April 2013 Newsletter

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S equester? What does it mean

for TLC? And more

importantly, what does it mean for

your child? On March 1, our

Congress failed to agree on

spending and taxation policies which

created automatic spending cuts

for many federally funded

programs.

TLC operates three programs

that are funded either partially, or

entirely, with federal funding. They

are: Early Head Start, Baby Watch

Early Intervention, and our Utah

Office of Home Visiting Healthy

Families America program.

So far, we have received

notification to immediately cut 5%

from our Early Head Start program.

Because the EHS contract started

on January 1, this is forcing 12

months worth of cuts into 10

months, so it feels like more like a

6% cut because of the shorter time

period.

The Office of Head Start has

authorized us to cut enrollment to

deal with the loss of revenue.

However, when TLC staff met to

discuss how to save costs, no one

wanted to cut services to families.

They decided that they are willing to

take days off without pay (furlough)

so that TLC can continue to provide

your family with the support and

resources you need to ensure your

children’s healthy development.

Next time you see your Learning

Consultant, be sure and thank her

for her dedication!

But what about our other

programs? Well, we expect there

will be cuts there too. We anticipate

that these cuts will be announced

possibly in May and will take effect

in August. In the meantime, we are

doing everything we can to s-t-r-e-t-c-

h our dollars. You might have

noticed that this newsletter is in

black and white. We can cut the

costs even further if you will let us

know that you prefer to have the

newsletter emailed. Or, if you wish

to read it on line:

www.tlc4families.org

Just click on the info tab and you

will find each month’s edition. If you

chose to get this newsletter

electronically, please let Rosie

know (435) 673-5353 x144.

Deadline to register for Run 4 Kids is April 1- See page 4

April 2013

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The Learning Center for Families provides early intervention services to infants and toddlers through the Baby Watch program under the Utah State Department of Health. This month they are distributing surveys to see how well we are doing. In order to help you speak their language: Service Coordinator= Your Learning Consultant Parent Rights= Outlined in the book you receive upon intake and on the back of all the prior notices Please return your surveys by the end of the month. Should you need help, do not hesitate to call

us: (435) 673-5353 x101. Your opinion matters! Thank you for competing your survey!

The Learning Center for Families has teamed up with the Vehicle

Donation Processing Center who will take your car- running or not. A significant portion of the

current market value of your car will be donated to TLC.

Cars Trucks Boats RVs

If you have a vehicle that you want removed from your property anywhere in the USA, just call

1-800-320-0476

http://www.donatecarusa.com/

Tell them you are donating to The Learning Center for Families

Thank You!

Now there are no excuses! Dad can come and enjoy some special pop and tot time while moms and siblings are enjoying our beautiful outdoor play area. Bring a picnic. We have lots of shade, activities and fun for children ages birth to five. Free!

Saturday April 6, TLC St George. Invite your friends!!

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Babies thrive when their parents and caregivers can read their cues and

respond to them in positive ways. Examples of this are picking up your child when

they are holding their arms out, talking back-and-forth when your baby babbles, or

copying their facial expressions and gestures. These activities are all promoting

language development. When parents comfort their babies they are showing their

child that they care about what s/he is interested in. Babies learn more each day

when you talk to them about the people and things in their world. When adults

are loving and nurturing to their babies, they help them learn social skills such as

turn taking and how to be a good friend.

Often times it is mommy who spends the most time around baby. However,

fathers have an important role in their child’s development too. Research has

shown that the more interactive fathers are with their babies at 8 months, the

better their babies’ communication skills are at 16 months. The study was

conducted on a diverse group of fathers and found that dads who responded

positively to their baby’s cues had children who showed better communication and

social skills at 16 months as compared to children whose fathers displayed more

negative communication with their child.

So just what’s a papa to do? Dad, take your child on a tour of your home,

point out and talk about objects and people that interest your baby. Be a good

turn-taker. Watch your child and engage in what your

child is interested in. Imitate your child. You will want to

stay away from negative parenting: things like frowning at

your child, using a lot of ‘no nos’, teasing, shouting and

threatening your tot. Avoid things like “Don’t go out

there! The boogey man will get you!” So get going

fathers! Every day see how much you can interact

positively with your child and you can watch them grow

and learn right before your eyes!

Based on research from J. D . Shannon,

C. S. Tamis-LeMonda, & N. J.Cabrera.

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The Utah Head Start Association offers opportunities for parents, staff and community volunteers to be recognized for outstanding achievement. A committee from the TLC Board of Directors will select our local winners and is offering $100 for the TLC winner in each category*. Winners will then go on to compete at UHSA against 11 other local winners from Head Start programs throughout the state to determine the state winners. Apply now!! The Parent of the Year award is given to the parent who makes the most out of their Early Head Start experience by getting involved in parent leadership, setting goals for themselves and making great strides in accomplishing them. Beating the Odds honors the parent who has shown great progress despite extreme challenges. Father of the Year is for our fathers and father figures who contribute not only the healthy development of their child, but give also give back to TLC by being involved in governance and fatherhood activities. The Volunteer of the Year recognizes the individual who has contributed to improving our Early Head Start/First Things First program. This can be a parent or a community member who had gone above and beyond in helping TLC provide services of the highest quality. * The prize money donated by the Board has been raised privately, is a gift from them, and does not come from our general funds. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to toot your own horn! Applications are available from your Learning Consultant as well as online at www.tlc4families.org. If you need help with your application, be sure and call Debbie at (435) 673-5353 x101.

Five County Association of Governments

Annual Human Services Public Survey During this time of economic challenge, it is more important than ever for communities to come together and share support as well as prioritize needs. Join concerned citizens, political leaders, agency representatives, local businessmen, faith based organization representatives, and families in addressing our challenges:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FiveCountyNeedsAssesment

Decisions will be made based on the results about how to spend resources in our community. Let your voice be heard!

PS. You can also indicate if you would like to be invited to a live forum to

discuss your priorities for Washington County. Support your child!

Fill the survey out today!

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The Primary Care Network (PCN) is health plan offered by the Utah Department of

Health. It covers services administered by a primary care provider. You may qualify if

you are:

Age 19 through 64

A U.S. citizen or legal resident

Uninsured; not covered by any health insurance

Not qualified for Medicaid

Without access to student health insurance, Medicare or Veterans’

Benefits

You must also meet the income eligibility requirements: The yearly enrollment fee* is only $50, $25, or $15 depending on your income.

PCN covers visits to a primary care provider; 4 prescriptions per month; dental exams,

dental X-rays, cleanings, and fillings; immunizations; eye exams (no glasses or

contacts); routine lab services and x-rays; emergency medical transportation and

emergency room visits; birth control methods; and, insulin, lancets, test strips, syringes

(for diabetes control and management)

Apply online http://health.utah.gov/pcn/apply.html

or at Department of Workforce Services

162 North 400 East Suite B100 ● St George

Arizona residents do not yet have a similar program. Your Learning Consultant can

assist you in finding affordable care in your community.

Family Size Maximum Gross Maximum Gross

2 $1,939 $23,265

3 $2,442 $29,295

4 $2,944 $35,325

5 $3,447 $41,355

6 $3,949 $47,385

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pril 2013

LV Play Group 9:30-11:30

SG Play Group 10:00-12:00

SG Play Group 4:00-6:00

BD Play Group 1:00 –3:00

CC Play Group

1:00 - 3:00

LV Play Group 9:30-11:30

SG Play Group 10:00-12:00

SG Play Group 4:00-6:00

BD Play Group 1:00 –3:00

SG Play Strategies

10:00 - 12:00 CC Play Group

1:00 - 3:00

SG Play Strategies

10:00 - 12:00

Meals on a Budget TLC SG 6:00 PM

Snacks: Week 9 - 12: whole wheat Ritz, cheddar cheese sticks and water Week 23 - 26 whole wheat Ritz, cheddar cheese sticks and water

Dad’s Club & First Saturday Picnic & Play

Date 11:00 - 2:00

SG TLC Public Welcome

8

2044 S. Mesa Palms Drive

St. George, UT 84770

The Learning Center for Families

Presents

Menus and Shopping

on a Limited Budget

Taught by Carolyn Washburn of the USU Extension Service

Potluck Dinner

Bring your favorite dish to share

April 17th

6:00 p.m.

TLC St George

Childcare provided.

(Babes-in-arms must remain with parents.)

Special Black & White Edition See page 1 for details