March Calendar
- March 9, Tamarack Swim Night, 6-8 pm
- March 16, No Services (Teacher Work Day)
- March 17, Transition to Kindergarten Parent Chat, 10-noon
- March 22, Spring Break Begins
- April 10, Services Resume
|
|
Looking for a Preschool?
March is the month when many local preschools begin accepting registration for the following school year. Research supports the effectiveness of a preschool that emphasizes play over pre-academic skills. When choosing a preschool for your child, take some time to tour the school and ask questions.
These questions were generated by parents and toddler teachers in our classrooms:
- Is the room clean and inviting? Are there toys and activities your child will like? Do the children appear engaged?
- What are the qualifications of the staff? What is the staff-to-child ratio?
- How does the program handle discipline?
- How many children are in the class? Is the room big enough to accommodate them comfortably?
- Are art and sensory play a regular part of the day?
- Does my child need to be potty trained?
- Is there an outdoor play area? Does it look safe? Is there an option for physical play indoors on rainy days?
- What about security? Who can pick up my child? Is the classroom secured so that your child cannot walk out unattended?
- How is information shared with parents?
- Is the school near my home or work?
Talk to your service coordinator if you need help finding a preschool that is a good fit for your child.
|
|
Family Swim Night at Tamarack Pool
When: Friday March 9 from 6-8 pm
Where: Tamarack Pool, 3575 Donald St., Eugene
Details: Free family swim for Early Childhood CARES families. Reusable cloth diapers are required for all children who are not potty trained. We will not be accepting pre-registration for this event. Space is limited to the first 65 swimmers who arrive.
Tamarack Pool is a 92-degree warm saltwater therapeutic pool. Therapeutic benefits include:
- improved sleep
- reduced anxiety
- reduced pain
- increased muscle strength, tone, flexibility, and mobility
|
|
On
March 17
, we will be having a
Parent Chat on Transition to Kindergarten
, presented by FACT Oregon. This will cover the process of transitioning from an IFSP to an IEP. This event will be held from 10-noon at our main office, 1500 W. 12th Ave., Eugene.
Potty Training 101
will be presented on
April 28
at Brattain Early Learning Center from 10-noon. Florien Deurloo will be leading this Parent Chat.
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].
|
|
Self-Care Strategy of the Month: Cultivate a Hobby
We know that play is essential for children's development. But what about adults? Should life only be about working and completing to-do lists? Even though you're a busy parent, it's essential to make time for fun activities that aren't necessarily goal-oriented. But what? And when?
If you don't already have a hobby, here are a few ideas to consider. But remember that what's fun for one person isn't necessarily fun for another — so find something you enjoy. An activity that you can do at home during your child's naptime or after bedtime may be easiest!
- Drawing/coloring books
- Reading
- Knitting
- Sports such as hiking, running, bicycling, or tennis
- Cooking/baking
- Learn to play an instrument
- Gardening
|
|
Tax Deduction for Child with an IFSP
An Oregon tax deduction is available for families with a dependent child who has an IFSP. Parents need to have a copy of the eligibility statement for the child and a current IFSP, but these documents do NOT need to be sent with the tax form. Consult a tax professional or the Oregon Department of Revenue for more information.
|
|
We need your input!
Statutory Oversight Committee
The Statutory Oversight Committee (SOC) is comprised of service providers, community agencies, school district personnel and Early Childhood CARES families meeting to discuss fiscal issues and the delivery of services to children and their families. Meetings are quarterly from 9-10:30 a.m. at Early Childhood CARES, 1500 W. 12th Ave. in Eugene.
Childcare is not provided for SOC meetings, however, parents may request a $25 stipend which may be used to pay for self-arranged childcare.
Upcoming meetings are schedule for:
- May 9, 9-10:30 a.m.
- July 18, 9-10:30 a.m.
|
|
Sign up for 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Early Childhood CARES Resource Guide 2017-2018
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 2017-2018 Resource Guide — newly updated in August 2017 — 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.
Sensory Storytime
The Downtown Eugene Public Library is going to bring back Sensory Storytime in pre-registered sessions. The first Sensory Storytime Session will be offered at the Downtown Library Saturdays at 3pm starting March 3, and run for the whole month. Registration for this session will start in February.
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.
Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit is for working people with low to moderate income, and one or more dependent children. 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 irs.gov.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
