Two Weeks in Washington DC

2 1/2 years ago I was lucky enough to be chosen to participate in the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) inaugural leadership development program with 5 other wonderful women from across the country. I have learned a lot about child care resource and referral in these two years and have made many changes in my agency as a result. I am nearing the end of this wonderful program and I am lucky enough to spend two weeks interning at the NACCRRA office in their public policy division. I will spend the next two weeks updating you on what I learn. For an example did you know that Representative Andre' Carson has introduced a bill to require comprehensive back ground checks for all child care providers that care for children who are on the CCDF voucher program? On Thursday I am going to attend my first hearing. I will let you know how that goes. Check back for updates.

Have a wonderful evening!

Mindy Bennett

Computer Training Classes!

Do you wish you knew more about Word, Excel, and PowerPoint? Would you like to send out a jazzy newsletter to your parents every month? How about an attractive flyer that showcases your skills as a professional child care provider? Would you like to create spreadsheets to help you run your business? When I call you for updates are you at a loss to tell me the ages of all your children and how many of each? Would you like to create financial spreadsheets for you and your parent's records? How about a nifty little powerpoint animation to keep your children occupied and teach them somthing at the same time?

Well you can do all of this! It is really easier than you think and fun! I will be teaching a "101" level class for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Look in your upcoming Training Calendar, or you can call Joslyn Sullivan at 636-5727 ext. 257 to get in on this fun and exciting computer training opportunity! The cost for each class is $10.00.

Indy Kids Consignment Sale

Indy Kids Consignment will be having their Fall sale on SEPTEMBER 18-19 from 9am-5pm at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, Expo Hall A Indy Kids Consignment started in 2005and has had two sales a year since then. They have grown from a sale in the front yard to offering 4,000 square feet of high quality, new and gently used children's clothing, gear and furniture, as well as maternity clothing. Register now to sell your items at a sale with experience that draws over a thousand shoppers and over 100consignors at each sale. For complete details visit our website at www.ikcsale.com. 9am-5pm. Free. Hamilton County 4H Fairgrounds. 2003 Pleasant Street, Noblesville. WWW.IKCSALE.COM.

Paths to QUALITY - Super Saturday Introduction Sessions

What is Paths to QUALITY?

Paths to QUALITY is a voluntary program that gives child care providers the opportunity to enhance their businesses by providing knowledge, training, and guidance in providing higher quality child care.

􀂐 It identifies four levels of high quality care and provides resources and incentives to advance to the next level of care
􀂐 It provides a referral system that helps parents locate participating Paths to QUALITY providers like you

Best of all, Paths to QUALITY is a free resource, and it’s easy to do! You can participate using the easy, self-guided workbook, or
Child Care Answers your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency can provide a mentor to help you through the process.

Saturday September 19, 2009
Choose from:
10am—12pm
Or
1pm—3pm
Contact Crystal Coleman to Reserve your Spot today!
317-926-3401 opt. 1 or crystalc@childcareanswers.com
**** Snacks will be provided ****

What are other providers saying about Paths to QUALITY?

“Dedication to quality is always exciting. I love the work we do in PTQ overlaps into other programs we are participating in. My staff does a better job maintaining quality indicators not just using them & forgetting them. Thank you!”

“We now learn while we play. The children really enjoy all the centers and so do I even in idle time they are playing and learning.”

“My mentor, x, has made it worth my time and effort for this training. When I thought my daycare didn’t have anything else to offer, X has helped me to see that it’s great to help others when they need you. Good childcaring is very important to parents and I have the power to be a great child care provider. Thank you for “Paths to QUALITY”!”


If you are unable to attend Super Saturday please contact Crystal for other opportunities to sign on to Paths to QUALITY.

Play and Learn

Our first week of the fall session of Play and Learn is over. We had a great first week!! We had groups at 6 different locations with a total of 17 families attending. This included 6 new families. We also have a wonderful group of 6 Ivy Tech students helping us this semester. We played with Ooeey Goeey, painted, and learned new uses for shaving cream! Come see how much fun we have!!

Free classes set for Northside kids' theater | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

Free classes set for Northside kids' theater | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

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Paths to QUALITY advertisment in Hendricks County Flyer on August 29, 2009

Hamilton County PlayCare Training--Sept. 26!

Project K.I.D. will conduct PlayCare training in Central Indiana on Saturday, September 26, 2009. Prospective volunteers ages 13 and over interested in learning more about responding to children's needs in disasters are welcome.

The training will be held at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Training begins at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m.

Costs of training are being underwritten by a grant from the United Way of Central Indiana. Participants completing training can qualify to receive one (1) C.E.U. credit.

For more information, please contact Kim Pratt, 877-846-7529 x4 (toll free).

Project: K.I.D. is organized around a very simple premise: Play is at the heart of what it means to be a kid. This means that as soon as possible in the wake of a disaster, children need protective, restorative environments where they can return to being kids.

When children are exposed to traumatic experiences such as the devastation following a natural disaster or similar disruption to their environment, they are often immersed in a situation marked by physical destruction and emotional fear. Even when children are not separated from their parents, their caregivers are often themselves in despair, strained by the immediate need to ensure survival and protection for their family members and overwhelmed in facing the challenge of rebuilding their lives.

Emergency shelters are a critical component of disaster response efforts, but the very nature of life in shelters often magnifies the sense of despair and disruption to which children are exposed. These problems are exacerbated by the physical confinement and sheer boredom shelter life imposes.

The founders of Project: K.I.D. believe that in these circumstances, the best thing for children and their parents is to as quickly as possible establish environments in which children who are victims of devastation can spend at least some time each day being kids. Children need to experience continuity of loving care and some freedom from the fear of seeing adults grieve.

More and more childrens advocacy and education groups are recognizing the centrality of play to childrens ability to thrive and bounce back from traumatic experiences. Child Play International puts it this way:

Play is serious business for children; it is the way they learn to master their environment. If everything else is right in their lives, they will always find a way to play. But in conditions of poverty, illness or misfortune, they need some help. They don't need elaborate equipment, but they need the right atmosphere, encouragement, and at least a few simple materials. Above all, they need affectionate and joyful adults to care for them when their parents can't.

Visit Project K.I.D website: http://www.project-kid.org/playcare

Little Tikes Recall

Little Tikes is recalling about 1.6 million Workshops Sets and Trucks because they have oversized plastic toy nails that can pose a choking hazard to young children.
The company has received one report of an 11-month-old boy from Goose Creek, S.C., who choked when the toy nail become lodged in his throat. The child was hospitalized and made a full recovery.
The oversized plastic toy nail is about 3 1/4 inches long by 1 1/4 inch in diameter and comes in red or blue colors. It has a large round head; about 1 1/4 inches below the head is a plastic ridge, slightly smaller than the nail head and about 1 inch in diameter. They were sold with a variety of Little Tikes children's products "The toys were sold on various Web sites, including littletikes.com, and retailers nationwide, including Toys "R" Us, from March 1994 through June 2009 for between $25 and $100.
Consumers should immediately take the toy nails away from young children and contact the firm for a free replacement toy nail.
For more information, contact Little Tikes at (800) 791-2737 or visit littletikes.com
Here is the recalled product information:
Model #
Name
Picture
0914
Electronic Project WorkshopSold from March 1994 through December 2003UPC: 0-50743-00914-3
0920/612237
Little HandiWorker WorkhorseSold from March 1999 through June 2009UPC 0-50743-10920-1UPC 0-50743-61223-7
4146
Home Improvements 2-Sided WorkshopSold from February 2001 through January 2009UPC 0-50743-04146-4
440Z
Swirlin' Sawdust WorkshopSold from April 2004 through November 2008UPC 0-50743-38540-7
4028
Black Pickup Truck with ToolsSold from March 2000 through April 2009UPC 0-50743-04028-3

Bassinet Recall

WASHINGTON -- Government safety officials warned parents Thursday about Simplicity bassinets after two more infants were killed when they became trapped.
Two young children died after getting trapped in previously recalled Simplicity close-sleeper/bedside sleeper bassinets, the Consumer Product Safety Commission disclosed.
The company's 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets contain metal bars spaced farther apart than federal standards allow. If the Velcro-fastened fabric covering the metal bars of the bassinets is not properly adjusted, it can be dangerous.
In September 2008, a 2-month-old girl in Demorest, Ga., suffocated when she became trapped in a pocket of fabric, which was not properly secured to the bassinet. In January 2009, a 6-month-old girl in Fort Worth, Texas, died when the fabric flap was undone and she got trapped between the exposed bars.
Asked about the time gap between the deaths and the re-announcement of the recall, the new chairman of the safety commission told The Associated Press the death in Georgia did not come to the agency's attention until this year. In a telephone interview, Inez Tenenbaum said she could not comment further on the Texas death because it is under investigation.
The CPSC warned against these Simplicity bassinets in August 2008, when it reported the deaths of two infants who also got trapped.
Tenenbaum, who was confirmed to the position in June, said she is learning daily that the public might not hear about recalls when they are first announced.
"We want to step up in the future our education and advocacy so that consumers are better informed," she said.
The commission has been contacting child care facilities, state governments and consumer groups about the bassinet recall.
All of the bassinets manufactured before May 18, 2008, have been recalled. This includes some sold under the Graco brand, some with a Winnie the Pooh motif, as well as other bassinets.
Recalled bassinets can be returned to the retail stores where they were purchased. For details on the affected products, visit: http://tinyurl.com/lr4gwf
---
Associated Press writer Ann Sanner contributed to this report.

Hamilton County Paths to QUALITY section in August 20 and 27 Hamilton County The Times

Free R.E.C.I.P.E. Workshop

Are you looking for new and interesting ways to add nutrition to your
kids’ diets?

What: R.E.C.I.P.E. for Growing Healthy Children
Place: Kid City, 752 International Dr. Franklin, IN
Date: Wednesday, September 9th
Time: 6:30pm‐ 8pm
Johnson County Extension would like to invite you to attend a 90 min workshop developed
uniquely for child care providers. Throughout this workshop we will show you:

• 
  How to create menus that meet The Dietary Guidelines and CACFP Recommendations Food Safety tips
• 
  How incorporate nutrition into your kids’ diets without them knowing!
• 
  Lots of food demonstrations for Breakfast, Lunch, and snacks and tasting

This is an excellent opportunity to pump up your menus with nutrition without the kids
knowing!

R.S.V.P. TODAY by sending an email to Linda Souchon at lsouchon@purdue.edu or by calling at
317‐736‐3724. Program limited to 20 providers, so call today!

5.5M window covers recalled after child deaths

TODAY Staff

In the wake of three child deaths and the near strangulation of seven other children, federal authorities and several businesses announced Wednesday that nearly 5.5 million hazardous window shades and blinds are being recalled immediately.

The window coverings include Roman shades, roll-up blinds, cellular shades and traditional blinds that provide young children with relatively easy access to exposed cords and loops that could strangle them.

The businesses participating in the recall are Pottery Barn Kids, IKEA, Vertical Land Inc., Lewis Hyman Inc., Lutron Electronics Co. Inc. and Victoria Classics. Victoria Classics’ Roman shades and many of Lewis Hyman’s window shades were sold exclusively at Target stores
Two of the three child deaths involved 1-year-old boys who became entangled in cords on Lewis Hyman roll-up blinds and Roman shades. One boy from Norridgewock, Maine was strangled in the lift-cord loop of a roll-up blind that fell into his portable crib in 2007. The other boy from Conway, Ark., was discovered last year with his head caught between the exposed inner cord and the cloth on the backside of a Roman shade.

The third child death involved a 4-year-old girl from Pensacola, Fla., who strangled in the loop of a Vertical Land vertical-blind cord in 2006.

‘Consider replacing the blinds’
In a statement, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urged people to examine the shades and blinds in their homes.

“If looped pull cords, exposed inner cords or exposed lifting loops are found and children are in the home or occasionally visit your home, please consider replacing the blinds or shades with products that do not have exposed pull cords or inner cords,” the agency advised.

Six incidents of near strangulation involved Pottery Barn Kids’ Roman shades. In all six cases between 2006 and 2008, children became entangled in the exposed inner cords on the back of the shades.
Scissors were used to release two of these children,” the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported. “Two children were found with red marks around their necks after having freed themselves. No permanent injuries were sustained.”

Another near strangulation involved IKEA Roman blinds. A 2-year-old boy was saved when his mother found him hanging from the blinds’ looped bead chain.

No incidents have been reported involving window coverings sold by Lutron Electronics Co. and Victoria Classics, but their products are being recalled because of design hazards.

For detailed information on any of these product recalls, visit the Web site of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Here are some additional details about the products involved:

LEWIS HYMAN INC.

Name of product: One-quarter-inch Oval Roll-up Blinds and Woolrich Roman Shades
Units recalled: About 4.2 million roll-up blinds and 600,000 Roman shades
Importer: Lewis Hyman Inc. of Carson, Calif.
Sold: The Roman shades were sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com from March 2006 to December 2008 for between $25 and $43. The roll-up blinds were sold at retail stores nationwide from January 1999 through December 2003 for between $6 and $20.
Consumer contact: Lewis Hyman Inc. by phone at (877) 354-5457 or (310) 532-5700, or online at this site.
LUTRON SHADING SOLUTIONS

Name of product: Roller Shades
Units recalled: About 245,000
Distributor: Lutron Electronics Co. Inc. of Coopersburg, Pa.
Manufacturer: Virginia Iron and Metal Company Inc. (VIMCO) of Ashland, Va.
Sold: Through specialty dealers and Expo Design Centers nationwide from January 2000 to April 2009 for between $200 and $2,000 per shade.
Consumer contact: Lutron by phone at (866) 793-4270 or (888) 588-7661, or online at this site.
VICTORIA CLASSICS

Name of product: Thermal Sailcloth and Matchstick Bamboo Roman Shades
Units recalled: About 163,000
Importer: Victoria Classics of Edison, N.J.
Sold: At Target stores and at Target.com nationwide from September 2008 to June 2009 for between $15 and $40.
Consumer contact: Victoria Classics by phone at (800) 583-9845 or online at this site.
IKEA

Name of product: MELINA Roman Blinds
Units recalled: About 120,000 units
Distributor: IKEA Home Furnishings of Conshohocken, Pa.
Sold: At IKEA stores nationwide from August 2006 to June 2008 for between $20 and $40.
Consumer contact: IKEA by phone at (888) 966-4532 or online at this site.
POTTERY BARN KIDS

Name of product: Roman Shades
Units recalled: About 85,000 units
Distributor: Pottery Barn Kids/Williams-Sonoma Inc. of San Francisco, Calif.
Sold: Pottery Barn Kids catalog nationwide and through the firm’s Web site at PotteryBarnKids.com from January 2003 to May 2007 for between $30 and $60.
Consumer contact: Pottery Barn Kids by phone at (800) 492-1949 or online at this site.
VERTICAL LAND INC.

Name of products: Horizontal and Vertical Blinds and Cellular Shades
Units recalled: 15,400 horizontal blinds, 16,400 vertical blinds, 800 cellular shades
Manufacturer: Vertical Land Inc. of Panama City Beach, Fla.
Sold: At Vertical Land stores in Panama City and Pensacola, Fla., from January 1992 to December 2006 for between $60 and $200, depending on the size of the blind.
Consumer contact: Vertical Land by phone at (800) 423-8653

Child Care on a Budget

Child Care on a Budget

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Firefighter's Parade

September 12th 2009 at 10:00 am. Parade will take place starting at the Federal Bldg at Pennsylvania and North streets.


The Indianapolis Fire Department is celebrating 150 years of professional excellence this year and they have invited ALL FIREFIGHTERS to join us them in this celebration. The Parade will start with a time line of IFD apparatus from 1859’s hand-pulled hose cart to today’s most recent apparatus purchase. The Parade Grand Marshall will be the oldest living retired member of IFD and a wide variety of Indianapolis Ex-Chiefs and Fire Dignitaries.



More info at http://www.ifd150.com/

Swine Flu and child care

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090816/ap_on_he_me/us_swine_flu_parents

A Reminder

I just saw this article about an in home child care site in New York. We can never be to careful when it comes to children.

NY baby dies after falling in day care mop bucket

NEW YORK — New York City police have arrested the operator of an in-home day care following the death of an 11-month-old boy who apparently fell into a mop bucket.
Police say 28-year-old Krystal Khan is charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
Authorities responded to a call of an unconscious child at her home in Queens on Monday.
Police say Khan told them she had stepped out of her living room briefly, and returned to find the child in the bucket.
The baby died at a hospital. An autopsy will be performed on Tuesday.
Police did not say whether Khan had legal representation. There was no answer at a telephone number listed at her home address.
A sign on the door of Khan’s home reads: “Child care all day, every day.”

Kids Voice

KidsVoice: Protecting Children's RightsFounded in 1908 as the Legal Aid Society of Pittsburgh, KidsVoice provides the full-service advocacy that every abused, abandoned, voiceless and vulnerable child deserves. Many of the children KidsVoice represents, in addition to being neglected or abused, must overcome significant physical and mental disabilities. Their conditions range from developmental delays, neonatal drug addiction and AIDS to severe brain damage, suicidal depression and critical organ failure.
KidsVoice provides a voice of hope, a voice for rights and a voice of experience for children who otherwise cannot speak for themselves. KidsVoice vigilantly guides each child through the court process and ensures that every agency involved meets the full range of the child’s needs. Through in-depth investigation, KidsVoice delivers informed recommendations and advocates in court for the child's best interests –in court and beyond-- making a dramatic difference in the lives of children, parents and the community at large. KidsVoice ensures that the most appropriate services are in place to protect children from future harm, with the ultimate goal of providing a safe and permanent home for every child.
Legal Representation and MoreAlmost every child represented by KidsVoice lacks minimally adequate or safe parenting. Many states, including Pennsylvania, require the appointment of an attorney as a guardian ad litem to advocate in court for the best interests of every abused and neglected child. KidsVoice does that - and much more.
KidsVoice has established a new standard for child advocacy that expands well beyond representation in court. It uses a new model of advocacy - a multi-disciplinary approach - that provides comprehensive services and takes full account of each child's physical and emotional needs. KidsVoice teams attorneys with in-house child advocacy specialists - experts in social work, mental health, education, child development, case management and substance abuse services. Through the staff's collective knowledge on advocacy issues and nationwide experience representing children, KidsVoice has developed a revolutionary approach that delivers more effective representation. This new approach is designed with specific protocols and outcome measures so that the success of KidsVoice can be replicated across the country by other child advocacy agencies.
The Three Voices of AdvocacyKidsVoice provides a voice of hope, a voice for rights and a voice of experience for children who otherwise cannot speak for themselves.
A Voice of Hope . . .Abused and neglected children have been denied far more than legal rights. They lack self-esteem, dignity and often are without even the basic sense of safety and security every child should have at home. Many children believe that their family situation is permanent and beyond their control. The support of KidsVoice gives abused and neglected children the hope that their lives can change for the better, with the knowledge that:
-
they are not alone and that other children and families with similar issues have found solutions;
-
they are not responsible for their parents' actions;
-
there is someone who understands their situation and will represent their interests and explain the proceedings.

A Voice for Rights . . . Children are entitled to protection under the law, especially children whose health and life may be in jeopardy due to conditions in their own home. KidsVoice advocates not only for individual children, but also on other levels to champion the cause of children and protect every child's right to a safe and permanent home.
KidsVoice advocates for children:
-
in all legal proceedings - protecting children's rights in courts, school proceedings, and individual, class action and appellate cases;
-
before the legislature - lobbying and advocating to change laws and secure adequate funding for children's issues;
-
in the community - representing children's best interests in the community to ensure that needs and rights of children are heard and understood.

A Voice of Experience . . .Children are unprepared to deal with the issues presented in abuse and neglect cases. KidsVoice brings years of experience in safeguarding the best interests of children, including knowledge of:
-
the signs of child abuse and neglect;
-
ways to help family members;
-
the importance of attachment and bonding;
-
the significance of sibling and extended family connections;
-
the dynamics of family violence;
-
the appropriate placement and services to choose from among mental health, educational, substance abuse and family support services;
-
how seemingly little things make a difference – like having an appropriate pair of eyeglasses, and clothes and shoes that fit.

1908 - 2008: Celebrating 100 years of legal advocacy for children and vulnerable citizens.
For more information please go to http://www.kidsvoicein.org/

"Vanessa's Hope"

Vanessa's Hope

Vanessa's Story
Vanessa's struggle began in January of 2007. Eduardo was 5 weeks old when Vanessa went to the doctor because of a lump in her breast. Her Obstetrician had previously told her that the lump was probably a clogged milk duct. When it didn't seem to be going away she decided to get it checked out. The doctor took a biopsy and told Vanessa to prepare for bad news. The dreaded phone call came two days later.Vanessa was diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer. While caring for her infant son she embarked on an aggressive regimen of chemotherapy at the IU Simon Cancer Center. In August of 2007, after several rounds and several different types of chemotherapy, Vanessa decided to have a double mastectomy. For several months following surgery, Vanessa's cancer seemed to be under control. But in September 2008 the cancer returned - this time it had spread to her liver and lungs. Again chemotherapy was used and appeared to be successful. Breast reconstruction surgery was planned and every one's hopes were high. Then in February of this year - a day before leaving for reconstruction surgery - Vanessa had a seizure. The MRI showed two lesions on her brain. Vanessa immediately started Gamma Knife radiation on the tumors. The two tumors began to shrink, but a new tumor had developed. At this point she had whole brain radiation done. Because of the dangers to the patient this is a treatment that can only be done once.

Currently ...
Vanessa is continuing with chemotherapy until September. Every three weeks she goes to the cancer center for a 3 - 4 hour process where she receives an infusion of chemotherapy drugs at a cost of $8,000 - $14,000. In September, Vanessa will start on a maintenance regimen of infusions.


Living With Hope
Vanessa's Hope c/o The Julian Center2011 North Meridian St Indianapolis, IN 46202317-941-2215
Copyright (c)2009 Vanessa's Hope


Events
AN EVENING OF CELEBRATION
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2009
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Location: St. Monica Church, 6131 North Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46228.
Entertainment: Live music
Activities: The evening will feature dinner, a silent auction, and entertainment.
Tickets: Teenagers and adults are $20.00 per person, children ages 5 - 12 are $10.00 per child, children ages 0 - 5 are free. To purchase your tickets, you may use the following to submit your order through PayPal, or call Molly Barrick at 317.941.2220 or submit your request via email by.

Select Ticket/Click Add to Cart:
$20.00 - Adult/Teenager$10.00 - Child (6 - 12 yrs)$00.00 - Child (0 - 5 yrs)


If you cannot attend: Please consider giving a donation. A gift in any amount is appreciated.

LivingWith Hope
Vanessa's Hopec/o The Julian Center2011 North Meridian StIndianapolis, IN 46202317-941-2215
Copyright (c)2009 Vanessa's Hope

" El Gran Escape” Latino Fire and Life Safety Event

In partnership with Farm Bureau Insurance, the Indianapolis Fire Department is hosting the 6th annual “El Gran Escape” Latino Fire and Life Safety Event. This event which started in 2003 and had an attendance of 100 the first year, now generates an attendance of over 1000 Latino men, women and children.

The FREE event is this Saturday August 22, 2009 at 748 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis Metropolitan Firefighters Union Hall. The event will run from 11:00 – 4:00. Free Lunch and beverages will be provided for all courtesy of Pollos Las Reyes and Merry’s Bakery. Your contact at the event will be Captain Aleatha Henderson, phone # 716-6261.
Events include:

Training Classes:
Fire Drills in the home
911 System
Severe Weather (Safety Trailer)
Water Safety (WARN Program)
CPR
Survive Alive

Fun Activities:
Passenger Train
Touch a Truck
Bounce House
Face Painting
Fire Fighter Picture Station
Chilly Willy the Clown
Cotton Candy

Booths:
Animal Care and Control
Candle Safety
Car Seat Fitting Station
Poison Control
Fire Extinguisher Station
Bike Rodeo
Bike Helmets
Smoke Detector Station
Kids ID Van
Anthem Health (with H1N1 info)
Riley Safety Store
Latino/Crime Prevention

Why Children Should Always Eat Breakfast Before Going To School

The national MBF Healthwatch survey has revealed that a disturbing number of children 'wag' breakfast claiming there is 'no time' to eat, they are 'too tired' or 'can't be bothered' having a meal before going to school. The survey found that 22% of parents interviewed said their children skip breakfast on three to five school days of each week, and a further 20% skip breakfast on one or two school days.

The remaining 58% of parents said their school aged children always ate breakfast before school.
Bupa* Chief Medical Officer Dr Christine Bennett said, "It is disturbing to find that 42% of children are sent to school on one or more days on an empty stomach because it sends a clear message at an early age that breakfast isn't important.

"Wagging breakfast is the healthy lifestyle equivalent of driving your car on an empty petrol tank – it inevitably runs out when you most need it.
"Research shows that skipping breakfast results in reduced learning, reduced attention and poor food choices for the rest of the day. Children who skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight which in the long term can lead to the development of chronic health issues.
"Children who miss out on breakfast are also less likely to get the recommended intake of dairy, fruit and vegetables," she said.

Asked why their children missed out on breakfast before school, just over half (51.6%) of parents said there was no time because of the pressures of being late for school or work or because of sleeping in.
"Parents should encourage their children to eat breakfast. Storing a few simple ingredients in the cupboard or fridge or organising breakfast the night before can help in the morning rush. Healthy shakes and cereal bars are great for eating on the way to school. Toast, yogurt and fruit are also quick, easy options," Dr Bennett said.

Viewed nationally, the MBF Healthwatch survey showed that children missed breakfast at an average rate of 1.2 days a week – Tasmanian children were least likely to miss breakfast at 0.6 while Queensland and Western Australia had the worst record for breakfast 'wagging' at 1.4 and 1.5 days respectively.
"With many competing demands, we know that Australian families live in a 'time poor' society but the importance of making time for children to enjoy a healthy breakfast before going to school cannot be overstated," Dr Bennett said. "It can be the start of a lifetime of healthy eating habits," she said.
Source: Research Australia

Bayh aide tours West Clay child care center | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

Bayh aide tours West Clay child care center | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

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Indianapolis Art Center Scholarships

The Indianapolis Art Center is offering scholarships to children 18 and younger with physical, social and emotional challenges. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of class availability and the child's interest in art. Applications for scholarships are due by Friday October 9th. For more information on scholarships you can call the Education Department at 317.255.2464, ext. 222 or 224.

A New Look Inside Babies\' Minds

A New Look Inside Babies\' Minds

Rating Child Care / Paths to QUALITY

Look for the article on Paths to QUALITY in the Johnson County Daily Journal's Friday, August 14th edition on pages A8 and A9. Johnson County providers who are currently signed on to Paths to QUALITY are all listed. Cheryl Beck, the owner of Cheryl's Kiddie Corral in Whiteland, was interviewed and photos from her child care site are included in the article. Kimberly McMahon, the owner of Generations to Come located in Edinburgh was also interviewed.

Learn more about Paths to QUALITY

Follow this link to learn more about the program with this interactive website:

http://www.sandersnet.com/ftp/ptq/media/paths_main.html

Outdoor Safety Tips

Thanks to our friends at 4C of Southern Indiana for these tips. With the weather about to warm up again I thought that you might find this information helpful.

If it's sunny, and your child is older then 6 months, make sure she/he wears sunscreen of at least SPF 15. Keep babies under 6 months out of the sun.

• Always make sure your child is dressed for the weather.


• Stay close together - and hold hands when crossing the streets.

If the weather is too extreme, you can always go outside tomorrow!

Get Ready for Kindergarten | Live Simply | Cozi

Get Ready for Kindergarten | Live Simply | Cozi

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Family Child Care and the Economy

This article was found in Exchange Every Day...

In National Perspective (Winter/Spring 2009), the newsletter of the National Association for Family Child Care, Linda Geigle and Barbara Sawyer describe some impacts of the current economic conditions on the world of family child care...

"Family child care programs all over the country are struggling to maintain their businesses while they continue to provide high quality services. Some providers are finding it necessary to reduce rates while others are expanding their services to include hours they are not currently operating. Some family child care providers have the flexibility to offer part-time services or to adapt schedules by opening earlier or closing later to meet different needs of their clients.

"An additional impact is the increase in the number of people offering family child care. Rita Khouri, Pitter Patter Daycare, an NAFCC Accredited program, shares that many women are trying child care as an option to supplement their household income. 'With so many women out of work, home daycare is booming with many women trying it out.' While some of these new caregivers enter the regulated family child care community, many do not. In some communities the child care market becomes saturated with family child care — both legal and illegal. This is an added stress for family child care providers who may already be struggling to fill all of their child care openings."

To find out about the regulations for family child care homes in Indiana follow this link. http://www.childcareanswers.com/facilityregulations.html

Paths to QUALITY Ad to appear in Johnson County Paper

Look for the Paths to QUALITY Ad this weekend in the Saturday edition of the Franklin Daily Journal.

Help for the Unemployed Hoosiers and Their Children

The State of Indiana has published a free guidebook helping unemployed Hoosiers easily find programs, resources and other support. The "Resource Guide for the Unemployed" includes information on:

How to apply for unemployment benefits;
Educational retraining programs;
Job search programs;
Hoosier Healthwise;
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families;
Food stamps;
School meal programs;
Free and discounted prescription services;
Housing assistance and foreclosure prevention;
Home heating assistance;
Child care support.

Hard copies of the guidebook are available at the state's WorkOne employment offices. Locations can be found at:

WorkOne website

The resource book also is available online:

Online Resource Book

New Website for Prospective Child Care Providers

Child Care Aware® has a long history of connecting parents to Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (CCR&Rs) for help with finding quality child care. Check out the new Web site, we will also connect prospective child care providers to their local CCR&Rs for support as they consider starting a child care business.

The new Web site for prospective child care providers includes information and resources needed to begin a career in child care and directs them to their local CCR&Rs for support and guidance. The new site, hosted on NACCRRA's Child Care Aware® Web site at http://getstarted.childcareaware.org/, includes information on how to:

*Contact and make the most of the services offered by their local CCR&R
*Develop a business plan
*Prepare a budget
*Effectively manage a child care program
*Become familiar with state child care licensing requirements
*Professionally market a child care program – (Also coming soon... a brochure filled with simple marketing tips providers can use to sustain their businesses)
*And more!

Back To School

FREE Back Packs & School Supplies

Where: Shalom Health Care Center

3400 Lafayette Road, Indianapolis IN

When: Thursday August 6, 2009 from 10:00am-6:00pm

For: Students K-12th Grade

For more information please call (317) 291-7422

Back to School: It doesn't have to be expensive

Back to School: It doesn't have to be expensive

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Paths to QUALITY Ad in the August editon of Indy's Child

FREE!! Help Manage, Motivate and Retain great Staff in your Child Care Program

Would you like a step-by-step plan of action to help you… Manage, Motivate and Retain great staff in your child care program? Check out this site...

http://tinyurl.com/llntl2

"Please share this information… it sounds like an awesome opportunity!!! Julie spoke at a conference four years ago for directors in the Indianapolis area, she did a great job”!- Vanessa, Asst. Director of Programs- Child Care Answers

Free Back to School Supplies

Back to School Family Day 2009, hosted by Covering Kids and Families of Central Indiana, will be Saturday August 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marion County Health Department. 3838 N. Rural St. Indianapolis. Families can receive free school supplies (children must be present), health screenings, health information, immunizations, sports physicals and entertainment.

Questions? Call 317-221-2464. Bilingual information is available 317-221-2039.

Report puts focus on child deaths | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

Report puts focus on child deaths IndyStar.com The Indianapolis Star

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Changes in the WIC Program

Starting in September 09 Indiana WIC (Women,Infants and Children) is making changes for better health. Participants will continue to recieve milk, cereal, eggs, juice, and peanut butter but they will also recieve whole grain breads, fresh fruit and veggies, and baby foods at 6 months old. WIC will also help your childs eating habits by offering infant cereal at 6 months of age, juice when the child turns 1 year old, and switching to lower fat milk for everyone over the age of 2 years old.

For more information contact your local Indiana WIC clinic or call 800-522-0874.

Recall Notice

Aqua-Leisure Industries Recalls Inflatable Baby Floats Due to Drowning Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Inflatable Baby Floats

Units: About 4 Million

Manufacturer: Aqua-Leisure Industries, of Avon, Mass.

Hazard: The leg straps in the seat of the float can tear, causing children to unexpectedly fall into or under the water, posing a risk of drowning.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been 31 reports of float seats tearing, causing children to fall into or under the water. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled inflatable baby floats were sold in a variety of styles and colors. The names and model numbers are located on the packaging. A date between 08/02 and 07/08 is molded on the valves of recalled products. Products not included in the recall can be identified with the lettering “NP” molded on the valve. The following names and model numbers are included in this recall:

To find a list of recalled floats check out US Consumer Product Safety commisions recall website.

White House Conference on Children

Exchange Strategic Partner, the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), is leading a campaign to reestablish the White House Conference on Children and Youth. Starting in 1909 through 1970 a White House Conference on Children took place every ten years. According to CWLA, these conferences made significant contributions to national, state, and local policies impacting children and youth. In urging the new President to convene a White House Conference on Children and Youth in 2010, CWLA observes:

"The White House Conference is a way for citizens nation-wide to become engaged in determining and recommending to the national government and their communities the best ways to improve the well-being of America's children.... State and local events would include experts on health, education, mental health, and other vital community resources. The events would convene tribal governments and leaders, local advocates and judges, as well as people most affected — families, children, and youth. All would participate in a national dialogue, develop recommendations, and commit to improving the lives of our most vulnerable children and families."

BMV Carload Day At The Indiana State Fair

I just got this emailed to me and thought that you might be interested:

Monday, August 17, is BMV Carload Day at the Indiana State Fair. Up to 10 people can be admitted to the fairgrounds for only $15 for the group. The family-friendly atmosphere, great food, and endless activities will make for a special day. To get this special rate, all you have to do is download a coupon from their Web site . The coupon is accepted at all drive-in and walk-in gates at the fairgrounds. Your friends and neighbors can also take advantage of this special offer, so be sure to forward this to them.

Books for School

If you have a child entering kindergarten or preschool this year you should check out Elizabeth Kennedy at About.com. Listed are some great books to help prepare your child and maybe even you for the first day of school. My five year old adores"I Am Too Absolutely Small For School" featuring the hilarious duo of Charlie and Lola. Reading with your child is a great way to build their confidence about starting school.

The Decision Making Tool

The decision to stay at home or return to work is not easy. Child Care Aware’s Accessing Support for All Parents (ASAP) project will help families look at factors involved in making decisions about child care.

The ASAP Decision Making Tool allows families to:

• Consider critical areas of your lives impacted by child care decisions


• Examine feelings regarding child care options


• Seek the most appropriate resources and support for those choices

The Decision Making Tool offers resources which include interactive questions, a budgeting calculator, and various articles intended to aide in a family's child care decision making process. A family's child care choice is their decision. NACCRRA and Child Care Aware work to provide information, resources, and support to families so they may make informed decisions.

http://www.childcareaware.org/en/tools/decision_making_tool/

Office Closed

Child Care Answers will be closed on Wednesday July 22nd from 11:45am- 1:45pm. We will reopen at 1:45pm. Thanks!

Child Care Memories

In the early 1970's I went to a little child care provider in Kokomo, IN called "Real Life Playschool" (the picture is of me way back then) it played such an important part of my early childhood and I fondly recall it. I am sad to know that it is no longer in operation, but I will always treasure the memories and my mom still has some of the "artwork" I created there. A plaster hand impression and some coloring pages, as well as a red and green construction paper garland that decorated every one of our Christmas trees throughout my formative years. I have memories of playing Red-Rover in the play ground, Legos and learning to wash my hands when I was done in the potty. Miss Julie, Mrs. Dishon, and Miss Connie, still come to my mind every now and then as I talk to providers in the job I have now. Mrs. Dishon passed away in the late 80's and Miss Julie is gone too, but I like to think that they are proud of all the thousands of children's lives they touched over the years, and would be happy to know that I now play a small part in keeping their legacy alive through my work with Child Care Answers.

What are some of the memories you have of your days in child care before you went to Kindergarden?

Take one minute a day

And so our mothers and grandmothers have, more often than not anonymously, handed on the creative spark, the seed of the flower they themselves never hoped to see — or like a sealed letter they could not plainly read. Alice Walker

1:01 Monday 1:01 Tuesday 1:01 Wednesday 1:01 Thursday 1:01 Friday 1:01 Saturday 1:01 Sunday

Join 630 delegates who attended the 2009 World Forum on Early Care and Education by dedicating one minute a day to advocacy.

At 1:01 pm each day — no matter where you are or what you're doing — take one minute for action. Write a letter, send an e-mail, make a phone call. Make a commitment, call for action, raise awareness. Every action makes a difference.

ExchangeEveryDay is sent to 55,000 early childhood professionals. Let's do the math:55,000 advocacy minutes per day, 365 days per year= 20,075,000 advocacy minutes per year= 334,583 advocacy hours per year

Let's do it! Let's dedicate 1 minute per day, 7 minutes per week, each of us for one year.And let's use one of our minutes to bring 3 new people into the effort — which would bring our potential advocacy hours to over a million!

Then share your story on how you plan to use your advocacy minutes on the World Forum website.

Kid's Day at State Fair

The 2009 Indiana State Fair is just around the corner with more new and exciting events in store! One the many events taking place at the Indiana State Fair is the annual Kids Day on August 17, 2009.

There will be many activities on August 17 for kids and their families such as Munchkins on the Midway wristband special, three free performances of the International Circus Hall of Fame, the Stars of Peking Acrobats, and The Trouble with Boys featured on the Buckle Up Trucks Main Street Stage. In addition to these events, Kids Day will consist of games and contests from 10 AM – 4 PM in the Farm Bureau Building where kids can win prizes donated by Fundex Games. Activities are for children of all ages and include a Jump Rope Contest, the famous Bubble Gum Blowing Contest, Meet the Indiana State Fair Queen Haleigh Yergler, Pin the Nose on the Pig, and much, much more!

Promoting Social Emotional Competency

Infant Toddler Sessions: August 18, 25 and September 2 - 6-9pm

Preschool Sessions: August 19, 26, September 1 and 2 - 6-9pm

• All classes will be held at Hendricks County Day Nursery 1350 Ronald Reagan Pkwy Avon IN 46123



• Please contact Joslyn Hurm-Sullivan at 317-636-5727 to inquire about CEU”S
  Cost: $60 for Infant Toddler or Preschool Sessions 1 CEU
  

Cost: $120 for both sessions and 2 CEUs
Don’t need CEUs– Cost $40 for a part or $80 for both Infant Toddler and Preschool

Participants will be introduced to a teaching pyramid model and actively discuss strategies of handling challenging behaviors for all ages of children 0-5. Practical classroom teaching strategies and discussions will be a part of this 21 hour course. Participants will understand what must be in place in order to lessen disruptive behaviors. Social and emotional coaching activities are included in this class. Participants must commit to all nights in order to obtain the training certificate.

The State of Child Care In Indiana

NACCRRA (National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies) has posted a report specific to the state of Indiana in regards to child care. It covers many areas of research such as child care costs, child care supply & demand, workforce & training, and much more! All statistics were provided by the Child Care Bureau from the 2007 Child Care Development Fund preliminary data and are derived from monthly averages. To see this report, click here!

Car Seat Assistance

Riley offers a program to help assist families who cannot afford car seats through a program called Automotive Safety Program. Parents should call 800-543-6227 to find a safety station near them and they take their child, car, and seat to the station along with proof that they are in immediate need (medicaid info, food stamps, etc.) and the safety officer will check the seat and child for proper fit to determine if they need a new seat and possibly provide one. For parents expecting children they are to be referred to the hospital at which they will deliver. Children must be present at safety stations for families to qualify. They also have wonderful resources on what to do if you child (safety seat included) is in an accident. Seats should be check to see if they should be replaced. Below is the website should you need it.

http://www.preventinjury.org/index.asp

Car Seat Safety

One Hundred and Twenty Degrees...In less than 20 minutes, even on a mild day, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees. And since a child's body temperature rises at a rate of 3-5 times faster than an adults, such temperatures can lead to the death of a child in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, too many children die each year when they are intentionally or accidentally left alone in a car. Keep your children safe by remembering to:

• Never, ever leave your child alone in the car! Even for a second!


• Always take your child into the store with you.


• Lock your doors and trunk when your car is parked in the driveway.


• Teach your children not to play in or around cars.


• Put your child's diaper bag on the front seat so you will be reminded she/he is in the car.


• Keep keys and remote devises out of reach of children.

Information from the "Prevent Child Abuse Indiana" Newsletter

Paths to Quality

Paths to Quality

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Check out the news article about the Paths to QUALITY program!

Lombardi Named to Key Federal Post

Joan Lombardi, long-time advocate for children around the world and founder of the World Forum Global Leaders project, has been tagged by the Obama administration to serve in two roles for Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of health and human services (HHS). Lombardi has been named the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). In addition, she will also be ACF's interdepartmental liaison for early childhood development. Lombardi will likely answer to Carmen Nazario, who has been nominated by President Obama to head up ACF. Nazario's confirmation hearing has not been scheduled yet.

Lombardi was deputy assistant secretary for children and families under President Bill Clinton, and before that served as his associate commissioner of the Child Care Bureau. Since then Lombardi has served as director of The Children's Project, which helped foundations develop youth-related policy initiatives and projects, and as a professor at Georgetown University's Public Policy Institute.

Prior to being appointed to these positions, Lombardi contributed the article, "The Dawn of a New Era: Investing in Early Childhood Helps America Recover and Grow," to the July/August 2009 issue of Exchange. This article can be viewed at http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/3485.

Back to School Dates

Summer is half over and it's time to start thinking about going back to school. United Way of Central Indiana is kicking off a campaign to make sure children start back to school on time. We have compiled a list of local schools and the start date of each. Please check with your local school to verify the dates are correct.



August 10th: Franklin Township, Plainfield

August 11th: Carmel Clay, Center Grove, Danville,Noblesville, Perry, Pike Township, Westfield Washington

August 12th: Avon, Beech Grove, Hamilton Southeastern, IPS

August 17th: Brownsburg

August 18th: Lawrence Township

Promoting Social Emotional Competencies

Space is limited! Call today!

Infant Toddler Sessions: July 21, 22, 23 6-9pm
Preschool Sessions: July 28, 29, 30 6-9pm
Module 4 (required for both Infant Toddler and Preschool): August 5 6-9pm

*Please contact Joslyn Hurm-Sullivan at 317-636-5727 to inquire about CEU”S

Participants will be introduced to a teaching pyramid model and actively discuss strategies of handling challenging behaviors for all ages of children 0-5. Practical classroom teaching strategies and discussions will be a part of this 21 hour course. Participants will understand what must be in place in order to lessen disruptive behaviors. Social and emotional coaching activities are included in this class. Participants must commit to all nights in order to obtain the training certificate.

Free Training on How to Assess Child Care Settings

We are thrilled to announce our first Child Care Aware Parent Network webinar! This session will be the first of four sessions...with more to come throughout the year. As with all of our great content, this session is FREE! We hope you will join us online at:
Will You Know High Quality Child Care When You See It? How to Assess Child Care Settings

Choosing good child care is one of the most important decisions you will ever make for your child. How do you know which child care setting meets your family’s needs? How do you assess quality? Join NACCRRA’s outstanding Senior Early Education Specialist and Consumer Education Specialist, Niki Smidt and Mujaahida Latif, for an informative session about what you should look for when you choose a child care center or family child care home. This interactive session include questions and answers, so come armed with your burning questions about child care.

Wednesday July 22nd at 8:30pm - 9:30pm Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Click here to register now! (It's FREE!)

For information on other upcoming webinars, please visit the Child Care Aware Parent Network webinar page.

Have you joined NACCRRA’s Child Care Aware Parent Network? Raise your hand for high-quality child care by joining today. It’s free! http://www.ccaparentnetwork.org/.

Sincerely,
The Child Care Aware Parent Network Team
National Association of Child Care
Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA)

Child Care Answers now has a new Twitter account

You can now follow us on Twitter. We would love it if you would become a follower. See the side bar of our blog to begin following us.

Indiana's Child Care Rating Program

Your child care provider plays a significant role in your child’s development. 85% of a child’s capacity to learn is determined by the age of five. With Paths to QUALITY, Indiana’s quality child care rating system, you can choose a provider committed to quality care. For more information give us a call at 317-631-4643 or visit our web site at http://www.childcareanswers.com/. If you are a child care porvider and would like to learn more about joining Paths to QUALITY please contact us at 317-926-3401 x 300

Statewide Crisis Management Service

Statewide implementation of the Crisis Management Services Program by Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration, Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services began as of September 17, 2007. This program is designed for individuals with developmental disabilities who are experiencing severe behavioral or psychiatric issues which threaten their health and welfare, or that of others.

The program is designed to deliver supports in a timely and intensive manner to children and adults with developmental disabilities who are already receiving services, as well as those who are not currently receiving services but are likely to be found eligible according to state guidelines.

The state is working with Meridian Services, a mental health provider, and Anthony Wayne Services (AWS), a provider of services for persons with developmental disabilities, to deliver these services. Those not experiencing this level of need will be referred elsewhere.

Specific Services Offered:
24 hour Crisis Hotline phone support;
In-home assessment, technical assistance and behavior intervention;
Out of home intervention on a short term basis; and
Post crisis follow-along.

For more information visit: http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/IRCA/ServArticles/CrisisManagement.html

Deals on Meals

If you're looking to take the kids out for dinner here are some local restaurant deals for dining with children. I would recommend you call the restaurant in advance to make sure they are still offering the specials. If you are looking for other restaurants check out www.mykidseatfree.com .

Chick-Fil-A

Noblesville-Kids meals under 12 Tuesday nights are buy one get one free
Keystone Crossing-Wednesday nights kids eat free with paying adult entree
Logans

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday kids eat for $2
Loon Lake Lodge

All day Tuesday kids eat free with paying adult after 6pm, they also have movies and face painting
Scotty's Brewhouse (3905 E. 96th St.)

Kids eat free Sundays with each paying adult
Perkins

Wednesday and Sunday evenings free kids meals with paying adult
Steak-N-Shake

Saturday and Sunday kids eat free with paying adult (one free kids meal per $8 spent)

Holiday Hours

Hello All,

I just wanted to let you know that Child Care Answers will be closed on July 3rd in celebration of Independence Day. We hope that you have an enjoyable holiday. Our office will reopen on Monday, July 6Th at 8:00 am.

Fun Ideas for your toddler this summer

Zero to Three posted the following activities to try with your toddler this summer. Moving messy activities outside adds extra fun for your child and make for easier clean-up for you!
*Remember to always keep safety in mind and check with your pediatrician before introducing new foods to your child.

Birth to 12 Months: Fun With Fruit. Summer is the time when fruits and vegetables are freshest, sweetest, and available in a rainbow of colors. If your baby has begun eating solid foods, slice several different fruits and vegetables into bite-sized pieces (ask your health care provider before introducing new foods). Use the names of each food—strawberry, cucumber, tomato, raspberry, melon. Let your baby play with the food, touch it, and lick it. Maybe he will even taste it. Which does he like the best?

12 to 24 Months:How Does Your Garden Grow? Plant some seeds that grow in summer, such as sunflower seeds, in a patch of dirt outside or in a pot to keep inside. This is a fun project for toddlers who love to shovel, pour water, and get messy! At the same time they’re building fine motor skills (as they use their fingers and hands) and learning important science concepts as they watch their plants grow. Have a garden snack when your plant has grown big enough to “harvest.”

24 to 36 Months:Time for a Taste Test. Organize a “taste test” with your toddler as your lay slices of various fruits and/or vegetables out on a plate. (Once again, consult with your child’s health care provider if she has a history of food allergies.) Choose some fruits and vegetables that are familiar to your child and others that are new. Let your child explore the foods in whatever way she likes. She may try some, touch some, and avoid some. Talk about the names of each one, how they look, and how they taste. What fruits and vegetables are your child’s favorites? Which doesn’t she like? If you’d like, create a little “tasting passport” by drawing a picture of each of the foods you have offered on an index card. Punch holes in the cards and tie them together with yarn. Your child can put stickers on the card for each food she tries.

Who Wants to Invest

This is why we do what we all do!