August-September Calendar
- August 12, Last day of classroom services
- August 16-30 No Services
- August 31, Early intervention services resume (For ages 2 and under)
- September 9, Classroom services may resume (Check with your child's teacher to find out the start date for your classroom, as locations may vary).
Our 2021-22 calendar is available to download here. Families with a child ages 2 and under should refer to the EI calendar, while families with a child age 3-5 in preschool should refer to the ECSE calendar.
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From the Nurse's Office
ATTENTION: FACE MASKS NOW REQUIRED FOR CHILDREN
Dear Families: August 2, 2021
We hope you are all staying healthy and enjoying your summer. We are writing to communicate a change in face covering rules issued by The University of Oregon, which apply to Early Childhood CARES classrooms. This guidance reflects the latest advice from the Centers for Disease Control, the American Academy of Pediatrics, Oregon Health Authority, and Lane Co. Public Health, and is due to the rapid spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19.
Effective immediately (by August 3, 2021 and until further notice), all children ages 2 and older are required to wear face masks while indoors in Early Childhood CARES classrooms. As you plan for this change, please keep the following in mind:
- You will need to provide your child with a clean, dry face covering each day. We recommend providing an extra (back-up) face covering should their primary one become soiled during the day. If you forget to send one, one will be provided to your child upon arrival.
- Per the Oregon Early Learning Division (ELD):
- The face coverings provided must fit over your child’s nose and mouth, and be sized appropriately so they are as comfortable as possible and do not restrict breathing or require constant adjustment.
- Your child must be able to remove their face covering independently.
- If your child has a difficult time wearing the mask, and/or is constantly touching, removing or adjusting it, they will not be made to wear it.
- Mask rules do not apply at snack time and eating/drinking.
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To help your child get used to wearing a face covering, here are some tips.
- You may need to try out different mask styles, brands, etc., until you land on the right one for your child.
Please reconsider getting vaccinated if you have not already done so!
Thank you for your understanding,
Cathy Rasmussen, RN
Early Childhood CARES Nurse
cathyr@uoregon.edu
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Please Complete the Family Survey
Please complete our annual family survey.
Your feedback is important to us and helps us to continue to improve our services. Every individual who completes the survey will be entered into a drawing to win one of three $50 Fred Meyer gift cards.
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Paid Research Opportunity
Are you a family caregiver of a child age 2-6 with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability? Click on the flier to learn more about this paid research opportunity through the UO's Center on Brain Injury Research & Training.
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We need your input!
We're looking for parents who are interested in joining our Statutory Oversight Committee (SOC) to provide input to Early Childhood CARES. The 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 am. The next meeting date is to be determined. Email LaWanda Potter to be added to the invite list for future meetings.
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Summer Meals for Youth
Food for Lane County provides free meals for thousands of youth age 18 and younger at sites around Lane County during summer. Site information and menus are available below. This information may be subject to change, you can visit Food for Lane County online to ensure the most up-to-date information.
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Share your Success Story
We're looking for some families who would be willing to share their child's success story with Early Childhood CARES, to help raise community awareness about our program. If you might be willing to share your child's story, contact Ursula at ursulac@uoregon.edu.
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Assistance with Childcare Costs - Deadline extended!
Do you need help paying for childcare? You may qualify for an Employment Related Day Care subsidy through DHS. Income limits have been expanded during the pandemic, and qualifying families who apply before September 30, 2021 will be able to have employment related childcare costs fully covered with no co-pays. For more information, or to apply, visit https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/CHILD-CARE/Pages/Parents.aspx
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We're hiring!
Join our team! We are currently hiring teaching assistants for our preschool classrooms. We're looking for people who are patient with young children and willing to work in person on a regular schedule. Send your resume and 3 references (including at least one professional reference) to Jeanine Taylor at jetaylor@uoregon.edu or call Jeanine at 541-735-1766.
We have other positions we are trying to fill before fall as well. To view our full list of current openings, visit our employment page here.
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Family Dinner Ideas: Clam Sauce Spaghetti
This may be a bit adventurous for some kids, but it is an easy variation on traditional spaghetti. Starting with a familiar food, like spaghetti noodles, and making small changes to the sauce can be a good way to expand your child's palate. You might start with offering noodles with parmesan, and over time your child may accept the adult version with clam sauce.
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti or linguine noodles
- 2 6 oz. cans of clams
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- Lemon
- Parsley
- Parmesan
- Boil water and cook noodles according to package instructions.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil, garlic, and clam juice. (Drain clam juice from cans into the skillet; save clams to add later)
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add clams and 1 tsp. lemon juice, simmer until heated through.
- In large mixing bowl, mix the clam sauce with noodles, parsley, and top with parmesan. Add pepper and additional lemon juice to taste if desired.
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Upcoming Events
Selected events during the month of August.
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Various weekdays, Baby Pop Music. Baby Pop Music is an interactive singing and signing playgroup for babies and their caretakers. This group is meeting in parks with safety and social distancing protocols. Visit their Facebook page or email babypopscheduling@daisychainlane.org for weekly schedule and to pre-register.
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Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 am. Outdoor Family Entertainment hosted by Springfield Public Library. The Springfield Public Library will be hosting outdoor family music and other performances — including a magic and comedy show on August 11 — through the summer. Check their calendar for the weekly lineup. Springfield City Hall Fountain Plaza, 225 5th Street, Springfield.
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Tuesdays, 11 am- 1 pm. Fun at Meadow Park. Arc Families Connected is hosting summer park playdates on Tuesday mornings. Park play and crafts. Families will have the chance to connect and discuss topics that may include onboarding PSWs, de-escalation techniques, sensory awareness, and self-care. Contact Nancy Berge with questions at nancy.berge@arclane.org. 851 Mill Street, Springfield.
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Various times. Little Hands Can volunteer events. Little Hands Can has returned from a pandemic hiatus, and is once again offering volunteer opportunities for families and young children to participate in together. Events are outdoors with masks required. Check their website for details and be sure to pre-register, as space is limited.
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Every Saturday in August. Family Fun in the Sun at the UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Gather in the courtyard for family-friendly activities that will spark your child's curiosity about our past, present, and future. In July, you'll pounce like a saber-tooth cat, move like a mammoth, and flap like a prehistoric bird. Included with cost of museum admission. Online ticketing recommended.
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August 7, 9 am - 1 pm. Children's Celebration. Families participate in activities with community exhibitors, listen to live music, and more. Free. Island Park, Springfield.
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Early Childhood CARES Resource Guide 2020-2021
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 2020-21 Resource Guide — updated in September 2020 — visit our website to download it. If you need a paper copy, contact your service coordinator or email eccares@uoregon.edu.
Free Screening for All
Early Childhood CARES offers free screenings for Lane County children ages birth to 5. Please share with a friend, neighbor, or anyone who has concerns about their child's development. Simply call 541-346-2578. Spanish speaking families can call 541-346-0742.
Food
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
The Imagination Library is now available throughout most of Lane County. 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 LaneKids 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
1500 West 12th Ave Eugene OR 97402
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