25 Central Indiana Child Care Ministries Achieve Voluntary Certification

The end of June this year marked the end of a year-long child care ministry improvement project in Central Indiana. The project focused on improving the quality of care in 60 child care ministries with the ultimate goal of ministries meeting the standards for the Voluntary Certification Program (VCP). The project was made possible by funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment act (ARRA) and was led by United Way of Central Indiana. Child Care Answers played a vital role in the project by providing mentors to help guide the ministries to Paths to QUALITY. Improving quality was accomplished in several ways in addition to the mentoring services. Child care staff received mini-grants for professional development and therefore improved their skills in working with children. The ministries also received curriculum materials for their classrooms to improve those areas as well. By the end of the project 19 child care ministries had achieved VCP and will be enrolled in Paths to QUALITY. This is in addition to the 6 child care ministries who had participated in a limited pilot project making for a total of 25 ministries.

Regulations for child care ministries in the State of Indiana are very minimal. A ministry must register with the state and meet basic health and safety guidelines. A ministry that has achieved VCP has gone above and beyond the requirements and met additional staff training and requirements, child-staff ratios and stricter classroom guidelines. Ministries must meet VCP in order to enroll in Paths to QUALITY.

Child Care Answers will continue its work on improving child care ministries by once again partnering with United Way of Central Indiana and assisting 20 additional ministries in working towards Voluntary Certification. Ministries located in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks and Marion County interested in the program can contact Ginger Caylor at (317) 926-3401 ext. 306 for more information. The application deadline is Friday, July 29th.

Latch On Indy! The Big Pink Bus is Coming!

Milk for Thought’s Giant Pink Bus for Breastfeeding Heads to Indianapolis - July 26

Breastfeeding has been making headlines lately — from The Surgeon General's Call to Action to the First Lady's Let's Move Campaign to a passionate advocacy and support network to multiple celebrity endorsements.

Using this momentum, Milk for Thought is taking the energy, passion and dedication of the breastfeeding community on the road — for 45 days, 30 cities, and 1 goal — to support, empower and connect the breastfeeding community. Join us at this national event on July 26th to highlight resources available to pregnant women and breastfeeding moms.

Everyone is welcome — stop by any time during the day, and bring friends, babies, kids, coworkers — the more the merrier! Let's show how passionate Indiana is about breastfeeding! We'll have food, drinks, music, children's book giveaways, and much more...

Stop 1:

July 26, 2011
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Day Nursery, IU Health Methodist
2140 Boulevard Place (21st and Senate Ave), Indianapolis 46202

Stop 2:
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis 46205
Enter through Fall Creek Gate 6 to the Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion Parking Lot

Indiana State Fair Kid's Day

The Indiana State Fair will have a KIDS' DAY at the Fair on August 15th from 10am - 3pm. Activities include a hula hoop contest, meet PBS "Cat in the Hat", and a jump rope contest. Unlimited kiddie rides from noon-10pm for $10. That day is also IPL Carload day. Admission is only $15 per vehicle with a printed voucher from www.iplpower.com.

Program / Screening and Detection

Program / Screening and Detection


Screening for cancer is a crucial tool in detecting cancer when it is in an early, more treatable stage. That is why Little Red Door schedules free cancer screenings at locations throughout the Indianapolis community reducing the healthcare barrier of accessibility. Little Red Door facilitates year-round screenings for Breast, Cervical, and Prostate Cancer.

Screenings
(View Calendar)


St. Vincent Mobile Mammograms
The mobile unit will be at Little Red Door Cancer Agency from 9:00am to 2:45pm (by appointment only), located at 1801 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Please call (317) 925-5595 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting ext. 321 to pre-register.

The mobile dates for 2011 are as follows:

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Must pre-register by August 24, 2011

Friday, October 21, 2011

Must pre-register by October 7, 2011

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Must pre-register by November 1, 2011

Monday, December 12, 2011

Must pre-register by November 28, 2011


For more information from our Screening and Detection Department, contact us at (317) 925-5595 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (317) 925-5595 end_of_the_skype_highlighting


Mammography Assistance Program

Assists with clinical breast exams, screening and diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies. Mammograms are provided by a mobile unit year round.

Mammogram Screening Calendar

Other Screenings

Prostate Cancer Screenings – Contact Little Red Door Screening and Detection Department at 317-925-5595 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 317-925-5595 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Cervical Cancer Screenings - Held at specific clinics year around. Call Little Red Door for more information, 317-925-5595 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 317-925-5595 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Free Prostate Screening and Education Event

Real Men Get It

Join Little Red Door and Father Boniface Hardin

for a FREE Prostate Health Event* and bring a companion.

Dinner will be available for anyone who attends.



Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

4:30 pm – 6:30 pm



Little Red Door Cancer Agency

1801 N. Meridian St.

Indianapolis, IN 46202

Call 317-925-5595 begin_of_the_skype_highlightingend_of_the_skype_highlighting to register or
click here to register online.



Those eligible can get a free prostate screening.

*Eligible men who get screened receive a free gift.

HAPPY 4th of JULY from CHILD CARE ANSWERS!

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. ~Erma Bombeck

EPA Tips to Be Cool and Safe this Summer

Limit the heat and the sun, but not the fun


WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing tips to protect people from the dangers of overexposure to the sun and heat while still enjoying summer activities. Excessive heat and ultraviolet

(UV) radiation are dangerous to people’s health. Each year, more people on average die in the U.S. from heat waves than from any other natural disaster. And every hour, one American dies from skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the U.S.

During the summer months, days are longer and more people are outside for longer periods of time, increasing the health risks from heat exhaustion and overexposure to the sun. Cities and suburbs are particularly vulnerable to higher temperatures during the summer. Many cities and suburbs have air temperatures that can be up to 22 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the surrounding countryside. Buildings and roads intensify heat and UV dangers as they absorb the sun’s rays and radiate the heat back throughout the day and night, known as the heat island effect. Heat islands can intensify heat waves. To help reduce the heat island effect, plant trees, shrubs, and vines, which create shade and protect people from UV radiation.

To avoid heat exhaustion and overexposure to the sun, follow these steps to stay cool and safe this summer:

1. Stay hydrated.

2. Wear lightweight clothing. To keep your body temperature down and

stay protected from UV radiation, wear lightweight, light-colored,

and loose-fitting clothing.

3. Apply sunscreen. Approximately 30 minutes before heading outside,

apply SPF 15 or higher sunscreen, and reapply every two hours.

4. Protect your eyes and face. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses

to protect your eyes from sun damage and the development of

cataracts.

5. Seek shade. Find shade during the sun’s peak hours between 10 a.m.

and 4 p.m. to reduce the risk of too much sun exposure

6. Teach sun and heat safety. Keep an eye on others, particularly the

elderly, remind them to be safe in the sun and the heat. Watch for

signs of heat illnesses, which can include hot and dry skin,

confusion, hallucinations, and aggression.

7. Check the UV Index. When planning outdoor activities check the UV

Index to identify the times that pose the greatest risk for

overexposure to the sun.

8. Check the Air Quality Index. On hot summer days, ozone levels can

rise making the air unhealthy to breathe so be sure to check the

air quality index before heading outside.

More information on how to reduce the heat island effect:

http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/

More information on extreme heat events:

http://www.blogger.com/goog_607678867

More information on sun safety tips:

http://www.epa.gov/sunwise.

Check the UV index:

 http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html

Check the Air Quality Index:

 http://www.airnow.gov/

Child Care Answers Resource Library

You are invited to visit our Resource Library!The Resource Library offers use of Classroom Kits, Teacher Resource Books, Use of the Laminator and more...

Where: 3522 N. Central, Indianapolis, IN 46205.
When: OPEN: Monday - Thursday 12:00 -5:30; 1st & 3rd Saturdays: 9:00 -12:30
CLOSED: Fridays & Saturday, July 2nd

Cost: There is an annual membership fee to join the Resource Library.
For more information call 926-3401 ext. 312 or visit our Resource Library online by clicking here.

Patriotic Craft and a Chance to Win a Teacher Basket!

We posted several weeks ago about a chance at winning a teacher basket for submitting your children's artwork. What better time than the 4th of July to create some patriotic artwork with your children and have a chance at winning a teacher basket!

Here is a great craft idea suitable for all ages of children for salt-absorbing firework art!

Below is the original post for all the entry details. We look forward to seeing all the exciting fireworks!

Why is Safe, Quality Child Care Important?



Would you like to win a teacher basket worth $50.00 while helping our elected officials and community leaders understand how important safe, quality child care is to Indiana families?


How you ask?

1. Have the children that you care for create a creative piece of artwork.

2. Ask each child’s parent to write on the back of their child’s artwork Why Safe, Quality Child Care is important to their family.

3. Ask each parent to put their name (parent’s name), city and zip code on the back of the artwork.

4. Ask each parent to sign and date a release form saying that Child Care Answers can use their name and story in our work with elected officials and community leaders. The release form must also include your name, program name, address, phone number and email (if you have one).

5. Mail or bring the pieces of artwork along with the release papers to Child Care Answers at 615 N. Alabama Street Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN. 46204. All artwork must be received in our office by 2:00 PM on Friday, July 29, 2011 and be accompanied by a release form. (artwork will not be returned)

6. For every 5 pieces of artwork with story and release from we receive we will enter your name into the drawing for the $50.00 teacher basket.

(Send in 10, your name goes in twice etc…)

Calling All Teens

During the summer it is so easy to say, "I have nothing to do!" No more excuses-here is a list of 50 things to do the next time you are bored!

1. Gather up a few friends, and have a picnic in your back .
2. Go on a walk and take pictures of trees, flowers, dogs, etc.
3. Buy some fashion magazines, pick out a couple of really cute outfits, and try to recreate them for less!
4. Bead some bracelets and sell them for charity.
5. Volunteer at the local animal or homeless shelter.
6. Clean your room!
7. Bake some cupcakes and deliver them to friends and family.
8. Play some childhood games like "Sorry", "Candyland", or "Pretty Pretty Princess".
9. Take your dog for a walk.
10. E-mail a friend you haven't spoken to in awhile.
11. Do 25 jumping jacks!
12. Look through old family scrapbooks, photo books, and yearbooks.
13. Make a root beer float.
14. Go to the movies with your siblings.
15. Go window-shopping with a friend.
16. Write a poem.
17. Make fresh, homemade fruit juice.
18. Give your dog a bath.
19. Make dinner for your family.
20. Baby-sit for a neighbor.
21. Have a sleepover party and watch scary movies.
22. Plan a vacation you want to take next summer.
23. Plant flowers in your yard.
24. Sign up for a class.
25. Have a bubble bath.
26. Make a mixed CD of your favorite songs and title it "The soundtrack of my life".
27. Order a pizza.
28. Splash around in a plastic kiddy pool.
29. Buy some crayons and a coloring book.
30. Read a book based on a movie you have seen.
31. Make a scrapbook of your baby pictures.
32. Get a job or an internship.
33. Start a diary and write in it everyday.
34. Spend the day at the library.
35. Draw a self-portrait.
36. Make a collage out of old magazines.
37. Run around in the sprinklers.
38. Go to a museum.
39. Go out for lunch with one of your parents.
40. Jump in the pool with your clothes on.
41. Eat last night's leftovers for breakfast.
42. Learn to sew or knit.
43. Invite friends over and have a tea party.
44. Swing on the swings at the park.
45. Tie-Dye a t-shirt or bed sheets with Kool-Aid!
46. Make a smoothie.
47. Learn how to define and spell 5 new words from the dictionary.
48. Make popsicles in your freezer.
49. Put on the radio and dance.
50. Go camping in your backyard!

Is Your Child Riding Safely?

Car Seat Safety Check

hosted by State Farm

When: Saturday, June 25th 10 AM-2 PM

Where: Party Time Rentals

7250 N Keystone Avenue

Indianapolis, IN 46240 (across from Wal-Mart)

Have your child's car seat or booster seat checked by an expert.

IACCRR Crib Campaign

The Indiana Association for Child Care Resource and Referral (IACCRR) has launched a campaign to help child care providers replace outdated cribs. If you would like to learn more about this program please click here.

Seeking Children's Artwork !!!

Why is Safe, Quality Child Care Important?

Would you like to win a teacher basket worth $50.00 while helping our elected officials and community leaders understand how important safe, quality child care is to Indiana families?

How you ask?

1. Have the children that you care for create a creative piece of artwork.

2. Ask each child’s parent to write on the back of their child’s artwork Why Safe, Quality Child Care is important to their family.

3. Ask each parent to put their name (parent’s name), city and zip code on the back of the artwork.

4. Ask each parent to sign and date a release form saying that Child Care Answers can use their name and story in our work with elected officials and community leaders. The release form must also include your name, program name, address, phone number and email (if you have one).

5. Mail or bring the pieces of artwork along with the release papers to Child Care Answers at 615 N. Alabama Street Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN. 46204. All artwork must be received in our office by 2:00 PM on Friday, July 29, 2011 and be accompanied by a release form. (artwork will not be returned)

6. For every 5 pieces of artwork with story and release from we receive we will enter your name into the drawing for the $50.00 teacher basket.

(Send in 10, your name goes in twice etc…)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

A Love Letter for The Father, on Father's Day
By Aaron Bull
Guest Writer

CBN.com --

For all things you've lead me through and taught me

And for promising me that you will never leave me

Through and through you've shown me the ropes

Helping me in anything and everything I face

Everyday you're there for me by simply calling your name

Rarely do I get to thank you enough. So on this special day, I do exactly that.

Thank you for being my father!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Happy Father's Day!

Mother's Day came first, but Father's Day wasn't too far behind. It's amazing what people accomplish when they put their minds to good use and encourage others to join their cause. It just wouldn't be the same without many of our holidays and Father's Day is one of them.

When you are finished reading about the history of Father's Day, learn about great gift, craft, and recipe ideas for Dad's big day over at our main Father's Day holiday page.

Who came up with the idea of Father's Day?

Her name was Sonora Louise Smart Dodd and she lived in Spokane, Washington. Sonora was the oldest of six children raised by their father, William Jackson Smart, when their mother died during childbirth. Sonora honored and revered her father, and while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909, she determined there should also be a day to honor fathers.

Sonora gained local support and made her dream a reality one year later within her own city of Spokane, Washington. Sonora married John Bruce Dodd. She died March 22, 1978, several years after Father's Day became a permanent national observance.

Why June?

In 1910 Sonora chose June 19th as the day to celebrate Father's Day because that was her father's birthday. With support from the Spokane Ministerial Association and the YMCA, the first Father's Day was celebrated in Spokane on June 19, 1910.

When did the United States begin celebrating Father's Day?

1910 Spokane, Washington celebrates Father's Day.
1924 President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the third Sunday in June as Father's Day.
1926 The formation of National Father's Day Committee in New York City.
1956 Father's Day was recognized by Joint Resolution of Congress.
1966 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring that the third Sunday of June as Father's Day.
1972 President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father's Day to be held on the third Sunday in June.

Do other countries celebrate Father's Day?

Father's Day is celebrated in every part of the world. In the United States, Canada and most countries in Asia, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June.

How can I make this Father's Day special for my Father?

There are all kinds of things you can do to make Father's Day special for your dad. Here are a few suggestions:

Make dad breakfast in bed.
Send him flowers, the red rose is the official Father's Day flower.
Do secret acts of kindness, this might include doing one of dad's chores for him, like taking out the garbage :)
Be obedient.
Do your chores, without being asked.
Get along with your brothers and sisters.
Make or take him out to dinner.
Send him an on-line greeting card.
Use our printables to make a heartfelt Father's Day card.
Check out some great ideas to make dad a homemade gift.


Spice up the Father's Day festivities with an activity or two.

1. Interview your father and/or grandfather. Ask questions about his birth, childhood, and what he did when he was a teenager. Find out favorite subjects in school, how he met your mother or grandmother. Inquire about his favorite job. End the interview by expressing your love for him.

2. Get together with a few other families and play the Father/Child Game. Divide into four father/child teams. Ask the fathers to leave the room while the children sit in chairs. Ask the same four or five questions to each child about their fathers. Bring in the fathers and ask them the same questions. Will the father and child have the same answers? Switch places and see how well the father's know the children. Award a red rose to the winning father/child team.

Question Ideas: Favorite color, movie, candy bar, color of toothbrush, memorable moment with you, best friend, hobby, talent, food, animal, cartoon, pizza topping, ice cream topping, restaurant. Most embarrassing moment. Favorite holiday.

3. Have a Father's Day BBQ or picnic. Make a crown for dad and let him know he's "King" for the day. This can be a family activity or extend an invitation to a few other families also. Make sure all the dad's are given "Royal Treatment".

Let's Move Child Care

Introducing Let’s Move! Child Care: Tools for Child and Day Care Centers


Posted by Robin Schepper, Executive Director of Let’s Move! on June 08, 2011

We are pleased and excited to announce Let’s Move! Child Care, a new effort to work with child and day care providers to help our youngest children get off to a healthy start.

Everyone has a role to play in ending childhood obesity, and child and day care centers are certainly no exception. By providing a solid checklist on healthy nutrition, physical activity and screen time, we all can help take more responsibility for the healthy habits of our kids. We are starting off strong with commitments from the public sector: the Department of Defense and the General Services Administration; and also the private sector, Bright Horizons, the nation’s second largest childcare provider. All three are committing to implement the checklist which will reach over 280,000 children.

The checklist, which can be used by both providers and parents, is comprised of these five elements:

• Physical Activity: Provide 1-2 hours of physical activity throughout the day, including outside play when possible.
• Screen Time: No screen time for children under two years. For children age two and older, strive to limit screen time to no more than 30 minutes per week during child care, and work with parents and caregivers to ensure children have no more than 1-2 hours of quality screen time per day, the amount recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Food: Serve fruits or vegetables at every meal, eat meals family-style when possible, and no fried foods.
• Beverages: Provide access to water during meals and throughout the day, and do not serve sugary drinks. For children age two and older, serve low-fat (1%) or non-fat milk, and no more than one 4-6 ounce serving of 100% juice per day.
• Infant feeding: For mothers who want to continue breastfeeding, provide their milk to their infants and welcome them to breastfeed during the child care day; and support all new parents in their decisions about infant feeding.

First Lady Mrs. Obama unveiled Let’s Move! Child Care this morning while visiting children at CentroNia, a bilingual child care center in Washington, DC.“Everyone is going to see that these small changes can make a big difference. If our kids get into the habit of getting up and playing, if their palates warm up to veggies at an early age, and if they’re not glued to a TV screen all day, they’re on their way to healthy habits for life,” First Lady Mrs. Obama said. “That’s why I’m so excited about Let’s Move Child Care – because I know that childcare facilities and home-based providers can be a real building block for an entire generation of healthy kids.”

To best support child care providers who choose to meet these practices, Nemours is leading an effort to provide free, comprehensive resources and tools in a newly developed website, and the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies is committed to providing technical assistance to providers. Child care providers and parents can go to HealthyKidsHealthyFuture.org for these free tools and resources and to share success stories. Let’s Move! Child Care comes as a combined effort from the government, private, and non-profit communities. Ending childhood obesity is a responsibility we all share, and working together, we will make a difference.

Travel Training for Youth Service Providers

Public transportation can be a youth's ticket to independence—especially if they have an IndyGo Summer Youth Pass. After all, our service can get them to work, school, activities and more without having to rely on their parents or care givers.


However, for kids, teens and young adults who are unfamiliar with our bus service, it can seem like an intimidating experience. But we can help curb that anxiety with our travel training program.

On June 9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and June 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., we will host a "train the trainer" workshop for youth service providers, enabling them to successfully teach their clients how to ride the bus.

These reservation-based sessions, which are limited to 55 participants, are free to staff and volunteers of Indianapolis-area service providers. Workshops will take place at the IndyGo facility, located just west of the Indianapolis Zoo at 1501 West Washington Street. The facility is accessible via the Route 8 and free parking is available in the front lot.

If interested in attending, please contact IndyGo business development coordinator Bryan Luellen at 317.614.9284 or bluellen@indygo.net.

Play and Learn Summer Schedule

Looking for something FREE to do with your children this summer? Have you heard about our Play and Learn program? Play and Learn is a free, fun program for parents, grandparents, or caregivers and their children (ages infant to age 8) looking for a place to play!! We offer play/ learning opportunities, snacks and drinks, and an attendance incentive program.

Below is our Summer 2011 schedule and locations! We hope to see you there!

Mondays:

IPS School 58 - starting June 13th
321 N Linwood Ave.
 9:30 am – 11:30 am

Tuesdays:
IPS School 56 – starting June 14th
2353 N. Columbia Ave.

9:30 am – 11:30 am

Wednesdays:

IPS School 31 - starting June 15th

Immanuel UCC

402 Prospect 

 9:30 am – 11:30 am

Thursdays:

SECS - HealthNet Clinic – starting June 16th

901 Shelby

 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm-Senior Center

Fridays:

IPS School 51 - starting June 17th

3426 Roosevelt Ave

9:30 am – 11:30 am

2011 PRESCHOOL READI2011 READINESS CAMPNESS CAMP

Who: Preschool-age children with delays in speech & language skills, cognitive & social skills, or fine & gross motor skills

What: Summer day camp developed and run by First Steps therapists specifically designed to address developmental delays and improve your child’s transition to school in a therapeutic peer group setting

When: Two 3-week sessions 9AM-11AM Mon, Wed, & Fri June 13-July 1 & July 11-July 29

Where: Children’s Therapy Connection
7424 Shadeland Station Way Indpls, IN 46256

Enroll by June 3rd for only $75 per week or $30 per day
Sign up for all 6 weeks and get 1 week free! Plus, 2nd child is 25% off!
Need-based scholarships available on a limited basis

See our website for more details. Call to reserve your spot today! (317) 288-7606
http://www.childrenstherapyconnection.com/

Handwriting Camp

Does your child need help holding a pencil? What about copying shapes or cutting on a line?
Can your child print his or her name? Do your child’s letters and words run all over the paper?

If this sounds like your child, he or she may enjoy attending a fun,week-long, summer Handwriting Camp!
Feeding Friends Children’s Feeding Clinic and Therapy Services is pleased to be offering two different summer camps, one group for Kindergarten Readiness and one for Beginning Printing.

The groups will be run by an Occupational Therapist who will focus on helping your child improve pre-writing and writing skills for school, using the principles of Handwriting Without Tears. Handwriting Without Tears is the official program adopted by the state of Indiana for school writing programs.

Each group will have 3-4 children and will run for 1 ½ hours each day. Each child will receive a Handwriting Without Tears notebook, a chalkboard with chalk, handouts for writing tips, and a bag to carry all their fun handwriting gear!

When: Monday June 13 through Friday June 17, 2011
Where: Feeding Friends Children’s Feeding Clinic & Therapy Services
11699 Maple St. Fishers, IN 46038
Times: Kindergarten Readiness Group—9:30-11:00 am
Beginning Printing Group—11:15-12:45 pm
Cost: $125 per child

Contact: Elaine Lewis, MS, OTR at 652-7330 or otelaine@sbcglobal.net