Conference to present training for childcare givers

Promoting cultural experiences through storytelling is one of the topics planned for childcare providers attending a conference on Saturday, May 17. The training is sponsored by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Becky Martinez, a local school librarian and popular storyteller, will introduce tales from different cultures. She is an experienced storyteller and entertains adults and children with her animated delivery. Becky will give tips on using puppets and other props to help enhance the storytelling experience.

"Diversity is a requirement for maintaining our state license," said Janice Simpson, office manager for Almost Home Day Care Center in Edinburg. "Storytelling is a good way to involve diversity into the children's activities." Janice also serves as a training adviser for the Extension Economic Development Committee.

Licensed social worker Frances Olivarez is slated to give advice on communicating with parents.

When caring for children, it is not unusual for situations to arise that could be potentially embarrassing for the parent or child. Frances will give tips on how to use tact and consideration when talking to parents about sensitive subjects. Having been a social worker for 16 years, she has lots of experience in this area. She works with students and parents in her current position at a local school and facilitates a group with Mujeres Unidas, a social agency that assists victims of domestic violence.

Food safety skills will also be discussed at the conference. Yolanda Rios, a program assistant at Texas AgriLife Extension Service, plans to touch on the topic, as well as teach nutrition and shopping skills through the Better Living for Texans food stamp education program.

Other topics to be presented include hands-on activities for teaching water conservation; tips to prevent the spread of communicable diseases; and advice on stress management.

"A caregiver can be under a lot of stress and become irritable," Janice said. "It can affect how she relates to children on the job."

Childcare providers can earn six clock hours to maintain their state license.

"The variety of topics offered at the conference is well worth the time and money," Janice said.

For more information about the training, contact the Texas AgriLife Extension Service at (956) 383-1026.

Nora N. Garza is a County Extension Agent with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service at Hidalgo County, a part of the Texas A&M System.