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Welcome back from winter break! We hope you've enjoyed a restful and celebratory holiday season with your family. Our winter term runs from January 10-March 22, with the following non-service days:
- January 16
- February 17, 20, 21
In the event of inclement weather, we will follow the decision of the school district in each area. If your school district is on a delay, Early Childhood CARES' morning classes will be canceled in your area. Afternoon classes will run as scheduled. If school is canceled in your district, Early Childhood CARES classes will be canceled. Contact your service coordinator if you are in need of additional information.
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New Year, New Goals
Did you make a New Year's Resolution, or just have an idea of goals you'd like to accomplish with your kids this year? Tell us about it on Twitter (@UO_CARES) or Facebook with the hashtag #ecgoals.
BTW, we're thrilled to share that we exceeded our 2016 goal for the number of children placed in our services. As of December 1, we had 1382 children placed in our services throughout Lane County — a 3 percent increase from 2015.
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The Early Literacy Edge
Reading with your children daily — beginning in infancy — is a great way to bond, as well as build their language
and literacy skills. Here are some best practices for reading with your kids:
- Make it a routine. Whether it's before bedtime, or after nap, choose a time of day that works for your family.
- Choose books that are age-appropriate. Keep in mind that the younger the child, the shorter the attention span.
- Encourage interaction by asking your child questions before, during, and after the story.
- Have fun! Choose a comfy location, make up voices for different characters, and enjoy. Positive early literacy experiences set your child up for a lifelong love of reading.
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Join us January 28, 10 a.m. at the Springfield Public Library for a kid-friendly chat on early literacy. Then on February 25 we'll be back on the UO campus, with tips on making a successful transition to kindergarten.
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Check here for the latest updates on events with ARC Families Connected.
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Volunteer Opportunities for Parents or Legal Guardians
We are looking for parents in our program who are interested in joining our Statutory Oversight Committee (SOC). This involves attending quarterly meetings at the Early Childhood CARES main office, and sharing your input on policies that affect children with special needs. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Ursula ([email protected]).
A big thanks to those of you who have already volunteered! We appreciated your thoughtful input at our December meeting.
We're also looking for parents to serve on the Family Council for the
Division for Early Childhood. Here is some information from the DEC website: "DEC is an international membership organization for those who work with or on behalf of young children (0-8) with disabilities and other special needs and their families." If interested, please contact Judy Newman ([email protected]).
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Weighted Blankets
A big thank you to Leshem and Jeani who led our weighted blanket work party in December. We had a great turnout with 11 participants who came ready to sew! Weighed blankets are useful in helping calm the nervous system in individuals with autism, sensory processing disorder, or ADHD.
If you're still interested in making your own weighted blanket, we do have the pellets available for free.
If you would like to purchase a low-cost custom-made weighted blanket, we have a skilled volunteer who has offered to produce a limited quantity at-cost. (We also suggest a sliding-scale donation for labor.) Contact Ursula ([email protected]) for more information.
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Want to improve your relationship with your children? Feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns? Feel like your emotions get the best of you? You are NOT alone! The Child and Family Center is offering a low-cost opportunity for parents and caregivers with children ages 2-8 to learn practical skills for handling behavioral challenges and refocusing on big picture values when you feel overwhelmed. This mindfulness-based parenting group will take place on Saturdays from 10-11 am from January 21-March 11. Breakfast and free childcare will be provided! The group will be facilitated by two master’s level therapists, Ellen Rau (812) 343-5148 and Douglas Gomez (714) 981-5076. Please call either Ellen or Doug to learn more and get started on the track to stress relief!
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Want to earn $10 and support new research?
You can earn a $10 gift card by taking part in a doctoral study on stress and support for caregivers of children with special health care needs or developmental disabilities. Participating only takes 15-20 minutes. Click here to participate, and enter password DSST2016.
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Your Family's Resource for Connecting with the Community!
- Informative parenting articles.
- Monthly calendar of activities to do with your kids.
- Connect with resources across Lane County.
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Early Childhood CARES Resource Guide 2016-2017
If you would like an updated copy of the 2016-2017 Resource Guide for resources available in our community, visit our website
to download it. If you need a paper copy, contact your service coordinator or Carla at [email protected].
FACTOregon
offers several online training opportunities for parents. Check out their
Great Start! Parent Empowerment Training Series
: An interactive four part training kit intended for families with children receiving early intervention/early childhood special education.
Free Screening for Siblings
Parents of children receiving services from Early Childhood CARES may request a free developmental screening for younger siblings. Simply call 541-346-2578. Spanish speaking families can call 541-346-0742.
Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit is for working people with low to moderate income, and one or more dependent children. Starting this year, families claiming the EITC will not be eligible to receive their tax refund until February 15 or after. For more information, and to see if you qualify, visit this link.
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Early Childhood CARES
provides early intervention and early childhood special education to infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children in Lane County. Services are individually designed to address the needs of the young child with developmental delays or disabilities. All services are free of charge to eligible children.
Early Childhood CARES
541-346-2578
800-925-8694
299 E 18th Ave Eugene OR 97401
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