Have you ever found yourself thinking about the ways in which you can make a difference in a child’s life? Here is a list of ten ways to help prevent child abuse that are simple, every day actions that can make a big impact.

After you read these tips, check out Connect the Dots to learn more about how you can make a difference and to connect with others in your community who are working to deliver the great childhoods that all children deserve. Read more here.

Child abuse, also known as maltreatment, is common. It is important to understand and reduce the risks of abuse for your child and be familiar with the signs of abuse and neglect.

About ​4 million cases of child abuse and neglect involving almost 7 million children are reported each year. The highest rate of child abuse is in babies less than one year of age, and 25 percent of victims are younger than age three.

The majority of cases reported to Child Protective Services involve neglect, followed by physical and sexual abuse. There is a lot of overlap among children who are abused, with many suffering a combination of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and/or neglect. Click here to learn more.

This April, the Autism Society of America is proud to continue its sixth annual #CelebrateDifferences campaign in honor of Autism Acceptance Month. Everyday, we work to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community to live fully. We believe that acceptance is creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it. And by everyone, we mean every unique individual: the implacable, inimitable, and irreplaceable you.

Learn more here.

Every April, all month long, we celebrate the courage, perseverance and tenacity demonstrated by our military-connected children, youth and teens and what they mean to our community. Though MilKids are some of the most adaptable and resilient youth in the world, we know frequent moves and family separations can be hard on them. That's why the Defense Department is here with powerful resources at the ready to help family units stay strong.

Join us in recognizing our military-connected children this April during the Month of the Military Child (MOMC). The life of a military kid is a blend of unique adventures and challenges. It’s important to keep in mind that they serve our country too, as part of a military family… not just in April, but all year long.

Celebrate the challenges and triumphs of our military-connected children. These amazing kids selflessly sacrifice for our country and are brave, proud, and strong.

Click here for some resources to help you and your community recognize the Month of the Military Child

Solar eclipses are one of the coolest space experiences you can have without leaving Earth. To view them safely, you need solar eclipse glasses. But if you don't have any, you can still enjoy a solar eclipse indirectly. Click here for more information.

Wet weather? Don't miss the fun outside!

April brings spring showers but that is no excuse to stay inside! Rainy weather offers a deluge of new experiences that are not to be missed (apologies to all you readers from dryer climates).

In order to get maximum enjoyment out of the weather, children should be dressed appropriately in rain gear and boots. Of course, use common sense, and don’t go out if there’s chance of lightning or severe weather. The following ten ideas will get you started. There’s no end to the possibilities—it just depends on how wet you’re willing to get!

An estimated 60 million kids across the U.S. enjoy soccer, track, basketball, swimming, football, tennis, gymnastics and other healthy activities. For the most part, these choices are great for social and physical development. But when kids train or play too hard, they can get hurt. Read more here.

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.

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

Do you prefer a language other than English? ¿Habla español? Ou pale kreyòl ayisyen? ဗမာစကား ပြောတတ်လား။ Our family specialists can support you in any language, whether via emails or texts, communication over the phone or a conversation in person. We can provide information in any language you need on finding quality child care, paying for care and connecting to resources your child needs to grow, learn and develop. For free, personalized information on child care and other resources, complete our online referral request form or connect with your local child care resource and referral agency for assistance.

As of April 1, 2024 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) has increased. You may now be eligible for child car assistance. Visit these links for more information.

Income Guidelines to be approved for CCDF:

https://www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/files/Income-Get-on-CCDF.pdf

Income Guidelines to stay on CCDF at recertification:

https://www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/files/Income-Stay-On-CCDF.pdf

On My Way Pre-K awards vouchers to 4-year-olds from low-income families so that they may have access to a high-quality pre-K program the year before they begin kindergarten. Applications for the 2024-25 On My Way Pre-K vouchers will be available beginning April 1, 2024. Any child who will be 4 by August 1, 2024 (and not 5), is eligible to apply for this funding to support a high-quality pre-kindergarten program that best fits their family’s needs. Help your child gain critical skills — apply at OnMyWayPreK.org.