Spring 2013 - The Alliance For Infants and Toddlers
Transcription
Spring 2013 - The Alliance For Infants and Toddlers
n Con g ectin People. Supporting Fam SPRING 2013 ng ilies . Ce leb ra ti s cce Su s. PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Pittsburgh, PA Permit No. 49 ng eople. Supporting Fa ting P milie c e n s. C Con ele bra ti s cce Su s. 2801 Custer Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15227 Phone: 412.885.6000 Fax: 412.885.1688 www.afit.org Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace within the storm. SOCIAL WORKERS: HELPING HANDS ALL ABOUT IN DIFFICULT TIMES PHYSICAL AND Inside this Issue 1 Social Workers: Helping Hands in Difficult Times 1 A Message from the Executive Director 3 Your Moods 4 Early Intervention and Social Work: The Caring Connection, TELI 5 Activities to do with Your Baby 5 Sharing our Good News 6-7 Thank You Alliance Families! Your Voices Were Heard! 8-9 Resources for Families 10 Product Safety: Recalls 11 El Families Workshop 12 - 15 Upcoming Events and Information for Families There are times in all of our lives when we need someone to talk to, someone outside of the situation, someone who has skills to help. It might be during a serious illness of a loved one, while going through problems with relationships, when life’s pressures build up. In the Early Intervention Program every family is assigned a Service Coordinator (SC) provided through the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers. The SC has many responsibilities in the system including helping the family access the services they need, keeping track of the child’s progress, maintaining much of the paperwork demanded by the system and providing help to the family. They are good listeners and are very knowledgeable about the wide array of services available in Allegheny County. Sometimes a family might want to have the services of a Social Worker. Social Workers are specially trained to be able to help with the types of situations listed above. Most have earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work and have had intensive training in “helping”. They understand families, family problems and challenges, emotions and the life experiences that can be difficult. Their special training in family dynamics, listening, organization and assisting families with everyday problems or crisis intervention along with their knowledge of community resources helps many families. If you, or your family, are going through a rough time, you might want to consider discussing access to a Social Worker with your Independent Assessment Team, IFSP team, or Service Coordinator. This is a service that is provided at no cost through the Early Intervention program. — Anonymous A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear Parents and Friends, It’s that time of year when almost everyone is thinking and hoping for “spring.” If you believe in Punxsutawney Phil, the prediction is it should be just around the corner. I, for one, hope he is right on the money this year as a little sunshine always brightens the days just a bit more. This issue of our newsletter is all about Social Work service in Early Intervention (EI) and how it can be helpful. This topic was chosen specifically because of the retirement of one of Allegheny County’s long term Social Workers, Barbara Collier. Please take a moment to read the tribute article written by The Early Learning Institute (TELI) about Barb’s 25-plus years of service to EI. In addition there is an article about a survey sent to a group of approximately 400 parents who currently participate or have previously participated in Allegheny County EI services that may be of particular interest to you as parents. As always, should you have concerns or want to ask a question about The Alliance, please contact me. All the best! Michele Myers-Cepicka Executive Director www.afit.org SPOTLIGHT ON RELATIONSHIPS ALLIANCE HELPS CAREGIVERS WITH DEPRESSION Taking care of young children can be very demanding. Having a child who is at risk of having or has a developmental delay can be especially stressful and place a caregiver at risk for depression. Research shows that when parents are depressed their children are more likely to have problems with development and relationships as they grow. Your mood can impact how your child learns about secure, predictable relationships and the way he or she feels about the world. Now in its fourth year, the Helping Families Raise Healthy Children project, offers depression screening and supports for all caregivers who have children enrolled with the Alliance. Through this initiative Alliance Service Coordinators have completed over 4,000 screens using the Physical Health Questionnaire, a series of just 9 questions which may indicate that a parent is at risk for depression. This program has led to improved and expanded services for caregivers in Allegheny County. Those who need and want help are now receiving it through Early Intervention and/or behavioral health. Early Intervention Social Workers are available to support caregivers; many other Early Intervention providers have also been trained in relationship approaches that recognize how parents are doing and feeling is essential to their child’s development. New models of adult and family behavioral health supports are now available to families and caregivers participating in Early Intervention. Adult mobile therapy provides an in-home alternative to traditional out-patient services. In-home family models such as Family Focused, provides services to all members of the family in need of support. If you are experiencing any symptoms of depression or would just like to talk with someone about this program, please call your Service Coordinator. Depression screening is completely confidential. HOW YOUR SERVICE COORDINATOR CAN HELP YOUR FAMILY WITH CHALLENGING SITUATIONS Alliance Service Coordinators focus on helping your family. They can help you in so many ways including: finding needed services, making you aware of your rights, making sure your child is getting needed early intervention services and that the correct paperwork is done. Service Coordinators keep in-touch with therapists, but the Service Coordinator does not always know new information you have shared with therapists at each visit. It is especially important that Service Coordinators know about issues that might be challenging for families, like divorce, moving, any new diagnosis your child has received or any major illnesses. The Service Coordinator might then suggest some community resources that might be helpful or possibly adding a Social Worker to your team to address these more challenging family situations. Some of the ways you can help your Service Coordinator help you, include: • Asking questions about anything you do not understand. No matter how silly you think the question might be, ask. YOUR MOODS The University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development When Judy is running late and getting more tense and irritable by the minute, the one thing she can count on is one-year-old Bobby putting up a fuss. Bobby usually is pretty easy-going. Why is it then that when Judy least needs a cranky baby, he acts up? Chances are Bobby is picking up on his mother’s crankiness or stress. Children are sensitive to the moods of those around them. Babies often look to adults for emotional cues. When a new toy is shown to eight-to-ten-month-old babies, they often look to their mothers for some emotional signal to tell them how to react. Like adults, babies tend to respond to happiness with happiness, to sadness with sadness, to anger with anger, and so on. Infants in a nursery may start to cry for no other reason than they hear other infants crying. It’s called “crying contagion.” A child’s emotional development can also be affected if you are always angry, tense, or irritable. If that’s the case, you should consider taking some steps to soften the impact. Pay attention to your common and persistent emotional reactions and moods. If repeated over and over, they can have a marked influence. If, for example, you gasp in horror every time your child falls when learning to walk, your baby will likely learn to cry with every tumble. But if you smile, treat the fall as expected, comfort for a few seconds, and set your toddler off again, you’ll teach your child that it’s no big deal to tumble. And if you are really feeling seriously stressed, irritable, or depressed, ask another adult to take over with your baby until you’re more relaxed. When you’re back to being yourself, give your baby a smile and a hug. You’ll probably get one in return. This column is written by Robert B. McCall, Co-Director of the Office of Child Development and Professor of Psychology, and is provided as a public service by the Frank and Theresa Caplan Fund for Early Childhood Development and Parenting Education. NOTE: If you are concerned about your own moods and the effects on your baby, talk to your Service Coordinator about possible resources including support from a Social Worker. So it’s safe to assume that your baby is sensitive to your moods, facial expressions, and tone of voice. • Be honest with your Service Coordinator. Service Coordinators are not there to judge you. They are there to help and can only help if they know what you need. • Tell your Service Coordinator about your family’s needs. They can sometimes assist you to find help in getting items like clothing, furniture, toys, diapers, etc. There are lots of agencies that provide help and Service Coordinators often know of places to get such things. For some family’s needs, the Service Coordinator may suggest a Social Worker join the team to provide your family with additional support. But you shouldn’t worry that your mood swings will damage your child. Temporary “baby blues” isn’t likely to have any long-term effect on your child’s emotional development. Constant and severe depression, however, is a bit more serious and should be treated. A particularly undesirable situation is if parents are always emotionally unresponsive to their child. In other words, they don’t react positively or negatively to anything the baby does. Except for minimum care, they leave the infant alone, constantly. Hugs can do great amounts of good – especially for children — Princess Diana, Princess of Wales Goals are the seeds from which — Anonymous the future grows. • 2 3 • ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH YOUR BABY EARLY INTERVENTION AND SOCIAL WORK: — The Early Learning Institute THE CARING CONNECTION Any parent knows that having a child is a 24-hour a day commitment that is equally filled with joy, exhaustion, love and hard work. Having a child with special needs adds additional challenges to the parenting experience, and can leave many parents feeling isolated, depressed or grieving. Family and Community Workers within early intervention provide families with supports in many ways, including making home visits to provide support relating to parenting issues and concerns; assessing the family’s material and emotional needs; and providing family training on the child’s disability, behaviors and development. Family and Community workers also provide emotional support and social work therapy for parents who are experiencing frustrations over their child’s delays, assisting families in developing daily nurturing routines and by linking families to community resources. Marriage and grief counseling, along with crisis intervention, can also be provided. Barbara Collier, MSW, LSW, a Family & Community Worker with The Early Learning Institute (TELI) for over 25 years, has helped hundreds of families in our community throughout her career. Barbara sees her role as promoting the affirming concept that “the parent is the child’s first and most important teacher” and helps the parent to have the skills to serve in that teacher role. The supports provided to parents are different in every circumstance: sometimes it is a balance of parenting training and other supports, other times it is assisting the family in connecting with community resources such as obtaining food stamps, vocational training or assistance with basic needs such as heating, clothing or navigating the WIC system. In all cases though, supports from the Family and Community worker include a listening ear, a non-judgmental support person who is there to support the needs of the parent as well as the child, and work with the family to make sure that the parent has the resources needed to be the “first and most important teacher” in their child’s life. TUMMY TIME WAY UP IN THE SKY Time: 5 to 10 minutes. Materials Needed: None Activity for an individual child Age group: 18-40 months Duration of activity: 15 minutes Directions: Playing from the tummy position allows for a different view of the world. Although it is recommended that babies sleep on their backs as a precaution against SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), your baby can still benefit from exercise in the tummy position while awake. Lay your baby on his tummy and get down on that level, making faces and noises to encourage raising his head, which strengthens the neck and upper body muscles. Extensions: • Lay out some brightly colored toys so your baby can see them from this position. • Get your baby’s attention with any object and move it back and forth slowly so it is tracked with the eyes. • Roll your baby to his side and then gently back to the tummy, saying, “Wheeeeeeee.” • Stand directly over your baby at your full height, and then move slowly down to a squatting position so you are very close. FUN WITH FACES Time: 5 to 10 minutes. Materials Needed: None At TELI, social work services are an integrated part of our program, as TELI’s founding director, Elsie Wagner, was a Social Worker. Over her 25-year career, Ms. Collier followed in the footsteps of Ms. Wagner, demonstrating every day that all children can learn and be successful when provided with the appropriate supports. Ms. Collier retired from service with TELI on January 31, 2013, noting “although my exciting, fulfilling career at TELI will end with my retirement, the memories will last forever. Following in the footsteps of Elsie Wagner, I know that each of us can make a difference!” As Ms. Collier retires, TELI will continue to provide this vital service to families through two Family and Community Workers – Ann Logoyda, MSW, LSW a six-year TELI veteran, and Nicolette Louzar (“Nikki”) MSW, LSW, who will join TELI in February. Ms. Collier did much more than make a difference – she made the lives of every family better, by helping parents be the first and best teacher for their child. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future. — Franklin D. Roosevelt Directions: It is always fun for your baby to explore your face. Put your baby’s hand on one part of your face or head, such as your nose, mouth, chin, ear, etc. and say what it is. Directions: Your child will enjoy this cute action rhyme. It is more fun when you exaggerate the voices and use a high pitch when the birds are talking. 1. Teach your child the following rhyme and the corresponding movements: Way up in the sky (raise arms in the air) The little birds fly. (flap arms) While down in their nest, The little birds rest. (curl up arms like holding a baby) With a wing on the left (extend left arm) And a wing on the right (extend right arm) The sweet little birdies sleep all through the night. (press hands together on cheek) Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh (put finger to lips) They’re sleeping! The bright sun comes up, (raise arms in the air) Extensions: Take turns going back and forth between the baby’s body parts and yours. Talk about what you are doing. Then, use a stuffed animal or doll to point to body parts. The dew falls away. (pat in a downward motion) “Good morning, good morning” (wave and flap) The little birds say! Family Education Network, part of Pearson. Tummy Time & Way Up in the Sky retrieved February 11, 2010 from http://fun.familyeducation.com/games/toddler. Fun With Faces retrieved February 12, 2013 from http://fun.familyeducation.com/games/early-learning/35798.html?detoured=1. Sharing Our Good News We wanted all of you to know about the recent marriages of staff members: Noire (Holly) Lee! Megan (Muraco) Thomas! Congratulations to each of you and your husbands! Congratulations to David Mulgrave! • 4 David won two gold medals and one silver medal in the Special Olympics Figure Skating Competition in February 2013!!! 5 • THANK YOU ALLIANCE FAMILIES! YOUR VOICES WERE HEARD! We asked some families of children receiving Early Intervention (EI) services in Allegheny County what they liked best about EI in a mail survey. First, we thank all of the families that participated in the survey. None of the families gave a negative comment about services. Many of the families commented positively on the program, saying it was effective, accommodating, and convenient. Furthermore, families commented that they felt the staff was caring, compassionate, and professional. When asked, “In the event that your child was not eligible for EI services, what would you do?” 30% of families said that they would have to “wait and see“ to find out about their concerns on their child’s development and “hope that he would eventually catch up.” While very few parents (less than 5%) would advise other parents to “wait and see.” This article is a summary of the survey results and includes actual comments that families made about the impact of EI on their children and their families. The results of the survey were presented to the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) at a meeting of the State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC) in a brochure and public testimony. Importance on receiving intervention early: • The earlier you intervene the more success your child will have. • That it’s done early, before school age. Love the therapists. They’re at the age that having someone come ‘play’ with them is fun, therefore learning can be accomplished. In our survey, we asked parents to say in their own words what they liked best about EI. Their comments were indicative of three issues. First, parents indicated that staff is kind, caring and professional. The convenience of services being offered in home and childcare settings was a second important factor. Third were parents’ favorable comments about the work being done with their child and their own child’s progress. Appreciation for early intervention staff: • Our speech therapy has been amazing. My child is speaking so much. Also, I’m always notified if there is any change in my child’s services. • The service coordinators and therapists are kind, caring, and so helpful. They have worked wonders for my family! • A lot of information was provided to me and my family about my child’s development and gave us the options of what we needed to do. • The SC and therapist not only helped my son but also showed interest in him as a whole person not just the area that he needed assistance in. Our program, which recognizes the family as the child’s first and primary teacher, includes parent training to help families to help their children. We know that it is not only the therapist coming periodically to work with the child that makes the difference. It is also through the empowerment of the family that makes a difference. This includes the understanding of their child’s delay, learning what they can do at home to help their child progress, and finding the resources they need. According to our analysis of how the program works, we are in agreement that the program works as it should. When asked about the benefits of EI, the benefit chosen most frequently by parents (96%) was that their child’s therapist helped the child make progress. And, even more importantly, parents (67%) also stated that the team helped the parent understand their child’s developmental delay and supported the child’s development (74%). • 6 THE FOLLOWING QUOTES ARE FROM THE FAMILIES WHO RESPONDED TO THE SURVEY: Learning through family involvement: • The workers; they are awesome; works fantastic with my children and teaches me how to work with my children’s needs. • They help me help my son progress by teaching me ways to help him. They’re honest and wonderful. • I like that I, as a parent, am included in therapy. That gives me the tools to use anytime to help my child. I pass on those skills to family and teachers. Early intervention addressed the families’ concerns about their child: • My son has fun & it’s a great way for him to learn & his needs are being addressed by a trained professional. • It works with my child’s and entire family’s needs. • Easy, they come to your house; my child is comfortable in his environment & with the therapist. I learn too! Children received services in natural settings: • The therapist comes to the child. Working parents appreciate this a lot! • At home, makes children feel comfortable and safe. • Flexibility and being in the home where children are most comfortable. • They came to our house - very nice for a shy child. Helpful ideas from teachers and therapists: • That the therapist helps me understand my child’s delay and she gives me weekly tips for me to work on with my child. • The suggestions to help our child so we could work with our child every day! Therapy is not daily but as a parent it’s our responsibility to help daily. • They address issues and help you feel like you can overcome those issues. • Progress and getting ideas to do at home. • I like that they come to the house and give us ways. Families said that the services worked!!!! • My daughter was re-evaluated today & did not qualify for speech. She has come a long way from one year ago with the help of her speech therapist. • We have seen remarkable improvement! Love that they came to our home. • He is talking so much better now. • It’s working for my son. • The amazing progress my child has made! Families believe that early intervention saves money: • By intervening now my child will be on track when he gets to school where it could have cost more to deal with an issue that progressed and put him behind. • Frustrated children act out…sometimes resulting in criminal activity. Also, being at their full potential results in adults who are employed… contributing tax income! • ...if they did not receive therapy early on, so many issues ...could arise in their future …. • The older the children are, the harder it is to teach them. Catch it early and work on it rather than it taking more time & money to fix later. • Though it may be a temporary save, in the long run schools will have to help the child. Better to address now than later. • Taxpayer money is best spent on children’s health. Each taxpayer who is a parent, including ourselves would agree allocation of taxpayers’ money is key to save and wisely use our taxpayers money and by no means the portion allocated to your children’s health should be reduced. Thanks again to all the families who responded to the survey!! Services help children in the future: • The problem is quickly identified & action is taken when the child is very young & resilient. The child learns correct behaviors much more quickly before bad habits are formed and fears set in that will have to be overcome. • They come to the home/daycare & really focus on my family’s needs for my child. For people with limited resources/transportation, their children would go without & once they’re in school it’s a much harder thing to get pulled out of important academics. Without early intervention for their children, families say: • I don’t know what I would have done without EI!! • It helped me so much! I am not sure what I would have done. • I honestly don’t know! I would have been LOST! • Protect infants and toddlers with developmental delays. Make sure all children needing early intervention can still get the help they need!!! 7 • RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES – Spring 2013 PARENT SUPPORT Sometimes parents feel overwhelmed, angry, sad, or anxious when learning that their child may need early intervention services. It can be a very stressful and confusing time for families. In addition to talking to professionals about these feelings, many families have found parent support groups to be helpful. Meeting other families provides an opportunity to speak to others who understand your situation and know what you’re going through. If you would like to talk with other parents or find online support the following resources may be helpful: Parent to Parent – Statewide 1-888-727-2706 • www.parenttoparent.org Connects families and friends of children and adults with special needs statewide so they may share experiences and offer practical information and/or advice. One-to-one or group support is available. Special Kids Network 1-800-986-4550 • tty 1-877-986-5432 www.gotoskn.state.pa.us Provides information locally and statewide about services, resources and support for families of children with chronic health or disabling conditions. Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Clinical Social Work Department • 412-692-5255 Refers you to a support group for a specific medical or neurological diagnosis. ABOARD‘s Autism Connection of PA 1-800-827-9385 • www.aboard.org Offers information, support groups, individual support, educational advocacy and a newsletter to families whose children are diagnosed with Autism, Asperger’s syndrome, Fragile X, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Rett syndrome and Tourette syndrome. The Down Syndrome Center At Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh 412-692-7963 • www.chp.edu Provides information, support groups, a newsletter and help in locating community services and resources to families whose children have been diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Compassionate Friends Pittsburgh Branch 412-835-1105 • www.tcfpittsburgh.org Offers friendship and understanding to families who are grieving the loss of a child of any age from any cause including miscarriage, stillborn birth, infant death or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Support includes home meetings, individual support, educational meetings and a newsletter. Some support groups/organizations are organized around a specific diagnosis. For information on specific support groups, ask your Service Coordinator, call 2-1-1 and talk to a trained information specialist, or see the Family Resource Guide website at www.family resourceguide.org. Back To Sleep ~Your baby should sleep on his back, near you, in a separate sleep area… use a safety approved crib. ~Always lay your baby on his back to sleep. However, if your baby rolls over, it’s okay to let him sleep that way. Babyfirst.com Information & Support for Parents of Premature Babies Babyfirst.com, a single destination for the care giving team and parents of premature babies to exchange information and experiences online, is now optimized for quick and easy access on mobile phones and tablets, offering instant mobile access to critical information for preemie parents and NICU staff. ~Nothing but your baby should be in the crib - no toys, no pillows, no loose bedding and no bumper pads or wedges. ABOARD’s Autism Connection of PA provides autism support across the state of Pennsylvania. Supports offered to parents include autism support groups, resources and schedules of conferences and events. ABOARD also provide information on the signs and symptoms of autism, getting an autism diagnosis, and applying for medical assistance and health insurance. ABOARD also helps people with autism by providing information on autism treatments, links to autism research studies, and support groups for people on the spectrum. Best Books for Babies Created by a panel of local librarians, child development experts, and academics this annual list is a nationally recognized guide for parents, teachers, and caregivers in selecting quality literature for babies (infants through 18-months). For more information, visit: http://www.fci.org/best-booksbabies/index.html • • • • • • • • • • A, You’re Adorable. By Martha Alexander All of Baby, Nose to Toes. By Victoria Adler ABC Kids. By Simon Basher Little Pookie. By Sandra Boynton Little Chicken’s Big Day. By Katie & Jerry Davis Orange Pear Apple Bear. By Emily Gravett Red Sled. By Lita Judge My Face Book. By Star Bright Books Baby Basics: My First Words. By Roger Priddy Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. By Sherri Duskey Rinker Where to Get Help Safe Sleep ABOARD, Autism Support in PA Do you have a child newly diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder? Call Marie Mambuca at ABOARD’s Autism Connection of PA at 412-781-4116 to find services or if interested in attending or starting a support group! Check out ABOARD’S support group page at www.autismofpa.org or http://autismsupport.org/ autism-supportgroups/pa-autismsupportgroups/ Pittsburgh Parent Magazine Is now available on-line at http://www.pittsburghparent.com/ Check out all the great information and fun activities for families and kids!! …Looking for upcoming summer camps & activities? Click on ‘Virtual Summer Activity & Camp Expo’ for a 2013 listing• Pennsylvania has a website that can help you understand all of the services that are available in these tough economic times. To find information on Pennsylvania’s services, check the website at: http://www.heretohelp.pa.gov/portal/server.pt ~Sleep surfaces that are NOT safe include: adult beds, sofas, couches, chairs, water beds, soft mattresses, bean bags and pillows. • 8 9 • FAMILY RESOURCES EI FAMILIES Come Join Us For an Education and Empowerment Workshop Product Safety: RECALLS By US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). For the most up-to-date information on recalled products go to http://www.cpsc.gov or call CPSC Toll-free Consumer Hotline: 1-800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270). Fall & Choking Hazards • Strollers recalle oo (the carry handle on the Bugaboo Camelion & Bugaboo Donkey strollers can detach while in use) Ingestion Hazards • High Powered Magnets recalled by Kringles Toys and Gifts; sold exclusively on Amazon.com • High Powered Magnet Balls recalled by SCS Direct; sold exclusively on Amazon.com Choking Hazards • Falls Creek Kids Denim Jeans recalled by Meijer (snap on front of denim may come loose and separate from fabric) • Hug N’ Tug Baby Toys recalled by Sassy and Carter’s Lead Paint Hazard • Fleece Hoodie & T-Shirt Sets recalled by Children’s Apparel Network (sold exclusively at Target. The toddler-sized children’s clothing has Snow White, Mickey Mouse and Cars character designs.) Drowning Hazards • Bath Seats recalled by Dream On Me Risk of Exposure to Mold • Rock ‘N Play Infant Sleepers recalled-to-inspect by Fisher-Price Entrapment Hazards • Bunk Beds recalled by World Imports Entrapment & Strangulation Hazards • EVO Strollers recalled by Mutsy USA • Play Yard Sheets recalled by 4moms • PeaPod Travel Tents recalled by KidCo Failure to Meet Child-Resistant Closure Hazard • Triaminic and Theraflu Products (manufactured before 12/21/2011) • Bottles of MegaFood One Daily Supplements recalled by FoodState Fall Hazards • City Versa Strollers recalled by Baby Jogger • Booster Seats (designed to attach to Valco “TriMode” & “Zee” strollers) recalled by Valco Baby • Wood Highchairs (classic style) recalled by Graco Risks of Injury or Death • Million Dollar Baby Dressers recalled by Bexco due to Tip-Over Hazards; Two Toddler Deaths Reported • Natart Chelsea Dressers recalled by Gemme Juvenile due to Tip-Over Hazard; Death of Toddler Reported • Nap Nanny Recliners (Nap Nanny® Generations One and Two, and the Chill™ model infant recliners) recalled Due to Five Infant Deaths Suffocation & Strangulation Hazards • Children’s Bed Rails recalled by Dream On Me • Eddie Bauer Rocking Wood Bassinets recalled by Dorel Juvenile Group • High Chairs recalled by Dream on Me • Infant Swings recalled by Dream on Me Do you have a child, age birth through 5 years old, who receives Early Intervention services in Allegheny County? Would you like to: • learn more about the supports and services available to your child and family? • meet other families who share your experience? • be a better advocate for your child? EI Families is a workshop by families, for families. The intent of the workshop is to empower families, whose children, age birth through five years old, receive Early Intervention services in Allegheny County. All of our workshop leaders are family members raising a child with developmental delays. They carry with them many years of experience in acquiring services and resources for their child. They have an understanding of how systems work, and will share their knowledge with other families. Training topics include: • PARENTING A CHILD WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS • CREATING A PLAN FOR YOUR CHILD AND FAMILY • ADVOCATING FOR YOUR CHILD, THE PARENT MOVEMENT, EARLY INTERVENTION LAWS AND YOUR RIGHTS IN THE EARLY INTERVENTION SYSTEM • PROMISING PRACTICES: INCLUSION, FAMILY CENTERED PRINCIPLES, PARENT/PROFESSIONAL PARTNERSHIPS • FINDING COMMUNITY RESOURCES SPRING TRAININGS Full Day Training Date: Saturday, April 20 Time: 8:30 – 3:30 Place: UCP/CLASS (formerly the Center for Creative Play in Edgewood) 1400 S Braddock Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15218 Directions at www.ucpclass.org Evening Series Dates: Thursdays, April 25, May 2 and 9 Time: 6:30 – 9:00 Place: ACHIEVA (South Side) 711 Bingham St. (at 8th St.) Pittsburgh, PA 15203 412- 95-5000 Directions at www.achieva.info Light dinner served. Free on-site parking. ACHIEVA is one block off Carson St. at 7th St. in the South Side of Pittsburgh and is currently on the 48 & 51 PAT bus routes. Please check portauthority.org or call 412-4422000 for changes. Child Care is provided on a limited basis. Infants are welcome to attend with their families. Call 1 week in advance to arrange for child care. Date: Thursday, April 25 Topic: - PARENTING A CHILD WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS - PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE FOR YOUR CHILD AND FAMILY Date: Thursday, May 2 Topics: -ADVOCATING FOR YOUR CHILD, THE PARENT MOVEMENT, EARLY INTERVENTION LAWS & YOUR RIGHTS IN THE EARLY INTERVENTION SYSTEM Date: Thursday, May 9 Topics: - FINDING COMMUNITY RESOURCES - PROMISING PRACTICES IN EARLY INTERVENTION: INCLUSION, FAMILY CENTERED PRINCIPLES, PARENT/PROFESSIONAL PARTNERSHIPS To RSVP, obtain a training brochure or for additional information, please call Elizabeth Strickland, [email protected] at 412.323.3979 or Julie Hladio, [email protected] at 412.885.6000 x3136 Please RSVP 1 week prior to all trainings. Violations of Federal Flammability Standard • Children’s Two-Piece Pajama Sets recalled by Target • Circo Girls Fleece Pajamas recalled by Target • Girl’s Pajamas recalled by Elephantito • Children’s Pajamas recalled by Boden (“Mini Boden” brand cotton pajamas sold exclusively at Bodenusa.com for children 1.5 to 14 years old • 10 Continental breakfast and lunch provided. Free on-site parking. UCP/CLASS is located just off the Edgewood/ Swissvale exit of 376 and is currently on the 61B PAT bus route. Please check portauthority.org or call 412442-2000 for changes. Child Care is provided at no cost to families on a limited basis. Infants are welcome to attend with their families. Call 1 week in advance to arrange for child care. Sponsored by: Pittsburgh/Allegheny County LICC, Allegheny County DHS, The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers, Pittsburgh Public Schools and Allegheny Intermediate Unit Project DART. With special thanks to ACHIEVA, Easter Seals and Allegheny County Health Department. 11 • UPCOMING EVENTS AND INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES — Spring 2013 DID YOU KNOW . . . You can go to the Carnegie Museums for $1.00 with an ACCESS/EBT card!* Here’s how it works: • Any ACCESS card holder (green or gold cards) is eligible • Up to 4 persons can be admitted per card holder at $1 per person ($2 per person at the Carnegie Science Center) • Enjoy unlimited visits throughout the year The participating Carnegie Museums include: • Carnegie Museum of Art 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Phone: 412.622.3131 • Carnegie Museum of Natural History 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15213 Phone: 412.622.3131 • The Andy Warhol Museum 117 Sandusky Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Phone: 412.237.8300 • Carnegie Science Center* One Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Phone: 412.237.3400 Please Note: Not valid with any other offer or group rate. Visitors must present an Access/EBT Card, along with a photo ID, to receive the discount. * $2 admission at Carnegie Science Center. • 12 Thinking of Visiting The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh? Holders of a PA ACCESS EBT card (green card only) are admitted at $1 for up to 4 people. The card must be shown at admission. Every adult being admitted on the card must show a photo ID with the same address as the cardholder. 10 Children’s Way, Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 / Phone: 412.322.5058 EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM!! Tot Time At this weekly program, children ages 18 months through 3 years and their caregivers learn through songs, creative movement and stories based on Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory. Offered every Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:00 am noon. Check the Calendar of Events on the Children’s Museum website (www.Pittsburghkids.org) for the weekly Tot Time theme and activities. Single Class: $5 for members, $6.25 for non-members Five-Class Pass: $20 for members, $25 for non-members Admits one child and one adult caregiver Admission to the Museum is not required to attend class. Admission to the Museum and parking is not included and is an additional cost. • Class size is limited to 13 children and their caregivers. • Registration is on a first-come, first serve basis. • Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Classes fill fast! Please register at the Admissions desk in the Museum, or by calling (412) 322-5058, ext. 240, Monday - Friday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm, up until one hour before start. Payment in full is required. • Siblings under the age of 18 months may attend class free of charge. • Children ages 4 and older cannot attend Tot Time Giant Eagle Child Development Series Join us in the Nursery at The Children’s Museum each month for an informational session for parents, while your children play nearby. Presented by child development and other experts from our community. Topics include growing up healthy, nutrition for kids, chemical exposure for kids and sign language for infants and toddlers. Check the Calendar of Events on the Children’s Museum website at www.Pittsburghkids.org to find an upcoming CDS session. Sessions are free with paid museum admission. 13 • THE BEST SPOTS FOR TODDLERS MORE UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FAMILIES – Spring 2013 SAVE THE DATE! 11th Annual Saturday, May 18, 2013 Stage AE, North Shore Registration is NOW OPEN for the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community. To register or for more information visit www.walkforahealthycommunity.org Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield underwrites the cost of the walk so that 100% of the money raised is donated to directly benefit the organization of your choice. DePaul School for Hearing and Speech is one of 68 participating organizations. TOUCH-A-TRUCK Join us on Saturday, May 18! The Junior League of Pittsburgh (JLP) will host its Sixth Annual Touch-A-Truck on May 18th, 2013. For more information visit the JLP at www.JLPGH.org. Let your kids get behind the wheel, honk the horns and meet the men and women who drive the trucks. Tickets for all attendees 12 months and older can be purchased online or at the event. Fundraisers like Touch-a-Truck enable the JLP to create and support programs to improve the lives of women and children in Pittsburgh since 1922. Proceeds generated will go toward supporting the mission and values of the JLP, as well as initiatives like its Signature Project with Strong Women Strong Girls, Kids in the Kitchen, scholarships, and other children’s charities. • 14 The Children’s Museum 10 Children’s Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Phone: 412.322.5058 Lots of areas to explore for children of all ages, but be sure to check out the second floor with activities geared more to the pre-K set. Carnegie Science Center 1 Allegheny Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Phone: 412.237.3418 Experience an “earthquake”, see the world through the eyes of a fish or just have fun at the water play table in Exploration Station. Carnegie Museum of Natural History 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Phone: 412.622.3131 Dinosaurs are a preschooler favorite and Carnegie’s exhibit is second to none. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium 7326 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Phone: (412) 665-3640 Head straight for Kids’ Kingdom – one of the top three children’s zoos in the country. South Side Works Town Square 415 South 27th St., Pittsburgh, PA 15203 The fountain is a fun free way to entertain your toddler on a warm summer afternoon - be sure to bring their swimsuit! National Aviary 700 Arch St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212. (412) 323-7235 Make sure to stop at the Lories & Friends exhibit at feeding time for a friendly encounter with a rainbow lorikeet. Listen to Music: Babies love to move with the music. Even very young babies will move their arms and legs. Toddlers begin to dance to the music. The immediate joy of dancing is so much fun for babies. Encourage them. Dance with them! Running Outside: As the weather gets nicer, we all spend more time outdoors. Going to the park, playing on the slide, riding a swing, can all be great fun. Also, encourage your child to explore while you are walking. Remember to use sun screen on your baby when you are outdoors. Exploring and Learning: Allow him/her to pick up and examine blades of grass, leaves, flowers, etc. Movement can include using small muscles, too! Playing in Water: Always supervise your child when they are in or near any water. But moving in water is great exercise and children love it. If you use a plastic swimming pool for your baby, put a few floating toys in and watch your baby splash and giggle! The Best Spots for Toddlers Column http://www.listafterlist.com/tabid/57/listid/9311/Local/ The+Best+Spots+for+Toddlers+in+Pittsburgh.aspx SAVE THE DATE! 2013 NATIONAL AUTISM CONFERENCE The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, State College, PA Monday July 29th, 2013 - Thursday August 1st, 2013 Conference Mission: This conference provides comprehensive, evidence-based information to assist all educational team members, other professionals, and families in developing effective educational programming for all students with autism spectrum disorders. Who Should Attend: Family members, physicians, speech-language pathologists, administrators, higher-education faculty, general and special education professionals, early intervention staff, related service personnel, behavioral health analysts/professionals, and anyone interested in autism spectrum disorders. Scholarships, Exhibits, & Childcare: A limited number of conference scholarships will be available for parents of school-aged children with autism and undergraduate and graduate students completing their program of study in 2013 in a related field. We will collect and showcase a variety of artwork by school-aged students with autism and we will continue to host a Children’s Institute concurrent to the conference for a limited number of children ages birth-21 with autism and their siblings. Registration: Conference registration will be available beginning in April at: www.outreach.psu.edu/programs/autism Disclaimer: The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers does NOT accept responsibility for the information practices of third party sources referenced in our newsletter. The third party sources or web sites are provided solely for you, the recipient’s convenience. The inclusion of third party sources or web sites in our newsletter does NOT mean that we endorse that third party source or web site. Please be aware that when you access one of the third party sources or web sites provided that The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers has no control over the quality or accuracy of the content. You view and rely upon the contents of any such third party sources or websites at your own risk. The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers accepts no liability to you for the contents of and/or information contained in any third party source or web site. The third party sources or web sites in the newsletter are maintained by their respective organizations and they are solely responsible for their content. 15 •