Paths to QUALITY Sign Blitz

Have you seen some of the press the Paths to QUALITY sign blitz has gotten? This past Tuesday, Child Care Answers held a press conference with Douglas S. Hairston of the City of Indianapolis Director of the Front Porch Alliance, Carrie Ryland, Level 4 child care home provider and Melanie Brizzi,FSSA Child Care Administrator guest speaking about the importance of quality child care in Indiana and the impact Paths to QUALITY has had on families and providers.

Posted on our facebook and youtube channel are videos from the conference and providers recieving their signs.

Public Health Insurance: What You Don’t Know Can Cost You

Public Health Insurance: What You Don’t Know Can Cost You

Monday – November 15, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location:
Speedway United Methodist Church
5065 W. 16th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46224

Cost: $40 * - Families
$75 - Professionals

Questions:
Email asktraining@aboutspecialkids.org

Overview: This full day training provides parents and professionals with information about public health insurance programs that can be accessed by families caring for children with special needs. It includes information on Medicaid, Medicaid Disability, Medicaid Waivers, Children’s Special Healthcare Services, Hoosier Healthwise, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), and private insurance. This is NOT a training on the new Healthcare Reform.

Register: Register online at www.aboutspecialkids.org

Registration for the training will be closed on November 11, 2010

Payment is due PRIOR to event. Payment can be made online through PayPal.

Lunch is not provided. Time will be allotted for lunch on your own.

Minimum of 6 per training is required for training to take place.

Training certificate for Professional Growth Points.

* Due to ASK’s lack of funding sources to support our trainings, ASK is required to charge training participant fees to recoup our costs for qualified trainers, travel, printing of information etc. Families of children ages 0-5 can apply to the Family Involvement Fund at www.inf2f.org, to help cover the cost of these trainings. If applying to the Family Involvement Fund, request a waived registration fee which will allow ASK to be reimbursed directly and will not require payment up front from you . You can also visit our website for other scholarship options.

Paths to QUALITY banner displayed

Day Nursery Clarian Center Directors Jesse McCloud (left) and Rene Withers show off their new Paths to Quality Level 4 banner.

Early Childhood Educator's Book Club

You are invited to the
Early Childhood Book Club
First Meeting – Monday, Nov. 8 at 5:30 p.m.
(We will meet each month, on the second Monday)
Location – IAEYC Conference Room
4755 Kingsway Drive, Lower Level

Our first book will be Children of 2020
by Valora Washington and JD Andrews
You can purchase the book at www.naeyc.org

We will be discussing Act I:Vision at this first meeting.
For more information, please call Lisa Cordle at 317-831-8317 or email at lisahildebrand@msn.com

Deaths prompt CPSC, FDA warning on infant sleep positioners

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today warned consumers to stop using infant sleep positioners. Over the past 13 years, CPSC and the FDA have received 12 reports of infants between the ages of 1 month and 4 four months who died when they suffocated in sleep positioners or became trapped and suffocated between a sleep positioner and the side of a crib or bassinet.

Most of the infants suffocated after rolling from a side to stomach position. In addition to the reported deaths, CPSC has received dozens of reports of infants who were placed on their backs or sides in sleep positioners, only to be found later in potentially hazardous positions within or next to the sleep positioners.

“The deaths and dangerous situations resulting from the use of infant sleep positioners are a serious concern to CPSC,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “We urge parents and caregivers to take our warning seriously and stop using these sleep positioners, so that children can have a safer sleep.”

The two main types of infant sleep positioners are flat mats with side bolsters or inclined (wedge) mats with side bolsters.


Both types of sleep positioners typically claim to help keep infants on their backs and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The FDA has never cleared an infant sleep positioner to prevent or reduce the risk of SIDS. In addition, CPSC and the FDA are unaware of any scientific studies demonstrating that infant positioners prevent SIDS or are proven to prevent suffocation or other life-threatening harm.

“To date, there is no scientifically sound evidence that infant sleep positioners prevent SIDS,” said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner and a pediatrician. “We want to make sure parents, health care professionals, and childcare providers understand the potential risk of suffocation and stop using infant sleep positioners.”

Sleep positioners also typically claim to do one or all of the following: aid in food digestion to ease colic or the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); and prevent flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly). In light of the new safety data, FDA believes any benefit from using these devices to ease GERD or prevent plagiocephaly is outweighed by the risk of suffocation.

CPSC and the FDA are warning parents and child care providers to:

STOP using sleep positioners. Using a positioner to hold an infant on his or her back or side for sleep is dangerous and unnecessary.
NEVER put pillows, infant sleep positioners, comforters, or quilts under a baby or in a crib.
ALWAYS place an infant on his or her back at night and during nap time. To reduce the risk of SIDS, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing infants to sleep on their backs and not their sides.
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not support the use of any sleep positioner to prevent SIDS.

Manufacturers of infant sleep positioners with medical claims that have not been reviewed by the FDA should stop marketing those products until they submit, and the FDA clears, appropriate premarket review submissions, including necessary safety and effectiveness data.

FDA has informed manufacturers of cleared devices of the agency's serious concern and has requested that they submit clinical data showing the benefits of their products outweigh the risk of suffocation or other serious harm.

Prompt reporting of adverse events can help the FDA and CPSC identify and better understand the risks associated with infant sleep positioners. If you have had a problem with an infant sleep positioner, the agencies encourage you to file a report through FDA’s MedWatch program, at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/HowToReport/default.htm

CPSC is interested in receiving incident or injury reports related to these products. Please visit https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx to file a report.

For more information:

CPSC: Consumer Blog http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2010/09/sleep-positioners-a-suffocation-risk/

FDA: Infant Sleep Positioners Pose Suffocation Risk (Consumer article) http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm227575.htm

FDA: Infant Positioner Initial Communication http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm227301.htm

FDA: Letter to Manufacturers Concerning Medical Claims About Infant Sleep Positioners http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/ucm227302.htm

FDA: Letter to Manufacturers of 510(k)-cleared Infant Positioners http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/ucm227303.htm

NIH: Back to Sleep Campaign http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/safe_sleep_gen.cfm

NIH: Preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Suffocation www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/Sudden_Infant_Death_Syndrome.cfm

AAP: Policy Statement on SIDS http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;116/5/1245

State of Indiana Gives Parents More Ways to Locate and Recognize High Quality Child Care

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mindy Bennett at Child Care Answers
Phone: 317-636-5727 x 224
Date/Time: September 28, 2010

Paths to QUALITY™, Indiana’s voluntary quality rating and improvement system for child care programs will launch a sign campaign on October 5th designed to provide families with a new tool for recognizing high quality child care.

Child Care Answers will be hosting a Press Conference, with ten other simultaneous press conferences throughout the state on October 5th, 2010 at 10:00 am EST. The local press conference will be held at United Way of Central Indiana Conference Room D: 3901 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis IN 46208. Exciting news will be announced by Mindy Bennett, Director of Programs and Carrie Ryland owner and operator of Better Beginnings.

Mindy Bennett of Child Care Answers states, “The signs and banners will be revealed at eligible child care programs as part of a single-day, statewide effort. We recognize how essential high quality child care is to our community. Research shows that high quality early learning experiences prepare children for future success in school, work and life. Paths to QUALITY™ is a free resource for families to use when choosing child care. The signs will immediately identify providers enrolled in Paths to QUALITY™ that provide high quality child care.”

According to Melanie Brizzi, Child Care Administrator for the Indiana Bureau of Child Care, “Over 1,900 child care programs have demonstrated their commitment to quality child care by participating in Paths to QUALITY™. The signs are a great way to recognize the efforts of programs rated at Levels 2, 3, or 4 and to tell others that these child care programs are working to give children the rich environments they deserve.”

Learn more about Paths to QUALITY™ and other child care resources in our community by contacting Child Care Answers at 317-631-4643 or www.childcareanswers.com.

To access a free, online search for a Paths to QUALITY ™ child care program, visit childcareindiana.org.
-End-

Additional Safe Sleep Class

We have added an additional Safe Sleep class in Indianapolis for Wednesday October 13th from 6pm-8:30pm. Contact Rae at (317) 636-5727 ext. 248.

Smithsonian

Smithsonian Free Day
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09/25/2010 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM through 09/25/2010 at 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Conner Prairie
13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers, IN 46038 view on map
Event phone: 800-966-1836
Event web site: www.connerprairie.org

Conner Prairie, Indiana's only Smithsonian Affiliate, is participating in Smithsonian Museum Day, an annual event hosted by Smithsonian in which participating museums across the country open their doors for free to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. Visit www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday for a coupon for free general admission to Conner Prairie for Smithsonian Museum Day 2010. Offer only valid with coupon on Saturday, Sept. 25.

Weekend Tailgate Recipe

First-Down Chicken Wings











Another Tailgate staple that no party should go without!
Ingredients


• 4 Lbs chicken wings approximately 24 - 30
• Marinade
• 1 Cup apple cider
• 2 tbs white wine vinegar
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 2 tbs Worcestershire
• 2 tbs hot chili powder
• 1 Tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 Tsp Tabasco
• Tsp salt
• Ground pepper to taste
Directions
• Combine marinade ingredients together and mix very well in a large bowl. In an extra large Ziploc baggy, place chicken wings and add marinade over top.
• Be sure to coat all chicken wings and marinate in refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight before grilling.

Office Closed

Child Care Answers office will be closed on Friday October 8th all day. The office will resume normal business hours on Monday October 11th.

Sexual Violence Prevention Summit

September 24, 2010
8:00am - 12:30pm
Guilford Township Community Center
1500 South Center Street
Plainfield, IN 46168

On September 24th, 2010 the SVTF will host
its second annual Sexual Violence
Prevention Summit from 8:00am - 12:30pm
at the Guilford Township Community
Center in Plainfield. The summit will
feature a variety of speakers on the theme of
working together to prevent sexual violence.
The event is completely free and open to
both professionals and the general public.

Summit Agenda
8:00am: Complimentary Breakfast and Registration
8:25am: Opening Remarks
8:30am - 9:45am: Female Perpetrators
Karen A Duncan, M.A.
9:45am - 10:00am: Break
10:00am - 11:15am: Engaging Men in Prevention Work
Rus Ervin Funk, MSW
11:15am - 11:30am: Break
11:30am - 12:30pm: Teen Dating Violence Prevention
Karen A Duncan, M.A.

For Registration information contact Jenni Hill at:
jhill@co.hendricks.in.us or call (317) 745-9372.

Roadmap to Special Education: Laws and Process

About Special Kids (ASK) is the place for families and professionals in Indiana to go to “ASK” questions about children with special needs and to access information and resources about a variety of topics such as health insurance, special education, community resources and medical homes. ASK is the connection to family support in the state of Indiana and we are committed to helping families access the resources and support they need to ensure the success of their children.

One opportunity that we provide to both families and professionals are trainings to inform and educate them, and to serve as a system of support and reference. We strive to provide each parent and professional with a positive training experience that will provide them with the tools necessary to navigate through the Special Education and Health Insurance systems.

On September 22nd, we have a training, Roadmap to Special Education: Laws and Process, scheduled in Greenwood. For more information and to register for the training visit the website.

This training, combining the Article 7 and IEP training, is an all day training that offers basic information about special education laws and regulations for Indiana children ages 3-21. In addition, this training provides information on how to prepare for a case conference and write an IEP. This training is a great opportunity for family members and professionals who advocate for children with a disability or serious chronic illness.

Toy Recall

Giant Starbuilders and Giant Stars Building Sets Recalled by Edushape Due to Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Giant Starbuilder and Giant Stars building sets

Units: About 13,500

Distributor: Edushape Ltd., of Deer Park, N.Y.

Hazard: Plastic knobs can break from the center of the star, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and Edushape have received three reports of knobs breaking off from the center of the star. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves all Giant Starbuilders and Giant Stars building sets. The giant stars measure 5-inches in diameter and are made of opaque plastic. Each star has six knobs protruding from a ring-shaped center. The Giant Starbuilder set contains red, green, yellow and blue stars. The Giant Star building set contains red, green, yellow, blue, orange and pink stars.

Sold at: Small retail stores nationwide and online at Target.com, Toys R Us.com, Amazon.com and CSN through Walmart Marketplace from January 2007 through May 2010 for between $25 and $35.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled star blocks away from children and contact Edushape for a replacement set or credit towards another Edushape product of equal or lesser value.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Edushape at (800) 404-4744 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.edushape.com

CCA Training Opportunities!!

The summer is quickly coming to an end; however we have some “hot” training that you and/or your staff will enjoy…share the information with those that might benefit! Visit the training page on our website to check out the trainings and register!

Free Admission to Conner Prairie

Guests receive free admission for Smithsonian Magazine’s sixth annual Museum Day

FISHERS, Ind. (Sept. 9, 2010) – On Saturday, Sept. 25 Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Indiana’s only Smithsonian Affiliate, will participate in Smithsonian magazine’s sixth annual Museum Day. Conner Prairie will join participating museums and cultural institutions nationwide to open its doors free of charge to all visitors who download the Museum Day Ticket from Smithsonian.com.

Museum Day 2010 is poised to be the largest to date, outdoing last year’s record-breaking event. Over 300,000 museum-goers and 1,300 venues in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico participated in Museum Day 2009. Last year, two million visitors logged on to www.smithsonian.com/museumday to learn more about the program.

“We are delighted to offer the readers and fans of Smithsonian magazine a chance to experience the park through our ongoing partnership with the Smithsonian Institution,” said Ellen M. Rosenthal, president & CEO of Conner Prairie. “We strive to be an outstanding member of the community and to support the Smithsonian Institution’s mission to increase and diffuse the knowledge of science, history and the arts.”

The Museum Day Ticket is available to download at www.smithsonian.com/museumday. Visitors who present the official pass will gain free admission for two people to Conner Prairie on Sat., Sept. 25. One ticket is permitted per household, per email address. Listings and links to participating museums’ and sponsors’ sites can be found at www.smithsonian.com/museumday.

Labor Day Nacho Salsa

Nacho Salsa Dip


“This zesty dip is great for any get-together and allows me to spend more time with my guests,” says Sally Hull of Homestead, Florida. “I always have requests to bring it when my husband and I attend parties.”
28 ServingsPrep: 15 min. Cook: 3 hours
Ingredients
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 2 pounds VELVEETA Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product, cubed
• 1 jar (16 ounces) chunky salsa
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Tortilla chips or cubed French bread
Directions
• In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat
• is no longer pink; drain well.
•
• Transfer to a greased 3-qt. slow cooker; stir in the cheese, salsa
• and garlic powder. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours. Stir; serve
• with tortilla chips or cubed bread. Yield: 7 cups.
•

HAVE A GREAT LABOR DAY FROM THE CHILD CARE ANSWERS STAFF

Facts fro Features - Labor Day Weekend 2010
Published 09/02/2010 - 9:51 p.m. CST

The first observance of Labor Day is believed to have been a parade of 10,000 workers on Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City, organized by Peter J. McGuire, a Carpenters and Joiners Union secretary. By 1893, more than half the states were observing a “Labor Day” on one day or another, and Congress passed a bill to establish a federal holiday in 1894. President Grover Cleveland signed the bill soon afterward, designating the first Monday in September as Labor Day.

CEU's~

Each Issue of Healthy Childcare® Can Provide One Training Clock Hour FREE!

If you need CDA credit hours or childcare licensing hours, read an issue of Healthy Childcare® and complete the companion Study Guide to earn one clock hour. Clock hours are free to subscribers.

Click here to get started!

Colts Style Pep Rally to Kick Off United Way Campaign

Come to Monument Circle during lunch time Sept. 10 for free festivities, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

INDIANAPOLIS ….August 30, 2010 – What do you get when you combine a Colts-style pep rally with a community volunteer fair and the kickoff of United Way’s annual campaign?

Organizers of the new Colts Go Blue for United Way Day hope the answer is record-breaking giving and volunteering to help those who need it most in Central Indiana. That’s the goal of the free public event scheduled for Fri., Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monument Circle in Indianapolis.

United Way of Central Indiana will announce its 2010 fundraising goal, recognize strong early campaigns at local companies and reveal special Colts prizes as incentives to spur giving.

Up to 100 local nonprofits will provide information about area needs and enlist volunteers to help improve the community. It’s part of United Way’s focus on engaging people to LIVE UNITED by making it easy for them to GIVE, ADVOCATE and VOLUNTEER.

Live music by Dave and Rae, $5 box lunches from O’Charley’s, free Indianapolis Colts schedule posters, the chance to see Colts Cheerleaders and the Vince Lombardi and AFC Championship trophies are on the schedule. A special performance by Broad Ripple High School students is also planned.

For more than 35 years, the NFL and United Way have been working together to strengthen communities. This rally celebrates the long partnership and invites the whole community to get involved to make it a winning season for both the Indianapolis Colts and United Way.

Zup's BBQ for Kids!

Friday, August 27, 2010
11:00 AM to 1:30 PM

4th Annual Zup's BBQ for Kids--Benefiting Children's Bureau, Inc.

Join the Indianapolis Colts, Tom Zupancic and the Exchange Club of Speedway
a BBQ on the Circle! For just $10...enjoy an authentic BBQ lunch from one of several local restaurants, listen to great music, visit with Colts Cheerleaders, tour the Colts Museum and watch your favorite celebrities rush to each the most ribs!

Proceeds benefit Children's Bureau. For more information contact Dave Mayer at 317.781.2456.

Location:
Monument Circle, Downtown Indianapolis