March 28, 2016
Early Childhood & Elementary 
PBS KIDS and Autism Awareness Month
April is Autism Awareness Month, and PBS and Iowa Public Television (IPTV) are joining the effort to increase awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder and reduce stigma. The PBS KIDS show, Arthur will broadcast several episodes featuring Carl, a character on the autism spectrum during the week of April 4, with a new episode airing April 5. Arthur airs on IPTV weekdays at 3:30 p.m.

Arthur isn't the only PBS KIDS show to feature a character on the autism spectrum in April. Dinosaur Train will introduce Dennis Deinocheirus (who is very smart but has some trouble making friends) in the episode, Junior Conductors Academy: Part One & Part Two. It premieres Wednesday, April 6 at 10 a.m.
IPTV Educational Services Spotlight
IPTV Awarded Dinosaur Train Event Grant
IPTV will be doing more than just airing the new Dinosaur Train episode for Autism Awareness Month. The station received a grant from The Jim Henson Company to host a screening event for the autism awareness episode, Junior Conductors Academy: Part 1 & Part 2.

The Jim Henson Company partnered in an initiative with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to offer grants to local public television stations to conduct a sensory-sensitive screenings of the episode, and IPTV is one of eight successful grant applicants.  
 
The network is partnering with Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP) -- Child Health Specialty Clinics, ASK Resource Center, and other community organizations for the April 16 event, which will take place in IPTV's Maytag Auditorium in Johnston. The event includes two screenings of the Dinosaur Train episode and hands-on activities throughout the station after each screening. IPTV will also distribute Dinosaur Train-branded milestone tracker information encouraging parents to learn the signs of typical development by tracking milestones and acting early on developmental concerns.

More information about the Dinosaur Train Day at IPTV event and how to get tickets will be coming soon. Tickets will be available through our IPTV website on May 30. Seating will be limited. 
Featured Resources
The Centers for Disease Control's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." campaign helps parents track the developmental milestones of all their children. Identifying autism and other developmental disabilities early gives children their best chance at reaching their full potential.
 
Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP) 
connects individuals and families suspecting or diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder to ASD resources & family-to-family support.

ASK Resource Center is a parent training, information, and advocacy center for families of children with special needs across the state of Iowa. Its mission is to empower individuals with disabilities and their family members.
Questions & Answers
Q: Is it true Terry Rinehart, IPTV Educational Services director, is retiring?

A:
Terry Rinehart has announced his retirement, effective March 31, 2016. He has served 11 years at IPTV, 25 years total in public broadcasting, and 41 years total in the education field.

IPTV thanks him for his service in education and dedication to children and their families. We will deeply miss him and wish him the best in the next chapter of his life.

Questions about Ready for School? Email them to mary.czech@iptv.org.
Out 'n' About with IPTV Education Specialists
3/29/16  Stacie -- Saydel Family Literacy Night -- Cornell Elementary, Des Moines
3/30/16  Trista -- Dan Wardell Storytime -- Salem Elementary, Salem
3/30/16  Trista -- Dan Wardell Storytime -- Van Allen Elementary, Mt. Pleasant
4/1/16  Stacie -- Storytime with Dan Wardell -- Estherville Elementary, Estherville
4/1/16  Angela -- Pre-service for education majors -- Grandview University, Des Moines
4/2/16  Angela -- Early Learning Extravaganza -- Drake Community Library, Grinnell
4/3/16  Abby -- Tama County STEM Festival -- South Tama Elementary, Tama
4/4/16  Angela -- Iowa Association of School Librarians Conference --
Ramada Tropics Resort and Conference Center, Des Moines
4/4/16  Trista -- Dan Wardell Storytime -- Wayne Elementary, Corydon
4/4/16  Trista -- Dan Wardell Storytime -- Mormon Trail Elementary -- Humeston
4/5-4/6/16  Abby -- 1:1 Institute -- Iowa Events Center, Des Moines 
4/6/16  Stacie, Angela -- Child Care Resource & Referral Statewide Meeting -- Holiday Inn-Merle Hay Road, Johnston
4/7/16  Angela -- Northeast Iowa Family STEM Festival -- Northeast Iowa Community College, Calmar
4/7/16  Trista -- Dan Wardell Storytime, RFS resources -- Webster Building, Oskaloosa
4/7-4/8/16  Abby -- Iowa Association of Alternative Education Annual Spring Conference -- Double Tree by Hilton, Cedar Rapids
How are you using Ready for School (RFS) resources in your organization? Email mary.czech@iptv.org with any stories of how you have used RFS resources or how the resources have benefited your community. We may feature your story in a future Early Childhood & Elementary newsletter!