Friday, February 26, 2010

10 Secrets to A Stress-Free Home & School
Workshop for Parents & Teachers

  • Create a calm home—eliminate yelling and arguing.
  • Improve focus, attention and behavior in school.
  • Create stress-free mornings and homework time.
  • Relieve anxiety, meltdowns and sensory issues.
  • Eliminate defiance and disrespect.


Join us for a humorous, practical workshop with nationally recognized
expert Kirk Martin, who has trained over 75,000
parents and teachers. Helpful in reducing anxiety and stress in all
families, including those with special needs.
The Workshop is FREE to the community. There is no need to
register. Just bring friends and neighbors—we’ll have a great
time, have several “Ah-hah” moments and leave with a dozen
practical tools that will help immediately.
Visit www.CelebrateCALM.com to learn more.


Tuesday, March 9, 2010
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Castleton United Methodist Church
7101 North Shadeland Ave / Indianapolis IN 46250

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Vanessa Fletcher - 2010 Bev Henry Award Winner

It will come as no surprise to those of you who know Vanessa Fletcher to hear that she has won the 2010 Bev Henry award, an award for possessing outstanding leadership ability while demonstrating compassion, kindness, life long learning skills all while keeping her sense of humor.

Amy Torres of Child Care Answers nominated Vanessa for the state wide Child Care Resource and Referral award because Vanessa has been such an inspiration to her.

Bev Henry was a Child Care Resource and Referral Program Director at SIEOC for many years. When she passed away the Indiana Association of Child Care Resource and Referral developed this service award to celebrate Bev's life and contribution to Child Care Resource and Referral. Please help us congratulate Vanessa. We are so proud of her!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Kids Express Home Child Care increases environmental activities to protect children

Indianapolis facility gains membership to voluntary state program

Kids Express Home Child Care in Indianapolis has taken voluntary actions to gain membership in the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s (IDEM’s) Five Star Environmental Recognition Program for Child Care Providers.

Ronda Taylor, owner of Kids Express Home Child Care, said, “We took steps to keep pests out so we don’t have to spray pesticides, and we’ve become more aware of any chemicals we use. We’ve even started recycling and learning more about the environment with the children.”

IDEM’s Five Star program recognizes child care facilities that go above and beyond statutory requirements and demonstrate environmental stewardship. Facilities earn one, three or five stars based on their voluntary measures. IDEM assists facilities in implementing environmental plans and conducts site visits before granting membership.

“Kids Express Child Care understands that children are a precious resource,” said IDEM Commissioner Thomas Easterly. “Steps child care providers take today to protect children from environmental health threats, such as pesticides, help to ensure a healthy tomorrow for the children in their care.”

There are currently 69 child care providers participating in the Five Star program making their facilities safer for 4,000 Hoosier children. Other Five Star members in Marion County include: ABC Childcare & Preschools (eight locations), Camby and Indianapolis; Dream Weaver Before & After School, Indianapolis; KinderCare Stop 11, Indianapolis; Playdates Education & Training, Indianapolis; Puzzle Pieces, Indianapolis; Robin’s Nest Childcare Center, Indianapolis; and Sugar ‘N Spice, Indianapolis.

Additional information about the IDEM Five Star Child Care program can be obtained by calling Karen Teliha, Community Environmental Health & Education coordinator, at (800) 988-7901 or by visiting http://www.idem.IN.gov/4180.htm.

About IDEM

IDEM (www.idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.