"When my daughter first started this program, she was so behind. Today she is excelling in every area of her life!" - parent in Veneta
Thank you to everyone who participated in our photo rally this past month. It was heart-warming to see all the photos and quotes of the positive ways our services have impacted y
our families. You can still continue to advocate for early intervention and early childhood special education (EI/ECSE) funding by submitting photos, writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, writing to your legislators, or even testifying at the state Capitol.
We are deeply committed to continuing to provide free services, and we would like to expand our services to help more families, and to better serve our current families. The most recent research recommends that funding for EI/ECSE services should be allocated at $10,153 per child — much more than the funding level we currently receive.
For more information on advocacy, connect with the Oregon Alliance for Early Intervention at www.oregonaei.org. You can also make a donation directly to Early Childhood CARES through the University of Oregon Foundation here. Be sure to write "Early Childhood CARES" in the additional gift instruction box at the bottom of the page.
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Enter to win a Fred Meyer Gift Card
Early Childhood CARES values your feedback on the services your child receives. All parents should have received a copy of the Family Satisfaction Survey in the mail a few weeks ago. We ask you to take a few minutes and tell us what you liked about the education your child has received this year, and what suggestions you have for improvement. Parents who return the survey by June 16 are entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card at Fred Meyer. Please help us by completing the survey and returning it in the self-addressed stamped envelope. Call our front desk at 541-346-2578 if you need another copy of the survey.
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School's Out for Summer!
Our spring services end June 14. Summer services run from July 11-August 17, and fall services begin September 11.
Summer can be a lot of fun, but it can also be stressful for families as schedules and routines change. And for kids who are used to being in school during the year — even preschool — summer can be a time when children lose skills.
During breaks, continue to do activities with your child that support her developmental goals. Your service coordinator won't be available during our breaks, so make sure you know what you want to work on before services stop.
Reading to your child daily is always highly encouraged! Visit your local library and check out free books if you live in a library district. The Eugene and Springfield Public Libraries offer storytimes targeted at different age groups.
If your child will be entering kindergarten in the fall, check to see if his school offers the KITS (Kids in Transition to School) program. This free program meets for 24 sessions and works on developing pre-academic, self-regulation, and social skills.
Summer is also a great time to work on swimming skills. Low-cost swimming lessons are often available through city recreation districts — check in your town to see what's available near you.
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Find Support for Mood Disorders
At least 15-20 percent of women experience perinatal mood disorder during pregnancy or the first year postpartum. "Mood disorder" is a catch-all term that includes depression, anxiety, PTSD, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
If you think you or your partner may be struggling with a mood disorder, first know that you are not alone!
Perinatal mood disorders are common and not something you need to feel ashamed about.
Be aware that there may be many factors that are taking a toll on your mental health — hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, the lifestyle change of becoming a parent, financial stress, social isolation, and more. About 10 percent of new moms experience thyroiditis — which can cause depression and anxiety — and requires medication.
Seek support. You should not go through this alone. There are many people and organizations that want to help! WellMama is a Eugene-based nonprofit that offers free support groups for women who self-identify with a perinatal mood disorder. Other important resources include your physician or midwife or a therapist. Your service coordinator can also help you connect with resources.
If you are your child's primary care provider, you may find it helpful to join a mom's group like Mom's Club or MOPS. These groups are designed to provide a peer support network for mothers of young children.
Finally be aware that mood disorders can last beyond your child's first year, and that fathers can struggle with mood disorders too. Postpartum depression in men is not often talked about or screened for, but it's a legitimate phenomenon.
So please, whether you're a mom or a dad, whether you have a newborn or a three-year-old, seek help when needed. We know you want to be the best parent you can be — and that requires taking care of yourself, too.
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Have you signed up for e-Scrip?
Early Childhood CARES has partnered with eScrip for fundraising. eScrip is a hassle-free program for families to help raise funds for Early Childhood CARES through everyday purchases made at participating eScrip merchants. It doesn’t cost anything to participate and eScrip merchants will automatically donate a percentage of every purchase to a designated group of your choice.
To enroll, log on to www.escrip.com. Designate ECCARES (group #11129266) as the agency you want to support. Register the cards you use to shop with regularly (e.g. credit cards and membership cards, like the Safeway Club card). Shop at Market of Choice, Safeway or Macy’s, and Early Childhood CARES will benefit from the purchases you make. You can also shop at eScrip’s online mall. The online merchants including Land’s End, The Children’s Place, Barnes & Noble NOOK, 1-800-FLOWERS and Starbucks will give up to 12 percent of your purchases to Early Childhood CARES. Be sure to share the news with family and friends who may also enroll and register at eScrip, even if they do not live nearby.
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Our Report Card
The Oregon Department of Education's Annual Report Card is out. Click here to view the report on the web page and see how Early Childhood CARES measures up.
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We will not be meeting during the summer. Check back in September for our fall schedule! If you would like to give input on Parent Chat topics for 2017-18, please note your ideas in your Family Satisfaction Survey.
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Check here for the latest updates on events with ARC Families Connected.
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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].
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.
Kids in Transition to Kindergarten
Have a child who will be starting kindergarten in fall 2017? KITS is a free, 24-session kindergarten readiness summer program available at select elementary schools. Sign up at your kindergarten registration, call 541-681-4206, or online at www.KidsinTransitionToSchool.org.
Sensory Storytime
The Eugene Public Library offers a sensory-friendly storytime on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. This is for kids of all ages with sensory integration issues or other special needs. 100 W. 10th Ave, Eugene.
Imagination Library
Families who live in the Eugene library district, you can sign your child up to receive a free book by mail every month from birth until he or she turns 5. Details available at the
Eugene Public Library website here.
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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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