Hooray for Family Central Texas July 2022

Central Texas

See article pg. 7

Summer Camps & After School Programs

July 2022

FREE!

Specialized Care Customized for You With our extensive experience in pediatric dentistry and behavioral techniques, we understand that each child is different - and, we adapt our approach based on their unique personality.

Our Services

We offer in-office sedation, hospital sedation and individualized care for children with special needs.

Schedule an Appointment Today! 254-224-6008

1605 Lake Success Dr., Waco, TX | www.WacoKidsDental.com

Serving the Children of Central Texas

Dyslexia Therapy Services for All Ages NOW PROVIDING: DYSLEXIA EVALUATIONS by a licensed dyslexia therapist DYSLEXIA THERAPY SERVICES SPECIALIZED READING INTERVENTION for all ages.

Call for more information.

Speech & Language Therapy

Free Screenings

Medicaid and most insurances accepted.

Specializing in the treatment of: Autism Articulation Oral Expression Auditory Comprehension Reading Deficits Language Deficits Stuttering Developmental Delays

Academic Tutoring Math Reading Study Skills Writing Spelling Comprehension

Tutoring services are performed by certified teachers and are conducted during or after school hours.

Phone: 254-235-1850 Fax: 254-235-4879 7545 Bosque Blvd., Waco, TX

info@therapygroupofwaco.com www.therapygroupofwaco.com

Children’s Entertainment

Ballet Pointe Tap Jazz Contemporary Hip-Hop

Birthday Parties Special Events Face Painting Photos Packages Available Mascot Characters

Acrobatics Pom Musical Theatre

254-776-1672 16200 Badger Ranch Blvd., Waco www.expressionsdance.studio

Owner/ Instructor Jenni Holley, B.A. Dance & Theatre Certified Dance Masters of America

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254-338-3524

kidspartiesandmore@yahoo.com Visit us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/tootytot254

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At Once Upon A Child, we have all of the stuff your kids need at everyday low prices. We've got a great selection of gently used clothing, shoes, toys and gear for kids of all ages-from newborn to tween. Plus, we'll pay you on the spot for the stuff your kids have outgrown!

254-265-6237 www.OnceUponAChildWaco.com

Pony Parties

Little Horses, BIG Fun!

Birthday Parties Bounce House Petting Zoo Special Events Riding Lessons Host your next party in our climate controlled arena!

Or, we can bring ponies to you!

Call to schedule an event or riding lessons.

254-654-9481 www.MelaniesPonyParties.com

12988 Moffat Rd, Temple, TX

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Register Now!

Ballet . Tap . Jazz . Lyrical . Pointe

No Registratio n Fee!

“Quality Dance Training with the Patience Your Child Deserves”

254-744-1310

Four Locations!

Resale Boutique

Be a

Shop with us!

We pay CA$H or CREDIT on your gently used baby equipment • bouncers • pack & plays cribs • high chairs • and so much more!

We accept baby clothes up to a child’s size 20 and maternity clothes!

A S K A B O UT O UR L OYALTY P ROGRAM!

4316 W. Waco Drive next to la bella salon and jason’s deli Connect with us!

www.smartypantswaco.com 6

969 Marlandwood Dr., Temple, TX | 254.744.1842 403 N Bumblebee Dr., Little River Academy, TX | 254.982.0200 711 Lovers Lane, Gatesville, TX | 254.865.7380 213 N Central, Troy, TX | 254.982.0200 www.NewBeginningsLearningAcademy.com

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Featured Cover Spotlight

By Jessa McClure

The world runs on technology, and iCode is providing local kids with opportunities to delve into this exciting field.

“Part of our mission at iCode is to build upon the resources provided by school districts and provide more extensive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) opportunities in coding, game design, robotics, drones, and other digital programs that will help advance their futures,” said iCode director, Piper Green. iCode’s programs allow students to quickly fix problems and solve them in different ways. These critical thinking and problem-solving skills help advance student’s creativity and prepare them for a variety of fields.

Not only will participants get the chance to learn material that will help them in future career endeavors, but they will also gain confidence and be able to express their creativity.

“At iCode, we offer a Belt program that is two hours per week and led by computer science instructors and lab mentors,” Green said.

“Students earn badges and progress through courses.”

Children can also sign up for the Paths Program, which is a topicfocused STEM program that is broken up into monthly modules, or the Anytime Program that is a self-paced program built around learning through play. iCode also offers camps and hosts events.

The curriculum used in these programs is dynamic and studentfocused, which is not only fun for kids, but also helps to build academic growth and team building skills.

For more information about what iCode offers and how to get your child involved, visit www.icodeschool.com/waco or call (254) 236-9909 to book a tour of the iCode facility. Green said she can even arrange for students to book a free trial class.

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!

Open

All Summer

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HOORAY C a l l 2 5 4 - 7 2 3 - 3 6 96 f o r A d ver t i s i n g In f o r m a t i o n

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Summer Camps & Activities

Is your child having trouble with reading, sounding out words or comprehension?

RODGERS

Speech, Hearing & Educational Services

We Can Help!

Institute of Language, Literacy, Reading & Math Connecting the Sounds of Language for Stronger Communication & Reading

Patient Care Emphasis

Now Hiring Speech Therapists!

Reading programs to fit your child’s needs Speech Therapy | Oral Motor Training Ca

Autism Dyslexia Language Delays & Deficits Hearing Impairment Oral Expression Reading Deficits Articulation Alternative Communication

Most Insurance Accepted

254-526-8255

ll About Your Child’s Program Today!

www.rshes.com | 2201 South W.S. Young, Ste. 112A, Killeen, TX | 1612 Austin Avenue, Suite B, Waco, TX

The Arc of McLennan County is dedicated to expanding opportunities, care, and support for persons and families impacted by intellectual anddevelopmental disabilities.

Children ages 5 - 22

After School Care | Summer Day Camp

Adults

The Opportunity Center

(a day program for adults on the autism spectrum)

Money Management | Social Groups | Counseling 254 756-7491

www.wacoarc.org

4901 Lakewood Drive, Waco, TX

Summer Camps & Activities

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FLIPS

GYMNASTICS

Quality Gymnastics for All Ages Scheduled 2-hr. Play Sessions Little Learners Classes | Parents’ Night Out Sensory Art Classes | Play Groups Spring & Summer Camps | Birthday Parties Physical Therapy | Speech Therapy | Occupational Therapy

Enroll Now for Summer Camps & Classes!

*No waiting list!

29 Years in

Waco!

Temple 254-231-3752

Birthday Parties Recreational Classes Cheer/Tumble Classes Tumbling Classes Preschool Field Trips

Visit our website to schedule!

www.FlipsWaco.com 6933 Woodway Dr., Waco 254-776-2150

Waco 254-572-8890

1201 Hewitt Dr. Ste. 107, Waco, TX

4311 S. 31st St., Ste. 105, Temple,TX

www.littlelandplaygym.com

Specializing in Ceramics & Mosaics

Teaching the "Joy" of Dance for Over 40 Years, a Waco Tradition

Sign Up Now for Summer Camps & Classes!

Princess Camps - ages 3 - 6, 10 a.m.- noon

an eclectic art studio

July 11 - 15 | July 18 - 22 | July 25 -29

Diva Dance Camp (Jazz & Hip Hop) - entering grades 2nd - 5th 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | July 18 - 22

Broadway Bound Camp (Musical Theater Dance) Entering grades 2nd - 5th | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | July 25 - 29

5 Weeks of Summer Classes for Ages 1 - 10 | July 5 - Aug. 8

(254) 776-1797

Award Winning Dance Studio

Owner/ Director: Natalie George Two Convenient Locations 7560 Bosque Blvd. & 6714 Woodway Dr.

www.jsodwaco.com

OPEN: Mon. - Fri. 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Sat. 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sun. 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

4310 West Waco Drive, Waco, TX www.practicallypikassowaco.com

July 6 | 9:30 a.m.

Creature Teacher at Warren Park July 13 | 10 a.m. - noon Hero Day at Hewitt Park July 20 | 10 a.m. - noon Library Fest at the HPL July 27 | 9:30 - noon Splash Day at Hewitt Park 200 Patriot Court, Hewitt, TX 254-666-2442 | ww.cityofhewitt.com

Family Martial Arts THE FAMILY THAT KICKS TOGETHER STICKS TOGETHER!

July 11 - 15 | August 1 - 5 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Call for more information.

Martial Arts for All Ages Starting at 18 Months!

Mention this ad and receive a FREE 30-day V.I.P. Pass!

Two Locations!

7005 Woodway Dr., Woodway, TX 254-772-KICK (5425) (across from Hollywood Theatre)

10201 China Spring Rd., Waco, TX 254-836-0999 (across from McDonalds)

www.familymartialartsoftexas.com Photo by Brigham Mayyeld Photography

Monday - Friday // 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. // Ages 6 - 18 Week-long camps go through August 5.

Early drop-off 8 a.m. and late pick-up 5 p.m. available.

Design Camps

Now Enrolling!

Gaming Development Camps

Robotics Camps Coding Camps Young Coder Camps

www.icodeschool.com/waco141 // waco141@icodeschool.com 254-236-9909 // 8810 Woodway Drive, Suite 402, Waco, Tx 76712

Summer Camps & Activities

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pOWERHOUSE

Summer Camp

› OPEN TO AGES › $130 PER WEEK › May 26 - aUG. 16 PRICE INCLUDES TWO 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. PRE-K AND UP WEEKLY FIELD TRIPS

gYM ACTIVITIES›

tRAMPOLINES | BOUNCY HOUSE | FOAM PIT CONTESTS | cRAFTS | FREE PLAY AND MORE! cAMPERs WILL NEED TO PACK A LUNCH DAILY. pOWERHOUSE WILl PROVIDE DAILY AFTERNOON SNACKS. www.powerhousecheer-fitness.com

254-939-9900 907 E. 13th Ave., Belton

Take THE TUTORING CENTER’s Summer Checklist Challenge!

Is your child constantly struggling with their current level of reading and/or math?

Have your child’s skills begun to decline regardless of how hard they are working?

Does your child have anxiety about taking tests?

Have you noticed your child losing confidence themsel in themselves?

One-to-One Instruction with Individualized Programs in: Math Reading Writing Study Skills

www.tutoringcenter.com

254-245-8717

3700 W.S. Young Dr., Killeen, TX 76542

First Baptist Preschool & Parent’s Day Out

4 Large Playgrounds • State-Licensed • Field Trips • Chapel 6 Weeks - Pre-K • Christian Curriculum Texas School Readiness Certiication Full-Time Programs - 7:15 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Parent’s Day Out Preschool - Tues. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Summer Camp for Children Completing Pre-K & Kindergarten

254-756-6933

500 Webster

www.fbcwaco.org 254.716.8337 Smile@SharlaKayPhotography.com www.SharlaKayPhotography.com | 600 Lake Air Dr. Waco, TX

@WacoBabyWhisperer 16

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HEAD START | ENROLL NOW Free Programs for Eligible 0 - 5 Year Olds Includes children with disabilities and pregnant moms Early Literacy Program | Texas School Ready Participant

“Community Choices in Children’s Care”

Accepting applications for employment at: terra.scott@ct4c.org “We are committed to building stronger Central Texas communities, one child and family at a time.”

Head Start is a Pre-School program for ages 0 - 5 years (including prenatal moms), also including children with disabilities.

Head Start es un programa de Pre Escolar para las edades de 0 - 5 incluyen a niños con discapacidades.

www.CT4C.org

Services provided: Social Educational Dental Nutritional Health Disability Main Office, Temple: 504 N. 5th St. Temple: 1100 S. 33rd St. Killeen: 802 N. 2nd St. Belton: 800 Shady Lane #733

254-778-0489 254-215-6178 254-501-9232 254-939-9335

Local Company with Great Service

Give the Gift of Endless Play!

www.ChinaSpringCountryStore.com

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Tickets only $10 for individuals | *$8 per person for groups of 12 or more! *Additional school group discounts may apply.

Educational Tours Now Available

Come see the home of the Baylor Bears from a different perspective with a 90-minute tour!

McLane Stadium is also Central Texas’ state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue.

The tour includes:

Baylor Locker Room | Recruit Lounge | Post-Game Interview Room | Press Box | Presidential Level | Field

Birthday Parties at McLane Stadium Party with Field Access

Touchdown Alley Party

(Located in the heart of the McLane Stadium tailgating area)

254-710-8104 or operations@mclanestadium.com 1001 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Waco, TX

www.MclaneStadium.com

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No job too small!

You name it, we do it.

A&D

Construction &Remodeling, LLC High-quality workmanship Free estimates & reasonable prices References available upon request | 254-230-2733

SUPER

Waco’s Premier Character Company since 2015

Back to School Bash!

Superheroes are coming to a city near you Sat., Aug. 20, 2022!

Contact us for more information on this SUPER event!

Parties Live Performances Public Appearances Family Fun Events In-house Seamstress All Occasion Alterations

NINJAZONE

Contact Haley (254)-644-2832 ekingdomparties@gmail

Register Now for Classes!

Thanks Waco!

254-776-6248 800 Schroeder Ste. C, Waco, TX 20

Voted Best Cheer Program & Best Place to Host a Playgroup www.txdynasty.com

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Birthdays | Holidays Just Because Sleepovers Our parties include:

tents, air mattresses, bedding, fairy lights, table trays & themed decor

254.466.2319 sweetdreamsk@yahoo.com @sweetdreamsslumberpartiestx

Ages 1 - 4 Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

254-716-7774 4809 W Waco Dr., Waco, TX

www.rcwaco.com/parents-day-out

Re R Ye gi ou ar st n ra d ti Superior Training Budget-Friendly on Register Now! Fall Classes Begin Aug. 15 ALL THAT JAZZ

Your child’s first dental visit should be between ages 1 & 2.

Birth - 18 years Comprehensive Orthodontics Available

254-690-3380

1201 South W.S. Young Dr., Killeen www.KilleenPediatricDentistry.com

Let

Classical Ballet Pointe Jazz Tap Private Lessons Adult Classes Lyrical Modern Pilates Hip Hop www.wacodance.com

buy the apples

so you can buy the other things she needs.

Call your local WIC today!

Temple Killeen Copperas Cove Fort Hood 254-778-1511 254-526-2033 254-547-9571 254-532-8680 www.bellcountyhealth.org

254-304-4727 1621 N. Valley Mills Dr. Waco, TX

Online Reservations at www.paintingwithatwist.com/waco

Simply a Taste of Sweetness Kathy Tucker, Owner

254-644-4413

By Appointment Only

www.kakesbykat.com info@kakesbykat.com

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~ Habla Espanol

Where our children’s future begins!

Bosque Valley Children’s Services We serve children at home, in daycares, Head Start centers, or our conveniently located clinic.

Child Care Center Now Offering Drop-In Services Call for more information.

Speech & Language Therapies Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy *Medicaid & most private insurances accepted.

2124 N. 25th St., Waco, TX

254-235-2430

www.bvchildrensservices.com

FOREVER FA M I L I E S Community partners helping local children find a brighter future

By Lindsay Liepman

Photography by Dunlap Portrait

Asher is kind and smart and is described as an “old soul.” He loves animals and would be in heaven if his forever family had pets.

The teen is athletic and interested in joining the military after attending college at Texas A&M University. He has a strong sense of integrity, justice and compassion for others.

Asher is keeping an open mind when it comes to a forever family. He simply wants a family that enjoys spending time together and will help guide him as he pursues his dreams.

Family connection is very important to Asher, and he hopes that his forever family will help him maintain contact with his biological sister.

If you’re interested in adopting Asher visit www.heartgallerytexas.com.

MODERN MEDIA COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT

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Growing Bright & Healthy Smiles

Tjel Olson, D.M.D. General Dentistry Limited to Children Aaron Blackwelder, D.D.S., M.S. Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Manuel Marien, Jr., D.D.S. Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Alex Piedra, D.D.S. Board Eligible Pediatric Dentist

254-771-5701

2122 Birdcreek Dr., Temple, TX

www.TempleKidsDental.com

Complimentary Consultation | No-Interest Financing | Most Insurances Accepted

Josh M. Knowles, D.D.S., M.S.D. Board-Certiied Orthodontist

254-773-8028 | 209 Hilliard Rd. | Temple, TX