in other

facilities,” Avakian says, “offers the opportunity to ensure

that the best possible care is provided to all patients

through the sharing of information and resources

throughout Central Pennsylvania.”

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Youth VolunteerismDefies the ‘Gen-Y’ Stereotypes

By Megan Joyce

When it comes to broad stereotyping, generation Y

takes a beating.

Those born between the years of 1981 and 1995 are

often the unhappy recipients of some brutal labels.

Pampered. Opposed to hard work. Self-centered. Needy.

Socially inept.

But those negative labels are just stereotypes, and

stereotypes are meant to be—and often are—disproved.

Today’s teenagers and young adults are also incredibly

generous and socially conscious, as evidenced by their

widespread volunteerism.

Many of the generation’s naysayers would be surprised

to learn that in 2004, youths between the ages of 12 and

18 contributed more than 1.3 billion hours of service,

according to a national study conducted by the

Corporation for National and Community Service with

the U.S. Census Bureau and Independent Sector.

In fact, young people volunteered at twice the rate of

adults, with 55 percent of youth volunteering, compared

with only 29 percent of adults.

And one of those young people is Katy Gochnauer, 18,

a graduate of Hempfield High School and a freshman at

Slippery Rock University. Gochnauer’s resume of

volunteer work is impressive and varied, and like so many

of her peers, her reason for volunteering is simple and

altruistic.

“I think it’s really a satisfaction that you get from

helping other people, knowing that you won’t get any

immediate recognition necessarily for it,” Gochnauer said.

“But it’s just nice to know you’re helping other people

out.”

Gochnauer has been extensively involved in activities at

her church, including conducting the church’s weekly

video presentations for the past four years, working in the

church nursery, helping with holiday meals, and

participating with vacation Bible school.

“At vacation Bible school, all the kids that you get to

work with really make an impression on you, just the little

things that they do,” Gochnauer said.

“She has a very caring personality, and that comes

through in her volunteer work,” said her mother, Loren

Gochnauer. “About halfway through night one of Bible

school, kids are crawling on her lap, like she’s holding two

and three kids at a time. Kids know. They know who cares

and who doesn’t care.”

At her school, Gochnauer was a member of the Anchor



Club, which promotes volunteerism. In her freshman

year, she participated in Hempfield’s Mini-THON to

raise money for cancer research.

In addition to serving as captain of her soccer team

for five years, Gochnauer has also helped with soccer

training camps for all ages.

When a classmate passed away from a drug overdose,

Gochnauer was one of the students who volunteered for

the fundraiser that sold t-shirts and car washes to raise a

few thousand dollars toward his family’s medical bills.

And this holiday season, when you hear the familiar

tolling of the Salvation Army bells, Gochnauer might be

the person ringing them. For five years in a row,

Gochnauer has rung the donation bell at the mall, a

bank, a pizza shop, and a grocery store.

“People are generous,” she noted. “It’s cool to see all

the kids asking their moms for change to go put in the

bucket.”

As is so often the case, volunteerism runs in

Gochnauer’s family. She has helped both her

volunteering grandmothers at a Manheim thrift shop,

sorting donations and helping to price items.

Her father and mother are longtime volunteers as well

and started Gochnauer off young, encouraging her to

help them sort cans donated to the food bank at

Thanksgiving.

For parents struggling to find a way to initiate their

children to the value and importance of volunteering

their time, Gochnauer said that following one of their

interests is the easiest path.

“Do something that they’re interested in,” she said. “A

sports team, church—there are always things you can do

… or through school. There are always clubs you can get

into. If your child’s interested in something, it’s going to

be easy to get them to volunteer, especially if their friends

are doing it.”

At Slippery Rock, Gochnauer is studying to become a

physical therapist, an occupation in line with her

longstanding desire to help others. And despite the rigors

of collegiate academia, Gochnauer has continued her

volunteer work by joining the Best Buddy program,

where she is paired with an adult who has mental health

challenges for regular activities.

Gochnauer has also chosen to assist the American

Cancer Society as a leader for a fitness fundraiser and

hopes to become a student ambassador for her college in

the future.

Just one of many young adults challenging the

negative gen-Y characterizations, Gochnauer reiterated

her motivation for serving her community.

“It’s just nice knowing that you can help other

people,” she said. “It’s also [knowing that] someone out

there is benefitting from what I’m doing, and the little

bit of time I can give is helping someone out a lot.”

Katy Gochnauer has been extensively involved in activitiesat her church, including participating with vacation

Bible school and conducting the weekly video presentations.

Selecting a DaycareThat’s Right for Your Child

By Rochelle A. Shenk

Choosing a childcare program for your child is an

important decision. There are so many choices to make,

and it can be a bit overwhelming—there are more than

9,000 registered and certified childcare programs in

Pennsylvania.

You want your child to be

in a fun environment, but it

should also be safe and

educational. Additionally,

early experiences can have a

big impact on your child’s

future success.

“The first five years are

critical in a child’s

development. Children

develop social skills, and the

foundation of a good work

ethic is formed during this

time. A childcare center

prepares a child for

kindergarten,” says Kelly

Swanson, communications

and public policy director at

Pennsylvania Key, an

organization that manages

statewide professional

development initiatives for

childcare professionals.

Like an ice cream store,

there’s a wide variety of

childcare providers to choose

from, and not every one will

suit a parent’s needs. Some

parents prefer in-home care or care in someone else’s

home, while others may prefer center-based care or a

preschool.

“Any program you choose should consider the parent

as a partner in the program. There should be a lot of

communication between the program and/or the teacher

and the parent,” Swanson says. She also advises parents to

talk with their child every day about activities in childcare,

so they can continue the learning process at home.

In Pennsylvania there are both non-regulated childcare

programs and programs that are regulated by the state

Department of Public Welfare. Regulated programs

include childcare centers, a childcare facility, and a

childcare facility located in a home.

These are inspected once

per year and must follow

guidelines such as: provide a

designated number of staff per

amount of children; provide

constant supervision; provide

nutritious meals; ensure that

all enrolled children are

immunized; meet state health

and safety standards; and

provide learning opportunities.

Background checks of staff

members are also part of the

licensing/certification process.

In evaluating different

childcare options, Swanson

advises parents to examine

several factors, including

education and experience of

teachers, longevity of teachers,

and child-staff ratios. The

Pennsylvania Department of

Public Welfare has established

specific child-staff ratios based

on age.

Swanson also suggests

asking teachers or program

administrators about their

philosophy and if they follow

Developmentally-Appropriate Practices (DAP), which are

activities that meet the developmental level of your child.

She says that quality childcare programs have classrooms

and activities that meet the needs of your child at each

developmental stage.

“One thing a parent can do when they visit a childcare

program is to look at the classroom. There should be

different learning centers for different activities. They can


also speak with the teacher and ask about what skills an

activity develops,” she says.

Swanson adds that Pennsylvania has developed early

childhood learning standards.

“Children don’t all develop at the same rate at the same

age. Programs should try to touch on all the different skill

levels every day.”

While a parent is visiting the classroom, she/he should

look at the way the teacher interacts with children as well

as how she/he

interacts with

them.

“Reliable

childcare is

important, and

both you and

your child have to

feel comfortable

at the childcare

center,” Swanson

says.

She also notes

that a quality

childcare program

should be open to

visits from

parents.

“You may not

be able to go into

the room if the

children are

napping, but you

should be welcome to visit at any time. If that is not the

case, that should throw up a red flag,” she says.

Often parents look for quality childcare that’s

convenient to both home and work, but Swanson advises

parents to extend their search a bit further in either area.

“There could be a quality childcare program that’s five

or 10 minutes away from your target area. Childcare is

expensive and you don’t want to overlook any opportunity

that’s nearby,” she explains.

Another consideration in selecting a childcare program

is participation in the Keystone STARS (Standards,

Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources)

program, which provides families with a tool to gauge the

quality of early learning programs.

Swanson notes that STARS has standards for

participating early-learning programs. Programs can earn

STAR 1 through STAR 4 (4 is the highest level). Each

level has its own quality standards for staff education,

learning environment, leadership management, and family

and community partnerships.

There are also

other resources

available to help

parents choose a

program that’s

right for both

them and their

child. These

resources include

accreditation

from one or

more of the

following: the

National

Association for

the Education of

Young Children

(NAEYC),

National

AfterSchool

Association,

National

Association for

Family Child Care (NAFCC), or National Early

Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA).

A program may also be a T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher

Education And Compensation Helps) sponsoring center

or family provider. A scholarship program for childcare

teachers and directors, T.E.A.C.H. allows them to attend

college classes and continue working full time.

With careful consideration and the right tools to

analyze programs, parents can make a childcare choice

that not only provides quality care for their child, but is

also one that they and their child are comfortable with.



By Sandra Gordon

You probably know that kids shouldn’t leave the house

without having a healthy breakfast. But lunch is just as

important. Eating every four hours or so helps children

perform at their peak.

Although most kids can buy lunch at the school

cafeteria, if the line is long or

your child doesn’t like what’s

being served, bringing lunch

from home can be a healthy and

fun alternative. Here are some

hints to help you make

nutritious lunches that your

child will eat and ask for again

and again.

PPyyrraammiidd PPoowweerr

Your child’s lunch should

include a serving from each of

the major food groups from the

USDA Food Guide Pyramid:

grains like rice or whole-wheat

bread; fruits; vegetables; skim or

low-fat milk, yogurt, or cheese;

and a protein food such as

beans, peanut butter, or turkey.

Packing a sandwich is a simple

way to get many of the food

groups into one quick meal.

For more information about

the Food Pyramid, visit

www.mypyramid.gov.

TThhiinnkk VVaarriieettyy

Vary the foods your child eats every day so that he

stays interested. This is especially important for

adventurous eaters. If you make sandwiches, switch up the

type of bread you use. Instead of white bread, try English

muffins, whole-grain bread, whole-wheat tortillas in

flavors like spinach or red pepper, pita pockets, or whole-

grain bagels or crackers.

Then change the fillings. One day, put peanut butter

on the sandwich, and the next day make it tuna or sliced

chicken or turkey. If your child eats lunchmeat, get the

lower-fat, lower-sodium versions of deli and prepackaged

cold cuts.

To make it easy on yourself, use dinner leftovers for

your child’s lunch entrees too, such as pasta, soup, or chili.

It might just hit the spot.

Change up other aspects of your child’s lunch as well.

While whole fruits such as apples and oranges are great,

pineapple chunks, grapes, or a mix of dried fruit such as

craisins, raisins, apricots, mangoes, and banana chips can

be a welcome change.

MMaakkee MMiillkk aa PPrriioorriittyy

If possible, have your child

buy milk at school or pack it

from home for her lunch

beverage; it’s an excellent source

of bone-building calcium.

With the exception of infants

and young toddlers, most kids

don’t get the daily

recommended levels of calcium:

500 milligrams (mg) from age 1

to 3; 800 mg from 4 to 8; and

1,300 mg for ages 9 through 18.

In fact, only 55 percent of kids

ages 3 to 5 and 40 percent of 6-

to 11-year-olds meet their

calcium quota.

It’s best to avoid juice and

soda as your child’s lunch drink

because both are high in sugar

or caffeine. But if your child

only drinks juice, look for 100

percent juice that’s calcium

fortified. Water is also an

acceptable choice, although it

doesn’t offer any nutrients.

DDoonn’’tt FFoorrggeett aa TTrreeaatt

For fun, toss in some healthful treats such as low-fat

pudding, unsalted pretzels, baked chips, trail mix, no-

sugar-added applesauce, unbuttered popcorn, graham

crackers, gingersnaps, or whole-grain cereal.

Pound for pound, kids need more energy than adults.

So if your child eats moderately and is active, those extras

will not add unwanted weight. For younger kids you

might pack some other extras such as a note from Mom

or Dad or a special napkin for a holiday or your child’s

birthday.

Lunches Kids Will Love


BBee WWeellll PPrreeppaarreedd

For safety’s sake, get the right equipment for packing

your child’s lunch. Use polyethylene plastic containers that

are designed for carrying foods and are safe for the

microwave. Take note—using margarine or cottage cheese

containers is not a good idea. They were designed for one-

time use and may contain chemicals that may leach into

the food.

To keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, always

include a cold pack for foods that need refrigeration and

those that contain perishable ingredients such as

mayonnaise. Freeze a cold food or beverage, and pack it

frozen into your child’s lunchbox so that it will still be

chilled at lunchtime.

For soups and other foods that your child should eat

heated, preheat an insulated, tightly sealed container such

as an unbreakable thermos that’s designated for hot foods.

While the thermos is heating, warm up the soup or other

food in the microwave oven or on the stove. When the

food has heated, pour the water out and the warm food

in.

When packing perishables, choose an insulated

lunchbox or bag rather than paper. Paper bags might not

maintain the temperature of foods as well as the insulated

kind. Remind your kids not to store their lunch in warm

spots such as near the classroom window or near the

radiator during the colder months. If your child’s school

has a refrigerator, that’s ideal.

To keep germs in check, wash and thoroughly dry your

child’s insulated lunchbox daily.

LLeett’’ss EEaatt

How can you make sure that your child eats the lunch

you pack and doesn’t toss it or trade it for a classmate’s

lunch? Here are a few tips:

1. Let your child help you choose the lunch foods while

you’re shopping or when you’re making a shopping list.

For example, ask your child what type of fruit or yogurt

he would like. Then prepare the food and pack lunch

together.

2. Since most kids love to eat with their hands, they’ll be

more likely to devour fruits and vegetables (and other

foods they might otherwise pass up) if you cut them into

bite-size pieces or strips. Pieces of fruit look even more

appealing if you make them into kebabs by spearing them

with a straw. Add low-fat cheese cubes for

a calcium boost. Pack a low-fat yogurt dip

for fruits or a low-fat ranch dip for carrots,

celery sticks, and radishes.

3. When you see your child in the afternoon or

evening, ask if he ate lunch that day and how it was. Your

interest will send the message that you believe lunch is an

important part of your child’s day.

AA WWeeeekk’’ss WWoorrtthh ooff MMeennuu IIddeeaassKid tested … dietitian approved.

MMoonnddaayy

Q Peanut butter and honey on whole-grain submarine rolls

Q Fresh orange slices

Q Three vanilla wafers

Q Skim milk

TTuueessddaayy

Q Tuna salad on whole-wheat bread

Q Strawberry, grape, and orange fruit kebabs

Q Low-fat fruit-flavored yogurt (for dipping)

Q Three small gingersnaps

Q Low-fat chocolate milk

WWeeddnneessddaayy

Q Chili (left over from Monday’s dinner)

QWhole-grain crackers with low-fat American cheese

Q Carrot and celery sticks with low-fat ranch dressing dip

Q One half cup low-fat vanilla pudding

Q Skim milk

TThhuurrssddaayy

Q Tortilla roll-ups (low-fat ham or turkey and cheese rolled

up in a whole-wheat tortilla)

Q Carrot and red pepper strips with salsa

Q Two oatmeal cookies

Q Low-fat strawberry milk

FFrriiddaayy

Q Vegetable pizza (left over from Wednesday’s dinner)

Q Sliced apple, banana, and pear in orange juice

Q Three graham crackers

Q Skim milk

By Farzanna S. Haffizulla, M.D.

It’s Monday! Besides your own busy schedule, your

children’s activities shadow all else. From soccer meets to

piano practice, where can we fit in and meld a strong

academic foundation for our children? Teaching our

children the significance of strong academic groundwork,

the value of responsibility, and the importance of meeting

your obligations on homework assignments and school

projects are important values.

As parents, we are the architects of our family

institution. Weaving the threads of a solid education and

fostering motivated learning can be accomplished easily

and effectively.

EEdduuccaattiioonn aatt HHoommee AAnndd BBeeyyoonndd

Often, even an extremely bright child will stumble in

one subject or have a hard time with one concept. Lack of

understanding of the material and basics early on can

cause a chain reaction that will significantly slow down

academic development.

Often the best approach is for the parent to take

charge and get their kids the help they

need in school. There are many ways to

accomplish this, such as:

Linear learning. This tutoring type

offers a structured approach to

math and reading. It is a way to fill in any gaps in the

material children are learning at school. The extra sessions

they spend with these tutors reinforce any concepts and

ideas they learn at school, further enriching their

educational experience.

Study hall. Children can stay at school to do their

homework under the guidance of teachers or tutors, rather

than doing homework at home where it is too easy for us

to give them the answers.

Extra learning materials. Encourage education beyond

the classroom by providing children with different

educational materials. Some are digital or audio books;

others are workbooks and interactive computer programs.

The materials supplement what they are taught in

school and provide them advanced materials beyond their

grade level to keep them challenged and interested in

learning beyond the classroom. These additional materials

promote independent learning so important in instilling

the value of curiosity and passion in your children.

MMeennttoorrsshhiipp

Establish a system of mentorship among siblings. Both

younger and older siblings benefit from these family work

sessions. Aside from daily homework assignments,

children have work sessions alongside each other, where

everyone helps one another with their schoolwork.

Improve Your Family’s IQ –Ways to Make Education Come Naturally


This idea follows the Montessori methodology of

schooling that emphasizes a student-driven learning

experience, where the children dictate the pace of their

own learning experience. It recognizes that every child is

different and that you can’t expect him or her to follow

one sequence of development. It advocates an education

that is tailored to the individual’s quirks and experiences.

By having siblings work together, you essentially create

a safe and supportive environment where each child can

work at his/her own pace but get the encouragement and

support of their family. In particular, these learning

sessions offer another way for the younger children to

learn from their older siblings’ experience. The older

children also benefit by teaching material to the younger

brothers and sisters, reinforcing and mastering concepts

they have learned in the past. Together, they all learn to

work as a team and as a family.

PPrriioorriittiizzee aanndd EEssttaabblliisshh aa RRoouuttiinnee

Establishing a clear routine to help build a sense of

regularity into your child’s days is also important for

academic success. For example, they have X amount of

time allotted for homework and studying and X amount

of time for watching television.

Exam preparations can be done as a family activity.

Turn study time into a game where you quiz each other,

building confidence and a sense of camaraderie among

your children. This can even be done in the car on the

way back from karate or soccer practice!

In this communal study format, not only does one

child master new topics faster and with better

understanding, but all the children benefit by

participating in discussions with their siblings.

It’s also important that your children learn at an early

age to prioritize. Kids are juggling activities, hobbies,

academics, and household chores—it’s important to teach

them how to handle their responsibilities without feeling

overwhelmed. Immediate gratification is a natural instinct,

and teaching them how to control their impulses and to

finish the important tasks first is an important life skill.

VVaalluuee IInnddeeppeennddeennccee

Educate your children by empowering them to learn

on their own. While extra help might be needed

sometimes, too much hand-holding can provide a false

sense of security. Just as children needed to learn to walk

on their own, they need to manage their homework

assignments and projects on their own, as well.

There are many cases where parents fret about their

children’s performance on a school project. So, instead of

taking the chance that their child might get a grade less

than an A, they spearhead the project for their child,

providing them all the ideas and research.

But this strategy, even if it’s

couched in good intentions, only coddles

children and invalidates the whole purpose of

school projects, which is to teach independent learning

and to foster creative thinking and resourcefulness.

Instead, encourage independence at every corner. If

your child insists on your help initially, prompt them to

tackle the problem on their own at first. An experience

like this fortifies their sense of resolve and will push them

to become independent thinkers.

Being prompted to hunker down with books and

rethink a problem can provide the catalyst to reach that

“Eureka!” moment. When the solution is found, it feels

like sweet victory. Teach your children to believe in their

abilities. They will soon learn to effortlessly pull from

inner reserves of strength and resources.

The key to academic success starts at home: educate,

encourage, establish independence and mentorship, and

empower your children! Get creative and have fun while

learning. As your journey through this process continues,

remember there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach.

Incorporate activities that make sense and that meld with

your family’s passions and interests. Where there is a will,

there is a way!

Dr. Farzanna Haffizulla is an expert in work/life balance and

author of Harmony of the Spheres, which advises how to achieve

harmony and balance of the work, family, and community

spheres in life. She runs the websites BusyMomMD.com, an

informative site for modern, educated women juggling career,

family, and community life, and HouseCallsMD.us, which

provides a portal to better healthcare. Contact Dr. Haffizulla at

www.busymommd.com.

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bathing! Contains latex.

castcoverz.com



110011 OOfffflliinnee AAccttiivviittiieess YYoouu CCaann DDoo WWiitthh

YYoouurr CChhiilldd

By Steve and Ruth Bennett

btptpress.com

Disconnect from the ’Net, put away the digital

toys, and have some old-fashioned fun. You’ll find

activities that need little or no preparation and it’s

a great way to connect with your children.

HHeellpp YYoouurr KKiiddss GGeett IItt DDoonnee RRiigghhtt aatt HHoommee

aanndd SScchhooooll!!

By Donna M. Genett, Ph.D.

quilldriverbooks.com

Learn the six simple steps that will help your child

fulfill his or her potential for success and

happiness. Guaranteed to drastically change the

life of the reader and his or her parent.

LLiiffee AAfftteerr CCoolllleeggee:: TThhee CCoommpplleettee GGuuiiddee ttoo

GGeettttiinngg WWhhaatt YYoouu WWaanntt

By Jenny Blake

runningpress.com

A compilation of tips, inspiration, and coaching

exercises for every area of life. A 20-something

herself, she understand what recent grads are

facing in today’s society.

1155 WWaayyss ttoo ZZaapp aa BBuullllyy

By Jackie Humans, Ph.D.

legworkteam.com

This book illustrates simple techniques on

handling bullies and moves into more

sophisticated techniques using humor and/or

snappy comebacks. It also outlines how to report

a bully.

SSttoovveerr

By Kathy Brodsky

kathybrodsky.com

This is a fun book with a message about staying

healthy. Stover is a happy little pig with a secret

life. He loves playing in the mud, but see what he

does to stay happy and healthy.

TThhee AAvvaaiillaabbllee PPaarreenntt

By John Duffy

cleispress.com

Lean how you can enjoy a

healthy, satisfying, and new

kind of relationship with your

teens and tweens: a

relationship with a foundation

not of fear, but of radical

optimism.

HHeerree WWee GGoo!!

GGrraannddCCaammpp AAddvveennttuurreess

By Walter Sorrels and

Victor Tavares

grandcamp.com

There’s something special

between a grandparent and

grandchild that ought to be

recognized, celebrated, and

nurtured. Books, music, and

games. Magical moments and

fun abound. Paint a memory

that lasts forever.

Sharing Moments Through Books

family 2012

Documents