Free Fishing Weekend

June 5-6, 2010

It's reel fun with a catch!

Youth, age 17 and younger, do not need a fishing license to fish in Indiana waters. Additionally, during Free Fishing Weekend (June 5-6, 2010), all Indiana residents do not need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish Indiana waters.

Load up the car with friends, family and fishing poles and enjoy a FREE weekend of fishing. Check out a new lake or river, or introduce friends and family to a favorite fishing spot.

Fishing can be enjoyed alone on a bank or shared among a boat load of people on the lake. It can be quiet and relaxing or fun and exciting. Fishing can also provide tasty meals, but don’t forget: fishing is not always “catching” fish, but it’s “trying to catch” fish.

To help kids and adults celebrate Free Fishing Weekend, recreation areas located across Indiana are planning fun fishing derbies, knot tying demonstrations, casting clinics and fish cleaning and cooking classes. Some properties require pre-registration. Call your favorite property for details.
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.

Properties hosting activities for Free Fishing Weekend

■Brookville Reservoir, Brookville, 765-458-5565
■Buffalo Trace Park, Palmyra, 812-364-6112
■Cagles Mill Lake (Lieber SRA), Cloverdale, 765-795-3552
■Cecil M. Harden Lake (Raccoon SRA), Rockville, 765-344-1412
■Cedar Lake, Cedar Lake, 219-374-6157
■Chain O’Lakes State Park, 260-636-2654
■Dobbs Park Nature Center, Terre Haute, 812-877-1095
■Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis, 317-327-7110
■Falls of the Ohio State Park, Jeffersonville, 812-280-9970
■Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park, Osceola, 574-277-4828
■Hot Pond Park, Lebanon, 765-482-8860
■Hoosier National Forest, Bedford, 812-275-5987
■J. Edward Roush Lake, Huntington, 260-468-2127
■Mississinewa Lake, Peru, 260-468-2127
■Monroe Lake, Bloomington, 812-837-9546
■Mounds State Park, Anderson, 765-649-8128
■O'Bannon Woods State Park, Corydon, 812-738-8234
■Ouabache State Park, Bluffton, 260-824-0926
■Ox Bow Park, Goshen, 574-535-6458
■Patoka Lake, Birdseye, 812-685-2464
■Prairie Creek Reservoir, Selma, 765-747-4776
■River Preserve Park, Goshen, 574-535-6458
■Salamonie Lake, Andrews, 260-468-2127
■St. Patrick County Park, South Bend, 219-277-4828
■Shakamak State Park, Jasonville, 812-665-2158
■Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, Vallonia, 812-358-3464
■Summit Lake State Park, New Castle, 765-766-5873
■Tippecanoe River State Park, Winamac, 574-946-3213
■Versailles State Park, Versailles, 812-689-6424
■Whitewater Memorial State Park, Liberty, 765-458-5565
■Williams Dam Public Fishing Area, Williams, 812-388-5564
■Willow Slough FWA, Morocco, 219-285-2704

Providers we need your input!

It is that time of the year again that we need to hear from you! Please click on the link to go to survey monkey and complete our annual training needs assessment. Please complete the survey no later than May 31, 2010.

IT is vital that we hear from you and your staff. This assessment helps us plan the trainings offered for our next fiscal year. Our fiscal year is from October to September.

Thank you for taking time to complete the 2010-2011 Training Needs Assessment! Please contact Joslyn Sullivan at (317) 636-5727 ext. 257 for any questions.

Mother's Day Gift

Mother's Day Herb Garden Kit

Tools and Materials

Sterile soil seed-starting mix
Plastic bag with zipper seal
Burlap
Rubber band
Raffia
Plant-tag template
Copper plant tags
Double-sided tape
Cork board
Push pins
Herb-garden-instruction template
Card stock
Scissors
Terra-cotta pot
Herb seed packets
Osmocote plant food
Gloves
Shovel
Japanese floral shears
Watering can
Garden stones

Herb Garden Kit How-To
1. Place sterile soil seed-starting mix in a sealed plastic bag. Gather burlap around plastic bag and secure with a rubber band. Add a raffia tie around the rubber band.

2. Download, print, and cut the copper plant-tag template. Place a copper tag on cork board and affix the tag template over it with double-sided tape. Using a push pin, pierce through the marked dots on the template into the copper plant tag.

3. Print the herb-garden instructions on heavy card stock and cut out.

4. Assemble the herb garden elements in a terra-cotta pot: add herb garden instructions, seed-starting mix, copper plant tags, herb seed packets, osmocote plant food, gloves, shovel, Japanese floral shears, watering can, and garden stones.

Resources
Copper tags are available at Jamali Garden. Seed packets are available at John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds. Terra-cotta pots are available at grdnbklyn.com. Don't worry about packing up this gift -- just take it to the UPS Store, where their certified packing experts can pack and ship your gifts. For more great gift ideas, check out our Mother's Day gifts photo gallery.

From The Martha Stewart Show, May 2008

Summer Reading Program

Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library will host a kick off event for the 2010 Summer Reading Program on Sunday May 23rd at the Central library starting at 1pm. For more information on the summer reading program check out the IMCPL website.

How to teach poison prevention programs to children

• Do you teach injury prevention programs for preschool/elementary school children?

• Are you looking for a new injury prevention topic?

• Would you like to promote poison safety in your own community?

If you answered “yes” - the Indiana Poison Center can help you teach poison safety.

Who? Anyone who teaches injury prevention programs for preschool and/or
elementary school children.

How long? 3 hours.

How much? The workshop is FREE

Where? 1812 N. Capitol, Wile Hall, 3rd Floor, Room W310, Methodist Hospital,
Indianapolis

When? Wednesday, May 26th from 9:00 a.m.–12 p.m. OR Tuesday June 8th from
12:30-3:30 p.m.

What? Training provides poison prevention background for the instructor,
activity ideas and materials to teach children poison safety and a way
to get the poison safety message home to parents and other adults.

To register contact:
Barbara Cole
(317) 962-9248
bcole@clarian.org

Registration is limited to 20
per session

May brings lots of great family fun at the Eiteljorg Museum!

May offers great family fun opportunities at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. On May 1, the month starts with the Indiana State Yo-Yo Contest. On Mother’s Day May 9 bring mom in for a uniue brunch experience. Then, on May 15, the museum will host the Leon Jett Celebration for Families followed by, on May 22, the opening day of the museum’s next special exhibition, Generations: The Helen Cox Kersting Collection of Southwestern Cultural Arts.

Yo-yo contest to attract more than 50 competitors

The museum will host the Indiana State Yo-Yo Contest, welcoming more than 50 competitors showcasing their talents in five different class divisions. Registration is 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. and the competition begins at 10 a.m. and will run through 4 p.m.

The Indiana State Yo-Yo Contest has long been respected as one of the best state contests in the U.S., with top-notch talent in attendance. According to event organizer [insert Takeshi’s name], yo-yos are more popular now than ever, with sales up 1000% from this time last year. Interest in this age-old toy has increased worldwide and some of the finest competitors in the United States will gather in Indianapolis to test their skill, swap tricks, and pick up the latest gear from sponsors and vendors.

The public is invited to watch yo-yo competitors in action and experience demonstrations, free beginner’s workshops and opportunities to learn about the past and future of yo-yoing from members of the National Yo-Yo League. Museum admission includes admission to view the contest.

Bring mom in for a unique cultural experience on Mother’s Day

The Eiteljorg Museum will be hosting its annual Mother’s Day Brunch on May 9, featuring a delicious buffet from Kahn’s Catering featuring grilled, Atlantic salmon with fresh tomato concasse and pesto cream; roasted, rosemary-rubbed pork loin with garlic mushroom demi-glace. There are two seatings available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The cost is $39 for adult members; $49 for adult non-members; $19 all children 4-12; and children 3 and under free. The fee includes the buffet, a champagne toast, taxes, gratuity, museum admission and parking. Cash bar will be available. Call Autumn Souert at (317) 275-1310 to make your reservation.

Museum celebrates life of longtime programs manager

On May 15, the Eiteljorg Museum will host the Leon Jett Celebration for Families. Guests will hear the story of The Three Sisters (corn, beans and squash) and will receive seeds to plant their own gardens at home. Visitors will also enjoy special performances and family activities celebrating the life of former public programs manager, Leon Jett.

The day features performances by Freetown Village Children’s Ensemble, Kumbaa Youth Theater and others. Guests can also learn about Native cultures through cultural representatives and enjoy pony rides and other family-friendly activities.

This event is co-hosted by the Friends of Leon. Guests are asked to bring a canned food donation for Gleaners Food Bank.

Exhibition opens featuring nearly 800 recently-donated cultural objects

On Saturday, May 22, the exhibit Generations: The Helen Cox Kersting Collection of Southwestern Cultural Arts will open. The museum will celebrate the opening of the exhibit with activities surrounding the subject of collecting. There will be experts on hand to discuss the collection of jewelry, pottery and other items..

The museum is encouraging guests to show off their personal collections at the museum on this day. Buttons…trading cards…fine art—interested parties should visit www.eiteljorg.org for details.

Visit www.eiteljorg.org for more information on any of these events.

Feds recall Simplicity and Graco cribs

Feds recall Simplicity and Graco cribs
Associated Press
Posted: April 29, 2010

WASHINGTON -- The government recalled thousands of Simplicity and Graco cribs Thursday, warning that babies could suffocate or strangle in them.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the Simplicity recall was linked to at least one death and involved thousands of cribs, possibly hundreds of thousands, though many had previously been recalled for other defects. The agency said about 217,000 Graco dropside cribs made by LaJobi were also being recalled.

The problem with both types of cribs stems from hardware failures.
In the case of the Graco-branded wood cribs, the side that moves up and down -- the dropside -- can break or detach, creating a dangerous gap between the crib mattress and dropped side. A baby can become trapped and suffocate or strangle. CPSC and LaJobi have received 99 complaints of dropside problems with the cribs. None involved serious injuries.

The Simplicity recall is for all full-sized cribs with tubular metal mattress-support frames. Those frames can bend or detach, causing the mattress to collapse and creating a space that a baby can roll into, become trapped in and suffocate.

A one-year-old boy in North Attleboro, Mass., became trapped in his Simplicity crib and suffocated in 2008, according to the commission.
"CPSC urges all parents and caregivers to not attempt to resell any Simplicity crib to a thrift store, at a yard sale or online," said agency spokesman Scott Wolfson. "These recalled cribs have killed far too many babies and need to be kept out of homes and daycare centers."
Simplicity has been the subject of almost a dozen recalls since 2005 and its cribs have been linked to 13 deaths.

The commission had previously recalled all Simplicity dropside cribs. With the latest recall, nearly all Simplicity cribs have now been recalled, possibly hundreds of thousands of cribs. Simplicity and its successor company, SFCA Inc., are no longer in business, so the agency doesn't know exactly how many cribs were sold.

On the Net: Consumer Product Safety Commission: http://www.cpsc.gov

Resource Library

We now have a Resource Library open to providers!

CHILDCARE ANSWERS
CHILD CARE RESOURCE AND REFERRAL AGENCY

RESOURCE LIBRARY

317-926-3401 ext. 312

PURPOSE: The purpose of Child Care Answers Resource Library is to provide Parents, Child Care Providers and Early Childhood Agencies in Marion, Hendricks, Hamilton, and Johnson Counties with information and resources that will enhance the lives of children they serve.

LOCATION: The Resource Library is located at 3522 N. Central Avenue, Indianapolis 46205

HOURS:
• 12:00- 5:30 p.m. ~ Monday - Thursday
• Closed Friday
• 9:30-12:30 p.m. ~ every 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month
• Open ½ hour before trainings that are held at 3522 N. Central

MEMBERSHIP:
• An annual membership fee is payable by credit, debit, check, or money order
1. Family Child Care Providers, Parents and Individual fee is $20- includes a $5 resource credit 2. Center, Ministry and School-age sites fee is $30 and includes a $5 resource credit
3. Membership includes checking out resource kits, books, videos; and use of laminating machine, copier computer/Internet/printer and dye cut machine. Please contact about fees for usage.

Make and Take Workshop

Make and Take Workshop
Ideas and material to take back to your child care facility or classroom


Day Nursery Lilly Center
3522 N. Central Avenue

Cost $5.00

1st and 3rd Saturdays: Instruction and Learning 9:30 - 10:30 am (Required for certificate/workshop credit**) Question and answer/help with materials 10:30 - 12:30 pm)

May 1st & 15th theme is Recycling. Discover how to use everyday materials to meet the physical education and science foundations.


To register: call 317-636-5727 ext. 257 or online at http://www.childcareanswers.com/


**Recieve a certificate for training hours (not CEU's)**

Eagle Creek fishing derby set for June 5

Kids can learn how to bait a hook and catch fish during the ninth annual Eagle Creek Park Kids' Fishing Derby.

The June 5 event put on by the Eagle Creek Park Foundation is open to 400 children ages 4 to 14 and is one of the nation's largest fishing derbies, said Allison Frane, event spokeswoman.

Registration for the free event starts Monday. Families will not be charged park or event admission, and no fishing license is required. Volunteers will demonstrate fishing techniques during the catch and release event, and the foundation will provide hot dogs, chips and drinks.

Participants who own fishing equipment are asked to bring it, but the foundation has rods and reels for those without it, Frane said. An adult must accompany all children.

Preregistration is required. Forms are available at the Eagle Creek Park office, 7840 W. 56th St., or through June 1 at www.eaglecreekpark.org. For more information call (317) 327-7116.

Free Teacher Professional Development

Join The Children’s Museum for an educator professional development opportunity that focuses on ways to use the Take Me There: Egypt exhibit to enhance student learning in science, social studies, language arts, and visual arts. Each participant will receive a Unit of Study.

Explore present-day Egypt, where the past and the present meet, at The Children’s Museum’s newest permanent exhibit, Take Me There – Egypt.

Learn about the geography, natural environment, home life, language, and arts Egypt today.

Savor a taste of Egyptian cuisine and learn about Egyptian American life in Indiana. Become immersed in cultural experiences specially designed for student groups, the sebou and the maglis-al-suh.

Register by June 15 for Egypt: Beyond the Past

Teachers of Grades 3–8

Tuesday–Thursday, June 29–July 1, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Fee: *FREE** (a $75 value)! A $25 deposit will be taken at the time of registration. After completion of the institute, your $25 will be refunded.

To register call (800) 820-6214

Letter to the Editor

I came across this letter to the editor in the Indianapolis Star. It speaks volumes to the amazing mentors working with ministries at Child Care Answers. Its always good to know that what we do touches so many people.


United Way makes good thing even better
Michael W. Bowling
Posted: April 21, 2010

Every day I see the hope-filled sight of bright-eyed young children skipping through the doors of our building anticipating another day of playing with friends and exploring the many intriguing aspects of the world in which we are blessed to live.

A caring staff receives them with an excitement characteristic of a separation of weeks instead of the few short hours since the previous day. They are followed by parents who expect at the very least their children will be safe and sound for the next few hours.

Many of these families face daunting challenges. They are worn down by the constant threat of unemployment or the unexpected illness that could so easily become a domino effect with one crisis after another.

However, most of these families share a common hope: the success of their children. Our child-care ministry pushes beyond the essential minimum of "safe and sound" to provide the kind of care that, in partnership with the family, moves each child toward school readiness and the possibility of a better future. We see our work as an essential expression of encouragement to our community's families.

To do our work well requires a dedicated staff, a supportive church and a safe and welcoming facility. Sometimes, we get tired and discouraged. But always there comes some form of encouragement that bolsters our efforts.

This encouragement may be as simple as a note of thanks from a grateful parent or as significant as a major breakthrough with a child. Recently, it came with surprising magnitude from an unexpected source: United Way of Central Indiana.

We are not a member agency, but we received a first-hand experience of the encouragement a member agency gets from the competent and committed folks at United Way. Our inclusion in their Success By Six program resulted in a significant upgrade to our Daystar Childcare space, mentors for our staff and benefits too numerous to name.

The results were immediately recognized by the families we serve, and our staff began to pursue continuing education like a runner getting a second wind. United Way of Central Indiana and the Success By Six program demonstrate the visionary thinking critically needed in our day.

They recognize the best investment for a better tomorrow is the children of today. They know what most well-informed educators have been saying for years: The most dynamic benefits come from investing in early-childhood development.
They made the astute observation that one of the most overlooked providers of care for preschool children is registered child-care ministries. Success By Six has come alongside participating child-care ministries with the resources and expertise that are already producing dramatic results.

United Way funds a myriad essential services throughout the nation, but Success By Six demonstrates the compassion and the wisdom found in the old adage, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Thanks to United Way of Central Indiana for the encouragement, and thanks to the thousands of donors who fund such priorities. A better future is on its way.


Bowling is pastor of Englewood Christian Church in Indianapolis.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

This gloomy, rainy weather we have had the past few days has made it impossible to get the children outside. Below are some great ways to incorporate April weather into your day!


April Showers song(to the tune of "I'm a Little Teapot")
Pitter patter rain drops (wiggle fingers to imitate rain)
Falling from the sky (wiggle fingers downward)
Here's my umbrella (action of opening an umbrella)
Hold it high! (hands over head)
When the rain is over (bring hands down slowly)
and the sun begins to glow (make sun with arms)
Little flowers start to bud (Kneel down)
then grow, grow, grow!!! (slowly stand up)

Talk to your children about the rain. Older children can learn about the water cycle with great information on the water link. You can do a bit of math/graphing practice by providing the child with the rain/sun template below. Each day during the month of April, have them color one of the squares on either the rain or the sun side (depending on what the weather is like).

Some great spring craft ideas such as muffin cup flowers can be found here.

Conner Prairie plans picnic for families of autism

Conner Prairie is hosting an Autism Awareness Day on Saturday for families affected by autism and those interested in learning more about the disorder.
Families affected by autism can share their experiences during a picnic from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. People can bring their own food or buy lunch at Conner Prairie, according to a press release.

Quiet rooms will be identified throughout the living history park. Those who have autism sometimes have trouble processing sensory information and need a place to relax.

Conner Prairie decided to host the day because April is Autism Awareness Month. It also offered an autism awareness training event for Indiana museums and attractions in March.

Autism affects more than 1,300 families in Hamilton County, said Jane Grimes, director of the Hamilton County Autism Support Group, which is partnering with Conner Prairie for the event.

El Día de los Niños at The Children's Museum

Sunday April 25th The Indianapolis Children's Museum is having it's annual El Día de los Niños, a free day to the public celebrating the Hispanic and Latino cultures.

This year El Día de los Niños will be on Sunday, April 25th, from 10a.m. to 3p.m. Celebrate Hispanic and Latino culture with live musical performances,hands-on art activities, and storytelling!The day will feature appearances from Maya and Miguel, the PBS series twins. This free day is usually a big success; we would really like to stress that it is a great way for students and families to learn more about the Hispanic and Latino cultures.

Call out for furniture

In support of United Way's Kindergarten readiness initiative on the Eastside of Indianapolis. United Way is in need of furniture. Below is the information if you are able to assist.

We’re looking for furniture! United Way’s Kindergarten Countdown program is moving into a new location and needs help outfitting rooms for a kindergarten orientation program this summer. If you have pre-K / Kindergarten-sized tables, chairs, and other classroom equipment available for loan from mid-June to early August, let us know! Please contact Heather Girton at 317-921-1339 or heather.girton@uwci.org for more information.

Safe Sleeping Practices Class

All of our Marion county SIDS classes are currently full. The next available classes will begin in July when the new training calendar comes out. If you are in need of taking the classes please check out Early Childhood meeting place website. It list all the available classes for the state of Indiana.

Go fly a kite Saturday in Avon

AVON -- Residents can celebrate national kite flying month during a family event behind Town Hall on Saturday.
The Avon Town Hall Park Family Fun Fly will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in the park behind Town Hall, 6570 E. U.S. 36.

The first 25 children will receive free kite kits, and volunteers will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to teach children how to build their own kites.
Members of the Hoosier Kitefliers Society will be on hand to demonstrate professional kite-flying maneuvers.
In addition, the Indy Admirals will hosts their Spring Fling Model Boat Regatta on Town Hall Lake from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Spanking and Kids' Aggression: 3 Alternatives to Spanking That Work for Parents and Kids

By Nancy Shute
US News and World Report

Does spanking your child make him behave better, or set the stage for bigger trouble? A new study says that spanking children at age 3 makes them more likely to become bullies by age 5. But the news has sparked ire from parents who say they were spanked as children, but have turned out just fine, thank you.

The study, by Catherine Taylor, an assistant professor of community health sciences at Tulane University in New Orleans, analyzed survey data in which about 2,500 mothers reported how often they had spanked their 3-year-old in the past month. Almost half of the mothers (45.6 percent) hadn't spanked at all, while 27.9 percent had spanked their child once or twice. One quarter of the mothers said they spanked the child frequently. The mothers who spanked were more likely to report aggressive behavior when the child was 5, including:

•Arguing or screaming a lot
•Bullying
•Being mean to other kids
•Getting into fights
•Teasing or threatening others
This isn't the first study to say that spanking young children is counterproductive, but earlier studies were less reliable because they didn't account for other factors such as stress and depression in mothers, and child abuse, which also might make children more aggressive. "This study is not saying that children don't need discipline," Taylor told me today. "Kids need discipline. But we really encourage parents to focus on positive, non-physical types of discipline such as time out, instead of spanking." And, of course, not every kid who is spanked turns into a bully. But Taylor says it's clear that spanking is a risk factor for increased aggressive behavior in children. "If you're trying to improve behavior, this is counterproductive."

Clearly there's a big disconnect between parents and pediatricians on spanking: As many as 90 percent of parents think it's OK to spank young children, and the fierce debate over spanking involves religion (James Dobson is pro-spanking), pediatricians (the American Academy of Pediatrics says no corporal punishment, ever), and outliers like pediatrician Lawrence Diller, who says spanking may be better for some children than Ritalin. People feel more passionately about spanking than they do about any other child-discipline issue, and that's saying a lot.

Add to that the fact that most parents were themselves spanked as children, and it's a hard lesson to unlearn. And most of us (myself included) haven't mastered the intricacies of the "positive discipline" techniques that the pediatricians recommend to the point that we can confidently deploy them when faced with a surly or screaming child.

So what's a parent of a misbehaving preschooler to do? There's a solid body of evidence showing that positive discipline techniques, when done right, are much more effective than spanking, nagging, or arguing. Three key points:

•Focus on rewarding positive behavior rather than punishing bad deeds. Check out this video with Alan Kazdin, director of the Yale Child Study Center, showing how to praise a child right, with immediate, focused praise rather than the bland "good job!"
•Time outs work, but they have to be done right to serve as effective punishment. A good time out is short, focused, and doesn't involve lectures after the fact.
•Be consistent in how you discipline your children. This one's tough for all parents—hey, we're humans too!—but will go a long way towards making your home a haven rather than a battlefield.
Most pediatricians can give solid advice on discipline, and the AAP website healthychoices.org also provides options. For more on proven methods for effective discipline (and how we parents often mess them up), check out my story "Good Parents, Bad Results." I've also written about the controversy over earlier research on spanking and aggression.

What discipline techniques work with your family? Please share them with us here.

Spring Time Activites with Children

A question posted on our facebook page this week was "What is your favorite activity to do with children in the spring time", go to our facebook page to check out the great responses we got and give us your spring time activity ideas.

Westside Special Needs Fair features nearly 59 agencies

Individuals and families with disabilities of any kind are welcome at the fifth annual Special Needs Family Resource and Information Fair, to be held Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Speedway United Methodist Church, 5065 W. 16th St. (16th and Winton).
The fair will feature more than 40 state and local agencies who serve individuals with disabilities and special needs and their families. These organizations will be on hand to answer questions and provide information, while a carnival featuring games and face painting will run concurrently. The event is free, and free child care is available to children of parents visiting the information tables. Lunch is available for a small donation. Spanish interpretation will also be available at no charge. Families also can register for a prize drawing featuring several prizes donated by area businesses, individuals and the exhibiting organizations.
Exhibitors at the fair include About Special Kids, Advantage Care Select, The Arc of Indiana (offering waiver info & more), Autism Advocates of Indiana, Awesome Westside Advocates, Benchmark Family Services, Brain Injury Association of Indiana, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, Center for Youth and Adults with Conditions of Childhood, Central Indiana First Steps, Coming Home Medical Organizer, Cornerstone Rehabilitation Services, Damar Services, Discovery Toys, Down Syndrome Indiana, Easter Seals Crossroads, Feeding Friends, Fresh Perspectives, Helping Challenged Children, Hope Haven Horse Farm, Horizon Financial Planning, INDATA Indiana Assistive Technology Act), Indiana Canine Assistant Network, Indianapolis Resource Center for Independent Living, Indy Parks & Recreation with Marion County Special Olympics, IN*SOURCE, Jameson Camp, Loving Care Agency, MD Wise, Marion County Sheriff’s Department, Masonic Lodge Child ID, Meaningful Day Services, MetLife’s Center for Special Needs Planning, MidWest Orthotics, NAMI (National Mental Illness) Indianapolis, Noble of Indiana, Nurture the Child through Kindermusik, Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana Sports Programs, St. Vincent New Hope, Special Olympics Hendricks County, Speedway UMC, Speedway UMC Health Ministries screenings, Sycamore Services, Tender Touch Special Needs Massage, The Village of Merici, VSA Arts of Indiana/Ben Davis Artisans, Westside Pride Park, Westview Primary Care Centers, the Westside Special Needs Network of Speedway UMC, and more!
“Families dealing with special needs are some of the busiest people on earth, and accessing services can take a lot of time. We hope this fair will provide an easy way for parents and caregivers to gain very helpful information and contacts, while at the same time providing a fun time for the entire family,” says Beth DeHoff, chairperson of special needs ministries for Speedway United Methodist Church, who also has son with special needs.
The fair will have information applicable to individuals of all ages, from infancy through adulthood. For more information, contact the Westside Special Needs Network voice mail at 317-971-2619, email dehoff5@att.net, or visit www.speedway-umc.org/specialneeds .

Craigslist Reminder and Other Scams

Craigslist serves a wonderful purpose on the internet. It allows people to post for free to advertise their businesses, especially child care! However, there are individuals out there who have found ways to use Craigslist for nefarious purposes. I recently recieved an email from a provider who had been contacted by someone from the UK who was relocating to the US and needed child care. She, unfortunately, sent them her contact information, and has now heard from several others who are doing the same thing. Eventually they will offer to send her a check for some large amount, ask her to cash it and mail the difference back to them, after keeping a modest fee for herself. The problem being that the checks they send are fake, and then she will be responsilbe for paying it back to her bank. So PLEASE if you are contacted by ANYONE on Craigslist from a foreign country, do not reply, and contact the local office of the FBI and report it as internet fraud.

Also recently I was doing a 6 month update with a provider, and she told me that someone was posing as a representative of Child Care Answers. They said that they were trying to place a child and wanted money from her to make sure that any future children would be placed with her first. Please remember that ALL services from Child Care Answers are free, and we do not charge parents or providers for our referral services! If you get a phone call from this person claiming to be one of our staff and asking for money, please try to get his contact information and let me know.

NHS hosts Wellness Extravanza on April 29

Noblesville High School will host its inaugural Wellness Extravaganza from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 29. The event, open to the community, will offer a variety of physical activities, healthy foods, health screens, and information about summer sport camps, local fitness groups, and overall lifestyle opportunities within Noblesville’s schools and in the community.

The Wellness Extravaganza is free.

Local vendors and organizations interested in having a booth at the extravaganza must contact Brian Clarke, chairman of the NHS Wellness Department, via e-mail at brian_clarke@mail.nobl.k12.in.us. Be sure to include the name of the organization, type of business, a contact person’s e-mail address, and any special accommodations needed. Also, be sure to specify what type of door prize will be given, if any.

Clarian West Invites Community to Child Abuse Prevention Fairs

Approximately 794,000 children are confirmed as abused or neglected each year, according to Child Protective Services- but the confirmed cases represent only a fraction of those abused. Child maltreatment is a significant public health problem in the United States, as most cases are neither reported, nor recognized. These injuries not only cause physical injury, but emotional injury that lasts long into adulthood, as well.

Clarian West Medical Center invites the community to join in the fight to stop child abuse. Clarian West is teaming up with Hendricks County agencies in an effort to support April’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The community is invited to come to one of the fairs at Clarian West during the month of April as a way to spotlight Hendricks County agencies that provide support services to parents and families. Several agencies will gather at the fairs to provide information about parenting skills, child development, counseling and possible financial assistance. The public is invited to come and learn about local assistance.
*
Child Abuse Prevention Fairs
Wednesdays in April
April 14th, 21st, 28th
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Clarian West Medical Center
Garden Level Main Hallway*

Minority Health Coalition
Hosts a Town Hall Infant Mortality Meeting:
The effects on our Community

Thursday April 15th, 2010
6:00 p.m. to 7:30p.m.

Washington Park Family Center
3130 E. 30th St. Indianapolis

Come learn about Infant Mortality and how it affects
our community.
For further information, contact Angela Goode
( 317)-926- 1170. Refreshments will be served

Gift Cards will be given for completion of event evaluation

Sponsored by:
Anthem, Managed Health Care Services, MDwise and Pfizer

Bookstore plans giveaway

Nonprofit organizations and schools can benefit from a children's book giveaway next week.
Half Price Books, 1551 W. 86th St., will give away 6,529 books as part of the 12th Half Pint Library book collection, said Kara Hanko, event spokeswoman.

Although the book collection is in its 12th year, this is the first time for a giveaway like this, Hanko said. Any nonprofit organization, school, teacher or volunteer from across the city can pick up free books from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. April 14, Hanko said.

To receive books, fill out a form from www.halfpricebooks.com/pdf/hpl_donation_form.pdf and bring it to the pick-up site, Hanko said. Each group will receive at least two boxes of books. It is first come, first served.

The books were donated at Indianapolis area stores during the Half Price Books Half Pint Library Book Drive.

Teachers: Register for a Free Field Trip at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Free Field Trip—Register Today!
Sign up for any Take Me There: Egypt program or show April 12 through May 28 and your field trip is free. *

Free admission will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. This offer is guaranteed only with the registration of a Take Me There: Egypt guided experience or Egypt-focused planetarium shows listed below.

Note: This offer is good for new reservations only and is not valid on previous registrations or field trips. Be sure to note the number of buses you will be bringing at the time of registration and get a $250 stipend per bus, payable following your field trip.
Funding in support of school field trips from The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is made possible in part by a grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc.

Sign up today! Spots are filling quickly. To register, call (317) 334-4000 or e-mail teacherinfo@childrensmuseum.org

Eligible Programs:

Take Me There: Egypt
A Glimpse of Egypt: Sebou
Grades K-2
Wednesdays, 10, 10:30, 11, and 11:30 a.m.
Experience modern Egyptian culture first-hand by learning about an exciting Egyptian tradition!

Play a Part: The Sebou
Grades 3-8
Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:45, 10:45, and 11:45 a.m.
Visit the happy home where a child has just been born, and take part in the preparations, the music and activities of this exciting Egyptian ceremony.

Play a Part: Majlis-al-Sulh
Grades 6-8
Thursdays, 9:45, 10:45, and 11:45 a.m.
Watch a conflict arise, and play a part in the mediation as advisors, journalists who report on the process, or even as a member of the council that decides what is fair in the dispute.

Stars of the Pharaohs Planetarium Show
Grades 6-8
Mondays 10, 11 a.m., and noon
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
Travel to ancient Egypt to see how science was used to tell time, make a workable calendar, and align huge buildings.

Earth Day Activities

Looking for ideas to celebrate Earth Day? Check out some of the Earth Day activities around Central Indiana! For activities to take back to your child care facility or class room register for our Make and Take Workshops on April 10th and 24th. Both session will be focusing on recycling. Each workshop is only $5! To register call us at (317) 636-5727.

Earth Day Indiana Festival: At celebration Plaza, featuring 130 environmental and conservation exhibits, plus live music from some of Indiana's best new bands, special activities for kids and good food.

When: April 24th, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: White River State Park, 801 West Washington Street Indianapolis

Cost: Free

For more info call (317) 767-3672

Go Green!: Be kind to the Earth by re-using items to make a craft, learning green habits through songs, games and stories and having an environmentally friendly snack. Ages 3-6

When: April 28th, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Where: Broad Ripple Park, 1550 Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis

Cost: $14

For more info call (317) 327-7161

Healthy Habits = Healthy Habitats: Festival will feature demonstrations, displays, entertainment and kid's activities.

When: April 17th, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Washington Township Community Park, 115 South CR 575 East, Avon

Cost: Free

For more info call (317) 745-0785

World of Families: Second Saturdays Bilingual Storytime

Date: Saturday, Apr. 10, 2010
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Central Library
Location Group: Central
Age Level: Families

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

Questions about this event? Please contact:
Central Library
275-4100


Description:
Families are invited for an interactive bilingual storytime celebrating the languages and cultures of the world through art, crafts, music, dance and games. It's presented in partnership with IN-NELL, Indiana-Network for Early Language Learning.
This program, presented in Chinese and English, will be held in the Learning Curve theater.




This event is also offered:
May. 8th, 2010 2:00pm, Central Library
Jun. 12th, 2010 2:00pm, Central Library
Jul. 10th, 2010 2:00pm, Central Library

2010 Child Abuse Conference

On Saturday March 26th was the Cherish the Child Prevent Child Abuse Conference sponsered by Child Care Answers. A total of 133 individuals recieved training on child abuse prevention!

For more pictures check out our facebook page!

WFYI Presents its "Let's Meet PBS KIDS in the Park" FREE Family Festival Saturday, June 12

An Indianapolis summer tradition continues! Join WFYI Public Broadcasting for its Let’s Meet PBS KIDS in the Park family festival on Saturday, June 12, from 10am-4pm in its new location — Military Park in downtown Indianapolis. The new venue will offer families a greener, more spacious cultural setting to enjoy this one-of-a-kind FREE celebration.

Presented by Riley Hospital for Children and Marsh Supermarkets, Let’s Meet PBS KIDS in the Park unites children and parents face to face with the cuddly and colorful characters that we all have come to love and admire most on PBS. The celebration features an all-star entertainment lineup on three distinct stages, plus engaging activity booths, bounce houses, walkaround characters from your child’s favorite PBS KIDS programs, a food court and much more.

This year’s entertainment headliners will include “Gordon” from Sesame Street; “Mr. Steve” host of PBS KIDS preschool destination; and Habla Blah Blah, a bilingual concert experience that will transport audiences on a magical safari adventure in search of animals big and small.

Opening ceremonies begin at 10am with a colorful walking procession of PBS KIDS characters, clowns and local mascots through the festival venue. Families will want to arrive early to catch the parade. This year’s festivities will feature Sesame Street’s Elmo and Rosita walkaround characters, Curious George, Clifford, Super WHY!, Princess Presto, WordGirl , “Buddy” from Dinosaur Train, Sid the Science Kid, Martha Speaks, Maya & Miguel, Lunar Jim and “Dog” from Word World.

Let’s Meet PBS KIDS in the Park is WFYI Public Broadcasting’s gift back to the community. Annually, more than 40,000 people attend this wholesome family celebration, which boasts an array of educational activities that reflect WFYI’s on-going commitment to make all young children ready for entry into school. Visit www.wfyi.org/lm for updates on the festival’s entertainment lineup, PBS KIDS character appearance times and directions to the venue.

2010 Indiana Early Childhood Conference

The 2010 Indiana Early Childhood Conference is YOUR opportunity to the best & most affordable professional development in the Midwest...

Here's what's happened to make it possible for you to join us on April 8-10 in Indianapolis:

•Registration Rates Remain at 2007 Levels
•Indiana AEYC Members & Students Get Registration Discounts*
•Attendance Scholarships Awarded
And now, we're going a step further to SAVE YOU EVEN MORE!

The Regular Registration Rate Has Been Extended to Thursday, April 2, 2010, saving you up to $60 (depending on registration type)

Don't delay...ACT NOW! Register online and $AVE!

https://www.iaeyc.org/Conferences/2010IndianaEarlyChildhoodConference/RegistrationInformation
*Restrictions and guidelines apply to Student and Indiana AEYC Member rates. See registration form for details


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

Thinking about skipping the conference this year? HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL MISS:

Friday & Saturday Special Performances of Hip-Hop-Ademics™ with Brian K. Holland

Don’t miss Brian’s energizing performance as he brings academics and hip-hop culture together to create education with energy, excitement, enthusiasm and expectation! Hip-Hop-Ademics™ is a supercharged curriculum designed to stimulate children with the desire to learn and achieve academic success. Brian, with a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and over twelve years working with elementary school children, will lay a foundation for children’s academic future by using 21st century tools. Come and enjoy the music that literally wraps (raps) children into learning!


Appearances by Sara Bingham are sponsored by a grant from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services, First Steps made to UTS-ProKids Sara Bingham Direct to You from Canada

Sara Bingham is the founder of WeeHands™ and author of The Baby Signing Book. Wee Hands™ is the world’s leading children’s sign language and language development program for babies, toddler, and preschool children. Sara completed an honors Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics at the University of Ottawa, Canada, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Carleton University. She has also earned an honors post-graduate diploma from Georgian College as a Communicative Disorders Assistant. Join Sara and learn why signing is such an effective tool for supporting language development, phonemic awareness, print knowledge, and even classroom management.


Council for Professional Recognition - D.C. to Your Door!

You may be familiar with the term “CDA” (Child Development Associate), but you may not know why the CDA is so valuable, what it means, how to attain it, or who makes decisions about awarding it. The Council for Professional Recognition oversees the CDA process, and promotes improved performance and recognition of professionals working with children birth to five year of age in early childhood centers, family child care homes, and as home visitors. To meet the growing need for qualified child care staff, the Council administers the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credentialing Program. The CDA Program is designed to assess and credential early child care and education professionals based on performance.

Kid's Consignment Sales

2nd Annual Noblesville Kid's Consignment Sale
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) will be hosting their 2nd Annual Kid's Consignment Sale on Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church located at 206th & Cumberland in Noblesville. The sale will offer gently used baby & kids clothing, maternity items, baby equipment, furniture, toys, books and games. Admission is free to the public. For any additional details, please visit http://noblesvilleconsignmentsale.blogspot.com. 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Cost is $10 and sellers will receive 70% of their profits. Bethel Lutheran Church. 206th & Cumberland, Noblesville.

SouthSide Parents of Multiples' Children's Clothing and Equipment Sale
More than 150 mothers of twins, triplets and more, along with other area moms, will be selling high-quality, gently used children's items, including clothing, toys, furniture, maternity clothes and more. For more information regarding the sale call 317-767-5704, email at sspomsale@yahoogroups.com or visit www.sspom.org. 8 am- 12 noon. free admission. Perry Meridian High School. 401 W. Meridian School Rd., Indianapolis. www.sspom.org. (317) 767-5704.

Connect2 Help’s (2 1 1) Hamilton County 2010 Supplement Of The Rainbow Book™ Now Available Free

Carmel, IN ….For the first time ever, Hamilton County’s social services community worked closely with Connect2Help to produce the Hamilton County 2010 Rainbow BooK™ supplement. Connect2Help, the publisher of The Rainbow BooK™ is a United Way agency that helps facilitate connections between people who need health and human services and those who provide them.

The Hamilton County supplement has been in the works for the past year and this newly expanded edition is a direct result of United Way of Central Indiana’s 2008 Community Assessment collaboration with the Hamilton County Task Force. The Hamilton County Task Force consists of community leaders from Clarian North Hospital, Community Hospital, St. Vincent Carmel Hospital, Riverview Hospital and many social services providers and local businesses. During a series of meetings it was discovered that there was no easy way for social service providers, first responders, hospitals and schools to assist those in need in Hamilton County.

The directory will now be available free of charge to all first responders, schools and hospitals. With a generous gift from Citizens Energy, Duke Energy and UWCI, anyone in need of social service information will be able to download the Hamilton County 2010 Rainbow BooK™ supplement free from the Connect2Help website by visiting: www.connect2help.org.

Connect2Help telephone information and referral line answers calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone needing help can simply dial 2-1-1 to find out about resources from a trained Connect2Help Specialist.

Helping Kids Problem Solve to be Taught in Central Indiana Workshops

Online Credit Card Registrants Save $5 for April 13, 22 Indiana Youth Institute Trainings

INDIANAPOLIS – Children in today’s society are faced with obstacles and difficulties every day that can be avoided if they choose to solve problems in the correct manner. The Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) is offering youth workers in Central Indiana two opportunities to learn fundamental ways to help children become better problem-solvers.

School counselors, case managers, probation/juvenile justice professionals, foster parents, youth ministers, mentors, afterschool program managers and others who impact the lives of youth in Central Indiana can register for the workshop, “Teaching Kids How to Problem Solve.”

The workshop will be presented twice in Indianapolis with each session running from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The first session will take place April 13 at the Holiday Inn North at the Pyramids 3850 DePauw Blvd., Indianapolis, Ind. 46268. The second session will be presented April 22 at the Holiday Inn Southeast, 5302 Victory Dr., Indianapolis, 46203.

The sessions will be taught by Dennis Bumgarner, director of the Chapel Hill Center for Brief Therapy in Indianapolis and one of IYI’s most popular trainers. Bumgarner’s training educates youth workers on places to start the problem-solving process, common problem-solving mistakes made by kids and ways to help chilren maintain change, once started. Armed with this knowledge, youth workers can transform themselves from mere advice-givers to engaged adults who help young people tap into their personal resources for changing as well as learning new approaches for problem-solving.

On-site registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Cost of the training is $45, but individuals can save $5 by registering online with a credit card for this or other IYI trainings at www.iyi.org/training_registration. Continuing Education Hours for the workshop are available through the National Association of Social Workers, the Indiana Association of Prevention Professionals, and the National Council on Family Relations for Certified Family Life Educators. Continuing Renewal Units (CRUs) are available for teachers, school counselors and other licensed school professionals.

Bumgarner is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist and has presented numerous training workshops for parents, therapists, counselors, school personnel, businesses and other organizations across the country on a variety of topics related to human behavior.

This workshop also will be presented in Evansville, New Albany (supported in part by the Horseshoe Foundation), Merrillville, South Bend and Fort Wayne. For more information about the workshops in those cities, go to www.iyi.org.

This training is supported in part by the W.C. Griffith Foundation Trust, with additional funding provided by the Clowes Fund and the Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr. Memorial Foundation.

The Indiana Youth Institute promotes the healthy development of children and youth by serving the institutions and people of Indiana who work on their behalf.

Indianapolis Lemonade Day

Sign up! Make Your Mark on the World

What a great idea to do with your kids!

Make and Take Workshop

Make and Take Workshop

Ideas and material to take back to your childcare facility or classroom

Where: Day Nursery Lilly Center, 3522 N. Central Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46205

When: Saturday April 10 and 24th, drop by anytime between 9:30am and 12:30pm

Cost: ONLY $5.00

Themes: 4/10-Recycling/Music, 4/24-Recycling/Math

To register: Payment and registration form must be received 72 hours in advance.

Click here for registration form. For additional information or

questions call (317) 636-5727

CEU Renewal Opportunities

Do you need to renew your CDA?
Child Care Answers offers opportunities to receive 2.5 CEU’s

Promoting Social Emotional Competencies
Preschool 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: May 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th ~ 6pm-9pm
LOCATION: Noblesville Library North Meeting Room One Library Plaza Noblesville 46060
COST: $60 (payment must be received no later than April 26th)

Promoting Social Emotional Competencies
Infant Session (1 CEU)
Participants will be introduced to a teaching pyramid model and actively discuss strategies for handling challenging behaviors with children ages birth to age 3. Practical classroom teaching strategies and discussions will be part of this 9 hour course. Participants must commit to all nights
and complete required assignments in order to obtain the training certificate and CEU’s.
DATES/TIME: June 10, 17,and 24 ~ 6pm-9pm
LOCATION: Day Nursery Lilly, Indianapolis
COST: $50 (payment must be received no later than June 1st )

Graco Recalls Harmony(tm) High Chairs Due to Fall Hazard

Graco Recalls Harmony(tm) High Chairs Due to Fall Hazard

Spring Fling Family Fun Day

Saturday April 17th, 2010
12pm - 3pm
Billericay Park Community Building
12690 Promise Road, Fishers

• Free Fried Chicken and Biscuits
• Free Pony Rides
• Information and exhibitors about Child Abuse prevention
• Bean bag games and carnival games
• Silent Auction

Natural Easter Eggs

When most people think of Easter egg dying, they think about buying an Easter egg dying kit or going to the store and buying food coloring. However, there are simple ways to make natural Easter egg dyes out foods, beverages and spices you have around the house. The following is a look at a few of the things you probably have in your cupboards, or could easily get at your local supermarket, that make great natural Easter egg dyes that are both safe and easy to use.

Teas: A wide variety of teas can be used to dye Easter eggs. You can steep them and then let the egg sit in them overnight. If you add a teaspoon of vinegar to the tea, the dye will last longer and look better.

For lavender Easter egg dye choose Hibiscus tea.
For yellow Easter egg dye choose Chamomile tea or Green tea.
For brown Easter egg dye choose Black tea.
Fruits: Fruits have naturally vibrant colors and those colors make great dyes. Just like they can stain your clothes, they can also stain your Easter eggs.

For red Easter egg dye use canned cherries with juice, pomegranate juice or raspberries.
For lavender Easter egg dye use a small quantity of purple grape juice.
For yellow Easter egg dye use yellow delicious apple peels, or orange or lemon peels. Note: You have to boil them to extract the color.
For pink Easter egg dye use cranberries or their juice, raspberries or red grape juice.
For blue Easter egg dye use canned blueberries or purple grape juice.
Spices: Spices are designed to add flavor to your foods. They are also an excellent source of color for your Easter eggs.

For yellow Easter egg dye choose ground cumin or ground turmeric. Note: You have to boil them to extract the color.
For orange Easter egg dye choose chili powder or paprika.
For brown Easter egg dye choose dill seed.
Vegetables: Vegetables also make a good natural Easter egg dye as they are rich in color; most people keep some on hand.

For red Easter egg dye you’ll need lots of red onion skin. Note: You will need to boil it to extract the color.
For lavender Easter egg dye you’ll need a smaller about of red onion skin, again boiled to extract the color.
For yellow Easter egg dye you’ll need carrot tops or celery seed. Note: You will need to boil them to extract the color.
For blue Easter egg dye you’ll need boiled red cabbage leaves or green spinach leaves.
For orange Easter egg dye you’ll need boiled yellow onion skin, or cooked carrots.
For pink Easter egg dye you’ll need beets or the juice from pickled beets.
To use these, boil the eggs to hard-boil them with the natural dye in the water and let sit in it overnight to enhance color.

Conner Prairie to host autism event

WHEN: Thursday, March 25, 2010 from 1:30 – 4 p.m.
WHERE: Conner Prairie
13400 Allisonville Road
Fishers, IN 46038

WHAT: The seminar will examine Conner Prairie’s efforts to become more autism-friendly, provide guidance on how to audit your site to make it more autism-accessible and focus on the fundamental understanding of how individuals with autism think and behave.
WHO: The training is open to organizational leaders and teachers who have responsibility for implementing programs for individuals with disabilities or those who are interested in expanding their organizations offerings to new communities.

The training seminar is free of charge, but capacity is limited. For more information or to register, contact Tim Crumrin at 317.776.6000 x249 or Crumrin@connerprairie.org. For additional information on autism support and services, please contact Jane Grimes, founder and president of the Hamilton County Autism Support Group, at 317.403.6705 or janegrimes@hcasg.org.

Conner Prairie’s Tim Crumrin and Jessica Medlen will also present on the topic of autism awareness at the Association of Indiana Museums conference in Bloomington, Ind., in August.

Indy Homeless Connect

Indy Homeless Connect
March 23, 2010 9:00 - 4:00pm

Where: The Indiana Convention Center, 100 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana

Join us for the fifth annual Indy Homeless Connect, an all day event focused on care and outreach for people who do not have permanent housing. The event successfully consolidates a number of available services offered by numerous providers and connects homeless residents to benefits, medical care, mental health counseling and a variety of social services. Getting connected to these services will help lead individuals and families to improved health, self-sufficiency and increased opportunities to find housing.

Some of the services to be made available at the event include: Shelter/Housing information, Behavioral Health Counseling, Medical Care, Employment services, Social Security advocacy, Eye exams/Vision care, Food, Veterans Services, Children's Activities, and Coordinated transportation to and from the Convention Center.

With the help of more than 600 volunteers, Indy Homeless Connect 2009 served more than 900 people, including more than 50 children under the age of five. If you want more information about the 2010 event, please contact Emily Hervey at CHIP at (317) 630-0853, ext 210.

Sesame Street Live "Elmo's Green Thumb"

Sesame Street Live "Elmo's Green Thumb" is coming to the Murat Theater Thursday, April 22 through Sunday, April 25!

Special Kids Matinee! School/Daycare groups of 10+ pay just $11 on Friday, April 23 at 10:30am. For more information or to order group tickets, call (317) 249-2749.

Sunny isn’t just the weather forecast on Sesame Street - it’s also the name of Elmo’s sunflower friend! Join all your favorite friends on an amazing adventure as they help Elmo find a new home for Sunny in the all new Sesame Street Live stage show, "Elmo’s Green Thumb"

Elmo has raised his sunflower, Sunny, from a seed, but his floral friend has outgrown the flower pot. Elmo and friends find Big Bird’s garden the ideal place for Sunny to flourish and grow but they are too excited to wait. Rather than let Sunny follow nature’s course, Abby Cadabby, Sesame Street’s fairy-in-training, casts a spell to make Sunny grow. The spell does just the opposite and, instead of growing, Elmo and all of his friends shrink! While Abby searches for just the right words to reverse the spell, Elmo, Zoe,Telly and friends explore Big Bird’s garden from a smaller perspective and learn some big lessons about patience, overcoming their fears and appreciating the role that each creature plays in our ecosystem – from dancing ladybugs and beautiful butterflies to grouchy beetles that scavenge the garden floor. Will being small help Sunny grow tall? It’s a fresh, original Sesame Street Live from a whole new point of view!

Like television’s Sesame Street, each Sesame Street Live production features timeless lessons for all ages. The universal appeal of each musical Broadway-quality production continues long after preschool. Adults will appreciate the high-tech stagecraft, cleverly written script, and music they’ll recognize and enjoy sharing with children, such as "Ladybug Picnic," "Inch by Inch" and "I Love Trash."

Click Here for ticket information.

Activities for your little one

Fun for the Under-3 Set
Here are some activities for your little one:

Birth to 12 Months:
Making Memory Blocks – Cover the top and bottom of a small box with photos or pictures cut from magazines. You can also use different types and colors of fabrics or papers. Show your baby each side of the box that you have decorated: “Look, there is a picture of you and Nana. And on this side there is shiny foil.” Let your baby explore the box in whatever ways she likes. Change the pictures every once in a while to keep this toy “fresh” and interesting for her.

12 to 24 Months:
Open and Shut Case – Find a small box (shoebox sized) and let your child decorate it with pictures cut from magazines and color it with crayons. Give your child items such as cotton balls, unmatched socks, or clothespins, and have him fill the box. Then let him dump them out and start over. Young toddlers love to collect items and then fill-and-dump. As your child puts items in the box, count out loud—over time, this helps your toddler learn about numbers and counting.

24 to 36 Months:
Building Boxes – Collect 5–10 empty cereal boxes, oatmeal canisters, shoe boxes, and other cardboard containers. Tape them shut and let your toddler stack them up to make big towers and other creations. Sit down on the floor with your child as she builds and talk with her about what she is doing. What is she making? Does she want your help? Does she need some assistance figuring out how to get her tower to stand up? Use this time as a chance to get to know how your child is growing, thinking, and learning in new ways.

Source: Zero to Three, www.zerotothree.org

Changes and Updates to the Medicaid Developmental Disablity Waiver

Saturday, March 27, 2010
10:00—11:30 AM
Changes and Updates to the
Medicaid Developmental Disability Waiver

Lawrence United Methodist Church
5200 N. Shadeland Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46226

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) recently made
changes to the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Medicaid Waiver. Come learn
what the changes mean for your family and how organizations like The Arc and
Down Syndrome Indiana are responding. The presentation, discussion and print
materials will be in English and Spanish.
A light breakfast will be served.

This is a FREE event and is open to everyone; however, registration is required in
advance for attendance. To register, please email register@dsindiana.org or call
the DSI office at 317.925.7617 by Friday, March 19th.

Childcare is available at no charge on a reservation basis by email (register@dsindiana.org) or
by calling the DSI office at 317.925.7617. Please indicate the name and ages of all children
needing care. Childcare reservations must be made no later than the morning of Friday,
March 26th.

Presented by:
Willaine St. Pierre Sandy
Family Advocate
The Arc of Indiana

NAEYC Children's Champions

A Membership Benefit of Indiana AEYC

Get ready for the Virtual March on Congress on March Forth for Child Care and Head Start! As we have in years past, we and other national coalition partners are urging everyone to call Congress on March 4, 2010, as we March Forth for child care and Head Start/Early Head Start funding. This year's action theme - "Families Earning, Children Learning" - reminds Congress of the importance of these programs for children, parents and our economic recovery and the need to provide no less than the President's budget request for those programs. We will put out an alert on March 3 on Children's Champions to everyone to call on March 4th. We wanted to alert you so you could get ready, along with your coalition partners and grassroots, for this important call-in day. Right now, Congress is at the beginning of the annual budget process. The President has already proposed increases for these key programs. (See www.naeyc.org/policy/federal/02_01_10) Now it's up to Congress to make sure the final budget includes these increases. We need to make sure Congress knows that their constituents strongly believe these increased investments are necessary. Thanks to one of our national partners, AFSCME, all participants will have access to a toll-free number (1-888-460-0813) that they can use to contact Congress on March 4. We look forward to Marching Forth with all of you!

Cherish the Child: Prevent Child Abuse Conference

Time is running out to register for the Cherish the Child: Prevent Child Abuse Conference. The deadline for registration is Wednesday March 17th. You can download and print the registration form online at http://www.childcareanswers.com/ .

Date: Saturday March 27th 9 am - 3 pm

Location: Marion County

Cost: $20

Who should attend: Child Care Providers, Parents, Professionals, Law Enforcement, anyone who has contact with children.

Several breakout sessions, informational booths, and a light breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Registration is required. The registration form can be downloaded from Child Care Answers Resource and Referral website at http://www.childcareanswers.com

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

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

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

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

Vanessa Fletcher - 2010 Bev Henry Award Winner

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

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

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

Kids Express Home Child Care increases environmental activities to protect children

Indianapolis facility gains membership to voluntary state program

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

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

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

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

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

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

About IDEM

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

Urgent!!! The Central Indiana Child Care Ministry Improvement Project extends application deadline!

Hurry! The deadline to turn in your application for the Central Indiana Child Care Ministry Improvement Project has been extended to February 28th!

Project Goal
Equip unlicensed registered ministries to meet the Family and Social Services Administration’s (FSSA) Voluntary Certification Program (VCP) standards and participate in the new Paths to Quality rating system.

Eligibility Requirements
Participating registered ministries must:
* Be a registered ministry within Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, or Morgan Counties;
* Be in compliance with all applicable state rules and regulations; and
* Submit a complete and accurate application.


How Participants Benefit
· Mentoring – Consultation and expertise provided to registered staff based on VCP and Paths to Quality standards;
· Mini-Grants
- Curriculum – Equipment and supplies purchased for registered ministries to improve the educational environment;
- Training – Participation at conferences, classes, and/or workshops;
- Environmental Safety Needs – Equipment and supplies purchased to improve the health and safety of the environment in alignment with the “Indiana Five Star Environmental Recognition Program” (for selected registered ministries).
· Facility Improvement – Assessment of facility to determine facility improvement needs and implement construction improvements (for selected registered ministries);
· Assessment – Participation in self-assessments and observations;
· Membership – Provision of FREE, one-year membership with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

How To Apply
1. Complete the application form online at
http://www.formspring.com/forms/?860121-xwhdrxv7Xo.
2. Fax your completed application to United Way of Central Indiana; Attn: Ted Maple; Fax #: (317) 921-1254.
3. Submit completed application by Friday, February 19th.
4. If necessary, a follow-up interview by phone may be conducted.

Contact Information
Amanda Lopez, Project Manager (317) 324-4070
Ginger Caylor, Child Care Answers Ministry Coordinator (317) 926-3401 x306

Paths to QUALITY

As of today there are 1,769 providers enrolled statewide in Paths to QUALITY. Of that number 358 providers serve children in Marion, Hamilton, Hendricks, and Johnson Counties. So we would like to extend a big hearty THANK YOU to all of the Paths to QUALITY providers for participating and for caring for the children of Indiana.

For more information on how to participate in the Paths to QUALITY system call (317) 926-3401 ext. 300. For information on how to contact a provider participating in the Paths to QUALITY system call (317) 631-4643.

Cherish the Children: Preventing Child Abuse Conference

Registration forms are now online for the Cherish the Children: Prevent Child Abuse Conference on Child Care Answers Resource and Referral's website.



Date: Saturday March 27th 9 am - 3 pm

Location: Marion County

Cost: $20

Who should attend: Child Care Providers, Parents, Professionals, Law Enforcement, anyone who has contact with children.



Several breakout sessions, informational booths, and a light breakfast and lunch will be provided.



Registration is required. The registration form can be downloaded from Child Care Answers Resource and Referral website.

IPS Changes Post Super Bowl Plans

IndyStar.com Marion County, Indiana, breaking news, photos, things to do The Indianapolis Star

Posted using ShareThis

February is Black History Month

February is Black History Month and venues throughout Downtown are offering a wide range of events celebrating African-American heritage and traditions.

Learn about black history
Join The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis as black history comes alive during the month of February. Don’t miss Target Family Night Feb. 4 from 4 – 8 p.m. Celebrate African-American heritage and achievements in history, science, art and music FREE of charge. On Feb. 6, celebrate Black History Month in Lilly Theatre with vignettes exploring the lives of Levi Coffin and Madam C.J. Walker at 1 and 3 p.m. On Feb. 27, immerse yourself in the artistic expressions of African-American music, literature and live performances 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Experience a slave’s flight to freedom and learn to navigate using the Big Dipper during Follow the Drinking Gourd running all though February. To learn more, call 334.3322 or log on to www.childrensmuseum.org.

In celebration of Black History Month, the Indiana Historical Society and Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library (IMCPL) invite children and families to learn about Indiana’s rich African-American history by participating in the Indiana Black History Challenge. The Indiana Black History Challenge is a contest that invites participants to investigate famous African-American Hoosiers and their contributions to society. The 10-question challenge can be taken online beginning Feb. 1. Printed game cards will also be made available at the beginning of February at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, as well as all branches of the IMCPL.

The first 5,000 entrants to the Indiana Black History Challenge will receive a prize. All participants who complete the challenge and answer all questions correctly are entered into a drawing for the grand prize and runner-up awards. The grand prize is a Family Fun Pack that includes a one-night stay at the Hampton Inn in Downtown Indianapolis, four tickets to The Children’s Museum, four tickets to the Indianapolis Zoo, a tour of the Madame Walker Theatre Center, a family membership to the IHS and a $20 gift certificate to King David Dogs. Runner-up awards include Indianapolis Colts merchandise. For more information, contact the IHS at 234.1595 or e-mail programs@indianahistory.org.

For more ideas on how to integrate Black history month into your classroom you can check out http://holidays.kaboose.com/black_history_month.html .