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To submit comments,
or to suggest items for this newsletter or First5LA.org, contact Katie Kurutz, public affairs officer, at kkurutz@first5la.org
or (213) 482-5902.
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Raising A Reader – A Champ
For young families in Long Beach who don't regularly go to the library, the library has found a way to go to them. The Raising A Reader program has brought the library closer to home for more ... More » |
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Golden Bell Rings for Rowland Unified
Family involvement is the name of the game at the Rowland Unified School District (RUSD), and recently receiving the Golden Bell Award for family engagement is the latest honor for their achievements ... More » |
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Breastfeeding Needs Hospital Support
Ask any doctor about the benefits of breast milk for a newborn and the answer will all be a variation on the same theme — it's like "liquid gold." Expectant mothers are ... More » |
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Champion Profile |
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Champion Profile: Project Star Update
In October, the Monday Morning Report featured Noah Ogata, a 5 year-old Champion for adults, who, with help from his family, started Project Star, a program to collect blankets ... More » |
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Evie's Desk |
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 Safe
Gift Giving
In light of the many toy recalls in the last
few months, many parents and caregivers may
be confused about how to choose safe and responsible
gifts.
Because of this I would like to offer a few
suggestions for anyone planning on purchasing
gifts for children this holiday season.
First, as mentioned in our November literacy
campaign, Read
Early, Read Aloud, books are excellent gifts
for children. Many children’s books are fun
and educational, and receiving them for a holiday
reinforces the message that learning is enjoyable!
But if you do plan on giving toys as gifts,
please check with the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) for information about
the most recent toy recalls before you make
any purchases. Their Web site is www.cpsc.gov.
Also the CPSC has a list of safe shopping tips
for the following items:
- Ride-on Toys – Riding toys, skateboards
and in-line skates go fast and falls could
be hazardous. Helmets and safety gear should
be sized to fit.
- Small Parts – For children younger than
age three, avoid toys with small parts,
which can cause choking.
- Magnets – For children under age 6, avoid
building sets with small magnets. If magnets
or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious
injuries and/or death can occur.
- Projectile Toys – Projectile toys such
as air rockets, darts and sling shots are
for older children. Improper use of these
toys can result in serious eye injuries.
- Chargers and Adapters – Charging batteries
should be supervised by adults. Chargers
and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards
to children.
To choose appropriate toys for children:
- Be a label reader. Look for toy labels
that give age and safety recommendations
and use that information as a guide.
- Select toys to suit the age, abilities,
skills and interest level of the intended
child. Look for sturdy construction, such
as tightly-secured eyes, noses and other
potential small parts.
- For all children under 8, avoid toys that
have sharp edges and points.
Once the gifts are open:
- Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys
before they become dangerous play things.
- Keep toys appropriate for older children away
from younger siblings or neighbors.
- Pay attention to instructions and warnings on
battery chargers. Some chargers lack any device
to prevent overcharging.
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