Autism Expo 2010

Presented by Easter Seals Crossroads in
partnership with the Autism Society of Indiana

SATURDAY, March 20, 2010
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
502 East Carmel Drive - Carmel, IN 46032
(The Fountains Banquet & Conference Center)

This is a free, all-about-autism event for families, professionals and anyone else involved in the autism community. There will be over 100 vendors with great exhibits, special products for sale and IndyMoms KidzKorner--an area just for kids. No registration is necessary for this event.

For more information about Autism Expo 2010, please contact Katy at 317.466.1000 x3087 or visit www.eatersealscrossroads.org .

Health Fair

Saturday January 30 11am-5pm
Spanish Oaks Apartments
3645 Wingate Court Indianpolis, IN

For the Indy Community

“Your family depends on you and your health.”
___________________________________________________
Entertainment!!!! Medical Exams for the whole family Food!!
• Glucose and Cholesterol exams
• Dental exams
• Talk to the Chiropractor about pain management, headaches, personal injuries at work or auto related and with the Medical Doctor about your glucose and cholesterol exams.
• HIV Testing and STD testing available
____________________________________________________
Completely Free!

For more information call us at
317-635-8884

Child Care Providers Meeting

Attention All Childcare Directors and/Owners:

We are forming a meeting group for all directors and owners of childcare programs in Hendricks County. We would like to include all providers from licensed centers, registered ministries and family child care homes. We would like to form this group to help form a stronger community of Hendricks County Childcare Providers to better serve the families in our own communities.
The purpose of this meeting is to offer information and share information with each other about everyday childcare issues that we as providers face. We would like to have the opportunity to offer support to other programs going though NAEYC Accreditation and Paths to Quality rating. We would also like to have the support of other providers to help us with our own Accreditation and Paths to Quality Rating.

We would like to hold meetings three times a year starting on March 17, 2010. Time for this meeting will be 12:00 pm -2:00 pm at Cradles to Crayons, LLC in Danville IN. If you are planning to attend please RSVP to 317-745-1456 during the office hours of 6:00 am – 6:00 pm. Snacks will be provided.

Thank you for your support,
Debbie Spurlock
Cradles to Crayons, LLC

Science Day
Saturday, Jan. 30, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Sharpen your investigation skills, make predictions, record observations, and use science tools as you learn about science around the museum. Investigations include magnifiers, plants, and more.

•Meet WFYI's Rick Crosslin and watch his cool science experiments
•Observe items from our natural science collection using a hand lens
•Learn how insects use camouflage or mimicry to hide from predators
•Make your own paper microscope slides
•Build a bridge using only paper
•Learn about DNA in the Biotechnology Learning Center
•Join the Science Club for the chance to earn cool science prizes

FREE Health Fair

Saturday February 13, 2010
From 9:00am-1:00pm
at Nora Elementary School, 1000 East 91st and College Ave.
All Services provided FREE OF CHARGE

Everything will be available in English and Spanish
There will be a total of 14 various health screening

If you have any questions please contact (317) 338-9566 (for English)
Para Espanol (317) 338-9820

Virtual Field Trip

A New Way to take a "Field Trip"

Take your children on a virtual field trip to the San Diego Zoo at www.sandiegozoo.org I would encourage you to visit at various days and times to see what the animals are doing at various times of the day. At the zoo's website you can observe the pandas, elephants, apes and the polar bears.

Strollers recalled after fingertip amputations | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

Strollers recalled after fingertip amputations | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

Posted using ShareThis

Go Colts!

Colts ready for Championship game

The Indianapolis Colts are getting ready for the AFC Championship game versus the New York Jets Sunday, Jan. 24 at 3 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium. Head to a FREE Colts AFC Championship Pep Rally Thursday, Jan. 21 at Lucas Oil Stadium from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Enjoy live music, check out the Dan Dakich show on 1070 the Fan and hear from special Colts guest speakers. Also, receive a FREE collector's edition Playoff poster and register to win Colts playoff prizes including Colts Championship Playoff tickets and a RCA Flat Screen TV. FREE parking is available in the Tire Barn South lot. Another Blue Friday Pep Rally will happen at Circle Centre's food court Friday, Jan. 22 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Bunny Book Bag

In a hurry? Need some book for your little ones? Grab a bunny bag and go!

The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library offers pre-selected and packaged bunny bags filled with age appropriate picture books, Mother Goose collections, easy non-fiction and fairy tales. No two bags are alike. The bags are fine free with a limit of two bags per circulation.

The Bunny Book Bag Program is a great idea for parents and childcare leaders who want to borrow lots of picture books for their children!

MLK Day Downtown

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Downtown

Monday, Jan. 18th is dedicated to the achievements and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Head Downtown for many special events including FREE admission to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Also, bring a canned good for Gleaners Food Bank and receive one FREE admission per person per attraction in White River State Park including the Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, IMAX Theater, Eiteljorg Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions and Victory Field. The Madame Walker Theatre Center presents Keep the Dream Alive featuring local artists and dance ensembles, preceding a Freedom Walk on the Avenue from the Indianapolis Urban League. Conseco Fieldhouse will host the Harlem Globetrotters and the Indianapolis Museum of Art will show The Rosa Parks Story.

Office Closings

Child Care Answers will be closed all day on Friday January 15th and Monday January 18th. The office will reopen on Tuesday January 19th at 8 am.

Whether you have a question about a specific condition or are looking for general guidance, you know you can trust us. That's because HealthyChildren.org is the only site backed by 60,000 American Academy of Pediatrics member pediatricians. We're committed to offering the most reliable, up-to-the-minute health advice for proactive parents and caregivers.

"Parents have hundreds of questions about their children's health, and they want detailed answers," said Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP, a practicing pediatrician and medical editor of HealthyChildren.org. "HealthyChildren.org empowers parents to be proactive about their children's health, whether it's learning about the vaccines their infant needs, the developmental milestones to watch for in their toddler, or how to stay connected with their teenager."

HealthyChildren.org is divided into multiple, user-friendly sections, including:

o Ages & Stages: Information on the health issues of infants through adolescents, including interactive content on developmental milestones.

o Healthy Living: Up-to-date guidance on fitness, sports, oral health, emotional wellness and nutrition.

o Safety & Prevention: Preparing for health scenarios that occur at home, school and on the go, as well as in-depth information on the immunizations children need to stay healthy.

o Health Issues: An exhaustive, A-to-Z list of more than 300 health care topics.

"HealthyChildren.org is more than just an information portal," said Judith S. Palfrey, MD, FAAP, president of the AAP. "It's a valuable tool that parents can use to improve the health of their family."

As the premier Web site for child health information, HealthyChildren.org provides support, resources and a host of features to enable parents to quickly find the critical, relevant information they’re looking for.

America's Kids Pay the Price

Today the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA), Every Child Matters Education Fund, and Voices for America's Children joined in releasing a new report, State Budget Cuts: America's Kids Pay the Price. You can find the report at this link:
http://www.naccrra.org/policy/economic-stimulus-briefing-room/docs/January6FinalNACECMVOI.pdf

WORKSHOPS ON VISUAL LEARNING AND DIGITAL MEDIA

Ball State University is guiding teachers through the world of digital literacy and emerging technologies by offering the Digital Literacy Workshop Series. Each workshop offers hands-on training and explores the world of digital learning.

This workshop series is presented each month on Saturday mornings to accommodate the busy lives of educators. Classes are held at our convenient location in the heart of Indianapolis at: Ball State University Indianapolis Center, 50 S. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

January 16, 2010, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
This month the focus is web 2.0 tools such as podcasts, blogs, Facebook and wikis.

February 6, 2010, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
This workshop offers hands-on experiences on digital video use for reflection, storytelling, and analysis.

March 20, 2010, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
New interactivities will be highlighted in this month such as iPhones and SmartBoards.

April 24, 2010, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The final workshop will review visual learning tools like Inspiration.

Space is limited so register today!


Two registration options for this workshop series:
1. Professional Development/Non-Credit REGISTRATION
· Included in the registration fee is access to digital technologies during the workshops, refreshments, consumables (batteries, storage media, etc.), ongoing support downtown, in Muncie, and online.
· Cost: $199 for all four or $69 per workshop.

2. Graduate Credit (3 hours) – Current Ball State Students Only REGISTRATION
· Teachers who are seeking graduate credit will receive, in addition to the workshop experience, added online activities and assignments. Teachers will apply their new competencies by designing a curricular unit or project that incorporates digital media and includes a performance assessment that examines student learning.
· Register for EDTEC 665: Children, Technology, and Digital Literacy (Spring 2010). Normal tuition rates apply. The cost of the workshops is included.
· Teachers are required to attend 3 of the 4 workshops.


For additional questions, please contact us at 765-285-7600 or email http://us.mc819.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=cte@bsu.edu.

Fun and Easy Snow Day Activities Children Will Love

Turn Snow Day into Fun Day with These Great Activities
December 08, 2009 by Danielle Crofford Fetters

If you are a kid then the words "snow day" are a welcome break from the normal routine of getting up and going to school each day.. However those same words can bring a sense of dread and anxiety to parents as they anticipate a day stuck inside with energetic and bored kids. Snow days don't have to be feared by parents, there are a lot of fun indoor activities that you can engage your children in to help pass the time,keep them busy and out of your hair all day. To help you have a stress free day here are ten snow day activities that you can do inside your home with items you probably already have on hand.

Edible Snowflakes

Fold flour tortillas in fourths and use scissors to cut shapes out pf the folds, just like when you cut a paper snowflake, Brush with melted butter. sprinkle on cinnamon sugar and bake at 350 degrees until crispy.Yum!

Snow Cream

Make this yummy treat using clean fresh snow. fold in a mixture of vanilla,milk and sugar to taste. You have a perfect treat for a snow day at home.

Board Games

Pull out your board games and have a fun day playing them. Some good ones to play are Sorry, Monopoly and Life. If you have younger children games like Candyland, Chutes and Ladders and Memory are good choices. If all you have is a deck of playing cards bring them out and teach the kids how to play Go Fish, Slap Jack or War.

PJ and Popcorn Movie Day

Let the kids wear their pajamas all day, make some popcorn and watch movies. some good choices for a Snow Day movie marathon are Jack Frost, Snow Dogs,Snow Buddies, and Snow Day.

Snowflake Art

Put your coffee filters to good use and let the children fold them in fourths and cut small shapes from the folds to make beautiful snowflakes. You can drizzle on glue and sprinkle with glitter for a sparkly effect. Once dry use scotch tape to hang in windows and around the room.

Freeze Dance

Put on some music and let the kids get some energy out by dancing. When the music stops they have to freeze in place. Anyone who moves while frozen is out. The winner is the last person dancing.

Sock Puppet Show
Put those unmatched socks to good use by letting the kids use craft materials to turn old socks into sock puppets for a Snow Day Puppet Show. An old box can be decorated and turned into a impromptu puppet stage. Kids will enjoy putting on a show for the whole family.

Snow Painting

Kids will enjoy using spray bottles to paint on snow.

Fill a few spray bottles with a few drops of food coloring and water. Bring in a pan of fresh snow and let the kids spray paint on snow. Talk about how the colors blend to make new colors and what happens when the colored mixture hits the snow. This activity is a fun art and science project rolled into one.

Indoor Picnic

Make some sandwiches and other picnic foods, bring out a blanket and have a picnic indoors. While enjoying your lunch talk about the things you like to do when its warm outside.

Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Give each child a list of common household items and have them go on an indoor scavenger hunt. so the kids aren't running all over the house limit this activity to a couple of rooms and make a no running rule. Have a small prize available for the winner.

With just a few supplies and a little creativity you can turn a boring Snow Day into a fun experience for both you and your children.

Healthy New Year's Resolutions for Kids

The following New Year tips are from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Preschoolers
1.I will clean up my toys.
2.I will brush my teeth twice a day, and wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
3.I won’t tease dogs – even friendly ones. I will avoid being bitten by keeping my fingers and face away from their mouths.

Kids, 5- to 12-years-old
4.I will drink milk and water, and limit soda and fruit drinks.
5. I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors. I will try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I’m playing sports.
6.I will try to find a sport (like basketball or soccer) or an activity (like playing tag, jumping rope, dancing or riding my bike) that I like and do it at least three times a week!
7.I will always wear a helmet when bicycling.
8.I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car. I’ll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat until I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt.
9.I’ll be nice to other kids. I’ll be friendly to kids who need friends – like someone who is shy, or is new to my school
10.I’ll never give out personal information such as my name, home address, school name or telephone number on the Internet. Also, I’ll never send a picture of myself to someone I chat with on the computer without my parent’s permission.

Kids: 13 years old and up
11.I will eat at least one fruit and one vegetable every day, and I will limit the amount of soda I drink.
12.I will take care of my body through physical activity and nutrition.
13.I will choose non-violent television shows and video games, and I will spend only one to two hours each day – at the most – on these activities.
14.I will help out in my community – through volunteering, working with community groups or by joining a group that helps people in need.
15.I will wipe negative “self talk” (i.e. “I can’t do it” or “I’m so dumb”) out of my vocabulary,
16.When I feel angry or stressed out, I will take a break and find constructive ways to deal with the stress, such as exercising, reading, writing in a journal or discussing my problem with a parent or friend.
17.When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk with an adult about my choices.
18.When I notice my friends are struggling or engaging in risky behaviors, I will talk with a trusted adult and attempt to find a way that I can help them.
19.I will be careful about whom I choose to date, and always treat the other person with respect and without coercion or violence.
20.I will resist peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol.
21.I agree not to use a cell phone or text message while driving and to always use a seat belt.

Celebrating New Years Eve

This year why don't you try something new and make a special celebration with your children to celebrate New Years Eve. Nothing can be more magical than watching as your children count down the time till midnight. Or for the younger kids you can count down to an earlier time. Several places in Indy offer family activities for New Years Eve such as the Indiana State Museum and the Indianapolis Children's Museum but if your are choosing to stay home make it fun with some special crafts and food Here are some great suggestions from Family Fun Magazine:

SHAKERS
Fill plastic film canisters halfway with corn kernels and decorate with shiny stickers. (Con-Tact or construction paper, glitter, fabric paint and opaque paint markers are also good for decorating.) We poked a hole in the canister's cap (a parent's job) and threaded curled ribbon through. Knot the ribbon on the underside of the cap, and let the rest stream out of the top.

COUNTDOWN NUMBERS
Draw and color in the numbers 1 through 10 on poster boards--one number per board. At midnight, each child promenades down a flight of steps, number card held high, as the crowd yells out the number and cameras flash. "That was their moment," says Susan. As the last child hits the last step, the streamers were blowing and the shakers were shaking. "You would just not believe how cool that turned out."

Bubbly Jell-O Parfait
Grab a spoon and toast the New Year with a cool, sparkly dessert that wiggles.

1. Make bubbly Jell-O according to the directions on a box of Sparkling White Grape Jell-O. Be sure to use club soda, seltzer, or ginger ale and follow the tips on the box for getting the gelatin to sparkle.

2. Chill the Jell-O in champagne flutes or parfait glasses. We suggest making these the day of the party, since they might lose some bubbliness if they're made further ahead. Wind a metallic multicolored star garland (available at party stores) up the stem of the glass for pizzazz.

New Years Eve Hats

These chocolate-covered cones are a stylish addition to a New Year's celebration, serving as both festive decorations and a sweet topping for a scoop of ice cream.

Ingredients
Sugar cones
Ice cream
Chocolate chips (one 12-ounce bag for 10 to 12 cones)
Icing
Fruit strips or shoestring licorice (we used Kellogg's Fruit Streamers)
Nonpareils

Instructions
Spread melted chocolate chips over each sugar cone with a small spatula. Let the chocolate harden for about 1 hour (or 20 minutes in the refrigerator).

For chinstraps, use icing to attach the ends of a fruit strip or a length of shoestring licorice to the inside of each cone.

Use icing to decorate the hats and attach nonpareils.

Holiday Closings

Just a reminder, Child Care Answers will be closing at noon on Thursday December 31st and will be closed all day on Friday January 1st. We will reopen the office on Monday January 4th at 8am. We hope everyone has a safe and blessed New Years.

Operation Kid Sight

The local Indiana Lions Clubs in our communities, in conjunction with the Indiana Eye and Tissue Transplant Bank, Inc. and the Indiana University Department of Ophthalmology offer FREE eye screenings for preschool children. The screening provides instant readings of the child’s eyes to determine the presence of possible eye disorders. No physical contact is made with the child and no eye drops or medications are used. The screening is approximately 85-90% effective in detecting significant factors that can cause a decrease in vision.

What kind of screening?
The Lions use the PediaVision screening device to identify children who may be at risk, and if left untreated, may lead to a lifetime of vision problems or even loss of vision. The PediaVision can detect near sightedness, far sightedness, astigmatism, and other amblyopia (dull vision) factors.

Why is it important to do preschool vision screenings?
The eye muscles that control the eye, optic nerve, and the area of the brain that gives us vision are completely developed by the age of six, no matter how perfectly or imperfectly. Vision deficiencies that may have occurred during development will be very difficult or impossible to treat after the age of 6, when the development has completed. Many of these problems when caught early, can be completely corrected, and the earlier they are diagnosed the better the chance of the correction, as well as the less expense in treatment.

Did you know?
More than 60% of children in the United States have not been examined by an optometrist or ophthalmologist by age 6. Most people think that when they take their child/children to the pediatrician that the pediatrician will discover vision conditions. Most pediatricians have only had a small amount of training related to the eyes, so vision problems are more likely detected and addressed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Children do not know that they have a vision condition. You know when you need to go to the eye doctor because you have had previous experience at seeing well. You can tell the eye doctor when what he/she is doing is helping your vision. The young child doesn’t know how well they should be able to see. Most young children under the age of 5 are not capable of communicating effectively to solve the problem, or to even tell you that there is a problem.


Who can be screened?
Operation Kid Sight volunteers only screen children ages 1-5 years of age. The child has to be able to fixate (look at a specific object) which requires them to be at least one year of age. If they are older then 72 months, they may be more effectively screened by other methods.

How the screenings work:
The vision screenings can be conducted in several different ways. Typically the volunteers will set up screenings with child care providers (centers and homes.) They can also set up a community screening. Before any screening is done, each child must have consent from parents.
The screenings are conducted with a reading (a picture taken) of the child’s eyes while the child looks at the PediVision. If further examination is warranted, the parents are advised by mail or phone to refer to an eye doctor of their choice. All children/families will receive a follow after the screening from PediaVision.
(No doctor recommendations are made, just a referral.) The screening is neither a diagnosis nor an examination. It is simply a reading of the child’s eyes.


FREE?
The cost of the screening is paid in full by the Lions using funds raised by Lions in fundraising projects.

If parents or child care providers are interested in getting a screening scheduled, they can contact a local Lions Club. You may also contact Janice Chapman- State Program Coordinator of Operation Kidsight at 317-578-0491 or kidsight@sbcglobal.net.

Teacher and Parent Resources at PBS.org

Attention all teachers!! Are you looking for new ideas and free resources to assist you in your classrooms?

• Check out PBS Teachers at www.pbs.org/teachers
• You will find tons of research-based, developmentally appropriate ideas- including thematic units and activities that connect learning to what kids are watching on TV
• There are printable resources for parents that inform them on such topics as using the television as a learning tool at home
• Join other early childhood educatiors in online disscussions and discover the great professional development opportunities available through Teacherline

Example of an Emergency Plan that worked

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be a Kid Again: Educator Networking Night

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

Learn about curriculum connectionsthroughout the museum

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

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

Learn about educational field trip programs

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

Dinner will be provided.

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

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

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

Keep the kids entertained during the holiday vacation –inexpensively

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Midwest Regional H1N1 and Human Services Conference Call

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

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon CT

1-888-790-1959; Passcode 2505

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

Alert: Calls Needed

Action Steps Needed Wednesday & Thursday:

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

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

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

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

3. Be a local leader:

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

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

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

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

Hello Center Directors,

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

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

Holiday Leadership Party

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Online Training Tracking

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

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

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

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

Jan - Mar 2010 Training Calendar Available Online

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

CEU Renewal Opportunities

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


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

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

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


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

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

Happy Holidays!!!

When the unexpected happens

Is your child care site prepared for the unexpected?

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

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

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

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

Child Care Answers 631-4643.

Attention Paths to QUALITY Providers

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

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

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

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

Paths to QUALITY PSA

Crib Recall

IndyStar.com Communities The Indianapolis Star

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Study: Kids Watch Hours Of TV At Day Care

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"We can always do better," he said.

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

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

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

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

____

On the Web:

Pediatrics: http://www.pediatrics.org

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

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

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

12 Free Days

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Thanksgiving

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


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

Early childhood education is economic issue | SouthCoastToday.com

Early childhood education is economic issue | SouthCoastToday.com

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Stroller Recall

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

Preschool Thanksgiving

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free Webinar is Next Monday Evening! What Every Parent Needs To Know About Child Care

Next Monday Night's Free Webinar: November 9, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. EDTWhat Every Parent Needs To Know About Child Care In America (But Might Be Afraid To Ask)

Every year, the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) conducts research on the state of child care in America, as well as surveys about the perceptions of parents who purchase that care. Looking at the same system through these two lenses reveals a fractured picture of disparity between what parents believe is being done to protect their children while they are in child care and the reality of child care regulations and oversight in our country. Join NACCRRA’s Executive Director, Linda Smith to connect the dots between child care funding, legislation, licensing, regulation, and the ultimate impact on your child’s child care setting. Learn more about how you can begin new dialog about child care quality.

Learn more about this session here!https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/366176394

Building Your Child's Self-Esteem

Self-esteem—a person's sense of worth—is important for success. When children feel confident and secure, they're more likely to succeed in school and achieve personal goals. As they get older, they learn to confront problems and resist peer pressure. More important, having a positive self-image helps a child feel happy and capable of maintaining personal relationships.

Building children's self-esteem is an ongoing part of parenting. Letting children do things for themselves helps them acquire needed skills. When parents respect their children, the children learn to respect themselves. And when parents show affection, kids learn how to share their feelings with others.

Parents' actions influence the way children feel about themselves. When a parent holds a child, the child can feel how important he or she is. Parents who can't be with their kids on a daily basis can call them, write them notes or send e-mails. Parents should talk to their kids, listen to what they have to say and show them that their opinions count.

Children need their parents' unconditional love and support. The love of a parent should not depend on the good behavior of a child. Even as they set limits and enforce discipline, parents should reassure their kids that they love them. Withholding love from kids when they misbehave will make them feel bad about themselves. Parents sometimes tell a misbehaving child, “You're a bad boy (or girl)!” This tells the child that he or she is bad, not the behavior. Instead, parents should explain to the child what he or she did was wrong and then impose a consequence. For example, if the child hit someone, explain that hitting hurts and remove the child from the room.

Praising children when they behave well makes them feel good and motivates them to continue the good behavior—a win-win situation for parents and children! Parents should praise kids' efforts and their successes. If a child's team loses a game, for example, a parent could say, “You tried hard. You should feel proud of yourself!”

Some people worry that praising kids too much will spoil them. Yet as a child's self-esteem grows, so does his or her sense of responsibility and competence. Assigning chores and praising accomplishments makes children feel valued. Their self-confidence and independence grow, and their increasing sense of security helps them confront the many challenges that are a natural part of growing up. Studies show that children who feel confident are better able to stand up to bullies.

Parents should give kids the tools they need to stand up for themselves and help them learn to solve problems. As they get older, they will be able to handle difficult situations on their own.

The way parents interact with their children influences the type of people they become. Nurturing parents who share their love help increase their children's sense of self-worth. Kids learn to feel good about themselves and to care about others. When parents build their Children’s self-esteem, a foundation for a strong, loving relationship is laid.

Article obtained from: http://integratedcare4kids.blogspot.com/2009/11/building-your-childs-self-esteem.html

News on todays election from the Indianapolis Star

Today's special election is all about ballot questions, not candidates.

All registered voters in Marion County can vote today on whether to give the Marion County Health and Hospital Corp. -- which owns Wishard Memorial Hospital -- the authority to issue taxpayer-backed bonds to build a new $754 million hospital complex on the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus.

Find your polling location for today's special election
Recap of the debate on the Wishard bond vote

The Wishard question: The three-part ballot question, which was crafted by Health and Hospital Corp. officials, has no references to plans to build a new hospital. It focuses on whether Wishard will be able to continue its mission of providing indigent care and specialized care and serving as a teaching hospital.

Other ballot questions: Voters in the Franklin Township, Beech Grove and Perry Township school districts have referendum questions.

Franklin Township school district
Voters going to 25 of the 590 precincts will answer “yes” or “no” to two separate questions:

Question 1 reads, “For the next seven calendar years immediately following the holding of the referendum, shall the Franklin Township Community School Corporation impose a property tax rate that does not exceed thirty-three and one third cents ($0.333) on each one hundred dollars ($100) of assessed valuation and that is in addition to the school corporation’s normal tuition support tax rate?”

Question 2 reads, “For the next seven calendar years immediately following the holding of the referendum, shall the Franklin Township Community School Corporation impose a property tax rate that does not exceed sixteen and sixty-seven /one-thousandth cents ($0.1667) on each one hundred dollars ($100) of assessed valuation and that is in addition to the school corporation’s normal tuition support tax rate?”

Beech Grove school district
Voters going to 10 of the 590 precincts will be asked “yes” or “no” to this question:

“For the next seven calendar years immediately following the holding of the referendum, shall the Beech Grove City Schools impose a property tax rate that does not exceed thirty-five cents ($0.35) on each one hundred dollars ($100) of assessed valuation and that is in addition to the school corporation’s normal tuition support tax rate?”

Perry Township school district
Voters going to 60 of the 590 precincts will be asked “yes” or “no” to this question:

“Shall the Metropolitan School District of Perry Township, Marion County, Indiana, issue bonds or enter into a lease to finance the Building Futures Project—Initial Phase, which is estimated to cost not more than $98,885,000 and is estimated to increase the property tax rate for debt service by a maximum of $0.2641?”

Retired officers push early childhood benefits to help national security - TheHill.com

Retired officers push early childhood benefits to help national security - TheHill.com

Autism Workshop

INDATA Project Sponsors Free Assistive Technology Workshop on Autism

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Autism affects more than one million Americans and is the fastest-growing developmental disability, according to the Autism Society of America. It will be the highlighted topic for a free assistive technology workshop.

Sponsored by the INDATA Project, this quarterly workshop will take place Thursday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Easter Seals Crossroads, 4740 Kingsway Drive, 5th Floor Conference Room, in Indianapolis.

People with autism benefit from assistive technology in areas such as social interaction skills, expressive communication and overall understanding of the environment. In some cases, the assistive technology provided can ultimately determine whether someone is able to work outside of their home or attend a public school. In addition, that technology can be used to help better the interaction and communication between individuals and their families or friends.

Several assistive technology vendors will be present with information on their products and services. There will also be a tour of the Autism Family Resource Center and INDATA Loan Library.

Admission to the workshop is free but, because seating is limited, registration is requested. To register, visit http://assistivetechnologyandautism.eventbrite.com/ or contact Sara Croft, 317-466-2013 or 888-466-1314. Online registration is encouraged.

The INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads provides information and access to assistive technology, at no charge, for Hoosiers with disabilities. These statewide services are derived through the Indiana Assistive Technology Act (INDATA) state/federal grant and include: device demonstrations, device loans, recycled computers, reutilized assistive technology equipment, alternative financing resources, and educational trainings and conferences.

Easter Seals Crossroads is a community resource working in partnership with children and adults with disabilities or special needs and their families to promote growth, independence and dignity.