We hope that you have been able to stay safe and warm during this week's heavy snow. Our offices have been closed for most of the week, following the University of Oregon's decision to close facilities, but we are now open. As a reminder, our school closures always follow the decision of the local district. Since we work throughout Lane County, we are in many different districts and it becomes confusing for us to announce our closures. So always check the news for your local district to see if school has been closed. If there is a 2-hour delay, then our morning classrooms have been closed but any afternoon classes will run as scheduled.
If you need a good laugh about the snowstorm, check out
these fun videos
made by Junction City School District administrators.
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March Calendar
- March 2, Parent Chat: Advocating for Your Child using Person-Centered Planning & the One-Page Profile, 10-noon @ 1500 W. 12th Ave.
- March 9, Parent Chat: Potty Training 101, 10-noon @ 1500 W. 12th Ave.
- March 20-April 9: No Services (Spring Break)
- April 10, Last day to register for Spring Positive Behavior Group
Tax Exemption for Parents of Children with Disabilities
It's tax time! The Oregon Tax Codes provides an additional tax exemption for parents of eligible children with disabilities in Oregon. If your child was enrolled in Early Childhood CARES as of December 31, 2018, then your family qualifies for this tax break. Consult a tax professional or contact the Oregon Department of Revenue with additional questions at 1-800-356-4222.
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Influenza Alert
Our school nurse has reminded us that Influenza A is very active in our community and can be a quite serious illness. The flu shot reduces your risk, but you can still get sick even if you've had your vaccine this year. If you or your child develops flu-like symptoms with fever or extreme fatigue, consider a visit to your doctor or Urgent Care. They can test you for flu and start you on anti-viral medication for a faster recovery. Please also remember that frequent handwashing with soap for at least 20 seconds, as well as coughing and sneezing into your elbow, are important steps for reducing the spread of viruses.
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Our annual
Potty Training 101
chat will take place on
March 9
and be led by Julia Rockwell, an autism and behavior specialist with our program.
All parent chats meet on Saturday mornings from 10 am - noon at our main office, 1500 W. 12th Ave., Eugene. Free childcare, coffee, and light refreshments will be available. Parents need to register even if childcare is not needed. Register by calling our front desk at 541-346-2578, texting 541-393-7200, or by email to [email protected]. Childcare is limited. RSVP early to ensure your spot.
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What to do during spring break?
School breaks always take some adjustment on the parents' part, whether you're able to be at home with your children during the break or need to find alternate childcare. If you're looking for some activities to do with your kids during the break, here are a few ideas:
- Visit the park! The weather is getting nicer (right?). Playing outside at a park is free and a good opportunity for your child to get exercise. Some of our favorite parks in Eugene/Springfield are:
- Bethel: Bethel Community Park
- River Road: Emerald Park, 1400 Lake Drive, Eugene.
- Coburg Road: Oakmont Park
- South Eugene: Amazon Park (an inclusive park with a wheelchair-accessible play structure!)
- Springfield: Meadow Park
- Thurston: Quartz Park
- Play inside at an open gym. Open gym times are always a popular option for energetic preschoolers on rainy Oregon days. Bounce Gymnastics, NAAG, and Gymnastics Northwest all offer open gym sessions for young children. We highly encourage you to attend the age-appropriate session for safety reasons.
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The group is designed to help parents decrease negative behaviors in preschool-aged children and is based upon
The Incredible Years,
developed by Dr. Carolyn Webster-Stratton with the University of Washington.
Leading the group will be Erin Dent, an Early Childhood Special Educator and Ursula Crawford, the Parent Outreach Coordinator with Early Childhood CARES.
Childcare will be provided each week by Early Childhood CARES staff. A light dinner will also be provided each week. Pre-registration is required. Parents need to register for the group even if childcare is not needed.
To register:
- Call 541-346-2578, text 541-343-7200, or email [email protected]
- Registration deadline is April 10
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Paid Research Study Opportunity
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Interested in learning more about your strengths and needs as a caregiver?
You are invited to participate in a study of social and emotional development in young children.
Families will receive $20 gift card.
Who?
Children ages 18-42 months and a caregiver
Where?
At your home or at Clinical Services Building at University of Oregon, whatever is most convenient
How long?
ONE
appointment that will last approximately 90 minutes
When?
At your convenience
Benefits of Participation:
· Learn more about your relationship with your kiddo
· Learn more about your child’s social and emotional development
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Parenting Class in Cottage Grove
Pearl Buck Center is offering a parenting class in Cottage Grove this spring. This class will offer childcare, dinner, and the opportunity to earn a gift card at each class attended. Spanish translation available. This class is primarily focused on parents with cognitive limitations, but all are welcome.
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All Born (in) Annual Conference on Educational Inclusion
All Born (in) seeks to promote the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in our schools and communities. This conference was founded in 2006 in partnership with Portland State University's joint certification program and the Center on Inclusive Education. This event will be held on Saturday April 6 at the Portland Airport Holiday Inn. For more information and to register,
visit the ABI website
or call 503-238-0522.
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Text message reminders
If you would like to receive text message reminders about upcoming events, including our monthly parent chat & playgroup, visit this link to sign up today:
remind.com/join/eccares
You can also sign up by texting @eccares to the number 81010.
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Support our Program with eScrip
Using eScrip is even easier now with the new Benefits app for iPhone and Androids.
Click here
for more info or to get the app.
Sign up for eScrip to raise money for Early Childhood CARES when you shop at Market of Choice and other partner organizations. You can designate up to three schools to receive funds when you shop. Signing up is quick and easy at
escrip.com.
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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 2018-2019
Our annual Resource Guide lists relevant community resources for young families including library storytimes, play groups, childcare options, and more. If you would like a copy of the 2018-2019 Resource Guide — updated in August 2018 — 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.
Groceries
FOOD for Lane County has released a list of resources for free food by neighborhood. To find an emergency food pantry that serves you or more information, please call (541) 343-2822. Click on your neighborhood below to download the flier.
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.
Playtimes
Baby Playtime Drop-In @ Amazon Community Center.
Ages 6 months + with adult. Tuesdays from 1-3 pm. $1 fee.
Littles Play Time @ Peterson Barn Community Center
Ages 0-4 with adult. Saturdays from 10 am-noon. Drop-in. Free.
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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
1500 West 12th Ave Eugene OR 97402
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