CASY Family Newsletter
September 2024
September is Baby Safety Month
Keeping Little Ones Safe This September and Beyond
Parents and caregivers have many responsibilities, but keeping baby safe and healthy is a number one priority! Whether you are expecting your first baby, adding to your growing family, or are a grandparent, now is the ideal time to put into action some simple steps to keep baby safe. By following the guidelines below, you can ensure you are creating a safe space for your baby to grow, learn, and play. Learn more here.
Hotel Dangers that Put Baby’s Safety at Risk
Vacations should be about fun, not about trips to the emergency room.
Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for keeping your baby safe in and around your hotel room.
Providing Opportunities for Risk-Taking
When was the last time you took a risk? How did you feel? When children take risks and succeed, they feel proud and self-confident. When things don’t go as planned, they feel frustrated, learn that things don’t always happen as predicted, and maybe even decide to try it again.
Risk is a vital component of children’s play. It allows children to be challenged, to face uncertainty, to problem-solve, to work with others to find a solution, and to think outside the box. All of these qualities serve to expand children’s cognitive, physical, and social-emotional abilities. They become the building blocks for later learning and managing of experiences, both throughout school and as an adult. Read more here.
Celebrate Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month With These Tasty Recipes!
Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month is officially recognized each year from September 15 to October 15, but anytime is a great time to learn about — and celebrate — the diverse cultures of Spanish-speaking nations around the world, including the U.S., Mexico, Spain, Caribbean islands, and Central and South American countries. Click here for recipes.
Why is Hispanic Heritage Month Important?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communites beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more. Read more here.
Books About Latinos Who Made a Difference
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed from September 15 to October 15, by reading about the histories, cultures and contributions of Latino Americans. These titles tell the stories of famous Latinos whose legacies we continue to celebrate and discuss. The stories often focus on their childhoods and are sure to resonate with young readers. Many of the books are bilingual or are available in Spanish. Click here for more information.
Grandparents Day 2024: When, why and how to celebrate this holiday
It's time to flip the script and spoil your grandparents a little!
Whether you call them Grampy or Lolo, Abuela or Meemaw, grandparents occupy very special places in our lives, and in our hearts.
So it's only fitting that we have a special day to celebrate them. Grandparents Day happens every September, and it's a great excuse to show the grandparents in your life (whether biological or honorary grandparents) some love.
Grandparents Day occurs on the first Sunday after Labor Day every year. This year, Grandparents Day is on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.
You might want to get them a special card or a gift. For many grandparents, the gift of time is most precious. Whether you celebrate with a dinner, a present or a simple phone call, read on to learn more about the holiday of Grandparents Day.
Healthy Children Podcast
Welcome to Healthy Children: A Podcast for Parents from the AAP. Join host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, a pediatrician and mother, as she talks with top experts about how to help our kids be as healthy as they can be and thrive in today's world.
Find Healthy Children on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music/Audible, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more here.
Healthy Snacks on the Go
On-the-go snacks can be healthy snacks!
Kids often get a lot of their nutrition on the go, so healthy snacks should be quick and easy!
Home Fires
A fire can become life-threatening in just two minutes. A residence can be engulfed in flames in five minutes.
Talking to Children About Politics
In a world where politics is increasingly a part of everyday conversation, discussing political issues with children can be both necessary and challenging. Children are naturally curious and will likely ask questions about the political world, especially when they hear adults talking about it or see it in the media. Read more here.
Family Resources in the Area
Bartholomew County
Brown County
Henry County
Randolph County
Statewide Resources
Supporting the whole family
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.
CCDF Income Updates
As of April 1, 2024 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) has increased.
You may now be eligible for child care 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
Click below to find your county's CCDF Eligibility Office
Attention Parents of 4 Year Olds
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.
Email: ccrr@casyonline.org
Website: http://casyonline.org/
Location: 1101 South 13th Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47802
Phone: 800-886-3952 ext. 2