CCP February 2025

Enter to win free tickets to see Monster Jam!

ccparent.com

8

February 2025 FREE

Simple Habits for Language Growth

Ways to Turn a Bad Morning Around

Valentine’s Day Emoji Bento Box

Need Help Paying for Childcare?

Who Qualifies?

Families qualify for the Alternative Payment Program based on two criteria “eligibility” and “need”.

“Eligibility”

To be “eligible”, a family’s income must meet eligibility requirements set by the State Department of Social Services, Child Care and Development Division.

“Need”

A family “needs” childcare based on one of the following: parents are employed, in school, or participating in a training program, parents are incapacitated or are unable to adequately care for their child(ren), children with special needs (medical, psychological, or if the child(ren) needs care as protection from abuse or neglect.

CalWORKs Families (current and former recipients) Childcare is a critical part of your success as a former or current recipient of CalWORKs (or AFDC) benefits.

For former or current CalWORKs recipients, Supportive Services, Inc. can provide funding if you meet eligibility requirements.

How May I See if I Qualify?

Currently there are more families in need of assistance than there is funding to help. A waiting list of eligible families is kept to fill funding slots as they become available. To be placed on the waiting list, you may contact (559) 230-2030 or visit our website at ssifresno.org.

www.ssifresno.org (559) 230-2030 Helping Parent and Child Grow Since 1975 5090 N West Ave

❖

Fresno CA 93711

2 • Central California Parent • February 2025

❖

(559) 230-2030

❖

info@ssifresno.org

InsideFebruary February 2025 • Volume 32 • Number 3

Features

8 9 10 12

About Us

Speech Sparks Simple Habits for Language Growth

by Jill Morgenstern

A+ Preschool Directory Explore local preschool programs and see what they have to offer 8 Ways to Turn a Bad Morning Around Plus, future action plans

by Rebecca Hastings

Valentine’s Day Emoji Bento Box A sweet Valentine's Day lunch idea

by Amanda Keefer

Serving Fresno, Kings, Madera, and Tulare Counties, and surrounding areas in the Central Valley. Central California Parent is published monthly. Our mission is to present the highest-quality, family-friendly publication for parents in the Central Valley; to provide locally relevant, insightful, and useful information in an attractive and engaging style and format; and to offer practical resources and hands-on solutions for raising children and empowering families.

Staff & Contributors

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Erika Bullis DISTRIBUTION Diane Melton SALES & MARKETING Bobby Martin Mary Mendoza GRAPHIC PRODUCTION Erika Bullis PHOTOGRAPHY Christina Baltazar Photography WRITERS Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph Leslie Carroll Rebecca Hastings Amanda Keefer Jill Morgenstern

Contact Us

Departments

EDITORIAL DISTRIBUTION SALES & MARKETING CALENDAR PROMOTIONS

4 Dear Reader 4 Short Stuff News you can use 6 Health Watch An update on your family’s health and welfare 7 Things We Love 14 Calendar of Events 16 Early Childhood Preschool Directory 17 Marketplace

ccparent@ccparent.com distribution@ccparent.com marketing@ccparent.com calendar@ccparent.com promotions@ccparent.com

Advertising Advertising and design are available. Deadline is the 10th of the month preceding the publication. Call (559) 435-1409 or email marketing@ccparent.com for more information.

Distribution & Subscriptions Central California Parent is available free at hundreds of locations including libraries, schools, doctor’s offices, retail stores, and more. Delivery subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Send name and address, with payment to: Central California Parent: Subscriptions, 7638 N. Ingram, Suite #101, Fresno, CA 93711.

Please make checks out to Central California Parent LLC.

Calendar Submissions Calendar submissions are free, and photos are welcome. Descriptions, date, time, location, and cost should be submitted to calendar@ ccparent.com by the 10th of the month preceding the event.

Sign Up For Our E-Newsletter at ccparent.com

Follow us for exclusive social giveaways!

Central California Parent • 7638 N. Ingram Avenue, Suite #101, Fresno, CA 93711 • (559) 435-1409 • ccparent.com

Central California Parent reserves the right to refuse any advertising for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this magazine. All editorial information and display advertising are copyrighted. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Distribution of this paper does not constitute an endorsement of information, products, or services. Neither the advertisers nor the publisher will be responsible for misinformation, typographical errors, omissions, etc. herein contained.

February 2025 • Central California Parent • 3

Dear Reader, This month’s issue is packed with ideas and inspiration to brighten your days and make your family’s February unforgettable.

For families exploring preschool options, we’re featuring local preschools this month. Whether you’re looking for a program to spark creativity, boost social skills, or support academic growth, you’ll find plenty of choices to fit your family’s needs.

Speaking of growth, our feature on language growth highlights easy ways to build your child’s vocabulary and communication skills. These practical tips will help lay the foundation for literacy and academic success, setting your child up for a bright future.

Valentine’s Day deserves a little extra fun, and we’ve got just the thing! Check out our adorable Valentine’s Day Emoji Bento Box idea, perfect for surprising your kids with a festive, healthy lunch they’ll love—and maybe even show off to their friends.

We also know mornings can sometimes feel chaotic.

That’s why we’ve included ways to turn a bad morning around. These simple strategies will help reset the tone of your day, ensuring that a rocky start doesn’t carry over into the rest of your family’s routine.

Plus, save the date for Camp Fair '25 on Saturday, March 29th. This is your yearly opportunity to speak one-on-one with summer programs and plan the best summer ever—all in just a couple hours!

Wishing you a February filled with love, laughter, and learning!

Erika Bullis

ShortStuff News You Can Use

February is Black History Month

Have a Celebrity Read Your Kids a Story

Celebrate Black History Month with your children and learn about the accomplishments of famous and lesser-known African Americans. Relive history with kids of all ages by reading stories of African Americans overcoming adversity and making their multicultural mark on the world. With books about everything from jazz and Jackie Robinson to slavery and segregation, there are many rich biographic themes to explore with your kids. Visit familyeducation.com > Parenting > Activities > Holidays > Black History Month for printables, coloring pages, quizzes, activities, articles about the historic struggle for civil rights, and more education materials.

The SAGAFTRA Foundation’s two-time Emmy®nominated and award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline Online®, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations.

Readers include Oprah Winfrey, Chris Pine, Rosario Dawson, Viola Davis, Terry Crews, Connie Britton, John Lithgow, Jennifer Garner, Betty White, Tia and Tamera Mowry, James Earl Jones, and more.

Reading aloud to children has been shown to improve reading, writing, communication, logical thinking, concentration, and general academic aptitude. It also inspires a lifelong love of reading. Teachers use Storyline Online in their classrooms, and doctors and nurses play Storyline Online in children’s hospitals.

Storyline Online is available 24 hours a day for children, parents, caregivers, and educators worldwide. Each book includes supplemental curriculum developed by a credentialed elementary educator, aiming to strengthen comprehension, verbal, and written skills for little learners.

Storyline Online is a program of the SAGAFTRA Foundation. The Foundation is a nonprofit organization that relies entirely on gifts, grants, and donations to fund Storyline Online and produce all of its videos.

Visit storylineonline.net to browse stories read by celebrities, seasonal stories, and more!

Happy reading!

Get Kids Growing!

Teachers of third graders can register now at bonniecabbageprogram.com for the National Bonnie Plants Third Grade Cabbage Program.

Bonnie Plants will ship 2” cabbage plants with instructions to every third grade classroom in the country, in spring, whose teachers register for the program. Teachers distribute the plants to students to carry home and grow. At the end of the growing season, submissions are entered in a state scholarship drawing for $1,000 in each state. Sign up now!

4 • Central California Parent • February 2025

Some Shorter Stuff A 24-Hour Story Line. Dial-A-Story from the Fresno County Library, offers a new story each week for kids ages 3 to 7. All you need to do is dial 600-TALE or 600-8253 to hear the pages come to life! Be sure to check back every week for a new story.

National Burn Awareness Week is observed the first full week in February, and is a window of opportunity to update your family on avoiding contact burns, frostbite, hypothermia, cooking burns, and more. It is also a great time to check your hot water heater, which should be set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or you could consider installing an anti-scald device. Visit ameriburn.org to learn more.

Join the Great Backyard Bird Count by taking note of the birds that visit your yard. With thousands of people around the world doing the same, we can better understand the movement of species around the globe. So fill those bird feeders and put fresh water in the birdbath, the Great Backyard Bird Count runs from February 14th–17th. Visit birdcount.org for more information.

Stretch Your Imagination and get hands-on with a polymer that has some truly amazing properties! The annual Rubber Band Contest for Young Inventors is hosted by the Akron Global Polymer Academy. With $2,000 in prizes, this contest challenges 5th–8th graders to design and create a working invention or artwork that incorporates at least one rubber band. Visit rubber.org/student-resources/rubber-band-contest to learn more and enter by February 21st!

Meet our Cover Kid, Jaxon!

Jaxon is 4 1/2 years old and loves all things Hot Wheels and Monster Jam. Megalodon and El Toro Loco are his favorites and he can’t wait to see them live and up close in a couple months! He is funny and sweet and loves his sisters! He also likes school, jumping on his trampoline, and learning about Jesus!

Girl Scouts Are Gearing Up for Cookie Sales! Online sales are open and local booth sales start on February 2nd. Support your local troop this year! Visit girlscoutsccs.org or call 291-5078 for more information.

Engage Students. Inspire Problem Solving. Poptential™ is a family of free high school social studies courses that pair pop culture media with engaging digital storytelling for effective, dynamic learning by today’s digital native students. Poptential™ is the evolution of Certell’s popular online curriculum used by more than 28,000 teachers in 50 states. Best of all, it's free! Visit poptential.org to learn more.

Camp Fair '25 is on Saturday, March 29th—your yearly opportunity to plan your kids' best summer ever! With options for every kid on the block and camp reps ready to answer questions tailored to your family, it’s the perfect way to plan an unforgettable summer. Visit ccparent.com/camp-fair to learn more.

Black Angel Mommies

A FREE Grief Support Group for Black Mothers Healing After Pregnancy or Infant Loss.

The infant mortality rate is significantly higher in the Black community.

While the Fresno County Department of Public Health and partners work to address this inequality, Black Angel Mommies will serve as a crucial, safe space for mothers to find support and healing after pregnancy or infant loss. Led by facilitators with lived experience, this free grief support group provides a compassionate environment for Black mothers to share their stories, learn coping strategies, and find strength in each other as they navigate the profound grief of a child or pregnancy loss.

For more information, please scan the QR code to fill out an interest form. One of our facilitators will reach out to you.

La

vo

n ’s

Mo

mmy

, S h ata n y a, C o-

Lavon Deshawn Williams 10/9/2020-4/20/2021

Fac

ilit

at

or

Phoenix 1/19/2023

Brandon 10/23/2019

Child Watch and Light Snacks Provided at Every Session

February 2025 • Central California Parent • 5

HealthWatch An Update on your Family’s Health and Welfare

Popular Foods that Can Compromise Heart Health It’s not just exercise that keeps you fit, what you eat has a huge impact on your overall health—especially your heart health.

February is National Heart Health Month, a perfect time to focus on limiting foods that can increase your risk for cardiovascular diseases. Here are a few foods that might be delicious, but have a reputation for compromising heart health.

Bacon is high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Saturated fat can be especially bad for heart health. That makes bacon a no-go for individuals interested in a heart-healthy diet. A single slice of uncooked bacon typically contains 110 calories.

Red meat is another appetizing, but heart-unhealthy food. Like bacon, red meat tends to be high in saturated fat, though that content varies depending on the cut and the type of meat chosen.

For example, grass-fed beef contains less saturated fat than grainfed beef. In addition, cuts that are not considered lean, which include beef short ribs, rib-eye steaks, and T-bone streaks, also tend to be higher in saturated fat, and thus less heart-healthy, than leaner cuts like sirloin and extra-lean ground beef.

Baked goods may be irresistible, but cookies, cakes and muffins have an adverse effect on heart health. Baked goods are linked to elevated triglyceride levels. That's significant, because high triglyceride levels in the blood can lead to a condition known as

hypertriglyceridemia, which can harm the heart and blood vessels.

Processed meats, which include deli meat, but also foods such as sausage and hot dogs, contain high amounts of salt and are often loaded with saturated fat. A 2021 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating a little more than five ounces of processed meat per week increases a person's risk of cardiovascular disease by 46 percent.

–Leslie Carroll Celebrate National Heart Health Month with Life's Essential 8 for Kids (Visit heart.org/lifes8 to learn more!)

Create Healthy Eating Patterns: Make smart choices and swaps to build an overall healthy eating style. Listen to your body—if you are hungry, make a healthy choice. When you are full, stop eating.

Enjoy: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, plant-based proteins, skinless chicken or turkey, fish, and seafood.

Limit: sweetened drinks, sodium, red and processed meats, refined carbohydrates with added sugars, processed grain foods, highly processed foods, and tropical oils.

Avoid: trans fat and partially hydrogenated oils—found in some commercial baked goods and fried foods.

How Can I Comfort My Baby During Shots?

Getting shots can be tough on you and your child, but the benefits are worth the effort. Fortunately, you can do a few things to make them less painful and stressful.

For newborns or babies under 5 months old, try the "5 S's" right after they get a vaccine: • Swaddling right after the shot. You also can swaddle (wrapping a baby tightly in a blanket like a "burrito") before the shot, but leave your baby's legs exposed for the vaccination.

• Placing the baby on their side or stomach.

• Making shushing sounds in the baby's ear.

• Swinging your baby in your arms or an infant swing.

• Giving your baby the opportunity to suck, whether through breastfeeding, a bottle, or a pacifier.

Research has shown that doing at least 4 of the 5 S's greatly reduces the amount of time infants cry after getting a shot. If you're comfortable with breastfeeding your baby at the doctor's office (to fulfill the sucking recommendation), this alone can be an effective way to distract and calm your baby. Some may opt to breastfeed while baby gets the vaccine.

6 • Central California Parent • February 2025

In some situations, a sugar water solution may be available.

Dipping a pacifier into this solution, then giving it to a fussy baby may help soothe the child.

Before and after the shot, try applying gentle pressure and rubbing the skin around the injection site. This massage may prevent the area from feeling so painful.

For an older baby or a toddler, swaddling or shushing might not work. Try letting your child sit on your lap during the shot and distract them with a toy, book, or song. Try not to look upset or concerned. Children can pick up on a parent's anxiety, and it can make them anxious as well.

If your child has pain at the site where the shot was given or develops a fever and feels sick, ask the doctor about giving medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease symptoms.

Also, don't forget to praise your child afterward. A little positive reinforcement can make the next trip to the doctor easier. Try to do something fun after the visit. A trip to the park or playground can make the day's memories happier ones.

–The Nemours Foundation, kidshealth.org. Medically reviewed by Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD (August 2024)

Things We Love!

adult swimsuits—family We love the matching style, made easy!

Tyson® Marinated Meats Make busy weeknights a breeze with these flavorful, ready-to-cook options like Savory Campfire Pork Chops and Birria Seasoned Diced Beef. Packed with over 20 grams of protein, these seasoned and marinated cuts transform any meal into a gourmet experience—all with zero prep. Find them at your local retailer! $5.49–$8.99 • tysonmarinatedmeats.com

REIGN + Skye REIGN + Skye delivers stylish, comfortable, and affordable swimwear for kids, inspired by the beauty of Hawai’i. With vibrant patterns and versatile designs, these suits, shirts, and more are perfect for beach days or poolside play.

Created by a mom who understands quality and affordability, these pieces are made to last and impress! $6–$55 • reignandskye.com

We love the Spicy Orange Pork Strips. It is sweet with the perfect amount of kick!

We love that both The Scrumptious and for The Essence curve to cradle your neck ultimate support.

Honeydew Sleep Company Transform your sleep with pillows perfect for side sleepers! Designed for full-body support, these handcrafted pillows contour to your shape, align your neck and shoulders, and relieve pressure points. With customizable CertiPURUS certified fill and copper-infused foam for freshness, they deliver luxurious comfort and pain-free mornings. Sleep better, wake energized! $180–$250 • honeydewsleep.com

February 2025 • Central California Parent • 7

Speech Sparks

Simple Habits for Language Growth

W

hether it’s mama, dada, or dog, everyone gets excited about baby’s first word! But what about the words that come afterward? Children start by building their receptive language, the language they hear and understand. Their expressive language refers to the language they can produce. Both are important not only for the ability to communicate, but for academic success as well. Having a great vocabulary is the first step in literacy and can give them many essential tools.

Perhaps most importantly for school success, a more developed language ability will increase children’s ability to comprehend the texts they read.

Learn how you can easily increase your child’s expressive and receptive language.

Treat even the youngest child as a potential conversationalist By giving children a turn to “talk”, even an infant begins to understand the conventions of conversation. Your child can begin to understand that people take turns during a conversation and that questions generate and answer even before they become an active participant.

By Jill Morgenstern

Ask questions and give your child time to respond Giving children ample time to respond to your questions allows them time to independently choose the proper vocabulary. According to SpeechLanguage Pathologist Jo Hayes, “There is an enormous difference in engaging in a conversation that is restful, not rushed or hasty, and one that is the opposite. When we get a sense that our conversational partner is content to sit in silence for a few seconds longer, to enable us to pause, consider, and contemplate before rushing into delivering a response, we generally deliver a more complete, cohesive, wellarticulated response with well-chosen vocabulary.

Ask open ended questions Rather than asking your child yes or no questions, give them the opportunity to expand their answers. Hays suggests, “Instead of, ‘Did you have a good day at school?’ Try, ‘What was the best thing that happened today?’ ‘What did you like about it?’ ‘What did you learn today?’” This encourages your child to come up with many words they would not have thought of if you had asked a simple yes or no question.

Quality State Preschool that Prepares your Child for Kindergarten Educare Services, Inc. is a nonprofit State Preschool with the goal to develop successful partnerships with schools, parents and communities in the delivery of quality preschool/child development services.

Find your local preschool center We know parents are busy. That’s why we have 6 locations all over Fresno and Kings County to make your life easier. Now enrolling children in part-time and full-time programs.

Is Educare right for your child?

We want to make sure Educare is the perfect match for your family. We accept children ages 2 to 5 years old, from families who qualify for services.

Educare Services, Inc. • (559) 228-3232 • educareservicesinc.com 8 • Central California Parent • February 2025

Add to what your child already says Expand on what your child already knows by adding words to their sentences. If your child points and declares “cat” you could add, “The cat is soft and furry!”

Make errands a time to learn Even as you do your daily errands it is easy to take the opportunity to develop language. Discuss purchases to your child as you place items in the basket. Statements and questions such as, “We’ll have this chicken for dinner tonight!” or “Did you notice how fresh the broccoli looks today?” introduce new vocabulary.

Sing as you go about your day Children can learn a lot of language from music. Sing your way to the tub during bath time or make a song part of the bedtime routine. As an added bonus you will often be exposing your children to rhyming, a precursor to reading.

Read aloud Research suggests that reading to children can be even more effective than talking to them for building vocabulary. Sometimes parents will naturally explain the new words they encounter. Other times children will decipher the meaning from context. Both routes lead children to increased vocabulary.

Model rather than correct When your child mispronounces or uses incorrect grammar, repeat the sentence back using the correct form. For example, if your child says, “I goed to the store with Daddy,” you would repeat “Oh! You went to the store?” This gives the child the needed information without making them feel bad about having made a mistake.

Narrate as you go Talk aloud about what your child is doing. As your child plays, narrate as if you were at a sporting event.

“You stacked four blocks!” This not only helps build your child’s receptive language, but can help build selfesteem as your child hears that you find their activities interesting and meaningful.

Turn down the background noise A study from 2016 suggests that background noise may hinder children’s ability to learn new words. If the TV or radio is a constant in your household, it may be worth turning it down or off to help your child’s language development.

If you have concerns about your child’s speech, asking their pediatrician or teacher is always a great way to gain a fresh perspective. They will let you know if your child might benefit from a speech screening. Whether you’re concerned or just want to provide enrichment, you can encourage your child’s language. These easy steps will become habit if used frequently and will help your child both communicate more effectively and increase school success!

Special Advertising Section

A+ Preschools

The Central Valley has some of the best preschool programs available.

See what these local preschool programs have to offer.

Brighten Academy Preschool Clovis / Fresno (559) 900-4352

Brighten Academy Preschool is an assessment-driven preschool enrichment program for children ages 2-6 years of age. Curriculum and instruction are based on the California State Kindergarten standards and children are taught according to their individual levels and needs. Children are placed in classes with peers that are within 5-6 months in age range which creates an even more specialized learning environment. Focus is not only on academic growth, but on social, emotional, and gross-motor development skills fostering self-esteem and problem-solving skills which, in turn, creates a self-assured, confident student when entering the world of public school. Four Clovis locations and four Fresno locations.

CrossCity Christian Preschool Fresno (559) 299-8484

CrossCity is a safe, fun environment that offers an Academic enrichment program as well as a Christ-centered curriculum that allows each child to grow in their faith while preparing to make them successful at school.

Our program is assessment-driven based on California State Preschool standards which include: art, music, literature, science, math, and readingreadiness activities. CrossCity offers a variety of class options with qualified, loving teachers. Lots of fun, hands-on experiences for ages 3–5 yrs. old (must be 3 by December 1st and potty trained).

Dermer's Creative Care Preschools Fresno (559) 325-6913 or (559) 435-2901

Dermer's Creative Care Preschools, are well established, locally owned and operated since 1982. Dermer's offers high quality educational programs for young children six weeks of age to six years old. Children are divided by age into individual classrooms. Dermer's Creative Care Preschools are devoted to stimulating the whole child using an integrated age appropriate curriculum, developed through a hands-on approach. And reinforced by exciting field trips and guest presentations. In the area of math, early literacy, and pre-writing skills Dermer's Creative Care Preschools believe using a multisensory curriculum advances development in a creative way. Primary Infant/Toddler caregiving is the basis for our Infant/Toddler programs. The infants/Toddlers have a main caregiver throughout their day away from family. This method promotes consistency, bonding, safety, security, trust, and love, the benefits are amazing. Dermer's staff members are, devoted, caring and highly qualified in Child Development! With a strong emphasis on Kindergarten readiness our goal is to provide children with total development in terms of physical, intellectual, emotional and social growth! The Dermer Difference where Loving and Learning go handin-hand!

St. La Salle Preschool and Daycare Center Reedley (559) 638-2621

Our center offers a Christ centered environment. It is a caring, safe and fun place for your children. We prepare our children for kindergarten by providing a high quality curriculum. Children are encouraged to explore, experiment and learn through a variety of activities and hands-on experiences. Our curriculum includes: religion, literacy, math, science, art, music, social studies and computer skills. We enroll full and part-time from 3-5 years of age. www.stlasallereedley.com

February 2025 • Central California Parent • 9

8 Ways to Turn a Bad Morning Around

I

thought it was an ordinary Tuesday.

A day full of hope and promise for fun and learning. A normal day—until I looked at the clock.

One minute the clock is kindly telling us we have plenty of time to get ready and out the door for a new day.

Suddenly, it changes, almost screaming at us, “Hurry, hurry, hurry. We’re all going to be late!”

There is a missing shoe and cereal spilled on the floor. A stuck backpack zipper and a forgotten math test. I didn’t even hear myself until I was at least 6 words into a rant about us always being late, we can’t keep doing this, and where in the world was that missing shoe?

We did what we always do. We let the dog clean up the cereal, I insisted (rather forcefully) on my youngest switching to a different pair of shoes, and I started spouting out math facts as I worked on the zipper.

We were getting it done, but none of us were happy. This was not the way I wanted to send everyone off on their day.

Have you had mornings like this?

A bad morning does not mean a bad day.

Here are 8 ways to turn things around.

1. Exhale

3. Verbalize

Seriously. It helps. Let out all that you’re holding on to and breathe. It sounds so simple but research shows that breathing can change your state of mind, and perhaps that’s the best chance to turn things around.

Being honest goes a long way, especially with kids. They know you’re upset just by a look or the sound of your voice. It is okay to tell them the morning isn’t going well. It’s good for them to see that we can identify things that aren’t ideal.

Saying something like, “Boy this morning is not going the way I hoped it would.

Could we turn it around together?” This shows your child that you recognize how things are going and that you need their help to make it better. Let them be an active participant in turning things around.

You’re giving them useful skills for later in life.

While you are at it, get them in the habit of prioritizing and serializing the task list instead of frantically trying to do 5 things at a time. Think aloud. “Alright, let’s see how we can go about this. First the broken zipper. Then the shoe. Then on the way to school, we can look at math facts.”

2. Pick One Thing Many of us wear our multitasking crowns with pride—after all, we are parents and there is so much to get done. Multitasking is often counterintuitive making us less productive because we are unable to organize information well. Plus, it increases the stress hormone in the body.

When things are going bad the one thing we don’t need is stress. So, pick one thing you can do. Address the broken zipper.

Then move on to the next. Find a shoe solution.

Picking one thing at a time and serially working through your micro-emergency list will help you get more done with less stress for everyone involved.

By Rebecca Hastings

10 • Central California Parent • February 2025

4. Apologize This one feels hard for a lot of us because it means we are human and we are admitting it to our children. I’ll let you in on a secret: they already know.

Saying you’re sorry for the way you spoke to them or the way you tossed all the shoes out of the shoe bin shows that it’s okay to make mistakes. Plus, it will help you let go of any mistakes and move on. Kids are usually a pretty forgiving bunch.

5. Stop Take thirty seconds and have everyone freeze. Stop looking for the shoe. Stop cleaning up the cereal. Stop huffing around the house. We have 86,400 seconds in a day. Surely we can spare 30.

If you feel up for it, do a few deep breaths together. Or get everyone to do a 30-second wiggle to shake the harried feeling out.

Once they get past the shock of actually stopping the frantic rush to beat the clock and start doing something fun instead, they will likely start giggling. Laughter releases stress and you will all be in better shape to take your morning back.

Do anything that will let you create a pause in the frantic downhill slide of the morning and turn it around into a playful happy one again.

6. Be Grateful It may sound cliché, but it works. Think of something you are grateful for, right at the moment. Better yet, say it out loud. You can shift those feelings of stress and a lack of control just by being grateful.

The easiest one that works every time? “I’m grateful for you.”

Not only will it change your mood, but it will change your child’s mood. The day will be looking better already.

Another one I love (because it also lets me expend all that mustrant-now energy): “Boy, this morning is rough and we’re all being such goofballs, but am I glad I have you goofballs to share the morning with. What a sad, sad thing it would be to be a goofball and be all alone on top of it all. I do so love my family of goofballs."

“Goofballs” is what works for my family. Pick anything else that gets the giggles out of your family and go all out with it!

7. Be Late Before I say anything else you should know that I hate to be late. I’m the person who considers on-time fifteen minutes early.

However, it is okay to be a few minutes late now and again. What’s the worst that can happen? Your kids will be late to school and perhaps get a tardy slip. Let them. They will learn to make better choices and will be motivated to get out of the house early next time without you having to nag them.

You will be a few minutes late for work. So be it. You will choose to wake up a little earlier tomorrow. Or you will learn to be better organized. Or you may just learn that it isn’t that big a deal to be late once in a while and learn to lighten up. Either way, everyone is learning something important.

So take a deep breath, and say out loud for the benefit of everyone involved, “Alright, we’re going to be late today. We’ll deal with the consequences, learn from it, and try not to let it happen again in the future, alright?”

Continued on page 13

February 2025 • Central California Parent • 11

Valentine’s Day Emoji Bento Box

by Amanda Keefer, Healthy Family Project

V

alentine’s Day deserves an extra-special lunch! Why not pack the kids this fun Valentine’s Day Emoji Bento Box! This sweet sandwich spin featuring fresh strawberries will have your child gobbling up lunch in no time.

Plus, it will make them smile when they open their lunchbox.

Valentine’s Day is such a fun holiday, especially for kids. My kids love heart shaped treats and snacks. This year I knew I wanted to surprise them so I made this Valentine’s Day Emoji Bento Box for them to take to school. When they came home they said how fun it was, how special it was, and how their friends thought it was so nice! That melted my heart—so I figured I would share it with other families!

What I love about this fun lunchbox idea is that it only takes a few minutes to turn a regular sandwich into this hearteyed emoji. Then I pack up a few healthy red-colored snacks to help celebrate the holiday. Don’t forget to add a special touch with a Valentine or a note to your little one.

Ingredients • Whole wheat sandwich rounds • Strawberries • Mini sweet red peppers • Cherry tomatoes • Cream cheese • Ranch dressing Supplies • Scissors • Construction paper • Skewers or toothpicks • Bento box

Directions 1. First start by making the emoji sandwich.

Toast the bread a little then added some cream cheese and fresh sliced strawberries.

Then add two strawberries for the eyes.

Add a black construction paper smile.

2. Then assemble the heart shaped skewers by slicing the cherry tomatoes in half on an angle. Place onto a skewer to make it look like a heart.

3. Pack up some sweet red bell peppers and add some ranch for dipping.

4. Write a Valentine for your sweetheart and let them enjoy!

12 • Central California Parent • February 2025

Substitutions & Additions • If your kids don't like peppers, you can substitute for raspberries with a side of yogurt instead of ranch.

• Don’t have sandwich rounds? You can use regular bread and just cut it out into a circle or use a cookie cutter.

• Prefer a different type of sandwich?

Make a PB & J instead!

Tip: Worried the strawberry eyes will move around? Adhere them with cream cheese, with toothpicks, or by carving out an indent in the bread for them to sit in.

8. Hug

Continued from page 11

Whatever happened and whatever is to come, hug your kids.

Taking a moment to hug your child helps bring stress levels down and lays the foundation for what matters to you. You love your child. Choosing that moment, even in all the busy chaos, reminds you both how important you are to one another.

Making space for these eight tips will turn even the craziest morning around.

www.cmpmedical.com www.cmpmedical.com www.cmpmedical.com www.cmpmedical.com www.cmpmedical.com www.cmpmedical.com www.cmpmedical.com www.cmpmedical.com www.cmpmedical.com www.cmpmedical.com www.cmpmedical.com

N w p ncaag N aetiw enPtastients AtttsiicP ep ttctiiin g iiie tttgssiseP Ne op w AN eeegn pw en w PN w Agccw ccccN eeo w Now AcN cNeo tNinA tccN iw ee N oopw w Ao eA ppcw nenPA gpgacctoN N w ePete nainnw in NPnP egawtttN nattsients

CMP Northwest Northwest CMPPediatric Northwest CMP Pediatric CMP Peachwood CMP Peachwo CMP CMP CMPNorthwest NorthwestPediatric Pediatric CMPPediatric CMPPeachwood PeachwoodCMP Peachwood CMP Northwest Pediatric CMP Peachwood CMP NorthwestCMP CMP CMP Pediatric Northwest Northwest Pediatric Pediatric Northwest Pediatric Peachwood CMP CMP Peachwood Peachwood CMP Peachwood CMP Northwest Pediatric Medical Group Medical Group CMPMedical Peachwood Medical Group, Pediatrics Medical Group, Pe Medical Medical Group MedicalGroup Group Medical MedicalGroup, Group,Pediatrics PediatricsGroup, Pediatrics Medical Group Medical Group, Pediatrics Medical Group Medical Medical Group Group Medical Group Medical Group, Pediatrics Medical Medical Group, Group, Pediatrics Pediatrics Medical Group, Pediatrics 7355 N. N.Group Palm7355 Ave.N. #100, Fresno Palm Ave. #100, Fresno Group, Medical 275 Clovis W. Herndon Herndon Ave., Clovis Ave 275 W. Herndon Medical Pediatrics 7355 N. Palm 275 Herndon 7355 Palm Ave. #100, Fresno 275 W. Ave., Clovis 7355 N. PalmAve. Ave.#100, #100,Fresno Fresno 275W. W. HerndonAve., Ave., Clovis 7355 N. Palm Ave. #100, Fresno 275 W. Herndon Ave., Clovis 7355 N. Palm Ave.7355 7355 7355 #100, N. N. Fresno Palm Palm Ave. Ave. #100, #100, Fresno Fresno N. Palm Ave. #100, Fresno 275 W. Herndon Ave., 275 275 W. W. Clovis Herndon Herndon Ave., Ave., Clovis Clovis 275 W. Herndon Ave., Clovis (559) 271-6302 (559) 271-6302 7355 N. Palm Ave. #100, Fresno (559) 324-6200 275 W. Herndon(559) Ave., 324-6200 Clovis (559) 324-620 (559) (559) (559)271-6302 271-6302 (559) 271-6302 (559)324-6200 324-6200 (559) 271-6302 (559) 324-6200 (559) 271-6302 (559) (559) (559) 271-6302 271-6302 271-6302 (559) (559) 324-6200 324-6200 324-6200 (559) 271-6302 (559) 324-6200 (559) (559) 324-6200

What if you think it’s too late?

What if the kids are already on the bus or you’re sitting at your desk wishing things had gone differently? There is still hope.

Here are three bonus tips for when you think it’s too late: 1. Head to your child’s school if possible, or call and ask to speak with them. Showing up or calling with an apology and a Marina hugAlper, MD Board Certified will help both of you have a much better day.

2. Set aside time for after school or work to be together. Go for a walk, color, snuggle, and watch a movie. Be sure to say out loud “I’m sorry we had a rough morning. I wanted to make sure it didn't mess up our whole day. I love you no matter what.”

3. Spend a few minutes together before bed. If bedtime is usually rushed, climb in next to them and just be together. It may lay the foundation for a better morning tomorrow.

www.cmpmedical.com www.cmpmedical.com

Vivian S.MD Hernandez, MD S. Hernandez, Vivian MD Prabjot “Minta” Singh, MD “Minta” Singh Prabjot Marina Alper, MD MD John Kim, MD “Minta” Marina Alper, JohnSingh, Kim, MD Vivian S. S. Hernandez, Prabjot MD Marina Alper, MD John MD Vivian S. Kim, Hernandez, “Minta” Singh, MD Marina Alper, MD MD John Kim, MD “Minta” Vivian Hernandez, MD Prabjot “Minta” Singh, MDPrabjot Marina Alper, MD John Kim, MD MDBoard Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Vivian S.Hernandez, Hernandez, Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Prabjot Singh, MD Marina Alper, MD John Kim, MD Vivian S.Alper, Hernandez, MD Vivian Vivian S. S. Hernandez, Hernandez, MD MD Vivian S. Prabjot Singh, Prabjot Prabjot “Minta” “Minta” Singh, Singh, MD MD Board Certified Prabjot “Minta” Singh, MD Board Certified Marina Marina Alper, Alper, MD MD John Kim, MDS.MD John John Kim, Kim, MD MD Marina MD John Kim, MD Board Certified Board Certified Vivian Hernandez, MD Prabjot “Minta” Singh, MDCertified Marina Alper, MD John“Minta” Kim, MD Board Certified Board Board Certified BoardMD Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified BoardCertified CertifiedBoard Certified Board Certified Board Certified Certified Board Board Certified Certified Board Certified Board Board Certified Certified Board Certified Board Board Certified Certified Board Certified Board Board Certified Board Certified Board CertifiedBoard Board Certified

N Noow w AAcccceeppttiinngg N Neew w PPaattiieennttss

CMP Pediatrics CMP Pediatrics CMP CMP Pediatric CMP Peachwood CMP Pediatrics CMPPediatrics Pediatrics CMP Pediatrics CMPNorthwest Northwest Pediatric CMP Peachwood CMP Pediatrics CMP CMP Pediatrics Pediatrics CMP Pediatrics 7085 N. Whitney Ave., Suite 101, Fresno 7085 N. Whitney Ave., Suite 101, Fresno CMP Pediatrics 7085 N. Whitney Ave., Suite 101, Fresno Medical Group 7085 N. Whitney Ave., Suite 101, Fresno Medical Group, Pediatrics 7085 N. Whitney Ave., Suite 101, Fresno 7085N. N.Whitney Whitney Ave.,Suite Suite 101, Fresno Medical Group7085 Medical Group, Pediatrics 7085 N. Whitney 7085 7085 Ave., N. N. Suite Whitney Whitney 101, Ave., Ave., Suite Suite 101, 101, Fresno Fresno Ave., 101, Fresno (559) 437-7338 (559) 437-7338 7085 N.Fresno Whitney Ave., Suite 101, Fresno (559) 437-7338 7355 N. Palm Ave. #100, Fresno (559) 437-7338 275 W. Herndon Ave., Clovis (559) 437-7338 (559)437-7338 437-7338 7355 N. Palm Ave.(559) #100, 437-7338 Fresno 275 W. Herndon Ave., Clovis (559) (559) 437-7338 437-7338 (559) (559) 437-7338 (559) (559) (559)271-6302 271-6302 (559)324-6200 324-6200

Harry Jameson, Jameson, MD MD Judi Krogstad, Judi Krogstad, MD DOMD Mercedes Chapa,MD MD Mercedes Chapa, MD MDMDHarry Veronica Ramirez, Veronica Quinton Ramirez,Young, MD DOQuinto Quinton Young, Harry Jameson, Judi Krogstad, Mercedes Chapa, MD Veronica Ramirez, MD Young, DO Board Harry Jameson, MDPrabjot Judi Krogstad, MD On average there are 180 days in a school year. Each of your kids Mercedes Chapa, MD Veronica Ramirez, MDBoardQuinton Quinton Young,DO DO Harry Jameson, Judi Krogstad, MD Mercedes Chapa, MD Veronica Ramirez, MDBoard Vivian S. Hernandez, MD “Minta” Singh, MD Marina Alper, MD John Kim,Board MDJudi Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Certified Quinton Young, Harry Jameson, MD Board Certified Certified Judi Krogstad, MD BoardCertified Certified Certified Mercedes Chapa, MD Veronica Ramirez, MD Quinton Young, DO Quinton Quinton Young, Young, DO DO Young, Quinton DO Harry Jameson, MD Harry Harry Jameson, Jameson, MD MD Board Harry Jameson, MD Judi Krogstad, MD Judi Krogstad, Krogstad, MD MD Board Certified Judi Krogstad, MD Board Certified Mercedes Chapa, MD Mercedes Mercedes Chapa, Chapa, MD Mercedes Chapa, MD Board Certified Vivian S. Hernandez, MD Veronica Ramirez, MD Veronica Veronica Ramirez, Ramirez, MD MD Prabjot “Minta” Singh, MD Veronica Ramirez, MD Board Certified Marina Alper, MD John Kim, MD Quinton DO Harry Jameson, MD Judi Krogstad, MD Mercedes Chapa, MD Veronica Ramirez, MD Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified BoardYoung, Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Board Certified Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Board Certified Certified Board Certified Board Board Certified Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Board Certified Certified Certified Board Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified Board Certified BoardCertified Certified Board Certified will be in school for 13 years. That makes it 2,340 mornings with the potential to be rushed and harried—I’m not even counting CMP multiple kids, daycare days, or summer camps! Bad mornings will CMPPediatrics Pediatrics 7085 N. Whitney Ave., 7085 N. Whitney Ave.,Suite Suite101, 101,Fresno Fresno happen—it’s a given, but you can turn it around for you and your (559) 437-7338 (559) 437-7338 kids to have a better day!

21st Annual

Central California Parent

The 2-Minute Action Plan Ask yourself a few questions about how bad mornings affect you Mercedes Chapa, MD Mercedes Chapa, MD and your kids.

Board Certified Board Certified • In the last week, how many mornings felt rough? Can you notice anything in common about those days?

• What would your ideal morning look like? How can you move toward that?

• How can you take care of yourself so you can be better prepared when hard mornings come your way?

• What triggers or obstacles can be eliminated from those rushed morning minutes?

• How often are you successful at rescuing a morning that has started going downhill and still go on to have a great day?

The Ongoing Action Plan Plan to start some new habits in the coming weeks.

• Recognize as early as possible when the morning has started to slip away from you.

• Pledge to not let a bad morning turn into a bad day.

• Give grace, to your kids and yourself!

• Experiment with different ways to salvage your morning and find what works for your family.

• If you don’t have a well-established morning routine, make that your highest priority. An established morning routine significantly reduces the chances of having rough mornings in the first place!

Readers’ Choice Awards

Harry Jameson, MD Harry BoardJameson, CertifiedMD Board Certified

Judi Krogstad, MD Judi Krogstad, Board CertifiedMD Board Certified

Veronica Ramirez, MD Veronica Ramirez, MD Board Certified Board Certified

Quinton Young, DO Quinton Young, DO Board Certified

Certified We want to hearBoard from you! You know what you like and where to go with your kids in the Central Valley. It’s your chance to share with other local families! We’ll honor Central California’s most family-friendly establishments with our 21st Annual Readers’ Choice Awards in an upcoming issue.

So, tell us your favorite destinations that truly deserve to be noticed. Once you complete your ballot, you’re eligible for our free random drawing to win a fun prize pack!

Ballots available at ccparent.com through March 31st!

February 2025 • Central California Parent • 13

FebruaryCalendar

Events are compiled six weeks in advance, we suggest that you call the telephone numbers provided to verify dates, times, costs, and locations of events. To publicize your event: Central California Parent invites you to publicize your event by emailing a description including location, date, time, admission prices, age suitability, phone number for information, and photos. Central California Parent reserves the right to limit entries in this free service and to prioritize free, family events. Deadline is the 10th of the month preceding the event. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at calendar@ccparent.com or call (559) 435-1409.

1 Saturday ANIME GAMING CON Enjoy gaming tournaments, card games, vendors, special guests, and more from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Tickets: $10–$50. Kids 10 and under are free with paid adult. Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 S. Chance Avenue, Fresno. 650-3247 B&N STORYTIME Families are invited to this free storytime featuring a different picture book each week at 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 7849 N. Blackstone Avenue, Fresno, 437-0484 and 3415 S. Mooney Boulevard, Visalia. 372-0345 DISNEY ON ICE: MAGIC IN THE STARS Chart a course through the night sky with Mickey, Minnie, and all your favorite Disney characters as they journey through timeless stories like Cinderella and Aladdin, along with modern classics such as Encanto and Moana. 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m. Tickets: $37–$72. Selland Arena, 700 M. Street, Fresno. 621-8763 DIY KIDS WORKSHOPS Join for a free workshop where kids can make a Valentine's Candy Box from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

While supplies last. Visit homedepot.com/ workshops to register in advance and find your local Home Depot. Home Depot.

294-9600 or 431-9860

FIRST SATURDAYS Nurture scientific imaginations, build confidence, and encourage testing, tinkering, creating, and wonder today for only $1! 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Fresno Discovery Center, 1944 N. Winery Avenue, Fresno. 251-5533

MAYA CARES Families are invited to join for a sensory-friendly movie today at 10:30 a.m. Entry is free for guests with special needs and companion tickets are $6. Maya Cinemas, 3090 E. Campus Pointe Drive, Fresno. 549-0005

FRESNO MONSTERS Cheer on your Fresno Monsters as they take on the Ventura Vikings at 5 p.m. Tickets: $14–$17. Gateway Ice Center, 2473 N. Marks Avenue, Fresno. 549-4849

STAR PARTY Observe planets, stars, galaxies, and nebulae while learning about the night sky from the Central Valley Astronomers at dusk. Free! Eastman Lake, 32175 Road 29, Raymond. 288-2094

ILLUMINATURE Handmade Chinese lantern displays will illuminate the Zoo! Entries at 5 and 7 p.m. Tickets: $13–$16.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 W. Belmont Avenue, Fresno. 498-5910

STORYTIME AT PETUNIA’S Kids ages 3–8 are invited for stories along with puppets, music, and crafts at 11 a.m. Free!

Petunia’s Place, 6027 N. Palm Avenue, Fresno. 438-1561

JURASSIC QUEST Play with baby dinosaurs, excavate fossils, train a raptor, and more at 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Tickets: $28–$42.

Fresno Convention Center, 700 M Street, Fresno. 621-8763

2 Sunday

KIDS CLUB Enjoy this free opportunity for kids to learn in a fun, interactive setting.

Focusing on sustainability, this program is designed to teach kids about the importance of living with a green mindset. 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Fashion Fair Mall, 645 E. Shaw Avenue, Fresno. 224-1591

ANIME GAMING CON Enjoy gaming tournaments, card games, vendors, special guests, and more from 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Tickets: $10–$50. Kids 10 and under are free with paid adult. Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 S. Chance Avenue, Fresno. 650-3247

DISNEY ON ICE: MAGIC IN THE STARS Chart a course through the night sky with Mickey, Minnie, and all your favorite Disney characters as they journey through timeless stories like Cinderella and Aladdin, along with modern classics such as Encanto and Moana. 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m. Tickets: $37–$72. Selland Arena, 700 M. Street, Fresno. 621-8763 JURASSIC QUEST Play with baby dinosaurs, excavate fossils, train a raptor, and more at 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Tickets: $28–$42.

Fresno Convention Center, 700 M Street, Fresno. 621-8763

3 Monday FAMILY STORYTIME Join for an interactive storytime for all ages meant to welcome families to the library and build literacy skills. Enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays from 10–11 a.m. Fowler Branch Library, 306 S. Seventh Street, Fowler.

600-9281

4 Tuesday SHEN YUN Experience a performance with classical Chinese dance and traditional stagecraft at 7 p.m. Tickets: $83–$188.

William Saroyan Theatre, 730 M Street, Fresno. 621-8763

Enter to win free tickets to Monster Jam! Experience Monster Jam® live at the Save Mart Center March 7th–9th. With awesome trucks, amazing stunts, and action-packed excitement, its the definition of fun for everyone! You'll be close to the action watching the worlds best drivers tear up the dirt and show off crazy skills and all-out racing in fierce head-to-head battles of speed and skill. Plus, you get to score the drivers in real time based on their skills, stunts, and saves. See the worlds most popular trucks like Grave Digger®, El Toro Loco®, Sparkle Smash, and more only at Monster Jam. As Big As It Gets!

Central California Parent is giving away tickets to some lucky winners! To be entered in our free random drawing, please send a postcard along with your name, address, email, and phone number to: Central California Parent: Monster Jam, 7638 N. Ingram, Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711. Hurry, the deadline to enter is February 23rd! One entry per family, please.

14 • Central California Parent • February 2025

5 Wednesday FAMILY STORYTIME Join for an interactive storytime for all ages meant to welcome families to the library and build literacy skills. Enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays from 2–3 p.m. Orange Cove Branch Library, 815 Park Boulevard, Orange Cove. 600-9292 SHEN YUN Experience a performance with classical Chinese dance and traditional stagecraft at 7 p.m. Tickets: $83–$188.

William Saroyan Theatre, 730 M Street, Fresno. 621-8763

6 Thursday FAMILY STORYTIME Join for an interactive storytime for all ages meant to welcome families to the library and build literacy skills. Enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays from 10–11 a.m. Gillis Branch Library, 629 W. Dakota Avenue, Fresno.

600-9915

7 Friday COLORS & COCOA PAINT NIGHT Warm up with hot cocoa and let your creativity shine! This free, Valentine's-themed painting night is perfect for all ages. 3–6 p.m. Sunset Community Center, 1345 W. Eden Avenue, Fresno. 621-7529 TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR Head to the planetarium for a showing of Invisible Universe at 6 p.m. or Mars at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $3–$5. Reservations are recommended. Downing Planetarium, 5298 N. Maple Avenue, Fresno. 278-4121

8 Saturday B&N STORYTIME Families are invited to this free storytime featuring a different picture book each week at 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 7849 N. Blackstone Avenue, Fresno, 437-0484 and 3415 S. Mooney Boulevard, Visalia. 372-0345 KIDS ZONE School-aged kids can create a Avocado Magnet Valentine's Day Card from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. for free! JCPenney, Fashion Fair, 555 E. Shaw, Fresno. JCPenney, 851 W. Olive Avenue, Merced.

559-224-8330 and 209-723-3981 MAYA CARES Families are invited to join for a sensory-friendly movie today at 10:30 a.m. Entry is free for guests with special needs and companion tickets are $6. Maya Cinemas, 3090 E. Campus Pointe Drive, Fresno. 549-0005

TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR Head to the planetarium for a showing of 3, 2, 1, Liftoff at 2 p.m. or Cosmic Questions at 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $3–$5. Reservations are recommended. Downing Planetarium, 5298 N. Maple Avenue, Fresno. 278-4121

9 Sunday SUPER BOWL PARTY Families are invited for free pre-game activities, snacks, and the Frank H Football Combine! Please wear closed toe shoes if participating in football games, drills, and challenges. 1–4 p.m. Frank H. Ball Park, 760 Mayor Avenue, Fresno. 621-7529

10 Monday FAMILY STORYTIME Join for an interactive storytime for all ages meant to welcome families to the library and build literacy skills. Enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays from 10–11 a.m. Fowler Branch Library, 306 S. Seventh Street, Fowler.

600-9281

11 Tuesday ANNIE This beloved musical brings to life the indomitable spirit of Little Orphan Annie, reminding audiences that hope shines brightest in the darkest of times. 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $49–$167. William Saroyan Theatre, 730 M Street, Fresno. 621-8763 WORLD AG EXPO Families will love exploring the world’s largest annual agricultural expo. Enjoy free seminars, food, and more! Tickets: $20, kids 6 and under are free. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. International Agri-Center, 4500 S. Laspina Street, Tulare. 688-1030

12 Wednesday ANNIE This beloved musical brings to life the indomitable spirit of Little Orphan Annie, reminding audiences that hope shines brightest in the darkest of times. 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $49–$167. William Saroyan Theatre, 730 M Street, Fresno. 621-8763 FAMILY STORYTIME Join for an interactive storytime for all ages meant to welcome families to the library and build literacy skills. Enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays from 2–3 p.m. Orange Cove Branch Library, 815 Park Boulevard, Orange Cove. 600-9292 WORLD AG EXPO Families will love exploring the world’s largest annual agricultural expo. Enjoy free seminars, food, and more! Tickets: $20, kids 6 and under are free. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. International Agri-Center, 4500 S. Laspina Street, Tulare. 688-1030

February 2025 • Central California Parent • 15

13 Thursday BE MINE BASH Get ready to dance the night away at this free, fun-filled event with photo ops, interactive games, and a community dance—perfect for all ages. 4–6 p.m. Einstein Park, 3566 E. Dakota Avenue, Fresno. 621-7529 DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL Get ready for a night of laughter and adventure based on the bestselling series at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $53–$98. William Saroyan Theatre, 730 M Street, Fresno. 621-8763 FAMILY STORYTIME Join for an interactive storytime for all ages meant to welcome families to the library and build literacy skills. Enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays from 10–11 a.m. Gillis Branch Library, 629 W. Dakota Avenue, Fresno. 600-9915

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 2025 WORLD TOUR Enjoy this basketball experience like no other, with ankle-breaking moves, jaw-dropping swag, 4-point shots, rim-rattling dunks, and more! Get ready for world-class basketball showmanship, full-court fun, and the team the whole family will cheer for! 7 p.m. Tickets: $50–$168. Save Mart Center, 2650 E. Shaw Avenue, Fresno. 278-3400 WORLD AG EXPO Families will love exploring the world’s largest annual agricultural expo. Enjoy free seminars, food, and more! Tickets: $20, kids 6 and under are free. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. International Agri-Center, 4500 S. Laspina Street, Tulare. 688-1030

14 Friday ADAPTIVE VALENTINE'S DANCE Join for a free, funfilled afternoon of music, dancing, and socializing! All abilities and ages are welcome to hit the dance floor and celebrate the season of friendship. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Supplies are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Ted C. Wills Community Center, 770 N. San Pablo Avenue, Fresno. 621-7529

Early Childhood Preschool Directory Name, Address, Phone

Ages

Hours

Brighten Academy Preschool 2016 Shaw Ave., Clovis (559) 299-8100

2 to 6 years

6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Brighten Academy Preschool 1825 Austin Ave., Clovis (559) 294-1310

2 to 6 years

6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Brighten Academy Preschool 290 N. Villa Ave., Clovis (559) 298-7880

2 to 6 years

6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Brighten Academy Preschool 5646 N. Figarden Dr., Fresno (559) 492-1238

2 to 6 years

CrossCity Christian Early Education Center 2777 E. Nees Ave., Clovis (559) 299-8484

3 to 6 years

6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Size

92

Comments

Assessment-driven specialized enrichment focusing on the development of academic, social, emotional, gross/fine motor, and problem solving skills.

162

Assessment-driven specialized enrichment focusing on the development of academic, social, emotional, gross/fine motor, and problem solving skills.

135

Assessment-driven specialized enrichment focusing on the development of academic, social, emotional, gross/fine motor, and problem solving skills.

85

Assessment-driven specialized enrichment focusing on the development of academic, social, emotional, gross/fine motor, and problem solving skills.

120

Half-day and extended programs, loving Christian teachers. Curriculum art, music, literature, science, math, reading readiness, Christian nurture. Reasonable tuition.

16 • Central California Parent • February 2025

CUPID'S PARTY Celebrate love and fun at this free, family-friendly Valentine’s party from 4:30–6:30 p.m. Enjoy exciting games, dance in the gym, and get creative by decorating Valentine cookies and dipping treats in chocolate fondue. Enjoy bingo, musical chairs, steal the bean bag, and much more! Light refreshments while supply last. Romain Park Neighborhood Center, 745 N. First Street, Fresno.

621-7529 FAMILY VALENTINE'S DANCE Get ready to dance the night away with free music, fun, and heartwarming memories for all from 5–6 p.m. Inspiration Park, 5770 W. Gettysburg Avenue, Fresno. 621-7529 FRESNO MONSTERS Cheer on your Fresno Monsters as they take on the Long Beach Bombers at 6 p.m. Tickets: $14–$17. Gateway Ice Center, 2473 N. Marks Avenue, Fresno. 549-4849 VALENTINE'S DANCE Enjoy the Valentine Freeze Dance, capture memories at the photo booth, decorate cookies for your Valentine, and craft your own cards. Plus, don’t miss out on Karaoke! Free! 4:30–6:30 p.m. Quigley Park, 808 W. Dakota Avenue, Fresno. 621-7529

15 Saturday B&N STORYTIME Families are invited to this free storytime featuring a different picture book each week at 11 a.m.

Barnes & Noble, 7849 N. Blackstone Avenue, Fresno, 4370484 and 3415 S. Mooney Boulevard, Visalia. 372-0345 DIY-U AT LOWE’S Bring your mini-DIYer into Lowe’s to build a tool chest at one of the select time slots for a workshop hosted by a Red Vest experts from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Walk-ins may be welcomed, call for details. Reserve your space online in advance. Free! Your local Lowe’s. 436-6266 FRESNO MONSTERS Cheer on your Fresno Monsters as they take on the Long Beach Bombers at 5 p.m. Tickets: $14–$17. Gateway Ice Center, 2473 N. Marks Avenue, Fresno. 549-4849 MAYA CARES Families are invited to join for a sensory-friendly movie today at 10:30 a.m. Entry is free for guests with special needs and companion tickets are $6. Maya Cinemas, 3090 E. Campus Pointe Drive, Fresno. 549-0005 STORYTIME AT PETUNIA’S Kids ages 3–8 are invited for stories along with puppets, music, and crafts at 11 a.m.

Free! Petunia’s Place, 6027 N. Palm Avenue, Fresno.

438-1561

16 Sunday FRESNO MONSTERS Cheer on your Fresno Monsters as they take on the Long Beach Bombers at 2 p.m. Tickets: $14–$17. Gateway Ice Center, 2473 N. Marks Avenue, Fresno. 549-4849 THE GREAT GATSBY BALLET Immerse yourself in the dazzling world of the roaring 20s as the iconic novel is brought to life at 6 p.m. Tickets: $58–$149. William Saroyan Theatre, 730 M Street, Fresno. 621-8763 TOY-ANIME COMIC CON Kids of all ages will enjoy this local comic-con with fun, contests, and more! 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. Tickets: $8, kids 10 and under are free. Hanford Fraternal Hall, 1015 N. Tenth Avenue, Hanford. 209-667-8214

CCPMarketplace Books

Entertainment

Lessons & Classes

PIANO AND FLUTE • Children and Adults • Forty Years Experience

FRESNO’S INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE BOOKS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY FROM TODDLERS TO TEENS & ADULTS PUZZLES STUFFED ANIMALS Independ ent Expl oration PUPPETS CoGAMES me

Children‛s Entertainment Programs Bubble Show Bubble Play Time Balloon Artistry

FRESNO FENCING CLUB 5717 N. First Street, Fresno Classes for Girls & Boys Men & Women of all ages.

Learn an

d

P Ston& e SPalm N.W. corner oup Frelay With U CaofliBullard sno s! f o r n ia S 6027 N. Palm Avenue, Fresno, CA ta93704 t e Prescho 559-438-1561 • petuniasbooks.com ol Pr A BOOK IS A GIFT YOU CAN OPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN!

E

ogram

nroll Your Education Your child Chil mu

d Today!

st be 2.9 years old

by Dece Reduced mber 2n cost, ba d of enro sed on fa We apply llment ye mily size The Crea ar. and incom tive Curr Choose th e. icu lum, a re e TIME se ar an ch d DAY th -based an Join us at works d proven for Virtu for you: curricula. al Learnin Full Day Follow CO g & Wee / Half Da VID-19 kly Pack y.

Guidelin ets CALL U es Daily S TOD Free or

Call (559) 224-1910 or visit www.fresno-fencing.com Food & Drink

ART IS SMART!

Come Learn & Play With Us!

Art Makes Learning Fun!

Stone Soup Fresno

AY! 559COME VI 224-7613 SIT US! 1345 E. EMAIL: BULLDO YER_TH G LANE AO@ST , FRESNO ONESOU , CA 9371 PFRESN 0 O.ORG

Math, science, creativity and confidence are just a few things children learn from art. Best of all, art makes learning fun! Come find out why making a mess is the best with Kidcreate Studio!

! th Us State Preschool Program iCalifornia W y a l P

d arne Saonup Fresno on tate ram rnia Shool Prog Presc

PAINTING, DRAWING, CLAY, AND MORE!

• Children must be 2.9 years old by December 2nd of enrollment year • Free or reduced cost, based on family size and income • We apply the Creative Curriculum, a research-based and Independ ent Expl oday! ar. ion ent ye dr T2nord ofatcurricula ilproven enrollm be ouarsroldCbyhDec•emDaily a.

Y l from toicul5:30pm l come. 7:00am curr in o d r an n ye ze proven

E

JoAnn Denney (559) 554-5420

kidcreate.com/fresno 559-777-7994

art classes birthday parties mobile studio

Come Le

arn and PChild Today!

Enroll Stone SYour oup Frelay With U Californ(559) sno s! ia Sta224-7613 t

d ily si be 2.9 ed an ay. on fam must ch-bas Half D child based resear Day / cost, um, a u: Full duced rricul for yo ve Cu e or Re ks ti or ea Cr at w s y The Packet DAY th e appl eekly E and e TIM ng & W Learni oose th Daily Virtual r es fo lin 10 uide oin us A 937 -19 G NO, C COVID 613 FRES Follow -224-7 ANE,

e Lane, Fresno Pres1345 cinfo@stonesoupfresno.org hE.oBulldog ol Prog ram

Comfortable Home, Pet Free, Smokeless Setting

59 G GL AY! 5 O.OR LLDO S TOD 1345 E. BU OUPFRESN

S! NES SIT U @STO THAO YER_

Want to advertise in CCPMarketplace?

Enroll YouMarketplace ads range from $32–$75/month— r Child To day! perfect for any budget! Call (559) 435-1409 or email

Your child

must be 2.9 year Free or s old by Reduced Decemb er 2nd of cost, ba sed on fa We appl enrollmen y The Cr mily size t year. eative Cu and inco Choose th rriculum me. , a resear e TIME an ch d DAY th -based an Join us at works d proven for Virt for you: ual Lear curricula. ning & W Full Day Follow CO / Half Da eekly Pa VID-19 ckets y.

Guidelin CALL U es Daily S TOD

marketing@ccparent.com for a quote or more information.

AY! 559COME V 224-7613 ISIT US! 1345 E. EMAIL: BULLDO YER_TH G LANE AO@STO , FRESN NESOUP O, CA 93 FRESNO 710 .ORG

Ages 8 to Adult Small Classes, Graduations, Diplomas, Field Trips and SEW Much More!

559.392.0527

Jan Casey Janlynncasey@gmail.com learn2sewclovisca.com

February 2025 • Central California Parent • 17

18 Tuesday

CCPMarketplace Lessons & Classes

FAMILY NIGHT Join for a fun night of games, crafts, and stories for families from 6–7 p.m. Reedley Branch Library, 1027 E Street, Reedley. 638-2818

Professional Services

Great Family Doctor Nicholas Orme M.D.

FAMILY STORYTIME Join for an interactive storytime for all ages meant to welcome families to the library and build literacy skills. Enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays from 2–2:30 p.m. West Fresno Branch Library, 188 E. Cesar Chavez Boulevard, Fresno.

600-9277

Family Medicine Infant to Adults Most Insurances Welcome Covered by California Bilingual Spanish Now Taking Humana HMO

19 Wednesday

Call for Your Appointment 559-432-5003 Today!

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT Join for a fun-filled night featuring a free showing of The Little Mermaid. Bring your snacks, pillows, and blankets for a cozy evening from 5:30–8 p.m. Woodward Park Regional Library, 944 E. Perrin Avenue, Fresno. 600-3135

6183 N. Fresno St. Suite 101, Fresno

FAMILY STORYTIME Join for an interactive storytime for all ages meant to welcome families to the library and build literacy skills. Enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays from 2–3 p.m. Orange Cove Branch Library, 815 Park Boulevard, Orange Cove. 600-9292

20 Thursday FAMILY STORYTIME Join for an interactive storytime for all ages meant to welcome families to the library and build literacy skills. Enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays from 10–11 a.m. Gillis Branch Library, 629 W. Dakota Avenue, Fresno. 600-9915

PRIVATE PRIVATE SCHOOL SCHOOL Spanishand and English English Lessons Spanish Lessons ••Classes Classes Online ••Classes Classes One-on-One

Classes in Prices Person •• Affordable FlexibleSchedule Schedule •• Flexible

FRESNO MONSTERS Cheer on your Fresno Monsters as they take on the Bakersfield Roughnecks at 7:45 p.m. Tickets: $14–$17. Gateway Ice Center, 2473 N. Marks Avenue, Fresno. 549-4849

BEING NOT BEINGBILINGUAL BILINGUAL ISISNOT A A LUXURY NECESSITY! LUXURYIT ITIS IS A A NECESSITY! 16161616 W Shaw B-5FRESNO, Fresno, 93711 W ShawAve., Ave.,SUITE SUITE B-5 CACA 93711 Tel. Tel.559-367-4210 559.367.4210 Web: fresnospanishandenglish.com Web: fresnospanishandenglish.com Professional Services

21 Friday FRESNO MONSTERS Cheer on your Fresno Monsters as they take on the Bakersfield Roughnecks at 6 p.m. Tickets: $14–$17. Gateway Ice Center, 2473 N. Marks Avenue, Fresno. 549-4849

AdultFoster Foster Care Adult Care

22 Saturday

Make A Difference From The Comfort Of Your Home

Make A Difference From The Comfort Of Your Home California MENTOR is seeking loving individuals with

an available bedroom, to support anisadult with special California seekCalifornia MENTOR isMENTOR seeking loving individuals with needs. Receive ongoing support and a generous B&N STORYTIME Families are invited to this free ing loving individuals with an with special an availablemonthly bedroom, to support an adult payment ranging from $1,020-$4,500. storytime featuring a different picture book each week needs. Receive ongoing support and a generous available bedroom, to support Contact Tori Winter Today at 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 7849 N. Blackstone AveMake A Difference From The Comfort Of Your Home monthly payment rangingExt. from $1,020-$4,500. nue, Fresno, 437-0484 and 3415 S. Mooney Boulevard, (559) 636-2894 5006

Adult Foster Care Adult Foster Care

Ask a our Re bout fe Progra rral m!

an adult with special needs.

Make A Difference The Comfort Your Home Ask a withVisalia. 372-0345 California MENTORFrom is seeking lovingOfindividuals our R bout www.MentorsWanted.com Receive ongoing support and with eferra Contact Tori Winter Today an available bedroom, to support an adult P rogspecial California MENTOR is seeking loving individuals with ram! l FRESNO MONSTERS Cheer on your Fresno Mona generous monthly payment needs.

Receive ongoing support and a generous an available bedroom, to support an adult with special sters as they take on the Bakersfield Roughnecks at 5 (559) 636-2894 Ext. 5006 needs. Receive ongoing support and a generous monthly payment ranging from $1,020-$4,500. p.m. Tickets: $14–$17. Gateway Ice Center, 2473 N. ranging from $1,020–$4,500. monthly payment ranging from $1,020-$4,500.

Ask

abou www.MentorsWanted.com Contact Tori Winter Today ouArskReabooPuurotr gReraferratl

Contact Tori Winter Today

fe Progra rral m!

(559) Ext. 5006 (559) 636-2894 636-2894 Ext. 5006 www.MentorsWanted.com www.MentorsWanted.com

18 • Central California Parent • February 2025

m!

Marks Avenue, Fresno. 549-4849

MAYA CARES Families are invited to join for a sensory-friendly movie today at 10:30 a.m. Entry is free for guests with special needs and companion tickets are $6. Maya Cinemas, 3090 E. Campus Pointe Drive, Fresno. 549-0005

team and help change a life.

Become a host home provider with our California MENTOR Family Home Agency team and help change a life.

24 Monday FAMILY STORYTIME Join for an interactive storytime for all ages meant to welcome families to the library and build literacy skills. Enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays from 10–11 a.m. Fowler Branch Library, 306 S. Seventh Street, Fowler. 600-9281

CCPMarketplace Professional Services

Professional Services

Call 559-451-0399 ex 3730 Contact Alex to learn morChange e. Change a lifea life Change a life Visit www.MentorsWanted.c Call 559-451-0399 ex 3730

25 Tuesday FAMILY STORYTIME Join for an interactive storytime for all ages meant to welcome families to the library and build literacy skills. Enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays from 2–2:30 p.m. West Fresno Branch Library, 188 E. Cesar Chavez Boulevard, Fresno.

600-9277

BecomeBecome a host home a hostprovider home Change a lifeprovider

Open your home to a person

Open your home to a person We all want We a allplace want to a call place home. to call You home. can help You can make help that make that with disabilities. a reality for awith reality an adult for an with adult disabilities. with disabilities. disabilities. become a host home provider with become a MENTOR host home provider with In our California In our MENTOR California Family Home Family Agency Home program, Agency adults program, with adults with our California MENTOR Family Home our California MENTOR Home developmental developmental disabilities are disabilities matched are and matched liveFamily withand caring live people with caring like you people — like you — Agency program.

Visit www.MentorsWanted.com

26 Wednesday

someone with someone room in with your room homeinand your heart. home Whether and heart. you’re Whether single,you’re married, single, have married, have Agency program.

www.MentorsWanted.com

kids, or are an kids, empty-nester, or are an empty-nester, you can make you a difference can make a asdifference a host home as aprovider. host home provider.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION Celebrate Black History Month with free family bingo, activity tables, and a special photo area from 4–6 p.m.

All ages, register by February 17th. Einstein Park, 3566 E. Dakota Avenue, Fresno. 621-7529

www.MentorsWanted.com

California MENTOR Family Home Agency is a Become a host Become homeaprovider host home withprovider our California with our MENTOR California Family MENTOR HomeFamily Agency Home Agency member of the Sevita family California MENTOR Family Home Agency is a team and help team change and help a life. change a life. member of the Sevita family

Contact Alex Contact to learn Alex more. to learn more.

Call 559-451-0399 Call 559-451-0399 ex 3730 ex 3730

Visit www.MentorsWanted.com Visit www.MentorsWanted.com

FAMILY STORYTIME Join for an interactive storytime for all ages meant to welcome families to the library and build literacy skills. Enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays from 2–3 p.m. Orange Cove Branch Library, 815 Park Boulevard, Orange Cove. 600-9292

Build skills and improve grades!

FREE ASSESSMENT

27 Thursday

with a Credentialed Teacher

FAMILY NIGHT Join for a fun night of games, crafts, and stories for families from 6–7:30 p.m. Fowler Branch Library, 306 S. Seventh Street, Fowler.

600-9281

• Reading Instruction and Intervention • Math Instruction K-6 • Writing, Grammar, Vocabulary K-12 • Study Skills K-12

FAMILY STORYTIME Join for an interactive storytime for all ages meant to welcome families to the library and build literacy skills. Enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays from 10–11 a.m. Gillis Branch Library, 629 W. Dakota Avenue, Fresno. 600-9915

28 Friday FAMILY BINGO NIGHT Gather your family and friends for a night of fun competition and community bonding from 5–6:30 p.m. Play for prizes, enjoy refreshments, and create lasting memories. Free!

Mosqueda Community Center, 4670 E. Butler Avenue, Fresno. 621-7529 FAMILY STORYTIME Join for an interactive storytime for all ages meant to welcome families to the library and build literacy skills. Enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays from 10:30–11 a.m. Mosqueda Branch Library, 4670 E. Butler Avenue, Fresno. 600-4072 There's never enough room in our calendar for all the fun in the Valley.

Visit ccparent.com/calendar for our full calendar of local, family events: including theater performances, farmers markets, and more!

Contact Alex to learn more.

Call Michelle Barnes 559-647-2267

www.CB-Tutoring.com

FREE FAMILY E-NEWSLETTER

Sign up for exclusive giveaways, valuable information between issues, and more! ccparent.com/newsletter

The Magazine for Central California Families

Parents Know Us!

Established 1993 • Name recognition • Highly-visible Reader-oriented • Visually-appealing • Free!

Email marketing@ccparent.com for advertising information!

February 2025 • Central California Parent • 19

CAMP FAIR ‘25 It’s time to plan for your kids’ best summer ever!

Camp Fair is your chance to talk to Camp Representatives from Sleep-Away Camps, Day Camps, Summer Programs, and more!

Saturday, March 29th, 12–4 p.m.

Campus Pointe at Fresno State 3090 E. Campus Pointe Drive in Fresno

FREE

Free Admission • Free Parking Raffles • Freebies • Vendors

Brought to you by Central California Parent–your trusted source for Summer Camp information for 31 years!

Visit ccparent.com or call (559) 435-1409 for more information!

If you’d like to get involved with Camp Fair ‘25 as a vendor, sponsor, or donor, please email marketing@ccparent.com or call us at (559) 435-1409.