Halloween fears: Is your toddler afraid of people wearing masks?

Here's what the ZERO TO THREE National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families suggests you can do to make Halloween a little less spooky for your child:http://www.zerotothree.org/child-development/

• Provide some (non-frightening) masks for your child to play with in the weeks before Halloween. Having your child peek through the eye-holes, and seeing you do the same, will help to de-sensitize him before the 31st rolls around.
• Trick-or-treat during the daytime—or skip it altogether. Many organizations—preschools, malls, churches or synagogues—have Halloween programs that don’t require going out at night.
• If you do go out, avoid those houses with the dry-ice fog! Some families really get into the Halloween holiday (which is great), but these are the houses to skip on your Halloween route. Your little goblin doesn’t need to have the armless hand give him candy or be startled by the stuffed witch that cackles on a motion detector. Stick to houses you know, so your child will be greeted by friendly faces at the door. Walk up and ring the bell with your little one, and crouch down next to her in case she feels unsure.
• How to handle trick-or-treaters at your door? One answer is to let someone else have the door-answering honors while you and your child play in another room. But if you want your child to participate in handing out candy, first take a peek outside to see whether your visitors are more Casper or Poltergeist. If they’re scary-ish, you may want to hand off your toddler to another adult, and do a solo Snickers distribution this time. If your trick-or-treaters appear to be friendly ghosts, get down at your child’s level and open the door slowly. As you do, tell your child what costumes he will see. If you know the kids, you can ask them to take their masks off so your toddler recognizes who they are “underneath.”

With you there to help and support him, your child will make it through Halloween night—especially once he realizes just what’s in those goody bags he keeps getting at every house.

Your home could be full of potential hazards!

Unhealthy housing is linked to unhealthy children. Learn about lead and other hazards, and learn the warning signs and steps to create a healthy, safe, energy efficient and sustainable home at http://www.greenandhealthyhomes.org/

Single Parent Conference

Survive and Thrive Conference

October 13, 2012
To register, contact pam@eSingleParent.org

Got childcare?

Caring About Childcare provides a free online search tool for quality childcare in Utah: http://careaboutchildcare.utah.gov/ The site also has valuable links for everyone who cares about Childcare, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, School Readiness, Nutrition and many more resources.

 

Tummy Time

Did you know that babies who skip "tummy time" will experience delays in crawling, walking, and possibly even eating and talking? Tummy time is essential to your baby's optimal physical development.
Pathways.org video: Five Essential Tummy Time Moves

Everyday ways to support your baby's early learning

Your baby is learning—about you, himself, and the world around him—from the moment he

enters the world. This chart gives you some ideas of the many ways you can support

your child’s early learning through your everyday activities: http://main.zerotothree.org/site/DocServer/early_learning_handout.pdf?docID=3081&AddInterest=1153&JServSessionIda004=welitvh8r1.app213c

Low-cost dental cleaning and exam

Fortis College Dental Hygiene Clinic provides a dental exam, x-rays, and a cleaning for just $20. They see any age of patient and will treat special needs clients also. Call for an appointment:

Fortis College Dental Hygiene Clinic
3949 S. 700 E. Second Floor
801-713-4200

Need health insurance?

PCN Primary Care Network
Open Enrollment
for all adults March 19-30!
Finally, a Low Cost Health Plan for Uninsured Adults.
PCN covers services for uninsured adults
such as:
• Visits to a primary care provider
• Four prescriptions per month
• Dental exams, cleanings, fillings,
routine x-rays, tooth extractions
• Immunizations
• Routine lab services and x-rays
• Limited coverage of emergency room visits
• Emergency medical transportation
• Birth control methods
Depending on your income, you will pay an
enrollment fee of up to $50 a year.
Apply online or call for an application:
1-888-222-2542
www.health.utah.gov/pcn

No regrets! Single Parent Workshops

Sng-eParent.org
e-ucation. information. resources.
eSingleParent (education.information.resources) is a non-profit committed to improving
the lives of single parents in Utah by assisting them to develop long-term self-reliance
through networking, education or training, and personal and career development.
Free for Single Parents. Regret not completing higher education or learning a skilled trade?
Choose from several of our Workshop Series :
More info email Pam@eSingleParent.org
Visit us at www.eSingleParent.org Register online at eSingleParent.eventbrite.com
GED / High School Completion
Diploma (HSCD) Workshop
Tuesday, February 7
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Columbia College
5250 Commerce Drive
Suite 300
Murray
No Regrets! Workshop
Tuesday, February 21
5:30 - 8:30 pm
Columbia College
5250 Commerce Drive
Suite 300
Murray
Financial Aid Workshop
Tuesday, February 28
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Columbia College
5250 Commerce Drive
Suite 300
Murray
Scholarship Workshop
Tuesday, March 6
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Columbia College
5250 Commerce Drive
Suite 300
Murray

Health Hotline

Do you have food poisoning? Concerned about secondhand smoke in your apartment building? Let us know! We (the Salt Lake Valley Health Department) rely on YOU to tell us about the public health concerns in your community, from noise and meth lab complaints to restaurant and swimming pool violations. Fill us in about those issues and dozens more at our new Public Reporting Line, 385-468-8888, or file a report online at http://www.slvhealth.org/html/reportA.html

After all, we can't do anything about a problem we don't know about!

Community Car Seat Classes

Get Your Seat Checked Today!

7 our of 10 kids in child safety seats are not properly buckled in. Is your child restrained properly in your car? Have your child's safety seat inspected for free!
Salt Lake County Safe Kids Community Car Seat Classes are offered at 788 E. Woodoak Lane (5380 S) and several other locations on two Fridays per month from 1 - 3 pm. Call to register:385-468-3877, 385-468-3878 or 385-468-3879. Bike helmets are available for $7.

Find Your Unclaimed Property

Utah Unclaimed Property is a free search that helps citizens find personal assets that are lost, abandoned, or when an owner cannot be located.

What is Unclaimed Property?

Each year, millions of dollars in bank accounts, stock certificates, checks, insurance checks, bonds and dividends are turned over to the State of Utah because the owners cannot be located. Some of this money could belong to you!
It may take only a couple minutes of your time to see if you or a family member is listed. It's easy, it's free and it's yours.

Search for free at mine.utah.gov

Free GED workshop for single parents

Free for Single Parents. Regret not completing higher education or learning a skilled trade? Join us for our GED Workshop, which is part of : NO REGRETS! WORKSHOP SERIES
GED / HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION WORKSHOP
LEARN HOW TO:
• Complete a GED or HSCD
• Prepare for the test & learn the cost
• Locate your local Testing Center
• Arrange to take the GED
• How to successfully balance school, home, work
Thursday, January 12, 2012 ~ 6:00 - 8:00 pm
YMCA Community Family Center
4223 South Atherton Drive
Taylorsville
More info email Pam@eSingleParent.org
Visit us at www.eSingleParent.org Register online at eSingleParent.eventbrite.com

Health insurance for parents!

If you have at least one dependent child under 19 living in your home, you could qualify for Utah's low cost health plan for uninsured parents: PCN.

PCN covers services for uninsured adults
such as:
• Visits to a primary care provider
• Four prescriptions per month
• Dental exams, cleanings, fillings,
routine x-rays, tooth extractions
• Immunizations
• Routine lab services and x-rays
• Limited coverage of emergency room visits
• Emergency medical transportation
• Birth control methods
Depending on your income, you will pay an
enrollment fee of up to $50 a year.
Apply online or call for an application:
1-888-222-2542
www.health.utah.gov/pcn
But hurry! PCN open enrollment is December 10 - 23, 2011.
Apply here:
http://health.utah.gov/pcn/apply.html

Safe Trick-or-Treating Tips

Here are some great tips from Kaboose.com:
Have adult supervision. Accompany your kids if you don’t think they’re old enough to trick-or-treat on their own.
There is safety in numbers. If they’re old enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, tell your kids to stay in a group.
Map out your plan. Designate a route before your kids begin trick-or-treating, and make sure they stick to it.
Take the long way 'round. Have your kids trick-or-treat in areas where there are a lot of people around. They should also avoid taking short-cuts through alleys and parking lots.
Try tick-or-treat-friendly homes. Ensure your kids only visit houses with lights on. And, you might also suggest the houses they visit have some sort of Halloween decoration on the porch.
Stay outside. Make sure your kids don’t go inside someone’s house. They can get their candy from the porch.
Remain visible. Dress your kids in a bright costume so others can see them. If their costume is dark, have your kids wear reflective strips or carry a glow stick or flashlight.
Remember, shorter = safer.Goes without saying but just in case you forget, ensure your kids’ costumes aren’t so long that they can trip over them.
Don't cover the face. Instead of masks, have your kids wear make-up so they can see better.
Quality-check treats. Check your kids’ candy before they eat it. Throw out any candy that is not in its original wrapper or looks like it has been tampered with.
Say "no" to strangers.Tell your kids to never accept a ride or go anywhere with a stranger.
Obey the law. Encourage your kids to follow all the regular rules for walking around. That includes looking both ways before crossing, obeying all traffic laws and using cross walks and crossing lights where available.
Have a great time! Finally, make sure your kids have tons of fun and get lots and lots of candy.

To see more Halloween tips and costume ideas, go to http://holidays.kaboose.com/halloween/index.html

Free children's book at Sorenson Unity Center

A series of fun and educational workshops will offer everyday parenting tips at the Sorenson Unity Center 1383 S. 900 W. SLC. You will learn how to use children's books and TV to help your child succeed in the classroom. You are your child's most important teacher! KUED Ready to Learn Workshops inclued a free children's book. Dinner provided.
Registration required, call 801.535.6533
Sep. 29 6 pm Media Literacy
Oct. 20 6 pm Safety
Nov. 17 6 pm Science
Jan. 19 6 pm Child Development
Feb. 16 6 pm Coping with feelings / anti-bullying
Mar. 15 6 pm Parenting Counts
Apr. 19 6 pm Nutrition

Do you or someone you know need a learners permit in order to obtain
Utah Driver License or Utah Driving Privilege Card? A State Licensed Driving Instructor has volunteered to teach anyone who need help
passing the Written Knowledge Test free of charge

Those interested need to show up at
HORIZONTE INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING CENTER
1234 S Main Street, Room 336, Salt Lake City
Saturday, September 24, 2011
from 11 am to 2:00 pm.

Class schedule are as follows

ARABIC – 11 am to 12 Noon

SOMALI - 12 Noon to 1:00 pm

ENGLISH – 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Crib Safety

Worried that your baby's crib or bassinet has been recalled? Find out here: www.cpsc.gov/info/cribs/index.html

Traditional drop-side cribs can no longer be made or sold! With any crib or bassinet, following a few simple rules will keep babies sleeping safely:

• Place infants to sleep on their backs


• Use a firm, tight-fitting mattress


• Never use extra padding, blankets, or pillows under baby


• Remove pillows or thick comforters


• Positioning devices are not necessary and can be deadly


• Regularly check crib for loose, missing, or broken parts


• Do not try to fix a broken crib


• Place cribs or playpens away from windows to avoid window covering or fall hazards

Free Summer Dinner Program

No Regrets! Free Workshop for Single Parents

When: May 24, 2011 From 6 PM to 9 PM
Location: Salt Lake Community College / Taylorsville Redwood Campus
4600 South Redwood Road
Cost: FREE
Website: www.eSingleParent.org
Contact: Pam Denicke
Pam@eSingleParent.org
801-971-5727

Want to return to or start school? Enroll in a training program? By attending this step-by-step workshop you will:
-Receive information about how to utilize free online career exploration assessments (for those undecided about what to study)
-Understand how to finance your education or training program
-Receive information about and connected to scholarships
-Be connected to valuable campus and community services

Do you sometimes have to choose between buying food and paying bills?

If you answered yes, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program can help!

https://www.utahfoodbank.org/csfp

Are you are a parent of a child under age 6 and live in a household with a gross annual income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level and not participating in WIC? You can get a monthly food package containing nutritious, common foods that you can use to make your food budget stretch a little further.

Sign-up Information: To apply over the phone please contact the Utah Food Bank at 801-887-1275 or call 2-1-1.

Eligibility info: https://www.utahfoodbank.org/csfp-whos-eligible

Need help?

2-1-1 is AWESOME!!!  Calling 2-1-1 is free and will get you in touch with an associate who can help you get the help that you need.

Are you a teen mom and want to finish high school?  Need a GED? Want career training?  The following link will take you to a directory of phone numbers for many resources in Salt Lake County.  Everything from food stamps to parenting classes to child care assistance is on the list.  Click here to be linked to the directory. 

2-1-1's website is also a great place to search for all types of resources.  The link to the website is http://www.informationandreferral.org/

"Am I eligible?"  Want to know if you qualify for food stamps and if so, how much you will recieve per month?  Need help paying for childcare while you work?    What other resources could help me get back on my feet?  Click here to learn more http://jobs.utah.gov/jsp/screener/splash.do

The Utah Food Bank provides food to families in need.  To find a location near you click here https://www.utahfoodbank.org/find-a-food-pantry

Free Family Fun

Mark your calendar for 2011 FREE admission days, courtesy of the Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts, and Parks Program:

• Hogle Zoo: free admission on the last Wednesday of November and December http://www.hoglezoo.org/your_zoo_visit/your_zoo_visit/


• Red Butte Gardens: Arbor Day, Pioneer Day, and Labor Day http://www.redbuttegarden.org/


• Tracy Aviary: July 24 http://www.tracyaviary.org/about/hours_rates.php


• Utah Museum of Fine Arts: First Wednesday of the month http://umfa.utah.edu/pageview.aspx?id=25861


• Utah Museum of Natural History: Currently moving to its new location, and when it opens in late 2011 the free admission day is the first Monday of every month (the date occasionally changes if the first Monday is a holiday) http://umnh.utah.edu/home

Updated Food Resources List! 2-1-1 Information and Referral Free food pantries require photo ID for adults over 18 and verification of address (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)

Educational videos, coupons, and other great info about you and your baby can be found here.  Www.babycenter.com has baby development info, coupons, videos, and breastfeeding info.  Check it out.

Need help with tax preparation?  If your income is less than $49,000/yr. you may qualify to have your taxes done for free.  An expert will guide you through the process, and ensure that you receive the maximum refund.  

Call 2-1-1 or click on this link http://www.utahtaxhelp.org/ for more info.  

The earlier you start reading to your child, the better.  Want to know more about what to read to your baby?  Reading to children from infancy makes them smarter.  Click below to learn more

http://www.zerotothree.org/child-development/early-language-literacy/earlyliteracy2pagehandout.pdf

Is your baby fussy?  Does she cry all the time?  Is there something wrong?  Most likely it is normal.  Follow this link and watch the video to learn more.  It's a great idea for you and whoever watches your baby to watch this video.

Want to finish high school or earn your GED?  Here are two options...  Give them a call.  They have helped thousands finish high school.  Their programs are just right for you.  You can do it!!! 

Hortizonte Training and Instruction Center
1234 Main Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
Phone: 801.578.8574
click here

Granite Peaks Young Parent Program In WVC
How do I enroll in the Young Parent Program?
The Young Parents Program is a vital part of Granite Peaks located at 5300 West Cherrywood Lane, 801-964-7628. Young Parents serves ninth through twelfth grade Granite School District students who have children or are pregnant. Transportation and child care are available.  Please call the school for orientation and registration information,.

Are you worried about your child's development?  Want a free assessment to see if they are growing and learning as they should?  DDIvantage can help. 

DDIVantage Early Intervention Program provides services for children under the age of three who have developmental delays and disabilities and their families by offering a full range of services to meet their individual needs.  The goal is to minimize the effects of the delay thereby reducing the need for long term intervention throughout the child's school years.

Click here for free or inexpensive (depending on your income) classes, and educational home visits.

Families love WIC

WIC is a nutrition program helping pregnant women, new mothers and young children eat well and stay healthy.
The WIC program provides low-income women, infants and children  with nutrition education, counseling, food, and access to health care.

Click here

Income Guidelines

Income is determined on gross income and frequency of pay. WIC counts all of the members of a household, related or unrelated. WIC counts an unborn baby as a household member.

Household Size*	Annual	Monthly	Twice Monthly	Bi-Weekly	Weekly
1	$20,036	$1,670	$835	$771	$386
2	$26,955	$2,247	$1,124	$1,037	$519
3	$33,874	$2,823	$1,412	$1,303	$652
4	$40,793	$3,400	$1,700	$1,569	$785
5	$47,712	$3,976	$1,988	$1,836	$918
6	$54,631	$4,553	$2,277	$2,102	$1,051
7	$61,550	$5,130	$2,565	$2,368	$1,184
8	$68,469	$5,706	$2,853	$2,634	$1,317
Each additional family member, add	$6,919	$577	$289	$267	$134

*Utah WIC Program Income Eligibility Guidelines
July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2011

Want to know more about birth control?  Want free folic acid?  Need more info about Postpartum Depression?

Poweryourlife.org is a valuable resource for all women of childbearing age.  To learn more about pregancy spacing, and birth control click here.  Poweryourlife.org even offers free folic acid to help prevent birth defects in future pregancies.

This link offers great info for women feeling down or depressed.  It also gives tips about how to better take care of yourself.

Most women experience a mild form of Postpartum depression called "baby blues" a few days to a week after giving birth.  It is usually mild and goes away on its own.  If it does not go away or leads to thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby it could be something worse and requires attention.  One in 8 women experience "Postpartum Depression"  You are not alone.  There is treatment.  To learn more click on the link below or call your healthcare provider.

http://www.poweryourlife.org/

More Family Planning Info can be found at the Utah Planned Parenthood website here.

They offer affordable birth control options and great info about all sort of topics.  They even offer support groups and classes for teens with $$$Rewards$$$.

Another great option for dental care...
Salt Lake Community College's clinic.  Check it out by clicking the link.
http://www.slcc.edu/dentalhygiene/DHC.asp

Do you or your baby need a doctor?  Want to change pediatricians?  Need your eyes checked?  For more info find your medicaid plan below, and then click on the link or call the number.

For general medicaid information click here

IHC Select Access  Call 801-538-6155 or click here to find a provider or here to find a clinic or hospital that accepts your medicaid plan.

Molina  Call 1-888-483-0760 (member services) or 801-858-0400 or click here for a provider list

Healthy U  Call 801-587-6480 or look at the provider directory online here

PEHP (CHIP)  call 801-366-7555

Medicaid Open (don't know which plan you have yet?) call 801-538-6155 

For vision providers: call your HMO or call:

Standard Optical (accepts all Medicaid HMOs); several locations

Classic Optical (accepts all Medicaid HMOs) 192 E. 4500 S. 801-261-2020

Shopko Optical (only accepts IHC Select Access and Molina)

Other optical centers: If you already have one you like, call them and ask if they accept Medicaid. Many do!

For mental health providers:

Valley Mental Health http://www.valleymentalhealth.org/

North: 1020 South Main St. SLC 801-539-7000

South: 7434 South State St.
Midvale 801-566-4423

OR 801-261-1442

Support Groups can be found through NAMI 801-323-9900 ( click here ) or 211

TEXT4BABY

 ***TEXT4BABY offers free text messages to teach you about your infant's development.***  All you need is a cell phone.  This service provides texts to pregnant women and new moms.  The texts are timed to your due date or your baby's birthday and focus on things like health during pregnancy, infant health and development, immunizations, and nutrition.  TEXT4BABY also connects you with care services and other resources.   

To sign up you can either...

Text BABY to 511411

or visit their website by clicking here.

Free Clinics in Salt Lake County

Salt Lake County has free health clinics.  Here are two options. 

The Maliheh Clinic provides health care to people without insurance.  Want to know if you are eligible?  Click here for more info http://www.malihehfreeclinic.org/

The Utah Hope Clinic is another free clinic located in Midvale.  To find out more click here  http://www.utahhopeclinic.org/

Check back later for more options.

Having a hard time paying the heating bills this winter?  You may qualify for help.  The HEAT program is open November to April.  If you qualfy for food stamps or WIC, or are low income then check out this link  http://housing.utah.gov/seal/heat.html

The Community Action Program (CAP) is a non-profit program aimed to help low-income families become self-sufficient.  (CAP) can help with employment assistance, weatherization of homes, food assistance, housing assistance, head start (preschool) programs, and utility assistance. Here's the link http://www.slcap.org/index.php

Want to fill out applications for community assistance online?  Utah Clicks, provided by the Utah Department of Health, helps you understand what community resources you may qualitfy for, and lets you apply for them online.  Follow this link https://utahclicks.org/uas/

General Resources

Need help?

2-1-1 is AWESOME!!!  Calling 2-1-1 is free and will get you in touch with an associate who can help you get the help that you need.

Are you a teen mom and want to finish high school?  Need a GED? Want career training?  The following link will take you to a directory of phone numbers for many resources in Salt Lake County.  Everything from food stamps to parenting classes to child care assistance is on the list.  Click here to be linked to the directory. 

2-1-1's website is also a great place to search for all types of resources.  The link to the website is http://www.informationandreferral.org/

"Am I eligible?"  Want to know if you qualify for food stamps and if so, how much you will recieve per month?  Need help paying for childcare while you work?    What other resources could help me get back on my feet?  Click here to learn more http://jobs.utah.gov/jsp/screener/splash.do

The Utah Food Bank provides food to families in need.  To find a location near you click here https://www.utahfoodbank.org/find-a-food-pantry