Online Early Childhood Director's Management Training

Get the management training you need to support

your program from your own desk in your own office!

      You may register for one or all four modules. 

·        Each module is 4 weeks long.

·        Each week includes one hour of online time together (webinar presentation and discussion).

·        There is a Pre and Post Assignment for each webinar, 1 hour each.

·        Each module totals 12 training hours.

·        All four modules (16 weeks) total 48 training hours.

·        Registration cost includes training materials.

·        Full series registration includes a copy of the Program Administration Scale.

·        Completion of full series has a CEU option for a small additional fee.

        2012 Dates/Webinar Schedule (4 wks): Module:

        January 24-February 14, Tues. 1-2pm    Focus on Business Operations

                Policies and Procedures, Business Practices, Marketing and Disaster Preparedness

        February 21-March 13, Tues. 1-2pm      Focus on Staff

Professional Development Plans, Effective Supervision, Technology Assessment, and Human Resource Management

        March 27-April 17, Tues. 1-2pm               Focus on Children

Advocating for Play, Best Classroom Practices, Curriculum Goals/ Lesson Planning, and Creating a Welcoming Culture

        April 24-May 15, Tues. 1-2pm                   Focus on Leadership

Partners with Families, Leadership and Management, Building Better Boards, and Strategic Planning

Cost:  $15 per Module or $50.00 for the Full Series                                

         *Must have a high speed internet connection to participate.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE DECEMBER 15, 2011

TO REGISTER:

Contact Traci Marshall,

           Indiana Association for Child Care Resource and Referral

           317.924.5202   toll free 1.800.299.1627 ext. 230

 OR tmarshall@iaccrr.org

New Training Opportunity for Licensed Child Cares

The Penn State Extension Better Kid Care program has been providing distance-delivered professional development to early childhood practitioners for more than 20 years. Better Kid Care is now offering a new on demand system for online learning. Lessons are completed with a short assessment following each lesson. Participants must register and pay a $5.00 fee per lesson to receive professional development credits. After payment and successful completion of the lesson assessment, participants will be able to print a certificate of completion and/ or have it sent to their email address.


Licensed child care providers in Marion, Hamilton, Johnson, Lake and Allen counties may complete the lessons at no cost, as part of a Department of Defense funded project.

To access the Better Kid Care On Demand lessons, visit http://extension.psu.edu/cyttap. Click on the Distance Education button, then select the On Demand distance education option. Participants must have a credit card and an email address to access the On Demand Better Kid Care distance education lessons. There are 50 professional development lessons available (1 hr. and 2 hr.) but check back frequently as new lessons are being added monthly.

For more information visit: http://extension.psu.edu/cyttap

Behavior Conference

UTS would like to announce its newest conference Understanding Behavior Difficulties in Young Children: Practical Strategies for Early Intervention Providers presented by Heike Minnich, PsyD, HSPP, IMH-E ® (IV). Dr. Minnich is a clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics in the Division of Developmental Pediatrics at IU School of Medicine. She holds an endorsement in Infant Mental Health at the Mentorship level. Dr. Minnich will address the different perspectives of behavior then lead a group discussion of various case studies. Participants will learn practical strategies that will help them support young children with behavior problems. This one-day training will only be offered on Friday, December 16, 2011, so register soon at http://www.utsprokids.org/. The $75 fee includes lunch. The conference will be held at the Marten House in Indianapolis.

New Training Opportunities through IACCRR Training Central

The Indiana Association for Child Care Resource and Referral (IACCRR), announces the availability of online training opportunities to increase the access to information and resources for potential child care providers. Participants will need to register at: http://www.iaccrr.org/portal/?#tabs-training in order to access training opportunities.


In collaboration with The Bureau of Child Care and your local child care resource and referral organization, IACCRR has launched Orientation I Online-Overview for participants who are interested in starting the business of child care.

Orientation I is a “guided tour” through the regulatory processes, requirements for different types of legal care, state and federal laws impacting child care, educational opportunities as well as a quick look at the business side of child care. This online session provides the basics so individuals can make informed decisions about whether to open a child care center, family child care home, or child care ministry.

Participants will need a computer with internet access and audio and flash player capabilities.

Car Seat Clinic

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and the Automotive Safety Program will host a car seat clinic on 10/30/11 (Sunday) from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm at the parking lot of the Indianapolis Children Museum (3000 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis IN 46208-4716). All qualify (no financial need is required), no donation is required, first coming first serve (no appointment is required); car seats will provided basis to children who need. Child (except for expectant), vehicle, old car seat (if have) and child guardian must be present. To make this event a great success we need your help. If you can help, please let me now ASAP and be at the event 45 minutes early. Thank you for your generosity and have a wonderful day.




El Instituto de Justicia Criminal de Indiana y el Programa de Seguridad Automotor presentará una clínica sobre los asientos de bebe para los coches el domingo, el 30 de octubre desde las 9:30 hasta la 1:30 en el estacionamiento del Children’s Museum de Indianápolis (3000 N. Meridian St. Indianápolis IN 46208-4716). Cualquier persona puede asistir (no requiere necesidad financiera), no se necesita donar dinero, y atenderemos a la gente por orden de llegada. El niño, el vehículo, el asiento de niño (si ya lo tiene) y el tutor del niño tendrán que estar presentes. Si se puede ayudar con el evento, por favor contacte a Mauricio Joya y esté al evento con 45 minutos de anticipación. Muchísimas gracias por su generosidad. Que tenga un buen día.

Riley Child Development Center Training

RCDC Training Events

Friday, October 21, 2011

- Autism Screening – 9 AM – 12 PM
- Autism Interventions: Current Treatment Options and Resources - 1 PM to 4 PM
Riley Outpatient Conference Center Room A-B

Autism Interventions: Current Treatment Options and Resources: Awareness of and interest in Autism Spectrum disorders has led to an overwhelming amount of information about treatment and resources in support of children with this diagnosis. Join us for an overview of current research based treatment options and available resources. Included will be a panel discussion with Indianapolis area providers to the autism community.


Autism Screening: Over the past decade, no pediatric developmental diagnosis has been more discussed and studied than autism. Given the proven positive impact of early intervention services on a child with autism's lifelong social and communication skills, having and knowing how to use the screening tools for the initial signs of autism are crucial.

Being able to quickly, but accurately, assess for the early delays, which could indicate a pervasive developmental disorder, and having the resources to provide families with the proper needed interventions and services will be the topics covered.

Registration Fees: $50 for each session or $80 for both.

Parking in the adjacent Riley Outpatient Garage will be validated for participants.

Certificates of completion for three contact hours for each session will be provided to those who complete the workshop.



Registration is now open. Each training session has 60 spaces available.
Please Contact Rylin Rodgers ryrodger@iupui.edu with any questions.

"Brain Food" For Kids

Eating the proper foods will help ensure your kids success throughout the day!

On The Early Show Thursday, contributor and registered dietician Keri Glassman explained the ABCs of eating smart to fuel the mind as well as the body.

BREAKFAST

Studies show children who start their day with a healthy breakfast do better academically and have fewer behavior problems.

If a child doesn't eat breakfast, he or she may become tired, irritable, restless, and fail to focus on academics or behave appropriately.

A study done at Tuft's University reinforced the belief that breakfast improves children's academic performance. The researchers divided the children into two groups. One group was fed instant oatmeal (a complex carbohydrate containing fiber and protein), and the other dry, readymade cereal (lower in fiber, higher in sugar). The results showed kids fed the oatmeal did better on special and short-term memory tests, as well as auditory attention tests.

Whole grains and protein are digested more slowly, providing a sustained source of energy. Blood sugar remains stable. Foods made of refined sugars (such as fruit-flavored characters, packaged cookies, white bread, etc.) set kids up for a sugar high (rush), followed by a crash.

Breakfast foods for the brain:


•Oatmeal (for instance, Uncle Sam's fortified with flax) made with skim milk and topped with raspberries, which are a great source of antioxidants, specifically Vitamin C, and have been shown to improve cognitive function and protect the brain.


•Scrambled fortified eggs with one ounce of cheese rolled up in a whole wheat tortilla: Choline in eggs boosts memory and concentration, and eggs are a great source of protein. Omega 3s provide an added brain boost!


•French Toast (soak one slice of whole grain bread in one scrambled, fortified egg, add chopped walnuts and cinnamon. Walnuts contain those Omega 3's, and cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

LUNCH

A well-balanced lunch is key to keeping a child's energy up and blood sugar stable. A high fat, high sugar lunch (which can often be found in school cafeterias) will lead to an afternoon crash. Depending on what's offered at your child's school, you may want to consider packing a nutritious lunch!

Lunch Foods for the brain:


•Turkey/hummus wrap: Smear hummus on a whole grain tortilla, layer with two-to-four slices of turkey, wrap and serve with sliced red peppers. Have a side of Breyers DHA-fortified yogurt. Turkey has the amino acid tyrosine, which is related to the production of specific neuro-transmitters, which aid alertness and energy. Red peppers are a great source of antioxidants, specifically Vitamin C, have been shown to improve cognitive function, and are brain-protective.


•Peanut butter/banana sandwich: Spread peanut butter over a slice of whole grain bread. Add one cup of strawberries and a cup skim milk.


•Salmon salad on a whole grain English muffin: Prep salmon as you would tuna, OR use plain yogurt for a calcium and protein boost!

DINNER

This offers another great chance to incorporate brain foods! Aim for half the plate to be green/colorful veggies, a-quarter whole grains, and a quarter lean protein.


•Turkey burger platter: Turkey burger with tomato slices, sautéed spinach in olive oil, and wild rice. Iron is important for energy and concentration, zinc for memory. Vitamin C helps iron absorption.


•Meatballs and spaghetti: lean meat meatballs, fortified pasta such as Ronzoni or Barilla Plus with Omega 3's, marinara sauce, steamed broccoli.


•Pork Tenderloin: roasted pork tenderloin, roasted asparagus, quinoa

SNACKS


•Apple slices dipped in peanut butter or almond butter


•Yogurt Sundae: DHA-fortified yogurt layered with Go Lean Crunch Honey Almond Flax, berries, and walnuts


•DHA/Omega-3s: important for brain development and function. DHA is found in gray brain matter, brain cell membranes, and is important for brain cell communication


•Trail Mix: Puffins cereal mixed with dried cranberries and almonds


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/14/earlyshow/health/main4350193.shtml

Director’s Toolbox Management Series

Calling all Center Directors and Licensed Family Child Care Providers… This management series is for Early Childhood Administrators that want to strengthen the business aspect of your child care while networking with other directors? Each session is $10 and registration is required.

10/15/2011-- 9:30am-10:30am, "Grant-writing– Show Me the Money"!
11/16/2011-- 9am-11am, "Growing Your Staff with Effective Supervision"
11/19/2011 --9:30am-10:30am, "The 1.2.3’s of Taxes for Child Care Businesses"
12/13/2011-- 6pm-9pm, "Relationship-Based and Reflective Organizations"

Questions Contact Joslyn at Child Care Answers 317 636-5727 ext. 257

Project Home Indy

Project Home Indy (PHI) is a new residential facility that serves pregnant and parenting teenagers. PHI has a current license and contract through DCS, and I am writing you because I think PHI could be a good placement option for your clients. It's also a great resource to pass along to any other DCS case managers to spread the word!


PHI is located at 32nd and Meridian, and is able to serve up to 5 pregnant and parenting teens and their children. Our general requirements are as follows:

To be eligible for the program, residents:
- must be between 15-19 years of age at intake
- must be pregnant or have 1 child under the age of 3
- must be committed to completing high school or a GED
- must not have a violent criminal history
- must not have a serious mental health issue that would interfere with parenting or living in a shared community, or a substance abuse issue that they have not had treatment for

More information, and a referral form, can be found on our website at http://www.projecthomeindy.org/.

As you may know, PHI is the only facility in Marion County that serves this unique population. Each resident will share a private bedroom with their child. The rest of the home is shared space, and feels like a true "home". Please email me or my supervisor Sarah Nielsen (CC'd on this email) with any questions. We would also invite you to come out for a tour, to see the facility firsthand!

Why Your Toddler Doesn't Listen

When my son was 18 months old, I went along with a friend to pick up her child from preschool. Some of the kids were just a year older, but they were listening to the teacher and following directions. When I imagined my child sitting there on that A-B-C carpet, I felt queasy. Follow directions? Him? After all, if I asked him to pour food from a cup into in the dog bowl, he'd be more likely to pile it into his dump truck instead.

Turns out there wasn't anything wrong with my son; experts say that young toddlers still have trouble focusing on what you're saying and following directions. "Toddlers are inherently distractible. They don't have the ability to stick with one thing as long as an older child can. After a couple of minutes, they're off to other adventures," explains psychologist Rahil Briggs, Psy.D., assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in New York City. In other words, it's perfectly natural for your 15-month-old to wander across the room to the bookshelf halfway through the book you're reading aloud. Another reason your toddler may not comply with your requests: She's taking her first steps toward becoming her own person. "A toddler won't always be willing to do what you want because she's flexing her new independence muscle," says Dr. Briggs. "In fact, she may even be tempted to do exactly the opposite of what you ask."

Fortunately, if you practice now your child will be ready to get with the program in preschool. Capitalize on her natural love of playing games with these ability-boosting activities.

Chili Made Healthy

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium-size onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 sweet bell peppers, cored and diced
1 medium-size zucchini, trimmed and diced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) no-salt-added tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) small white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
grated cheese, for serving (optional)
Make It

1. Heat oil in a large nonstick saucepot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and chili powder and cook 3 minutes.

2. Add peppers and zucchini and continue to cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup and oregano. Cook 8 minutes.

4. Gently stir in the beans. Cover pot and continue to cook 3 minutes. Serve with grated cheese, if desired.

Thank you!

Please THANK the following companies for their generous contributions to our Parent / Child Care Provider Recognition Event on September 10th!

Applied Industrial Technologies Breath of Life
Chick-Fil-A in Avon
Chick-Fil-A on Southport Rd.
Fiesta Hair Salon in Avon
Hobinson Milk Company
Kaplan
Lakeshore Learning Materials
Menards
Olive Garden in Avon
Sams Club on Rockville Rd.
Target at Southport and Emerson
The following Kroger stores located at:
• County Line and Emerson
• Thompson and Emerson
• East Washington Street
• Independence Drive
• Linwood Square
• East Street
The following Marsh stores located at:
• Thompson and Emerson
• Lockerbie
Southport United Methodist Church
USA Foods
Walmart at Emerson and County Line

Without the generousty of the above companies our day would not have been a success.

Conferencia Latina de Cuidado Infantil 2011

Sàbado 24 de Septiembre, 2011

9:00am-3:00pm(Las registraciones comienzan a las 8:00am)

Costo: $20.00 (Incluye almuerzo)

Iglesia Second Presbyterian

7700 N Meridian Street

Indianspolis, IN 46260

Para màs informaiòn llamar a

Yully 1-800-299-1627 Ext. 309

o Amy Torres (317) 636-5727 Ext. 237

Youth Violence Prevention Summit

September 21, 2011 ~ 8:00am-12:30pm

Guilford Township Community Center

1500 South Center Street, Plainfield, IN

Join us for this FREE interactive and informative day featuring nationally renowned speaker and author, SuEllen Fried from Bully Safe USA. She will cover the five kinds of bullying - physical, verbal, emotional, sexual and cyber-bullying along with strategies for changing the culture of bullying.

Starting the day, Jennifer Pyatt from the Brownsburg Police Department will cover many of the specific risks associated with cyber-bullying, internet safety, sexting and what your role is in preventing related youth violence. FREE breakfast will also be provided for attendees.

RSVP to jhill@co.hendricks.in.us or 317-745-9372

Upcoming Webinar on Nutrition

Eating Healthy on a Budget the Sesame Way!

Wednesday, September 21 at 12 Noon ET

Join Sesame Workshop in an interactive session that will provide multimedia tools for parents and caregivers of young children to cope with the challenges of food insecurity. We will provide specific strategies to help support families with: ways to create positive experiences around food for children with engaging key messages that promote basic nutrition; language to use when discussing healthy habits and food insecurity with children; and guidance on achieving a nutritious, balanced diet on a budget. During the session, we will share the materials in our Food for Thought outreach kit and explain how they can be used with children and families in fun and educational ways.

Presented by, Rocío Galarza, Senior Director of Outreach and Content Design for Sesame Workshop.

To register for the workshop click here.  







Try out the new online child care search and give us your feedback!

Child Care Answers is testing a NEW online child care search and we would like you to try the new process and give us your feedback. We have worked to enhance the current online child care search, and will be continually working on the system to make sure it is user-friendly and helpful to all families in Indiana searching for child care.


To try the new online child care search, go to: https://uatup.naccrraware.net/orm/ormLogin.action?uid=NW0I9469J73B74Z

When you are done with your search, please complete a short survey so you can give us feedback about your experience. To access the survey, go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HLBNNJH

Please complete your online search, and survey, by Tuesday, September 6th.

Your feedback on this new online referral search tool, which will soon be a nationwide search option, is very valuable as we continue to make changes that make your child care search easier! Thank you for your participation and feedback!

Step Up for Kids Rally

Step Up for Kids

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2011

10 a.m. South Steps of Indiana Statehouse

Join Indiana families and youth advocates from all over the state for our 4th Annual Step Up For Kids Event

Following the Rally The Day Nursery invites us to enjoy fun and games until 2 p.m. at their North Government Center playground.

Come & Bring Your Friends To Help Us Raise Awareness

How to teach poison safety to children

Do you teach injury prevention programs for preschool and/or elementary school children?
Are you looking for a new safety topic?
Would you like to promote poison safety in your own community?

Who? For people who teach injury prevention programs for preschool and elmentary school children.

How long? 3 hours. Provides poison prevention background for the instructor, how to
effectively teach poison safety to children and how to get the safety message home to parents.

How much? The workshop is FREE

Where? 1812 N. Capitol, Wile Hall, 1st Floor, Room 128, Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis

When? Tuesday, September 13th from 12-3pm.
 
Workshop is limited to 12 participants

To register, contact:
Barbara Cole
317-962-9248

bcole@iuhealth.org

Great Resource for Early Childhood Educators

Free Sample Training Guide

NEXT for Young Children is an electronic publication that accompanies each issue of Young Children. It is designed for teacher educators, staff development specialists, center directors, and principals to use in classes and training sessions. Each issue includes discussion questions, research-to-practice connections, and training session activities that build on the content from selected articles. This great resource is free for a limited time.
Download a Free Sample on line... http://www.naeyc.org/yc/next

Early Intervention Course at Indiana University School of Education

Indiana University's School of Education is now offering K500: Introduction to Early Intervention during the fall 2011 semester.
Course Description:
This course explores research and practice in early intervention for infants and toddlers with developmental concerns and their families. Coursework is organized around principles of practice for intervention that is: (a) family-centered and strengths-based; (b) incorporated into everyday activities with familiar people; (c) developmentally sound; (d) oriented toward active and functional child engagement; and (e) implemented systematically and with coordination across disciplines.
Course Topics Include:
Principles of high quality early intervention practice
Family perspectives in early intervention
Research and strategies to enable strong family involvement
Mediating learning to promote active child and family engagement
Systematic practices from developmental and behavioral perspectives
Issues in evidence-based early intervention practices
Principles and methods of transdisciplinary practice
Who Should Enroll?
Master’s degree students, practicing professionals, and others holding a Bachelor’s degree.
Online Format:
Course activities will be conducted in an interactive fully online environment featuring weekly discussions focused on topical readings, video conferences, projects, and exploration in areas of individual interest. Individualized support is available for online participation.
Instructor:
Hannah Schertz, Ph.D. hschertz@indiana.edu. The instructor has extensive experience in early intervention delivery, research in early intervention for toddlers with ASD and their families, and online graduate teaching.
To enroll: Contact slavende@indiana.edu
Note: this course may count toward the Infant Toddler Certificate

Childhood Immunization

Childhood Immunization Schedule Generator

To help parents keep their children on track for immunizations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has set up an online tool that will generate a schedule for children birth through age six. The tool will even send email updates. For more information, visit http://www2a.cdc.gov/nip/kidstuff/newscheduler_le/

Scholarships for Healthy Homes Healthy Child Care Conference in Indianapolis

Dear Indiana Child Care Provider,


Please join us for the Healthy Homes Healthy Child Care conference in Indianapolis on October 5th and 6th. Registration is now open and licensed or registered child care providers are eligible for scholarships to cover the conference registration cost (a $160 savings!). Thanks to Duke Energy for the scholarship grant!

So don't miss your chance to attend this conference. The agenda is attached and you'll see the child care specific track in rooms 1 and 2, though you may attend any session you wish.

Clock hours available to be earned at the conference: 10.75 hrs for attendance on Oct 5 and 6. An additional 5.5 hrs are available for attending the Oct 4 Pre-Conference Master Home Environmentalist Training.

 You may send 2 people per site on scholarship. (You can request scholarships for additional attendees, but they will be put on a waiting list.) Scholarships are available on a first come first serve basis.

A link and directions for free registration are below (keep scrolling down).

Session topics include bed bugs, emergency action planning, safe toys, turning trash into treasure and so much more!

Here are a few comments from last year's child care attendees:

All of the sessions regarding childcare centers were excellent!

I cannot believe how much I have learned over these 2 days. I can only hope I have taken diligent enough notes to digest. But I have the awareness of the resources available to make our centers even better than they currently stand.


Every session has been very helpful, equally important, and useful. I plan on taking action as soon as I get back to my center to ensure that we are providing a healthy and safe environment.


The conference was great and well worth my time. Very helpful information that I can use and take back to my staff in the childcare setting.


I had a great experience. It was eye opening. I learned a lot about lead poisoning and prevention. How lead affects all of the children I care for.


This is my first conference so I can’t say what should be added, I loved everything!


This year’s conference was very informative about the health of children. It was great.


Overall excellent!

Register for the conference online at: www.ikecoalition.org/2011Conference. Click on "Register," then enter your email address and complete the security check code. Choose the "Child Care Scholarship" and enter the registration code "5STARscholar".



Hope to see you there!
Karen Teliha
Community Environmental Health & Education Indiana Dept. of Environmental Management
800-988-7901

Youth Violence Prevention Summit

Youth Violence Prevention Summit

Save the Date: September 21, 2011

Guilford Township Community Center

8:00am-Noon

Join us for an interactive and informative day featuring nationally renowned speaker and author, SuEllen Fried from Bully Safe USA. She will cover all aspects of bullying including social media and school violence.
During the second session, Law Enforcement Experts will cover cyber-bulling, internet safety, sexting, and your role in preventing related youth violence.

RSVP to jhill@co.hendricks.in.us or 317-745-9372

Topic: Cuts to Children’s Services and Their Effect

Children's Coalition of Indiana
Children’s Policy

Education Series 2011

UPCOMING SESSION ~ Reserve your seat today!

Topic: Cuts to Children’s Services and Their Effect—

What Can We Do?

August 26, 2011 ~ 12:00‐2:00 p.m. ET

United Way of Central Indiana, RCI Room

3901 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis

RSVP by August 19 to Leslie Hankins– lhankins@ayskids.org, 317‐803‐3134 x18

Brown bag lunch sessions— feel free to bring your lunch; drinks and dessert will be provided.

Parking is available to the rear of the building, with the public entrance located in the rear at security.

 

Scheduled Panel:

• James Payne, Director, Indiana Dept. of Child Services

• Representative Bill Crawford

• Senator Travis Holdman

• Cathy Graham, Executive Director, IARCCA

This panel will discuss the recent budget cuts and how these cuts may affect Hoosier children.
The discussion will also explore ways in which child advocates and service providers may work with the
administration and lawmakers to protect necessary services for children.

FREE Webinar: Manage, Motivate and Retain Great Early Childhood Staff!

August 10, 2011-- 2 pm EDT
5 Simple Steps To Help You Manage, Motivate and Retain Great Staff


Tired of workplace negativity, drama and GOSSIP?

Are staff motivation issues draining your time and energy?

5 Simple Steps to Help You Manage, Motivate and Retain Great Staff, will help you discover a step-by step plan of action to help you manage, motivate and retain great staff.

You’ll leave this session with strategies to help you:
• Create a cohesive, high-functioning team
• Inspire team members to make behavior changes
• Motivate team members to achieve higher goals
• Eliminate destructive communication patterns (GOSSIP!)
• Break down barriers that are keeping your team stuck
• Reduce turnover and absenteeism
• Retain Motivated Staff

Register Now... http://www.earlychildhoodwebinars.org/presentations

Fundraising & Other Answers

IMMEDIATE HELP IS ON THE WAY: Fundraising & Other Answers on Toll Free Line
Are you freaking out due to tight fundraising or legal and personnel issues? Free help is available right away.

The Help Line quickly delivers a wide range of fundraising answers and information.
The Help Line can conduct prospect research, review a grant proposal and provide advice on direct mail,
special events and other fundraising techniques and strategies.

In addition, the Help line offers up to 30 minutes of free legal assistance from the nonprofit law experts at Baker & Daniels.

The call is toll free, and so are the answers, information and advice:
1-877-IYI-TIPS (1-877-494-8477)

10 Back-to-School Tips for Parents of Preschoolers

Start a successful school year—and keep it going!

1. If you and your child have fallen out of your bedtime routine this summer, get back into a solid routine! A week before the first day of school is a good time frame in which to begin.

2. Plan and shop for healthy breakfasts and lunches a week in advance. This will save you precious time and prevent much stress in the long run!

3. Accidents happen! Prepare a change of clothes in advance, and bring it with you on the first day of school for your child’s teacher to keep in the classroom.

4. If possible, arrange play dates with other parents of preschoolers, or find out if your local library or community center offers free events for young children. Spending time with other children will help your child’s social and emotional development and prepare her for the school environment.

5. Connect with other parents and students on the first day back to preschool. Introduce yourself and your child. Bring a show-and-tell item to break the ice, or a snack to share with the class.

6. Be prepared for tears. Smile, stay positive, and maintain a calm demeanor when your child is having a hard time saying goodbye. If you start to panic, your child will pick up on your doubt.

7. Support early literacy by reading to your child every day. As she grows older, ask that she read to you.

8. Keep books everywhere—in the car, in the kitchen, and anywhere you spend time. Make special weekend trips to the library to freshen up the collection.

9. Parents involvement in school is important—even in preschool! Talk to your child’s preschool teacher (or child-care provider) regularly about his educational and social development.

10. Preschools and childcare centers often host parent and family activities; attend these as often as possible to help your child begin bonding to the educational system.

FIRST TIMERS

Back to School: Tips and Tries for Preschoolers
By Ossining Children's Center
It’s August - the time of year when our attention turns from summer fun activities to preparing children to enter school for the first time, or return to a new level.


Ossining Children’s Center, the not-for-profit early education center in Ossining, NY, would like to make the transition easier for parents and children and offers tips and tries to make September’s entry to preschool as painless and exciting as possible.


FIRST TIMERS-3 Tips for preparing your child for preschool:


Begin talking about the new pre-school/day care center in August. Talk about what the child can expect including teachers, other children, games, etc.


Take the child to visit the center and meet the teachers


Make practice runs to the school – if possible – 2 weeks before the first day to get the child accustomed to the new schedule and familiar with the school itself


If possible, make a play date with another youngster entering the school


Get a book about school at the local library and read it to your child.


WHAT TO PACK - 5 Items to include in your child’s backpack:


1. Especially for first-time children, pack a picture of yourself with the child.


2. A full change of clothes


3. Any medical information the school may need including pediatrician’s phone number and medical issues the child has


4. A plastic, waterproof folder for teachers to send notes and information home in


5. Transitional object, i.e. a favorite stuffed toy or blanket


WHAT NOT TO PACK – Items that could cause problems:

1. Toys


2. Candy, gum, soda, food


HOW TO MAKE THE TRANSITION WITH YOUR CHILD:


1. Plan to spend part of the first morning with your child, or nearby. Tears are normal and common for both child and parent. For some children, the transition is made easier if it is gradual. Each child is different, though. Talk with the staff about separation issues.


2. On the other hand, don’t stay too long. Often a child’s crying stops shortly after the parent leaves. Let the staff be your guide on this – they have helped many children and parents through separation anxiety.


3. Talk to your child about their teachers and new friends. Ask questions to determine if they are adjusting.


4. If your child has concerns about a teacher or another child be sure to let the school know as soon as possible.


5. When possible, begin to make play-dates for older pre-schoolers with classmates.


This is a highly charged time for all children and parents and there are bound to be moments of tears and frustration for everyone. As much time as you can devote to gradually starting your new schedule and familiarizing both your child and yourself with all of the new adjustments that will have to be made – will be time well spent.


Ultimately the most important thing is to assure your child that pre-school and learning are exciting and fun. Stay in communication by asking questions about their day, their activities and the new things they experienced.

Education Opportunity: Roadmap to Special Education

Roadmap to Special Education: Laws and Process



                        Wednesday             August 31, 2011         8:30 am to 4:00pm

Overview: This workshop, combining the Article 7 and IEP training, is all day training that offers basic information about special education laws and regulations for Indiana children ages 3-21. In addition, this training will provide information on how to prepare for a case conference and write an IEP. This training is a great opportunity for family members and professionals who advocate for children with a disability or serious chronic illness.

 Register online at www.aboutspecialkids.org/training

Registration for the training will be closed on August 29, 2011

Location:


Speedway United Methodist Church
5065 W. 16th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46224

Cost: $ 40 – Families Members*
$ 75 - Professionals

Questions:
Email asktraining@aboutspecialkids.org

Attention Level 2, 3, and 4 Paths to QUALITY providers, did you get your invitation in the mail yet? Make sure you respond by August 12th so we can send you out a tool kit to invite your families!

Join us for a fun filled afternoon to celebrate your achievements on Paths to QUALITY! We will also celebrate parents that have chosen quality childcare. There will be games, light food and giveaways!


When: Saturday, September 10th 11am-3pm

Location: Indianapolis, IN
 Please reply by August 12th for you and your family! We will then send you a tool kit to invite your child care families. Reply to Emily Barrow at emilyb@childcareanswers.com or call (317) 636-5727

Child Care Answers Goes to the State Fair

The Indiana State Fair starts in just a few days and runs till

 August 21st. Child Care Answers is proud to be a part of the fair this year by being a sponsor of the Lactation Station. Child Care Answers will have banners posted around the station and the Child Care Answers logo on staff shirts. If you happen to be at the fair stop by and check it out.

Are you 15-19 and pregnant or a first time parent?

You could get paid to be involved in a 90-minute discussion group where you share advice, opinions,
and experiences.

OR

You could get paid to take part in a 4-day workshop where you learn to make videos to communicate
health information.

TELL YOUR STORY!



To see if you qualify,please call the study coordinator at: 317.274.8646

This is a confidential research study conducted by Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis IUPUI Study #1106006091

25 Central Indiana Child Care Ministries Achieve Voluntary Certification

The end of June this year marked the end of a year-long child care ministry improvement project in Central Indiana. The project focused on improving the quality of care in 60 child care ministries with the ultimate goal of ministries meeting the standards for the Voluntary Certification Program (VCP). The project was made possible by funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment act (ARRA) and was led by United Way of Central Indiana. Child Care Answers played a vital role in the project by providing mentors to help guide the ministries to Paths to QUALITY. Improving quality was accomplished in several ways in addition to the mentoring services. Child care staff received mini-grants for professional development and therefore improved their skills in working with children. The ministries also received curriculum materials for their classrooms to improve those areas as well. By the end of the project 19 child care ministries had achieved VCP and will be enrolled in Paths to QUALITY. This is in addition to the 6 child care ministries who had participated in a limited pilot project making for a total of 25 ministries.

Regulations for child care ministries in the State of Indiana are very minimal. A ministry must register with the state and meet basic health and safety guidelines. A ministry that has achieved VCP has gone above and beyond the requirements and met additional staff training and requirements, child-staff ratios and stricter classroom guidelines. Ministries must meet VCP in order to enroll in Paths to QUALITY.

Child Care Answers will continue its work on improving child care ministries by once again partnering with United Way of Central Indiana and assisting 20 additional ministries in working towards Voluntary Certification. Ministries located in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks and Marion County interested in the program can contact Ginger Caylor at (317) 926-3401 ext. 306 for more information. The application deadline is Friday, July 29th.

Latch On Indy! The Big Pink Bus is Coming!

Milk for Thought’s Giant Pink Bus for Breastfeeding Heads to Indianapolis - July 26

Breastfeeding has been making headlines lately — from The Surgeon General's Call to Action to the First Lady's Let's Move Campaign to a passionate advocacy and support network to multiple celebrity endorsements.

Using this momentum, Milk for Thought is taking the energy, passion and dedication of the breastfeeding community on the road — for 45 days, 30 cities, and 1 goal — to support, empower and connect the breastfeeding community. Join us at this national event on July 26th to highlight resources available to pregnant women and breastfeeding moms.

Everyone is welcome — stop by any time during the day, and bring friends, babies, kids, coworkers — the more the merrier! Let's show how passionate Indiana is about breastfeeding! We'll have food, drinks, music, children's book giveaways, and much more...

Stop 1:

July 26, 2011
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Day Nursery, IU Health Methodist
2140 Boulevard Place (21st and Senate Ave), Indianapolis 46202

Stop 2:
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis 46205
Enter through Fall Creek Gate 6 to the Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion Parking Lot

Indiana State Fair Kid's Day

The Indiana State Fair will have a KIDS' DAY at the Fair on August 15th from 10am - 3pm. Activities include a hula hoop contest, meet PBS "Cat in the Hat", and a jump rope contest. Unlimited kiddie rides from noon-10pm for $10. That day is also IPL Carload day. Admission is only $15 per vehicle with a printed voucher from www.iplpower.com.

Program / Screening and Detection

Program / Screening and Detection


Screening for cancer is a crucial tool in detecting cancer when it is in an early, more treatable stage. That is why Little Red Door schedules free cancer screenings at locations throughout the Indianapolis community reducing the healthcare barrier of accessibility. Little Red Door facilitates year-round screenings for Breast, Cervical, and Prostate Cancer.

Screenings
(View Calendar)


St. Vincent Mobile Mammograms
The mobile unit will be at Little Red Door Cancer Agency from 9:00am to 2:45pm (by appointment only), located at 1801 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Please call (317) 925-5595 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting ext. 321 to pre-register.

The mobile dates for 2011 are as follows:

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Must pre-register by August 24, 2011

Friday, October 21, 2011

Must pre-register by October 7, 2011

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Must pre-register by November 1, 2011

Monday, December 12, 2011

Must pre-register by November 28, 2011


For more information from our Screening and Detection Department, contact us at (317) 925-5595 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (317) 925-5595 end_of_the_skype_highlighting


Mammography Assistance Program

Assists with clinical breast exams, screening and diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies. Mammograms are provided by a mobile unit year round.

Mammogram Screening Calendar

Other Screenings

Prostate Cancer Screenings – Contact Little Red Door Screening and Detection Department at 317-925-5595 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 317-925-5595 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Cervical Cancer Screenings - Held at specific clinics year around. Call Little Red Door for more information, 317-925-5595 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 317-925-5595 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Free Prostate Screening and Education Event

Real Men Get It

Join Little Red Door and Father Boniface Hardin

for a FREE Prostate Health Event* and bring a companion.

Dinner will be available for anyone who attends.



Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

4:30 pm – 6:30 pm



Little Red Door Cancer Agency

1801 N. Meridian St.

Indianapolis, IN 46202

Call 317-925-5595 begin_of_the_skype_highlightingend_of_the_skype_highlighting to register or
click here to register online.



Those eligible can get a free prostate screening.

*Eligible men who get screened receive a free gift.

HAPPY 4th of JULY from CHILD CARE ANSWERS!

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. ~Erma Bombeck

EPA Tips to Be Cool and Safe this Summer

Limit the heat and the sun, but not the fun


WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing tips to protect people from the dangers of overexposure to the sun and heat while still enjoying summer activities. Excessive heat and ultraviolet

(UV) radiation are dangerous to people’s health. Each year, more people on average die in the U.S. from heat waves than from any other natural disaster. And every hour, one American dies from skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the U.S.

During the summer months, days are longer and more people are outside for longer periods of time, increasing the health risks from heat exhaustion and overexposure to the sun. Cities and suburbs are particularly vulnerable to higher temperatures during the summer. Many cities and suburbs have air temperatures that can be up to 22 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the surrounding countryside. Buildings and roads intensify heat and UV dangers as they absorb the sun’s rays and radiate the heat back throughout the day and night, known as the heat island effect. Heat islands can intensify heat waves. To help reduce the heat island effect, plant trees, shrubs, and vines, which create shade and protect people from UV radiation.

To avoid heat exhaustion and overexposure to the sun, follow these steps to stay cool and safe this summer:

1. Stay hydrated.

2. Wear lightweight clothing. To keep your body temperature down and

stay protected from UV radiation, wear lightweight, light-colored,

and loose-fitting clothing.

3. Apply sunscreen. Approximately 30 minutes before heading outside,

apply SPF 15 or higher sunscreen, and reapply every two hours.

4. Protect your eyes and face. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses

to protect your eyes from sun damage and the development of

cataracts.

5. Seek shade. Find shade during the sun’s peak hours between 10 a.m.

and 4 p.m. to reduce the risk of too much sun exposure

6. Teach sun and heat safety. Keep an eye on others, particularly the

elderly, remind them to be safe in the sun and the heat. Watch for

signs of heat illnesses, which can include hot and dry skin,

confusion, hallucinations, and aggression.

7. Check the UV Index. When planning outdoor activities check the UV

Index to identify the times that pose the greatest risk for

overexposure to the sun.

8. Check the Air Quality Index. On hot summer days, ozone levels can

rise making the air unhealthy to breathe so be sure to check the

air quality index before heading outside.

More information on how to reduce the heat island effect:

http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/

More information on extreme heat events:

http://www.blogger.com/goog_607678867

More information on sun safety tips:

http://www.epa.gov/sunwise.

Check the UV index:

 http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html

Check the Air Quality Index:

 http://www.airnow.gov/

Child Care Answers Resource Library

You are invited to visit our Resource Library!The Resource Library offers use of Classroom Kits, Teacher Resource Books, Use of the Laminator and more...

Where: 3522 N. Central, Indianapolis, IN 46205.
When: OPEN: Monday - Thursday 12:00 -5:30; 1st & 3rd Saturdays: 9:00 -12:30
CLOSED: Fridays & Saturday, July 2nd

Cost: There is an annual membership fee to join the Resource Library.
For more information call 926-3401 ext. 312 or visit our Resource Library online by clicking here.

Patriotic Craft and a Chance to Win a Teacher Basket!

We posted several weeks ago about a chance at winning a teacher basket for submitting your children's artwork. What better time than the 4th of July to create some patriotic artwork with your children and have a chance at winning a teacher basket!

Here is a great craft idea suitable for all ages of children for salt-absorbing firework art!

Below is the original post for all the entry details. We look forward to seeing all the exciting fireworks!

Why is Safe, Quality Child Care Important?



Would you like to win a teacher basket worth $50.00 while helping our elected officials and community leaders understand how important safe, quality child care is to Indiana families?


How you ask?

1. Have the children that you care for create a creative piece of artwork.

2. Ask each child’s parent to write on the back of their child’s artwork Why Safe, Quality Child Care is important to their family.

3. Ask each parent to put their name (parent’s name), city and zip code on the back of the artwork.

4. Ask each parent to sign and date a release form saying that Child Care Answers can use their name and story in our work with elected officials and community leaders. The release form must also include your name, program name, address, phone number and email (if you have one).

5. Mail or bring the pieces of artwork along with the release papers to Child Care Answers at 615 N. Alabama Street Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN. 46204. All artwork must be received in our office by 2:00 PM on Friday, July 29, 2011 and be accompanied by a release form. (artwork will not be returned)

6. For every 5 pieces of artwork with story and release from we receive we will enter your name into the drawing for the $50.00 teacher basket.

(Send in 10, your name goes in twice etc…)

Calling All Teens

During the summer it is so easy to say, "I have nothing to do!" No more excuses-here is a list of 50 things to do the next time you are bored!

1. Gather up a few friends, and have a picnic in your back .
2. Go on a walk and take pictures of trees, flowers, dogs, etc.
3. Buy some fashion magazines, pick out a couple of really cute outfits, and try to recreate them for less!
4. Bead some bracelets and sell them for charity.
5. Volunteer at the local animal or homeless shelter.
6. Clean your room!
7. Bake some cupcakes and deliver them to friends and family.
8. Play some childhood games like "Sorry", "Candyland", or "Pretty Pretty Princess".
9. Take your dog for a walk.
10. E-mail a friend you haven't spoken to in awhile.
11. Do 25 jumping jacks!
12. Look through old family scrapbooks, photo books, and yearbooks.
13. Make a root beer float.
14. Go to the movies with your siblings.
15. Go window-shopping with a friend.
16. Write a poem.
17. Make fresh, homemade fruit juice.
18. Give your dog a bath.
19. Make dinner for your family.
20. Baby-sit for a neighbor.
21. Have a sleepover party and watch scary movies.
22. Plan a vacation you want to take next summer.
23. Plant flowers in your yard.
24. Sign up for a class.
25. Have a bubble bath.
26. Make a mixed CD of your favorite songs and title it "The soundtrack of my life".
27. Order a pizza.
28. Splash around in a plastic kiddy pool.
29. Buy some crayons and a coloring book.
30. Read a book based on a movie you have seen.
31. Make a scrapbook of your baby pictures.
32. Get a job or an internship.
33. Start a diary and write in it everyday.
34. Spend the day at the library.
35. Draw a self-portrait.
36. Make a collage out of old magazines.
37. Run around in the sprinklers.
38. Go to a museum.
39. Go out for lunch with one of your parents.
40. Jump in the pool with your clothes on.
41. Eat last night's leftovers for breakfast.
42. Learn to sew or knit.
43. Invite friends over and have a tea party.
44. Swing on the swings at the park.
45. Tie-Dye a t-shirt or bed sheets with Kool-Aid!
46. Make a smoothie.
47. Learn how to define and spell 5 new words from the dictionary.
48. Make popsicles in your freezer.
49. Put on the radio and dance.
50. Go camping in your backyard!

Is Your Child Riding Safely?

Car Seat Safety Check

hosted by State Farm

When: Saturday, June 25th 10 AM-2 PM

Where: Party Time Rentals

7250 N Keystone Avenue

Indianapolis, IN 46240 (across from Wal-Mart)

Have your child's car seat or booster seat checked by an expert.

IACCRR Crib Campaign

The Indiana Association for Child Care Resource and Referral (IACCRR) has launched a campaign to help child care providers replace outdated cribs. If you would like to learn more about this program please click here.

Seeking Children's Artwork !!!

Why is Safe, Quality Child Care Important?

Would you like to win a teacher basket worth $50.00 while helping our elected officials and community leaders understand how important safe, quality child care is to Indiana families?

How you ask?

1. Have the children that you care for create a creative piece of artwork.

2. Ask each child’s parent to write on the back of their child’s artwork Why Safe, Quality Child Care is important to their family.

3. Ask each parent to put their name (parent’s name), city and zip code on the back of the artwork.

4. Ask each parent to sign and date a release form saying that Child Care Answers can use their name and story in our work with elected officials and community leaders. The release form must also include your name, program name, address, phone number and email (if you have one).

5. Mail or bring the pieces of artwork along with the release papers to Child Care Answers at 615 N. Alabama Street Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN. 46204. All artwork must be received in our office by 2:00 PM on Friday, July 29, 2011 and be accompanied by a release form. (artwork will not be returned)

6. For every 5 pieces of artwork with story and release from we receive we will enter your name into the drawing for the $50.00 teacher basket.

(Send in 10, your name goes in twice etc…)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

A Love Letter for The Father, on Father's Day
By Aaron Bull
Guest Writer

CBN.com --

For all things you've lead me through and taught me

And for promising me that you will never leave me

Through and through you've shown me the ropes

Helping me in anything and everything I face

Everyday you're there for me by simply calling your name

Rarely do I get to thank you enough. So on this special day, I do exactly that.

Thank you for being my father!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Happy Father's Day!

Mother's Day came first, but Father's Day wasn't too far behind. It's amazing what people accomplish when they put their minds to good use and encourage others to join their cause. It just wouldn't be the same without many of our holidays and Father's Day is one of them.

When you are finished reading about the history of Father's Day, learn about great gift, craft, and recipe ideas for Dad's big day over at our main Father's Day holiday page.

Who came up with the idea of Father's Day?

Her name was Sonora Louise Smart Dodd and she lived in Spokane, Washington. Sonora was the oldest of six children raised by their father, William Jackson Smart, when their mother died during childbirth. Sonora honored and revered her father, and while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909, she determined there should also be a day to honor fathers.

Sonora gained local support and made her dream a reality one year later within her own city of Spokane, Washington. Sonora married John Bruce Dodd. She died March 22, 1978, several years after Father's Day became a permanent national observance.

Why June?

In 1910 Sonora chose June 19th as the day to celebrate Father's Day because that was her father's birthday. With support from the Spokane Ministerial Association and the YMCA, the first Father's Day was celebrated in Spokane on June 19, 1910.

When did the United States begin celebrating Father's Day?

1910 Spokane, Washington celebrates Father's Day.
1924 President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the third Sunday in June as Father's Day.
1926 The formation of National Father's Day Committee in New York City.
1956 Father's Day was recognized by Joint Resolution of Congress.
1966 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring that the third Sunday of June as Father's Day.
1972 President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father's Day to be held on the third Sunday in June.

Do other countries celebrate Father's Day?

Father's Day is celebrated in every part of the world. In the United States, Canada and most countries in Asia, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June.

How can I make this Father's Day special for my Father?

There are all kinds of things you can do to make Father's Day special for your dad. Here are a few suggestions:

Make dad breakfast in bed.
Send him flowers, the red rose is the official Father's Day flower.
Do secret acts of kindness, this might include doing one of dad's chores for him, like taking out the garbage :)
Be obedient.
Do your chores, without being asked.
Get along with your brothers and sisters.
Make or take him out to dinner.
Send him an on-line greeting card.
Use our printables to make a heartfelt Father's Day card.
Check out some great ideas to make dad a homemade gift.


Spice up the Father's Day festivities with an activity or two.

1. Interview your father and/or grandfather. Ask questions about his birth, childhood, and what he did when he was a teenager. Find out favorite subjects in school, how he met your mother or grandmother. Inquire about his favorite job. End the interview by expressing your love for him.

2. Get together with a few other families and play the Father/Child Game. Divide into four father/child teams. Ask the fathers to leave the room while the children sit in chairs. Ask the same four or five questions to each child about their fathers. Bring in the fathers and ask them the same questions. Will the father and child have the same answers? Switch places and see how well the father's know the children. Award a red rose to the winning father/child team.

Question Ideas: Favorite color, movie, candy bar, color of toothbrush, memorable moment with you, best friend, hobby, talent, food, animal, cartoon, pizza topping, ice cream topping, restaurant. Most embarrassing moment. Favorite holiday.

3. Have a Father's Day BBQ or picnic. Make a crown for dad and let him know he's "King" for the day. This can be a family activity or extend an invitation to a few other families also. Make sure all the dad's are given "Royal Treatment".

Let's Move Child Care

Introducing Let’s Move! Child Care: Tools for Child and Day Care Centers


Posted by Robin Schepper, Executive Director of Let’s Move! on June 08, 2011

We are pleased and excited to announce Let’s Move! Child Care, a new effort to work with child and day care providers to help our youngest children get off to a healthy start.

Everyone has a role to play in ending childhood obesity, and child and day care centers are certainly no exception. By providing a solid checklist on healthy nutrition, physical activity and screen time, we all can help take more responsibility for the healthy habits of our kids. We are starting off strong with commitments from the public sector: the Department of Defense and the General Services Administration; and also the private sector, Bright Horizons, the nation’s second largest childcare provider. All three are committing to implement the checklist which will reach over 280,000 children.

The checklist, which can be used by both providers and parents, is comprised of these five elements:

• Physical Activity: Provide 1-2 hours of physical activity throughout the day, including outside play when possible.
• Screen Time: No screen time for children under two years. For children age two and older, strive to limit screen time to no more than 30 minutes per week during child care, and work with parents and caregivers to ensure children have no more than 1-2 hours of quality screen time per day, the amount recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Food: Serve fruits or vegetables at every meal, eat meals family-style when possible, and no fried foods.
• Beverages: Provide access to water during meals and throughout the day, and do not serve sugary drinks. For children age two and older, serve low-fat (1%) or non-fat milk, and no more than one 4-6 ounce serving of 100% juice per day.
• Infant feeding: For mothers who want to continue breastfeeding, provide their milk to their infants and welcome them to breastfeed during the child care day; and support all new parents in their decisions about infant feeding.

First Lady Mrs. Obama unveiled Let’s Move! Child Care this morning while visiting children at CentroNia, a bilingual child care center in Washington, DC.“Everyone is going to see that these small changes can make a big difference. If our kids get into the habit of getting up and playing, if their palates warm up to veggies at an early age, and if they’re not glued to a TV screen all day, they’re on their way to healthy habits for life,” First Lady Mrs. Obama said. “That’s why I’m so excited about Let’s Move Child Care – because I know that childcare facilities and home-based providers can be a real building block for an entire generation of healthy kids.”

To best support child care providers who choose to meet these practices, Nemours is leading an effort to provide free, comprehensive resources and tools in a newly developed website, and the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies is committed to providing technical assistance to providers. Child care providers and parents can go to HealthyKidsHealthyFuture.org for these free tools and resources and to share success stories. Let’s Move! Child Care comes as a combined effort from the government, private, and non-profit communities. Ending childhood obesity is a responsibility we all share, and working together, we will make a difference.

Travel Training for Youth Service Providers

Public transportation can be a youth's ticket to independence—especially if they have an IndyGo Summer Youth Pass. After all, our service can get them to work, school, activities and more without having to rely on their parents or care givers.


However, for kids, teens and young adults who are unfamiliar with our bus service, it can seem like an intimidating experience. But we can help curb that anxiety with our travel training program.

On June 9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and June 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., we will host a "train the trainer" workshop for youth service providers, enabling them to successfully teach their clients how to ride the bus.

These reservation-based sessions, which are limited to 55 participants, are free to staff and volunteers of Indianapolis-area service providers. Workshops will take place at the IndyGo facility, located just west of the Indianapolis Zoo at 1501 West Washington Street. The facility is accessible via the Route 8 and free parking is available in the front lot.

If interested in attending, please contact IndyGo business development coordinator Bryan Luellen at 317.614.9284 or bluellen@indygo.net.

Play and Learn Summer Schedule

Looking for something FREE to do with your children this summer? Have you heard about our Play and Learn program? Play and Learn is a free, fun program for parents, grandparents, or caregivers and their children (ages infant to age 8) looking for a place to play!! We offer play/ learning opportunities, snacks and drinks, and an attendance incentive program.

Below is our Summer 2011 schedule and locations! We hope to see you there!

Mondays:

IPS School 58 - starting June 13th
321 N Linwood Ave.
 9:30 am – 11:30 am

Tuesdays:
IPS School 56 – starting June 14th
2353 N. Columbia Ave.

9:30 am – 11:30 am

Wednesdays:

IPS School 31 - starting June 15th

Immanuel UCC

402 Prospect 

 9:30 am – 11:30 am

Thursdays:

SECS - HealthNet Clinic – starting June 16th

901 Shelby

 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm-Senior Center

Fridays:

IPS School 51 - starting June 17th

3426 Roosevelt Ave

9:30 am – 11:30 am

2011 PRESCHOOL READI2011 READINESS CAMPNESS CAMP

Who: Preschool-age children with delays in speech & language skills, cognitive & social skills, or fine & gross motor skills

What: Summer day camp developed and run by First Steps therapists specifically designed to address developmental delays and improve your child’s transition to school in a therapeutic peer group setting

When: Two 3-week sessions 9AM-11AM Mon, Wed, & Fri June 13-July 1 & July 11-July 29

Where: Children’s Therapy Connection
7424 Shadeland Station Way Indpls, IN 46256

Enroll by June 3rd for only $75 per week or $30 per day
Sign up for all 6 weeks and get 1 week free! Plus, 2nd child is 25% off!
Need-based scholarships available on a limited basis

See our website for more details. Call to reserve your spot today! (317) 288-7606
http://www.childrenstherapyconnection.com/

Handwriting Camp

Does your child need help holding a pencil? What about copying shapes or cutting on a line?
Can your child print his or her name? Do your child’s letters and words run all over the paper?

If this sounds like your child, he or she may enjoy attending a fun,week-long, summer Handwriting Camp!
Feeding Friends Children’s Feeding Clinic and Therapy Services is pleased to be offering two different summer camps, one group for Kindergarten Readiness and one for Beginning Printing.

The groups will be run by an Occupational Therapist who will focus on helping your child improve pre-writing and writing skills for school, using the principles of Handwriting Without Tears. Handwriting Without Tears is the official program adopted by the state of Indiana for school writing programs.

Each group will have 3-4 children and will run for 1 ½ hours each day. Each child will receive a Handwriting Without Tears notebook, a chalkboard with chalk, handouts for writing tips, and a bag to carry all their fun handwriting gear!

When: Monday June 13 through Friday June 17, 2011
Where: Feeding Friends Children’s Feeding Clinic & Therapy Services
11699 Maple St. Fishers, IN 46038
Times: Kindergarten Readiness Group—9:30-11:00 am
Beginning Printing Group—11:15-12:45 pm
Cost: $125 per child

Contact: Elaine Lewis, MS, OTR at 652-7330 or otelaine@sbcglobal.net

Free Fishing Weekend

Outdoor fun only started with Memorial Day weekend.


Free Fishing Weekend, June 4-5, provides a chance for kids and adults to participate at recreation areas located across Indiana that are planning fun fishing derbies, casting clinics, fish-cleaning demonstrations and cooking classes.

A list of the many sites offering special events for kids for the weekend is at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3598.htm.

Free Fishing Weekend also is a great chance for Hoosier adults who don't fish or haven't for a while to take a child fishing. That's because Indiana's adult residents do not need a license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish Indiana waters during Free Fishing Weekend. With children age 17 and younger not needing a fishing license at any time, it's a perfect match. All other fishing regulations are still in effect during Free Fishing Weekend.

Adults who decide they want to buy a license for the rest of the year can do so any time at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5330.htm.

Individuals who need reasonable modifications for effective participation in Free Fishing Weekend events at DNR properties should contact the property at least 72 hours before the event or call the DNR ADA Coordinator at (317) 232-4145.

Want a better way to find the fish? Several new lake bathymetry (depth) maps have been added to DNR's website just in time for Free Fishing Weekend. This brings the number of such maps to 63 now available for free download in digital format.

The additions include two in Warrick County (Blue Grass and Otter), as well as Shipshewana and Nauvoo in LaGrange County, and Mud Lake in Noble County, and Indian Lake in DeKalb County.

Armed with these maps, Hoosier anglers of all experience levels can hit the water knowing the location of the deep holes and shallow areas fish love.

The complete list is available at Indiana Lake depth maps. http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5759.htm

IMPCL Summer Reading Program Starts Soon!

The Indianapolis-Marion County Summer Reading program, 2011 Science Odessy, begins on June 6th and runs till August 1st. The reading program features movies, prizes and workshops throughout the summer. Check out the website for more information or stop by your local branch to register for the program.