CASY Family Newsletter
CASY Family Webinars
Behavior is an important form of communication, from infants to adults. Sometimes, we need to step back and look at children’s behavior in a different way to understand what they are trying to tell us. Join CASY’s Family Engagement Specialists for this month’s family webinar, as we discuss appropriate ways children communicate through behavior.
Children are still learning how to regulate their emotions and how to respond appropriately, which can create challenges if the child is not properly supported. We will take a look at what messages your child may be trying to send, potential causes, and prevention techniques.
It is important to take care of yourself during times of crisis. Self-care is essential and often put on the back burner. When parents & caregivers take time to care for themselves, they are better equipped to handle everyday life. Join us to learn self-care tips and resources to incorporate in the home.
CASY Family Engagement Specialists discuss storytelling techniques you can use when reading to your child. By engaging your child while reading, you strengthen their literacy skills and open eyes to the world around them.
Calling all families, both new and experienced: Join CASY’s Family Engagement Specialists as we provide tips and resources on infant/toddler safety practices during sleep, play, and household routines.
CASY’s Certified Car Seat Technicians, Charla Cline and Sara Schultz, share car seat safety tips during this special family webinar. Increase your knowledge on how to keep your children safe in car seats and learn how a properly installed car seat can reduce the risk of death by up to 71%.
In life, we often go through many ups and downs. We have experiences that don’t always go the way we would want them to. As adults, we need to understand our influence in helping children handle stress and learn how to bounce back from difficult situations. Join CASY’s Family Engagement Specialists as we talk about ways to help children learn to be resilient and how it will benefit their overall well-being.
CASY Family Engagement Specialists discuss a variety of activities and interactions you can utilize to make the most of the experience and help your child learn during this type of daily routine.
What does high quality child care look like? What is Paths to QUALITY? What are the possible changes in light of COVID-19? Join CASY’s Family Engagement Specialists as we discuss the various types of child care, qualities to look for and questions to consider when choosing high quality, and new changes that may be in place since the coronavirus pandemic.
As the weather warms up and we head into the summer, more time will be spent outside enjoying the sun. Whether you are traveling somewhere new or staying home for the summer, we want to make sure we all stay safe and healthy. Join CASY’s Family Engagement Specialists as we discuss ways to keep kids safe while they have fun.
Join CASY’s Family Engagement Specialists as we welcome Rachel Maxey with MDwise. Rachel is the Outreach Supervisor with MDwise and will present about services that are available for families.
Please join CASY’s Family Engagement Specialists as we welcome Lizzy McGrevy and Tekela Ogunsuyi with 211. They will share a brief introduction to 211 and special projects followed by an overview and walkthrough of Indiana Community Connect database search.
Quality afterschool programs understand that children and youth in different age groups have different academic, psychological, and physical activity needs. Learn what to look for to make sure you pick the right program for your kids. Presented by: Keith Monfreda, Training and Development Manager with IAN.
View presentation slides here.
Quality afterschool programs understand that children and youth in different age groups have different academic, psychological, and physical activity needs. Learn what to look for to make sure you pick the right program for your kids. Presented by: Keith Monfreda, Training and Development Manager with IAN.
View presentation slides here.
During this time, it is essential to support both the physical and mental wellness of children and families. Join Keith Monfreda- Training and Development Manager for the Indiana Afterschool Network- as he shares resources for family and parent wellbeing, keeping kids physically active and eating well while at home, best practices for self-care, and more.
Strengthening Families Protective Factors are the evidence-based conditions within a family that protect against child abuse and neglect and support an environment where children can develop and thrive. If you think of a time when your family faced a challenge, and how you came through that, one if not more Protective Factors were likely at play. If we can be intentional about building our Protective Factors, we can keep our children safe and our families strong. Interested in learning more? Join CASY’s Family Engagement Specialists as we welcome Ashley Beeler from Ireland Home Based Services for a special one hour recorded webinar on Protective Factors.
On My Way Pre-K Project Managers in our service delivery area shared their expertise with us. Learn more about the program, including the impact it has on a child’s learning now and in their future. The qualifications and application process were also discussed and questions were answered. You can also request your Project Manager’s contact information if needed.
Amanda Deardorff with Anthem shared an overview of Medicaid, as well as the added benefits of being an Anthem Member. Amanda also highlighted Anthem’s website with community resource information. Don’t miss this great information!
Every parent should know how to identify possible signs of child abuse and what to do if he or she suspects abuse has occurred. Join Elisa Worland, licensed social worker and health & human sciences educator with Purdue Extension to learn how to protect and support your child.
CASY’s Family Engagement Specialists welcome Shelbey Rea from ICAP – Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) as she discusses breastfeeding during this Guest Presenter Family Webinar.
As we prepare to jump back into school and you prepare your child to enter Kindergarten, you may be feeling excited and overwhelmed. How can you make sure they are learning, understanding the lessons, and growing their developing brains? Join CASY’s Family Engagement Specialists as we discuss what you can do at home to support your child’s learning as they start school.
Join us as we welcome Ann McCafferty with Indiana Rural Health Association as she gives an understanding of how and where to find someone who is qualified to provide you with free and unbiased assistance to help you navigate your way through the application and enrollment process of applying for health insurance.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events in a child’s life that can have negative and lasting effects on a person’s physical, mental and emotional health. Jessica Herzog-Hall, Director of the ACEs Indiana Coalition, will discuss the original ACE study as well as its findings and how it can relate to your community. Jessica will also share information on the neurobiology of trauma and sensitive parts of the brain during child development.
Please join CASY’s Family Engagement Specialists as they present on the importance of setting and maintaining routines. Routines are key to helping both children and adults feel secure. Join us in talking about the benefits of routines.
Raising children is tough, sometimes it feels impossible to get children to do what we need or want them to do. Join CASY’s Family Engagement Specialists as we dive into power struggles and the battle of the wills. We will discuss steps we can take to regain control while helping children feel empowered.
October is National Safe Sleep Awareness Month. Join CASY’s Family Engagement Specialists as we discuss healthy sleeping habits for your infant, at naptime and throughout the night. Learn important information as well as tips for sharing safe sleep practices with others.
Join Claire Rivron, Community Wellness Coordinator in Shelby/Rush/Decatur Counties, to be encouraged to make healthy choices within reach for your family. This webinar covers practical, research-based tips for incorporating nutrition and physical activity into your family’s lifestyle.
Do you wish for stress-free holidays? Join CASY’s Family Engagement Specialists for tips and discussions to help your family navigate the holidays with less stress.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education can begin before children are in a classroom setting and it is likely your child is already engaging in some STEM principles through play. This webinar demonstrates ways you can engage your young learner in STEM-based hands-on activities using objects you can find in your own home.
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After viewing a live or recorded family webinar, click here to complete a webinar evaluation and request a certificate of attendance or additional resources.
Family Resource Websites
Brighter Futures Indiana
Brighter Futures Indiana is a resource to support you in understanding and enhancing your child’s learning at home and while in care. Brighter Futures Indiana is brought to you through a partnership with the FSSA Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning and Early Learning Indiana. For more information and resources to help enhance your child’s learning at home please visit Brighter Futures Indiana.
NBC Parent Toolkit
From early education to life after high-school, the NBC News Education Nation provides information about your child’s development. “Parent Toolkit is a one-stop resource developed with parents in mind. It’s produced by NBC News Education Nation and supported by Pearson and includes information about almost every aspect of your child’s development, because they’re all connected. Healthy, successful children can excel in many areas – in the classroom, on the court, and in their relationships with peers and adults. Our advice also covers important topics for navigating life after high school” (NBC News Education Nation). Visit the Parent Toolkit for more information.
Zero to Three
Zero to Three provides resources for parents to ensure your children gets the best start in life. The connections make in the early years of life last a lifetime. Zero to Three knows that parenting is an ongoing learning process where you are learning who your individual child is and what they need to thrive. They provide parent resources to help you learn how to best support growth and learning for your children in the earliest years of life. For more information and resources visit Zero to Three’s Parent Favorites.
National Head Start Association
Families are integral to any effort to support children’s successful learning and development. The National Head Start Association provides resources to families and information about how to find out more about your local Head Start services. For more information, visit the National Head Start Association website.
Center for Disease Control Developmental Milestones
As a parent, you want to give your child the best start in life. “Watch your child’s amazing progress by tracking his or her developmental milestones —how he or she plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves – and sharing that progress with your child’s doctor at every check-up” (Center for Disease Control, Information for Families). Visit the CDC Information for Families page to find resources on the CDC Milestones.
Indiana First Steps
The goal of First Steps is to help Hoosier families make sure their infants and toddlers receive services now to help them in the future. Services through First Steps are designed to meet the developmental needs of the child; Except in limited circumstances, First Steps does not provide services to meet medical needs. Visit First Steps website for more information.
Nemours Children Health System
Healthy eating and physical activity are important for all ages. These healthy habits begin at an early age. The habits you teach your children will become the habits they take into adulthood. Nemours Children Health System provides tools and fun ideas to help parents encourage healthy habits at home, from healthy eating activities to ways to build good social skills and nurture positive behavior. To learn more visit Nemours Families website.
Child Care Aware of America
We understand that you might be anxious or overwhelmed by your child care search. Fortunately, we can give you the tools to be confident through the process. Explore the link to understand what to look for in your child care search, the types care available, and more. Visit Child Care Aware of America for more information.
Mental Health America
We encounter mental health every day. Whether you are dealing with stress, a divorce, or a natural disaster, it’s important to learn what’s affecting your health. It is important to know you are not alone. Mental Health America provides resources to support you and your family. Visit their website by clicking here.
Helping Hoosiers Live Better 211
2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that helps Hoosiers across Indiana find the local resources they need. Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a navigator. We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Explore resources available here.
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