Child Care Answers - Blog

Example of an Emergency Plan that worked

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Bennett) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:40:00 +0000

I blogged about the importance of having an emergency plan in place a while back. I just received the below story in my email from Exchange Every Day. It is an account of how the Child Care Programs on Fort Hood responded to the shootings last month. Just another example of why you need to be prepared for the unexpected.

On November 5, 2009, a shooter opened fire at Fort Hood — the most populous United States military post in the world, located just outside Killeen, Texas — killing 13 people and wounding 31 others. This could have had a devastating and dangerous impact on the 1,000 children in the post's four child development centers and the 300 children in 49 family child care homes were it not for the swift and sure response of the post's child development team. Exchange interviewed J. Yveta Phillips, the Chief of Child, Youth and School Services at Fort Hood about that day...

At approximately 1:45 pm Phillips received a call that "a possible shooter was on the post" and instructing her to exercise "shelter in place." By 1:55 pm all four centers and 49 homes were "locked down." What this means is that all children were brought inside the centers, doors and windows were locked, no child or adult was allowed to enter or leave the facilities, and children and staff were instructed to stay away from windows. This lock down was in effect until 7:10 that evening. Parents were not allowed to pick up their children throughout the lock down. In addition, parents who happened to be at the center at the time were not allowed to leave and staff who were away on break were not allowed to return to their centers.

Throughout the time in lock down, teachers at the centers and homes carried on normal early childhood activities with the children so they would not experience the tension. Parents, who couldn't leave the centers, pitched in playing with the children. This worked extremely well and the only sign of discomfort occurred when it got dark and the youngest children wondered why their parents weren't picking them up. Staff were given time to call their families and check on their own children during the lock down.

To limit anxiety, Yveta made a decision not to pass on to staff all the wild and obviously inaccurate rumors flying about on the Internet. The only really stressful incident that occurred was when a SWAT team showed up at one of the centers in response to a false tip.

When the lock down was lifted, parents started arriving to pick up their children, with the last child, whose father was shot and wounded, not picked up until nearly 10 pm. When parents arrived, they were advised not to talk about the happenings of the day until they were at home. Managers ensured parents were provided with handouts containing talking points on how to discuss the incident with their children. In addition, counselors were stationed at every center for parents or staff who needed help dealing with the issues involved.

Looking back, Phillips was impressed and thankful for the professionalism of all the post's early childhood employees. In the following days, the programs received high praise from parents. Finally, Ms. Phillips observed that the response proved the value and effectiveness of their emergency preparedness training.

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Barrow) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:06:00 +0000

Child Care Answers hopes that you have an enjoyable holiday season. Our office hours will be altered during the Holidays. Please see below for office closings:

December 24th - We will close at noon
December 25th - Closed all day

December 31st- We will close at noon
January 1 - Closed all day

Be a Kid Again: Educator Networking Night

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Bennett) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:04:00 +0000

For Teachers of Grades Pre K–2Wednesday, Feb. 10, 20104:30–7:30 p.m.Enjoy an evening of fun and learning! Join museum staff and teachers of Grades PreK–2 to discover ways to make curriculum connections at The Children's Museum. Explore the entire museum and don't miss our newest temporary exhibits: Bob the Builder™—Project: Build It and Barbie™: The Fashion Experience.Bob the Builder™—Project: Build It is presented by Delta Faucet, and produced by HIT Entertainment and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. The exhibit is supported locally by Veolia Water. ©2009 Hit Entertainment and Keith Chapman.Event Highlights and Activities:

Learn about curriculum connectionsthroughout the museum

Participate in professional development sessionswith Dr. Beverly Reitsma: Literacy at the Museum

See a planetarium show
Secret of the Cardboard Rocket
One World, One Sky

Learn about educational field trip programs

Receive a free copy of the museum's book,Martimus at Midnight

Dinner will be provided.

Fee: $5 (nonrefundable)Registration Deadline: Wednesday, Feb. 3 Register online or call call (317) 334-4000.

Window Covering Safety Council Recalls to Repair All Roman and Roll-Up Blinds Due to Risk of Strangulation

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Barrow) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:21:00 +0000

Window Covering Safety Council Recalls to Repair All Roman and Roll-Up Blinds Due to Risk of Strangulation

Keep the kids entertained during the holiday vacation –inexpensively

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Barrow) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:18:00 +0000

Bring the family Downtown during school break
Most school-aged children are on vacation for two weeks and the budget’s blown on holiday gifts…What’s a parent to do? Listed below are several ideas to keep the kids busy without spending a fortune.

Active
•Bundle up and take a walk around The Canal and White River State Park or Monument Circle admiring the Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481 (until Jan. 8) & twinkle lights in the trees – FREE.
•Go swimming at the Natatorium on the campus of IUPUI.
•Go duckpin bowling at Action Duckpin Bowl or Atomic Bowl Duckpin in Fountain Square.
•Take a twirl around the ice skating rink at the Indiana/World Academy Skating Academy in Pan Am Plaza. It’s a cheap treat – $4 or less to skate!
•Test your skills at the Amazing Games arcade at Jillian's in Downtown Indy. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat at the Hibachi Grill or the Video Café, located inside Jillian’s.

Educational
•Take a guided memorial tour and visit the Eli Lilly Civil War Museum, located in the basement of the Indiana Soldiers & Sailors Monument (open Wednesday through Sunday) – FREE.
•Take a tour through the Indianapolis Museum of Art or check out Christmas at the Lilly House. – FREE (parking included.)
•Visit holidays past at the beautifully decorated President Benjamin Harrison Home, dressed up in all the trappings of holidays past at the White House. He was the first president to decorate a tree in the White House.
•Kids will love the hands-on approach at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, where kids of all ages are encouraged to touch and let their imaginations take over! Don’t miss The Children’s Museum Jolly Days Winter Wonderland through Jan. 10. This event features a Snow Castle, Yule Slide and the interactive “animation” exhibit. In addition, the Children’s Museum will display Barbie: The Fashion Experience until Feb. 1.
•View the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art’s unique exhibits. (IUPUI students get in FREE.)
•Visit the past at the Morris Butler House Museum and the James Whitcomb Riley Home.
•It’s tea time! Take the family to the Indianapolis Propylaeum’s Holiday Children’s Tea “The World of Marionettes” Dec. 29.

Entertainment
•Visit the Indianapolis Zoo for Christmas at the Zoo & Woodland Wonderland presented by Community Health Network until Dec. 30. Enjoy the Zoo grounds covered in holiday lights, special animal shows and the new Woodland Wonderland display inside the Hilbert Conservatory.
•Don’t miss your last chance to see Peewinkle’s Christmas Puppet Show in 2009! This Downtown tradition will take place on Dec. 29 at the Indiana State Museum.
•Follow the yellow brick road to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis for “The Marvelous Land of Oz” through Jan. 3! •See the magic of Disney’s A Christmas Carol at the IMAX Theatre in the Indiana State Museum from now – Jan. 7. This new release will fill you and yours with holiday cheer!

Sports
•See the World Champion Indianapolis Colts in action vs. the New York Jets Dec. 27 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
•Cheer on your Indiana Pacers as they take on the Atlanta Hawks Dec. 26 and the Memphis Grizzlies Dec. 30 at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Do You Have Questions??? Talk to the Experts!

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:45:00 +0000

If you have questions about H1N1 Flu or federal programs that help families, you are invited to participate in a conference call where you will hear from H1N1 and other federal experts.

The experts will talk about H1N1, Head Start, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Assets for Independence Initiative, Children’s Health Insurance, Disability Programs, Emergency Preparedness and Food Stamps. After the presentations, there will time for questions.

Midwest Regional H1N1 and Human Services Conference Call

Tuesday, December 15, 2009
or
Monday, January, 11, 2010*

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon CT

1-888-790-1959; Passcode 2505

[*The call topics will be repeated on the January 11th call, though H1N1 updates and participant questions may differ.]

Alert: Calls Needed

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Bennett) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:21:00 +0000

Action Steps Needed Wednesday & Thursday:

Call the White House to Support Increased Child Care Funding!! On Wednesday (December 9) and Thursday (December 10)

NACCRRA is working with other early learning coalition members to help funnel calls into the White House in support of increased funding for child care as part of the President's FY2011 budget. We know that the FY2011 budget seems far away since the President does not submit his budget to Congress until February. However, decisions about funding are being made this month. Each call will be tallied by topic at the end of each day and we want to show strength in numbers in advocating for child care funding.

1. The toll-free number to call is 1-877-227-3801. This will connect you to the White House comment line.

2. When you call the White House, you may be put on hold for a short period of time, as you would with any customer service hotline. When a White House operator comes onto the line, you are likely to be asked for your name, city, state, zip code, and your comment. Please say: "I am calling to support a significant increase in child care funding in the fiscal year 2011 budget." You can also add if you want: "Make child care a priority to help people get and keep a job!" The call should not take long but the impact of this simple action will be great. Every call is important! The higher the number of callers about child care over the next two days, the stronger the message to the President will be. Quality child care matters!

3. Be a local leader:

a. Tell your friends, family members, colleagues and community members to call the White House too.

b. Engage your online communities by posting this information and phone number on Facebook or other social networking sites and listservs. It's time for our community to get engaged!

Thanks everyone for your help. Together we can make a difference!

Your help can make a difference for Infants and Toddlers in Indiana

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Bennett) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:49:00 +0000

Hello Center Directors,

Recently you may have received an email from the Indiana Association of Child Care Resource and Referral titled "Your help can make a difference for Infants and Toddlers in Indiana." The email address that it came from was nemerson@iaccrr.org. The email asked you to complete a survey about the servcies that you are offering to Infants and Toddlers. If you received the survey and have not already completed it I urge you to do so.

The Indiana Association of Child Care Resource and Referral or (IACCRR) is the agency that provides support to all 11 child care resource and referral agencies across the state of Indiana including Child Care Answers. Your input on this survey can make a difference for Infants and Toddlers across the state. If you have questions you can contact our Infant and Toddler specialist Rae at 636-5727 x 248.

Holiday Leadership Party

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:35:00 +0000

ATTENTION: Directors, Owners & Administrators of child care programs...

You're invited to join a first ever, one-of-a kind holiday leadership party!!~

Party will take place via a live conference call
No special equipment is required to join- just a phone
Only 200 spaces for this worldwide 90- minute call
You will recieve... ideas that you can implement immediately to promote your child care program and have a holiday season that really sizzles with positive attitudes and motivation that will propel your program to the next level of success in 2010!
WIN PRIZES!-- Prizes will be given away every 15 minutes
You can register for this FREE party... http://www.leadershipconnectionforchildcare.com/public/490.cfm
Host: Julie Bartkus, The Leadership Connection
Date: Thursday, December 10th
Time: 7:00 PM (CST); 8:00 PM (EST); 5:00 PM (PST)

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow - Bad Weather / Hazardous road Policy

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Bennett) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:39:00 +0000

I can not believe that I woke up to snow today. Where did the sun go? It seems hard to believe that Winter is already here. Traffic sure was slow going today. With all of this in mind I thought that I would share our Bad Weather / Hazardous Road Policy.

Hazardous weather conditions may cause some trainings or mentoring visits to be canceled on short notice. This policy provides some guidelines to follow for what to do in case of bad weather or hazardous road conditions.

• If the local school system where the training/visit is cancelled, the training/visit will be cancelled.
• If there are hazardous driving conditions as stated by the Indiana State Police, such as ice, the training/visit will be canceled. Due to travel distance of our trainers/mentors, roads may or may not be hazardous at the destination of the training/visit or starting point of the trainer/mentor. Travel routes will be closely monitored by the trainer/mentor team and if hazardous conditions are present, the training/visit will be cancelled.
• Trainers/mentors will try to contact all participants via phone using the number that is provided when you registered. Please provide Child Care Answers with the best number to contact you. Trainers/mentors will print off the most recent registration information to take with them in case calls need to be made.
• Trainers/mentors will contact the Education Coordinator for cancellation and the Education
Coordinator will contact the location of the training with cancellation information.
• Child Care Answers will make the best effort to contact local TV and/or radio stations for
cancellation of trainings.

If you have a question as to if a training or visit is still scheduled or has been cancelled, contact the Child Care Answers office at 800-272-2937.

Online Training Tracking

noreply@blogger.com (Larry Gist) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:06:00 +0000

We have recently started using a new module in our database that allows us to track trainings for individuals rather than for child care locations. What does this mean for you?

You will now be able to have a transcript of all your child care trainings in one place and available for YOU to down load at ANY time!
You will be able to sign up for all of our traings online at your leisure!
YOU can update your information at anytime!

Once you have registered for a training, you will be able to access the training site, we will send you a postcard with your User ID and login information.

If you have any questions about this new program, please contact me at 317-636-5727 ext. 249.

Jan - Mar 2010 Training Calendar Available Online

noreply@blogger.com (Larry Gist) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:04:00 +0000

The first training calendar of 2010 (can you belive it!?) is now available at our website here.

CEU Renewal Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Barrow) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:38:00 +0000

Do you need to renew your CDA?
Child Care Answers offers opportunities to receive 4.5 CEU

Promoting Social Emotional CompetenciesPreschool Session (1.5 CEU’S)
Preschoolers and Challenging Behaviors: These 12 hours will take a look at challenging behaviors in the 3-5 year old classroom. A model of social and emotional competence will be used throughout and many teaching strategies will be shown. Come prepared to learn, listen, share and participate in rethinking challenging behaviors and making children more successful in your child care setting. Participants must commit to all nights and complete required assignments in order to obtain the training certificate and CEU’s.

DATES/TIME: February 23, 24, 25 and March 2 ~ 6pm-9pm
LOCATION: Day Nursery Lilly 3522 N Central Ave, Indianapolis, 46204
COST:$60

Attend all of the following trainings and complete homework assignment to receive 1 CEU-
*Science Play~ Come explore the science play of young children! We will be taking a look at the Science Early Childhood Foundations and discuss how to make play based learning meaningful! This will be a hands-on learning experience focusing on teaching young children science. Please bring your copy of the Foundations. ($15)— Tuesday, February 16th ~ 6-9 pm
*Block Play~ Think block play is “just play”? Come and join us for a look at how beneficial block play really is in the early childhood classroom. We will explore the Early Childhood Foundations throughout this training as well as looking at an appropriate set up for the block area and items to include in the block area. Please bring your copy of the Foundations. ($15)- Wednesday, February 16th ~ 6-9 pm
*Language, Literacy, Lingo, B-I-N-G-O!~ Fun 3-5 Year old language and language and literacy activities to keep children learning about letters, sounds, and books! We will create something for you to take with you! We will explore how the Early Childhood Foundations connect. IF you have a copy of the Foundations please bring it! ($15)- Thursday, February 18th ~ 6-9 pm
LOCATION: Day Nursery Lilly 3522 N Central Ave, Indianapolis, 46204

Watch Me Grow & Help Me Learn - must attend both five hour sessions and complete homework to receive 1 CEU. In this session participants will learn appropriate activities to stimulate the development of infants and toddlers; gain understanding of language development and early literacy; identify realistic expectations for infants and toddlers; learn to recognize temperament types in infants and toddlers and learn ways to make your environment infant and toddler friendly. ($45)
Dates: Saturdays March 13th and 20th ~ 9 am-2 pm
LOCATION: Day Nursery Lilly 3522 N Central Ave, Indianapolis, 46204

Child Abuse Prevention Conference~ Keynote speaker Sgt. Terry Hall will captivate his audience! Learn how you can make a difference. Eight break out sessions will be available for your personal choice. Basic Prevention Strategies, Online Predators and Sexual Abuse Prevention are just a few sessions available. Prevent Child Abuse Indiana will be presenting Child Abuse 101 and 102. NO ON SITE REGISTRATION . Ask about how you can receive 1 CEU. ($20) Date: Saturday March 27th ~ 9 am– 3 LOCATION: Southside of Indianapolis

Happy Holidays!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Bennett) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:53:00 +0000

When the unexpected happens

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Bennett) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:35:00 +0000

Is your child care site prepared for the unexpected?

Yesterday a vehicle that was fleeing the scene of a robbery lost control and ran into one of our local child care sites. Thankfully most of the children were out of the building on a field trip. However, some of the children and teachers that were there were hurt. The rescue workers responded quickly to help the individuals that were inside the building and the hurt were rushed to the hospital. Hopefully all will recover quickly.

What would your child care site do if the unexpected happens? Please take time to make a plan with your staff so that everyone knows exactly what to do in an emergency. When you make that plan remember that Child Care Answers is here to help.

This is how Child Care Answers responded yesterday when we heard the news story break. We ran a list of nearby child care sites that could possibly help families with temporary child care. We then went to the site where the children were taken. We gave the list of possible emergency child care sites to the director along with child care brochures. We also offered to help them to call families or help in any other way they needed.

Please post our name and number near your phone and make us one of your calls if the unexpected ever does happen. We are here to support you through those difficult times.

Child Care Answers 631-4643.

Attention Paths to QUALITY Providers

noreply@blogger.com (Lynn) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:09:00 +0000

Paths to QUALITY is being advertised in theaters! In the following theaters there will be Paths to QUALITY brochures and a print ad of Paths to QUALITY participants in that area.

Trader's Point Showplace 12
5920 W 86th
Indianapolis, IN 46278

Showplace 16 & IMAX
4325 S Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46217

Regal Village Park Cinema 17
2222 E 146th St
Carmel, IN 46032

Paths to QUALITY PSA

noreply@blogger.com (Larry Gist) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:43:00 +0000

Crib Recall

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Barrow) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:20:00 +0000

IndyStar.com Communities The Indianapolis Star

Posted using ShareThis

Study: Kids Watch Hours Of TV At Day Care

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Barrow) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:04:00 +0000

SEATTLE -- Parents who thought their preschoolers were spending time in home-based day cares, taking naps, eating healthy snacks and learning to play nicely with others may be surprised to discover they are sitting as many as two hours a day in front of a TV, according to a study published Monday.

When added to the two to three hours many parents already admit to allowing at home, preschoolers in child care may be spending more than a third of the about 12 hours they are awake each day in front of the electronic baby sitter, said Dr. Dimitri Christakis, a pediatrician at Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle and a researcher at the University of Washington.

That's double the TV time he found in a previous study based on parental reports of home viewing, according to findings published Monday in the journal Pediatrics. The study is the first to look at TV watching in child care in more than 20 years.

The figures come from a telephone survey of 168 licensed child care programs in Michigan, Washington, Florida and Massachusetts. Christakis said he thought television use was probably underreported.

Of the child care programs surveyed, 70 percent of home-based child cares and 36 percent of centers said children watch TV daily. The children were watching TV, DVDs and videos. The study did not track what kind of programs were shown.

"It's not what parents have signed up for," Christakis said. "I'm not sure how many parents are aware of this."

The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages any television viewing of any kind in the first 2 years of life and recommends a daily limit of 1 to 2 hours of quality programming for older children.

Children go to day care to develop social skills, build on cognitive abilities and enjoy imaginative play, as well as allowing their parents to work, Christakis said.

"We know what's good for children and we know what's not," Christakis said. "High quality preschool can make a very, very positive difference. We're so far from meeting that, that we really have a lot of work to do."

His research found a difference between the amount of TV watching at home daycares and larger child care centers, although both reported some TV time.

The study found that among preschool-aged children, those in home-based day cares watched TV for 2.4 hours per day on average, compared to 24 minutes in centers. Toddlers watched an average of 1.6 hours in home care and about 6 minutes in centers. Only home-based day cares admitted putting infants in front of the TV, for an average of 12 minutes a day.

"It's alarming to find that so many children in the United States are watching essentially twice as much television as we previously thought," he said.

Other research has connected excessive TV watching during the preschool years with language delay, obesity, attention problems and aggression.

Dr. Michael Rich, director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Children's Hospital Boston, wasn't surprised by the findings in this study but he was forgiving of the parents and child care providers who put kids in front of the TV.

"In general, we still have a culture that sees television as benign," said Rich, who is also an associate professor of pediatrics at Harvard University. "This is an area where we're learning more and more all the time."

He compared society's growing knowledge of the impact of TV on child development to the early days of seat belt use. Today's parents and child care providers grew up on TV, Rich said, so it's understandable that they do not recognize the problem.

"We can always do better," he said.

Christakis said one of the main problems with TV for young children is that it takes away time that could otherwise be spent playing outside, being read to, playing with blocks and talking with adults and other children.

The study did not include passive TV time, when the TV is on in the background but no one is actively watching it. Christakis said any time a TV is on, children speak less and adults interact with them less frequently.

Instead of urging parents to turn off the TV, President Barack Obama might want to start sending the same message to child care providers, Christakis said.

"Hopefully this will serve as a wake-up call," he said.

____

On the Web:

Pediatrics: http://www.pediatrics.org

Center on Media and Child Health: http://www.cmch.tv

Seattle Children's Hospital: http://www.seattlechildrens.org

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

12 Free Days

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Barrow) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:27:00 +0000

The holidays are the season of giving. Twelve Indianapolis-area attractions and a collection of local restaurants are in the spirit of the season. That’s why they’ve come together to give you the gift of something FREE during the 12 days leading up to Christmas. So, take advantage of this unique and FREE (there’s that word again) opportunity for you and your family to share in the joy of the season.

Sunday, Dec. 13
On the first FREE day of Christmas in Indy, Downtown gives to you …
Music & lights in Indy with the Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481 and several free concerts

•Scottish Rite Cathedral will offer free building tours of this architectural landmark at noon, followed by a 3 p.m. free concert featuring the Scottish Rite Chorus, Orchestra and Cathedral Organ. Following the concert, free cookies, coffee and milk will be provided. Free parking is available in the lot west of the Cathedral, off North Street. www.aasr-indy.org
•A holiday concert by Logansport Children's Choir will take place at the Indianapolis Artsgarden at 2:30 p.m.
•The New World Youth Orchestra will perform at the Indianapolis Artsgarden at 7 p.m.
•Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481. The decorations on the Soldiers & Sailors Monument will boast 52 garland strands with 4,784 colored lights, strung from the top of the monument to its base. The larger-than-life toy soldiers and candy canes will again be on display around Monument Circle. The scene is complete with 90,000 twinkle lights in trees that shimmer along the area’s walkways.

Monday, Dec. 14
On the second FREE day of Christmas in Indy, Rhythm! Discovery Center gives to you …
From 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Indianapolis’ newest Downtown attraction invites you to discover the role of rhythm and percussion in music and culture through dynamic educational experiences, participatory opportunities and interactive exhibits. Put what you learn to the test in the hands-on area that features a variety of instruments. www.RhythmDiscoveryCenter.org

Tuesday, Dec. 15
On the third FREE day of Christmas in Indy, the Indy Wine Trail & Downtown restaurants give to you ...
Free tastings at each of the wineries on Indy’s Wine Trail and a free desert with the purchase of an entrée at select restaurants. www.indywinetrail.com

Wednesday, Dec. 16
On the fourth FREE day of Christmas in Indy, the Morris Butler House and James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home give to you …
Enjoy free admission to the Morris-Butler House (10 a.m. -3 p.m.) This beautifully restored 1865 home showcases the architecture, history, culture and society of Indianapolis during the 19th century. A museum property of Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana and accredited by the American Association of Museums, it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. www.historiclandmarks.org
James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Experience a Victorian Christmas in historic Lockerbie Square with festive Christmas greenery and wreathes. Riley spent the last 23 years of his life in the late Victorian preserved home that was built in 1872. The home itself features simple, elegant decorations and small gifts and party favors that would be typical of the period. The Christmas tree is special because it includes actual Christmas postcards that citizens from across the country sent to Riley after he was recovering from a stroke in 1911. http://www.rileykids.org/about/riley_museum/

Thursday, Dec. 17
On the fifth FREE day of Christmas in Indy, the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the historic Lilly House give to you …
Enjoy art, the Lilly home and wonderful winter festivities from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. The IMA is the 7th largest general art museum in the USA. At JK Lilly Jr.’s home, see how yuletide evergreens, fruiting plants and lights were incorporated into 1930s and ‘40s home décor to minimize the feel of Depression frugality and wartime shortages. And of course, it’s all topped off with ice carving, food and fun during the Winter Solstice celebration. www.imamuseum.org

Friday, Dec. 18
On the sixth FREE day of Christmas in Indy, NCAA Hall of Champions gives to you …
From 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., get your hands on 23 sports and experience the heart and dedication it takes to be an NCAA student-athlete at the newly renovated NCAA Hall of Champions. There are several new things to see and do such as the kick-off theater video featuring prospective, current and former student-athletes. You can learn about all 23 of the NCAA sports through kiosks that give you up to the minute rankings, sport-specific trivia, past champions and much more. The popular 1930s-style gymnasium still remains, allowing visitors to shoot free throws. This college sports attraction offers something for everyone. www.ncaahallofchampions.org

Saturday, Dec. 19
On the seventh FREE day of Christmas in Indy, the Indiana Medical History Museum gives to you …
The nation’s oldest surviving pathology laboratory, the building originally provided physicians in the late 1800s - early 1900s with state-of-the-art facilities to study mental and nervous disorders. Today, the museum uses its more than 15,000 artifacts to educate visitors about the developments which made today’s advanced medical treatments possible, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. www.imhm.org

Sunday, Dec. 20
On the eighth FREE day of Christmas in Indy, the President Benjamin Harrison Home gives to you …
From 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., enjoy the holiday season at the authentically-restored 1875 Italianate home of President Benjamin Harrison, our 23rd President, featuring Victorian holiday adornment. The decor includes feather trees, Harrison family toys and ornaments, plus a replica of the first decorated White House Christmas tree – a tradition begun in 1889 by Harrison. www.presidentbenjaminharrison.org

Monday, Dec. 21
On the ninth FREE day of Christmas in Indy, the Indiana State Museum gives to you …
Nostalgia reigns supreme at holiday time and Celebration Crossing, the museum’s holiday exhibit, delivers on all fronts from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The annual exhibit opens on November 27 with all of the much-loved traditional events, plus some new activities sure to please visitors of all ages. Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome visits from children of all ages while just outside their house the Santa Claus Express train is open for business throughout the exhibit from Nov. 27 – Dec. 31. Details and reservations at www.indianamuseum.org

Tuesday, Dec. 22
On the 10th FREE day of Christmas in Indy, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art gives to you …
The museum contains one of the best Native American and Western art collections in the world, including traditional and contemporary work by artists such as T.C. Cannon, N. C. Wyeth, Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, Allan Houser, Frederic Remington, Charles Russell and Kay Walkingstick. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.eiteljorg.org

Wednesday, Dec. 23
On the 11th FREE day of Christmas in Indy, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum gives to you …
More than 75 automobiles and motorcycles, representing the Indianapolis 500, stock car racing, sports car racing, and vintage luxury passenger models, are on display at the Hall of Fame Museum at all times from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. A fascinating collection of motorcycles is on display at the Museum, along with numerous examples of motor racing trophies, art and other attractions. www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.

Thursday, Dec. 24
On the 12th FREE day of Christmas in Indy, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis gives to you …
The unforgettable experience of Jolly Days. Enjoy traditional holiday favorites such as the Yule Slide, Jingles the Jolly Bear and visits with Santa (and since this is Christmas Eve, it’s a chance to have Santa fill those last-minute orders). The Snow Castle provides a toddler-size version of the Yule Slide. Try your ice-fishing skills or visit the Cookie Café to warm up your imagination with lots of cookie fun! 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Happy Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Barrow) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:51:00 +0000

Just a reminder that the offices of Child Care Answers will be closed on Thursday November 26th and Friday November 27th. We will re-open Monday November 30th at 8:00 AM.

We hope that all of our friends have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Early childhood education is economic issue | SouthCoastToday.com

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Barrow) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:49:00 +0000

Early childhood education is economic issue | SouthCoastToday.com

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Stroller Recall

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Barrow) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:49:00 +0000

The CPSC reports that Maclaren USA is recalling all of their single and double umbrella strollers sold from 1999 through November 2009 – about one million strollers, in all. The models affected are Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller.
Reports that the hinge mechanism in the back of the stroller can cut (or cut off) children's fingertips has prompted the recall. If you own one of these strollers, you can contact Maclaren USA (877-688-2326 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. www.maclaren.us/recall) for a repair kit.

Preschool Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Bennett) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:53:00 +0000

Teaching young children the meaning of Thanksgiving and importance of being thankful for people and non-material things in their life is fun and explorative in this lesson plan.

Suggested Thanksgiving Books
On the Mayflower by Kate Waters [Scholastic, 1999]
My First Thanksgiving by Tomie dePaola [Tien Wah Press, 1992]
Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland and Sonja Lamut [Grosset and Dunlap, 2000]

Thanksgiving Reading Center
Providing Thanksgiving related books in the reading center is a must, but you can go beyond that and offer a CD or tape of sounds: Ocean sounds to correspond with the days you talk about the Pilgrim’s journey on the Mayflower.

For a felt board activity, collect various Thanksgiving themed clip art, laminate and velcro, and place at the felt board. The children can reenact the story of Thanksgiving or you can use the pieces as you read along one of the suggested books.

Thanksgiving Science Center
After reading My First Thanksgiving, have the children help to make a special Thanksgiving themed snack. Have a large can of pumpkin and large box of vanilla instant pudding ready to put in two separate bowls. Provide small bowls for each child and let them scoop equal amounts of each in their bowl and mix together for a special pumpkin pudding treat. Let them top with cinnamon if preferred!

The sensory table is a great way for preschoolers to explore with their tactile senses. Dried Indian corn kernels or regular corn kernels are great sensory objects along with plastic fruits and vegetables. A sink/float table is a companion to the On the Mayflower story. Provide several objects that sink or float like corncobs, apples, seeds, sticks, beads, feathers, gourds, etc.

Thanksgiving Math Center
Focus on shapes one day with Native American teepee’s. Design or find a pattern of a teepee and provide triangle cutouts for the children to glue over the pattern. Let them decorate with circle buttons and rectangle pieces of cloth or construction paper. They can add colorful yarn at the top for the sapling poles.

This Math File Folder Game can be transformed into the Thanksgiving theme by using turkeys, feathers or pilgrim hats.

Read more: http://kids-educational-activities.suite101.com/article.cfm/preschool_thanksgiving_lesson_plan#ixzz0WN1aIrXT

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Barrow) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:56:00 +0000

Tips on How to Find a Free Turkey in Your Area
This article offers tips on what organizations, grocery stores, or services provide Turkeys for the less fortunate or those folks who just need a helping hand because of a financial setback due to a loss of job or illness.
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