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.

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. 

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.

Questions about Ready for School? Email them to mary.czech@iptv.org.

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 -- 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