Infections in early child care can lead to fewer absences in mainstream school

Infections in early child care can lead to fewer absences in mainstream school

Parents and child care experts will probably not be at all surprised to learn that a recent report in a scientific journal confirms that children under the age of 2½, who attend large group care settings, are more likely to develop respiratory and ear infections than those who don't.

Furthermore, those children who do attend these settings are less likely to suffer such illnesses once they begin mainstream school.

The report in the December issue of the US journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine was the result of an eight-year study carried out by Dr Sylvana M. Côté of Ste-Justine Hospital and the University of Montreal in Quebec.

It had been accepted that preschool children, especially those who were placed in large group childcare settings, experienced more frequent infections than children who were cared for primarily at home. This had raised concerns that group care could compromise young children's health and the health of their community, but few studies have examined the impact of group childcare on infections beyond preschool years.

Dr Côté and her colleagues studied 1,238 families with children born in 1998. These children fell into three groups;

1. those in a large childcare setting – where professional educators care for up to 10 groups of eight to 12 children;

2. those in a small childcare setting – home based centres where a childminder cares for between three and eight children;

3. those who were cared for at home.

For eight years the researchers obtained regular information about how often the children had respiratory tract infections, ear infections or gastrointestinal infections during three specific periods: early preschool (under the age of 2½), late preschool (ages 3½ to 4½) and early mainstream school (ages 5 to 8).

It was found that children who attended large group care settings before the age of 2½ and during the late preschool period had higher rates of respiratory infections and ear infections than those who were cared for at home, but once children started mainstream school, these infections tailed off.

Children who started in a small childcare setting and never attended a larger setting did not have any differences in infection risk. Those who were first cared for at home, but then started at any size childcare setting during the late preschool period had a higher risk of ear infections at that time, but no other differences in infection risk.

Group childcare was not associated with gastrointestinal infections at any period in the children's development.

The authors feel that this study involving so many children over an extended eight-year period, should provide reassuring evidence for parents that their choices regarding childcare should not have any major effect on the health of their children, as far as respiratory tract infections with fever, gastrointestinal infections and ear infections are concerned.

Furthermore, children who join large-group childcare settings at a very early age (under the age of 2½) may even gain a level of protection that will result in fewer absences when they come to begin mainstream school.

Author : Michael Evans
© The Earth Times

Office Closed on Monday January 17th

Just a reminder our office will be closed on Monday January 17th for Martin Luther King Jr day.

Winter Outdoor Safety Tips

With the falling snow and colder temperatures we have had several calls asking about guidelines for outdoor play. The rule of thumb for cold temperatures is that with the windchill considered 25 degrees and below is too cold for children to play outside. Our inclusion specialist wanted to urge providers to make sure that even if it's only for a few minutes to try and get children outside for fresh air. Fresh air is so much healthier for the children than being inside all day and is important for them to get everyday.

Below is some safety tips given from the American Academy of Pediatrics for the cold weather.

• Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activity. Several thin layers will keep them warm and dry. Don't forget warm boots, gloves or mittens and a hat.


• The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.


• Hypothermia develops when a child's temperature falls below normal due to exposure to colder temperatures. It often happens when a youngster is playing outdoors in extremely cold weather without wearing proper clothing or when clothes get wet.


• Frostbit happens when the skin and outer tissues become frozen. This condition tends to happen on extremities like the fingers, toes, ears and nose. They may become pale, gray and blistered. At the same time the child may complain that his/her skin burns or becomes numb.


• Cold weather does not cause colds or flu. But the viruses that cause colds and flu tend to be more common in the winter, when children are in school and are in closer contact with each other. Frequent hand washing and teaching your child to sneeze or couch into the bend of their elbow may help reduce the spread of colds and flu.


• Remember that the sun's rays can still cause sunburn in the winter. Make sure to cover your child's exposed areas with sunscreen.

For the complete list of safety tips visit the American Academy of Pediatrics web page.

Child Abuse and Neglect in Child Care

For the Second time this week I have turned the television on to discover news reports of Child Abuse and Neglect in 2 separate Central Indiana Child Care programs. You can read the latest story here. This greatly saddens all of us here at Child Care Answers! Training and Technical assistance can greatly reduce incidents like what we have seen this week.
Please remember that Child Care Answers is here to be your resource to help you through the stressful situations that often occur in child care. On April 16th Child Care Answers will hold our second annual Cherish the Children: Preventing Child Abuse Conference. This is a wonderful conference that will have several experts providing break out sessions. Are you looking for a specific type of training? You can find our latest training calendar by visiting us on our website. What about some advice for your child care classroom? You can receive mentoring for you and your program FREE of charge by joining Paths to QUALITY. Child Care Answers also has an Inclusion Specialist and an Infant and Toddler Specialist that can visit your program to help you work through some of your most challenging situations.
Child Care Answers is just a phone call away! You can reach us Monday - Friday by calling 317-631-4643. Together we can ensure that ALL children are in SAFE, Developmentally Appropriate child care sites!

Child Care Answers response to recent media story

In light of the recent report of possible child abuse at a Lawrence unlicensed registered ministry our Program Director, Mindy Bennett sent this letter to local media.

My name is Mindy Bennett and I am the Director of Programs for Child Care Answers the Child Care Resource and Referral agency that services Central Indiana. We are a free service that helps parents locate and evaluate child care options for their children. In November alone we helped over 450 families with their child care search. We have a database of over 1400 child care providers that we provide training and mentoring opportunities to.

I want to thank you for running the story about the possible abuse of a child at Little Miracles child care. All children that are in child care deserve to be in safe, high quality child care programs. All child care sites in Indiana should be required to have trained staff and required to ensure that their environments are safe for children.

In Indiana, Ministries that provide child care are not required to be licensed. Ministries that provide child care are required to be registered with the state of Indiana, while this registration does have some regulation attached to it the regulations are far fewer then that of a licensed child care center. Little Miracles is an unlicensed registered ministry. You can compare the regulation requirements of a ministry to licensed homes and licensed centers by following this link to find our regulation comparison chart http://www.childcareanswers.com/PDF_Docs/FacilityRegulations.pdf. It is important to note that some Unlicensed Registered Child Care Ministries do voluntarily go above the requirements.

The staff at Child Care Answers works daily with child care providers by training them and providing on site technical assistance to ensure that children are kept safe while their parents work or attend school. We have Specialists that are a free resource to child care providers and parents who can provide specific training on issues related to guidance and discipline and other child care related issues.

I know that this incident has left many families scared and confused about leaving their children in child care. Please let your viewers know that Child Care Answers is here to help families with our free services during this troubled time. We have a team of specialists that can help families with their specific questions about child care and how to tell if a program is providing safe, quality care. We are only a phone call away; you can reach us at 317-631-4643. Parents can also find valuable tools on our website at http://www.childcareanswers.com/.

Click here to read more about the story.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest

The 2011 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest for Middle & Junior High Students is now available online at http://www.indianablackexpo.com/pdf/MLK%20Brochure%202011.pdf.

In his 1964 book entitled, What Manner of Man A biography of Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, “The function of education …is to teach one to think intensively and to teach one to think critically. We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character- this is the goal of true education.”

Essay Question: President Obama has launched an “Educate to Innovate” campaign to improve the participation and performance of American students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In 450 words or less, explain the importance of education and how it will help you attain your future goals.

The deadline for this year’s contest is Monday, February 7, 2011.

Awards will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners as well as the school with the most entries.

If you have any questions contact Dianna: Indiana Black Expo Youth & Family Programs- 317-925-2702

21 HEALTHY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS FOR KIDS

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

Preschoolers

~I will clean up my toys and put them where they belong.
~I will brush my teeth twice a day, and wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
~I won’t tease dogs or other pets – even friendly ones. I will avoid being bitten by keeping my fingers and face away from their mouths.

Kids, 5- to 12-years-old

~I will drink 2% milk and water three times each day, and limit soda and fruit drinks to once each day.
~I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors on bright sunny days. I will try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I’m playing sports.
~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!
~I will always wear a helmet when bicycling.
~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.
~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
~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

~I will eat at least one fruit and one vegetable every day, and I will limit the amount of soda I drink to one glass daily.
~I will take care of my body through physical activity and nutrition.
~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.
~I will help out in my community – through volunteering, working with community groups or by joining a group that helps people in need.
~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.
~When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk about my choices with an adult whom I can trust.
~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.
~I will be careful about whom I choose to date, and always treat the other person with respect and without coercion or violence. I will expect the same good behavior in return.
~I will resist peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol.
~I agree not to use a cell phone or text message while driving and to always use a seat belt.

American Academy of Pediatrics, 12/10

Cherish the Children: Prevent Child Abuse

Count Down...
15 weeks until Child Care Answers 2nd Annual Cherish the Children Conference- Saturday, April 16, 2011- Don't Miss It!


The Body Safety Program

Terry Hall is a 37-year veteran of the Indianapolis Police Department. He developed the Body Safety program in the early 1980s when he was with the child abuse unit investigating sex crimes. Though he’d won the IPD “Officer of the Year” award for his arrests and convictions, he said he couldn’t hang the award on his wall. He was too devastated by the light sentences the courts gave to the molesters he caught. Children weren’t being believed in the courts and, with sexual abuse, rarely has hard physical evidence.

“I realized apprehension is not working,” Hall said. “You have to go for prevention.” He then began developing the program to prevent abuse and identify abusers. Over the years, he changed the title from “Good Touch, Bad Touch” to “Body Safety” to go with other school programs like “bus safety” and “fire safety.” And, he noted, not all good touch, like from parents and doctors, feels good. He wanted to clarify that in the minds of the students. To develop the program, he talked to teachers and prosecutors. He talked to abuse victims and pedophiles. He interviewed hundreds of convicted molesters over the years. One thing he asked was how they got their victims to stay quiet. “I expected them to tell me, ‘we’ll kill their parents; we’ll kill their dogs, we’ll do this, that,;” Hall said. “They don’t even threaten kids. They said, ‘We don’t tell kids not to tell about child molesting. You do.’” The revelation hit him like lightning. That’s why Hall believes it’s imperative for parents and adults to talk frankly to kids about their private areas and not be embarrassed or ashamed. “If you can’t teach kids to say the terms without embarrassment, how can you ever get them to admit their uncle touched them there?” he said.

“I know of no other programs in the United States that actually teach children: these are your private parts and give them the correct names of the body. We’ve got one name for the thumb, one name for the elbow and 5,000 names for the private parts of the body,” he said. “So if we can’t discuss them in open forum or in hygiene issues and medical issues, how could we ever tell the most embarrassing thing: being sexually assaulted?” That’s wheat sets Hall’s program apart. He doesn’t mince words. He presents the terms factually and tastefully in ways students will understand. He said some folks tell him their community couldn’t handle the candor. With his fully booked schedule years ahead, “Somebody’s community’s handling it,” he says.

His program is presented in half hour segments. It’s broken into grade divisions: generally kindergarten through second grade, then grades 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12. “So where I’ll be talking ‘good touches and bad touches’ under third grade, third grade and over we’re talking child molest,” he said. For junior high and high school students, he adds the issue of date rape. In high school, he also gives students signals to watch for in their younger siblings. “A young kid will tell their big brother in high school about child molest before they tell their mom and dad,” he said. Before he speaks to any students, he holds a session for teachers and parents the night before. He goes over the material he will be presenting to the students and makes sure support will be there for kids who disclose abuse. “What’s worse than a child being molested,” he said, “is a child telling someone and not being believed.”

In the 23 years he’s presented the program to schools, Hall estimates 1,500-2,000 students have come forward either for themselves or a friend. Never have fewer than three students disclosed abuse. At one school, there were 80. Wherever he speaks, social services, school counselors, plain clothes officers from the local area and sometimes state police departments are all there as a safety new for the kids. Hall doesn’t actively promote the program to schools or communities. He lets those who’ve already brought him to their communities do that. “If I’ve got to come in and convince somebody that something like this is needed,” he said, “I’m really working up hill from the start.” But he said child molestation is happening in every county, every community, whether folks there want to admit it or not. And every community must address it. “If you don’t have an active program, you’re saying one of two things: it doesn’t occur, or we don’t care,” he said. “And I don’t like either one of those.” He said the program not only exposes molesters already in communities, but can keep some of the hardcore predators away. “If he knows that every year, every school-aged child in the city is going to be asked – ‘has anyone ever given you a bad touch for no good reason:’ – is he going to apply his trade there? Why would he do that when he can go 15 miles east or 15 miles west and find a school system that doesn’t have any program?” he said.

It takes a partnership from everyone within the community – partnerships among parents and schools and prevention groups and businesses and law enforcement. Child molestation is like a cancer on the victims and on our communities. In any fight against cancer, awareness and prevention is the key. For child sexual abuse, that begins with open communication. For adults it means candidly talking to our kids, empowering them to protect their bodies, listening to them and supporting them.

Terry Hall can be contacted to do Body Safety Programs: Cell: 317.607.5306 or email: thall26@comcast.net

Taken from Sgt. Terry Hall’s Public Agency Training Council information: Lifting the Shadows by Richard Biever

Going out to a New Year's Eve Party? Need Child Care? Tips to Remember

Caregiver Tips...

Parents often rely on a babysitter's services to help manage busy social schedules.

To ensure our children's safety, it's our responsibility to not only find a capable and responsible caregiver, but also provide them with the information needed to handle the job.

The following are several tips to consider:

Selecting a sitter

• Ask for sitter referrals from family, friends and neighbors.


• Interview several candidates and do a criminal background check, ask for and cross check references before making your decision.


• Make sure the sitter is at least 13 years old and understands what to do in an emergency. Confirm that they have had training in first aid and know infant and child CPR. Ask for references and follow-up on them.


• Before babysitting alone, ask the sitter to spend time with your children and learn their routines. Communicating pertinent information


• Provide a tour of your house. Point out safety devices such as baby gates, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, etc. Show how to work the door and window locks and how to turn on outside lights. Make sure the sitter knows planned fire escape routes (including any problem areas) and understands where emergency supplies are located including a first aid chart, first aid supplies, and a flashlight.


• Instruct the sitter to never open the door for strangers or identify him/herself (on the phone or in person) as a caregiver. Ask that all doors be locked and outside lights remain on.


• Write down and discuss pertinent information about you, your children, and the situation, including:
  
  o Your name, home address, and phone number.
  
  o Where you are, when you will return, and how to reach you.
  
  o Emergency telephone numbers including police, fire/rescue, poison control center, hospital, doctor, and contact person if you can't be reached. Post at every phone.
  
  o Complete details about each child (i.e., full name, age, height, weight, nap/bedtime, allergies and special instructions for medications including doses, instructions, and schedule)
  
  
• Identify the location of each phone and talk about your usage policy.


• Discuss house rules and routines, including bedtime practices, discipline philosophy, and acceptable and unacceptable TV programs and foods. Identify which rooms are off limits to children. Give instructions regarding play areas and use of protective gear for bikes, skateboards, inline skates, etc.


• Stress the importance of constant supervision.


• Upon your return, ask for details regarding the time you were away, including any problems or issues.
  
  Tips adapted from American Academy of Pediatrics and National SAFE Kids Campaign
  
  

Happy New Years

Just a reminder the office will be closed on Friday December 31st for New Years Eve. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday!

Indiana Food Protection Training

Save the date for a unique training opportunity sponsored by Indiana Food Protection

FD 112 Food Code, will be held in Indianapolis May 10, 11, and 12, 2011.

This introductory course will consist of training on the Food Code and the public health rationale for Code provisions to prepare regulators for application of the Food Code to “retail” food establishments. Topics include management’s duties and responsibilities, employee health, food equipment, water, plumbing, waste, physical facilities, poisonous/toxic material compliance and enforcement.

FDA courses, taught by FDA trainers, are tuition free and are open on a national basis. Indiana’s course will be open to Industry, Regulatory, and Academia. This course awards 2 CEU’s and attendees will be awarded a certificate for completion of the course. Attendees must attend the entire course, participate in all class activities, and complete the assessments tool(s) (exercises) that measure the participant’s attainment of course objectives.

Registration information will come from Indiana Food Protection in March.


Judy Blythe
Indiana State Department of Health
Food Protection Program Secretary
jblythe@isdh.in.gov

Cherish the Children: Prevent Child Abuse

As important as the human side of child sexual abuse is, the impact it has on society as a whole is critical.

Each and every one of us feel the economic impact of child sexual abuse. Even if you were not sexually abused as a child, even if no one in your family was sexually abused, child sexual abuse impacts your life. The immediate and tangible costs of intervention and treatment for a single incident of substantiated child sexual abuse are $14,345. These expenses are largely paid for by the public sector – the taxpayer. In fact, the U.S. spends $3.4 billion annually for the immediate costs of child sexual abuse. Long-term expenses and losses attributable to child sexual abuse add $35 billion annually. In Indiana, the direct and immediate costs of child sexual abuse are nearly $48 million dollars annually. The long-term costs and losses caused by child sexual abuse in Indiana are over $500 million dollars annually. Add to this the fact that child sexual abuse is a root cause of many other devastating and expensive societal problems. For instance, 60% of first teen pregnancies are preceded by an incident of child sexual abuse. Young girls who are sexually abused are three times more likely to develop psychiatric disorders and/or substance abuse problems in adulthood than girls who are not sexually abused. Male survivors of child sexual abuse are 70% more likely to seek psychological treatment for issues such as substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide.

Except for murder, child sexual abuse is the most expensive victim crime in the U.S. WHO PAYS? YOU DO. It only costs $10.53 to train an adult to improve their child-protective behaviors. Research suggests that the average trained adult will better protect at least ten children from sexual abuse in the years after training. That’s only $1.05 to better protect a child. The money saved by preventing just one substantiated case of child sexual abuse would pay for prevention training for 1,362 adults. That training would result in 13,620 children better protected from abuse. You do the math. Prevention is the answer.
~~~Darkness to Light~~~

Count Down...
16 weeks until Child Care Answers 2nd Annual Cherish the Children Conference- Saturday, April 16, 2011- Don't Miss It!

Child Care Answers Offers Free Services for Local Businesses to Help Employees

Press Release
Contact: Child Care Answers
Child Care Resource and Referral Agency
Web: www.childcareanswers.com
Phone: 317-631-4643 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date/Time: December 23, 2010


Child Care Answers Offers Free Services for Local Businesses to Help Employees

Higher quality child care benefits not only the child by providing a safe learning environment, but it also gives parents a peace of mind knowing their child is being properly cared for during their work day. When a company offers their employees services through Child Care Answers they are giving them a tool needed to be more productive at work and worry less about their children.

Corporate Child Care Answers was established to provide support to Central Indiana’s business community by offering specialized services to meet the concerns of their workforce. Corporate Child Care Answers provides multiple services to local businesses. Many of these services are completely free. Included in the services are referrals to child care programs that can be obtained through a “free child care” search button placed on the business website, or through a phone consultation with a child care search specialist, training on the components of quality child care, and individualized consultation.

When an employee clicks on the Free Child Care Search button they will be asked to enter their zip code and then they can complete a search for child care based on their individual needs along with educational information to help them make an informed decision about their child care preferences.

Another free service that Corporate Child Care Answers can offer is training to employees. Topics offered include: information on how to navigate and use Paths to QUALITY - the state’s quality rating system; Questions to ask a child care provider; Nutritional Meal planning for a busy family; Math at home; Positive Discipline; and Kindergarten Readiness.

To find out how Corporate Child Care Answers can help your business contact Mindy Bennett at 317-631-4643 x 224 or mindyb@childcareanswers.com.

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

From your Friends at Child Care Answers

Our holiday hours

Dec. 20th-22nd~ open 8-5; Dec. 23rd~ open 8-2; closed Dec. 24th

Dec 27th -29th ~open 8-5; Dec. 30th~open 8-7; closed Dec. 31st

The Mothers in Transition Project

A Community Needs Assessment:

The Indiana Commission for Women will be conducting a comprehensive research project titled Mothers in Transition. This research project is a state-wide community needs assessment focusing on women living the transition into single-motherhood whether that is by divorce, domestic violence, separation, or any other circumstance. Participants will be interviewed or participate in focus groups with the aim of discussing the lived experiences of single-motherhood in three areas: 1) Economic Development; 2) Physical Health; and 3) Psychological Wellness. Research findings are scheduled to be released August 2011. All information collected and will be kept strictly anonymous. The identities of participants will be protected under a confidentiality agreement.

Participant Requirements
I am seeking participants who meet all the following criteria:
• Women transitioning into single-motherhood from divorce, separation, death of spouse, pregnancy, or any other circumstance
• Within 18-70 years of age
• Within 10 years of the event of transition
• Custodial parent or primary caregiver of at least one child under the age of 18

Our mission at the Indiana Commission for Women is to understand the needs of Indiana women and their families and work strategically to help bring about positive solutions. The results of this project with elucidate those needs, help inform policy, and open a productive dialogue to address the relevant concerns and challenges. Only from knowing what is needed can steps be taken toward progress.

If you would like to be a voice in this research and meet all the aforementioned criteria, I invite you to join the conversation. I am looking for women of diverse cultural, social, economic, and regional backgrounds to provide their stories. Interviews and focus groups will be scheduled in the months of November 2010 – March 2011. If you would like to participate or would like more information, please contact the principal investigator via email at STran@dwd.in.gov or call (317) 234-3376. I appreciate your interest in this project and hope that you can somehow contribute.

Sincerely,
Stella Tran Research Coordinator VISTA

Website: www.in.gov/icw · Email: STran@dwd.in.gov · Direct Line: 317.234.3376
Government Center South · 402 West Washington St. Room W252, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Be Safe This Christmas

Christmas trees that glitter with lights and tinsel symbolize the joyous spirit of the holiday season. The American Red Cross urges Americans to remember that the trees also symbolize the potential fire hazards that can be a tragic part of this time of celebration.
About 600 fires a year are started by ignition of Christmas trees. The months of December, January and February are bad months for house fires, including those associated with holiday celebrations. More than 40 percent of home fires occur during this three-month period, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
The 1.2 million volunteers in the American Red Cross’ 921 chapters respond to 67,000 disasters a year – one disaster every 8 minutes. Major disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and floods get the headlines but every single holiday fire comes down to a single, terrible moment for the victims.
During December, January and February, the majority of the responses by the Red Cross are for fires. Red Cross volunteers help victims of these fires find temporary shelter, provide them with vouchers for food and clothing and provide other needed assistance.
The American Red Cross cautions people to be extra careful during the holidays when it comes to fire prevention. Decorating trees and homes and cooking holiday meals can be happy and joyous times if a few common-sense precautions are taken:

1. Decorate Christmas trees only with laboratory-approved lights.
2. Unplug Christmas tree lights when leaving home or going to bed.
3. Do not decorate metal trees with lights.
4. Do not decorate trees with candles.
5. Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible material.
6. Place trees away from heat sources and exits.
7. Water trees daily.
8. Make sure chimneys are inspected before the holidays and cleaned if necessary.
9. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from bedding, clothing, furniture, drapes and anything else combustible.Use equipment that is approved for indoor use. Turn space heaters off if you are not available to monitor this equipment. Remember at all times children anywhere near space heaters
must be supervised at all times.
10. Don’t wear loose-fitting clothing when cooking to avoid ignition by stove burners.

Santa Comes to Town

Today at the State Fair Grounds Toyota Pavilion, is Santa Comes to Town! There will be giveaways for children and information about local service agencies. The event is free and runs from 11am - 6pm. Stop in and check out our booth!

Holiday Hours

Wishing you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

From your Friends at Child Care Answers

Our holiday hours

Dec. 20th-22nd~ open 8-5; Dec. 23rd~ open 8-2; closed Dec. 24th

Dec 27th -29th ~open 8-5; Dec. 30th~open 8-7; closed Dec. 31st

Call Your Senators TODAY to Support Increased Funding for Child Care!!!

Child Care Spending Needs to Be Increased to Ensure the Safety of Our Children

Today could be the day the Senate takes up a year-long funding bill (referred to as the omnibus funding bill). Funding for all federal programs is at stake. The House of Representatives passed a year-long funding measure with a $400 million increase in child care funding for next year. The Senate bill includes $2.8 billion for child care – an increase of about $700 million! Let your Senators know that getting the economy back on track hinges on parents being able to afford child care. The Senate vote could be today!

What happens next? Senators need to adopt the omnibus bill. The House needs to either pass the omnibus bill or negotiate the differences between the two bills in a conference committee. The federal government is currently operating under a continuing resolution (CR) until Saturday. Call your Senators TODAY -- especially if you are from the states of AK, CO, FL, IN, ME, MN, MO, MS, OH, and WV -- to tell him/her to support the omnibus appropriations bill with $2.8 billion for child care. Every call counts! We are counting on you to weigh in – every Senator needs to know that the omnibus bill is important and child care funding is critical to working parents.



Take Action! TODAY!



1.The toll-free number to call is 1-877-227-3801. This will connect you to the U.S. Senate Operator.



2.The first person to answer will be an operator who will ask how you want to be connected. Tell the operator the name of your Senator. If you’re not sure, [click here] to find out.



3.Once you are connected to the office of your Senator, a staff person will answer the phone. Please say:



·My name is (name) and I’m calling from (city, state).



·“I’m calling to urge your support for the omnibus appropriations bill, which includes $2.8 billion for child care.



·Working parents need child care. Make child care a priority to help people get and keep a job!”



4. After your call please forward this notice on to all of your friends and/or coworkers to also have them make a call. We must continue to let Congress know that it is critical to invest in early childhood funding. AFTER YOUR CALL, follow-up with an email to your Senator by clicking here.

NACCRRA urges all to Take Action Now!

**BREAKING NEWS**ALERT: CALLS STILL NEEDED! Take Action!


Call Your Senators TODAY to Support Increased Funding for Child Care!!!

Child Care Spending Needs to Be Increased to Ensure the Safety of Our Children

Today could be the day the Senate takes up a year-long funding bill (referred to as the omnibus funding bill). Funding for all federal programs is at stake. The House of Representatives passed a year-long funding measure with a $400 million increase in child care funding for next year. The Senate bill includes $2.8 billion for child care – an increase of about $700 million! Let your Senators know that getting the economy back on track hinges on parents being able to afford child care. The Senate vote could be today!

What happens next? Senators need to adopt the omnibus bill. The House needs to either pass the omnibus bill or negotiate the differences between the two bills in a conference committee. The federal government is currently operating under a continuing resolution (CR) until Saturday. Call your Senators TODAY -- especially if you are from the states of AK, CO, FL, IN, ME, MN, MO, MS, OH, and WV -- to tell him/her to support the omnibus appropriations bill with $2.8 billion for child care. Every call counts! We are counting on you to weigh in – every Senator needs to know that the omnibus bill is important and child care funding is critical to working parents.

Take Action! TODAY!

1. The toll-free number to call is 1-877-227-3801. This will connect you to the U.S. Senate Operator.

2. The first person to answer will be an operator who will ask how you want to be connected. Tell the operator the name of your Senator. If you’re not sure, [click here] to find out.

3. Once you are connected to the office of your Senator, a staff person will answer the phone. Please say:

· My name is (name) and I’m calling from (city, state).

· “I’m calling to urge your support for the omnibus appropriations bill, which includes $2.8 billion for child care.

· Working parents need child care. Make child care a priority to help people get and keep a job!”

4. After your call please forward this notice on to all of your friends and/or coworkers to also have them make a call. We must continue to let Congress know that it is critical to invest in early childhood funding. AFTER YOUR CALL, follow-up with an email to your Senator by clicking here.

New Preschool-Based Curriculum for Jumping and Jump Roping Skills Available

The brand new Jump Start! Preschool-Based curriculum is now available under "Resources" as a free download from the Jump Kids Jump Movement website, www.jumpkidsjump.org. This new curriculum, available for free, meets Indiana Academic Standards for Kindergarten and Foundations: Indiana Academic Standards for Young Children from Birth to Age 5.

Also found under "Resources" is the Jump Start! video that is now available as a free complement to the curriculum. The video illustrates some of the jumping activities preschoolers can engage in to develop skills for jumping rope and can be downloaded and burned to a DVD.

To access these free resources, all you need to do is register on the www.jumpkidsjump.org web site.

Says Pattie Ryan, Deputy Director for the Indiana Association for Child Care Resource and Referral (IACCRR), "Our state's preschoolers can benefit considerably from Jump Start! as a way to help them develop and practice jumping skills as an essential first step before learning to jump rope. Jumping rope is a fun physical fitness activity they can do all their lives." The curriculum, a ready-to-go resource for anyone working with preschoolers, contains lessons, activities, and resources to help introduce preschoolers to jumping and jumping rope. With Indiana's children among the most obese in the nation, "early intervention with a curriculum and DVD like Jump Start! is a hands-on way to help our preschoolers develop a fitness life skill that can help prevent them from ever becoming overweight and from battling health problems now and in the future," states Dr. Jeff Sperring, Riley Hospital's Chief Medical Officer.

Ideas for Christmas 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) – 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.
◦Test your skills at the Amazing Games arcade at Jillian's or try cosmic bowling in the Retro Hi Life lanes. Grab a bite to eat in the Video Café.

Educational
◦Take a guided memorial tour and visit the Colonel 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 through Jan 2. – FREE (parking included.) ◦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. 9. This event features a Snow Castle, Yule Slide and photos with Santa. Polar Bears to Penguins exhibit is also on display through Jan. 2.
◦Visit the Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing through Dec. 31 and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition through Jan. 16.
◦View the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art’s new exhibit, Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure, on display through Jan. 9. (IUPUI students and staff and kids under 4 get in FREE.)
◦Visit holidays past at the beautifully decorated Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 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.
◦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 "Peter Pan and the Pirates" Dec. 29, complete with scones, tea sandwiches, sweets and flavored teas.

Entertainment
◦The Indiana Historical Society hosts Winterfest Dec. 27 -30. Engage your creative spirit and roll up your sleeves for family-friendly, hands-on activities and more!
◦Visit the Indianapolis Zoo for Christmas at the Zoo & White River Gardens' Woodland Wonderland presented by Wells Fargo Advisors until Dec. 30. Stroll through the Zoo covered in lights to see animals, indoor exhibits, the holiday dolphin show, Santa’s Village presented by Community Health Network, carolers, Santa’s Sweet Shop, the All A-Glow Light Show presented by Macy’s and more!
◦Don’t miss Christmas at the Puppet Studio! This Downtown tradition takes place Dec. 10 - 27 at Peewinkle's Puppet Studio.◦Follow the yellow brick road to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis’ Lilly Theatre for “Dorothy Returns” holiday production Dec. 18 - 19, 21 – 24, 28 - 31 and Jan. 1 – 2.◦Have “Tea with Mrs. Claus” Dec. 19 & 26 in the Indiana State Museum’s L.S. Ayres Tea Room. Mrs. Claus and Raggedy Ann greet guests as they enjoy dainty sandwiches, scones, pastries and tea.
◦Take in the spectacular Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Yuletide Celebration through Dec. 23.

Seeking Hamilton County Child Care Providers!

The Prevent Child Abuse Council is seeking the involvement of child care providers in Hamilton county. The council meets from 8am to 9am on the third Friday of every month at the Hamilton County DCS office.

If you are interested or would like additional information you may contact Tory at (317) 636-5727 ext. 245 or email torym@childcareanswers.com

Early Childhood Investigations Webinar Series

FREE webinars to continue your professional development journey...

Robert-Leslie Publishing is not just another publishing company, they are members of your early childhood education community. They believe it is their responsibility to actively participate in the community by making important information accessible and available to administrators, teachers, parents, and other early education professionals. They sponsor Early Childhood Investigations, a free webinar series that makes it easy for early childhood professionals to hear from and engage with leaders in the field.

The 2011 Early Childhood Investigations Webinar Presenters:

Dr. Becky Bailey
Vicki Ehlers
Beth Engelhardt
Susan Gunnewig
Ana Lomba
Karen Nemeth
Debra Pierce
Dr. Timothy Shanahan
Bob Siegel
Sarah Sprinkel
Wendy Young


Check it out...
http://www.investigatorclub.com/AbouttheProgram/Webinars/tabid/263/Default.aspx#webinar1

Clergy for Child Care

You are invited to the first meeting of "Clergy for Childcare".

A gathering of religious leaders who provide or promote quality early care
and education through their places of worship or outreach ministries.

Thursday, December 9th, 2010 8am - 10 am.
North United Methodist Church
3808 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
(Northwest corner of 38th and Meridian)

Speakers will include:
Dr. Eugene White, Superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools
Ellen K. Annala, President and CEO, United Way of Central Indiana
Panel of local clergy discussing opportunities and challenges of child care ministries

Opportunities will include:
Networking with local clergy who provide or promote quality child care
Helpful ideas from education, nonprofit and religious leaders
Resources to take back to your ministry, children and families
A continental breakfast will be served.

Please R.S.V.P. to Melissa Jackson at United Way of Central Indiana
at 317.921.1335 or melissa.jackson@uwci.org.

St. Mary's Child Center Winter Seminar

St. Mary's Child Center Educational Outreach Program will hold it Winter 2011 Seminar Series in February. The seminar will focus on exploring and interpreting the Work of the Schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy at St. Mary's Child Center.

The seminar is ideal for those educators who would like to know more about St. Mary's Child Center's exploration and interpretation of the Reggio Emilia Philosophy and how to bring it to their classrooms. It will look at the classroom environment, interactions with children and families, and the documentation of the children's project work and investigations.

Seminar Dates:
Tuesday, February 8, 2011 (Part 1)
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 (Part 2)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 (Part 3)
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
(A light dinner will be served)

St. Mary's Child Center, Gilliatte Building (Ft. Benjamin Harrison)
9230 Hawkins Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 42616

Seminar Fees: $40 per seminar or $100 for all 3 seminars
Scholarships are available for educators serving children impacted by poverty, violence, and trauma.

Please contact Sharon at (317) 361-4893 or outreach@stmaryschildcarenter.org for more information or to register.

Call the White House on Tuesday, November 30

Call the White House on Tuesday, November 30
NAEYC Children’s Champions Alert

The funding bills are still under negotiation between the White House and Congress. On Tuesday, November 30, advocates from across the country will contact the White House to ask them to remind Congress not to drop 300,000 children from child care and Head Start, and to support the Early Learning Challenge Fund.

The President and his important staff are key players in these funding decisions and we need to continue to let them know that young children and families should not lose out on the early care and education they need during these difficult times.

How to Call or Email the White House on November 30

Leave a message for President Obama on the White House Comments line:
To call the comments line dial 202-456-1111. (You may need to call more than once if you get a busy signal.)

Here is a sample voicemail message:

My name is ________ and I'm from (City), (State). Please urge Congress not to drop 300,000 children from child care and Head Start. Make sure that continued funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and Head Start is NOT REDUCED in the appropriations bill and that the Early Learning Challenge Fund is included. Thank you.

Send President Obama an e-mail in support of early childhood education programs.

To e-mail the President, go to www.whitehouse.gov/contact.

Use the web form to send the White House an email. Here is a sample message you can type into the form:

Dear President Obama,
Please urge Congress not to drop 300,000 children from child care and Head Start. Make sure that continued funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and Head Start is NOT REDUCED in the FY 2011 appropriations bill and that the Early Learning Challenge Fund is included. These programs help children learn and develop skills they need to succeed in school and in life. They also help families get ahead by giving parents the support they need to be productive at work. Thank you.


Sincerely, (Insert Your Name)

Holiday Hours

Child Care Answers will be closed November 24th, 25th and 26th to observe the Thanksgiving holidy. We wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. The office will reopen on Monday November 29th.

Now Offering: Online Child Care Professional Training

Child Care Answers now offers Online training opportunities...

Training courses are designed to help early childhood professionals complete annual training requirements and acquire required training hours for those seeking a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, CDA credential renewal or in-service training. Courses provide a variety of engaging topics designed specifically for the early childhood professional. Courses are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!

Don't delay - go to www.childcareanswers.com to register
Questions: contact Vanessa 317 636-5727, ext. 241 or vanessaf@childcareanswers.com

Scholarship dollars are not available to cover the cost of these training courses; however the cost of your CDA assessment could be covered by TEACH if you qualify

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIAL FOR INDIANA YOUTH WORKERS

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIAL FOR INDIANA YOUTH WORKERS: Classes Now Forming

Ivy Tech Community College is offering the new Indiana Youth Development Professional program.

Developed in partnership with Indiana YouthPRO and the Journey Fellowship, the Ivy Tech courses lead to an Indiana Youth Development Credential. Courses start January 10, 2010, at Ivy Tech's Indianapolis, Columbus, Kokomo, Lafayette, Muncie and South Bend campuses.

For more enrollment info from Ivy Tech, e-mail Tracy Schmitt at: tschmitt15@ivytech.edu

More info on the Indiana Youth Development Credential:
Indiana YouthPRO.

300,000 Children Could Lose Care

A broad coalition of early childhood advocacy groups is urging early childhood professionals to call on Washington about funding TODAY. Here is their message:

Congress is back in Washington today and has limited time to do some important work: ensure that funding is not cut for child care and Head Start before the end of the year.

Watch this video and share it with your friends and coworkers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7pEQ_pUaOk

Then, call Congress!!

As many as to 300,000 children stand to lose child care and Head Start, and we need to create the Early Learning Challenge Fund to encourage states to do even better for young children and families. Congress i s considering appropriations bills that could go backwards in spending for child care and Head Start, and would lose the Early Learning Challenge Fund.


Tell Congress to move forward and fund the Child Care and Development Block Grant, Head Start, and the Early Learning Challenge Fund.

1.Call 1-888-460-0813

2.The first person to answer the phone will be an operator who will ask how you want to be connected. Tell the operator the name of your Member of Congress. (Not sure? Look it up here: http://action.ececonsortium.org/

3.Once you are connected to the office of your Member of Congress, a staff person will answer the phone. Tell the staff person:
■ My name is (name) and I am calling from (city, state) and I am (your role).
■ Don’t drop 300,000 children from child care and Head Start. Make sure that continued funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and Head Start is NOT REDUCED in the appropriations bill and that the Early Learning Challenge Fund is included.
■ We are counting on you here in (state). Thank you.

4.Then, hang up and ask five friends or coworkers to make a call as well.

New study confirms Videos for infants have little educational impact

New study confirms research from The Future of Children’s Issue on Children and Electronic Media: Videos for infants have little educational impact.

Read the full blog posting: The Future of Children Blog.

Winter Farmers Market

The Indy Winter Farmers Market opens in a new location this year, The Maxwell, on Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. from Nov. 13 - April 30, 2011. This is your one-stop-shop to purchase vegetables, fruit, meat, baked goods, herbs, natural cleaning products and other locally produced food & household products straight from regional farmers. By directly connecting farmers and producers to Indianapolis area residents, the Indy Winter Market supports family farms, preserves farm land and delivers fresh healthy produce to Indianapolis residents.

Healthy Child Care America

Looking to find a child care health consultant or early childhood mental health consultant for your program? Not sure who to contact? With the help of many state representatives, Healthy Child Care America has identified key contacts in each state and has made this information available at www.healthychildcare.org/Contacts.html

Contacts that you will find:

- Child Care Health Consultants

- Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants

- AAP Chapter Child Care Contacts

- CCDF State Administrators

- Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies

- ECCS Coordinators

- Licensing Contacts

- Professional Development Contacts

Not familiar with the role of a child care health consultant? Visit www.healthychildcare.org/WorkWithHP.html for more information.

If you believe the information listed on the state contact Web page of the HCCA Web site is incorrect, please e-mail childcare@aap.org with the correct information.

Feel free to share this information with your colleagues! Don't forget that you can print and disseminate the HCCA flyer from www.healthychildcare.org/ResourcesEECCP.html (first item listed) so others can learn about all that the HCCA Web site has to offer.

Rush Hour Recycling

Green Piece Indy will be hosting a round of rush hour recycling during the month of November.Drive through one of five locations to drop off old electronics and cardboard. Most of our hosts are offering a cup o’ joe just for recycling! Please share the dates with your colleagues and customers.

Each event is from 7 to 9 am:

Nov. 15: Bjava Coffee, 5510 Lafayette Rd
Nov. 16: The Coffee Brake, 6215 Allisonville Rd
Nov. 17: Lazy Daze, 10 S. Johnson Ave
Nov. 18: The Strange Brew, 4800 W Smith Valley Rd
Nov. 19: Earth House Collective, 237 N. East St

Rush Hour Recycling

In celebration of America Recycles Day, Rush Hour Recycling will take place the week of November 15. All Rush Hour Recycling events are from 7 to 9 a.m.

Nov. 15: Bjava Coffee, 5510 Lafayette Rd
Nov. 16: The Coffee Brake, 6215 Allisonville Rd
Nov. 17: Lazy Daze, 10 S. Johnson Ave
Nov. 18: The Strange Brew, 4800 W Smith Valley Rd
Nov. 19: Earth House Collective, 237 N. East St

Acceptable Recycling Items:
Clean, white EPS foam only. Recycle #6. No food containers.
Cardboard and box board (cereal boxes)

Televisions ($10 donation)
Telephone systems
Cellular phones
PC (personal computers)
Laptops
Computers
Monitors (CRTs) complete (no bare CRT tubes)
Mainframe computers
Scanners
Printers
Fax machines
Back-up power supplies systems
Photocopiers
Toner cartridges
Microwaves
VCR’s
Electronic wiring
Power cables
Electronic motors
Metals – Aluminum, Copper, Brass, Nickel.
Integrated Circuits (IC)
Computer mice
Microphones
Laserdisc Players
Computer Keyboards
VCR/DVD Players
Games Systems
Power Supplies
Surge Protectors
Palm Pilots/PDA
Motors
Computer boards
Copiers
Cash Registers
Satellite Components

How to teach Poison Safety to Elementary Aged school children

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


• Are you looking for a new safety topic?


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

Wednesday, November 24th from 12-3pm.
Who? For people who teach injury prevention programs for preschool and elementary
school children.
How long? 3 hours. Provides poison prevention background for the instructor, how to effectively teach poison safety to children and how to get the safety message home to children.
How much?The workshop is FREE
Where? 1812 N. Capitol, Wile Hall, 3rd Floor, Room W310, Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis

To register, contact
Barbara Cole at
317-962-9248 or
bcole@clarian.org

Foundations Training available online

4C of Southern Indiana is offereing a Foundations Podcast on their website. This is able to be accessed by anyone who logs onto the website. You will need to do the following:

1. Go to http://www.child-care.org/
2. Click on the Podcast option
3. Click on episode 4 Foundations
4. Click on Listen
5. Click on Read for the Educational Review
6. Print and fill out the form and enclose $10
7. Certificate will be mailed after the form has been reviewed

The certificate is good for 1 hour of in-service credit.

Preschoolers and Challenging Behaviors

Register now for the Preschoolers and Challenging Behaviors Class. There are limited spaces available.

The class is November 15th - 18th from 6pm to 9pm. Class will be held at Day Nursery Lilly, 3522 N. Central Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46205.

We 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. ($60)

CCDF Contact Information

General Information-All counties (Hamilton, Hendricks, Madison, Marion)
CCDF Main Office
Family Place (317) 545-5281
3801 N. Temple Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Toll Free: 1-866-287-2420
Fax: 317-545-1069
Site hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday 8:30am - 8:00pm

CCDF Scheduling Hotline: ccdfscheduling@childrensbureau.org To schedule or reschedule an appointment contact hotline at 317-545-5281 x204 or 1-866-287-2420 x 204. Live hotline is available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 am to 11:30 am and Tuesday from 1:00pm to 4:30pm. After hours, please leave a message.

CCDF Appeals: Floretta McGraw, fmcgraw@childrensbureau.org . Send appeals to Floretta's attention at : 3801 N. Temple Avenue; Indpls. IN 46205, 317-545-1069 X354 or fax 317-545-1069
***No Walk-in Hours at Any Location***

Looking for a Halloween night snack that's both healthy and festive? This skeletal array fits the bill, no bones about it -- just assorted fresh vegetables and a bowl of dip arranged in the shape of a spooky cat.
More Halloween Recipes
Ingredients
• Black Bean Dip
• ASSORTED VEGETABLES OF YOUR CHOICE, SUCH AS
• Celery
• Cherry tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Mushrooms
• Zucchini



Instructions
1. Arrange vegetables in the shape of a cat, as shown. Serve with Black Bean Dip

Tips for a safe Halloween

Motorists—please do not exceed 20 MPH in neighborhoods this Halloween, regardless of the posted speed limit.

Trick or Treaters—always walk in-groups; parents should accompany young children. Older children should give their parents a predetermined route and return time. Try to finish trick-or-treating before dark—if not, carry a flashlight. Only visit homes that are decorated or that have outside lights on—never enter a strange home or get in the car with a stranger. Always use sidewalks where available—if not, walk facing on-coming traffic.

Costumes—make sure your costumes are made of flame-retardant materials and are not so long as to trip you walking up and down steps. Use light colors or carry a glow stick or some type of reflective material. If you choose to wear a mask, make sure that your vision is not obstructed or walk with someone who can watch your step for you.

Treats—don't eat your treats until you get home! Parents check out all treats in a well-lighted area and throw away any treat that has torn or damaged packaging. Fruit and homemade treats should be inspected very carefully, even to the point of cutting them up for a closer look.

Are you a Super Dad??

Faster than a speeding minivan, more powerful than the smell of a dirty diaper, able to leap discarded toys in a single bound, it's . . . SUPERDADDY!

Join Dads, Inc. this Saturday, October 30th at 10:30 am at the Glendale Branch Library for this fun-filled, action-packed program that teaches Dads how to incorporate comic books when helping their toddlers and pre-schoolers learn to read, or when enhancing their elementary-age children's reading skills. Dads and kids are both encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero! And be prepared to meet some superheroes! This event is appropriate for ages 3 and up.

While this is traditionally one of our most popular programs, it will not be offered again until October 2011. Be sure to take advantage now!

Registration is $10 per family ticket (1 dad and up to 2 kids). That price includes a free comic book, a snack and a picture with a superhero! To register, call Chris Maples at 317-635-DADS today!

Access Pass Program Partnership

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, NCAA Hall of Champions, and Indiana Historical Society have joined forces to make fun family learning available to more Indiana families. Families that participate in any of the state assistance programs listed below can visit these locations for just $1 per family member per visit.

Qualifying programs

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Food stamps

Hoosier Healthwise Insurance

To join, visit any of the venues listed below and complete the Access Pass application. Applicants must show an Indiana-issued photo identification and a Hoosier Works card (without Visa logo) or Hoosier Healthwise card.

Download a printable application.

High Quality Family Child Care Training Online!

FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDERS...Don't miss this opportunity!

Up to 90 hours of family child care training IN YOUR OWN HOME!!!

REGISTER BY December 12, 2010

NAFCC is offering 2 online family child care training courses. Each course is worth 45 clock hours. Both classes are stand-alone and may be taken one at a time or at the same time.

Teaching and Learning in Family Child Care
· Explore the unique relationships that define the family child care environment
· Learn strategies for addressing guidance issues
· Discover the purpose of play and how to provide developmental learning activities that will keep your kids and parents excited about your program
· Grasp the professional and business practices that will help make your business a success

Creating Safe and Healthy Family Child Care Environments
· Understand how to arrange your home to facilitate positive learning experiences
· Learn what materials and equipment are developmentally appropriate
· Examine the health and safety concerns that are particular to the family child care environment

4.5 CEUs are available for the completion of each course and must be purchased at time of registration.

Courses begin January 10, 2011 and end May 6, 2011.

NAFCC Members
Course $150.00 (PER COURSE)
CEUs $50.00 (PER COURSE)
Non-Members
Course $200.00 (PER COURSE)
CEUs $50.00 (PER COURSE)

For several semesters, NAFCC, partnering with Salt Lake Community College, has offered Introduction to Family Child Care as a 45-hour online training course. If you completed NAFCC's "Introduction to Family Child Care" online course you have completed the curriculum that is covered in "Teaching and Learning in Family Child Care" and "Creating Safe and Healthy Family Child Care Environments"

Scroll Down for More Information

REGISTER HERE by 12/12/2010

Questions?-Contact us at training@nafcc.org or call 801-886-2322 ext. 335

More Information

Both classes are stand-alone and may be taken one at a time or at the same time. Each class will be considered complete based on its own merits. These two classes present a solid foundation for family child care providers new to the field and a best practices in family child care refresher training for experienced providers.

Teaching and Learning in Family Child Care

Materials included in this class are based on the NAFCC Quality Standards for Accreditation content areas of Relationships, Developmental Learning Activities, and Professional and Business Practices. It examines all of the relationships that make up the family child care environment including those between the provider and children, the children together, and the special relationship that exists between the provider and the client families. It also addresses the professional relationships that are part of family child care and explores the unique aspects of operating a family child care business. This class offers 10 lessons specifically targeted to providing developmental learning activities in a family child care environment including all domains of learning, information that reinforces the importance of scheduling and of providing a balance of both provider and child-directed activities, and strategies for addressing guidance issues.

Creating Safe and Healthy Family Child Care Environments

Materials included in this class are based on the NAFCC Quality Standards for Accreditation content areas of The Environment and Safety and Health. This class examines topics including home arrangement, materials, and equipment for the family child care program. It also addresses specific areas of concern regarding the safety and health of young children in group care settings. Creating Safe and Healthy Family Child Care Environments explores topics including minimizing disease in the family child care environment, planning and preparing food for young children, keeping children safe, and ensuring that the family child care environment is inspected for both health and safety concerns.

Requirements

There are no regularly scheduled class meetings: participants will learn where and when they choose within the time frame of the course schedule. Assignment due dates are included and will be adhered to during the course. Included are printable lecture notes, engaging discussion groups, weekly individual and group assignments, and links to additional material. This is an introductory course; there are no prerequisites.

Toddler was severely burned at a Plainfield Child Care home

My name is Mindy Bennett and I am the Director of Programs for Child Care Answers the Child Care Resource and Referral agency that services Central Indiana. We are a free service that helps parents locate and evaluate child care options for their children. In September alone we helped 566 families with their child care search. We have a database of over 1400 child care providers that we provide training and mentoring opportunities to.

I want to respond to the reports that a Toddler was severely burned at a Child Care home in Plainfield Indiana. This is a horrible tragedy that could have been prevented!

The staff at Child Care Answers works daily with child care providers training them and providing on site technical assistance to ensure that children are kept safe while their parents work or attend school. We have an Infant Toddler Specialists that is a free resource to child care providers who can provide specific training on issues related to infants and toddlers.

In Indiana home child care providers are not required by law to be licensed or regulated if they care for 5 or fewer unrelated children. Irene Martin, the child care provider in this case, was not licensed and was not required to be regulated or to take training to operate child care out of her home. Regulation and training could have helped prevent this tragic incident and kept that toddler safe.

I know that this incident has left families scared and confused about leaving their children in child care. Child Care Answers is here to help families with our free services during this troubled time. We have a team of specialists that can help families with their specific questions about child care and how to tell if a program is providing safe, quality care. We are only a phone call away; you can reach us at 317-631-4643. Parents can also find valuable tools on our website at www.childcareanswers.com.

Mad Scientist Wraps

Ingredients
• 6 7- or 8-inchwhole wheat or plain flour tortillas
• 1/3 cupmayonnaise or salad dressing
• 6 leavesleaf lettuce (optional)
• 6 slicescooked ham (3 ounces)
• 6 slicescooked turkey breast (3 ounces)
• Assorted decorations such as: parsley sprigs, sweet red pepper strips, ripe olives, small pimento stuffed green olives, small pepperoncini peppers, julienned carrots, small sweet pickles, and/or shredded lettuce
• Mayonnaise, salad dressing, or honey mustard
• 6 slicesAmerican cheese
• Wooden picks
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Wrap tortillas in foil and bake for 10 minutes.
2. Spread each tortilla with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise. Lay a lettuce leaf over mayonnaise, top with a slice of ham and a slice of turkey. Roll up and secure with wooden pick. Stuff one end of rolled tortilla with sweet red pepper strips, shredded lettuce, parsley sprigs, and julienned carrots.
3. Attach olives for eyes and the nose and a piece of pepper for the mouth with mayonnaise or honey mustard. Cut an apron shape from the cheese and lay atop tortilla. Add pickles or peppers for shoes and use cheese as a blanket. Makes 6 wraps

Marketing Strategies for Child Care Providers

Looking for ways to increase enrollment? Not sure what marketing techniques to use?

Learn how to reinvigorate your marketing strategy with a refresher on "old school" fundamentals plus tips on how to use new technologies to increase your brand presence and communicate with current and potential customers.

In this interactive session, we'll examine:

• Defining you brand and key message
• Analysis of changing customers needs
• How you present your business in the marketplace
• Key components of your marketing and communications plan
• How to create community in the new world of Internet and social media

Saturday, October 30- 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Cost: $50

Location: Day Nursery Lilly Center, 3522 N. Central Ave.

Preregistration is required. To register, call (317) 917-3266 ext. 100 or email information@bussinessownership.org

Approved for United Way of Central Indiana's Child Care Ministry Improvement Project

Attendees will receive a certificate for 3 training hours

Conference for Child Care Ministry Directors

The Hooise Child Care Quality Expansion Project and IACCRR are proud to present a
Child Care Conference Planned Specifically for Child Care Ministry Directors

Caring in Faith
Friday November 12, 2010 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
(Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m.)
Cost: $15.00, lunch will be provided

Fort Harrison State Park Inn-Main Lodge
5830 North Post Road
Indianapolis, IN 46216

Preregistration required, Deadline is October 31,2010
For more information contact Traci Marshall (317) 924-5202 or (800) 299-1627

The Children’s Museum Experience: Learning through Play

We are pleased to announce our next FREE evening webinar, brought to you by Child Care Aware Parent Network! As with all of our great content, this session is FREE! We hope you will join us online for:

Wednesday, October 27, 2010 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT

To REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR CLICK ON THIS LINK.

Children’s museums create playful, interactive learning experiences that stimulate curiosity and motivate lifelong learning in children. They provide a place where children can learn through play with the caring adults in their lives. Join children’s museum professionals for a behind-the-scenes look at children’s museums. Learn how these institutions create environments that spark learning in children and connect families through play. Presenters will share essential tips for getting the most out of your next children’s museum visit!

Presenters:
•Jeannette Thomas, Program Officer, Membership, Association of Children’s Museums, Arlington, Virginia
•Susan MacKay, the Center for Children’s Learning, Director, Portland Children’s Museum, Portland, Oregon
•Keith Ostfeld, Director of Exhibit and Program Development, Children's Museum of Houston, Houston, Texas
•Joseph Olson, Vice President- Visitor Experience, Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul, Minnesota

Shaken Infant in Hamilton County

Hamilton County Prevent Child Abuse Council along with Prevent Child Abuse Indiana and Promising Futures are teaming together to present:
Preventing Shaken Infant Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma

The presentation will cover the dangers and consequences of shaking young children. This interactive program is designed to help people cope with the frustrations that come with caring for a crying child and introduce effective stress and anger management techniques. Learn to be an advocate for the prevention of SIS.

Where: Noblesville Library: One Library Plaza in Noblesville

When: November 18th from 6:30-7:30 pm

This is a FREE even and no reservations are required.

Come and Learn:

*To identify those at risk of shaking infants and children

*To understand physical injuries associated with SIS

*Ways to help parents and others cope with the frustrations of caring for a crying child.

Contact Promising Futures at 317-773-6342 for further details.

Hendricks County Kids Fair

Sunday, October 24th
Noon – 4:00pm
Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds

Bring the kids in their costumes and look for Child Care Answers booth!
* Free Food and Refreshments Music and Live Entertainment from Local Groups
* Fun Giveaways, Door Prizes and Games and Costume Contest for Children
* Information from Local Businesses and Community Organizations
* Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Clowns, Bounce Houses and Much More

Mister Rogers and Me

You might enjoy the documentary Mister Rogers & Me which is part of the Heartland Film Festival which opens today in Indianapolis.

Here’s a link to a preview. http://www.trulymovingpictures.org/festival-years/2010/movie/mister-rogers-and-me

An MTV producer’s life is transformed when he meets the recently retired host of Mister Rogers Neighborhood, Fred Rogers. Friendship with the PBS icon sets the young producer on a quest to find depth and simplicity amidst a shallow and complex world. Conversations with Susan Stamberg (NPR), Tim Russert (Meet the Press) and Marc Brown (Arthur) are among the highlights of the film.

AMC Castleton Square
Oct 15, 2010 at 12:15pm

AMC Showplace Indianapolis
Oct 16, 2010 at 12:15pm

AMC Castleton Square
Oct 17, 2010 at 3:00pm

AMC Showplace Indianapolis
Oct 19, 2010 at 1:15pm

AMC Showplace Indianapolis
Oct 20, 2010 at 2:00pm

AMC Castleton Square
Oct 23, 2010 at 3:15pm

Parents and the Economy

Last week, NACCRRA released its newest report, "The Impact of the Economy on Parents’ Child Care Choices and Perspectives," which found that quality and cost remain the most important factors for parents when choosing child care. The report shows that despite modest improvements in the economy, many families are still struggling. Nearly 40 percent of parents say the current economy has affected their child care arrangements and they worry about not being able to meet their household expenses. Three-quarters of parents rate affordable child care as the most important (31 percent) or one of the most (45 percent) important factors in helping working families.

Despite the down economy, parents want quality child care. Nearly three-quarters of parents (73 percent) said that they support investing more government money in improving the quality of care, even if it means they would have to pay $10 more in taxes per year.

This report is the latest of many reports that NACCRRA has produced on key aspects of our child care system — with reports on children in disasters, background checks, licensing of child care centers and family child care homes, and costs and prices of child care. These hard-hitting reports are a tribute to the dedicated leadership of NACCRRA's Executive Director Linda Smith.

5th Annual Indy Baby and Toddler Expo

Bebe Paluzza Productions presents the 5th Annual Indy Baby and Toddler Expo for "Everything from Bellies to Tots" - Indiana's Largest Premier Baby and Toddler Expo Show!

What will you find at the expo (other than Indy's Child)? Mik the Music Man and the Bounce House Band, Diaper Derby and Daddyathon, education speakers, Princess Tea Party, Pirate Party, Bongo Boy Music and much more! Plus, the first 50 moms who arrive will receive a card with a number making them eligible for a FREE SWAG BAG full of goodies from nearly 40 different companies! You will also find nearly 130 different organizations available to shop, get free goodies, entertain the kids and much more. You won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind event!

Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St. Indianapolis.

Dates: Saturday, October 16 from 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday, October 17 from 11 am - 4 pm

Cost: $7 for adults, grandparents ½ price, children 6 and under are free.

Purchase tickets online at: http://www.tixonlinenow.com/babyexpoindy/shopdisplayproducts.asp

For more information visit: http://www.indybabyexpo.com/

“Parents in the Know”
www.childcareanswers.com
October-November 2010


JOB LISTING: Parent
Requirements include but are not limited to the following.
1. You must be willing to work 24 hours/ 7 days a week – 365 days a year.
2. You must be able to work on limited sleep at times but still be in a good mood.
3. You must be able to provide shelter, food and clothing for at least the first 18 years of the child’s life.
4. You must be able to be attend to the sick, have referee skills, be a guidance counselor and head up
transportation as needed.
You will not receive any pay for the job but the benefits are OUTSTANDING!
There is no doubt that being a parent is by far the most challenging yet most rewarding job you will ever
experience. As with any job, it helps to know that you are not alone in facing the joys and challenges.
There are some great ways to share your thoughts and your concerns while learning from others at the same
time.

Child Care Answers offers
FREE Parent Workshops .
Workshop Location: English Foundation Building
615 N. Alabama St., Suite 300, Indianapolis.
Register by calling Cathy at 631-4643 ext. 225

Upcoming topics include:

Understanding Paths to QUALITY,
An overview of the voluntary quality
rating system and how to use it as a tool
when searching for quality care
Thursday, October 21, 6-8pm

Communicating With Your Provider,
Keys to keeping the lines of communication
open with your Child Care Provider will be
shared. Wednesday, October 27, 6-8pm

Traveling with Children- An overview
of the helpful tools to make traveling with
young children less stressful for the
whole family. Thursday, November 18,
6-8pm

Other Topics of interest include:
Physical Activity~ We will explore the
different types of activity, and length of
exercise recommendations for each age
group of children Monday, October 18,
10am-12pm, Room 6

Temperaments- This is an interactive
presentation based on the video Flexible,
Fearful or Feisty- The Different
Tempera ments of Infants and Toddlers.
Saturday, November 13, 8:30-11:30 am,
Pilgrim Lutheran, 10202 N Meridian St,
Indianapolis