July 2017
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In This Issue:
Please Note: Starting in September, you will be receiving a NEW e-newsletter with a new look. You can expect to find information about current healthy eating and active play topics, as well as info about the new ChildcareAlive! curriculum, website, and a fun contest called "How Do You ChildcareAlive?" Stay tuned!
mainBreastfeeding Month
Every August is National Breastfeeding Month, and August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week. These events are intended to celebrate and encourage breastfeeding in order to improve the health of babies around the country and world.

Breastfeeding is the best way to provide infants with the nutrients they need, and with many mothers working outside of the home after having children, child care providers are crucial in supporting their breastfeeding decisions.

What can you do to support a breastfeeding mother? Here a just a few suggestions:
- Allow and encourage breastfeeding mothers to come nurse their infant during the day (this will be reimbursable on CACFP starting October 1, 2017)
- Have a written policy that details how you support breastfeeding mothers

Additional Resources:
10 Steps to Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Centers
Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Program - Minnesota Department of Health
fmbreastfeeding.com - This website will soon include a breastfeeding kit for child care centers. Check back often!
SeasonalEating for the Season: Blueberries
Does it seem like berries are always on sale at the grocery store from week-to-week? That's because the summer is berry season! Try a new way to eat blueberries this month.

Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Blueberries
Froyo Bites
Simple Blueberry Topping (Compote)
PLAYVIDEOVideo Corner: Go Smart
If you like to learn new, easy active play ideas for all ages, check out the Go Smart initiative from the National Head Start Association. This website includes active play ideas for a variety of ages and spaces, and now includes videos! Check out this video for " Building Muscles," an activity for children 1 year and older.
Training
Coming Soon...
ChildcareAlive! Curriculum & Training
In the Fall of 2017, the ChildcareAlive! program will be relaunching with a new look!
In this new ChildcareAlive!, you can expect to find:
 - A BRAND NEW website
 - A ChildcareAlive! Curriculum
 - A ChildcareAlive! Training (Cass and Clay Counties)
 - Activity Videos
 - New E-Newsletter
 - New Pinterest Page

Training dates (for Cass and Clay Counties) and links for the website, curriculum, and Pinterest Page will be shared soon. You will be receiving an NEW e-newsletter starting in September 2017. 

Like us on FacebookTo stay up-to-date on these exciting changes, Like ChildcareAlive! on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/childcarealive/ 
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