NEA Kids' Directory

FREE! March 2019

www.kidsdirectory.com/nea

IN EVERY ISSUE:

Fun Events page 7 Dine on a Dime page 9 1

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High quality child care looks like

LITERACY.

In high quality child care, children learn about the printed word at a young age. They see words everywhere in the classroom.

Children’s names and photos are posted at their cubbies. Calendars and charts show schedules.

Trained caregivers share stories and point out words in books. Even their art supplies are labeled.

Using crayons and markers helps children develop the fine motor skills they need to write.

By age 3, most children understand that pictures and writing are tools for communication.

Making Their Mark Your Child’s Journey to Writing What begins as scribbles will one day be your child’s expression of his thoughts and creativity.

Here’s how you can help make that happen: Read to your baby every day. The spoken word is nutrition for your baby’s brain development just as milk is food for her bones.

By age 1, she will have a vocabulary of about 70 words, but she may choose to use only a few.

Lead him to letters. Display his name in his room. Provide alphabet blocks and books. Sing the alphabet song. Point to words as you read to him. Help him make the connection between marks on paper and the real world.

Provide writing tools. Using crayons, pencils and markers is a step toward writing words. A flattened cardboard box or paper grocery bag makes a fine canvas.

Barely gripping a crayon gives way to holding a pencil between the thumb and forefinger between ages 2 and 3.

Show him the importance of writing through dramatic play. Pretend the main character of the story has to write a lot. Is he a police officer, a waiter, shopkeeper, receptionist, doctor, news reporter or teacher?

Model writing daily. Children love to imitate. Let him see you write.

Around age 3, his scribbles will begin to look like letters. He may draw something and tell you what it is. First comes the drawing, then the name.

Praise her drawing and writing efforts. Between ages 3 and 5, she will plan the picture before she draws it. She has reached a milestone! She has mastered symbolic thinking.

She understands now that the marks on paper are symbols for something else – a cat or a person. Next she’ll read and write!

See the next page for activities to help your child develop the fine motor skills needed for writing.

Click here to visit our Resource Library. You’ll find activities and tips to help you prepare your child for life.

ARBetterBeginnings.com • 1-800-445-3316

Learn more at bit.ly/neamark

Visit our website to find quality child care that helps children express themselves.

Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education

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A NOTE from the Publisher Welcome to the March issue of NEA Kids’ Directory, the newest addition to the Occasions Publishing Group family of publications.

NEA Kids’ Directory has many features that make it a valuable resource for parents, teachers, grandparents, and childcare professionals – anyone who is involved with children. It is compact in size, making it a handy resource to keep in your purse or car. In addition, it offers valuable coupons for use at kid-friendly businesses and includes a calendar of events so you know what’s going on across Northeast Arkansas each month. You’ll even find a convenient dining guide inside that lists restaurants offering free or discounted kids’ meals!

Our goal each month is to help inform our readers of the many opportunities, events, products and services available for families in Northeast Arkansas.

Please remember to support the businesses that advertise in this publication each month and tell them that you saw their ad in NEA Kids’ Directory. If you are interested in advertising in NEA Kids’ Directory, please call us at 931-0012.

Audrey Poff, Publisher & Editor

Meet Our Cover Kid!

Mac Wyatt Colburn Parents: Zac and Heather Colburn photo by Melissa Donner

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Fun Events

March March 1-21 Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center invites you to Feeding Frenzy every Tuesday through Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Learn more about the center’s residents and their feeding habits. Info: crowleysridge.org.

March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 Join Barnes & Noble for Storytime Adventures in the kids’ department each Saturday to read both new and classic stories plus sing fun-filled songs, 11:30 a.m. Info: (870) 336-2543.

Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center introduces one of its resident creatures every Saturday at 10 a.m. during Creature Feature.

Info: crowleysridge.org.

March 1-29 The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library’s Children’s Library will host After School Programs Monday through Friday during the month of March.

Monday’s theme is Master Builders, Tuesday’s is Tabletop Tuesdays, Wednesday’s is Keep Calm and Color On, Thursday’s is Boredom Busters and Friday’s is Extreme STEAM. Each program will begin at 4:30 p.m. Info: (870) 935-5133.

March 5 and 19 Science and engineering go hand-in-hand during Tink Tank, held every other Tuesday at the A-State Museum, located adjacent to the Dean B. Ellis Library, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Info: astate. edu/museum or (870) 972-2074.

March 1 The Foundation of Arts will host its First Fridays at The Forum concert series at 7:30 p.m. at The Forum Theatre in Downtown Jonesboro. The United Voices Choir will be this month’s featured performer.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit foajonesboro.org or call (870) 935-2726.

March 5, 12, 19 and 26 The Lawrence County Library will host Mommy and Me Storytime every Tuesday beginning at 10 a.m. for preschool-aged children and includes one story and a fun arts and crafts activity. Info: (870) 886-3222.

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March 9-15 The Foundation of Arts will present “Beauty and the Beast” on March 9, 11, 12 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. at The Forum Theatre in Downtown Jonesboro. Tickets can be purchased by calling The Forum Box Office at (870) 935-2726 or by visiting foajonesboro.org.

March 16 “Wonder Park” will be the feature at Sensory Saturday hosted by The Center for Exceptional Families where the lights are up and children are allowed to move about as needed, tickets are $6 per person, Jonesboro Hollywood Malco, 9:30 a.m. Info: (870) 336-2786 or thecenterforexceptionalfamilies.org.

March 30 The Traxxas Monster Truck Tour will make its way to the First National Bank Arena at 7:30 p.m. This energetic tour makes a fun experience for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets: ticketmaster.com.

The third annual CASA Carnival will take place at Nettleton Baptist Church from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature children’s games, bounce houses, live music and a chili cook-off.

All proceeds from the event will go towards helping local children in foster care throughout NEA. Info: Jeremy Biggs, (870) 215-2926.

If you would like your event included in our monthly calendar, email details to Cody at cmoore@jonesborooccasions.com www.KidsDirectory.com/NEA

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Dine on a Dime Your Guide to Where Kids Eat FREE!

To have YOUR restaurant featured in this listing, email cmoore@jonesborooccasions.com

Let’s Go Out to Eat!

Monday Bliss Cupcakes Kids 10 and under get a free mini cupcake or frosting shot with the purchase of a regular cupcake. (10 a.m.-9 p.m.)

Thursday Front Page Café 1 free kid’s meal with purchase of adult meal after 4 p.m.

Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.

Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.

Sully’s Kids 10 and under eat free with paying adult

Sully’s Kids 10 and under eat free with paying adult TaMolly’s Kids eat for $1.99 from the kids’ menu (nights only).

Friday Schlotzsky’s Deli Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult meal from 4 p.m. until close.

Tuesday Fazoli’s Kids 12 and under eat for $.99 with adult meal from 5-8 p.m.

Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.

Sully’s Kids 10 and under eat free with paying adult

Pizza Hut Free kid’s buffet with adult buffet purchase.

Saturday Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.

Pizza Inn Free kids’ buffet with adult buffet purchase (nights only).

Qdoba Mexican Eats $1.75 kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult entrée

Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.

Sunday BA Burrito Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree

Ruby Tuesday 1 free kid’s entree per adult entree (starting at 5 p.m.)

Sully’s Kids 10 and under eat free with paying adult

Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.

Wednesday IHOP Kids eat free with purchase of adult entrée from 4-10 p.m.

Qdoba Mexican Eats $1.75 kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult entrée

Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.

Slim Chickens 1 free kid’s meal per adult entrée purchase.

Sully’s Kids 10 and under eat free with paying adult

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W

e recently asked our readers to weigh in on the best that Northeast Arkansas has to offer for kids, parents and families. From their favorite family-friendly restaurant to the best place for after-school care, our readers have made their favorites known and the votes have been counted.

Congratulations to the winners of our fourth annual NEA Kids’ Directory Best Choice Awards for Kids and Families. It is an honor to showcase these individuals, businesses, events and venues that are favorites among families in Northeast Arkansas.

And the Winners Are… Family Friendly Restaurant Chick-Fil-A

Best Birthday Cakes Goad a la Mode

Best Burger TJ’s Burgers

Best Cookies Cookies-N-More

Best Breakfast Fat City Grill

Best Day Care Center Look What I Can Do Learning Center

Finalists: Fat City Grill and Chili’s

Finalists: JTown’s Grill and Five Guys Finalists: JTown’s Grill and Cracker Barrel Best Fast Food Chick-Fil-A

Finalists: Slim Chickens and Zaxby’s Best Pizza UpperCrust

Finalists: Lost Pizza Co. and U.S. Pizza Best Ice Cream/Frozen Custard Andy’s Frozen Custard

Finalists: Swirlz and Baskin Robbins Best Frozen Yogurt Local Culture

Finalists: Andy’s Frozen Custard and Swirlz Best Cupcakes Bliss Cupcakes

Finalists: Bliss Cupcakes and Abby Cakes Finalists: Bliss Cupcakes and Great American Cookie Company

Finalists: Tiny Feet Big Steps and Discovery Island Best Mother’s Day Out Program Central Baptist

Finalists: First Baptist and St. Mark’s Day School Best Private School Ridgefield Christian School

Finalists: Blessed Sacrament School and Concordia Christian Academy Best Public School Jonesboro Public Schools

Finalists: Brookland and Valley View

Best Pre-School Center Jonesboro Public Schools

Finalists: Brookland and Greene County Tech

Finalists: Gigi’s Cupcakes and Abby Cakes 10

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Best Kindergarten Jonesboro Public Schools

Finalists: Brookland and Greene County Tech Best Elementary School Brookland

Finalists: Valley View and Greene County Tech Best After school Program Camp Raider

Finalists: Brookland CAT Club and Greene County Tech Best Summer care Program Brookland CAT Club

Finalists: Camp Raider and Greene County Tech Best Tutoring Service TLC Tutoring Co.

Finalists: The Apple Group and ASU Tutoring Best Movie Theater Jonesboro Hollywood Malco

Finalist: Paragould Cinema 8

Best Kids’ Party Venue Hijinx

Finalists: RPM Athletics and Ultimate Air Best Kids’ Party Rentals GrandSlam

Finalist: Bounce Brothers Entertainment Best Public Park Craighead Forest Park

Finalists: Miracle League and Paragould Community Center Best Public Swimming Pool Paragould Community Center

Finalists: Jonesboro Aquatic Center and Pocahontas Aquatic Center

Best Family Practice Clinic NEA Clinic – NEA Woodsprings Clinic

Finalists: Paragould Family Care Center and St. Bernards First Care Parker Rd. Best OB-GYN Clinic OB-GYN Associates

Finalists: NEA Women’s Clinic and AMMC Women’s Clinic Best Pediatric Clinic The Children’s Clinic

Finalists: Jonesboro Pediatric Clinic and NEA Baptist Pediatrics Best Children’s Therapy Provider CME, Inc.

Finalists: Hands on Learning and Families, Inc.

Best Dental Clinic Jonesboro Pediatric Dental Group

Finalists: Arkansas Dental Clinic and Fergus Spades Dental Care

Best Orthodontic Clinic Fergus Orthodontics

Finalists: Weaver Orthodontics and Westrock Orthodontics Best Eye Care for Kids Elite Eyecare

Finalists: Vision Care Center and Hilltop Eyecare Best Eyewear/Optical Dispensary Elite Eyecare

Finalists: Hilltop Eyecare

Best After Hours Emergency Care St. Bernards Urgent Care on Red Wolf Blvd.

Finalists: NEA Baptist Urgent Care at Hilltop and Paragould Doctor’s Clinic

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Best Hospital St. Bernards

Best Party Supply Store for Kids Golden Grotto

Best Pharmacy Camp’s Medical Pharmacy

Best Sporting Goods Store for Kids Academy Sports

Best Counseling Center Families, Inc.

Best Toy Store J. Christopher Toys

Best Law Practice OMG Law Firm

Best Art School Jonesboro School of Art

Best Hair Care for Kids Great Clips

Best Cheerleading Facility RPM Athletics

Best Infant/Child Photographer Melissa Donner Photography

Best Dance Studio Christie McNeill Dance Studio

Best Family Photographer Melissa Donner Photography

Best Gymnastics Facility Jonesboro Gymnastics Academy

Best Music Store (Instruments) Back Beat Music

Best Karate/Martial Arts Program Joey Perry Martial Arts

Best Children’s Clothing The Children’s Place

Best Music Instruction for Kids Kindermusik of Jonesboro

Best Children’s Consignment Store Ragamuffins

Best Sports Training Program for Kids RPM Athletics

Finalists: NEA Baptist and Arkansas Methodist Medical Center Finalists: Soo’s Drug, Inc. and Kroger Pharmacy Finalists: Life Strategies and Mid-South Health Systems Finalists: Jester Law Firm and Troutt Law Firm Finalists: Sport Clips and Rouge Salon

Finalists: Amy Reeves Photography and CoHo Creative Finalists: Amy Reeves Photography and CoHo Creative Finalist: All Star Music

Finalists: Cutie Patootie and Kiddly Toes Finalist: Talk of The Town

Best Children’s Shoe Store Kiddly Toes

Finalists: Shoe Carnival and Journey’s Shoes

Best Children’s Costume Store Golden Grotto

Finalists: Spirit Halloween and Target

Finalists: Hobby Lobby and Target

Finalists: Play it Again Sports and Hibbett Sports Finalists: Target and Cutie Patootie

Finalists: Dale Case’s Art Class and The Foundation of Arts Finalists: Jonesboro Gymnastics Academy and Cheers Unlimited Finalists: The Floor and The Foundation of Arts

Finalists: Jonesboro Sports Academy and RPM Athletics Finalists: Lee’s Karate and ATA, Paragould

Finalists: Back Beat Music and Jonesboro Suzuki Institute

Finalists: St. Bernards Health & Wellness Sports Training and Jonesboro Sports Academy Best Swimming Instruction Program for Kids Jonesboro Jets

Finalists: The School of Yaya’s Fishes and St. Bernards Health & Wellness Institute

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