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A Message from the Executive Director
All About The Alliance for Infants & Toddlers
Who We Are – How to Get Started – What We Do
What Makes Your Child Eligible For Early Intervention Services?
Principles of Family Centerd Services
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How You Can Help Your Service Coordinator Help Your Family
Service Coordinator... “Supporter & Friend” with Vonna May Miller
& Judy Kememer
Changing the Way We Think
Learning Begins Early
8 - 9 Resources For Families
10 - 13 Trainings, Information & Events for Families –
Spring & Summer 2014
14 - 15 Product Safety Recalls
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Pittsburgh, PA
Permit No. 49
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– Pablo Casals, Spanish cellist and conductor
The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers, Inc. has an established history of working on behalf of young children with developmental challenges and their families in our community. The Alliance was established in 1988 by a Federal grant to assist families of low birth weight infants. In 1992, The Alliance was chosen by
Allegheny County as the Early Intervention Service Coordination
Agency for families of children ages birth to three years, who have developmental concerns.
Early Intervention is a variety of supports and services designed to build and enhance the natural learning that occurs in the early years. Supports and services are provided in the home, child care site and other community settings identified by the family.
Any child, age birth to three years, living in Allegheny County is eligible for a developmental screen through Early Intervention.
The Alliance enables families to:
• Locate the most appropriate services for their child and family.
• Focus on positive, practical ways of helping their child with a variety of daily activities.
• Participate in these supports in their home and community.
The Alliance is available to any Allegheny County family if:
• They have concerns about their child's development.
• Their child is at risk for developing delays due to such factors as prematurity or a stay in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Dear Parents and Friends:
This issue of our newsletter is all about us! We are proud of what we do. We want you to know about the philosophy that guides us, the types of services we provide and new services that are available.
The Alliance for Infants and
Toddlers, Inc. is well-recognized for working and collaborating with community partners on behalf of children and families. In addition to providing Service Coordination for families of children with developmental challenges from birth to age 3, The
Alliance is involved in developmental screening at shelters for women and young children experiencing homelessness. The Alliance has partnered with the University of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny County Department of
Human Services in providing a Resource Coordinator for
2 shelters that provide supports for women and children experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence.
The Alliance also continues to screen primary caregivers for depression and provides relationship based supports, counseling and referrals for these families.
If you ever have any ideas about how we can serve you better, please let your Service Coordinator know or give me a call (412-885-6000 x 3133). We are always looking for ways to improve. We want you to know that you and your child are the most important people to us.
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• Families: If you have concerns about your child's development or would like to know more about
Early Intervention services, contact the Alliance at
412-885-6000.
• Community programs, physicians & other family members: With parental permission, you may refer a child to the Alliance by calling the above number.
Service Coordination
Your Alliance Service Coordinator will:
• Recognize and respect your family as your child's first and most important teacher.
• Work with you to set goals.
• Monitor your child's development and progress.
• Monitor services in such areas as movement, language and communication, social and play skills, problem solving and self-help.
• Provide parent education and support, including identification and referral to community resources.
• Assist your child and family in transition to appropriate services at age three including Department of Education funded preschool services.
Both federal and state laws require children to meet certain criteria in order to receive Early Intervention.
There are two types of services that can be provided: (1)
Tracking or (2) Direct services.
TRACKING SERVICES
A Service Coordinator visits periodically to monitor a child’s development for children who are ‘at risk’ of developing a delay due to a variety of factors.
Children who are eligible for tracking include:
• Some children who live in foster care
• Children who were born to chemically dependent mothers
• Children who have been seriously abused or neglected
• Children who had a birth weight under 1500 grams
• Children who were cared for in neonatal intensive care units
• Children who have high levels of lead poisoning
• Children whose primary caregiver may be experiencing anxiety, postpartum depression, depression or other mental health concerns
DIRECT SERVICES
When children receive direct services, they may have therapists who visit the child on a regular basis (a developmentalist, physical therapist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, etc.). Each family also has a professional Service Coordinator who assists the family in accessing those needed services.
Children who are eligible for direct services include:
• Children with a diagnosed condition that has a high probability of developmental delay
• Children who are delayed 25% or more in one or more developmental areas (physical/motor, communication/language, cognitive, adaptive and social/emotional) or score below a certain level on standardized tests
• Children who are found eligible through use of clinical opinion
Children who are found eligible for Early Intervention through use of clinical opinion do not have a diagnosed condition that results in delays nor do they score below the criteria on certain tests. It might be that there are no tests that can measure the area of concern because the infant is too young or there just are no appropriate tests.
Often children who have feeding, sensory, social and certain motor issues are found eligible by clinical opinion.
That means the professionals and the parent on the team have areas of concern that cannot be measured by a standardized test. However, the opinion of the team is that the child qualifies for Early Intervention services. To justify the use of clinical opinion the evaluators on the team will record, in detail, concerns the team has about the child's development. Once the team determines that a child is eligible by clinical opinion and it is time for an annual evaluation, the Service Coordinator can arrange for one of the county's independent teams to re-evaluate the child.
Clinical opinion can only be used for eligibility for infants and toddlers, from birth until age three. When a child turns age three, they cannot receive services unless a test shows they have a delay. This means that for some of the children who were found eligible under clinical opinion, services may stop at age three.
If your child has been found eligible based on clinical opinion, your Service Coordinator will explain what this means and how it will make a difference when your child
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2 turns age three. The Service Coordinator also will help you find community services that will help your child develop such as neighborhood preschools, etc. Ask your Service Coordinator if you have any questions.
The Alliance for Infants & Toddlers is committed to providing services according to Family Centered
Principles. The following principles have been adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to serve as a guide for all agencies funded to provide Early Intervention services.
• Celebrate all children and their families.
• Recognize that families are the constant in a child’s life, which means they know their child best.
• Recognize that each child and family is unique by honoring their beliefs and cultural, linguistic, racial and socioeconomic diversity.
• Share with parents, on a continuing basis and in a supportive manner, complete and unbiased information.
• Recognize and value family strengths.
• Honor family priorities.
• Recognize and value families’ dreams for their children.
• Respect choices and decisions made by families, thus maximizing the family’s control over the supports and services they receive.
• Respect a family’s right to accept or reject supports and services.
• Respect families’ different methods of coping with life’s events.
• Provide a range of service, support and resource options.
• Provide a range of options which are flexible and can be adapted to meet the unique needs of the child and family.
The focus of Service Coordination is to help your family.
Service Coordinators can help you find needed services in addition to making you aware of your rights.
They will help to make sure your child is getting the needed Early Intervention services and that the correct paperwork is done. Service Coordinators work for the Alliance.
The therapists that work with your child work with different agencies including ACHIEVA, The Early Learning Institute
(TELI), Early Intervention Specialists (EIS), Pediatric Therapy
Professionals (PTP), Integrated Care Corporation (ICARE),
Therapeutic Early Intervention Services (TEIS) and other agencies throughout the state.
• Being honest with your Service Coordinator. Service
Coordinators are not there to judge you. They are there to help and can only help if they know what you need.
• Telling your Service Coordinator things that have worked for you and things that have been difficult. This will help them to help you figure out new things to try. It will also help them to help other families.
• Talking about your daily activitities with your Service
Coordinator and being sure to include things that you do around the house or in the community during the day with your child and entire family. Also talk about things that you wish you could do but avoid. By talking about the things that are hardest for you and your child, the
Service Coordinator can help you solve problems.
• Asking questions, giving information and making sure to include the things important to you. You are an equal member of your child’s team.
• Telling your Service Coordinator about your family’s needs. They can sometimes assist you to find help in getting items like clothing, furniture, toys, diapers, etc.
There are lots of agencies that provide help and Service
Coordinators often know of places to get such things.
Be sure to tell your Service Coordinator what resources and agencies were most helpful to you.
• Telling your Service Coordinator about issues that might be challenging for your family like divorce, moving, any new diagnosis your child has received or any major illnesses. Service Coordinators and therapists do not work in the same offices. As much as Service Coordinators try to keep in-touch with every therapist, sometimes the therapist will not remember to tell the Service
Coordinator what you told them during each visit.
• Returning calls promptly when the Service Coordinator is trying to reach you. In order for the Service
Coordinator to be sure that services are timely, wellcoordinated, and good quality, it is important for the
Service Coordinator to speak to you on a regular basis.
• Calling ahead of time whenever you find you cannot keep your appointments with therapists or your Service
Coordinator.
• Never signing any paper that you do not understand.
In order to make sure that you receive services in a timely manner, there are federal and state laws that require that things be done in a certain timeframe. The
Service Coordinator must make sure that the paperwork is done on time. This paperwork includes completing all consents, releases, the ER/IFSP and other forms. There is a lot of paperwork that must be done so be patient as it takes time to complete them all as directed. The Service
Coordinator will explain it all to you.
Some of the ways you can help your Service Coordinator help you, include:
• Asking questions about anything you do not understand.
No matter how silly you think the question might be, ask.
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Who should apply?
Interested family members from Pennsylvania who:
• Have an infant, toddler or pre-school age child
who receives early intervention services.
It has been the primary focus and responsibility of Vonna the background cheering you and your team on that all
goes well for a smooth transition. Judy and I are the ones May Miller and Judy Kemerer, Service Coordinators and
• Desire to learn to advocate for themselves and others by building leadership skills.
• Are willing to make a time commitment to attend
Transition Coordinators for The Alliance, to make the transition smooth and to be supportive for families. Vonna your coordinator will come to with questions or concerns.
Session Dates*:
Again, we strive to listen, understand, and help you
2013: November 1-2 through to the next program."
2014: January 10-1 1 and Judy have worked tirelessly over the years to ensure that families have all the information they need and are
all trainings (all 4 trainings are 2-day sessions)
PLUS
• Travel and childcare expenses reimbursed
• Meals are included
is truly a demanding but rewarding role. Service Coordinators are the first Early Intervention staff to meet families who are finding out that their child may have some challenges in their development. As one well informed of their options as they begin a new chapter in their child’s journey. They continuously update The
Alliance staff on new information that will help families make good choices for their children. Both Vonna and
Judy are committed to assuring that families are always a partner at the table as they meet with the teams of professionals at their child’s Transition Planning Meeting and their IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meeting.
Vonna also chairs the Early Intervention Interagency
Transition Committee that, behind the scenes, makes sure that the actual transition process follows all federal and state, legal and procedural requirements that are necessary as children move from the Infant/Toddler to
Preschool service programs. And, in addition to their
Transition responsibilities, Vonna and Judy continue to
March 7-8
Judy finds her role as both Service Coordinator and
May 2-3
Transition Coordinator very rewarding...
Location:
"As a Service Coordinator, I love the diversity of families
Heritage Hotel that we serve and the fact that no day is ever quite the
500 Centerville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 same as another. I see single moms juggling the chal-
Tel: 800-223-8963 lenges of going to school, working, trying to best meet the
*Sessions are 2-day sessions – needs of their children, and I marvel at their resilience. I
Friday: 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm see families from other countries, grappling with the barri-
Saturday: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm ers of language and different customs, and am touched
Participants will learn to: by their hospitality and appreciation. I see the stay at
• Identify best practice supports in early home mom who has become a medical expert in the intervention.
course of her child's devastating illness, and she reaches
• Connect with community resources.
out to support others who are facing similar experiences.
• Navigate the Pennsylvania Early Intervention
‘My’ families make me laugh, make me cry, and give me a
System.
sense of honor to be a part of their lives for a brief
• Overnight lodging provided (for participants travel-
ing 40+miles)
For more information, contact Cathy Roccia-Meier:
Tel: 215-204-1772 voice • TTY: 215-204-1805
Email: cathyrm@temple.edu
Para información en español:
215.204.9348; latino@temple.edu
APPLY online at:
www.disabilities.temple.edu/programs/ leadership/c2p2ei.shtml
Application due by October 11, 2013
family explained, the Service Coordinator is a "confidante, serve individual families as their Service Coordinators.
moment in time. All have the common goal to ‘make things
Vonna and Judy truly exemplify the spirit of The Alliance in their work with individual families and in their leadership as Transition Coordinators for The Alliance. organizer, counselor, supporter and friend." There are so many skills and qualities that a Service Coordinator must have to do their job well. Whether they are finding community resources for a family or assuring that all the paperwork is in order, Alliance Service Coordinators are devoted to helping families receive the services and supports that will be most helpful to them and their child.
And, at age 3, after they have helped the family to learn about their child's challenges and to navigate new systems, Service Coordination with The Alliance ends. Service
Coordinators then assist families to transition to other community programs or to Early Intervention services through the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s DART Program or Pittsburgh Public Schools Early Intervention Program.
While the transition process can be stressful for families as they leave familiar professionals and move on to new programs, Service Coordinators strive to make it as seamless as possible.
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Vonna shares her perspective on her work with families..."
When a referral is made for a child to The Alliance, the caller is told a Service Coordinator will be in touch with you soon. As your Service Coordinator I am the stranger you are talking to on the phone and the stranger you will be opening your door to. I hope that I will be able to listen, understand, and help you help your child all the while keeping your family’s values, dreams and lives in motion.
Through the years as a Service Coordinator I have worked with many different families all walking many different paths. I have grown in my work as a Service Coordinator from the walks I have taken with these families. I continue to be inspired, motivated, determined and enthusiastic due to the role I play as a Service Coordinator. It is an honor to go from being that stranger on the phone to the one walking the path with you.
As Transition Coordinators, we are able to a have a look into the next system your child will be entering. We work daily with the people who will become responsible for your child’s services when they turn 3. We work hard to make sure the transition process goes smoothly. We may not be your actual Service Coordinators but know that we are in better for their child’.
On-line courses are available for families to learn at home about topics related to their child and Early Intervention.
The role of Transition Coordinator puts a wide angle lens
The courses are accessed through the Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) Online Learning Portal. The site on Early Intervention experiences. It reinforces to me how has been developed to provide information, resources and a broad range of training initiatives in an online learning differently a child can look "on paper" and what a chal-
format to professionals and families who are part of the Pennsylvania Early Intervention system. You can browse the lenge it is to determine the most appropriate programsite for specific resources and links to the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) webming for their needs. While it is the Service Coordinator
site for in-person training opportunities. Check back often as the site builds more resources to support your ongowho has the personal connection with the family, Vonna ing learning needs!
and I try to team with them to make sure that the best
tools are available to make that happen."
Courses are available for your interest or for training credit hours with the user receiving a training certificate when
they have successfully completed the coursework.  Registration is required and access to the course material is
Vonna has been a Service Coordinator at The Alliance for time-limited.
17 years and has been a Transition Coordinator for 16
A sample of the course titles offered include:
years. Vonna has worked as a private kindergarten
• Assistive Technology for Access and Participation in Typical Early Childhood Settings teacher, preschool teacher, director of child care centers
• Foundations for Infant/Toddler Services in Early Intervention
and contract coordinator before coming to The Alliance.
• Orientation to Deafness and Hearing Loss
Vonna received her Bachelor’s Degree from Slippery Rock
• Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning
University majoring in Elementary Education with an
• Tools to Ease Transition (at age 3) emphasis in Early Childhood. Vonna is the proud mother of
Courses open up one month at a time and registration should be completed by the 25th of the previous month that
2 daughters, Joella and Annika.
you want to take the online course. To see the courses currently available: go to: www.eita-pa.org, click on
Professional Development. All available courses are listed; click on the course you want to enroll in for additional
Judy has been a Service Coordinator at The Alliance for 14
registration information.
years and has been a Transition Coordinator for 1 1 years.
Judy worked as a developmental therapist for a provider agency prior to coming to The Alliance. Judy received her
Bachelor's Degree in Child Development from the
University of Pittsburgh. Judy and her husband have two daughters, Aimee and Janelle, and a son-in-law, Mike. They
continue to be the joy of her life!
— Pablo Casals, Spanish Cellist and Conductor
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When you have a child with a disability you enter a new world, filled with new people, new words, and new ways of thinking! One of the harder new lessons we, as parents, learn about "this new life" is that people, even well meaning people, frequently make dangerous assumptions about our children and say things to us like: ‘You have to be realistic about his future.’, ‘You must accept your child’s limitations.’ , ‘Assessments and evaluations of your child tell us what she can and cannot do.’, ‘You are expecting too much.’, ‘She’ll never be able to ______ ‘(fill in the blank).
I don’t think folks intend to be hurtful or limiting of our children, but most people have a narrow experience with people with disabilities. They haven’t seen many people with disabilities genuinely integrated in our communities, leading productive and meaningful lives, using unique ways to make this happen. Most of us were raised with the belief that disabilities are deficiencies, not just differences.
One of the pioneers in changing how we think about people with disabilities is Anne Donnellan who in 1984 launched the radical concept of "least dangerous assumption" as it related to people with disabilities. The
"least dangerous assumption" states that "in the absence of absolute evidence, it is essential to make the assumption that, if proven to be false, would be least dangerous to the individual."(Rossetti and Tashie) In other words, we can never be certain of what people are capable of, so to avoid any grave consequences, we must assume that they have potential.
Zach Rossetti and Carol Tashie helped me understand the "least dangerous assumption" in their wonderful example of going fishing. They posed the question that if you go fishing for several days and do not catch any fish, what can you assume? You might believe that there are no fish in the lake since you did not catch any after hours of trying. Or you could assume that there are fish in the lake but you need to be patient, innovative, and persistent.
With the first assumption, you are likely to stop fishing, leave the lake, and abandon it. In the second assumption ("the least dangerous assumption"), you are likely to continue fishing, move to new places on the lake, try different bait, ask for the assistance of the local fishing community, or try a new way to cast the line.
When we apply this analogy to children with disabilities and we practice working from the "least dangerous assumption" then we do not abandon children who initially may appear unable to learn, communicate, or grow. We assume that they can do all of those things, just in different ways—ways that are waiting to be discovered. We assume that more time and creative strategies are needed to help draw out their abilities. We do not assume that their brain is empty as the lake described in the earlier example. We don’t allow standard assessments or deeply embedded images of who learns stop us from seeing what might be. We teach them as if they can and will learn.
We assume that we need more time on this lake – a lake that is overflowing with fish of unusual colors, shapes, and sizes. We believe that the best bait is the belief that assumes competence of our children.
That’s the hook. That’s how we unlock the potential in each child. That’s how we will reel in the fish.
(Reprinted with the author's permission at www.danceofpartnership)
– Frank A. Clark
Richard and Carly are aware of recent brain research that suggests children have a much greater capacity for learning very early in life than previously was believed. But what should they do to promote the mental development of their newborn daughter?
Some physical activities help develop your child’s muscles and encourage learning. Playing with a wagon, running, playing with balls, and climbing are activities that help develop large muscles. Playing with clay, cutting and pasting, coloring, painting, and using a pencil help to develop small muscles and promote creativity.
Should they start her on a regimen of math flashcards, as Richard’s colleague at the office does with his threemonth-old son in the hope of developing a prodigy?
Children do have a great capacity for learning very early in life. As their children’s first and foremost teachers, parents can contribute to developing that learning potential.
Your goal should not be to create a prodigy. Instead, you and your child should have fun with each other exploring the world. The love of people and learning is the best lesson you can teach.
But don’t use flashcards or other gimmicks to do so.
This column is written by Robert B. McCall, Ph.D., Co-
Director of the University of Pittsburgh Office of Child
Development and Professor of Psychology, and is provided as a public service by the Frank and Theresa Caplan
Fund for Early Childhood Development and Parenting
Education
Early in life, children should be surrounded with love, an environment that is safe and fun to explore, and parents who encourage creativity and curiosity. Such an environment is simple and inexpensive to create. It is more about parental attitude than toys and gadgets.
Start by responding to your baby as much as possible.
When your baby makes a face or a sound, imitate it or smile. And talk to your child often, even if he or she doesn’t understand a word you are saying.
Simple pleasures that appeal to the senses also help babies develop. Music, a room filled with bright colors, your singing are examples.
When your child is a year or so, each day can be filled with simple teaching opportunities. Point out different shapes, colors, and textures and let your child explore them. Go outside and point to an object – a tree, bird, whatever is around – then, say its name to your child.
Establish a regular reading schedule and read to your child every day. Keep plenty of books around the house and go to the library. Limit television time and control what your child watches.
Congratulations to staff members who each brought a new baby into this world!
Congratulations to each of you and your growing familes!
Some activities encourage creativity, such as singing songs, listening to music, dancing, building things, and drawing or coloring.
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Sometimes parents feel overwhelmed, angry, sad, or anxious when learning that their child may need Early
Intervention services. It can be a very stressful and confusing time for families. In addition to talking to professionals about these feelings, many families have found parent support to be helpful. Being in touch with other families provides an opportunity to get to know others who understand your situation and know what you’re going through. If you would like to talk with other parents, or find online support, the following resources may be helpful:
ABOARD's Autism Connection of Pennsylvania
1-800-827-9385 • http://autismsupport.org
Offers information, support groups, individual support, educational advocacy and a newsletter to families whose children are diagnosed with Autism, Asperger’s syndrome,
Fragile X, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Rett syndrome and Tourette syndrome.
ACHIEVA Family Support & Advocacy
412-995-5000 X509 • www.achieva.info
Offers advocacy, information and technical assistance on the following issues: Early Intervention, education, government benefits, transition to adult services, and residential and vocational services. ACHIEVA also hosts trainings and webinars for families, people with disabilities and professionals on disability-related topics.
The Down Syndrome Center
At Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
412-692-7963 • www.chp.edu/CHP/downsyndrome
Provides information, support groups, a newsletter and help in locating community services and resources to families whose children have been diagnosed with Down Syndrome.
Parent to Parent – Statewide
1-888-727-2706 • www.parenttoparent.org
Connects families and friends of children and adults with special needs statewide so they may share experiences and offer practical information and/or advice. One-to-one or group support is available.
Special Kids Network
1-800-986-4550 • tty 1-877-986-5432 www.gotoskn.state.pa.us
Provides information locally and statewide about services, resources and support for families of children with chronic health or developmental concerns.
Compassionate Friends Pittsburgh Branch
412-835-1 105 • www.tcfpittsburgh.org
Offers friendship and understanding to families who are grieving the loss of a child of any age from any cause including miscarriage, stillborn birth, infant death or Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Supports include home meetings, individual supports, educational meetings and a newsletter.
Re:solve Crisis Network
1-888-7-YOU CAN • 1-888-796-8226 http://www.upmc.com/Services/behavioral-health/
Pages/resolve-crisis-network.aspx (website)
Provides round-the-clock mental health crisis intervention and stabilization services for residents of Allegheny County.
The first step to feeling relief starts with picking up the phone and making the call: any day, any time, for any reason. Contact Re:Solve Crisis Network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and speak with a trained counselor. Interpreters are available on request.
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Clinical Social Work Dept. 412-692-5255
Refers you to a support group for a specific medical or neurological diagnosis.
Mental Health America (MHA) of Allegheny County
412-661-7860 or 1-877-391-3820 (voice) www.mhaac.net (website)
Provides individuals in Pittsburgh and its surrounding communities with a relevant mix of information, referral, advocacy and legal services. They serve individuals, family members, providers and community members who are trying to connect with resources, understand the mental health system or learn about their rights. They assist individuals in the recovery process and all of their services are free and confidential.
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An advocate is a person who influences systems and decision makers on behalf of individual children and families.
Advocates also work toward strengthening and improving services for all children and families. As a parent, you will often act as an advocate for your child. There may, however, be times when you would like another individual to work with you to represent your child’s interests. There are many organizations which provide information, support and advocacy for children with disabilities. For more information about Early Intervention and your rights, you may contact any of the following groups:
Disability Rights Network of PA
1 16 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
412-391-5225 or 1-800-692-7443(voice)
1-877-375-7139 (tdd)
Drnpa-pgh@drnpa.org (email) http://drnpa.org (website)
ACHIEVA
71 1 Bingham St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203
412-995-5000 x486 (voice) www.achieva.info
The Education Law Center
1708 Law and Finance Building
429 Fourth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-258-2120 www.elc-pa.org
Mental Health America
100 Sheridan Square, 2nd floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-661-7860 (voice)
1-877-868-2159 - MHAD Hotline www.mhaac.net (website)
Parent Education Network (PEN)
2107 Industrial Highway
York, PA 17402
1-800-522-5827 (voice/tyy) www.parentednet.org
Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership
Center (PEAL)
1 1 19 Penn Avenue Suite 400
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
412- 281-4404 or 1-866-950-1040 (voice) www.pealcenter.org
The Early Intervention Family Alliance (EIFA) is a national group of family leaders dedicated to improving outcomes for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. The EIFA works to assure meaningful family involvement in the development of Part C policies and their implementation at community, state and federal levels. http://eifamilyalliance.org/index.html
Babyfirst.com, a single destination for the care giving team and parents of premature babies to exchange information and experiences online, is now optimized for quick and easy access on mobile phones and tablets.
For your convenience this Alliance newsletter and past newsletters are available on our website!
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The Spring and Summer Calendar is busy! There are so many opportunities to get together with other families and knowledgeable professionals to learn about the supports and services available for your children. Please look over the newsletter and take advantage of the chance to attend a workshop, try a new community activity, or participate in a fundraiser to support children and families. If you have any questions, please call the Alliance Family Adviser,
Julie Hladio at 412-885-6000 x3136. We welcome your participation!
Looking for a place for your child receiving Early Intervention services to play? Want to meet other families whose children are receiving Early Intervention services? Play groups are available for your children in our community!
Social Butterflies
Directed by a staff Speech-Language Pathologist experienced in Early Childhood Education and Language
Development, TELI (The Early Learning Institute) Social
Butterflies classes are designed to offer your child opportunities to interact with other children, develop friendships, and learn and play in a structured, inviting environment with a parent or caregiver.
Please note: Social Butterflies sessions are now only
4 weeks long! Go to the TELI website at http://telipa.org/programs-services/social-butterflies/ for an informational flyer and registration form.
For more information, contact: Jennifer Vlcek, M.S. CCC-
SLP 412-922-8322 ext. 234 -OR- JenniferV@telipa.org
Preschool Readiness Program
ACHIEVA offers a Preschool Readiness program for children 2 1/2 years and older who utilize ACHIEVA's Early
Intervention services as they prepare for the transition to preschool. Classes are offered at ACHIEVA's Pittsburgh headquarters located at 71 1 Bingham Street, PA 15203 on
Thursdays from 10-1 1:30a.m. - OR - 12:30-2p.m.
Class Activities:
A broad range of learning and social activities are offered through the preschool readiness program, including:
1. Directed Free Play - Includes theme-related puzzles, books, etc.
2. Circle Time - Includes welcome, discussion and songs
3. Snack - Includes getting ready for and having snack time, clean up, making choices and encouraging language cooperation
4. Group Activity - Includes arts and crafts, games and fine motor activities
5. Gross Motor Activity - Includes moving to music, taking a walk, etc.
6. Book Time and Closing Song
Little ACHIEVer's Wee Play Group
ACHIEVA Support Early Intervention Program presents a community play group for children ages 18 months to 36 months and parent or caregiver. The purpose of the group is simply to play and provide opportunities to socialize with peers. ***The child does not need to be receiving services from ACHIEVA to participate in Little ACHIEVer's
Wee Play Groups.
“Little ACHIEVer's Wee Play Group" currently meets monthly at three different locations:
1. First Friday - Mt. Lebanon from 10:30 - 1 1:30 am
2. Third Friday - Avalon from 10 - 1 1 am
3. Fourth Friday - Oakmont from 10:30 - 1 1:30 am
Registration is required. Go to the ACHIEVA website at www.achieva.info & click on the Early Intervention tab and then Preschool Readiness group or Little ACHIEVer’s
Wee Play Group for additional information. For additional questions, contact Melissa Dorben at (412) 779-0919 (cell).
Call Lauren Smith (412)641-0061 for more information and to ask about our waiting lists. Registration required.
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Do you have a child, age birth through 5 years old, who receives Early Intervention services in Allegheny County?
Would you like to:
• learn more about the supports and services available to your child and family?
• meet other families who share your experience?
• be a better advocate for your child?
Evening Series
Dates: Wednesdays May 7, 14 and 21
Time: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Place: ACHIEVA (South Side)
71 1 Bingham St. (at 8th St.), Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-995-5000
Directions at www.achieva.info
EI Families is a workshop by families, for families. The intent of the workshop is to inform and empower families whose children, age birth through five years old, receive
Early Intervention services in Allegheny County. All of our workshop leaders are family members raising a child with developmental delays. They carry with them many years of experience in acquiring services and resources for their child. They have an understanding of how systems work and will share their knowledge with other families.
Free on-site parking. ACHIEVA is one block off Carson St.
at 8th St. in the South Side of Pittsburgh and is currently on the 48 & 51 PAT bus routes. Please check portauthority.org or call 412-442-2000 for changes.
Light dinner served.
Child Care is provided on a limited basis. Infants are welcome to attend with their families. Call 1 week in advance to arrange for child care.
Training topics include:
• PARENTING A CHILD WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS
• CREATING A PLAN FOR YOUR CHILD AND FAMILY
• ADVOCATING FOR YOUR CHILD, THE PARENT MOVE-
MENT, EARLY INTERVENTION LAWS AND YOUR RIGHTS
IN THE EARLY INTERVENTION SYSTEM
• PROMISING PRACTICES: INCLUSION, FAMILY CENTERED
PRINCIPLES, PARENT/PROFESSIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
• FINDING COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Date: Wednesday, May 7
Topics:
• PARENTING A CHILD WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS
• PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE FOR YOUR CHILD AND
FAMILY
Date: Wednesday, May 14
Topics:
• ADVOCATING FOR YOUR CHILD, THE PARENT MOVE-
MENT, EARLY INTERVENTION LAWS AND YOUR RIGHTS
IN THE EARLY INTERVENTION SYSTEM
SPRING TRAININGS
Saturday training is full day and covers all training topics.
Date: Saturday, May 3
Time: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Place: CLASS offices (formerly the Center for Creative
Play in Edgewood)
1400 S Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Directions at www.classcommunity.org
Date: Wednesday, May 21
Topics:
• FINDING COMMUNITY RESOURCES
• PROMISING PRACTICES IN EARLY INTERVENTION:
INCLUSION, FAMILY
• CENTERED PRINCIPLES, PARENT/PROFESSIONAL
PARTNERSHIPS
Free onsite parking. CLASS offices are located just off the
Edgewood/Swissvale exit of 376 and are currently on the
61B PAT bus route. Please check portauthority.org or call
412-442-2000 for changes.
Continental breakfast and lunch provided.
Child Care is provided at no cost to families on a limited basis. Infants are welcome to attend with their families.
Call 1 week in advance to arrange for child care
To RSVP , obtain a training brochure or for additional information, please call Elizabeth Strickland, mstrickland1@pghboe.net at 412-323-3979 or
Julie Hladio, jhladio@afit.org at 412-885-6000, ext. 3136.
Please RSVP 1 week prior to all trainings. We look forward to seeing you!!
Sponsored by: Local Interagency Coordinating Council, Allegheny
County Department of Human Services, The Alliance for Infants and
Toddlers, Pittsburgh Public Schools/Early Intervention, Allegheny
Intermediate Unit/ DART Program. With special thanks to ACHIEVA,
Easter Seals and Allegheny County Health Department.
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The Junior League of
Pittsburgh will host its sixth annual Touch-A-Truck on
May 17th, 2014 from 10am-
2pm in the Strip District at
15th & Smallman Streets. hands. Come with your young child to this informal session to learn signs that will help that process.
Terrific Tales for Toddlers – A storytime for children age 18 months to 3 years with an adult. Stories and related activities are chosen to entice young children and promote their emerging literacy. Social and playtime follows.
Family Storytime – Wind down for the day with bedtime stories, activities and fun for the whole family.
Let your kids get behind the wheel, honk the horns and meet the men and women who drive the trucks.
Tickets for all attendees 12 months and older can be purchased online for $4 or at the event for $5. To purchase online go to www.jlpgh.org, upcoming events. The 2014
Chair is Allison Carr who can be reached at touchatruck@jlpgh.org. Parking will be available nearby.
Please call 412.322.5058 or check the Children's Museum
Calendar of Events at www.pittsburghkids.org/calendar to confirm each program's availability on specific days and times.
Fundraisers like Touch-a-Truck enable the Junior League of Pittsburgh to create and support programs to improve the lives of women and children in Pittsburgh since 1922.
Proceeds generated will go toward supporting the mission and values of the JLP , as well as initiatives like its
Signature Project with iQ Kids Radio, Kids in the Kitchen, scholarships, and other children’s charities.
Tot Time
At this weekly program, children ages 18 months through 3 years and their caregivers learn through hands-on activities, songs, creative movement and storytime inspired by each week’s theme.
Offered every Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:00 am - noon.
Please call 412.322.5058 or check the Children's Museum
Calendar of Events for the weekly Tot Time theme and activities.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BRANCH TO LEARN
WHAT IS AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA
Single Class: $6 for members, $8 for non-members, Admits one child and one adult caregiver
Sensory Storytime – Stories, songs and fun for children with special needs, their friends and families. An interactive, sensory exploration for the children and a discussion period for the parents will follow the program. While children of all ages are welcome to attend, the program is planned for children 3 - 6 years.
Admission to the Museum is not required to attend class.
Admission to the Museum and parking is not included and is an additional cost.
Baby and Me – Come and bounce, sing, clap, listen to stories and more with your child who is birth to 18 months.
This is a perfect time to start Library visits, to learn new rhymes and lullabies, to listen to stories and to meet other children the same age.
Class size is limited to 13 children and their caregivers.
Registration is on a first-come, first serve basis. Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Please register at the
Admissions desk in the Museum, or by calling (412) 322-
5058, ext. 240, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, up until one hour before start. Payment in full is required at the time of registration. No refunds on advance payments. 24 hour notice is required to reschedule your reservation. Siblings under the age of 18 months may attend class free of charge. Children ages 4 and older cannot attend Tot Time
Baby "Talk" - Sign with your Baby! – Children are born with an instinctive need to communicate. Using sign language gives them the ability to understand and "talk" with their Tot Yoga
Mondays, 11:00 - 11:45 am
Take a break and learn some yoga poses with your toddler for stretching, breathing and meditating exercises.
Tot Moves
Thursdays, 11:00 - 11:30 am
Tots dance, play and express themselves creatively through movement and music activities.
Date: Saturday, May 17
Place: Stage AE, North Shore
Tot Make
Fridays, 11:00 am - Noon
Explore materials and processes of "real stuff" in the
MAKESHOP
Tot Time, Tot Moves, and Tot Yoga and are presented as part of the We Can! Series designed to encourage healthy, physically active play.
Healthy Tots
Join us in the Nursery each month for an informational session for parents, while your children play nearby.
Presented by child development and other experts from our community. Topics include growing up healthy, nutrition for kids, chemical exposure for kids and sign language for infants and toddlers. ***Included with Museum admission.
Early childhood programs at the Children's Museum of
Pittsburgh are made possible by PNC Charitable Trust.
Pittsburgh Parent Magazine is offering a virtual
Summer Activities & Camp Expo - On-line. Go to www.pittsburghparent.com and click on 'Summer
Activities & Camp Expo' to find summer camps and activities for children of all ages or call 724-443-1891.
Date:
Time:
Place:
"Journeys through Mental Health:
Finding Hope amid Stigma and Trauma"
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and Suites
One Bigelow Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Mark your calendar for the
Highmark Walk for a Healthy
Community! The Highmark
Walk provides an opportunity for families, friends and neighbors to come together in a fun and healthy way to support the organizations of their choice. Highmark Blue
Cross Blue Shield underwrites 100% of the cost of the event and funds raised directly benefit the participating organizations. Register at: http://hcf.convio.net/site/Page
Server?pagename=pittsburgh
You can go to the Carnegie Museums for $1.00 with an ACCESS Card!
Here’s how it works:
• Any ACCESS card holder (green or yellow cards) is eligible
• Up to 4 persons can be admitted per card holder at $1 per person ($3 per person at the Carnegie Science
Center)
• Enjoy unlimited visits throughout the year
The four participating Carnegie Museums include:
• Carnegie Museum of Art
4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: 412.622.3131
• Carnegie Museum of Natural History
4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15213
Phone: 412.622.3131
• The Andy Warhol Museum
1 17 Sandusky Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412.237.8300
• Carnegie Science Center*
One Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412.237.3400
*$3 admission at Carnegie Science Center
Come find mental health resources for you and your family. For more information contact Allegheny Family Network at 412-246-2030 or www.alleghenyfamilynetwork.org
Please Note: Not valid with any other offer or group rate.
Visitors must present an Access/EBT Card, along with a photo ID, to receive the discount.
This offer does not include the Pittsburgh Children's
Museum. The Children's Museum offers $1 admission for up to 4 people of the same household with the Green EBT
ACCESS card only. The Children's Museum does not accept the yellow medical access card. Each adult needs to bring a valid photo I.D. verifying they live in the same household.
Adult IDs must show same address as card holder.
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• 1/9/2014
U.S
. Boiler Recalls Home Heating Boilers (gas-fired hot water boilers).
• 1/9/2014
New Yorker Boiler Recalls Home Heating Boilers
(gas-fired hot water boilers).
• 2/26/2014
Cork Block Stacking Toys Recalled by A Harvest
Company (sold exclusively at StorkStack.com).
Small pieces of cork can break off the stackable blocks.
• 2/20/2014
Teething Toys Recalled by Infantino (sold exclusively at Target). Reports received of infants choking or gagging on the monkey's tail.
• 1/30/2014
Infant Pacifiers Recalled by Fred & Friends.
• 1/22/2014
Baby Rattles Recalled by Midwest-CBK.
• 1/22/2014
Pacifier Holder Clips recalled by Playtex.
• 1/15/2014
Under Armour Recalls Infant Sports Jersey kits due to laceration & choking hazards (shoulder snaps on jersey can detach).
• 2/27/2014
Ottomans Recalled by Rowe Fine Furniture.
Children can become trapped inside ottoman's storage compartment.
• 2/6/2014
Baby Walkers Recalled by BebeLove due to fall
& entrapment hazards. Walkers can fit through a standard doorway & are not designed to stop at the edge of a step. Also, a child's head can get trapped in the leg openings.
• 12/30/2013
Joovy Recalls Zoom Car Seat Stroller Adapters due to fall hazard.
• 12/19/2013
Playtex Recalls Hip Hammock Infant Carriers due to fall hazard.
• 1/30/2014
Dehumidifier Recall Expanded to Include GE
Brand Dehumidifiers (model ADEW30LN).
• 1/23/2014
Rayovac LED Flashlights Recalled by Spectrum
Brands.
• 1/15/2014
Kenmore Oscillating Fan Heaters Recalled by
Sears and Kmart.
• 1/29/2014
IKEA Expands Recall of Junior Beds (KRITTER &
SNIGLAR Junior Beds).
• 1/30/2014
Strollers Recalled by Britax due to partial fingertip amputation hazard.
• 1/2/2014
Walmart Recalls Mainstays Five-Piece Card
Table & Chair Sets due to finger amputation & fall hazards.
• 2/20/2014
Girl’s Jacket Recalled by U.S
. Polo Assn. Jacket has a band that wraps around the neck.
• 2/4/2014
Girls’ Sugarfly Hooded Jackets Recalled by
Runway Global. Sold Exclusively at Burlington
Coat Factory. Children’s jackets have a drawstring through the hood or neck.
• 2/4/2014
Boys’ Puffer Coats recalled by Lion Force. Sold
Exclusively at Burlington Coat Factory. Children's jackets have a drawstring through the hood.
• 2/12/2014
Visonic Amber Personal Emergency Response Kits
Recalled Due to Failure to Signal Emergency
Assistance. Following a reboot or system reset, the Amber SelectX Base Stations can fail to operate & detect an emergency signal from the personal pendant.
• 1/28/2014
Reflected Beam Smoke Detectors Recalled by
System Sensor due to failure to alert consumers in a fire.
• 1/22/2014
Nationwide Industries Recalls Trident Pool Gate
Latches due to failure to secure hazardous areas.
Your baby should sleep on his back, near you, in a separate sleep area. Use a safety approved crib.
Always lay your baby on his back to sleep. However, if your baby rolls over, it's okay to let him sleep that way.
Nothing but your baby should be in the crib – no toys, pillows, loose bedding, bumper pads or wedges.
Remember that adult beds, sofas, couches, chairs, water beds, soft mattresses, bean bags and pillows are unsafe sleep surfaces for your baby.
The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers does NOT accept responsibility for the information practices of third party sources referenced in our newsletter. The third party sources or web sites are provided solely for you, the recipient’s convenience. The inclusion of third party sources or web sites in our newsletter does NOT mean that we endorse that third party source or web site.
Please be aware that when you access one of the third party sources or web sites provided that The Alliance for Infants and
Toddlers has no control over the quality or accuracy of the content. You view and rely upon the contents of any such third party sources or websites at your own risk. The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers accepts no liability to you for the contents of and/or information contained in any third party source or web site. The third party sources or web sites in the newsletter are maintained by their respective organizations and they are solely responsible for their content.
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