CASY Family Newsletter

Abuse and neglect can take many forms, and it’s not always easy to notice if you’re not sure what to look for. We’ve compiled signs of maltreatment that should serve as red flags if you notice a child displaying one or more. Click here to learn more.

The job of protecting kids most often falls to parents and caregivers, and it is up to them to familiarize themselves with safety risks in and around their homes and communities. Once you know the risks, you can take steps to plan for safety. Read more here.

We all want the best for our children. One way to ensure that all children have the opportunity to grow up feeling safe and loved is to make an effort to learn about and promote the protective factors in your family and in your community.

Learn more here.

1. Help children learn the skills and behaviors used to play and learn with others.
2. Know what is developmentally appropriate for children, and maintain realistic expectations for each child as an individual.
3. Involve children in setting a few positively stated rules and guidelines.
4. Support children in building trusting relationships with caring adults.
5. Support children's growing independence and competence.
6. Help children understand their feelings and those of others.
7. Try to learn the reasons behind children's behavior, understanding that children will use challenging behavior as long as it continues to get them what they want or need.
8. Support cooperation, guiding children as they learn to take turns and work together.
9. Teach children problem-solving skills and encourage them to use their skills to resolve conflicts.
10. Create a safe, fun, and nurturing community of caring in which children can play, work, and learn.

From Socially Strong, Emotionally Secure: 50 Activities to Promote Resilience in Young Children

​​​Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can affect a child's behavior and social and communications skills. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children be screened for autism spectrum disorder at their 18- and 24-month well-child checkups​. Research shows that starting an intervention program as soon as possible can improve outcomes for many children on the autism spectrum. Learn more in the articles here.

If you have a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you may be considering integrative, complementary or alternative health therapies. These are often referred to as CAM (complementary and alternative medicine). Maybe you're looking for extra help with your child's communication or behavior. Or you want to find some relief for their sleep problems.

If you're interested in CAM approaches, you're certainly not alone. Studies show that up to 95% of kids with ASD have tried some form of CAM. But many parents and caregivers say they don't tell their child's doctor about the CAM options they've used. Read more here.

Remember, it's important to discuss all aspects of your child's supports and services with your pediatrician. This includes therapies that seem to be "natural."

Transitions can be difficult for a lot of children, but you want to be sure to pay close attention to them when your child is autistic. Transitions come in many forms, such as from activity to activity, subject to subject, place to place, etc. As your child gets older, some transitions may be easier and some new challenges could also arise. Read more here.

The first three years of life are critical to a child’s development. From the first crawl to first steps to first words, understanding developmental milestones is a big part of being a parent. But what about brain development? Did you know that little interactions, like blowing raspberries on a baby’s stomach, can actually help build the foundation of your child’s brain? This Parenting Tip is about how you can support your child’s growing brain and set your child up for a lifetime of success.

Did you know? Reading with your children is critical to their development. Not only does this help to strengthen your children’s vocabulary and knowledge about the world, it’s also a great bonding experience. By reading together, you can create regular opportunities for you and your child to spend time together. Learn more here.

If you have a child who is a struggling reader, your family is not alone. Learning to read is a challenge for almost 40 percent of kids, and an even bigger challenge for their parents.

Empowering Parents, a PBS special hosted by Al Roker, visits schools in Huntingtown, Maryland, and Portland, Oregon, to see how families learn to identify early signs of reading problems and find ideas for getting their kids the help and support they need to succeed at reading. Read more here.

Earth Day is a great opportunity to teach children more about sustainability, nature, and what it means to “be green”. This fun project demonstrates those values by using recycled materials and planting seeds. Plus, the funky green hair is hard to beat! Good for Earth Day, or any day.

Playdough is fun. The soft, colored dough is a staple in most early childhood classrooms, but does it receive the attention it deserves as a valuable tool to prepare kids for school? Find out here.

This article provides ideas for ways to handle these stressful situations in a way that helps parents maintain control and respond effectively.

Families, teachers and children are better together. That’s why the Child Care Resource and Referral Network is proud to serve as a navigator for families, expertly assisting them in finding high-quality child care and connecting them with additional opportunities to meet their needs.

Is your family struggling to make ends meet? Could you or someone you know use assistance with paying for utilities, accessing a food pantry, or connecting to job training or employment services? Call 800-886-3952, ext 2. to learn more!

For personalized support in finding a child care program that best meets your family's needs,

contact CASY, Child Care Resource and Referral, Family Engagement Specialists

at 800-886-3952 and choose option 2.

You can also complete the referral request form by clicking here.

Our Family Engagement Specialists will follow up with you by the next business day when you submit the online form.

Follow CASY on Instagram @casy_terrehaute

Email: ccrr@casyonline.org
Website: http://casyonline.org/
Location: 1101 South 13th Street, Terre Haute, IN, USA
Phone: 800-886-3952
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CASY.Inc