Thursday, August 19, 2010

Kid's Health Day


Kid's Health Day is designed to inform parents about health and education resources in the community that encourage the long-term health and wellness of children. Sponsored by Lakeshore Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center and LearningRx Brain Training and Learning Center, the day will provide activities for children including a bounce house and craft projects, free dyslexia screenings, and nervous system scans. Additional exhibitors include Art with a Heart, Edible Arrangements, Fire Safety demonstrations with the Lawrence Fire Department, and Healthy Snacking by Sam's Club. Kid's Health Day will be held August 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Kroger Plaza at 79th and Fall Creek. For updated information on the speakers, visit http://www.indyevents.net/.
The first 100 kids will receive a special gift.
Kroger Plaza. 79th and Fall Creek, Indianapolis.

Free Back to School Immunization Clinic Saturday

Warren Central High School to Host Next
Back to School Immunization Clinic

The Marion County Health Department’s next free back to school immunization clinic will be held from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 21 at Warren Central High School, 9500 East 16th Street.

Those attending the clinic should enter through Door 1, located on the north side of the school.
Parents and guardians should bring their child’s shot record with them to the clinic.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Spanish Orientation

Registrase en los talleres de Orientación y podría convertirse en una PROVEEDORA DE CUIDADO INFANTIL. Los talleres son GRATIS y en Español. ¡Registrase hoy para los siguientes talleres!

Orientación 1- Jueves 09 de septiembre-6:00pm-8:00pm
Orientación 2- 13 de septiembre-5:00pm-8:30pm
Seguridad al Dormir- Llame para más información
Talleres en: Edificio de English Foundation
615 N. Alabama Street, Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Para más información, comuníquele con Amy Torres al: (317) 636-5727 Ext. 237 (en español)
Correo electrónico: amyt@childcareanswers.com

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Helpful Back To School Tips

Re-establish Bedtime and Meal Routines
Start having meals at a regular time again at least a week before school starts.

Turn off the TV
Encourage your child to play quiet games, work puzzles and flash cards, color or read. This will ease them back into the learning process.

Designate an Area for Homework
If your child is younger, a special area of the family room or kitchen ensures that you will be readily available to supervise and answer questions.

Freeze a few easy dinners
A few ready-to-eat meals will help eliminate some of the stress that comes with the first week or two or school.

Visit a new school with your child
Help them find their classroom, meet the teacher, navigate the halls and become comfortable with their environment. Be sure to call the school first to make sure the teacher will be available and the visit is appropriate.

Pick the perfect backpack
Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Heavier items should be placed closest to the backpack's center, and the total weight should never exceed 10 to 20 percent of your child's body weight.

Point out the positives
Remind your child that she'll see old friends and make new ones. Give your child a few strategies to manage a difficult situation on their own, while encouraging him/her to report any problems to you or a teacher. Be sure to attempt to maintain open lines of communication with the school to handle such situations.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Healthy After School Snack

Monkey Bars
This recipe serves: 12

Preparation time: 15 mins
Cooking time: 1 hours
Ingredients
• vegetable cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 ripe banana
• 1/4 cup dried currants
Cooking Instructions
1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8-inch baking pan with vegetable cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy. can add the oats, cinnamon and flour and mix well.
3. Make it a . In a small bowl, combine the apple juice, vanilla extract and 1/2 cup of warm water. Add this to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Stir in the banana and currants. can help spread the dough into the prepared pan.
4. Bake until the top is golden, about 1 hour.
5. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into 12 squares and serve. These bars can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
• Serving Size:1 bar
• Amount Per Serving
• Calories78
• Protein2 g
• Total Carbohydrate15 g
• Dietary Fiber2 g
• Soluble Fiber0 g
• Sugar6 g
• Total Fat1 g
• Saturated Fat0 g
• Percent Calories from Fat16 %
• Percent Calories from Protein10 %
• Percent Calories from Carbohydrate74 %
WWW.FOODFIT.COM

Monday, August 9, 2010

Ed policies ignore science on how/when kids learn

Our education system starts at age 5, pays little attention to children’s development and achievement until third grade, and is strewn with remedial programs to get older children back on track.

Meanwhile, studies keep pouring forth that highlight the importance of children’s earliest years – birth to age 8 – in developing the mental capacity that enables life-long learning.

In short, our education policies don’t align with the latest science on how and when children learn. American public education is out of whack.

Read more………..

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/guest-bloggers/how-ed-policies-ignore-science.html

Summer Changes Everything

It’s Never too Early to Plan for Summer!

Attend the National Summer Learning Association’s Summer Changes EverythingTM Conference!

Summer Changes EverythingTM, the only national conference focused entirely on summer, will be held at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, November 9-10. If you work with children, operate or make decisions about summer programs, or are involved in youth education, you can’t afford to miss this conference. With 60 workshops on topics from STEM learning to social media outreach, we’re presenting the latest information regarding youth and summer learning.

This year, we are thrilled to welcome an exciting lineup of guest speakers, exhibitors, and panelists, including neurologist, author, researcher, and middle-school teacher Dr. Judy Willis. Tarik Glenn, retired Indianapolis Colt and co-founder of D.R.E.A.M Alive, Inc., will share how his experiences both on and off the field have helped him to build and maintain a successful youth program. Other presenters include social media guru Beth Kanter, policy experts, and NSLA staffers. Don’t miss out on what promises to be the best summer learning conference yet!

Learn how to build, strengthen, and expand summer programs at the Summer Changes EverythingTM conference:

·Connect and network with colleagues, including summer program providers, educators, school administrators, researchers and policymakers.

·Choose the option of participating in one of two relevant, in-depth pre-conference institutes on November 8, on program planning or summer learning advocacy.

·Choose from 60 workshops in three exciting areas: Knowledge and Strategies for Summer Program Managers; Policy and Funding for Systems Building; and Innovative Instructional Approaches.

Learn more and register now at our conference homepage. Or, contact our Conference Manager, Ryan Rebarchick, via e-mail or phone: 410 856 1370 ext 203.

P.S. On August 16, we are hosting an Indy Happy Hour at the Barcelona Tapas Restaurant, for those who run summer programs in the city and surrounding areas. You are invited. Check out event details at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=130882550287960. Also check out www.iyi.org/fundraising-grants/development-grants.aspx to receive scholarships to attend conference. All this info is in the Indy-specific e-bulletin.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Office Closed

Child Care Answers office will be closed all day on Friday August 6th. The office will reopen Monday August 9th at 8am.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Eating Light & Healthy


Recipe: Spinach with Garlic Chips
Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cook Time: 5 Minutes Difficulty: Easy Servings: 4

Ingredients
• 5 cloves Garlic, Peeled And Sliced Very Thin
• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 packages (6 Oz Each Package) Baby Spinach
• ½ teaspoons Kosher Salt
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Preparation Instructions

Pour olive oil into a large skillet and add garlic slices. Turn on stove to medium -low heat and allow garlic and oil to heat together. Watch the garlic and stir to turn as it begins to bubble. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon as soon as it turns golden brown; do not allow to burn. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Pour off half the oil into a container and set aside. Add one bag of spinach to the skillet. Immediately begin turning gently with a spoon. Spinach will immediately begin wilting. Cook and stir only for one minute, adding salt and pepper to taste. Remove spinach to a plate. Add remaining oil (the oil you poured from the pan) and add remaining spinach. Repeat cooking process.
Serve spinach immediately (it should still be slightly al dente/crisp) with the garlic chips sprinkled over the top. Divine!

The Binky Fairy and Other Lies Parents Tell Kids

What little white lies have you told your child? An interesting article about pacifiers and children.


The Binky Fairy and Other Lies Parents Tell Kids

It's Fair Time Again


One of my favorite memories of summertime as a child was attending the county fairs. For a child it is a great way to learn about farming and different animals. Not only do the county and state fairs have animals but they also have a variety of projects completed by the 4H kids. Of course for me nothing says fair like the fair food. What a great way for your child to try out some new foods. For more information on dates for the county fair in your area check out this website http://www.countyfairgrounds.net/indiana/indiana.php .

Monday, July 26, 2010

Hamilton East Public Library

Over the weekend at a back to school event I found some great resources the Hamilton East Public Library offers for young children. The library offers a great variety of early reading resources including bags wit pre-selected books, computer programs, and story times. All of the youth services offered are free. Reservations are required call 770-3215 (Noblesville) or 579-0304 (Fishers) You can also visit the website to view offerings and register at http://www.hepl.lib.in.us .

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Riverview Kid’s Day at the Noblesville Farmer’s Market


Join the Noblesville Farmer’s Market and Riverview Hospital for a fun-filled day featuring kid friendly activities.

Saturday, July 31 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Noblesville Farmer’s Market, just east of Riverview Hospital, 395 Westfield Road, Noblesville.

Kid’s Day activities include:

• The Radio Disney Fun Patrol

• Teddy Bear Clinic with our Riverview Medical Group
pediatricians. (bring your favorite teddy bear, doll or toy)

• Drive in car seat safety checks performed by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department

Riverview Rehab & Fitness (BMI and blood pressure screening fun kids fitness activities)

• Asthma education

Riverview Maternity Center

• Health and Wellness information

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Back to School

Getting Ready for Back to School
Send them to school with a smile !
By Kit Bennett


It's not just our children that feel the stress of a new school year approaching, but the entire household. Kid's concerns may be focused around new friends, riding the bus or if the new teacher will be as nice as last year's. Parents dread the onset of morning mayhem, carpool schedules, PTA meetings and homework help.?
The "lazy days" of summer are coming to an end. However, with a few activities, planning and preparation, the entire family can approach the school year stress free and smiling!

A few days before school begins. Wrap up summer vacation with a
family night. Fire up the barbeque, dive into a watermelon and have
a water balloon fight.?When you are all dry and the dishes are done...
sit down for a summer memory time. Gather vacation photos, postcards, maps...any item that strikes your fancy.? It may be a piece of driftwood saved from the beach trip, or a rock from the family hike.

Terri Michaels from Maryland came up with an easy scrap book solution.
She didn't have the "time or patience to create a wonderfully decorated book"....instead her family spruces up a box for each vacation or family trip. Using contact paper, glue stickers, crayons etc. Everyone participates providing the perfect time to reflect on the events of the summer.?

Try to get your school shopping done a week beforehand, saving that last day for relaxing. Younger students will need?all of their supplies labeled. Don't wait for the last minute,?label them as you make the purchases.?

Many schools allow you to visit the classroom on the day of registration. It's a perfect time to select a desk, drop off supplies and meet the new teacher.?

Back to School Immunization Clinics Announced

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Contact: John T. Althardt, 221-2316

New Immunization Requirements for School-Aged Children Lead to Additional Immunization Clinics

More than 60,000 Marion County school-aged children could be affected by new Indiana State Department of Health immunization requirements.

The Marion County Health Department and the Indianapolis Immunization Coalition have scheduled a series of immunization clinics to ensure all children have their required shots.

The new requirements apply to students entering preschool, Kindergarten and those in grades 6-12.

Students ages 3 through 5, attending a preschool located within a school building must have 2 appropriately documented varicella vaccines, separated by at least 3 months, or physician documentation of disease history, or laboratory evidence of immunity.

Those entering Kindergarten must now have 2 appropriately documented varicella vaccines, separated by at least 3 months, or physician documentation of disease history, or laboratory evidence of immunity.

In terms of chicken pox, children entering preschool, Kindergarten and 1st grades, must present a signed statement by a health care provider, including date of disease.

Students in grades 6 – 12 must have appropriate documentation of the following vaccinations: Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap); meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4); 2 varicella vaccinations appropriately spaced per Centers for Disease and Control guidelines, or documentation of disease history, or laboratory evidence of immunity.

For those children entering grades 2-12, documentation from a parent indicating when their child has had chicken pox is sufficient. The written statement should include date of disease, a parent’s signature and date of signature. (Example: If a parent cannot recall exact dates, something as simple as stating that disease occurred in the spring of 2000 is acceptable.)

Health Department and Immunization Coalition Offer
Back to School Immunization Clinics

The Marion County Health Department and the Indianapolis Immunization Coalition will offer Back to School immunization clinics beginning July 31.
Clinic information includes:

· Saturday, July 31 Back to School Family Day
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Marion County Health Department, 3838 North Rural
Free

· Thursday, August 5 Indianapolis Immunization Coalition Clinic
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Indianapolis Children’s Museum
Free

· Saturday, August 7 Marion County Health Department Clinic
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Washington Township Administration Building Main Conference Center
8550 Woodfield Crossing Blvd
Free

· August 9-12
Marion County Health Department Back to School Immunization Week
Marion County Health Department District Health Offices
A $10 administrative fee will be charged at these clinics

South District Health Office
505 National Avenue
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Northeast District Health Office
6042 East 21st Street
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Northwest District Health Office / Pecar Health Center
6940 North Michigan Road
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

· Saturday, August 21 Marion County Health Department Clinic
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Warrior Dome, campus of Warren Central High School
(East 21st Street entrance)
Free

Parents and guardians are asked to bring shot records for their children when coming to any of the immunization clinics.

#

John Althardt is PR Coordinator / Health and Hospital Corporation for Marion County Health Department.

Monday, July 19, 2010

6th ANNUAL INDY KIDS TRIATHLON


The 6th Annual Indy Kids Triathlon is a kids-only event that combines swimming, biking and running in an exciting format to promote fun, physical activity and self-confidence. Participants will receive a 2010 Indy Kids Triathlon T-shirt, commemorative medal and goodie bag. This is not a timed event - Every Kid is a Winner! Be sure to bring proper equipment: swim clothes, swim cap, towel, bicycle, safety gear, helmet and shoes for running.

WHEN :
Saturday, Aug. 7 9 a.m.

WHERE
Sahm Park, 6801 E. 91st Street

WHO
Kids ages 5 - 8 will participate in the short course
(25-yard swim, 1.5-mile bike, .5-mile walk/run)
and ages 11 - 15 will participate in the long course
(50-yard swim, 3-mile bike, 1-mile walk/run)
and ages 9 - 10 have an option of the short or long course.


To Register,

Call 327-PARK, or online at PlayIndy

Friday, July 16, 2010

U.S. to Ban Drop-Side Cribs in Infant Safety Overhaul


July 14 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, citing 153 deaths in the past four years, voted to ban drop-side cribs in the agency’s first across-the-board overhaul of regulations for infant beds in almost three decades.

“We’ve seen a number of tragedies because we had such a weak crib standard,” CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum said today as the agency voted 5-0 to approve a notice of proposed rulemaking. The agency was following a mandate from Congress, she said.

A spate of company recalls involving more than 9 million drop-side cribs over five years led the government to warn parents in May to stop using the products because of suffocation and strangling risks. The new rules would ban the sale of new and used drop-side cribs and prohibit their use in hotels, day- care centers and other commercial facilities.

“The proposed rule is a very strong standard that will address all aspects of crib construction and provide an effective margin of safety,” Commissioner Nancy Nord, the CPSC’s senior Republican, said in a statement. “I do have a concern, however, about the effective date and that the retroactive nature of the” rule may have consequences.

“We certainly do not want to create a situation where people stop using cribs and place their babies to sleep in unsafe environments,” Nord said.

Pottery Barn Recall

Regulators will review public comments before making the rules final by the end of the year, Tenenbaum said. The agency last approved a comprehensive crib standard in 1982, she said.

Drop-side cribs have been popular because one side can be raised or lowered on tracks, providing parents with easier access to the bed. Infants can suffocate or be strangled when the hardware fails and a side detaches, creating a gap.

Other crib hazards involve added soft bedding, insufficient mattress support and broken slats. The agency has documented 153 crib deaths since Nov. 1, 2007, including 65 suffocations.

Williams-Sonoma Inc.’s Pottery Barn Kids business today recalled 82,000 of the cribs for hardware than can break. The CPSC said it received 36 reports that the cribs’ drop-sides malfunctioned or detached, resulting in seven minor injuries. The cribs were sold from January 1999 through March 2010.

LaJobi Inc., owned by Kid Brands Inc.; Bexco Enterprises Inc.’s Million Dollar Baby unit; Jardine Enterprise Ltd.; Simmons Juvenile Products, and Child Craft Industries Inc. recalled drop-side cribs in June.

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, which has started a crib-safety initiative, is offering consumer information on its website. There’s a list of manufacturers and downloadable guides to safe sleep on the site, the CPSC said.

--Editors: Romaine Bostick, James Langford.

To contact the reporter on this story: Jeff Plungis in Washington at jplungis@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Larry Liebert at lliebert@bloomberg.net

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Free Back to School Physicals

Raphael Health Center is offering free back to school physicals on July 15th and 16th. Physicals include vaccines, school/sports exams, heart ultrasounds, lead, anemia and blood sugar screening, obesity screening, and sports mouth guards. The center is located at 401 East 34th Street Indianapolis 46205. If you are in need of a physical please call them to schedule an appointment at (317) 926-1507.

Love Your Child's Care Childcare, LLC Presents Ms. Bobbie live in Concert


Looking for something fun to do with your little ones?
Love your Child's Care Childcare's would like to invite you to attend their
Back To School Celebration feturing the well known children's artist Ms. Bobbie Lancaster.
When: August 14th from 1 to 4 pm with the concert starting promptly at 2 pm
Where: 2220 Sloan Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46203
Cost: Free Will Donation
Please bring a blanket or lawn chair so that you can enjoy the children's concert.

Indianapolis Symphony Band to perform on Northeastside


By Gretchen Becker


A Northeastside park will host a concert Saturday featuring music with Indiana connections.
The Indianapolis Symphonic Band will perform an "Indiana Highlights" concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the sledding hill at Fort Harrison State Park, 5830 N. Post Road, said Jeff Cummings, park spokesman.

The concert will feature music from Hoosier composers such as Cole Porter, born in Peru; Bloomington native Hoagy Carmichael; and Paul Dresser, who was born in Terre Haute.
Professional and amateur musicians from central Indiana are in the Indianapolis Symphonic Band, which has performed more than 50 years.


Concertgoers should bring blankets or chairs and may bring food and drinks. Dogs are also welcome.


The concert is free. Park entry fee is $5 for in-state cars and $7 for out of state cars.
The rain location is the adjacent Ivy Tech auditorium.
For more information, call the park at (317) 591-0122 or visit the band's website at http://www.indyband.org/ .