Conner Prairie to host autism event

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

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

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

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

Indy Homeless Connect

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

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

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

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

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

Sesame Street Live "Elmo's Green Thumb"

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

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

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

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

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

Click Here for ticket information.

Activities for your little one

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

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

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

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

Source: Zero to Three, www.zerotothree.org

Changes and Updates to the Medicaid Developmental Disablity Waiver

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

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

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

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

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

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

NAEYC Children's Champions

A Membership Benefit of Indiana AEYC

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

Cherish the Child: Prevent Child Abuse Conference

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

Date: Saturday March 27th 9 am - 3 pm

Location: Marion County

Cost: $20

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vanessa Fletcher - 2010 Bev Henry Award Winner

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

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

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

Kids Express Home Child Care increases environmental activities to protect children

Indianapolis facility gains membership to voluntary state program

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

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

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

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

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

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

About IDEM

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Paths to QUALITY

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

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

Cherish the Children: Preventing Child Abuse Conference

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



Date: Saturday March 27th 9 am - 3 pm

Location: Marion County

Cost: $20

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



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



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

IPS Changes Post Super Bowl Plans

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

Posted using ShareThis

February is Black History Month

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

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

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

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

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

Autism Expo 2010

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

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

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

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

Health Fair

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

For the Indy Community

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

For more information call us at
317-635-8884

Child Care Providers Meeting

Attention All Childcare Directors and/Owners:

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

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

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

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

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

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

FREE Health Fair

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

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

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