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It's lighter in the evenings, and the weather is taking a turn for the better. Count on us for activity suggestions, summer camp ideas, and more!
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FEATURED NEWS
Summer Camps and Care: Get Ready for Summer 2022!
Summer is right around the corner, and it is time to start planning for your school-ager’s summer care. It may feel early, but summer camps and care programs fill up fast! Consider these tips as you choose summer care for your school-ager.
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Ask your school-ager what they would like to do
There are many different types of summer camps and care to choose from, and many differ in programming. Knowing your child’s interests can help you narrow down your search! A program may have weekly themes (e.g. STEM, Lego, nature, etc.), while others will take field trips to pools and other local summer spots.
Determine what days, hours, and weeks you need care
Summer camps and care all have different types of hours and days of operation. Some programs offer morning camps for only a few weeks of the summer, while others may offer a camp in the morning with optional extended care in the afternoon for the entire summer. Before you choose, ask, “ What are your days, hours, and weeks of operation? " Read more on our blog...
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THE POWER OF PLAY
Play is not only critical to healthy brain development, but it’s also how children learn to engage with and respond to others. It allows them to use their creativity, develop their imagination, and strengthen their critical thinking. Our experts created new resources for you to not only learn about the lasting impact of play-based learning but also to implement it at home with your little ones. Check these out!
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Power of Play: Why play is so important to helping your child's development and what to look for as your child grows. Read more...
Infant and Toddler Play and Learning: Videos, activity ideas, and tips sheets designed to stimulate your baby's sense of wonder while encouraging healthy brain development. Read more...
Preschool and School-age Play and Learning: Get ideas for math play, outdoor play, STEM activities, and more as your little one grows! Read more...
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UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Summer Staycation. May 3, 1:00 - 1:30 p.m., Zoom. Register.
Sibling Rivalry. April 14, 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. Zoom. Register.
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Seizure First Aid with the Epilepsy Foundation. April 12, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom. Register.
Communicating With Schools: Collaborative Strategies for Positive Outcomes with IN*Source. May 12, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Zoom. Register
See the full list of our free workshops on our Events Calendar.
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FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES
On My Way Pre-K scholarships
On My Way Pre-K scholarship applications are now open! You may be eligible if your child is four years old by August 1, 2022 and your family's monthly income is 185% of the federal poverty level or below (see chart). Learn more about how to apply at onmywayprek.org!
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Build, Learn, Grow and CCDF voucher co-pay waivers
Indiana's Build, Learn, Grow program has wrapped up its applications, but, if you applied before March 31 you should continue to receive your scholarship through June 30. If you receive CCDF vouchers, you'll also want to plan ahead for May 2. After this date, you will be required to restart payment of your copays. Contact the Children's Bureau for specific questions about your individual voucher or copay.
Additional child care financial assistance
Looking for additional ideas for child care financial assistance? We can help! Our resource center has a number of ideas for you to either get help paying for child care, or, connect to resources to help ease your budget in other ways. Learn more at our Paying for Care page.
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ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
If you missed one of our recent live workshops or find it more convenient to watch later, you can always find them over at our YouTube Channel.
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Embracing Self-care: Supporting our own mental and emotional wellness
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Other recent webinars to check out:
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
Don't forget to like or follow us on our social media channels - we share tons of great information for families!
Recently shared on our social media channels:
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SIGN UP FOR TEXT ALERTS
Want to stay in the loop with Child Care Answers' free workshops and services? Text care to 1-833-222-1221 to receive CCA's text alerts directly to your mobile phone. Don't worry - we'll only text 1-2 times per month.
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NEED RESOURCES IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH? ¡NO HAY PROBLEMA!
You can read this entire email in your own language. Just click here to view this email in your browser, then click the "Translate" button in the upper right corner. We're thrilled to be able to offer services and resources for families for whom English is not their first language. Learn more on our blog or in this short video in Spanish.
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Website
We've added even more languages to our website, including Burmese, Pashto, Greek, Gujarati, and Polish. Is your language not listed? Let us know!
Live Virtual Workshops in Spanish
Bilingual family & community engagement specialist Megan Day delivers workshops and answers questions in Spanish. Upcoming workshops include:
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TEAM UPDATES
Join us in extending a big welcome to our new child care resource and referral specialist, Grace Sededji. In her role, Grace connects families, child care professionals, and the central Indiana community to child care and parenting resources. If you're calling our office or requesting help finding a quality child care, say hello to Grace!
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We are looking for volunteers with experience in marketing, fundraising, HR, and/or non-profit expertise to join our board. If you or someone you know would be interested, please contact executive director Mollie Smith at mollies@childcareanswers.org.
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WE'RE HERE TO HELP!
Need additional support with topics such as breastfeeding, parenting a child with special needs, or finding child care? Complete our Family Information Form.
We are also available Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm at 317.636.5727. Please note that our offices will be closed Monday, May 30 for Memorial Day and Monday, June 20 in observance of Juneteenth.
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Megan Day supports families, organizations, and communities where English is not the primary language. ¿Necesita ayuda an español? Por favor llene el formulario español .
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Lauren George provides one-on-one support and educates families on parenting topics such as breastfeeding, toilet training, challenging behaviors, and supporting a child with special needs.
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Jamie Le Sesne Spears helps families like yours find and understand what makes a quality child care program. She also helps you stay connected to your child's program to ensure the best experience for your child.
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Tom Taylor leads Child Care Answers' Family & Community Engagement team. His influence reaches to businesses and employers, policymakers, community agencies, and, of course, central Indiana families like yours.
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