Wednesday, March 28, 2012

A.S.K. Communication Workshop

It’s Not WHAT You Say . .

It’s HOW You Say It

Effective Communication Workshop

Tuesday, April 17, 2012     6:00pm to 8:00pm

Location: East 91st Street Christian Church 

6049 East 91st Street
Indianapolis, IN 46250

Cost: $10
Questions:Email asktraining@aboutspecialkids.org

Overview: Communication is a key factor when working with individuals and organizations. This training is geared toward parents of children with special needs to help build positive working relationships with schools, medical professionals, and groups or committees through improved communication skills. Topics such as partnerships, negotiation, and listening will be addressed.

Register online at www.aboutspecialkids.org/training Registration for the training will be closed on April 16, 2012


 


 



 

Need help finding staff?



Child Care Answers is excited to announce that we have added a career opportunities page to our web site. If you need help locating qualified early childhood staff let us help you by posting your oppor­tunities! We will be advertising this new service to local individuals who are searching for careers in early childhood.

The cost to you for this service is $75.00’s for a two week listing or $100.00’s for a four week listing.

It is easy to list your open positons.

To get started visit our career opportunities page here.



Wednesday, March 21, 2012

*FREE* Crafts for Kids-Saturday's 11:00am-3:00pm









Every Saturday at Lakeshore Learning Store located at 1300 East 86th Street, Indianapolis
**********FREE*****FREE******FREE********FREE*********FREE***********FREE*****
Crafts for kids workshops from 11:00am-3:00pm

Here are some upcoming dates and themes:

March 24-"Spring flower bouquet"

March 31-"A buggy scene"

April 7-"fun bunny basket"

April 14-"Cowboy boot bag"

April 28-"fancy feathered bird"

May 5-"Thank-you bouquet card'

May 12-"Hand-print keepsake"

May 19-"Rainbow-Colored creatures"

May 26-"Patriotic wand"

June 2-"Snazzy garden snail"

June 9-"Flip-flop notepad"

June 16-"Key keeper"

June 23,-"Summertime door hanger"

June 30-"Star-spangled shaker"

(Please visit the website or call the store for any additional information.)










*FREE*Teacher Workshops!








3/21 - Interactive Software: Bringing Technology into the Classroom 6:00-7:00 p.m.


Interactive software for whiteboards and computers offers exciting new learning opportunities, but where should you begin—and what pitfalls should you avoid? This fascinating workshop will show you just how easy it is to integrate educational software into your Early Childhood or Elementary curriculum!
Receive a certificate verifying one hour of participation for each of these workshops!
Free door prizes with each workshop.


Please RSVP to 317-574-0304 at least 2 days in advance.


"Dinosaur Discoveries"-April 25th, 2012 6:00-7:00p.m.

"Life on the Farm"-May 30th, 2012 6:00-7:00p.m.

Monday, March 19, 2012

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Use technology to help teach literacy

Making Shapes

Here’s what you’ll need:
Craft sticks and a package of Velcro circles.

1. Place the Velcro circles on each end of the craft sticks…just make sure you put one “roughy” and one smooth one on each end.
2. Enjoy some open-ended fun with these! Once your makes a shape, be sure to point out the shape’s name and the number of sides.

http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2011/09/making-shapes/

Easy Ways to Teach Numbers, Counting & Math



I put some glitter paint into zip lock bags for the children to practice writing their numbers. When teaching numbers I find children respond really well if they are able to touch and feel numbers and make numbers in different textures.

Though preschoolers generally don’t recognise it, maths is another way to understand and make sense of the world, much like language. Like words, maths is used everywhere and is an integral part of everyday life. What exactly is maths? Simply put, maths is the observation, identification, description and explanation of numbers, space, relation, and order. Counting, measuring, problem solving, reasoning, and identifying shapes and patterns are the activities of math. Preschoolers, who have opportunities to learn maths through play and everyday interactions are gaining the foundation for maths development.


Here are few additional ideas on everyday math and couting....

Count everything
As you go up steps, eat strawberries, pick flowers, put up Lego's, you name it.

Count to 60 while brushing their teeth
take turns brushing teeth and I count out loud to 60 for each of our turns. It's an easy way for children to understand the concept of one minute.

Cook TogetherInclude your child when you cook.
Have children count the cups of milk, the tablespoons of margarine, or the eggs when you cook. Show kids the recipe as you cook so they can follow along.

Play Hopscotch
Use chalk and draw a hopscotch game outside. Make sure to say the numbers out loud as you play.

Play an "I spy" gameTake turns playing "I spy"
Look around your room and say, "I spy something we have two of (or three of)..." It could be speakers for your stereo, cushions on the couch or pictures on the wall, or anything you can count.


Some of my favourite books to use when I'm teaching about numbers and counting are:
"Hungry Monsters" Teach Counting in Rhyme by Susan Heyboer O’Keefe and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger.
" Ten With Ten Little Ladybugs" written by Melanie Gerth and illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith
"Miss Spider’s Tea Party" Teaches Counting With a Social Lesson written and illustrated by David Kirk.
"The Very Hungry Caterpillar"
by Eric Carle
"The Shopping Basket" by John Burningham

Early Childhood Conference


Join Indianapolis Area Chapter of Indiana AEYC
Winter Workshop
Saturday March 24, 2012



Wayne Township Preschool
1155 S. High School Road, Indianapolis, IN 46241
(Located behind Ben Davis University—enter Door 8 or 8A)
7:45-8:15 am registration 8:30-12:30 workshop
Pre-Register NAEYC Members $10 Pre-Register Non-members $15
Onsite Registration: $20 for Members and Non-members


Sessions
Sensationally Simple Ideas for the early childhood classroom

Handling Aggressive Behavior & Teaching Children Self-Control

Contact Angie Herniak for questions: 317-341-1889 or indychapter@gmail.com

Friday, March 16, 2012

Paths to QUALITY Marketing Training!

Are you a Level 2, 3 or 4 Paths to QUALITY Provider? If so join us on Monday, March 19th from 6:30pm till 9pm to learn more about the FREE online marketing tool available! Child Care Online offers Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 programs an exclusive opportunity to showcase their achievements with an online profile made up of pictures and text. Participants will learn the benefits of Child Care Online for providers and families and learn how to create an online profile that will highlight their professionalism and commitment to quality. Eligible programs must complete this training prior to signing up for Child Care Online. .It's a great opportunity to showcase the high quality care you are offering. Call Emily at (317) 636-5727 to register TODAY!


Thursday, March 15, 2012

Free Community Resources

Free Community Electronics Recycling: Saturday, March 17th from 10:00am till 2:00pm held at James Russell Lowell IPS #51, 3426 Roosevelt Ave. Indianapolis. Acceptable items include: computers, monitors, printers, laptops, tv's, cell phones, stereo equipment, microwaves, large household appliances and more! For more information visit: http://www.5rprocessors.com/ or 715-322-4480.

Money Management Series: Classes held on Thursdays from 2-3:30pm at Rebuilding the Wall, 3513 Hovey St. Indianapolis. Class is free but registration is required. Contact Shelley Landis at (317) 925-9789, shelley@rebuildingthewall.org. Classes offered include:
  • April 5 - Writing SMART goals and a budget overview
  • April 12 - Creating your own budget
  • April 26 - Need Vs. Want and building a savings
  • May 10 - Understanding your credit
  • May 17 - Successful Renting
Whatever It Takes: Successful Children with Promising Futures: Open to children in IPS 51, 56, and 69. Saturday, March 24 from 9am-1:30pm at Martin University. Learn more about resources in the Martindale Brightwood Community, learn how to help your children succeed in school, hear educational stories from the community and meet other parents. The day includes free lunch, childcare and door prizes. Call 317-205-2595 or email rduerksen@fscp.org to reserve your spot!

Monday, March 12, 2012

Training Opportunity

Orientation on Professional Development Opportunities
Tuesday, March 20th from 6:30 pm -8:30 pm
Class is FREE! Please call (317) 636-5727 to preregister

This workshop provides deep understanding of ways you can obtain professional development hours and credits in the state of Indiana. The workshop will provide information on different routes to obtain Child Development Associate (CDA) training, articulating the credential into an associate degree in early childhood education/child development at Ivy Tech Community College. The workshop will provide comprehensive overview of accessibility and location of colleges and universities in the state of Indiana that offer associate and bachelor degree levels. In addition, the workshop provides information on state scholarships and financial aid opportunities.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Lending Library

REMINDER: The Lending Library will be closed on Tuesday March the 13 and Wednesday March the 14. The Lending Library will reopen on Thursday March the 15, 2012 at 4:00pm.

Monday, March 5, 2012

¿Cómo puedo encontrar bueno cuidado infantil

La reciente y trágica pérdida de un niño pequeño en el área de Indianápolis ha causado a los padres a reflexionar sobre sus opciones para el cuidado de los niños y también lo que debe buscar cuando se busca el cuidado de niños.
Selección de un proveedor de cuidado infantil es un momento importante y muchas veces confusa para los padres. Las respuestas de cuidado infantil están aquí para ayudar a los padres con los recursos para aprender lo que son las diferentes opciones para elegir y para proporcionar información importante sobre los indicadores para buscar y preguntas para hacer en su búsqueda de cuidado de niños.

Recomendamos a todos los padres a:

1. Investigación de los proveedores de cuidado infantil por ir a la Web www.childcarefinder.in.gov Estado para aprender acerca de las inspecciones y denuncias.
Aprenda cuáles son las diferentes opciones de programas en su área.

· Hable con Child Care Answers acerca de lo que los reglamentos de los proveedores en su área están obligados a cumplir. Se realizan chequeos de antecedentes penales y pruebas de detección de drogas se requiere? ¿Qué hace el Estado busca al visitar los sitios?
· ¿Cómo se registra una preocupación o queja sobre un proveedor?
· Más información sobre la calidad del sistema voluntario del estado de clasificación llamada Caminos a la CALIDAD.
· ¿Está el proveedor con licencia, tomando parte en Caminos a la CALIDAD o otra la certificación acreditada o de otro tipo? Si el proveedor no está en Caminos hacia la calidad, pregunte por qué y cuándo va a comenzar.

2. Haga una lista de preguntas para hacer y hacer una entrevista telefónica.

· ¿Hay una vacante para mi hijo?

· Confirmar las horas y días de operación.

· Discusión sobre el costo y preguntar acerca de las opciones de asistencia financiera. Esto variará de un programa a otro.

· ¿Cuántos niños hay en el programa?

· ¿Cuáles son los grupos de edad que prestan servicios?

3. Visite el proveedor. (Trate de visitar más de una vez y en diferentes momentos del día.)

· Asegúrese de usar los 5 sentidos cuando se entra en un sitio. ¿Son las interacciones entre los proveedores y las respuestas de los niños, crianza y cálidos?

· ¿Están los niños felices para participar en las actividades diarias? ¿Se les da tiempo libre y estructurado?

· ¿Está el ambiente y el equipo (incluyendo juguetes) la edad adecuada, limpia y en buen estado? Pregunte sobre el plan de limpieza.

· ¿Hay un número de variedad y amplia de juguetes y materiales de aprendizaje?

· ¿Los niños reciben atención individual?

· Pregunte acerca de la educación del proveedor / formación. La investigación ha demostrado que cuanto más sabe un proveedor de cómo los niños aprenden y crecen, mejor están en el cuidado de los niños.

· Pregunte por cuánto tiempo los proveedores han estado en el lugar y con ese grupo de edad. Es mejor si los niños permanecen con el mismo proveedor por lo menos durante un año. La consistencia es muy importante.

· Pregunte cuántos niños hay por cada adulto. El menor número de niños por cada adulto, mejor para su hijo. Cuente cuántos niños están ahí durante su visita.

· Pregunte cómo los proveedores de mantener a los padres informados sobre una base diaria. ¿Tienen los grupos de padres, notas de diarios, revistas o correos electrónicos?

· Averigüe si el proveedor ha sido acreditado por una organización nacional. Convertirse en los medios acreditados que el proveedor ha cumplido con las normas voluntarias para el cuidado de niños que son más altos que la mayoría de los requisitos estatales de licencia.

· Asegúrese de que el proveedor tiene una póliza de puerta abierta permite a los padres a visitar en cualquier momento su hijo está en el programa.

4. Verifique las referencias del proveedor.

· Hable con otros padres acerca de la calidad del programa y el cuidado de sus hijos.

5. Recuerde que es importante estar involucradas en la experiencia de cuidado de los hijos de su hijo.

· Consulte con los proveedores de todos los días.

· Visitar y observar a sus hijos en el ámbito de la atención.

· Cuando se pueda, estar involucrados en actividades tales como excursiones y fiestas.

· Pregunte acerca de las formas para establecer contactos con los otros padres.

Estos pasos son sólo el comienzo para un tener un éxito y la calidad de la experiencia de educación infantil temprana. Child Care Answers alienta a todos los padres para obtener información tanto como sea posible para ayudar a encontrar el programa de calidad que funciona para su familia. Estamos aquí para ayudarle en cada paso del camino. Puede comunicarse con nosotros al 317-631-4643 o visite nuestro sitio Web en www.childcareanswers.com
Para el español, por favor pregunte por Amy Torres

How Can I Find Quality Childcare?

The recent tragic loss of a young child in the Indianapolis area has caused parents to rethink their options for child care and also what to look for when searching for child care.

Choosing a child care provider is an important and often confusing time for parents. Child Care Answers is here to help parents with the resources to learn what the different options are to chose from and to provide important information on indicators to look for and questions to ask in your search for child care.


We highly encourage every parent to:
1. Research the child care providers by going to the State Website http://www.childcarefinder.in.gov/ to learn about inspections and complaints.
· Learn what the different options are for programs in your area.
· Talk to Child Care Answers about what regulations the providers in your area are required to meet. Are criminal background checks and drug screenings required? What does the state look for when they visit the sites?
· How do you register a concern or complaint about a provider?
· Learn about the state’s voluntary quality rating system called Paths to QUALITY.
· Is the provider licensed, taking part in Paths to QUALITY, accredited or other certification? If the provider is not on Paths to Quality, ask why and when they plan to start.


2. Create a list of questions to ask and do a phone interview.
· Is there an opening for my child?
· Confirm the hours and days of operation.
· Discuss the cost and ask about financial assistance options. This will vary from program to program.
· How many children are in the program?
· What are the age groups served?

3. Visit the provider. (Try to visit more than once and at different times of day.)
· Be sure to use your 5 senses when you go into a site. Are the interactions between providers and children responses, nurturing and warm?
· Are the children happily involved in daily activities? Are they given free and structured times?
· Is the environment and equipment (including toys) age appropriate, clean and in good repair? Ask about the cleaning schedule.
· Is there a variety and ample number of toys and learning materials?
· Do the children get individual attention?
· Ask about the provider’s education/training. Research has shown that the more a provider knows how young children learn and grow, the better they are at taking care of children.
· Ask how long the providers have been at the site and with that age group. It’s best if children stay with the same provider for at least a year. Consistency is very important.
· Ask how many children there are for each adult. The fewer the number of children for each adult the better for your child. Feel free to count heads of little ones when you visit.
· Ask how the providers keep the parents informed on a daily basis. Do they have parent groups, daily notes, journals or emails?
· Find out if the provider has been accredited by a national organization. Becoming accredited means that the provider has met voluntary standards for child care that are higher than most state licensing requirements.
· Make sure that the provider has an open door policy allowing parents to visit at anytime their child is at the program.

4. Check the provider’s references.
· Talk with other parents about the quality of the program and care of their children.

5. Remember that it is important to stay involved once your child is enrolled in a program.
· Check in with the providers daily.
· Visit and observe your children in the care setting.
· When able, be involved in such activities as field trips and parties.
· Ask about ways to network with the other parents.


These steps are only the beginning for a having a successful and quality early childhood education experience. Child Care Answers encourages every parent to gather as much information as possible to help find the quality program that works for your family. We are here to help you every step of the way. You may contact us at 317-631-4643 or visit our website at www.childcareanswers.com

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Announcing the CDA Renewal Amnesty Program

Many professionals who earned a CDA earlier in their careers let it expire years ago and are no longer eligible for renewal, despite their continued work and training in early childhood education. Some have gone on to earn a Bachelor or Associate degree but find value in staying connected to the CDA Community by renewing their CDA.
CDA Renewal Amnesty Program. . .
Beginning March 1, 2012, the Council will launch the Renewal Amnesty Program, which will allow anyone who has earned a CDA in the last ten years to apply for Renewal, even if their CDA has expired. This means that if your CDA has a credential date of January, 2002 or later, you are eligible for Renewal Amnesty. This program will only last until December 31, 2012 so don't delay… Renew your CDA today!

CDA Renewal Requirements:
- 4.5 CEUs or 3 college-credit-hours of training within the last 5 years
- A recommendation from an ECE professional who is familiar with your professional work
- A pediatric first aid certificate
- Membership in an ECE professional membership organization
- A brief letter from a supervisor testifying that you have worked at least 80 hours in the past yearBuy a Renewal Packet now click here.
Take a Moment to Reflect on... Safety

In our last article we discussed the importance of intentionality. We said that the ultimate purpose for being a reflective practitioner is to become an intentional practitioner; in other words, teachers or caregivers who regularly think about what they do can be purposeful in the choices they make with children, families, coworkers and supervisors.

Safety
The Council is excited to announce that later this year we will release the newly-revised third edition of the landmark textbook Essentials for Child Development Associates Working with Young Children. The new Essentials will provide all of the most current research, information, ideas and strategies needed by entry-level early childhood professionals. The textbook will be organized around each of the thirteen Functional Areas, along with new information about reflection, intentionality, observation, documentation and other key topics of interest to contemporary teachers and caregivers.

Here is an advanced sneak peek of “Chapter 1: Safe” for you to reflect on…

Providing a safe environment for children is the starting point of every quality early childhood program. If children are not safe in your program, it makes no difference what kind of curriculum you offer. Children cannot learn if they are afraid, in danger or unable to trust that nothing bad will happen to them while in your care. Ask any parent with a child in preschool or child care what their most important concerns are and safety is almost always at the top of the list - right up there with accessibility and affordability. Children's safety is your first priority as a caregiver or teacher and a responsibility you cannot ignore

In order to keep young children safe you must:

Be sure that the physical environment is safe. This means checking both your indoor and outdoor play spaces every day to confirm that they are hazard-free and that they conform to recognized standards for safety.
Teach and prepare children to be safe in their everyday lives. This involves learning about safety rules and being introduced to specific safety measures.
Have well-thought-out emergency plans in place. This also involves preparing children to face unknown emergencies so that you can reduce danger and injury.
Model safe practices. This means demonstrating for children how to behave in ways that are safe and how to stay calm when emergencies arise.
Invite parents to be your partners in keeping their children safe. This is important because it shows children that safety is valued both by you and at home.


Please take a moment to reflect on your own teaching practices. What else might you add to the above list? How do you ensure children’s safety? What tips and strategies would you share with others for teaching safety practices, for keeping children safe, for modeling safe practices and for educating and involving families in their children’s safety?

Send your thoughts to reflect@cdacouncil.org

Toddler death at Unlicensed Registered Child Care Ministry

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 January alone we helped over 800 families with their child care search. We have a database of over 1300 child care providers that we provide training and mentoring opportunities to.


I want to respond to the reports that a Toddler drowned in a baptismal pool at a local Unlicensed Child Care Registered Ministry. 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 Child Care Ministries are not required by law to be licensed, however we do have some who have volunteered to meet additional health and safety standards. Praise and Fellowship Assembly of God Church, the child care provider in this case, was an Unlicensed Registered Child Care Ministry. Indiana’s Unlicensed Registered Child Care Ministries are not required to meet staff to child ratios nor are they regulated to meet specific group size requirements. In addition, Unlicensed Registered Child Care Ministries do not have supervision requirements that they must meet. For an easy to read chart about the regulation requirements for the different types of child care in Indiana please visit this link: http://www.childcareanswers.com/PDF_Docs/FacilityRegulations.pdf


Several bills were introduced this legislative session and the last session that would have addressed some of the differences in regulations between the different types of child care in Indiana but they did not make it out of committee. To read more about the legislative efforts for change please visit Child Care Answers’ Legislative Education Center http://advocacycca.wordpress.com/ and the Indiana’s general assembly’s Interim Committee on Child Care’s page http://www.in.gov/legislative/interim/committee/care.html


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 http://www.childcareanswers.com/.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Breaking the Cycle Conference

Each year, Prevent Child Abuse Indiana works hard to bring together experts in the field of child abuse prevention and provide informational, motivational and educational sessions for its annual "Breaking the Cycle Conference".
Mark your calendars now for April 3, 2012 for what promises to be a great event! This year we bring Educational Consultant Dr. Ray Golarz and Inspirational Educator & Author Stacey Bess to the conference as the keynote speakers to be held at the Hilton Indianapolis North Hotel.

Conference Brochure & Registration Link
The complete brochure and online registration is also available on our website ~ www.pcain.org
You may need CEU's - this year we are offering FREE CEU's to LSW's and LCSW's. But for those that just need training hours -- Training certificates will be available at the conference.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Literacy Activity



Write letters or numbers on a chalk board, then encourage children to "paint" over the chalk with water and a paint brush.

Cutting up: Fine motor activities to help develop scissor skills




















Most of kids love to cut with scissors. They are very excited about the results they create, the action, and the fact that they are using a tool that is often off limits! Parents usually approach this skill with trepidation. We present scissors at about 35 months. Usually preschoolers have never had scissors in their hands and when you are not quite three, it can be a challenge. Here are some simple items we incorporate into many different activities to help teach scissor skills.




  • Tongs in all kinds of play such as stacking blocks

  • Use an eye dropper to paint and play in water

  • Use a hole punch for crafts and paper play

  • Clip clothes pins or kitchen clips to the edge of a container

http://creativeconnectionsforkids.com/2011/01/cutting-up-fine-motor-activities-to-help-develop-scissor-skills/

Monday News from IAEYC

2012 Indiana Early Childhood Conference Updates!
IAEYC is extending the Early Bird registration deadline until February 29th!

Early Bird rate for NAEYC members affiliated with Indiana AEYC is only $80! (Friday & Saturday general conference; registration for Thursday Pre-Conference not subject to discount
View the
Preliminary Program now!
- Deadline for Regular Rate: Mar. 1 - April 13 (Postmarked) or April 20 (Online)- After April 20 On-site rates apply

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Art for children


Art for children: it ain’t what you make…

These photos were taken last week while L was painting and really remind me what art for children is all about. She had so much fun playing with the paint and was very focused on what she was doing. There was no chatting – which is unusual for L! – she was really in the moment, enjoying and creating.
Art for children is all about the process. It’s about making your mark, trying new materials, experimenting with the colours, shapes and feel. It’s about gaining confidence and taking risks. It’s about fun and enjoying the moment.
There was no end product in L’s art – she was not interested in keeping the final painting at all. For her it was all about the doing.
We’re resolving to try lots of new art materials this year and to try all sorts of techniques.
Just for the doing.
http://nurturestore.co.uk/art-for-children

I came across this blog on PINTEREST. I think its serves as a great reminder to us that it is about the experiences for the children, not the finial piece of art. We shouldn't place boundaries on children of what their art should or shouldn't look like. The title says it all "Art for children: it ain’t what you make…" it isn't what we make, it is what they make. We also need to remember to let the children explore with various mediums with their art, and let them get messy. Who know's maybe they are the next Pablo Picasso's of our future.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

100 Ways To Be Kind

100 Ways to be kind to your child CreativeWithKids.com Tell to your child:


1. I love you.

2. I love you no matter what.

3. I love you even when you are angry at me.

4. I love you even when I am angry with you.

5. My love for you can reach you wherever you are.

6. If I could pick any 4 year old (5 year old...) in the whole wide world, I'd pick you.

7. I love you to the moon and then around the stars and back again.

8. Thank you.

9. I enjoyed playing with you today.

10. My favorite part of the day was with you when we… Tell them:

11. The story of their birth or adoption.

12. About how you cuddled them when they were a baby.

13. The story of how you chose their name.

14. A story about yourself when you were their age.

15. A story about how their grandparents met.

16. What your favorite color is.

17. That sometimes you struggle too.

18. That when you're holding hands and you give three squeezes, it's a secret code that means, "I love you".

19. What the plan is.

20. What you're doing right now. Play:

21. Freeze Tag

22. Uno

23. Crazy 8s

24. Gin Rummy

25. Memory

26. Go Fish

27. I Spy- especially in the car when you’re tired and feeingl snappish.

28. Catch Pretend:

29. To catch their kiss and put it on your cheek.

30. That their tickle tank is empty and you have to fill it.

31. That their high five nearly knocks you over.

32. That you are super ticklish.

33. That you are explorers in the backyard.

34. That it's party day! Decorate for no reason! Try:

35. To get enough sleep.

36. To drink enough water.

37. To eat decent food

38. Wearing earrings or whatever makes you feel pretty.

39. Calling friend the next time you feel like you are about to lose it with the kids.

40. Giving a gentle touch to show approval.

41. Dancing in the kitchen.

42. To get your kids to bop to the music with you in the car.

43. Showing your kids that you can do a somersault or handstand or a cartwheel

44. Keeping that sigh to yourself. Just jump in and help clean up cheerfully.

45. Using a kind voice, even if you have to fake it. Read:

46. A book of silly poems.

47. A book and then act it out. (Like "I'm going on a Bear Hunt")

48. Your favorite childhood book to them.

49. When the afternoon is starting to go astray.

50. Outside under a tree.

51. In the library kids corner.

52. The comic book they love that you're not so hot on.

53. About age appropriate behavior so you can keep your expectations realistic. Listen:

54. To your child in the car.

55. To that Lego description, and think how important it is to your child.

56. For that question that indicates your child really needs your input.

57. A second longer than you think you have patience for.

58. For the feelings behind your child's words. Ask:

59. Why do you think that happens?

60. What do you think would happen if______?

61. How shall we find out?

62. What are you thinking about?

63. What was your favorite part of the day?

64. What do you think this tastes like? Show:

65. Your child how to do something instead of banning them from it.

66. How to whistle with a blade of grass.

67. How to shuffle cards- make a bridge if you can!

68. How to cut food.

69. How to fold laundry.

70. How to look up information when you don't know the answer.

71. Affection to your spouse.

72. That taking care of yourself is important. Take Time:

73. To watch construction sites.

74. To look at the birds.

75. To allow your child to help put ingredients in the bowl.

76. To walk places together.

77. To dig in the dirt together.

78. To do a task at your child's pace.

79. To just sit with you child while they play. Trust:

80. That your child is capable.

81. That you are the right parent for your child.

82. That you are enough.

83. That you can do what is right for your family. Delight your child:

84. Clean your child's room as a surprise.

85. Put chocolate chips in the pancakes.

86. Put a love note in their lunch.

87. Make their snack into a smile face shape.

88. Make sounds effects while do something.

89. Sit on the floor with them to play. Let Go:

90. Of the guilt.

91. Of how you thought it was going to be.

92. Of your need to be right. Give:

93. A look with Kind Eyes to your child.

94. A smile when your child walks into the room.

95. A kind touch back when your child touches you.

96. The chance to connect before you correct so that your child can actually hear your words.

97. Your child a chance to work out their frustrations before helping them.

98. A bath when the day feels long.

99. A hug.

100. Your turn- how can you be kind to your child today?

Monday, February 13, 2012

Make Your Own Paint With Water Pages




Make your own water color paper

Just opened the tube of paint and put a little dot of each color on the pages. Then let the paint sit to dry.
After a couple hours the dots had hardened up nicely.






Spice Painting

Spice Painting

I thought it would make a great group activity as well! So I told everyone to raid their spice cabinet for old spices (no hot spices) and bring a bottle or two of white glue. I poured a bit of glue into tiny plastic cups and added water to dilute it, then we let the kids help add the spices to the glue. Then the fun began!



http://www.playcreateexplore.com/2011/12/childrens-art-group-spice-painting.html

Turning School Glue Into Paint



It simply takes a few drops of food coloring, in a half empty bottle of glue. The amount of food coloring, depends on the shade you want, but a few drops go a long way.

Fresh glue can be added on top of the food coloring, to fill the bottle up to 3/4s of the way full, leaving room at the top, so the glue can be mixed together with the food coloring. I usually turn the bottles upside down for a while, to let the color blend all the way through...

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Sensory Steps



Just glue plastic, wash clothes, make-up sponges, fur fabric, squishy wash netting, etc to cardboard. When it dries, cut around edges. Glue shelf liner on the other side. And you are done.Enjoy hours of activities!!!






Recycling the Old and Dry into Liquid Gold

1. Rubber-banded 5 or 6 dried out water-based markers of a similar color together.
2. Then I poured water into glass baby food jars below the screw top area.
3. Put the color tips of the markers into the water and just let it be. If you look closely at the green jar you can just see the color gliding out of the markers and sinking to the bottom. It was fun to watch and I showed several of my students whose classes attended that day.The longer it sits the better. I had a few jars that sat all school day (8 hours) and another set that sat all night long. Both turned out well. 2 to 4 hours isn't near enough time.
4. Discard markers, and enjoy the water color!

http://amanda0480.blogspot.com/2011/05/recycling-old-and-crusty.html

Kiwi! Banana's! & Mandarin! Oh My!



Class Room Arrangement

CDA Student Angela Lynn Hard at Work on her assignment.









































Monday, January 30, 2012

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY GAME TIME!

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY
GAME TIME!

Events for Sunday, February 5th 2012
Super Care Clinic
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Union Station
The Super Care Clinic is a full-service urgent care visit center operated by a coalition of Indianapolis-area healthcare facilities. Physicians and nurses from Community Health Network, Franciscan St. Francis Health, Indiana University Medical Group Primary Care, St. Vincent Medical Group, and Indiana University Health, will be available to treat illnesses ranging from coughs and colds to minor injuries. Individuals requiring more advanced treatment can be quickly transported to area hospitals.

The Huddle After Hours Club
10:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Super Bowl Village
The Huddle After Hours Club is open to the public and will be an ultra lounge destination featuring top shelf cocktails, an exclusive VIP area and entertainment.

SportsCenter (ESPN)
09:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Pan Am Plaza
SportsCenter broadcasting live from the ESPN Broadcast Studio on Pan Am Plaza.
Sunday Countdown (ESPN)

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Pan Am Plaza

Sunday Countdown broadcasting live from the ESPN Broadcast Studio on Pan Am Plaza.
Super Bowl Village
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Georgia Street
Celebrate football in Super Bowl Village! Enjoy live music, entertainment, food and beverages and more in this outdoor festival! Entrance is FREE.

The Huddle
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Super Bowl Village
The Huddle will provide entertainment and dining options for visitors. It will also contain the LIDS Locker Room with a wide assortment of Super Bowl and NFL merchandise.

Zipline
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Super Bowl Village
Experience the 80' tall and 800' long Zipline in the outdoor Super Bowl Village. Tickets purchased on-site at the Zipline Launch Tower (258 S. Capitol Ave.) are $10 and on a first come, first served basis. Zipline is operated by Ziptrek Ecotours.

Roaming Street Entertainment
11:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Super Bowl Village

Roaming street entertainment includes magicians, balloon artists, and jugglers.
LIDS Locker Room @ Circle Centre
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Super Bowl Village

Located right in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, the temporary retail space will be transformed into a fan destination with activities and autograph session opportunities, as well as a wide selection of officially licensed AFC, NFC and Super Bowl XLVI apparel and memorabilia. End time today is TBD.

Ice Gurus From the Food Network
11:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Super Bowl Village
Randy Finch and Derek Maxfield from the Food Networks show Ice Brigade, will do live ice sculpting performances.

National Anthem by Phillip Dain Powell
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Super Bowl Village
Phillip Dain Powell sings the National Anthem. The Color Guard will be presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.
Indiana Reggae Band
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM

Pepsi Stage
Indiana Reggae Band will perform on the Pepsi Stage on America's Super Game Day in the Super Bowl Village. This is a free event.

NBC Game Day Show
01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

Super Bowl Village
Bob Costas will host the NBC Sports pre game show in the Super Bowl Village.
Whitney Coleman
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM

Pepsi Stage
Whitney Coleman will perform on the Pepsi Stage on America's Super Game Day in the Super Bowl Village. This is a free event.

DJ Rusty
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Pepsi Stage
DJ Rusty will perform on the Pepsi Stage on America's Super Game Day in the Super Bowl Village. This is a free event.

Ice Gurus From the Food Network
05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Super Bowl Village
Randy Finch and Derek Maxfield from the Food Networks show Ice Brigade, will do live ice sculpting performances.

SportsCenter (ESPN)
10:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Pan Am Plaza

SportsCenter broadcasting live from the ESPN Broadcast Studio on Pan Am Plaza.
PrimeTime (ESPN)
10:30 PM - 11:30 PM

Pan Am Plaza
NFL PrimeTime broadcasting live from the ESPN Broadcast Studio on Pan Am Plaza.
SportsCenter (ESPN)
11:30 PM - 01:30 AM

Pan Am Plaza
SportsCenter broadcasting live from the ESPN Broadcast Studio on Pan Am Plaza.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Signing Time Workshop

Signing Time Workshop

With Rachel Coleman

Friday, April 27, 2012
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Indiana Convention Center, Hall H
100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Rachel Coleman, Emmy-nominated host of Signing Time!, live and in person. Rachel will use songs, signs and group interaction from the

Signing Time series to teach families and children the power that comes from learning how to communicate using American Sign Language (ASL). In addition, she will tell her inspiring story of being the mom of two children with special needs. Join her for a meet and greet after the show too!

Registration: $15.00 for Individual  $25.00 for Family of 5 or less

To register, go to http://www.utsprokids.org/ For more information contact Janice at 317-472-5602 registration@utsprokids.org


















Free Webinars

IACCRR

Free Webinars!

We hope you and your staff take advantage of this FREE opportunity. The trainings are delivered via the internet- no need to leave your site. All topics are relevant to early childhood, and will help you meet Paths to QUALITY annual in service training hours. Topics will include, Universal Precautions, Early Childhood Careers, Disability Awareness, Physical Activities, Math, Social Studies, and more. More than 10 webinars to choose from each month. Webinar times are convenient to you. 1:30-2:30 p.m. EST

Get a full list of monthly trainings here, then call 1-800-299-1627 to register!

Monday, January 23, 2012

Poison Prevention Class

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?

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

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 parents.
How much? The workshop is FREE
Where? Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis
When? Wednesday February 22nd from 12:00-3:00 p.m.
 
Registration is limited to 10 Please contact Barbara Cole to confirm that an opening is available.
(317) 962-9248 bcole@iuhealth.org

NASA Ignite! Training Mission

NASA Ignite! Training Mission

Enrolling: Certified Teachers, Preservice
Teachers, and Afterschool Educators
 
When: March 17, 24, and April 28, 2012
Where: Marian University,Marian Hall Upper lobby (old Civic Theater area)
Time: 8:30-5:00
Topics:
Day 1, March 17 – Rocketry - rockets and discussion of expectations and responsibilities for the teachers (a "flight plan," so to speak)
Day 2, March 24– Astrobiology - life science (the body in space, NASA's search for other life in the universe)
Day 3, April 28- Space exploration (our near neighbors in the solar system and then moving beyond to comets, stars, and how we get there)

Cost: $75 (includes training, 3 lunches and teacher materials)

Seating is limited! Make checks payable to Marian University NASA Workshop

Commitment: Participants will commit to attending all 3 workshops and some additional training throughout the year facilitated by NASA educational consultants. Participants will be invited to teach hands-on activities at summer programs in the Indianapolis area. The Marian University Summer Learning Institute will provide a stipend for those who participate in summer teaching opportunities.

Reservation: Dr. Judy Bardonner, Director, Center for Community Learning,
Marian University; (317) 955-6545 jbardonner@marian.edu

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Next Steps: Life After First Steps

Don't Let Your Child's Transition to Preschool Get Messy!
Sometimes children may still need therapy after they have completed the First Steps Program. The next public option for children older than three years of age to receive therapy services is through the special education preschool program provided by every local school district.

Join us for the "Next Steps: Life After First Steps" free, informative meeting that will help you understand what services are provided by your local school district and the process to access these services. This event will also allow you to meet and greet available school representatives from local school districts in Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Morgan, and Tipton Counties.

At this event, you will be able to:
  • Get your questions answered about Preschool Special Education Services
  • Learn about School Bus Services and see the type of bus your child could ride
  • Tour a Special Education Preschool
  • Witness a mock case conference
  • Gather resources from various programs and services
  • Participate in a "make it & take it," hands-on preschool activity
Date: February 8, 2012
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Fishback Creek Public Academy
                 8301 West 86th Street
                 Indianapolis, IN 46278
YOU MUST RSVP TO Kathy at 472-6104 by 2-1-12
    

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Hidden Sugar in Food Labels

The Many Names of Sugar

Want to cut down on the sweet stuff? You have to find it first.
By Heather Lee

If you feel like your eating is out of control, one of the most important steps you can take is to reset your taste buds' sensitivity by avoiding flavor overload, says weight loss expert David Katz, MD, director of the Yale Prevention Research Center. That means cracking down on hidden sugar in foods that you don't even think of as sweet--such as pasta sauce or potato chips.

Unfortunately, sugar hides behind many different names on food labels. Here is a list of its aliases:

• sucrose
• fructose
• glucose
• dextrose
• galactose
• lactose
• maltose
• invert sugar
• raw sugar
• turbinado sugar
• brown sugar
• confectioner's sugar
• granulated sugar
• corn syrup
• high-fructose corn syrup
• honey
• maple syrup
• molasses

FREE Stewards of Children Training

Join the Movement to End Child Sexual Abuse

Stewards of Children is a powerful sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, react responsibly, and take courageous action.

Visit: www.mccoyouth.org/Intervention/stewards-of-children.html or contact Shanna Martin at
shanna.martin@Mccoyouth.org or 317-921-1233 for more information about Stewards of Children trainings.
2012 Trainings:

• February 11, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• February 21, 1-3:30 p.m.
• March 15, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• April 3, 8:30-11 a.m.
• August 7, 1-3:30 p.m.
• November 13, 8:30-11 a.m.

Monday, January 9, 2012

How do you connect with Child Care Answers?

Child Care Answers offers several ways to keep up with our trainings and community events.
  • Check out our Facebook page
  • Follow us on Twitter @childcareanswer
  • Subscribe to our Legislation Education Blog for up to date information about Legislation impacting youth.
  • Check out our website for the latest Training Calendar and to register for classes.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Have You Considered a Career in Child Care?

A career in child care can be a very rewarding choice. As a licensed home provider you can make a difference in the lives of children as well as owning a business. Child Care Answers wants to help you get started by offering FREE training classes as well as assisting you with community resources and other classes to help you succeed as a child care provider.

Did you know that Johnson and Hendricks county has a strong need for more licensed child care providers? In 2011 Child Care Answers had 426 families in Johnson and Hendricks county searching for child care but only has 132 providers available in that area.

Child Care Answers Resource and Referral Agency is a local agency serving Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson and Marion County. Child Care Answers offers FREE training for individuals interested in beginning a child care business. Those interested in starting up a licensed center, home or registered ministry can register to attend an orientation class through us or take the class online at http://www.iaccrr.org/portal/?#tabs-training. This class gives a general overview of child care in Indiana and resources in the community. Child Care Answers also offers classes to help in advertising your child care business and record keeping. The training calendar is published four times a year and includes upcoming classes offered by Child Care Answers and early childhood education classes in the community.

For licensed child care providers a mentoring program is available to help guide them as they advance levels in Paths to Quality, Indiana’s voluntary quality rating system for child care. Classes are also available to help with guidance and discipline, stress prevention for caregivers and Exploring the Foundation to Indiana Academic Standards.

A copy of Child Care Answers training calendar can be viewed online at http://www.childcareanswers.com/. Once there, click on the provider tab and then the “training” link on the right hand side.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Exciting Opportunity to Make Visuals

Join our Inclusion Specialist, Tory Masters, for an exciting Make and Take It session on Saturday, January 7th. The session begins at 9:30 am and for an hour I will go through all the visual supports and how to use them with children, then for another hour or so, I will give you time to make those visuals. The cost is only $5 per person! Below is a list of what I will have available for you to make:


  • Tucker Turtle’s social story for handling frustration
  • A visual schedule (please bring photos of your children following your daily routine to use if you want to use them!)
  • Center Control
  •  Stop Signs
  •  Solutions Kit for problem solving
  •  Emotional Check in
It will be a fun filled morning and we have limited seats. Once you register and payment and finalized, we will give you all the final details of the day! Feel free to register a friend and pass this information along to others! You must be completely registered and payment received by Thursday, January 5th!

Friday, December 30, 2011

New Year's Eve - Art Activity

Water Bottle Noise Maker

Age: 8 and up
Parental supervision is recommended

What you'll need:
Empty plastic water bottle
Beans, coins, or other items to place inside
1 sheet white tissue paper
Scraps of tissue paper in various colors, cut into small squares
24” long strip of light blue crepe paper streamer
24” long strip of pink crepe paper streamer
White craft glue
Water
Scissors


How to make it:
Place a handful of beads or coins inside the clean, dry water bottle. Run some glue around the mouth of the bottle and replace the cap.
Make a mixture of 1/2 white craft glue and 1/2 water that will be enough to cover the bottle a few times over.
Tear white tissue paper into large chunks, approximately 4”x2”.
Paint a small section of the outside of the water bottle with the glue mixture. Place a torn piece of white tissue paper onto the glue mixture and paint over it with the glue mixture. Repeat this process, covering the entire bottle with 2-3 coats of white.
Apply small colorful squares of tissue paper randomly over the white tissue paper to resemble confetti.
Cut each strip of crepe paper streamer in half. Carefully tie one of the pieces around the neck of the bottle. Repeat with other lengths of crepe paper. Use scissors to cut each length to about 4” hanging length, and then cut upwards into thin strips. Use a couple pieces of the excess crepe paper you just cut off to twist around the neck of the bottle and glue in place. Allow to dry for several hours.


Have Fun ringing in the New Year!!!

A few family friendly events for New Years Eve- “Indianapolis Style”

Countdown to Noon
Families are invited to participate in the excitement of an early countdown by celebrating the New Year with activities, music and a water clock countdown to noon. It's a cool event to bring in the New Year with the entire family.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 31, The Children's Museum, 3000 N. Meridian St., free with museum admission ($11.50- $16.50), www.childrensmuseum.org, (317) 334-3322.

Family New Year's Eve
Children and adults will enjoy games, crafts, magicians, face-painting, a stilt walker, clowns and live music by the Tides, an Indianapolis band. At 8 p.m., there will be a celebratory balloon drop, allowing the younger children to celebrate the New Year in style.
6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 31, Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., $11 non-member, $6 members, reservations recommended, www.indianamuseum.org, (317) 232-1637.

Spend the night at the Caribbean Cove Indoor Water Park at the Holiday Inn, Pyramids location- Enjoy the Holiday Inn, with over 50,000 feet of water activities, slides, areas for both older and younger children and game arcades. After the family has had its fill of water activities, enjoy eating in one of the hotel's many restaurants or order room service, rent a pay per view movie and settle in for a night away from home.
Location: 3850 DePauw Blvd. Indianapolis, IN 46260 Phone: 317-872-9790- Cost: Package deal is $349 plus tax for up to 5 people, includes a free, lavish breakfast buffet with unlimited refills (all you can eat), admission to the water park, kids' club activities till midnight, free party favors. Per person rate for a night of fun is about $65 plus tax. Not free, not cheap, but very, very fun! In addition to the free party favors, a conga line with refreshments starts at 11:30 pm.

Beef and Boards Christmas Yule A very family friendly show, this one captures the spirit of the season and includes a buffet meal as well. This is a musical variety show that the whole family will love, with a history of annual performances for over fifteen years. Catch it this year and plan to catch it next year as well. Location: 9301 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260 ,Phone: 317: 872-9664 Cost: Tickets range from $32.50 to $52.50, depending on seating choices and location. Hours: 8 pm nightly.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Infants’ Acetaminophen Dosing

Manufacturers are changing the amount (concentration) of acetaminophen in medicines for infants. These new
concentrations will have different dosing directions. During the transition, you may find both concentrations
on store shelves and in your home.

What you need to know:
• The medicine label for children under 2 years of age instructs you to call your doctor for dosing directions.

• Your doctor or pharmacist can give you the correct dosing instructions once they know the concentration of he acetaminophen in the product you are using.

How can I tell which concentration I have?

You will find the concentration for the medicine on the front of the medicine bottle, either 80mg/0.8mL (old product concentration) or 160mg/5mL (new product concentration).

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Living in the New Normal: Helping Children Thrive in Good and Challenging Times

You are invited to the Living In the New Normal: Helping Children Thrive In Good and

Challenging Times Practicum.

The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC)™, a nonprofit
organization addressing the educational needs of children in military families, presents the training. This training is designed for Family Readiness Group leaders, first responders and other concerned adults to gain strategies and practical applications to increase resilience in military-connected children.
Living In the New Normal: Helping Children Thrive In Good and Challenging Times


Practicum

Date: March 9,2012
Registration and Breakfast: 8:00 am -8:30 am
Institute Training: 8:30 am -4:00 pm
Place:
JW Marriott
10 S West Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
95% attendance is required to receive institute credit and course materials

No cost to participants. Funded by OSD/DA

For more information about LINN-P or this training, please contact Amanda Hulsey at 254-953-1923 or Amanda.Hulsey@militarychild.org. Please visit www.MilitaryChild.org, click the Upcoming Trainings tab to register.

Monday, December 19, 2011

And The Winner Is...

Congratulations to the winners of the Paths to QUALITY contest that took place October 20th-December 15th. Providers who enrolled during this time were entered into a drawing to receive a gift card. The winners were:


  • Licensed Child Care Center Kids-X-Clusive Child Care Inc. received a $200 Lakeshore gift card

  • Licensed Child Care Home Numidia Hernandez of Grandma's Child Care received a $100 Visa gift card

Thank you for your commitment to quality child care and thank you becoming a part of the Paths to QUALITY system.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

CDA: IS IT FOR ME?

What Are the Steps to Obtaining my CDA?


  1. Determine what training route and means is right for you

  2. Successfully complete the CDA training


  3. Request to take and successfully pass the CDA assessment to earn the CDA credential from the Council for Professional Recognition (http://www.cdacouncil.org/ )

  4. Renew the CDA as required by the Council for Professional Recognition


What are my CDA OPTIONS?
While there are lots of places to get CDA training, the training is delivered in three basic ways: through a college or university; through a local approved organization or agency; and online. Some options to earn a CDA include…



  • Formal CDA (for college credits)--You can contact Ivy Tech (Rose- 921-4403); there are TEACH (356-6884) scholarship dollars available; the student pay 10% and TEACH pays 90% if they qualify.


  • Non-Formal CDA (120 clock hours with no college credits as you go through the process)
    Online: You can go to
    http://www.blogger.com/www.childcareanswers.com ; click on the link across the top that says Provider, then on the CDA link on the right side - the cost is $299 payable prior to starting the class (no scholarships available), students are able to work at their own rate and are able to begin the process at any time.
    Care Courses online CDA classes
    http://www.carecoures.com/
    120 clock hour class: Our CDA classes meet one night a week (3 hours) and 1 Saturday a month (6 hours). If you qualify for a scholarship the cost is $100; without a scholarship the cost is $1196

Child Care Answers has classes starting in January, however you must register now and attend a CDA orientation class... contact Vanessa at 317 636-5727, ext. 241 or vanessaf@childcareanswers.com

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Christmas Help

Forest Manor
(317) 545-1204

Community School
(317) 638-4673



United Way
(317) 921-1208


George Washington High School
No phone number given.
2215 West Washington 46222-Christmas Party Dec 17 at 10:00 am

Holiday Helpers









Freezer Cooking with Slow Cooker Recipes




Basically, all you do is chop vegetables and assemble ingredients.
You dump the veggies into the gallon ziploc bags, then add the meat, then add the spices.


To cook, take out of freezer and set on counter for about 30 minutes, then dump contents of bag into slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 8 hours.


Here are a couple of sample recipes:




Goulash


2cups chopped onions2.5 cups coarsely chopped green sweet peppers4 large beets, peeled and diced2 cups of carrots3 cloves garlic, minced3 pounds beef stew meat, cut into one inch cubes1 6-ounce can tomato paste4 teaspoons Hungarian paprika or regular paprika (I used regular)1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper4 cups hot cooked noodles1/2 dairy sour cream



Beef Roast with Root Vegetables
Ingredients
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 large sweet potatoes, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
1 celery root (celeriac), peeled and chopped
1 (5-pound) boneless beef roast, trimmed of fat
Salt and ground black pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder



Prep Time Savers:
Seasoned Ground Beef
Shredded Chicken
Shredded Pork
Shredded Beef
Chopped Bell Peppers
Chopped Onions
Freezer Basil (Yay!!)
Crockpot Veggie Dump (for roasts and whole chickens)





Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments:
The rich color and wonderful scent of these cinnamon applesauce ornaments make them a lovely addition to your Christmas decor. Try hanging a few from a window sill, making the ribbons of different lengths so that the ornaments will hang at different levels, or simply add them to your Christmas tree.

Craft Supplies:Cookie Cutters, Ribbon,Toothpick, Fabric paint, Apple sauce, Cinnamon, Craft glue

Craft Project Instructions:Mix equal amounts of apple sauce and cinnamon and add 1 teaspoon of craft glue for every cup of applesauce. Have extra cinnamon on hand, you want a dough like texture.

Mix all the ingredients until you have a firm but wet dough. If you like you can substitute small amounts of cinnamon for a little nutmeg or ground cloves. Roll out your dough to at least 1/4 inch thickness (less than this will make your ornaments a little weak and they break easily) and cut shapes with cookie cutters. With a toothpick, poke a hole at the top of each ornament that is large enough for a ribbon to be pulled through. Place ornaments on a cooling rack or tray to dry completely. Depending on how large your ornaments are, drying could take a couple of days; it's best not to touch your ornaments during this time. You can also dry the ornaments in a 250 degree oven for a couple of hours. Once your ornaments are dry and if there are a few rough edges, you can easily remove the roughness with a little fine sandpaper. Sand your ornaments gently, as it doesn't take much to remove the little edges. Tie a ribbon through the hole and, if you like, you can paint these ornaments or add a little glitter. This is a great activity to do with children. From start to finish children will enjoy this creative outlet. These ornaments are easily saved, simply wrapped them in tissue paper and put in a box. I have some from 15 years ago, they still have a scent.

Magnetic Painting Activity

Magnetic Painting Activity-
http://playathomemom3.blogspot.com

This looks like a fun activity for children of all ages! With just paint, magnetic wand, magnetic balls and a clear surface you have a creative outlet for children.This activity could be modified to fit your space and the individual needs of the child. If the child/children want to save their artwork, then place paper directly over the artwork and quickly remove the paper.
Happy painting!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Easy ball pit



Easy steps to turning a pack-n-play into a ball pit

1. Remove any moblie and bassinet from your pack-n-play

2.Add a few dozen fun balls

3. Insert child!

It is just that easy!

(I found a couple of resources for the balls. Amazon, 100 balls for $11.95, Wal-Mart 100 balls for $16.95)