children’s home & aid

Early Childhood Community Resource Guide Child Care Resource & Referral Supporting families, early childhood care and education programs, and communities Early Childhood Community Resource Guide

Children’s Home & Aid Child Care Resource & Referral program is pleased to offer families, early childhood care and education providers, and community members this Early Childhood Community Resource Guide. The Guide offers a wide variety of resources to support a young child’s safety, well-being and healthy growth and development. Child development and learning occur within the context of their family and community with experiences and social identities varying for each child and family. To provide a strong foundation for children and families, inside this Guide you will find a comprehensive summary of information and supports that you can access through our agency or various community partners.

The goal and intention of the Guide is to: • Increase knowledge of available resources, services and supports for families, early childhood care and education providers and community members. • Promote the overall well-being of young children and family self-sufficiency through information and education. • Enhance opportunities for collaboration and coordination so that young children, youth and families can thrive in strong families and communities.

The early years of a child’s life establishes either a strong or fragile foundation for everything that follows. As a family, early childhood care and education provider, or community member you can effect change. You can help by influencing policies, practices and investments that will improve their chances for success. Together with Children’s Home & Aid Child Care Resource & Referral program, let’s make young children a priority. Early Childhood Care & Table of Contents Education Options Early Childhood Care and Health & Safety Education Options Home Alone & Safe...... 20 Child Care...... 2 Be Wise ­— Immunize ...... 21 High Quality Early Head Start - Head Start...... 3 Dental & Vision Services ...... 22 Early Illinois State Board of Education Lead Screening & Health Risks...... 23 Childhood Early Childhood Programs...... 4 Poison Control ...... 23 Care & Home Visiting...... 4 Car Seat Safety ...... 24 Early Intervention – Child & Family Connections.. 5 Sudden Unexpected Infant Death or Education Provide Care Yourself – Get Licensed...... 6 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome...... 25 Child Care Assistance Program — Shaken Baby Syndrome ...... 25 Child Care Provider Approval Process ...... 6 Tips for Keeping Children Safe...... 26 Summary of Whom to Call...... 8 Sex Offender Registration...... 26 Child Growth & Development High Quality Early Childhood Family Supports Care and Education United Way of Greater St. Louis 2-1-1 ...... 27 Features of High Quality Early Childhood Women, Infants & Children ...... 27 Care and Education...... 9 Family & Community Resource Centers...... 28 Care for Children with Special Needs...... 10 Illinois Child Support Services ...... 29 National Accreditation Distinguishes Register & Vote...... 29 Health High Quality...... 10 Self Care...... 30 Quality Counts Recognition System ...... 11 & Safety General Education Development (GED)...... 30 ExceleRate Illinois ...... 11 Tax Credits & Deductions for Families...... 31 Child Care is a Business...... 12

Children’s Home & Aid Child Growth and Programs Development Family Children’s Home & Aid Highlights...... 32 Developmental Milestones...... 13 Supports Child Care Resource & Referral Program ...... 32 Developmental Screening...... 13 Child Care Assistance Program...... 33 Play...... 14 Stronger Beginnings for Families...... 34 Use Play to Help Meet Milestones...... 15 Become a Foster Family ...... 34 Family Fun Activities...... 16 Power of Fathers...... 35 Read to Your Child—No Matter Their Age...... 18 Grandparents Raising Grandchildren...... 35 Free Text Messaging Services & Phone Apps... 19 Caregiver Connections...... 36 Children’s Home & Aid Programs Early Childhood Care & Child Care Education Illinois requires the regulation of most early childhood care and education programs. Regulation is Options through licensing or a state exemption. Programs with a license may include: child care centers, family child care homes, and group child care homes. Programs that are licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) meet minimum health and safety standards. Families and guardians should receive a summary of the licensing standards when they enroll their children.

To help you understand the different licensed program types and exemption categories, we offer some examples:

Child Care Center is care and education • License-Exempt Home providers may to groups of children at a time, whose ages care for up to three children including their range from six weeks through 12 years of age. own children under the age of 13 or the The types of centers include: Early Head Start/ children from one family. This type of care Head Start, school-age only programs and is typically provided by family, friends or neighbors. These individuals may already before/after school care. Centers must meet know the children and are often someone required space per child, group sizes, the adult a family trusts. This type of care may be to child ratio, health and safety guidelines, staff more flexible and affordable than other early education requirements and on-going training. childhood care and education options.

Family Child Care is education and care provided to children six weeks through 12 years • License Exempt Child Care Center of age in a caregiver’s home. In Illinois, there programs serving children three to 12 years of are three types of family child care: licensed age that meet appropriate state or local health child care homes, group child care homes and and fire safety standards and do not require a license from DCFS to operate. licensed-exempt homes. Licensed child care homes and group homes must Exemption categories include: meet standards for adult to o programs serving children three years of child ratios, required space per age and older which are operated by public child, and health and safety or private elementary schools, or schools guidelines. which are registered and/or recognized with the Illinois State Board of Education or • Licensed Child Care accredited by a national organization that Home providers may care for regularly recognizes or accredits schools. up to eight children including o part-day programs serving children three the provider’s own children, years of age and older which are operated related and unrelated, under by a religious organization or social service age 13, or up to 12 children agency in which no child is cared for more with an assistant. than ten hours in a seven-day week. o programs conducted on federal government • Licensed Group Child premises. Care Home providers may o special activities programs serving children care for 16 children including three years of age and older operating on a the provider’s own children, short-term basis. related and unrelated, under o programs providing care for transient age 13, with the help of a children who are serving children three full-time qualified assistant. years of age and older while the parents are on the premises.

2 Early Childhood Care & Education Options

A DCFS license must be displayed at a center or home and a license must be renewed every three years. When you visit a center or home, you can ask to see their license. A DCFS state licensing representative visits programs annually to ensure compliance to standards and conducts surprise Early Head Start – or unannounced visits. Head Start Programs that are exempt from licensing must obtain written verification of exemption from This free and voluntary program is for income DCFS that confirms their exemption category and eligible families. The program serves expectant compliance with the standards for the health, parents or families with children six weeks through safety and development of children. The DCFS five years of age, including children with special written confirmation of exemption is valid for needs. The program offers a developmentally two years. appropriate early childhood care and education experience. Young children receive comprehensive All program types described above are eligible for health, dental and vision screenings and receive Child Care Assistance Program payment through nutritious meals daily. Early Head Start - Head the Illinois Department of Human Services. The Start is unique in its comprehensive approach to program assists income eligible families with paying the needs of children and families. The program for child care. promotes school readiness.

Head Start focuses on the whole family, making come to the home In-Home Caregivers sure that families receive help with a wide range of of the child. This type of care is not regulated family needs including housing, employment, and by DCFS licensing. Examples of an in-home care parenting education. It also aims to move families provider may be a nanny, a relative, or an au pair. toward self-sufficiency. Early Head Start - Head Start helps families interested in obtaining a high school general equivalency diploma or other adult education and employment opportunities. Family engagement is encouraged in all aspects of the program, from assisting in the classroom to making For more information on DCFS licensing or decisions about program policies and activities. exemptions, please contact the local DCFS Family Development Licensing Unit For more information call 217-241-3551 618-257-7500 or Children’s Home & Aid or visit http://ilheadstart.org Child Care Resource & Referral program 800-467-9200, Ext. 390.

3 Early Childhood Care & Illinois State Board of Education Education Early Childhood Programs Options The Illinois State Board of Education Early • Preschool for All Expansion offers services Childhood Programs serve expectant parents to children three to five years of age for six and families with children birth through five hours a day during the school year. Services years of age. Illinois State Board of Education include developmental, vision and hearing Early Childhood Programs are offered in public screenings, research-based curriculum and schools or community-based settings and are activities, and comprehensive mental health free to families. and family engagement services. • Early Childhood Special Education • Prevention Initiative is designed for services are for children, three through expectant parents and families with children five years of age and their families and up to 36 months of age. Services support are provided through local school districts success in school and life. Services are and special education cooperatives. Early either provided in a child care center or childhood special education professionals through home visits and include support and related personnel provide specialized with child development, referrals and educational services to children with connections to community resources disabilities in a variety of childhood settings and curriculum activities that help young such as early childhood, preschool, child care, children learn and grow and help families prekindergarten/Preschool for All, Head Start understand how their child is growing. in order to meet the developmental learning • Preschool for All is for children three to five needs of the children. years of age. The program is voluntary, free All children have the right to experience and typically half-day (2.5 hours). A Preschool inclusive settings, relationships and interactions for All program is focused on serving the most at risk children in a variety of settings. The that will support and further their development program provides developmental, vision and and learning. Young children with disabilities hearing screening, research-based curriculum have both the need and the right to participate in and activities, and family engagement and benefit from the same experiences as their opportunities. peers without disabilities. For more information about Illinois State Board of Education early childhood programs call your local school district or visit https://www.isbe.net

Home Visiting Home visiting is a FREE and As an expectant parent or a voluntary program. Home family with young children, Home visiting provides family visitors work with families participating in home visiting support and engagement in their homes to promote services can help to improve through planned and consistent child development, encourage a family’s overall health and visits to expectant parents positive parenting, and improve well-being and provide better and families with children the health and well-being of all opportunities for children. The from birth to five years of age. family members. The program prenatal period and the first Home visiting meets families also provides connections and years of life are critical times for where they are, and home referrals to needed community brain development that lay the visitors support families as resources, including job foundation for future success. the most important teacher training and searches, and For more information call the in their child’s life. Home developmental screenings for Children’s Home & Aid Child visiting is funded by the Illinois children. Through a partnership Care Resource & Referral State Board of Education, with their Home Visitors, program 800-467-9200, Department of Human families receive support during Ext. 390 or visit the iGrow Services, Maternal Infant Early the critical early learning years website http://igrowillinois. Childhood Home Visiting and of their child’s life. the Office of Head Start. org/homevisiting/ 4 Early Childhood Early Intervention – Child & Family Connections Care & Education

The Early Intervention program and educational growth, and Local Early Intervention Options in Illinois, sometimes called supports for children with programs include: Child and Family Connections, developmental delays in offers services for children birth becoming more independent. ARC Community Support to three years of age who have Systems Child and Family delays in development, or who Early Intervention therapy Connections are at risk of developmental services include, but are 1901 South 4th Street, Suite 209 delays. Children may also be not limited to: Effingham, IL 62401 eligible due to a diagnosed • developmental evaluations 888-459-5437 physical or mental condition, and assessments Bond, Effingham, Layette, such as Cerebral Palsy or • physical therapy Christian, Macoupin, Down Syndrome or certain Montgomery, Lawrence, family circumstances that put • occupational therapy Crawford, Clay, Jasper, them at risk of having delays. • speech-language therapy Richland Counties Services are typically delivered • nutrition services in natural environments such as Child & Family Connections the child’s home or in an early • psychological services and social work services 4 Eagle Center, Suite 4 childhood care and education O’Fallon, IL 62269 setting. Referrals to the program 618-622-6581 can be made by a physician, Children eligible for early Madison, Monroe, Randolph, family, or early childhood care intervention services must be St. Clair Counties and education provider. experiencing developmental delays in one or more of the Early Intervention provides following areas: cognitive, Child & Family Connections families with strategies to physical, language-speech or 101 South Lincoln help children learn essential psycho-social development, Centralia, IL 62801 skills, improve developmental vision and hearing, and 888-661-0900 self-help skills. Clinton, Washington, Marion, Franklin, Jefferson, Williamson Counties

Early Intervention – Child & Family Connections is a statewide system responsible for ensuring that all referrals received for children under the age of three, receive a timely response. For more information call your local Child & Family Connections office or visit https://www.dhs.state.il.us/ page.aspx?item=31183

5 Early Childhood Care & Provide Care Yourself – Get Licensed Education Options The Child Care Resource & Referral program requirements and business start-up information is committed to meeting the growing need for to individuals interested in caring for children in high quality early childhood care and education their home or individuals interested in opening a in our communities. If you can’t find the early child care center. childhood care and education program that Child Care Resource & Referral program staff meets your needs, consider providing care will help you prepare your space for children, yourself in your home or at a child care facility. promote your business, communicate with We can provide data on supply and demand, families and share examples of handbooks, create child care resources and assist you as contracts, policies and more. a new Early Childhood Care and Education provider. We will share guidance about For more information call Children’s Home & Aid Child Care Resource & Referral program 800-467-9200, Ext. 124

Child Care Assistance Program Children’s Home & Aid Child Care Assistance Program makes it possible for families and guardians who qualify to receive financial help paying for child care while they work, attend school or training. Families must meet the State of Illinois Department of Human Services Child Care Assistance Program guidelines. Child Care providers can take three simple steps to become an approved Child Care Assistance Program provider.

step 1 step 2

Determine if You Qualify Complete Required – You must be a legal child IDHS-CCAP Health & Safety care provider: Trainings – Child care providers and To begin, child care providers center staff should complete • Licensed Child Care Center and center staff must become the trainings in the order • License-Exempt Child Care a Gateways Registry member, below. Center (before and after https://registry.ilgateways. 50% of all center staff must school program) com/ The registry tracks complete the trainings. • Licensed Family Child the completion of the FREE Care/Group Home required trainings. You can 1. CPR/First Aid • License-Exempt Family complete trainings face to face, 2. Child Abuse Neglect/ Child Care Home at a computer lab or online. Mandated Reporter Training • Child Care by Non- The Child Care Resource & Relative-in the child’s home 3. What is CCAP? Referral program or Health & (applicable to family • Child Care by Relative- Safety Coaches can help you child care provider and in the relatives or child’s with registration, 800-467-9200, Center Director) home. Ext. 104. To learn more check 4. Child Development, out: https://www.ilgateways. Health and Safety Basics com/professional-development/ ccap-providers.

6 Early Childhood Required Paperwork for the Child Care Assistance Program Care & Licensed Licensed Licensed Licensed Exempt Exempt Education Form Name Homes Centers Homes Centers Options Copy of IL Driver’s License or State ID— Must match address on CCAP Application 4 Copy of Social Security Card 4 W9 Form - www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf 4 4 4 4 Authorization Background Check Form from everyone over 13 years of age in the household, employees and volunteers. 4 4 This process is free.

Copy of Current First Aid/CPR Card 4 4

Copy of Mandated Reporter Training Certificate 4 4 Copy of DCFS License 4 4

Copy of DCFS Verification Letter of Exemption 4

Rate Certification Form 4 4 4

Copy of Fire Marshall Inspection 4

step 3

Complete and Submit the certificates for approved CCAP When a family has identified Required Paperwork to families. Families must report you as their child care provider the Child Care Assistance any employment or school on a Child Care Assistance Program— status changes. Program application, and you and the family’s Child Care The following forms and • If you are a non-relative Assistance Program application paperwork must be submitted. to the child you are caring The chart above is organized for, you and anyone over is approved, you can begin to by provider type. Once you 17 years of age in the participate in the Child Care are selected as a provider household will need to get Assistance Program. After the by a family, and paperwork fingerprinted. first 30-60 days of care you will begin to receive monthly and clearances are complete, • To receive a form listed payments from the Child Care you will receive a notice that above call the Child Care you are approved to care for Assistance Program, Assistance Program. There are the children as a Child Care 800-847-6770, Ext. 360. a variety of payment options Assistance Program provider. available as a Child Care • If you are a License-Exempt Assistance Program provider. You can care for children Child Care Center (before before Child Care Assistance and after school program) Call for more information: Program approval or denial is or nonrelative caring for Children’s Home & Aid Child received, families would pay children and receiving CCAP Care Assistance Program, you privately or out of pocket. you will receive an annual 800-847-6770, Ext. 360 Monthly you will submit billing monitoring visit.

7 Early Childhood Care & Summary of Whom to Call Education Illinois 24-Hour Child Options Children’s Home & Aid DCFS Licensing Unit Abuse Hotline Child Care Resource & For questions, concerns, Referral Program or complaints about a Anyone can report child abuse and/or neglect. If you suspect To learn more about early licensed early childhood care or know of an incident, your childhood care and education and education program’s confidential and anonymous options in your community and compliance with the Illinois call may help to keep a child for FREE referrals. Department of Children safe. Your call may also help a 800-467-9200, Ext. 390 and Family Services (DCFS) licensing standards. family be connected to family Children’s Home & Aid 618-257-7500 support services so they can Child Care Assistance provide a safe, loving and Program Illinois Department of nurturing home. To inquire about eligibility or Children and Family Call the 24-hour Child Abuse an application for the Illinois Services Sunshine Website Hotline at 800-25-ABUSE Department of Human Services To inquire about a child care (800-252-2873 or TTY (IDHS) early childhood care program’s DCFS licensing 1-800-358-5117) if you suspect and education Assistance status or substantiated that a child has been harmed Program (CCAP). complaints. or is at risk of being harmed by 800-847-6770, Ext. 360 877-746-0829 or visit https://sunshine.dcfs.illinois. abuse or neglect. If you believe gov/Content/Licensing/ a child is in immediate danger of Welcome.aspx harm, call 911.

8 Features of High Quality Early Childhood Care and Education

Selecting an early childhood care and education Curriculum and experiences that are program for your infant, toddler, preschooler or age and developmentally appropriate and school age child is one of the most important promote curiosity, creativity, exploration and decisions you will make for your family. play. Play and planned activities support all High Quality Choosing the right early childhood care and developmental areas such as social, emotional, education program requires some research. Visit physical, language and cognitive learning and Early many programs and ask questions, this can help development. Childhood you make an informed decision. Pay attention to your instincts and trust your ability to make the Care & best decision. Positive and frequent interactions support Education High-quality early childhood care and education relationships between children, families and matters, and it is important to a child’s providers. Greetings at arrival and departures, development, but what does high-quality really acknowledging and naming feelings and mean? If you are a family looking for an frequent two-way communication supports a early childhood care and education program, child’s growth and development. an individual who is considering providing services to families, or a collaboration or community that advocates for policies and Family engagement opportunities investments that supports early childhood care that create partnerships that support and education, consider these features: family well-being and build upon family strengths. Families feel A State License and ExceleRate IL welcomed and understand they are a Circle of Quality that shows compliance and partner and ways they can participate commitment to exemplary practices. Information or contribute. about licensing is found on the Illinois Sunshine https://sunshine.dcfs.illinois.gov/Content/ Licensing/Welcome.aspx and ExceleRate IL Written program policies and https://www.excelerateillinois.com/ procedures supporting families and help children succeed at the program and home. A program that’s Safe and healthy learning environment convenient, offers nutrition, safety that is clean, well-supervised and has emergency protections, open when you need it, plans and procedures that include good hygiene and within your budget. practices. A variety of age-appropriate toys and materials are readily available and within a child’s reach promoting safety and learning. Qualified workforce, teachers that have education and experience and ongoing access to training and Small groups sizes and low teacher-child supports. ratios to ensure that every child receives attention and is always safe and supervised. Financial support including scholarships or acceptance of the Illinois Relationships that are caring, responsive Department of Human Services Child Care and nurturing toward infants, toddlers, Assistance Program or Department of Child & preschool or school age children. A child feels Family Services Protective Service payments. safe and secure when they communicate, and a caregiver-teacher provides a sensitive response For more information call Children’s Home & and affirmation. Aid Child Care Resource & Referral Program 800-467-9200, Ext. 390

9 Care for Children with Special Needs Choosing care for a child with special needs should be the same as choosing care for any child. However, there are some High Quality additional considerations to assure that the program you choose will Early be supportive for you and your Childhood child. Many families of children with special needs feel they must Care & settle for lower-quality care because • Can the child receive special services by Education few options are available to them. As a result therapists or others while in the early of the Americans with Disabilities Act, more childhood care and education program? early childhood care and education programs • Is the program environment accessible and will are becoming experienced in caring for children accommodations be provided? with special needs. • Is the program close to a school district or are In addition to the general questions you would transportation services available? typically ask, you may want to consider the • Can the program support your child’s sensory, following questions when deciding on care for a health or nutrition needs and how large are child with special needs. the age groups?

For more information about inclusion practices call Early Intervention, your local School District or STARNET 618-825-3966

National Accreditation Distinguishes High Quality Accreditation is another method that measures learning assessments, health, community early childhood care and education program relationships, physical environment and quality. Accreditation means that a program has management. A program earns accreditation met high standards of excellence determined by through a lengthy process of self-study, a national organization. validation and review. Earning national Some well-known accreditation programs accreditation is something to be proud of. include, but are not limited to: All types of early childhood care and education • NAEYC (National Association for the programs may voluntarily apply for accreditation. Education of Young Children) Accreditation standards advocate for optimal child development practices that result in high • NAC (National Accreditation Commission) quality experiences for young children. When • NECPA (National Early Childhood Program selecting an early childhood care and education Accreditation) program, ask if the program is accredited or • NAFCC (National Association of Family Early engaged in self-study. Accredited programs childhood care and education) typically post their accreditation and licensing • COA (Council on Accreditation) certificates for families to view. Accreditation offers professional recognition and For more information about accreditation or consumer distinction to those who meet high to locate an accredited program, call Children’s standards in the areas of teaching, curriculum, Home & Aid Child Care Resource & Referral program, 800-467-9200, Ext. 390.

10 Quality Counts Recognition System The Quality Counts Recognition System each Tier. Once a child care provider has met recognizes licensed exempt family child care the required criteria for a level, they are awarded providers who offer quality care for young a Quality Counts certificate which recognizes children and their families. A provider’s achievement above State minimum standards. It participation in Quality Counts means they have is an accomplishment to be shared with families gone above and beyond to ensure children served and the community. Providers caring for High Quality are receiving an enhanced learning and children receiving IDHS Child Care Assistance care experience. Quality Counts certification Program also receive a quality bonus to their Early recognizes a provider for meeting specific standard payment rate. Childhood indicators of quality. For more information call Children’s Home Care & Quality Counts offers different levels of quality & Aid Child Care Resource & Referral program, known as Tiers I, II, or III, which providers can 800-467-9200, Ext. 390 Education achieve. Specific quality criteria must be met at or visit http://www.ilqualitycounts.com

ExceleRate Illinois ExceleRate Illinois is a quality recognition and improvement Programs with ExceleRate system for early childhood care and education programs. The Illinois, which are caring system is statewide, free and voluntary. ExceleRate IL helps for children receiving IDHS families understand program quality and helps providers prioritize Child Care Assistance Program opportunities for improvement while also increasing quality. payments, also receive a ExceleRate Illinois recognizes early childhood care and education quality bonus to their standard programs for their ongoing efforts to improve the quality of their payment rate. care by awarding a Circle of Quality. Each Circle offers higher To learn more about ExceleRate levels of quality standards that must be met. The higher the rating, Illinois call Children’s Home the more the program has made meaningful improvements that & Aid Child Care Resource & better prepare children for school and life. Referral program, 800-467-9200, Ext. 390 or visit Licensed Circle of Quality Gold Circle of Quality www.excelerateillinois.com means the program meets state recognizes programs that DCFS licensing standards for have met the highest quality quality. standards in 15 areas. Gold Circle of Quality programs Bronze Circle of Quality meet or exceed specific quality indicates the program benchmarks on learning completed ExceleRate Illinois environment, instructional trainings and exceeds minimum quality, and all program DCFS staff qualifications. administrative standards, group Silver Circle of Quality size and staff/child ratios, staff shows a program meets qualifications and professional or exceeds specific quality development. Programs are benchmarks on learning actively looking at ways to environment and instructional continually improve their quality, along with selected program. program administrative standards, staff qualifications and professional development. Programs are consistently looking at ways to continuously improve their program. 11 Child Care Is a Business

A clear written agreement or A written contract agreement Be clear about your contract between an early establishes clear expectations policies with families. childhood care and education for everyone. Any changes to a provider and a family describes written contract should always Items to consider: the mutual partnership. This be put in writing, dated and • Guidance and Discipline High Quality prevents and decreases the signed. If a change to a written • Safe sleep practices chances of misunderstandings contract is not put in writing, it • Transportation of Early by communicating expectations cannot be enforced. children Childhood and any consequences of violating any terms of the A contract may include: • Nutrition and snacks Care & and meals provided contract. When questions arise, • Hours care is provided • Cleaning/sanitation Education both family and provider can • Rate and payment procedures for toys always refer to the contract. procedures This helps to maintain a and materials and the personal and professional • Holiday, vacation and environment illness days for the relationships with clearly • Daily schedule provider and children defined boundaries. • Arrival and departure • Snacks and meals served procedures and routines • Additional fees such as • Family participation and field trips, curriculum, or involvement late pick up • Medication administration Communicate often to Not all early childhood care make sure things are going and education providers use smoothly and the arrangement written contracts, however, is working for both of you. it is strongly encouraged Keep up to date and accurate that families put their records for services provided verbal agreements between for tax purposes. Finally, themselves and their early extend courtesy, respect and childhood care and education appreciation to each other. provider into writing. Children thrive in a caring and respectful environment.

For more information on parent-provider contracts call the Children’s Home & Aid Child Care Resource & Referral program, 800-467-9200, Ext. 390.

12 Developmental Milestones

Taking a first step, waving “bye-bye,” and An annual checkup is recommended for all learning to say words are developmental children. Most families are familiar with physical milestones. Children develop at different rates, development; however, you will also want but most follow a general timeline ­– except for to observe how your child’s language and preemies, who may be off their developmental communication skills are developing, how your schedule for just a few weeks or months. If your child adapts emotionally and how your child child doesn’t seem to be meeting developmental responds in social situations. milestones within several weeks of the average, Generally, trust your instincts. If something ask your pediatrician about it. It may be nothing, seems off or unusual to you about the way your but if your child does have a developmental baby or child is developing, ask about it. After concern, you will want to seek guidance as soon all, you know your child best. as possible so a professional can assess your child and you can obtain the necessary supports and services if needed. For more information on learning differences, Make sure your child is evaluated regularly developmental concerns or an opportunity to by your family doctor or pediatrician. Often meet other families who have children with vision and hearing concerns are hard to notice. special needs call STARNET, 618-825-3966 or visit http://starnetiv.org/family/ Child Growth & Development

Developmental Screening Developmental screening is services and programs that Start, School District, or early a brief developmental check- will help you bolster your childhood care and education up completed by a parent, child’s development and school program. Families know their caregiver or doctor to identify readiness. children best and are the a child’s progress through experts on their own children. developmental milestones. The Developmental screening If during a screening you have screening identifies your child’s results may predict three any questions or desire another strengths and celebrates what different paths. opinion don’t ever hesitate your child can already do — • No Concern: to ask your doctor or early developmentally and social- continue to help your childhood care and education emotionally. Developmental child play and grow, provider. examples include how a child re-screen in 6 months Easterseals offers free, learns, speaks and moves. • Watch and Rescreen: comprehensive and Social emotional examples add experiences and confidential online screening include how your child’s rescreen in 3 months to help guide and keep track responds to situations and • Refer and Follow Up: of your child’s growth and how they relate with others with Early Intervention development. by cooing, sharing, problem (birth to 36 months) or solving and more. your local School District A screening can also help (three to five years of age) For more information visit to identify any potential https://www.easterseals. developmental concerns. The There are many places you com/mtffc/asq/ (For the best results of the screening are can take your child to receive experience, please complete used to provide information a screening: Doctor, Health the screening on a desktop or and referrals to family support Department, WIC, Head laptop computer).

13 Play also naturally limits screen Play is time by offering new challenges a child’s when a child is bored or work. frustrated. Play helps to reduce Children anxiety and stress by allowing practice children to express themselves, and use their imagination or act out reinforce what they see. their learning Make time for play. You in can make sure they have as multiple much time to play as possible ways during the day to promote during their cognitive, language, play. physical, social, and emotional It gives development. Play and learning Play them a go together – they are not place In the early years of a child’s separate activities. They are Child and a time for learning that life, children learn so much inter-connected. Growth & through play. Giving them the cannot be achieved through opportunity, time and space Play outside daily if possible. completing a worksheet. For Development to play helps them to develop Remember your own outdoor example, in playing restaurant, many important life skills. Play experiences of riding bikes, children write and draw is a wonderful educational building forts, sledding in the menus, set prices, take orders, tool that prepares them for winter or playing with other and serve food. Play provides life experiences. Children children in the neighborhood. rich learning opportunities and should be given time to play Active outdoor play also leads to children’s success and throughout the day, both at counteracts obesity issues facing fosters self-esteem. many children today. home and in an early childhood For more play resources, please care and education care setting. read “10 Things Every Parent Children learn through their Should Know about Play” from play. For example, they learn NAEYC (National Association to problem solve in a pretend for the Education of Young grocery store, balancing blocks, Children). playing with or next to other For more information visit: children and negotiating rules. https://www.naeyc.org/ Play fosters independence our-work/families/10-things- when they can make choices every-parent-play about the books to read, or games, toys and activities to play with.

14 Use Play to Help Meet Milestones From birth, a baby will use play to explore the world around them and develop important life skills.

1-3 Years • Allow child to spend 0-6 Months time with objects and toys they enjoy • Show baby interesting objects such as a brightly colored mobile or toy • Give child crayons or markers so they can practice • Talk to baby often to scribbling familiarize baby with your voice, respond • Encourage child to interact with peers when they coo and • Help child explore their body through babble different movements, e.g. walking, • Place baby in jumping, and standing on one leg different positions • Provide opportunities to create make- so they can see the believe situations with objects, e.g. world from different pretending to drink out of an empty cup Child angles • Respond when child speaks, answer Growth & • Let baby bring objects questions, and provide verbal to mouth to explore and encouragement Development experience new textures • Vary facial expressions and gestures so baby has the opportunity to imitate them • Use a mirror or favorite toy to help your baby engage in and enjoy tummy time 4-6 Years • Provide opportunities for child to sing, dance, and try a variety of movements, e.g. hopping, swinging, climbing and 7-12 Months doing somersaults • Tell stories to child and ask them • Play peek-a-boo questions about what they remember • Use a mirror to • Give child time and space to act out show faces to imaginary scenes, roles, and activities baby • Allow child to move between make- • Provide baby with believe games and reality e.g. a safe environment playing house and helping you to crawl and explore with chores • Place baby in a variety of positions such • Schedule time for child as on tummy, side, etc. to interact with friends to • Give baby opportunities to learn actions practice socializing and have effects, e.g. when they drop a toy building friendships and it falls to the ground • Expose baby to a variety of age appropriate toys, e.g. balls, shape sorters, music toys, or common household items like pots and spoons Please visit www.Pathways.org to find more FREE resources on child development.

15 Family Fun Activities

Spend time together by reading, playing games and going outside. This will create wonderful family memories. Family activities do not have to be expensive! Below are a few ideas to help get you started. If you are an early childhood care and education provider, these activities are equally fun!

Infants and Shaker Bottles Box Car Fun Fill an empty plastic bottle with Children will play forever Toddlers water and vegetable or baby with an empty box, small, oil. Add color with a few drops medium or large. Let them Make Music of food coloring. Drop into the sit in the box, place the box Gather some pots and pans bottle various interesting items over them or let them crawl and give your baby or toddler a such as glitter, confetti, paper through the box. Add some wooden spoon. Talk about the clips, Pom Pom balls, etc. Then creativity by letting them sounds they make when the hit hot glue the lid on and use decorate the box with stickers, Child the spoon to the pan. Is it loud duct tape on the lid for extra washable markers or paint. Growth & or soft? High or low? Make up security. Allow your child to If you don’t have a box a silly songs as you sing and play shake and explore the shaker laundry basket also works. Development with child. bottle. Help your child shake it, roll it and talk about what’s inside! To turn a plastic bottle Tummy Time into musical instruments, don’t Lay your baby on a blanket add water instead pour in some on the floor. Tummy time rice, jingle bells, or beans. helps your baby develop their neck and head muscles which prepares them for rolling Sensory Bag over and crawling. While on Exploring their tummy bring different Fill a freezer Ziploc bag items and textures your baby with shaving cream. Add can touch and feel such as 2-3 different colors of food coloring. Suggested colors are an empty egg carton, sticky For more activity ideas, blue, red and yellow. Squirt contact paper or a soft blanket. call the Children’s Home & each color into the bag but be Aid Child Care Resource & careful not to mix the colors Referral Quality Specialists, quite yet into the shaving 800-467-9200, Ext. 119. cream. Seal the bag at the top, then tape each side of the bag down to the floor or tabletop, so that it cannot be pulled up. Show your child how moving their finger across the bag can mix the colors and move the paint.

16 Preschoolers School-Age Magic Goop Tie-Dye Art Mix together 1 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup Coffee filters and baby wipes make water. Add enough water so that the mixture small tie-dye projects. Twist and roll is like glue. Food coloring may be added the baby wipe or coffee filter. Once for color. This “goop” is not quite a liquid, it is rolled, wrap it tightly with rubber but not quite a solid. Allow your child to bands every inch or so, just as you explore the goop, moving it from one hand to would if you were tie-dying a t-shirt. Use another and raking their fingers through it. markers or food coloring to color. Let it dry and remove the rubber bands. Frame the Sorting Skills artwork when it is done. A simple deck of playing cards are great for preschoolers. They can sort the cards by color, Scavenger Hunt by suite (diamond, club, etc.) or by number. Give your school age children a list of items They can put the cards in number order from to find for a scavenger hunt. Create a list that one to ten. You can use them as a memory includes any items or make it topical, such as game. Start with 5 matching pairs (10 cards) and things you would find inside, outside or in a gradually increase then number of pairs. Mix the classroom. Make the list fun! Flashlight, blue Child cards up and place them face down on a table. crayon, doll, teacher/grandparent signature, Take turns turning over 2 cards at a time. If they book, stick, etc. Growth & don’t match, turn them back over again. Development Journaling Someone Says Give your school age child a blank notebook or A favorite game that helps with listening and paper and have them write and draw. They can following instructions. Name an action and see write and draw about their day, their dreams or if your child can follow along, such as hands future. They can become an author and illustrator on your head, clap your hands, jump three by using their imagination to create stories and times, close your eyes. You can begin with one draw pictures to go along with the story. step directions then add two or three such as, close your eyes and jump. This activity supports emotional and impulse control and learning to Cooking focus and follow instructions and take turns. Have your child help you prepare a meal. Begin with simple recipes like pudding, lemonade or popcorn. Children can learn to use measuring Small to Big cups and spoons and learn important kitchen Take your child outside and tell them to gather safety tips as well. as many sticks as they can. Once they have a pile of sticks, ask them to sort the sticks by size by lining them up, shortest to longest. They may Write letters need your help to get started. Talk about each Children can write letters to relatives, veteran stick’s length and how it compares to the other or nursing homes or even their favorite sticks. This activity builds math skills such as celebrity or sports figure. Everyone likes comparing and measuring. to receive mail and writing letters is a good way to practice their writing and language skills and to possibly get a Silly Putty reply in the mail. Mix 2 parts white glue (Elmer’s) and 1 part Sta-Flo liquid starch, mix well. Store in an airtight container. If it needs to dry a bit before it is “workable,” it may be necessary to add a touch more glue or starch. NOTE: only use on a smooth surface such as a tabletop.

17 Read to Your Child ... No Matter Their Age!

Read together every day - read to your child or Be interactive - discuss what’s happening in the with your child every day for 15 minutes. When book, point out things on the page, and ask you read you are building their imagination, questions. Put the book away for a while if your helping to make connections between what is in child loses interest or is having trouble paying print and in the real world, comprehension and attention. skills for later reading. Make this a special time between you and your child and make reading Read it again and again - go ahead and read your part of your daily routine. child’s favorite book for the 100th time! They learn from repetition. Encourage your school age Build vocabulary - name it - point at and name children to practice their reading skills by reading things as you read and see things in the book, to younger siblings. in your home and outside. Build your child’s vocabulary by talking about interesting words Contact your local library for the latest children’s and objects. For example, “Look at that airplane! books or to join a story hour. Your library may Those are the wings of the plane. Why do you also have many free activities for you and your think they are called wings?” child to participate in. Read with fun in your voice - read to your child Source: https://pbskids.org/ Child with humor and expression. Use different voices Growth & and tones. Ham it up! Development

Simple Strategies for Creating Strong Readers

Without a doubt, reading Through reading aloud, 4 Discuss new words. with children promotes providing print materials, and For example, “This big success for early literacy. promoting positive attitudes house is called a palace. Putting a few simple about reading and writing, Who do you think lives strategies into action will you can have a powerful in a palace?” make a significant difference impact on children’s literacy 5 Stop and ask about the in helping your child develop and learning. Invite your child pictures and about what into becoming a good reader to read with you every day. is happening in the and writer. story. 1 When reading a book, point out words as you 6 Read from a variety read. This will help your of children’s books, child learn that reading including fairy tales, goes from left to right song books, poems, and and understand that the information books. combined letter sounds Reading well is at the heart make words. of all learning. Help make 2 Read your child’s favorite a difference for your child. book over and over again. Source: 3 Read many stories with www.scholastic.com rhyming words and lines that repeat. Invite your child to join in on these parts.

18 Free Text Messaging Services PBS KIDS Scratch Jr is specific to school age kids and Phone Apps to help them learn the basics Text messaging services will send you a text message on a regular of the MIT-designed Scratch basis to your cell phone related to the topic you have chosen. programming language. The There are many new apps for your cell phone. Many come app allows kids to explore in both iPhone and Android versions. Look for apps that are programming through fun educational, fun and interesting. activities such as creating and designing characters and There are apps and texts that encourage reading, math and snapping together blocks to science, parenting skills and more. Think about what interests you make the characters dance and your child and choose text services and apps very carefully. and move. https://pbskids.org/ Below are some FREE texts messaging services to subscribe to and learn/scratchjr/ apps to download. Spanish School Bus for Bright by Text available in Milestone Tracker Kids offers 300 of the most both English and Spanish that App tracks your child’s commonly used Spanish nouns, provides free tips, information developmental milestones verbs and adjectives, broken and resources to help all from 2 months to 5 years of down by different themes, such families and caregivers give age with easy-to-use illustrated as animals and colors. Child each child a bright beginning. checklists; get tips from the For children birth to 5 with CDC for encouraging your Háblame Bebé helps to Growth & research-based content that child’s development; and find reduce the word gap and Development address cognitive and social out what to do if you are ever promote English/Spanish emotional development. concerned about how your bilingualism among Latino Text BRIGHT to 274448 child is developing. www.cdc. babies by encouraging gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones- language-rich interactions Daily Vroom makes it easy to app.html through 20 daily routines. access fun activities any time, to make the most of precious Babies on the Homefront PBS Kids Video collection years when the foundation for designed specifically for will keep your child engaged. all learning is happening. Daily military and veteran families PBS is known for shows such Vroom enhances the things you of young children. This app as Daniel Tiger, Sesame Street. already do and helps spark offers an array of written and With this app, kids have access new ideas! www.vroom.org video information for families, to clips on the go. This free including behavior tips, parent- version is enough to entertain Let’s Play! is a free parenting child activities, and parental your child while helping them app from ZERO TO THREE self-care strategies. learn. https://pbskids.org/ with fun activities, organized by age and routine, for parents to use to support their young child’s early learning. www. When checking out a new app, make sure it clearly states if zerotothree.org/resources/series/ the app is free or if there are charges. There may be download beyond-the-word-gap charges to use the app, charges to your data package or the Beginning with Babble is a minutes used. Before you use any app or text messaging service mobile app by LEAP (Language it is always best to check your phone service package. Empowers All People) for The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents of children birth to children two to five years of age should only have one hour 4 that reminds caregivers to of phone, tablet or TV screen time a day, while children ages interact with their children in six and older should use screens only during designated, language-rich, back-and-forth controlled times. Screen time should include both high-quality interactions. programming and engagement between a child and parent.

19 Home Alone & Safe Readiness signs to notice No magic age exists when Does your child know how that may indicate your children develop the maturity to tell time or remember to tell child is ready to stay they need to stay home alone. you where they are going and home alone. Illinois law defines a minor when they will be back? These under the age of 14 years and are some indicators they can Can your child: should not be left home alone. care for themselves. Your decision to keep your • Lock and unlock doors For many children, these and show responsibility child home alone should be abilities begin to appear for house keys? made with your child when between 10 and 12 years of you both are ready for self-care • Give their name, address age. Yet some children may to begin. telephone number and need a few more years to directions to their home? Does your child show a desire develop the maturity, skills and • Identify two escape and willingness to stay home sense of responsibility they will routes and in case of an alone? Children who are easily need to stay home alone. emergency demonstrate a frightened or who express an Consider other factors safe place to seek shelter unwillingness to stay home including the safety of your during a storm? alone are probably not ready to neighborhood, the availability • Show you how to be home alone. of adults nearby and how long correctly handle Is your child independent? your child will be alone. If your telephone calls or how Children who can get ready for neighborhood is unsafe, if there to operate kitchen school on time, solve problems are no adults nearby to call in appliances? on their own, complete case of an emergency or if your • Show you how to handle homework and household child must remain alone for a security issues such as chores with minimum long time, you should continue strangers at the door, supervision show signs of to use some form of early phone calls from people readiness. childhood care and education they don’t know or what even if your child seems ready they would do if they Health to stay alone. were approached by a stranger while walking & Safety home? • Find the first-aid supplies and explain how they would handle first aid for cuts and scrapes, burns, nosebleeds, or poisoning? • Explain how to reach you at work or another adult by telephone? • Name two adults to contact in an emergency? • Show you what to do when they get home after school such as homework? • If caring for siblings, show you how to get along with minimal conflict? Source, At Home Alone by Karen Debourd

20 Be Wise — Immunize Immunizations or vaccines reduce the risk of If you choose to delay, skip or reject all getting a disease. Some vaccines require booster or some vaccines entirely, there may be shots later in life. Most vaccines protect people at risks. Whatever you decide, consider the least as well as natural immunity. Below is a birth responsibility to protect your child’s life or the to adolescent (18 years of age) immunization life of others in your family, community and schedule. These are general guidelines based the children at the school your child attends. on recommendations by the Center for Disease Please discuss your decision with your child’s Control. Please consult your doctor or health Pediatrician and your early childhood care clinic for full recommendations and guidance. and education program your child attends.

Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for ages 18 or younger United States, 2020 For those who fall behind or stare late, provide catch-up vaccinations at the earliest opportunity as indicated by the green bars. To determine minimum intervals between doses, see the catch-up schedule (Table 2) at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/downloads/child/0-18yrs-child-combined-schedule.pdf

Health & Safety

For a complete listing of recommended vaccinations visit: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/ downloads/child/0-18yrs-child-combined-schedule.pdf or check with your family physician or local health department (see listing page 27)

21 Dental and Vision Services Free or low-cost dental and vision services for children are available regionally. Contact them to see if they would be willing to provide services to your child or the families you serve.

Dental Safari Delta Gamma Center for Mobile dentistry for children Children at school and at some Free children’s vision early childhood care and screening, a simple, quick test education programs. For more that can identify many types information, 618-993-8333 of eye concerns. The check-up helps to identify children with eye conditions that may lead SIUE Dental Clinics to visual impairment. This Dental treatments for children, screening allows for early adults and children with referral for further evaluation special needs in the following and treatment when it is most communities: effective. If your child is over East Saint Louis six months, call the Delta 601 James R. Thompson Blvd., Gamma Center to set up an Building D appointment for a complete East St. Louis, IL 62201 vision screening, 314-776-1300 618-482-6980 or email, [email protected] Edwardsville 195 University Park Dr SIHF Healthcare Edwardsville, IL 62025 Health professionals 618-650-5781 specializing in adult & family Alton medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics Health 1700 Annex St and gynecology, behavioral health and dental care services. & Safety Alton, IL 62002 618-474-7000 Services are available at a variety of locations. For more information call 618-332-0953 or visit www.sihf.org

22 To reduce lead exposure Lead Screening and Health Risks to children in your home and in their care Children under the age of six are the most vulnerable to the environment: devastating impacts of lead exposure. When lead is absorbed into the body, it is highly toxic. Lead can be found in paint, dust, soil, • Keep the environment water, air, and food. Even at low levels, lead exposure can harm clean by wiping floors the brain development of young children resulting in learning and and surfaces behavioral concerns for the rest of their lives. Lead-based paint • Keep children away from and lead-contaminated dust in older homes and buildings are potentially contaminated the most common sources of lead poisoning in children. Illinois areas (windows, old requires testing for lead in public schools and child care centers if porches, or areas with they were built before the year 2000. peeling or chipping paint) • Filter drinking water with Be aware of the symptoms of chronic lead exposure which may ion filter or run cold tap include: irritability and headaches, loss of energy and appetite, water for 15 -30 seconds abdominal pain, vomiting, and anemia, learning difficulty or short before serving or buy attention span and hyperactivity. Consult your doctor if you notice bottled drinking water any symptoms or have concerns. In addition, a home or building risk assessment will tell you where the lead hazards are and what • Do not store food in open cans in the refrigerator to do about them. Local health departments provide information and/or services in this regard. Professional cleaning, proper paint • Children and adults stabilization techniques and repairs done by a certified contractor should wash their hands can reduce lead exposure in homes and buildings. and face after playing outside, before eating or For more information on lead poisoning contact the Illinois being with pets Department of Public Health, 866-909-3573 or your local Health Department.

Health Poison Control & Safety The Illinois Poison Center provides access to comprehensive and trusted information and treatment advice on potentially harmful substances via a free, confidential 24-hour helpline. The helpline is staffed by specially trained medical experts, including physicians, nurses and pharmacists. Anyone with questions or who may suspect a possible poisoning should call the helpline. Remember, do not automatically treat a suspected poisoning without calling the poison control helpline or 911 first. Helpline experts will be able to give you advice on the most appropriate treatment. For additional information on general poison safety please call, Illinois Poison Center, 800-222- 1222 or visit https://www.illinoispoisoncenter.org/

23 Car Seat Safety Perform a pinch test when your child is buckled into the harness with the chest clip at arm pit There are many car seat choices available. Use level. Try to pinch the strap by your child’s the information below to help you choose the shoulder. If the child is securely buckled into type of car seat that best meets your child’s their car seat, you will not be able to pinch the needs. strap with your thumb and index finger. Select a car seat based on your child’s age and Keep your child rear facing until at least size, choose a seat that fits in your vehicle and two years of age. The American Academy of use it every time. Pediatrics recommends children remain rear Always refer to your specific car seat facing until they reach the height and weight manufacturer’s instructions (check height and limits for the car seat. These limits are found on weight limits) and read the vehicle owner’s the car seat and in the manual. manual on how to install the car seat using Illinois law requires all children under the seat belt or lower anchors and a tether, if the age of 8 to be safely secured available. in a car seat or booster seat. Perform an inch test when the car seat is Keep your child in the back seat until they are installed. What that means is, you should 13 years of age. hold the car seat at the correct belt path for installation. Move the car seat side to side and If you need help installing or choosing the best then forward and back. A properly installed car car seat for your child or to find a car seat seat should not move more than one inch. technician who can assist you visit https://www.safekids.org/

Using the correct car seat or booster seat can be a lifesaver: make sure your child is always buckled in an age- and size-appropriate car seat or booster seat.

Health & Safety

Keep children ages 12 and under in the back seat. Never place a rear- Birth up to Age 2* Age 2 up to at least age 5* Age 5 up until seat belts Once seat belts fit properly facing car seat in front fit properly* without a booster seat of an active air bag. Buckle children in a rear- When children outgrow their facing seat until age 2 rear-facing seat, they should Once children outgrow Children no longer need to use a or when they reach the be buckled in a forward- their forward-facing seat, booster seat once seat belts fit upper weight or height facing car seat until at least they should be buckled in a them properly. Seat belts fit properly limit of that seat. age 5 or when they reach the booster seat until seat belts fit when the lap belt lays across the upper weight or height limit of properly. The recommended upper thighs (not the stomach) and that seat. height for proper seat belt fit is the shoulder belt lays across the 57 inches tall. chest (not the neck).

*Recommended age ranges for each seat type vary to account for differences in child growth and height/weight limits of car seats and booster seats. Use the car seat or booster seat owner’s manual to check installation and the seat height/weight limits, and proper seat use.

24 Child safety seat recommendations: American Academy of Pediatrics. Graphic design: adapted from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Sudden Unexpected Infant Tips for creating a safe sleeping space for infants Death or Sudden Infant in your home or in an early childhood care and Death Syndrome education program include: • Place your baby on their • Keep soft bedding such as More than 3,500 infants in the United States die suddenly back for all sleep times, blankets, pillows, bumper and unexpectedly every year while sleeping, often due both naps and at night. pads and soft toys out of to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or accidental • Use a firm, flat sleep your baby’s sleep area. deaths from suffocation or strangulation, Sudden surface, such as a mattress • Dress your infant in sleep Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). covered by a fitted sheet. clothing, such as a sleep sack or wearable blanket. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome can occur any time up • Keep your infants sleep Do not use a loose blanket to 12 months of age. Putting a child on their back to area (for example, a crib or bassinet) in the same and do not swaddle or sleep in their own crib will reduce risks. Make sure your over bundle. infant always sleeps in their own bed to avoid accidental room where you sleep suffocation and strangulation. until your infant is at least • Never cover your infants 6 months old, or ideally, head or allow a baby to For more information on safe sleep practices and until your baby is one year get too hot. Signs your infant may be too hot SIDS prevention call the Children’s Home & Aid Child old. In early childhood include sweating or their Care Resource & Referral Infant Toddler Child Care care and educations chest feels hot. Specialist, 800-467-9200, Ext. 125. or visit, https://www. programs infants should be seen and observed cpsc.gov/SafeSleep or https://www.cdc.gov/sids/Parents- by sight and sound. Caregivers.htm

Shaken Baby Syndrome Health & Safety Shaken Baby Syndrome or Abusive Head Trauma is a term Prevention tips: If you find yourself getting used to describe the many signs upset, focus on calming Understand that infant crying and symptoms resulting from yourself down. Put your baby is worse in the first few violently shaking and impacting in a safe place and walk months of life and it will get the head of an infant or small away to calm down, checking better as the child grows. child. Violently shaking for just on the baby every 5 to 10 a few seconds has the potential Try calming a crying baby minutes. to cause severe brain and by rocking gently, offering head injuries. While shaking Call a friend, relative, a pacifier, singing or talking may cause injury at any age, neighbor or colleague for softly, taking a walk with a children are most likely to help or relief. stroller or going for a drive become injured during their in a vehicle. Never leave your baby with a first year of life. person who is easily irritated, If the baby won’t stop has a temper or a history of crying, check for signs of violence. illness and call your doctor. For more information on Perhaps your child is sick Advocate for supportive Shaken Baby Syndrome visit, or side effects from baby work policies (paid family https://www.dontshake.org formula is contributing leave) that make it easier for to the cause of crying. working parents who prefer to stay home with their infants during the period of increased infant crying, the first 4-20 weeks of age. 25 Tips for Keeping Children Safe Keeping your children or the children you care for safe, is a top priority. There are many ways to help keep children safe.

Be involved in your child’s Keep an updated photograph activities. Know your child’s of your child and have several friends and any adults that play copies on hand in case your a role in their life. child becomes missing.

Be prepared to describe your Be sure your child’s school children accurately, including or early childhood care and visible identifying marks or education provider will not social characteristics. release him/her to anyone other than you or someone you Develop a procedure if you and officially designate. Here are just a few your child become separated while away from home. For Instruct the school to contact ideas that can help. example, a code word to use you immediately if your child Never leave your child or or you agree to call a trusted is absent, or if someone other any children alone in a car or friend and leave an address and than you arrive to pick them up unattended. The heat alone telephone number to call back. without advance notice from you. inside a car is a threat, also Practice the procedure you remember, someone with agree upon with your child. For more information call the experience can break into your Children’s Home & Aid Child car in less than thirty seconds. Do not buy items, which visibly Care Resource & Referral display your child’s name. It Infant Toddler Child Care Children should always be could give an abductor the Specialist, 800-467-9200, Ext. supervised by an adult or advantage of seeming to know 125 or and visit the website their caregiver. It is important your child. For example, “Hey of the American Academy Health to keep them within sight or Billy, your Mom’s been in an of Pediatrics, https://www. sound and know where they accident. We need to rush to healthychildren.org/English/ & Safety are and where they are going. the hospital. Jump in the car!” Pages/default.aspx

Keep any guns at home unloaded and locked in a child proof case or cabinet and out of reach of children. Sex Offender Registration Listen when your child tells Any person convicted of a felony sex crime or an attempt you they do not want to be to commit a felony sex crime is required to register as a sex with someone. Ask Why? and offender regardless of the victim’s age. In Illinois, police listen. Your questioning may offices are required to notify schools and early childhood reveal something you should care and education facilities of sex offenders residing within know. Pay attention when their respective communities. To view a listing of registered someone shows greater than sex offenders or to find information on registered sex normal interest in your child. offenders, you can log onto the Illinois State Police website Find out why and don’t allow at www.isp.state.il.us/sor. Click the Registered Sex offenders opportunities for that adult to Info and click, “List of Registered Sex Offenders.” You can have your child alone. Never search by city, county, zip code, name, etc., for registered belittle fears or concerns your sex offenders in Illinois. child might have about people or places. If you would like additional information on this law refer to, A Guide to Sex Offender Registration in Illinois also available at, www.isp.state.il.us/sor.

26 Tips for Keeping Children Safe United Way of Greater St. Louis 2-1-1

United Way 2-1-1 is your 24 hour, 7 days a week connection to agencies and resources near you. 2-1-1 Resources may include: Serving 99 counties in Missouri and 9 counties in Illinois, United Way 2-1-1 connects people to • Basic needs including day care, meals at home services that help them live their best possible food pantries, shelters and or respite lives, from basic needs to child care to disaster utility assistance • Support for children, relief to counseling. This service is free to • Physical and mental health youth and families everyone! resources including crisis including after school intervention, support programs, tutoring, There are multiple ways to get in touch: groups, counseling, mentorship programs or Dial 2-1-1 or 800-427-4626 to get connected to prenatal care family resource centers a trained Navigation Specialist by land-based • Jobs programs including • Disaster and weather phone lines or all cell phone providers educational and vocational including heating and training, English as a cooling shelters, tornado, Text 800-427-4626, Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to Second Language or GED flooding and other natural 5:00 pm classes, job training disaster resources. Visit www.211helps.org to Search the United Way • Support for seniors and 2-1-1 directory of resources or Email and/or chat individuals with disabilities with a Navigation Specialist including centers for independent living, adult Download iPhone and Android app to view directory of resources

Women, Infants & Children

Women, Infants & Children The best way to locate (WIC) is a nutrition-based the nearest WIC location program for woman, infants, is to call your local health and children up to five years department. of age. Eligibility is based on Bond County . . . 618-664-1447 household size, income, age, and/or medical determination. Clinton County . . 618-594-2723 The program provides Madison County supplemental foods and Granite City . . . . 877-842-5028 formula. For infants of women Alton ...... 877-842-9292 who do not fully breastfeed, Family WIC provides iron-fortified Monroe-Randolph Bi-County Supports infant formula. Chester ...... 618-826-5007 Waterloo ...... 618-939-3871 Participants have access to Sparta ...... 618-443-2995 several resources, including health care screenings, nutrition St. Clair County . 618-233-6170 education, breastfeeding Washington promotion and support, County...... 618-327-3644 immunization screening, substance abuse referral, and more.

27 Family & Community Resource Centers The Illinois Department of Human Services has Family & Community Resource Centers (FCRC) located throughout the State. The FCRC’s are designed to support a family with their basic needs, health as well as family self-sufficiency.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Illinois SNAP Program This program can help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses The Supplemental Nutrition other than medical costs. Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Assistance is available to families who fit into one Stamps helps low income of three groups: families purchase nutritional Low-income pregnant Immigrants with refugee groceries for their household 1 women or families that 3 or asylee status may be to maintain nutritional health. include at least one dependent eligible for cash assistance If you qualify for SNAP, you child under the age of 18 through the Refugee will receive an Illinois Link may qualify for TANF Cash Resettlement Program (RRP). card. Each month, the amount Assistance. If someone receives Refugees may be eligible for of your SNAP benefits will TANF, they also get Medicaid or assistance up to 8 months be added to your Link Card All Kids health care coverage. after the date of entry into the account, and you can use it like United States. Asylees may be a debit card to pay for food at Low-income seniors age eligible for assistance up to 8 most grocery stores. 65 or older, people who 2 months after the date asylum is are blind, and people who granted. People who qualify for Family Care, Medicaid have a permanent disability RRP Cash Assistance also get and All Kids may qualify for AABD Cash Medicaid health care coverage. Assistance. People who qualify Includes health care for low People who qualify for TANF for AABD cash assistance income people of all ages in or AABD cash assistance do not also get Medicaid health care Illinois through the Illinois qualify for RRP cash assistance. coverage. Department of Health Care and Family Services (HFS). Access to health care is provided through HFS Medical Programs that pay for a wide range of health services including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, vision care, dental care and medical devices like eyeglasses and asthma inhalers. Care is provided by Family a variety of medical providers located throughout Illinois. Supports

28 Illinois Child Support Services

Federal law requires that The Department of Healthcare can help parents: states offer and provide child support services to all Locate the parent who Get an order for child Change the amount of families, not just those who does not live with the support and address a child support order; receive public assistance. In child or children; health insurance; Illinois, child support services Collect past due child are administered by the Legally establish paternity Collect payments on an support payments. Department of Healthcare and if the parents are not already established child Family Services Division of married or in a civil union; support order; Child Support Services. The Department cannot provide legal advice or help families get a divorce, property settlement, To learn more about your rights as a parent, call the Parent’s Rights & Responsibilities modify a custody or visitation 800-447-4278 or visit https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/ChildSupport/FormsBrochures/ order or an order to provide Pages/hfs1759.aspx college expenses.

Register and Vote

Children’s Home & Aid The following is a listing of If you think your vote doesn’t encourages all families to local County Clerk Offices count, think again. Every vote participate in the electoral and their phone numbers: counts and your vote is very process by registering to vote important. Register now so you Bond 618 664-0449 and voting. You must register can participate in all local and to vote no later than 29 days Clinton 618 594-2464 state elections. At Children’s Health before the election in which Home & Aid we advocate, & Safety you wish to vote. Madison 618 692-6290 innovate, and lead the call for better practices and policies for You may register to vote in Monroe 618 939-8681 children, youth and families in person at the Office of the Randolph 618 826-5000 Illinois. County Clerk in the county and precinct where you maintain St. Clair 618 825-2380 your permanent residency. Washington 618 327-4800 Alternatively, you may register to vote by completing and Family mailing an Illinois Voter Registration Application to the Supports Office of the County Clerk in your county and precinct of permanent residency. Illinois Voter Registration applications are available through the Illinois State Board 29 of Elections, 217-782-5959 or visit www.elections.state.il.us.

29 Self Care Parenting is hard and sometimes you just need Specialized Care for a break. There is help available for any family Children offers free respite or caregiver who is experiencing overwhelming care and programs for children stress. with special needs. For more information call 618-624-0508 Saint Louis Crisis Nursery provides short- or visit https://dscc.uic.edu/ term care to children birth through 12 years of office/st-clair-regional-office/ age whose families face an emergency caused by illness, homelessness, domestic violence or Safe Families for Children overwhelming parental stress. All services are of Central and Southern completely FREE and voluntary. Illinois is a network of partner agencies, churches and Crisis Nursery Centene Center Crisis Nursery Saint Charles volunteers. There are over 1928 Gravois Avenue 315 First Capitol Drive 100 volunteer host families St. Louis, MO 63104 St. Charles, MO 63301 in regions and rural areas in 314-768-3201 636-947-0600 Illinois. Referrals come from home visiting programs, faith Crisis Nursery North Crisis Nursery West communities, DCFS offices, 11037 Breezy Point Lane 330 S. Fourth Street homeless and women’s shelters, St. Louis, MO 63136 St. Charles, MO 63301 police and fire departments 314-953-8030 636-940-2504 and hospitals. Safe Families  provides temporary respite care Crisis Nursery Wentzville for children and support for 700 Medical Drive families. Wentzville, MO 63385 24-Hour Helpline: 636-887-3070 For more information email [email protected] (serving Madison, St. Clair and Monroe counties)

General Educational Development (GED) General Educational Development (GED) is for people who have For more information about not completed their formal high school education. You must be online GED classes visit https:// at least 18 years of age without a high school diploma and not in www2.illinois.gov/services/ a secondary college program. There are four modules in a GED ICCB/ged-online-learning program: language arts, math, science and social studies. Some GED programs may be free or $30 per module. A GED may help you get a job or increase your wages. It may also help you get Family into a college program. Supports There are many GED programs in the Metro East. Contact the program nearest to you for additional help and information.

Kaskaskia College Southwestern Illinois College 618-545-3115 Belleville and Red Bud Campus https://www.kaskaskia.edu/ 618-235-2700, Ext.5525 academics/adult-education--literacy/ high-school-equivalency-ged-registration/ East St. Louis Higher Education Center 618-874-6277 Lewis & Clark Community College Sam Wolf Granite City Campus 618- 468-4141 618-797-7358 https://www.lc.edu/GED/ https://www.swic.edu/community/adult-education/ high-school-equivalency-test-prep/ 30 Tax Credits and Deductions for Families

Raising a family can be expensive. At the end of Child and Dependent Care the year, families may be eligible for some tax Credit If you send your child relief through tax deductions and credits. It is to a child care program or important to know the difference between them. before or after-school-age care Deductions reduce the amount of income that you may be eligible by claiming you are taxed on, while credits reduce the the Child and Dependent Care actual tax. Credit between $3,000 and $6,000 depending on how many Child Tax Credit You can receive credit of up children you have. The credit is to $2000 per child. You and your children must available to families who work, meet all the criteria below: look for work, or attend school • Child must be 17 years old or younger. full time. You and/or your • Child must be your own child (either spouse must also have earned biological or adopted), a stepchild or a foster income for the year to qualify. child placed with you by a qualified agency. Earned Income Tax Credit • You must have provided at least half of the benefits low and middle-income child’s financial support over the course of the working families. To qualify tax year. your family must earn income • You must claim the child as a dependent on guidelines and the credit your taxes. increases for each child but tops out at three children. The credit • The child must be a U.S. citizen, national, or can also result in a refund. resident alien. • The child must have lived with you for at least Adoption Tax Credit for half the year. qualifying expenses you paid to adopt a child. These expenses • You must meet family income criteria whether include adoption fees, attorney fees, court costs, filling single or jointly with a spouse. traveling expenses (including lodging and meals while away from home), and other expenses directly related to the adoption. American Opportunity Tax Credit is for families with college students in their first four years of post-secondary education. The credit is for qualifying education expenses while pursuing a degree and enrolled at least part-time for at least one semester in the tax year.

Tax credits and deductions can vary from year to year. For the most current Family tax information, contact the IRS at Supports www.irs.gov or your tax preparer.

Southwestern Illinois College Belleville and Red Bud Campus 618-235-2700, Ext.5525 East St. Louis Higher Education Center 618-874-6277 Sam Wolf Granite City Campus 618-797-7358 https://www.swic.edu/community/adult-education/ high-school-equivalency-test-prep/ 31 Children’s Home & Aid Highlights Children’s Home & Aid has an annual budget of over $63 million with 83 percent Children’s Home & Aid was Dedicated volunteers and staff of the funding directed to founded in 1883 by Reverend provide comprehensive quality programs serving children, Martin Van Arsdale. The programs in 38 Illinois counties youth and families in over 60 Reverend devoted his life to helping children and families of Illinois’ 102 counties. The finding homes for homeless overcome the obstacles of agency employs over 850 staff and abandoned orphans. poverty, abuse, and neglect statewide. Today, Children’s Home & to achieve healthy family children’s home & aidAid continues his work and structures and self-sufficiency. Children’s Home & Aid is reaches out to more than Children’s Home & Aid is a accredited by the Council 93,000 children and families compassionate advocate for the of Accreditation Services for each year through services welfare of children and families Families and Children and in adoption, child and family and is recognized as a leader in licensed by the Department of counseling, early childhood initiating and providing quality Children & Family Services. education, foster care, intact services. For more information on family services, family support, A private, nonprofit, and Children’s Home & Aid residential treatment, and nonsectarian social service or Southern Region youth services, in addition agency, Children’s Home & Aid program services call to community outreach and is committed to a community- 618-452-8900 or visit volunteer and education based, family focused and child https://www. programs throughout Illinois. centered continuum of services. childrenshomeandaid. org/cha-locations/ southern-region/#sprograms

Child Care Resource & Referral Program The Children’s Home & Aid Child Care Resource & Referral Program is a trust-worthy system of support for families, early childhood care and education programs and communities.

Early Childhood Care & Communities Education Programs • Partnerships with community groups and • Assistance to individuals interested in caring other agencies to better serve families and for children in their home or a facility communities • Coaching for programs in providing high • Advocacy for policies, practices and quality care to children investments that support children, families and early childhood care & education • Introductory or advanced trainings to meet programs State and high-quality standards Children’s • Providing data to help decision-makers • Information on grants and scholarships for Home programs and educators • Presentations to employers and community groups & Aid • Support with your participation in the Child • Supporting the current and future workforce Programs Care Assistance Program 32 Child Care Assistance Program Children’s Home & Aid Child Care Assistance Program makes it possible for families and guardians who qualify to receive financial help paying for child care while they work, attend school or training. Also, homeless families and intact families are eligible to qualify. Families must meet the State of Illinois Child Care Assistance Program guidelines.

Three simple steps to start the process:

Inquire About Your Eligibility Complete the Child Care Program eligibility is based on gross Assistance Program Application step step 1 household income, family size and 3 Read all instructions and provide other factors. Call our office to see if all documentation. If you need you qualify. an application, other Child Care Assistance Program forms or help, please call our office. You can download a copy of the Child Care Identify a Child Care Provider Assistance Program application from the IDHS website, https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page. step You select the child care provider for 2 your family. The provider must be aspx?item=68334. willing to accept payments. When you participate in Child Care Assistance Program you can change your provider at any time. You For more information call the must notify your child care provider, our Child Children’s Home & Aid Child Care Care Assistance Program office and complete Assistance Program, a change of provider form. If you need help 800-847-6770, Ext. 360. finding a provider in Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair or Washington counties, call the Child Care Resource & Referral 800-467-9200, Ext 390.

Families • Information on available early childhood care and education program options • Guidance on selecting an early childhood care and education program that meets your For more information family’s needs call the Children’s Home & Aid Child Care • Assistance paying for child care for eligible Resource & Referral families who work, attend training or school Program 800-467-9200, Children’s • Referrals to support services for families Ext. 390 or visit www. experiencing homelessness, receiving TANF, childrenshomeandaid. Home or who have a child with special needs org/ccrrsouthern & Aid • Connections to community resources Programs 33 Stronger Beginnings for Families Stronger Beginnings for Families is a FREE and Home Visiting Services include: voluntary program available to • Support and guidance • Early literacy and expectant parent and families during and after school readiness; with children birth to 36 pregnancy; months of age. The program • Connections to food, serves families that live in St. • Pregnancy and birth housing, medical, Clair, Madison, Monroe and information; dental, mental health Randolph counties. Stronger • Parent-child activities assistance and other resources in the Beginnings for Families partners that nurture attach- community; with families to nurture healthy ment and parent- parent-child relationships child relationships; • Personal and individual during the critical early years • Developmental, social- visits by a Home Visitor; to positively impact child emotional, hearing and • Parent to parent development and ensure every vision screenings; groups and family child can begin school ready to • Information and fun events. Families succeed and eager to learn. education on a variety come together to learn, of parenting topics; listen, understand and Parenting is difficult encourage one another. and it can feel lonely. Family support from a For more information call Stronger Beginnings for Families Home Visitor call 800-467-9200, Ext. 306 (St. Clair, Randolph and Monroe can make all the Counties) or Ext. 143 (Madison County). difference.

Become a Foster Family

If you’ve ever considered opening your home to children in the foster care system, Children’s Home & Aid is here to help! Our team is always seeking out new foster families to place children from as young as newborn to as old as 21. If you are a licensed child care provider, you can also Here are a few care for foster children. qualifications A potential foster parent must keep in mind that the goal from to start with: the beginning is to return a child home to their biological parents. • Must be 21 years of age Adoptions do sometimes occur for foster parents. To be a foster or older parent, you must become licensed – this is free of charge. • Must have safe housing Children’s Home & Aid will walk you through the whole licensing and adequate space for process. a child. A home study is Children’s Home & Aid works to support the biological parents, completed the foster parents, and the child through a comprehensive range • Must pass a background of services including counseling, therapy, education, medical care, check and simple and after-hours emergency response. medical examination 34 • Attend an informational Children’s meeting Home • Complete a 36-hour & Aid For more information call Children’s Home & Aid Foster Care foster parent training program Programs program - Licensing Specialist, 618-874-0216. 34 Power of Fathers Involved fathers bring positive benefits to their children that no other person is as likely to bring. These benefits extend to almost every child success measure, including attachment, mental and physical development, social skills and academic gains. Children’s Home & Aid believes in the power of fathers and paternal relatives in the lives of children. We are committed to helping engage fathers and male relatives in the lives of their children.

Power of Fathers Services includes: • Job preparation, • Parenting skills placement and retention development with a support focus on early childhood development • Life skills training • Co-parenting workshops • Education support For more • Child support and legal information call • Physical and behavioral assistance 773-918-8664 or health services visit Children’s • Financial planning Home & Aid poweroffathers.org

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Many Grandparents find themselves raising their grandchildren. There is help and support available. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren provides financial assistance to persons struggling with basic needs that would allow the children to remain and be supported in the home such as a bill, groceries, clothing for the children or other needs. Each program also has designated funds that can also assist with child care respite payments. A family accessing Grandparents Raising Grandchildren assistance can do so by completing a short phone intake and needs assessment. For more information call Children’s Home & Aid Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 618-235-5335, Ext. 440.

35 Children’s Home & Aid Programs 3535 Caregiver Connections

Caregiver Connections is a partnership between Chestnut Health Systems and Children’s Home & Aid Child Care Resource & Referral program. The Early Childhood Mental Health consultant provides consultation to child care providers. Services include on-site, video or phone consultation, training, connections to screening resources, evaluations for children and referrals to child and family services.

If you have questions or concerns, Caregiver Connections can help. Challenging childhood behaviors: such as hitting and biting, difficulty listening or following directions, excessive crying or tantrums, trauma, eating or sleeping concerns, possible delays in development, shyness or inability to play with others. Family life events: if you have young children (six weeks to five years of age) in your home or in your early childhood care and education program such as: substance abuse, depression, divorce or stress. Caregiver Connections Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant understands the stress and worry you may face when confronted with these issues. We can work directly with you to find answers to questions or concerns you may have in your early childhood care and education program regarding a child’s behavior or development. Through the collaboration, we can discuss how best to talk with families about concerns and sensitive issues. As partners we can plan, locate resources and information that can benefit the children, support families, and provide the professional development for you to enhance the work that you do.

For more information, call Caregiver Connections Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, 618-397-0900 or Children’s Home & Aid Child Care Resource & Referral 800-467-9200, Ext. 119.

Children’s Home & Aid Programs 36 children’s home & aid

Our Mission Children’s Home & Aid partners with children, youth and families whose potential is at risk to create hope, opportunity and bright futures.

Our Vision All children, youth and families thrive in strong communities.

Children’s Home & Aid recognizes, respects, promotes and celebrates the value of cultural diversity and will ensure that each client’s ethnic or cultural customs, practices, and beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, and/or community differences are respected by agency staff.

37 children’s home & aid

Child Care Resource & Referral Child Care Assistance Program Supporting families, early childhood care Child care can be expensive, and education programs, and communities call us to see if you qualify 800-467-9200, Ext. 390 800-847-6770, Ext. 360 2133 Johnson Road, 2133 Johnson Road, Granite City, IL 62040 Granite City, IL 62040 and 601 James R. Thompson Blvd., Bldg. E East St. Louis, IL 62201

www.childrenshomeandaid.org/ccrrsouthern

Like us on facebook Proud member of: For additional copies of the Early Childhood Community Resource Guide call 800-467-9200, Ext. 104

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