New Training Opportunity for Licensed Child Cares

The Penn State Extension Better Kid Care program has been providing distance-delivered professional development to early childhood practitioners for more than 20 years. Better Kid Care is now offering a new on demand system for online learning. Lessons are completed with a short assessment following each lesson. Participants must register and pay a $5.00 fee per lesson to receive professional development credits. After payment and successful completion of the lesson assessment, participants will be able to print a certificate of completion and/ or have it sent to their email address.


Licensed child care providers in Marion, Hamilton, Johnson, Lake and Allen counties may complete the lessons at no cost, as part of a Department of Defense funded project.

To access the Better Kid Care On Demand lessons, visit http://extension.psu.edu/cyttap. Click on the Distance Education button, then select the On Demand distance education option. Participants must have a credit card and an email address to access the On Demand Better Kid Care distance education lessons. There are 50 professional development lessons available (1 hr. and 2 hr.) but check back frequently as new lessons are being added monthly.

For more information visit: http://extension.psu.edu/cyttap

Behavior Conference

UTS would like to announce its newest conference Understanding Behavior Difficulties in Young Children: Practical Strategies for Early Intervention Providers presented by Heike Minnich, PsyD, HSPP, IMH-E ® (IV). Dr. Minnich is a clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics in the Division of Developmental Pediatrics at IU School of Medicine. She holds an endorsement in Infant Mental Health at the Mentorship level. Dr. Minnich will address the different perspectives of behavior then lead a group discussion of various case studies. Participants will learn practical strategies that will help them support young children with behavior problems. This one-day training will only be offered on Friday, December 16, 2011, so register soon at http://www.utsprokids.org/. The $75 fee includes lunch. The conference will be held at the Marten House in Indianapolis.

New Training Opportunities through IACCRR Training Central

The Indiana Association for Child Care Resource and Referral (IACCRR), announces the availability of online training opportunities to increase the access to information and resources for potential child care providers. Participants will need to register at: http://www.iaccrr.org/portal/?#tabs-training in order to access training opportunities.


In collaboration with The Bureau of Child Care and your local child care resource and referral organization, IACCRR has launched Orientation I Online-Overview for participants who are interested in starting the business of child care.

Orientation I is a “guided tour” through the regulatory processes, requirements for different types of legal care, state and federal laws impacting child care, educational opportunities as well as a quick look at the business side of child care. This online session provides the basics so individuals can make informed decisions about whether to open a child care center, family child care home, or child care ministry.

Participants will need a computer with internet access and audio and flash player capabilities.

Car Seat Clinic

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and the Automotive Safety Program will host a car seat clinic on 10/30/11 (Sunday) from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm at the parking lot of the Indianapolis Children Museum (3000 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis IN 46208-4716). All qualify (no financial need is required), no donation is required, first coming first serve (no appointment is required); car seats will provided basis to children who need. Child (except for expectant), vehicle, old car seat (if have) and child guardian must be present. To make this event a great success we need your help. If you can help, please let me now ASAP and be at the event 45 minutes early. Thank you for your generosity and have a wonderful day.




El Instituto de Justicia Criminal de Indiana y el Programa de Seguridad Automotor presentará una clínica sobre los asientos de bebe para los coches el domingo, el 30 de octubre desde las 9:30 hasta la 1:30 en el estacionamiento del Children’s Museum de Indianápolis (3000 N. Meridian St. Indianápolis IN 46208-4716). Cualquier persona puede asistir (no requiere necesidad financiera), no se necesita donar dinero, y atenderemos a la gente por orden de llegada. El niño, el vehículo, el asiento de niño (si ya lo tiene) y el tutor del niño tendrán que estar presentes. Si se puede ayudar con el evento, por favor contacte a Mauricio Joya y esté al evento con 45 minutos de anticipación. Muchísimas gracias por su generosidad. Que tenga un buen día.

Riley Child Development Center Training

RCDC Training Events

Friday, October 21, 2011

- Autism Screening – 9 AM – 12 PM
- Autism Interventions: Current Treatment Options and Resources - 1 PM to 4 PM
Riley Outpatient Conference Center Room A-B

Autism Interventions: Current Treatment Options and Resources: Awareness of and interest in Autism Spectrum disorders has led to an overwhelming amount of information about treatment and resources in support of children with this diagnosis. Join us for an overview of current research based treatment options and available resources. Included will be a panel discussion with Indianapolis area providers to the autism community.


Autism Screening: Over the past decade, no pediatric developmental diagnosis has been more discussed and studied than autism. Given the proven positive impact of early intervention services on a child with autism's lifelong social and communication skills, having and knowing how to use the screening tools for the initial signs of autism are crucial.

Being able to quickly, but accurately, assess for the early delays, which could indicate a pervasive developmental disorder, and having the resources to provide families with the proper needed interventions and services will be the topics covered.

Registration Fees: $50 for each session or $80 for both.

Parking in the adjacent Riley Outpatient Garage will be validated for participants.

Certificates of completion for three contact hours for each session will be provided to those who complete the workshop.



Registration is now open. Each training session has 60 spaces available.
Please Contact Rylin Rodgers ryrodger@iupui.edu with any questions.

"Brain Food" For Kids

Eating the proper foods will help ensure your kids success throughout the day!

On The Early Show Thursday, contributor and registered dietician Keri Glassman explained the ABCs of eating smart to fuel the mind as well as the body.

BREAKFAST

Studies show children who start their day with a healthy breakfast do better academically and have fewer behavior problems.

If a child doesn't eat breakfast, he or she may become tired, irritable, restless, and fail to focus on academics or behave appropriately.

A study done at Tuft's University reinforced the belief that breakfast improves children's academic performance. The researchers divided the children into two groups. One group was fed instant oatmeal (a complex carbohydrate containing fiber and protein), and the other dry, readymade cereal (lower in fiber, higher in sugar). The results showed kids fed the oatmeal did better on special and short-term memory tests, as well as auditory attention tests.

Whole grains and protein are digested more slowly, providing a sustained source of energy. Blood sugar remains stable. Foods made of refined sugars (such as fruit-flavored characters, packaged cookies, white bread, etc.) set kids up for a sugar high (rush), followed by a crash.

Breakfast foods for the brain:


•Oatmeal (for instance, Uncle Sam's fortified with flax) made with skim milk and topped with raspberries, which are a great source of antioxidants, specifically Vitamin C, and have been shown to improve cognitive function and protect the brain.


•Scrambled fortified eggs with one ounce of cheese rolled up in a whole wheat tortilla: Choline in eggs boosts memory and concentration, and eggs are a great source of protein. Omega 3s provide an added brain boost!


•French Toast (soak one slice of whole grain bread in one scrambled, fortified egg, add chopped walnuts and cinnamon. Walnuts contain those Omega 3's, and cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

LUNCH

A well-balanced lunch is key to keeping a child's energy up and blood sugar stable. A high fat, high sugar lunch (which can often be found in school cafeterias) will lead to an afternoon crash. Depending on what's offered at your child's school, you may want to consider packing a nutritious lunch!

Lunch Foods for the brain:


•Turkey/hummus wrap: Smear hummus on a whole grain tortilla, layer with two-to-four slices of turkey, wrap and serve with sliced red peppers. Have a side of Breyers DHA-fortified yogurt. Turkey has the amino acid tyrosine, which is related to the production of specific neuro-transmitters, which aid alertness and energy. Red peppers are a great source of antioxidants, specifically Vitamin C, have been shown to improve cognitive function, and are brain-protective.


•Peanut butter/banana sandwich: Spread peanut butter over a slice of whole grain bread. Add one cup of strawberries and a cup skim milk.


•Salmon salad on a whole grain English muffin: Prep salmon as you would tuna, OR use plain yogurt for a calcium and protein boost!

DINNER

This offers another great chance to incorporate brain foods! Aim for half the plate to be green/colorful veggies, a-quarter whole grains, and a quarter lean protein.


•Turkey burger platter: Turkey burger with tomato slices, sautéed spinach in olive oil, and wild rice. Iron is important for energy and concentration, zinc for memory. Vitamin C helps iron absorption.


•Meatballs and spaghetti: lean meat meatballs, fortified pasta such as Ronzoni or Barilla Plus with Omega 3's, marinara sauce, steamed broccoli.


•Pork Tenderloin: roasted pork tenderloin, roasted asparagus, quinoa

SNACKS


•Apple slices dipped in peanut butter or almond butter


•Yogurt Sundae: DHA-fortified yogurt layered with Go Lean Crunch Honey Almond Flax, berries, and walnuts


•DHA/Omega-3s: important for brain development and function. DHA is found in gray brain matter, brain cell membranes, and is important for brain cell communication


•Trail Mix: Puffins cereal mixed with dried cranberries and almonds


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/14/earlyshow/health/main4350193.shtml

Director’s Toolbox Management Series

Calling all Center Directors and Licensed Family Child Care Providers… This management series is for Early Childhood Administrators that want to strengthen the business aspect of your child care while networking with other directors? Each session is $10 and registration is required.

10/15/2011-- 9:30am-10:30am, "Grant-writing– Show Me the Money"!
11/16/2011-- 9am-11am, "Growing Your Staff with Effective Supervision"
11/19/2011 --9:30am-10:30am, "The 1.2.3’s of Taxes for Child Care Businesses"
12/13/2011-- 6pm-9pm, "Relationship-Based and Reflective Organizations"

Questions Contact Joslyn at Child Care Answers 317 636-5727 ext. 257

Project Home Indy

Project Home Indy (PHI) is a new residential facility that serves pregnant and parenting teenagers. PHI has a current license and contract through DCS, and I am writing you because I think PHI could be a good placement option for your clients. It's also a great resource to pass along to any other DCS case managers to spread the word!


PHI is located at 32nd and Meridian, and is able to serve up to 5 pregnant and parenting teens and their children. Our general requirements are as follows:

To be eligible for the program, residents:
- must be between 15-19 years of age at intake
- must be pregnant or have 1 child under the age of 3
- must be committed to completing high school or a GED
- must not have a violent criminal history
- must not have a serious mental health issue that would interfere with parenting or living in a shared community, or a substance abuse issue that they have not had treatment for

More information, and a referral form, can be found on our website at http://www.projecthomeindy.org/.

As you may know, PHI is the only facility in Marion County that serves this unique population. Each resident will share a private bedroom with their child. The rest of the home is shared space, and feels like a true "home". Please email me or my supervisor Sarah Nielsen (CC'd on this email) with any questions. We would also invite you to come out for a tour, to see the facility firsthand!

Why Your Toddler Doesn't Listen

When my son was 18 months old, I went along with a friend to pick up her child from preschool. Some of the kids were just a year older, but they were listening to the teacher and following directions. When I imagined my child sitting there on that A-B-C carpet, I felt queasy. Follow directions? Him? After all, if I asked him to pour food from a cup into in the dog bowl, he'd be more likely to pile it into his dump truck instead.

Turns out there wasn't anything wrong with my son; experts say that young toddlers still have trouble focusing on what you're saying and following directions. "Toddlers are inherently distractible. They don't have the ability to stick with one thing as long as an older child can. After a couple of minutes, they're off to other adventures," explains psychologist Rahil Briggs, Psy.D., assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in New York City. In other words, it's perfectly natural for your 15-month-old to wander across the room to the bookshelf halfway through the book you're reading aloud. Another reason your toddler may not comply with your requests: She's taking her first steps toward becoming her own person. "A toddler won't always be willing to do what you want because she's flexing her new independence muscle," says Dr. Briggs. "In fact, she may even be tempted to do exactly the opposite of what you ask."

Fortunately, if you practice now your child will be ready to get with the program in preschool. Capitalize on her natural love of playing games with these ability-boosting activities.

Chili Made Healthy

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium-size onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 sweet bell peppers, cored and diced
1 medium-size zucchini, trimmed and diced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) no-salt-added tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) small white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
grated cheese, for serving (optional)
Make It

1. Heat oil in a large nonstick saucepot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and chili powder and cook 3 minutes.

2. Add peppers and zucchini and continue to cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup and oregano. Cook 8 minutes.

4. Gently stir in the beans. Cover pot and continue to cook 3 minutes. Serve with grated cheese, if desired.

Thank you!

Please THANK the following companies for their generous contributions to our Parent / Child Care Provider Recognition Event on September 10th!

Applied Industrial Technologies Breath of Life
Chick-Fil-A in Avon
Chick-Fil-A on Southport Rd.
Fiesta Hair Salon in Avon
Hobinson Milk Company
Kaplan
Lakeshore Learning Materials
Menards
Olive Garden in Avon
Sams Club on Rockville Rd.
Target at Southport and Emerson
The following Kroger stores located at:
• County Line and Emerson
• Thompson and Emerson
• East Washington Street
• Independence Drive
• Linwood Square
• East Street
The following Marsh stores located at:
• Thompson and Emerson
• Lockerbie
Southport United Methodist Church
USA Foods
Walmart at Emerson and County Line

Without the generousty of the above companies our day would not have been a success.

Conferencia Latina de Cuidado Infantil 2011

Sàbado 24 de Septiembre, 2011

9:00am-3:00pm(Las registraciones comienzan a las 8:00am)

Costo: $20.00 (Incluye almuerzo)

Iglesia Second Presbyterian

7700 N Meridian Street

Indianspolis, IN 46260

Para màs informaiòn llamar a

Yully 1-800-299-1627 Ext. 309

o Amy Torres (317) 636-5727 Ext. 237

Youth Violence Prevention Summit

September 21, 2011 ~ 8:00am-12:30pm

Guilford Township Community Center

1500 South Center Street, Plainfield, IN

Join us for this FREE interactive and informative day featuring nationally renowned speaker and author, SuEllen Fried from Bully Safe USA. She will cover the five kinds of bullying - physical, verbal, emotional, sexual and cyber-bullying along with strategies for changing the culture of bullying.

Starting the day, Jennifer Pyatt from the Brownsburg Police Department will cover many of the specific risks associated with cyber-bullying, internet safety, sexting and what your role is in preventing related youth violence. FREE breakfast will also be provided for attendees.

RSVP to jhill@co.hendricks.in.us or 317-745-9372

Upcoming Webinar on Nutrition

Eating Healthy on a Budget the Sesame Way!

Wednesday, September 21 at 12 Noon ET

Join Sesame Workshop in an interactive session that will provide multimedia tools for parents and caregivers of young children to cope with the challenges of food insecurity. We will provide specific strategies to help support families with: ways to create positive experiences around food for children with engaging key messages that promote basic nutrition; language to use when discussing healthy habits and food insecurity with children; and guidance on achieving a nutritious, balanced diet on a budget. During the session, we will share the materials in our Food for Thought outreach kit and explain how they can be used with children and families in fun and educational ways.

Presented by, Rocío Galarza, Senior Director of Outreach and Content Design for Sesame Workshop.

To register for the workshop click here.  







Try out the new online child care search and give us your feedback!

Child Care Answers is testing a NEW online child care search and we would like you to try the new process and give us your feedback. We have worked to enhance the current online child care search, and will be continually working on the system to make sure it is user-friendly and helpful to all families in Indiana searching for child care.


To try the new online child care search, go to: https://uatup.naccrraware.net/orm/ormLogin.action?uid=NW0I9469J73B74Z

When you are done with your search, please complete a short survey so you can give us feedback about your experience. To access the survey, go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HLBNNJH

Please complete your online search, and survey, by Tuesday, September 6th.

Your feedback on this new online referral search tool, which will soon be a nationwide search option, is very valuable as we continue to make changes that make your child care search easier! Thank you for your participation and feedback!

Step Up for Kids Rally

Step Up for Kids

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2011

10 a.m. South Steps of Indiana Statehouse

Join Indiana families and youth advocates from all over the state for our 4th Annual Step Up For Kids Event

Following the Rally The Day Nursery invites us to enjoy fun and games until 2 p.m. at their North Government Center playground.

Come & Bring Your Friends To Help Us Raise Awareness

How to teach poison safety to children

Do you teach injury prevention programs for preschool and/or elementary school children?
Are you looking for a new safety topic?
Would you like to promote poison safety in your own community?

Who? For people who teach injury prevention programs for preschool and elmentary school children.

How long? 3 hours. Provides poison prevention background for the instructor, how to
effectively teach poison safety to children and how to get the safety message home to parents.

How much? The workshop is FREE

Where? 1812 N. Capitol, Wile Hall, 1st Floor, Room 128, Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis

When? Tuesday, September 13th from 12-3pm.
 
Workshop is limited to 12 participants

To register, contact:
Barbara Cole
317-962-9248

bcole@iuhealth.org

Great Resource for Early Childhood Educators

Free Sample Training Guide

NEXT for Young Children is an electronic publication that accompanies each issue of Young Children. It is designed for teacher educators, staff development specialists, center directors, and principals to use in classes and training sessions. Each issue includes discussion questions, research-to-practice connections, and training session activities that build on the content from selected articles. This great resource is free for a limited time.
Download a Free Sample on line... http://www.naeyc.org/yc/next

Early Intervention Course at Indiana University School of Education

Indiana University's School of Education is now offering K500: Introduction to Early Intervention during the fall 2011 semester.
Course Description:
This course explores research and practice in early intervention for infants and toddlers with developmental concerns and their families. Coursework is organized around principles of practice for intervention that is: (a) family-centered and strengths-based; (b) incorporated into everyday activities with familiar people; (c) developmentally sound; (d) oriented toward active and functional child engagement; and (e) implemented systematically and with coordination across disciplines.
Course Topics Include:
Principles of high quality early intervention practice
Family perspectives in early intervention
Research and strategies to enable strong family involvement
Mediating learning to promote active child and family engagement
Systematic practices from developmental and behavioral perspectives
Issues in evidence-based early intervention practices
Principles and methods of transdisciplinary practice
Who Should Enroll?
Master’s degree students, practicing professionals, and others holding a Bachelor’s degree.
Online Format:
Course activities will be conducted in an interactive fully online environment featuring weekly discussions focused on topical readings, video conferences, projects, and exploration in areas of individual interest. Individualized support is available for online participation.
Instructor:
Hannah Schertz, Ph.D. hschertz@indiana.edu. The instructor has extensive experience in early intervention delivery, research in early intervention for toddlers with ASD and their families, and online graduate teaching.
To enroll: Contact slavende@indiana.edu
Note: this course may count toward the Infant Toddler Certificate

Childhood Immunization

Childhood Immunization Schedule Generator

To help parents keep their children on track for immunizations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has set up an online tool that will generate a schedule for children birth through age six. The tool will even send email updates. For more information, visit http://www2a.cdc.gov/nip/kidstuff/newscheduler_le/