Indy's Child // 03.2011

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OpTi on Childcare

Tutoring

Launches Learners to the Next Level

MARCH 2011 * indyschild.com

March 2011 16

tutoring feature

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Ready for camp?

Commentary & Parenting * Publisher’s Note: Thanks, Tom

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profile: March Against Bullying

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parenting 101: Bottle Weaning for Beginners

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parenting 101: Potty-Training 101

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mommy magic: Keeping Up With Changing Times

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dear teacher: Your Questions of Teachers—Answered

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NEWS & SHOPPING * News You Can Use: News, Contests, Celebrations and More

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Health & Wellness * PEDIATRIC Health * *

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When Food is Foe

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Understanding Pediatric Seizures and Epilepsy

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special needs awareness: * * *

Area allies for autism

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women's HEALTH: Hair Loss?

childcare options

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Pediatric Asthma

Summer Camp Savvy for Families With Kids With Special Needs

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The Second Step: Transitioning a Child With Autism Out of First Steps

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Puberty Workshop for Girls and Their Parents

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Around Town * INDY PARKS: 100 Years. 100 Parks. 100 Miles.

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MUSEUM NOTE: Costumes Are Incredible!

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indy on a budget: 10 Tips to Get Back What You Paid

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Family fun in indy: Women's Final Four Family Fun

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* RESOURCES

Spring flowers: daffodils and tulips

Golf, flowers, green grass, blue skies!!!

summer camp guide

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special needs guide

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special needs calendar

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childcare & education directory

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calendar

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classifieds

63 Driving around with the top down on my car!!

Bike rides with my boys!

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Scuba-diving down under!

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Just hanging outside with my kids!

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Play dates at the park

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KAT I E WYNN

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Indy’s Child

FOUNDING PUBLISHER Barbara Wynne barbara@indyschild.com Publisher & President of Sales & Business Development Mary Wynne Cox publisher@indyschild.com interim editor Katie Wynne katie@indyschild.com sales and business development Jennica Zalewski jennica@indyschild.com Art Direction & Design Heather Lipe heather@indyschild.com Events Coordinator & Public Relations Wendy Cox wendy@indyschild.com Controller / ACCOUNTANT Roxanne Burns roxanne@indyschild.com OFFICE MANAGER Karen Ring karen@indyschild.com COVER MODEL Flynn Hornsby COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Jennifer Driscoll Photography www.photosbyjennifer.com

Indy’s Child 921 E. 86th Street, Suite 130 Indianapolis, IN 46240 317.722.8500 (p) 317.722.8510 (f ) indyschild@indyschild.com Copyright: Indy’s Child Parenting Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2011-2011 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more visit www.indyschild.com.

Co mm e n tary & PA R ENTING

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Publisher’s Note

Thank You, Tom

t’s hard for a mother to gather her emotional strength to write a belated love letter to her f irstborn son who lived a good life but departed this life before his parents.

Thomas Neil Wynne, III was born in Houston, Texas on May 12, 1956 shortly before John and I celebrated our f irst anniversary. He ended my career as a schoolteacher and gave us 54 years of joy.

I wanted him to be creative and f ind something to really care about. I wanted him to love to read and have an inquisitive mind. He did. I wanted him to have an abundant life and lots of friends and he did.

Tom’s creativity expressed itself in the poems he wrote, music he composed and enjoyed singing, and the fantasies that he always believed would come true. An example was his plan to own the Chicago Cubs. Like most Wynnes, he was a Cub fan and he never cheered for another baseball team.

Tom’s creativity was seen in his contributions to Indy’s Child. When he served as publisher/editor, he loved

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planning the covers and creating new columns. He wanted to bring the best parenting sites to Indy’s Child readers so he started a column featuring websites that would augment parenting skills. He increased the use of color in our publication and took pleasure in preparing the “padge,” otherwise known as the layout of the magazine.

Tom’s greatest talent was as a people person. He loved selling and never knew a real stranger.

He was an advocate of whatever he was promoting and his last job with Cadence, a nationwide commercial maintenance company with headquarters in Indianapolis, gave him an opportunity to develop business. It was by far his favorite job.

At the end of the day, Tom longed for his home and family. He was full of pride when he would ref lect that his wife, Jan, loved cooking dinner for him almost every night. Children Ryan and Taylor are both working, but home to them is where their parents live. Home was where the piano was; where the dog waited for his ice chips and the grill awaited Tom’s choice of entrees. Home was family. Jan made his home special.

The strengths of family and friends have helped us sustain the sudden loss of our son. The Faith that you have developed over the years certainly gives you hope and the tools to f ind the spiritual strength you need at diff icult times.

Grieving is a necessary part of such a loss and reaching out to close friends for support is so helpful. Everyone at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church reached out to help us. Thank you!

Each person who has shared their love with us by giving hugs, sending e-mails, cards, calls, memorial gifts, contributions of food and f lowers has made us realize how compassionate people are. So on behalf of Jan, Taylor, Ryan and Tom’s proud Mom and Dad---thank you Tom for being a special part of our lives and thank you everyone for sharing in our loss.

NE WS & SH O PPING

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news you can use

Indy's Child Facebook Contests!

Facebook has become an increasingly popular social networking site for friends, families, and businesses alike. Here at Indy’s Child, we are using our Facebook page to keep our loyal readers and fans in touch with what is going on with the magazine. Furthermore, we are using our page to offer exclusive contests and prizes to lucky fans. So how do you become one of our lucky fans? “Like” us on Facebook!

For the month of March, we encourage all of our readers to join us on Facebook (this requires making a Facebook account). When you “Like” our page, you will receive fun announcements about our magazine and about Indy on your News Feed Page. Contests will be announced every few days, so be sure to check back often so you don’t miss one! This month, we are giving away tickets

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Education.com Hosts Virtual Science Fair to Inspire Young Scientists To help make sure that every child experiences the thrill of scientif ic discovery, Education. com is hosting an online science fair. All elementary school, middle school, and high school students are invited to participate and compete for $6,000 in scholarship prizes. If your kid is a science wiz, encourage them to enter this unique contest and showcase their

talents! Winners will be chosen based on overall quality of the project. When you are having fun and working together as a family in this special learning experience, however, everyone is a winner!

Visit www.education. com/virtual-science-fair for more contest details.

Ellen Galinsky, author of Mind in the Making:

The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs Wondering what skills your child should be developing in preschool to prepare them for the future? Day Nursery Association invites Indianapolis parents to meet Ellen Galinsky, author of Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs on Thursday, April 7 from 6:30-7:30 pm at the new JW Marriott, 10 S. West Street downtown. Galinsky says developing these seven skills doesn’t call for expensive toys or equipment or lots of time—they involve doing fun, everyday things in new ways. The author will share practical exercises that are fun for parents and children designed to keep the fire of learning burning brightly in your children's eyes and the skills to help them

be all that they can be. One of the seven skills she will cover is communication, a skill that teachers and employers feel is most lacking today. Communication is much more than understanding language, speaking, reading and writing it, Galinsky points out in her popular new parenting manual. It is the skill of determining what one wants to communicate and realizing how our communications will be understood by others. Admission is free but seating is limited so call 636-9197 ext. 227 to reserve your seat. Ellen Galinsky is author of more than 40 books and reports including The Six Stages of Parenthood and is in Indianapolis to address the Indiana Early Childhood Conference. She is the president of the Families and Work Institute. Learn more about Mind in the Making at www.mindinthemaking.org.

Mayor Announces Support for New Damar Charter School On January 24, 2011, the Mayor of Indianapolis, Gregory A. Ballard, announced his endorsement of the opening of a Damar Charter Academy in central Indiana. As Indiana’s first charter school focusing on students with special learning needs, the opening of Damar Charter Academy in August 2011 will The Children’s Museum of represent monumental Indianapolis was recently change in the educahonored by AOL Travel online tional landscape for as one of the top ten museums in central Indiana children the U.S. for families. Museums living with severe were chosen based on their autism and other very “exhibits and amenities that work significant developperfectly for families” and The mental, intellectual and Children’s Museum was selected behavioral challenges. for having “so much to do you This very exciting anwon’t know where to start.” nouncement is sure to greatly impact the lives Listed in no particular order, of many in our central this list includes many wellIndiana community. known museums including the Smithsonian National Air and To learn more about Damar services and their commitment to caring for people with developmental disabilities, visit www.damar.org/index.cfm.

Lemonade Day!

Simply put, Lemonade Day is about teaching kids how to run a business with a lemonade stand!

Spearheaded by local entrepreneur Scott Jones, Lemonade Day is a FREE, Greater Indianapolis Area initiative that teaches kids K-12 about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, philanthropy and more. Kids Space Museum, the Metropolitan earn their own Museum of Art, the J. money, Paul Getty Museum, win the Museum of great Modern Art, and the prizes American Museum and of Natural History. have a TON We are so fortunate to of fun! have such an incredLast year, ible museum right in our city, more than don’t miss your chance to check 7,400 youth it out! For more information, visset up lemonit www.childrensmuseum.org. ade stands on Lemonade Day, the first Sunday in May!

Indianapolis Children’s Museum Makes Top 10 List of Museums for Families in the U.S.!

backpacks, which they will use to prepare for Lemonade Day --- beginning February 28th at the following sign-up locations:

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Indianapolis Marion County Public Library (ALL branches) Fishers Public Library Noblesville Public Library Westfield Washington Public Library Carmel Clay Public Library Hussey-Mayfield Public Library (Zionsville) Greenwood Public Library Washington Township Public Library (Avon) Brownsburg Public Library

Visit www.lemonadeday.org (click Indianapolis) and follow ‘Lemonade Day Indianapolis’ on facebook and twitter (‘lemonadedayindy’) to learn more!

For more on Scott Jones: www. scottajones.com

This year, kids can sign up – and get their bright yellow Lemonade Day

INDYSCHILD.COM 7

A ROUND TOW N

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indy parks

100 Years. 100 Parks. 100 Miles.

Take the Challenge

No matter whether they are big or small, they all offer a unique style and help us serve a vast county with passive and recreational opportunities to enjoy green space.

Many parks are equipped with playgrounds, pools, spray grounds, shelters, grills, trails, tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, family centers, dog parks, memorials ….and, of course trees, prairies,

Register and then download the challenge worksheet from our website, www.indyparks.org, or pick one up at our facilities. It is easy to do. A challenge might take you to Bertha Ross Park on the northwest side of Indianapolis to find what is written on their plaque; or to Holliday Park to discover a marvelous marble ball rolling on a sheet of water.

Some of the challenges can be found with a little research or by talking to Indy Parks staff. But every challenge is fun and will give you a little more information about your great Park system. Start your Spring Break vacation with this adventure and continue throughout the year.

What will you receive if you complete the challenge?

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A Certificate of Accomplishment

Did you know that Indy Parks has 207 parks in Marion County and is still growing???

woodlands, and flowers.

All the better to serve you and the creatures, birds, butterflies, and plants that call Indiana home too.

Do you know how many Indy Parks we have in Marion County? If you don’t, you’re not alone. Most people guess the number is between 20 and 100. Everyone is amazed to learn the real number is 207 parks and we are still growing! Some of our smaller neighborhood Parks are less than 0.1 of an acre, such as the Hot Shot Tot Lot. Other parks which we call our Regional Parks have hundreds to thousands of acres, like our oldest park, Garf ield Park, and our biggest park at Eagle Creek.

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An Indy Parks picnic blanket (for the first 100 families to complete the challenge) A deeper understanding and appreciation for the resources Indy Parks offers to the citizens

But wait! Don’t stop there! We challenge you to have fun with f itness and walk, run, bike or swim 100 miles! Indy Parks has almost 120 miles of greenways and soft trails, not to mention lap lanes at our aquatics That’s why we want to facilities where you can really swim for miles. So take challenge you to experience the challenge to go a hundred miles, whether you use and learn more about your parks. This year is a special year the Franklin Township Community Park walking trail to celebrate over 100 years of parks. One hundred years ago or the Monon Trail, you will have fun, celebrate 100 George Kessler gave us a vision for a Park and Boulevard years of Parks, and get in shape all at the same time. system and this has grown into what you see today.

Learn about 100 Year Celebration, these We are giving you a challenge: Visit and learn about challenges and more at www.indyparks.org.

100 parks in our system. You will be amazed at what is just around the corner from your front door, or near your school, or part of your greenway corridor.

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bullying feature

March Against Bullying

Understanding How to Recognize and Prevent Bullying What is Bullying?

Bullying comes in many forms. It can be verbal, physical, or psychological and can range from a small whispered comment at the bus stop to physical abuse at the playground.

Girls typically experience verbal and psychological bullying, whereas boys often experience physical intimidation.

Nationwide surveys show that bullying is a widespread problem for children, both in and out of school. It is a problem that affects all children— those who are bullied, those who bully, and those who witness bullying. It is a problem that frequently goes unnoticed by parents and teachers alike. March is National Stop Bullying Month; it is time to take a moment and learn how to recognize and prevent bullying and make a positive difference in your child’s life.

Cyberbullying has become an increasingly popular form of bullying in our world today. Online communication has opened up an entirely new domain for bullies and their victims. It is critical to educate your child about the risks and dangers of the Internet and show them how to use online social networking responsibly.

No matter in what form bullying occurs, it is a serious problem that can lead to longterm psychological issues for your child.

How to Recognize Bullying It is important to keep a close watch on your child for possible signs of bullying.

Here are a few warning signs that your child may be getting bullied:

1.

Child comes home with torn or damaged belongings.

2.

Child has unexplained injuries.

appears frightened to 3. Child travel to and from school. or interest in 4. Performance school suddenly drops.

5.

Child becomes depressed or anxious for unapparent reasons.

6. Child frequently complains of sickness.

7.

Child has low self-esteem or a lack of friends.

How to Prevent Bullying If you recognize any or all of the above warning signs in your child, it is important to take steps to help reduce or prevent the bullying. The first and most important step

is to talk to your child. Establish an open and secure relationship with your child so that he or she feels comfortable telling you about their problems. If your child does not feel comfortable doing this, find a close family friend, a sibling, or one of their school friends who can act as a mediator.

The second step is to collaborate with your child’s school and work to find the root of the problem. Teachers often have a firsthand view of bullying that occurs at school and can implement measures to prevent it from happening. The school can be your greatest ally in bullying prevention.

The same advice holds if you suspect your child is bullying others. Establish an open relationship with both your child and their school. Talk to them about role-reversal; ask them how they would feel if someone bullied them.

The best advice for parents is to act as a good role model for your child and show them how to treat others with respect and kindness.

Remind them of the golden rule: treat others as you wish to be treated.

Katie Wynne

INDYSCHILD.COM 9

H e a lt h & W e lln e ss

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pediatric health

Pediatric Asthma

Spring Has Arrived—Cough, Cough Spring is in the air. For most kids, that means fresh air, sunnier days and outdoor play. But for others, the experience can be quite different. It can mean frequent coughing spells, being out of breath, less energy—and asthma.

Asthma, a long-term disease in the airways of the lungs, can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tight-

are related. In fact, the majority of higher load of allergens in the children with asthma are considered air. As it gets warmer, air quality allergic asthmatics—meaning their changes and, mold levels increase.” asthma is triggered by allergy.

Children are especially susceptible “Seasonal allergies definitely weigh because their airways are much That trigger is often springtime. smaller than those of adults. As Spring brings with it an onslaught into asthma,” explains Raminder of pollens and other allergens that Sufi, M.D., a pediatric pulmonolo- a result, it’s much easier for the wreak havoc on a child’s eyes, nose gist at Peyton Manning Children’s airway to close and the symptoms of asthma to occur. and throat. And while allergies and Hospital at St.Vincent. “We see asthma are separate conditions, they more cases in the spring with a ness and breathing difficulty. A child may go weeks or months without symptoms and then have an exacerbation or attack.

Children of all ages can develop asthma but it’s generally seen in high-risk infants that were born prematurely, or those around ages six to eight. Changes with puberty often bring about asthma as well.

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Shortness of breath, loss of breath Tightened neck and chest muscles Feelings of weakness or tiredness

The #1 symptom Understanding asthma in children Common treatments can be tricky, particularly if your There are two different types child is young and unable to tell you of medicine to treat asthma: what’s ailing them. That’s Quick relief medicine why it’s important for (Albuterol, Xopenex, parents to be aware of the Ventolin or Pro-Air) symptoms and seek help when something is occurLong-term medicine (inhaled steroids such as Pulmicort, ring that’s not normal.

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Dr. Sufi says the chronic cough is the number one symptom of asthma he sees in St.Vincent’s pediatric subspecialty clinic—it is also one of the most misunderstood symptoms.

While children experiencing recurrent wheezing are often easier to figure out – and tend to be diagnosed by primary care doctors early on – the cough associated with asthma may be overlooked or mistaken for something else.

Flovent or Advair or Leukotriene modifying agents like Singulair)

A normal life While asthma sounds frightening – and can be at first – it is a condition that can be well controlled and managed. In fact, once proper treatment is started, most people are unaware that a person has asthma.

“Children who are well treated for their asthma can do almost everything any other child can do. We don’t want to limit what they can do and be afraid of the disease,” explains Danette Fariss, RRT, AE-C, a school and community educator with St.Vincent.

“A chronic cough occurring many days a week is not normal. It should always be checked out by a doctor,” he explains.

Fariss says the condition can be well controlled and shouldn’t hamper activity. “Most people are surprised to learn the number of pro and Olympic athletes who are In fact, a cough may be the asthmatic—approximately 26 peronly symptom your child cent of the last U.S. Olympic team experiences. “A cough can had asthma. Obviously, it doesn’t occur during play, or at have to be limiting,” she shares. night while resting. But a cough is telling your body To schedule an appointment with that something is not right Dr. Sufi, call 317-338-2825. To with the lungs,” he says. bring Danette Fariss to your child’s school, call her at 317-338-3552 Other signs and or email djfariss@st.vincent.org. symptoms of asthma include: Raminder Sufi, MD

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Rapid breathing

Complaint of chest tightness or chest "hurting"

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Whistling sound (wheezing) when breathing

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See-saw motions (retractions) in the chest from labored breathing

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is the Medical Director of the Pediatric Pulmonology Center at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent. Dr. Sufi provides diagnosis, treatment and education for a variety of respiratory conditions in children, including: asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), congenital airway/lung anomalies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, and sinus problems.

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pediatric health

When Food is Foe

Early Intervention, Family Involvement is Key to Overcoming Eating Disorders * * *

By this point in the new year, many people’s diets and f itness regimens have fallen by the wayside. But for the millions of Americans who suffer from eating disorders, calorie counting is a year-round obsession.

Eating disorders are becoming increasingly common in this country, and the majority of sufferers are teenage girls and young adult women. By some estimates, two of every 100 students in America will struggle with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or another eating disorder. This is cause for serious concern, because eating disorders – anorexia in particular – carry the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness, with up to 10% of patients dying of the disease.

food “disappearing” from the house People suffering from anorexia have an intense fear of weight gain and often have a distorted view of their bodies, seeing swollen salivary glands themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously thin.

They may use extreme dieting, excessive exercise, laxatives or abuse of dieting aids or laxatives other methods to lose weight. People with bulimia regularly binge on large quantities of food, often in secret, and then resort to vomiting or laxative abuse to prevent weight gain.

Empowering parents If an eating disorder is suspected, the next step is to seek diagnosis Early detection is critical in the treatment of eating and treatment for the patient. Many people suffering from eating disorders. While many teens successfully hide their disorders refuse to believe they have a problem. Very often, the illness for months and even years, families and friends key to a successful outcome is a supportive, involved family. can be on the lookout for telltale symptoms.

Family-Based Treatment is a philosophy of care that has Common signs of anorexia include: revolutionized this field of medicine since it was developed in England 25 years ago. This approach involves a healthy partnership unexplained weight loss between patients, parents and medical providers, and it is at the core of the clinic I oversee in Indianapolis. The Charis Center, compulsive exercise part of Indiana University Health, is the only clinic of its kind in the state. We offer a multidisciplinary approach to treating eating fatigue disorders, with a team that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, complaints of feeling cold therapists, dietitians, nurses – and even a yoga instructor.

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hair loss absent menstruation

Seven years is the average length of therapy for individuals with eating disorders. That’s a huge commitment for the patient – and for the family as well. But a healthy outcome is well worth the effort.

Common signs of bulimia include:

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preoccupation with food

For more information, please visit www.rileyhospital.org.

constant dieting without significant weight loss

INDYSCHILD.COM 11

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parenting 101

Bottle Weaning for Beginners

It is often one of baby’s f irst words. It’s a comforting item. It’s an important part of the parent-child bonding experience: the bottle. Often bottle feeding can be as hard to give up for a parent as it is for the child.

Many parents f ind bottle weaning success by making the transition to a sippy cup early. When a child begins sitting in a high chair and eating solid food—on average around 7 to 9 months—parents can begin introducing a sippy cup with meals.

Once a child becomes accustomed to using the cup with meals, mealtime bottles can begin to be eliminated. “Children will enjoy drinking from a cup at mealtimes like everyone else,” says Dr. Greenf ield. Greenf ield also recommends not letting a child carry a bottle around with him, but instead suggests giving the child a bottle only at specif ic times.

Dr. Hill recommends weaning gradually from other daily bottles by offering milk or other favorite drinks from cups and offering drinks less desirable to your child, or perhaps only water, from the bottle.

Pediatricians agree that the f inal bottle to be eliminated from your child’s diet should be the bedtime bottle, because it is often the one that helps your child relax and be ready for bed. When my youngest child was approaching the one year mark, I was afraid we would lose some of the closeness that comes from the bedtime bottle.

Yet it’s important to remember the bottle may be going away, but that doesn’t mean that snuggle time has to go away. Keeping 12 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

the routine of snuggling before bedtime by using the time to read a story or sing a song will make the transition easier for you both.

Children should be entirely off the bottle by one year or 15 months at the latest. In addition, Dr. Greenfield recommends transitioning from a sippy cup to a regular cup as soon as possible. “The sucking motion itself can cause problems including an increased risk for ear infections and tooth decay.” All the more reason to make the full transition from bottle to cup as soon as possible.

Rebecca Todd is a freelance writer and the author of the book “What’s the Point?” Visit her at rebeccatodd.wordpress.com.

Additional Resources The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) website offers a plethora of additional information on potty training, bottle weaning and many other areas of concern for parents and children. Visit AAP.org for more information.

Many books are also available.

Check out the AAP book “Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, Birth to Age Five” and “Baby 411: Clear Answers & Smart Advice for Your Baby’s First Year,” and other books by Ari Brown.

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parenting 101

Potty Training 101

For many parents, just the thought of potty training makes them squirm uncomfortably. However, the process doesn’t have to be toilsome.

The process marks an important milestone in your baby’s life and will leave him with a renewed sense of confidence.

Help Your Child Achieve This Important Milestone *

Although some claim that babies can be trained at age one or even younger, most pediatricians agree that babies lack both the physical ability to hold their urine and bowel movements and the mental ability to make the connection between the need and the act until they are much older. “Under 12 months, babies have no conscious control. It’s a connection between the bladder and the brain that is not yet fully developed in a young child,” says Dr. Rachel Greenfield of Circle Center Pediatrics. “Every child is different, but the most common ages to begin potty training are from around 18 months to age 2.”

“This can be a controversial issue as different parents believe different things,” adds. Dr. Quinn Bensi of the St. Vincent Physician Network. “The process is often lengthy and if [parents] begin too early, it can actually take much longer.”

The child begins to hide or look for a private spot to have a bowel movement.

“Your child should also have a developing vocabulary and be old enough to become excited about the process,” adds Dr. Bensi.

Dr. Bensi recommends that parents take the cues from their child and lists certain signs that parents should look for that will indicate that their child is ready to begin the potty training process. Signs include:

If a child is resistant to the process, it’s common for parents to become frustrated. However, it’s important to remember to remain positive and give your child his space. “If a child resists, it’s best to just lay-off,” says Dr. Sarah Hill with Riley at IU Health The child is able to stay dry Methodist. “Give it a month and for up to 3-4 hours at a time. always remain positive. There The child awakens from his/ is no room for negativity in the process or it will not work.” her nap with a dry diaper.

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Bowel movements have become predictable and occur at basically the same time every day.

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Dirty diapers irritate the child and he indicates he would like to be changed.

Pediatricians agree that a rewards system is often a good idea, however most recommend that you keep the rewards small, such as a sticker or a story. In addition, “the reward needs to be immediate [after a successful potty training mo-

ment] and should be accompanied by lots of praise,” says Dr. Bensi.

“Know what motivates your child,” adds Dr. Hill. “Know what makes your child proud and excited.”

The majority of children master potty training by their early 3’s. However, If a child is 3½ to age 4 and is still resistant or not showing the usual cues, it may be time to consult your pediatrician. “There could be many factors involved,” says Dr. Greenfield. “There could be constipation or perhaps a bladder infection that is making the process painful.”

For others, it can be a normal part of the process for a child to master urinating in their potty, but take a little longer for bowel movements. If this is the case, your pediatrician can recommend methods for taking the process gradually and making it a less fearful experience for your child.

Occasionally, an older child who has been potty trained for months,

or even years, may revert and begin having accidents on a regular basis.

“Regression is normal and can be caused by anything,” says Dr. Bensi. “The bladder and bowels can be emotionally triggered.”

There can be many factors involved and it is a normal occurrence for children experiencing some sort of major change in their lives such as beginning a new preschool, a new sibling being introduced to the household, a divorce, a new home or even an illness. Often the parents—who are also going through a change—can begin to feel frustrated. Again, it’s important to remain positive and not punish the child. Negativity will only prolong the process. Once a child falls into a routine, it does not usually take long for them to feel more comfortable and secure and resume their previous toileting habits.

Rebecca Todd is a freelance writer and the author of the book “What’s the Point?”

Visit her at rebeccatodd.wordpress.com.

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pediatric health

Understanding Pediatric Seizures and Epilepsy

Know How to Identify, Treat, and Cope with Seizures and Epilepsy by fever or illness. Epilepsy is a chronic condition, just like asthma or diabetes, where seizures occur and recur without cause,” explains James Pappas, M.D., a pediatric neurologist with Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent. “Our goal is to improve quality of life and help children lead a normal life when possible.”

Living with seizures If you’ve ever seen a child experience a seizure, you know it can be a frightening thing for a parent to witness. In spite of how scary a seizure appears, the majority of children who have been diagnosed with seizures are able to live seizure- and symptomfree lives and have a normal childhood.

“Epilepsy and seizures are more common than most people realize. Many children will have only a single seizure or seizures caused

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To do that, the first thing your doctor will do is diagnose the type of seizure your child is experiencing. Seizures may be partial, involving only part of the brain and body. They may be more generalized and widespread, affecting the whole body or simply causing a period of decreased awareness. Epilepsy is defined as two or more seizures without an immediate cause.

Understanding the symptoms Your observations during a seizure are key to making a diagnosis. Generalized convulsions, or rhythmic jerking with muscle spasms (sometimes accompanied by breathing difficulty or rolling eyes), are the symptoms with which most people are familiar. Convulsions are most often associated with grand mal or febrile

seizures. Seizures may involve both sides or just one side (partial seizure).

Another type of seizure, the petit mal or absence seizure, displays a whole different set of symptoms. Children with this type of seizure develop a loss of awareness with staring or blinking lasting only seconds. This type of seizure can go undiagnosed longer as it may appear, at first, that your child is daydreaming or has focus/attention issues.

Seeking medical treatment If you suspect your child may be suffering from seizures, you should visit your primary care physician. If the seizures last more than five minutes, take your child to the nearest children’s emergency center.

“Sometimes parents may not know that seizures are what a child is experiencing, but they know that something isn’t normal,” shares Lisa McGuire, M.D., also a pediatric neurologist with Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent.

“I tell parents to trust their gut. You know your child and if something doesn’t seem normal you should report it.”

Dr. McGuire says parents’ description of the seizures is particularly helpful because your doctor won’t witness them since seizures are generally unpredictable and short-lived. She asks parents if a child was asleep or awake, or sick or healthy during seizures; if any injuries resulted from them; if consciousness was lost or impaired; and if they had warning before the seizures.

Being a normal kid Most children diagnosed with epilepsy will lead a normal life. In fact, with 70 percent of the children able to control symptoms with medication, most children with seizures or epilepsy are undetectable from other children.

“Most of our young patients have normal lives with the help of medication. For those who don’t respond as well to medication, there are still things we do and encourage the parents to do to improve their quality of life,” Dr. Pappas explains. “As much as possible, we want children with epilepsy to go out and be a normal kids.”

Appointments with Drs. Pappas and McGuire can be scheduled by calling 317-338-1600.

H e a lt h & W e lln e ss

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women's health

Hair Loss?

Check Your Iron Levels About 10% of women in perimenopause and 6 % of postmenopausal women are iron deficient, and up to 75% of teens don’t get enough iron in their diet.

Hair loss is a distressing problem for many women. Stress, nutritional issues, and hormonal changes like those in pregnancy, puberty, menopause or thyroid issues can cause hair loss. Iron def iciency can cause hair loss, and can occur in all age groups. About 10% of women in perimenopause and 6 % of postmenopausal women are iron def icient, and up to 75% of teens don’t get enough iron in their diet.

Iron def iciency can cause anemia, or a low hemoglobin level, but low iron levels can also cause symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations, fast heart rate, exercise intolerance, muscle cramps, restless legs, concentration problems, attention def icits and pica, which is the unusual craving for foods like ice or lettuce. Brittle nails or ridging of the nails can also occur, as can increased hair loss.

It has been commonly thought that a complete blood count, or CBC, is the test for iron def iciency; however, measuring the iron stores of the body with a ferritin level is a more accurate test. Ferritin levels under 50 may slow hair growth and levels under 30 may cause diff iculty in maintaining the current hair follicles.

Taking an iron supplement is one way to increase your levels; however, be sure that you are being monitored by your doctor and are truly def icient before you begin a supplement. Too much

iron can cause iron to deposit in your organs and tissues, leading to damage.

To prevent iron def iciency, it is best to eat foods that are high in iron. Below is a partial list of high iron foods.

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Fruits and vegetables – such as dandelion greens, spinach, arugula, kale, mustard greens, Swiss chard, raisins, peaches, figs and prunes.

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Red Meat, Liver, Chicken and Turkey Beans and Lentils Fish – tuna, halibut, shellfish Whole grains and brown rice Soybean flour Blackstrap Molasses Enriched cereals

Hair loss caused by iron def iciency usually improves with normalizing the iron levels. If you think you might be def icient, check with your doctor.

Angela LaSalle, MD practices Integrative Medicine in Carmel, IN and is board certified in Family Medicine. For more information regarding her practice with Indiana Health Group or on other health topics visit www.angelalasallemd. com . For appts call 317-843-9922.

INDYSCHILD.COM 15

Tutoring Launches Learners to the Next Level

s children grow, parents notice strengths and deficiencies in their academic prowess. Children will have their own learning style and respond to different types of teaching. Often, whether a child is gifted or needs remedial encouragement, tutors can push students to excellence— achieving to the best of their ability.

In years past, tutoring has been seen in a negative light, giving the perception that remedial students are the only ones who need tuition. Today, cut-throat competition in all adolescent arenas requires tutoring for students who need to maintain the utmost credentials for their future plans. "To overcome the hesitation of students or parents, I always remind them that we have enrichment programs that help the children maintain and improve the AP programs at school, ” Susan Abdelsalam with The Tutoring Center said.

16 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

However, tutoring also meets the needs of students struggling with a certain subject or needing assistance with core studying skills or preparation for standardized tests.

A success story The scenarios vary, but parents start with the recognition that their child is not meeting his or her potential. Not getting average scores or scores that will allow entry to the desired college are red flags revealing a need for tutoring services.

Marian Powers, founder and director of Powers Education Services and Powers Assessment Center shared a success story. John’s grades in Algebra had fallen from a C to a D. His teacher reported that John now had missing assignments and had always been a B student until this year. Powers’ testing revealed that John’s IQ was in the superior range, but his short-term memory for numbers was below average. He was becoming frustrated when test results didn’t match his efforts.

With tutoring help from Powers, together they developed strategies to process the numbers in his Algebra problems in a more effective way and his grades improved to the A/B range. The good news, he only needed five hours of tutoring.

Schools do their best working with students, breaking them into leveled learning groups and providing out-of-the-classroom opportunities, but it’s often not enough.

Parents can learn how to help their child by obtaining the teacher’s guidance, reading books or working alongside tutors to better understand the assessment process and tools needed to learn effectively.

Easily accessible tutoring services With tutoring help, not only will parents see improvements in grades and test scores, but they will also discover an enthusiastic learner in their child. Dr. George McDermott with the Irvington Math Center

works alongside his wife Dr. Nivan Saada, both licensed math teachers who help neighborhood kids. They are also contracted with IPS and approved by the state to offer supplemental tutoring and work with in-need families. “We see the areas students are most struggling with, then the concept is heavy hit and given attention they can’t get in a room of 25 kids,” McDermott said.

All tutoring services begin with a personalized assessment, tour of facilities if applicable and interview with potential tutors.

For students needing tutoring on a specific area of subject matter, the Indianapolis Marion County Public Library has teamed up with Tutor.com, a national online tutoring service. The service allows students in grade school through college to receive help with their homework.

Since 2006, Marion county students have logged over 25,000 sessions with online tutors to receive Live Homework help in the subjects of math, science, English and

Services at Tutor.com have recently expanded to help job seekers as well. Furthermore, a new mobile strategy, Tutor.com To Go™, is now available in the Apple App store, giving students mobile access to online lessons, worksheets, videos and test-prep resources.

Finding the right tutor There are different types of tutors, each having their own purpose in the season of academia for their students. Procuring a reputable tutor can be done via word-ofmouth recommendations from other parents, through references from your child’s school or by searching the Indianapolis area for reputable tutors and educators for hire.

The outcome described with John’s experience is ideal and in order to achieve this, parents need to find the right fit for their student

Researching the right tutor

professionals and want to make a significant, positive impact in someone else’s life.

Reading, Arithmetic or All of the above For Chyten Tutors and Test Preparation in Carmel, the measurement side of what they do is more on standardized test preparation.

Yet, on the academic side, it’s much more anecdotal. “We measure with our stateapproved testing tools as well as record how they do on their tests and quizzes. Chyten is pay as you go, no contracts are needed and we work one-on-one,” Paul McCarthy, director of Chyten said. “On the reading and study skills side of things, there are built-in measurements within our tools.

There are reading comprehension tools and in some assessments, reading speed.”

Dr. McDermott said if parents see gains right away, with positive reinforcement, students will gain further understanding thus gain confidence and get less “you’re just not good at math” comments. This confidence and early intervention is a recipe for success. “It’s never too late either.

We have college students coming in for help too,” McDermott said.

and experiencing success with your child will yield years of academic success. to succeed. Home tutors come at a high price, but may match your child’s learning style and attention span. Learning centers like franchised Sylvan Learning Center or Kumon Math and Reading Centers offer one-on-one tutoring as well as small-group tutoring for specific subjects or study skills.

Reading is the foundation for learning other topics. However students often struggle with math. “We always say math is no mystery,” McDermott said. “It has a language of its own, like a foreign language it can become

second nature. Some say if I was taught like this before things would be different. We approach each student scientifically and have an individual diagnosis.”

As a successful tutor, one has to be patient and understand the content and how people learn, thus enabling improvement. A lot of times you see memorization of equations and steps without understanding what they mean so we come up with concrete models and slowly build with a physical model to the abstraction. “We work with a lot of abstract math concepts during our summer camps – exploring mathematics in art, science and nature,” said McDermott.

Whether working with a reputable tutoring service or with a college student with the ability to help your child with a specific skill set, parents have to understand everything about their child’s abilities and needs first and foremost.

Choosing your child’s tutor needs to be taken seriously. Recognizing there is an opportunity for growth when deficiencies arise is important to correct the issue sooner rather than later. Researching the right tutor and experiencing success with your child will yield years of academic success.

Nikki Keever is a freelance writer living in Noblesville, IN with her husband, three children and two dogs.

Thomas Jones, president of Sylvan Learning Center in Indiana said tutors on his staff are not only required to be certified and knowledgeable on the subjects they teach, but also have to have a passion for working with children. “They need to understand problems that the students are facing and be able to handle various situations that might arise,” Jones said. social studies. Live homework help is available with new daily hours: 4 - 10 p.m.

Services from Tutor.com can be accessed by following links from the library’s homepage. An IMCPL library card is required.

A tutor needs to have experience, expertise and success. The tutor needs to be able to create a positive experience and apply the proper teaching technique which best fits that student’s needs. There are those that want to earn extra cash and those that are

INDYSCHILD.COM 17

Ready for

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Tips for Preparing for the Perfect Resident Camp Experience

Camp, especially summer camp, has become an American tradition. Generations of families have gone to camp – making new friends and lifelong memories. For parents of first-time campers, determining if their child is ready for camp and preparing for camp is an exciting and new adventure.

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INDYSCHILD.COM 19

Many families wonder how to determine if a resident camp experience is right for their camper. Resident camps, or sleep away camps, offer a variety of programs for children starting at age seven. Options include coed, single sex, and specialty camps that focus on a particular program. Resident camps offer varying overnight accommodations such as cabins, tents, and tepees. Camp sessions vary in length. Children may stay at camp for a few days, a few weeks, or the entire summer.

Resident camp allows children to develop life skills – such as independence, teamwork and empathy – while taking healthy risks in a safe and nurturing environment. Camp also helps stem summer learning loss and provides an experiential education like no other.

When deciding whether or not a resident camp experience is right, families should take the following into consideration:

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What is the child's age? Children under age 7 may not adjust easily to being away from home. Consider the day camp experience to prepare them for future overnight camps.

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How did the child become interested in camp?

How much persuasion is necessary from families?

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Has the child had positive overnight experiences away from home visiting relatives or friends? Were these separations easy or difficult?

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What are the child’s camp expectations? Learning about the camp experience ahead of time creates positive, realistic expectations.

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Are families able to share consistent and positive messages about camp? Their confidence in a positive experience will be contagious.

It’s important to consider all aspects of the camp experience – how to mentally prepare campers prior to camp, what to pack, and how to help ease homesickness.

To help prepare a f irst-time camper, families should remember that camp decisions, like what to pack, should be made together. When children feel that they are part of the decision-making process, they are more comfortable. It’s important to let the child talk about the upcoming camp experience. Families can remind the child of other times they have been away from home successfully — sleepovers with friends or family, etc. And, most of all, it’s important for children and parents to maintain realistic expectations. Parents should encourage

Five Seasons Family Sports Clubs Bring this to your new club and enjoy yourself for a day!

There will be no guest charge when you bring this in!

Five Seasons is an unparalleled experience that solves the athletics and fitness needs of an individual while providing country club service and social programming. Five Seasons is an exclusive club that has many things to offer you, your family and friends. These include:

Poolside Restaurant Café & Bar Volleyball/Sand Volleyball Racquetball & Squash Banquet Rooms Indoor & Outdoor Heated Pools Indoor & Outdoor Tennis (including clay courts) Trotter/Hammer Strength Free Weight Equipment Cardiovascular Equipment and Cardio Theater Massage Therapy Indoor & Outdoor Basketball Spinning Classes

Free Towels and Lockers Kids Zone Indoor Running Track Nursery/Day Camps Aerobics Zumba Classes Whirlpool/Steam/Sauna Beauty Salon/Spa Tanning Personal Training Yoga / Pilates Kickboxing

And much more…

Five Seasons Family Sports Club 1300 East 96th Street Indianapolis, IN 46240 317-582-1550 Fiveseasonsfamilysportsclub. com

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realistic views of what camp will be like, discussing both the high points and the low points children may experience.

When packing for camp, families need to avoid either packing too much, or not enough. Parents should check with their individual camp for specif ic camp packing lists; however here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when packing for camp:

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Pack items to protect a camper from the sun. Remember to pack items such as scarves, bandannas, baseball caps, or a sunhat, as well as needed eyeglasses, sunglasses, and swimming goggles.

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Clothing is a necessary component of camp, just don’t expect any to return home clean! Don’t forget to pack T-shirts, a swim suit, and shorts for hot days; a jacket, sweatshirt, jeans for cool or cold days; and a raincoat or poncho for rainy days. Also, long pants will

protect a camper from poison ivy, bugs, and thorns during hikes. Check with the camp to see if dress clothes are required.

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Appropriate footwear is one of the most important items to pack for children at camp, especially when they are hiking, spelunking, running, and heading to the beach. Check with the camp to find out what footwear is required.

Remember that shoes should be broken in prior to the start of camp.

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Don’t forget to pack the basics – especially if children are attending resident camp. Items such as towels, a blanket, pillow, pillow

cases, sheets, sleeping bag, laundry bag, and mattress pad may be required. Bathroom kits are essential. Families should pack a brush and comb, shampoo, soap and soap container, toothbrush and holder, toothpaste, deodorant, insect repellent, feminine products, sun block, shaving gear, and lip balm with sun block in it.

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Families should also pack additional items including books and magazines, flashlights and batteries, Frisbees or other toys, a water bottle, and writing materials. When considering electronics, musical instruments, and other special gear, check with the camp about policies.

Once children are packed and ready for camp, families may be worried about homesickness. Research indicates that mild homesickness is normal, and only a small percentage of cases are severe. Families can help children overcome homesickness by exercising a little preparation and patience. Some tips include: Practicing separations, such as sleepovers at a friend's house, prior to camp.

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Making children part of the decision process – including what to pack. The more that children are

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Discuss phone calls home ahead of time. If your child's camp has a no-phone-calls policy, honor it.

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Send a care package or letter to arrive on the first day.

Acknowledge, in a positive way, that you will miss your child. For example, you can say "I am going to miss you, but I know that you will have a good time at camp."

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Pack a personal item from home, such as a stuffed animal.

Don't feel guilty about encouraging your child to stay at camp. For many children, camp is a first step toward independence and plays an important role in their growth and development.

For additional information and tips, families can visit www.CampParents. org, the American Camp Association’s (ACA’s) family resource site. ACA’s Find A Camp search allows families to look for a camp based on region, activity, cultural focus, budget, session length, and much more! In addition, families can follow ACA on Facebook and Twitter for helpful hints and camp information. ©2011 American Camping Association, Inc.

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involved, the more comfortable they will feel being at camp.

INDYSCHILD.COM 21

C *A *M *P G *U *I *D *E Day

BETH-EL ZEDECK EARLY CHILDHOOD: "COMMOTION IN THE OCEAN"

600 W. 70th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Contact: Joanie Waldman Phone: 317-259-6854 Fax: 317-259-6849 Email: jwaldman@bez613.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Traditional Specific Categories: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Hours: Flexible hours. Half Days/Full Days. Also available: early drop off as early as 7:30 am and late pick up anytime up until 6:00 pm/5:30 pm on Fridays.

Dates: Session 1: June 6 – July 1; Sesson 2: July 5 – July 29 Ages/Grades: 12 mos.+, 18 mos.+, 2 yrs.+, 3 yrs.+, 4 and 5 years + Cost: Call for full brochure.

Activities Included: Weekly creative themes, arts and crafts, water fun at the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Aquatic Complex for 3's, 4's and 5's. Water play for 12 months +, 18 months + and 2+.

Music/Creative Movement, Entertainment, Field Trip Fridays for 4's and 5's.

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Camp 2011-OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Our Summer Program recognizes that children learn through play. Play fosters total development and should be interwoven in everything children do. During camp, children will experiment and explore by using all five senses. Our campers will thrive on creativity, exploration, discovery, spontaneity and lots of love.

Camp Invention Various Schools in Indianapolis Contact: Michele Millikan

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Phone: 800-968-4332 Email: campinvention@att.net www.campinvention.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Traditional Specific Categories: Science Enrichment Financial Aid Offered: N/A Hours: 9:00 to 3:30 Dates: Various weeks in June & July Ages/Grades: Entering Grades 1-6 Cost: $185 to $215 Activities Included: Five exciting handson classes daily: take apart appliances, make new inventions, experiment with chemistry and polymers, decipher secret codes, and discover nature's inventors.

Unleash the creative genius in your child!

Camp Invention is a weeklong adventure in creativity. Led by local teachers the program nurtures children�s innate sense of curiosity. Children will learn how to think like inventors, problem-solve, collaborate and create�all while having tons of FUN!

Camp JCC

6701 Hoover Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Phone: 317-251-9467 Fax: 317-251-9493 Email: aatlas@JCCindy.org www.JCCindy.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Arts, Sports, Traditional Specific Categories: Specialty camps include: Glee Club Camp, Arts Camp, Construction Camp, Sports Camps, Equestrian Camp, Eric Gordon Basketball Camp, Pre-School Camp Financial Aid Offered: Scholarship assistance Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm Dates: June 6 - July 29 Ages/Grades: preschool - 8th grade Cost: Varies by camp. Camps

available by the week.

Activities Included: Swimming in the JCC water park, games, arts & crafts, sports, singing, nature and science discovery, cook-outs and more!

All JCC camps are located on the wooded grounds behind the JCC. Campers make use of every inch of the JCC, including our water park, indoor pools, bball gyms, auditorium and stage, and outdoor pavilion. In addition to traditional camp activities, our visiting Israeli counselors add a cultural component to Camp JCC that no other camp offers.

Extended care for children grades K- 5 is available for specialty camps as well as our regular day camps.

Our Camp JCC Registration Day is Sunday, March 20, Noon-2 pm. We're offering 15% discounts on most camps and 1/2-price deposits on all camps THIS DAY ONLY! Plus, those interested in JCC membership will enjoy a $0 enrollment fee ($300) savings and 2 free personal training sessions when they join during camp registration.

Camp Primrose 2011 - Carmel

780 West Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 Contact: Nicole Alvarado Phone: 317-848-8771 Fax: 317-848-8773 Email: Nicole@PrimroseCarmel.com www.PrimroseCarmel.com Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Traditional Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Dates: May 31st - August 8th Ages/Grades: 6 weeks through 12 years old Activities Included: Daily activities including gardening, cooking, science

experiments, hiking, art and water play.

In-school visitors and field trips to parks, museums, ice cream shops and more.

Join us for our exciting summer camp and enjoy activities related to our themes of "Dig! Stir! Chomp!", "Expedition Summer", and "Destination Science".

Camp Primrose-Bridgewater

14711 N Gray Rd, Westfield, IN 46062 Contact: Julie Bowman Phone: 317-848-0123 Fax: 317-848-0124 Email: vhall@primrosebridgewater.com www.primrosebridgewater.com Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Specific Categories: School Program (Before/After) Special Needs Camps Offered: Yes (During everyday camps) Hours: 6:30 a.m. till 6:00 p.m.

Dates: May 31st through August 4th Ages/Grades: 6 weeks through 5th grade Cost: Dependent upon age Activities Included: Field trips to the Mad Scientist, parks, nature centers, farms, and other exciting places. Many different activities with cooking, gardening, water play and science experiments are planned.

Learn how to camp, hike, cook, garden, and explore dinosaur bones and fossils.

This camp will take you on a wild and wacky journey through science and will even have you creating your own volcano.

Camp Primrose -Gray Eagle

12290 Olio Road, Fishers, IN 46037 Contact: Sarah Pendleton Phone: 317-577-9480

Email: sarah@primrosegrayeagle.com Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Hours: 6:30 am - 6:00 pm, Mon-Fri Dates: 5/31/11 - 8/19/11 Ages/Grades: 4 & up (programs also available for Infants - Preschool) Cost: Dependent on age Activities Included: Camp includes snacks and lunch. Activities include field trips, shows, games, experiments, cooking, gardening, etc.

Camp Primrose offers weekly or summer camps for children age 4 and up.

Play soccer, learn karate, cook for fun, and explore nature while making new friends. Campers will enjoy field trips, shows, games and adventures intermixed with weekly activities such as basketball, soccer and music. Stop by today to see a complete calendar of activities.

Camp Primrose--West Clay

Address: 13096 Moultrie St, Carmel, IN 46032 Contact: Julie Bowman Phone: 317-873-0123 Fax: 317-848-0124 Email: jbowman@primrosewestclay.com www.primrosewestclay.com Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Specific Categories: School Program (Before/After) Special Needs Camps Offered: Yes (During everyday camps) Hours: 6:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

Dates: May 31st through August 4th Ages/Grades: 6 weeks through 5th grade Cost: Dependent upon age Activities Included: Field trips to the Mad Scientist, parks, nature centers, farms, and other exciting places.

Many different activities with cook-

ing, gardening, water play and science experiments are planned.

Learn how to camp, hike, cook, garden, and explore dinosaur bones and fossils.

This camp will take you on a wild and wacky journey through science and will even have you creating your own volcano.

Deveau's Gymnastics Day Camp

9032 Technology Drive, Fishers, IN 46038 Contact: Joan Deveau Phone: 317-849-7744 Fax: 317-845-7377 Email: deveausgymnastics@gmail.com www.deveaus.com Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Specific Categories: Gymnastics Special Needs Camps Offered: No Hours: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Dates: June 14-17, 2011 Ages/Grades: 5-18 Cost: $200 ($180 if registered prior to June 1) Requirements of Campers: Sack Lunch, proper attire Activities Included: Gymnastics Apparatus, Tumblng, Trampoline, Dance, Games and Fun Activities

DeVeau's Gymnastics Summer Camp will provide instruction and fun for children who enjoy gymnastics. The program is geared to meet the needs of the beginning through advanced recreational levels.

Indianapolis Art Center Summer Camp

Clear your refrigerator door to make room for the art masterpieces your kids will create during this Spring Break Art Camp. In our half-day and full-day art camps, your kids will have the whole week to let their imaginations run wild.

They'll participate in a variety of activities like papermaking, fabric dyeing, sculpture, hand-built ceramics, painting and drawing. And our instructor-to-camper ratio is 1:10 (1:8 for the younger kids).

Give your kids something valuable— a connection to their own creativity!

Indianapolis Children's Choir Choral Festival

4600 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46208 Phone: 317-940-9640 Fax: 317-940-6129 Email: info@icchoir.org Website: www.icchoir.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Arts Financial Aid Offered: Yes. Need-based financial aid is offered with completed request.

Hours: 9-12 or 1-4 Choose AM or PM session Dates: June 13-18, 2011 Ages/Grades: entering 3-8 Cost: $85 plus $25 registration fee (includes camp t-shirt!)

Requirements of Campers: teacher recommendation or ability to match pitch Activities Included: Mass choir rehearsals, Solfege classes, small group

education/instruction, snacks, Kodaly classes, music theory & public concert!

The Indianapolis Children's Choir brings young people who like to sing to the Butler University campus for a wonderful week of music-making and fun. It's a great way for music-loving kids to learn, laugh, and sing together in a vigorous, fast-paced enjoyable way. The week culminates in an unforgettable experience on the magnificent Clowes Memorial Hall concert stage.

Indianapolis School of Ballet

502 N. Capitol #B, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Contact: Judith Peters, School Adminstrator Phone: 317-955-7525 Fax: 317-955-7526 Email: school@indyballet.org Website: www.indyballet.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Arts, After School Programs Special Needs Camps Offered: Some special needs are able to be accommodated. Please contact us regarding specific requests.

Financial Aid Offered: Some may be possible based on funding to be identified.

Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Mon- Fri Dates: June 6-10 and July 25-29 Ages/Grades: Ages 6-10 Cost: 265 Requirements of Campers: dance attire (leotard & tights or bike shorts & white t-shirt) and footwear (tap shoes and ballet shoes) Activities Included: Dance, art and music activities and instruction; field trips to cultural destinations in downtown Indianapolis.

Looking for an enriching day camp experience for your 6 to 10-year-old? ISB offers professional instruction in ballet and tap as well as arts and crafts, with music as the glue that ties it all together. Trips

to downtown cultural locales have had parents and children begging for more.

Noble Summer Camps

Contact: Diane Gann Phone: 317-254-6623 Fax: 317-726-0257 Email: diane.gann@nobleofindiana.org www.nobleofindiana.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Special Needs Specific Categories: We offer traditional day camp, art, career exploration, sports, handwriting and social skills autism camps.

Special Needs Camps Offered: Yes (Everyday and Specialty camps) Financial Aid Offered: Yes Hours: Camp hours vary depending on the type of camp.

Dates: Dates vary depending on the type of camp.

Ages/Grades: School-age Cost: Costs vary depending on the type of camp.

Requirements of Campers: Bring your lunch; snack will be provided.

Activities Included: Campers will enjoy a variety of activities, make friends and learn new skills in an enriching environment.

Camps are held at Speedway United Methodist Church, Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, East 91st Street Christian Church, St. Monica Catholic Church and Second Presbyterian Church.

Noble Summer Camps are for children with and without disabilities, offering a low staff to camper ratio focused on meeting the needs of each camper.

The Orchard School

615 W. 64th St. gbievenour@orchard. com, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Contact: Jane Gailey /Summer Camp Manager Phone: 317-713-5970 Fax: 317-253-9707 Email: jgailey@orchard.org www.orchard.org

Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Traditional Hours: 7am-6pm Dates: June 6- July 29 Ages/Grades: ages 4 and up Cost: Varies

We offer a wide array of camps.

Camps are 1/2 day and full day week long options. Before/After care available. Some camps offer field trips

Stansfield Circle Girls Sports Camp

Park Tudor Campus, 7200 N. College Avenue, Indianapolis, 46240 Contact: Sue Tobin Phone: 317-345-1262 Fax: 317-818-0077 Email: stobin@primepay.com Website: www.stansfieldcircle.org Gender of Campers: All-Girl Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Sports Special Needs Camps Offered: No Financial Aid Offered: No Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Dates: June 6 - June 10, 2011 Ages/Grades: Graduates of 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th Grades Cost: $170 Requirements of Campers: Bring lunch/sunscreen Activities Included: Quality instruction in Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Tennis, Dance, Service Activities, Friendshipbuilding exercises, Rainy Day Crafts,

24th year as Indy's premiere summer sports camp for girls. Emphasis on improving basic skills, introduction to different sports, camaraderie and fun. Proceeds benefit Stansfield Circle charities including Fletcher Place Community Center.

Registration deadline: May 20, 2011.

Traders Point Creamery Farm Camp

SUM MER C *A *M *P *S!

820 East 67th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220 Contact: Krista Hurst Phone: 317-255-2464 Fax: 317-254-0486 Email: Classes@IndplsArtCenter.org www.IndplsArtCenter.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Arts

Special Needs Camps Offered: Yes (During everyday camps) Financial Aid Offered: Yes Hours: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (first graders through age 7), 1:30-5:30 p.m. (ages 8-12) or 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (ages 8-12) March 29-April 2, 2010 Dates: June-August Ages/Grades: Various Cost: Cost of camps vary.

Activities Included: Variety of art activites from ceramics, painting and drawing to sculpture.

9101 Moore Road, Zionsville, IN 46077

Contact: Amy Rhodes

INDYSCHILD.COM 23

Phone: 317-733-1700 Fax: 317-733-1776 Email: Camp@tpforganics.com www.traderspointcreamery.com Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Animals, Traditional Special Needs Camps Offered: Yes (During everyday camps) Hours: 9:00am-3:30pm Dates: June 13-16(1st-fourth grades) July 11 - 14 (5th-8th grades) August 8 - 11 (1st-4th grades) Ages/Grades: 6 - 10yrs / 11 - 15yrs Cost: $275* (*Option $75 extra for 1 overnight - July camp only) Activities Included: cow milking, collecting eggs, feeding chickens and pigs, hiking, creek stomping, ecological crafts, games

Farm Camp invites children to participate in activities that awaken the senses and encourage the understanding of what it means to be "sustainable". While working and playing in nature on an organic dairy farm, children become more aware of the connection between humans and the web of life.

Residential

Camp Carson YMCA

SU MM ER C *A *M *P *S!

2034 E Lake Road, Princeton, IN 47670 Contact: Mark Scoular, Executive Director Phone: 812-385-3597 Fax: 812-386-1654 Email: campinfo@ymca.evansville.net www.campcarson.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Residential Basic Category: Traditional Specific Categories: Dirt-Bikes and Horseback Specialty Camps Financial Aid Offered: Yes Hours: 1pm Sunday - 7pm Friday Dates: weekly through June and July Ages/Grades: 7-16 years Cost: traditional week ranges $470$570 (ranges from $260 - $960)

24 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

Activities Included: Horseback, motorized dirt-bikes, archery, canoeing, sailing, swimming, kayaking, archery, marksmanship, climbing, pottery, woodworking, fishing, crafts, soccer, basketball, mountain-boards "The Blob", water zip-lines, Tom Sawyer Swing, drumming, etc.

Only 2.5 hours southwest of Indianapolis. Join campers and staff from over 25 different states and 7 countries at southern Indiana's premier summer resident camp. It's easy to see why we were voted # 1 area resident camp

by Kentuckiana Family Magazine.

YMCA Camp Carson has it all! Truly "An Experience that lasts a Lifetime!"

Camp Nuhop Center for Experiential Learning

1077 Hanover Township Road 2916, Perrysville, OH 44864 Contact: The Nuhop Office Phone: 419-289-2227 Fax: 419-289-2227 Email: info@campnuhop.org http://www.campnuhop.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Residential Basic Category: Special Needs Specific Categories: Special Needs Only Special Needs Camps Offered: All camps are designed for children with ADHD, ED, ODD, LD, Asperger Syndrome and other disabilities.

Financial Aid Offered: Yes. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Hours: 9-3 Ages/Grades: 6-18 Cost: $745-$850

Camp Nuhop, located in southern Ashland County in Ohio, is a residential summer camp for all children with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders and behavior disorders. What started out as a one-week program years ago with eight counselors serving 27 children has blossomed into a camp that serves 560 children during six weeks, with a wait-

ing list of 50. The camp has grown to 45 staff members and five directors.

The Howe School Summer Camp

Address: PO Box 240, Howe, IN 46746 Contact: Charles Grady, Director Phone: 260-562-2131 Fax: 260-562-3678 Email: cgrady@thehoweschool.org www.thehoweschool.org Gender of Campers: Both All-Boy and All-Girl Type of Camp: Residential Basic Category: Academic/ Pre-college Specific Categories: Education Hours: Any time Dates: boys (June 19 - July 29) girls (July 31 - Aug 5) Ages/Grades: 9 through 15 Cost: boys (3-wks $2100, 6-wks $3500) girls ($500) Requirements of Campers: be ready to have fun Activities Included: Rifle, ropes course, repelling, archery, boating, canoeing, sports, hiking, nature study, games, physical fitness, camp newsletter, and crafts

The Howe Summer Camp has three and six-week boy�s residential program and a one-week girl�s program. The boys� camp offers leadership, education and discipline, including rifle, archery, swimming, canoeing, physical training, ropes course, repelling, crafts, horsemanship, and games.

Girls� camp offers leadership, skills necessary for young women to succeed in today�s careers, including team building, culinary arts, scrapbooking, crafts, ropes and obstacle course and repelling.

YMCA Camp Potawotami

7255 E 700 S, Wolcottville, IN 46795 Contact: Craig Cheney/ Executive Director Phone: 1-800-966-9622 Fax: 260-351-3915 Email: kay_lafevor@fwymca.org www.fwycamp.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Residential Basic Category: Traditional Special Needs Camps Offered: Yes (Specialty camps) Muscular Dystrophy Camp, Cancer Camp Financial Aid Offered: Yes. Incomebased financial assistance.

Hours: Office 8-4, M-F Dates: June 12-July 30 Ages/Grades: 6-16 Cost: From $400 Activities Included: Archery, Art, Bicycling, Canoeing, Climbing, Dance, Drama, Fine Arts, Fishing, Fitness, Horsemanship, Kayaking, Mini-Farm, Mud Hike, Nature Studies, Sailing, SCUBA, Snorkeling, Swimming, Wilderness Skills

Carefully screened and trained staff will lead campers in building strong character, positive friendships and skills for lifelong well-being.

210 beautiful acres on Blackman Lake, with woods, meadows, wetlands and excellent facilities, combined with creative, caring staff, help make memories to last a lifetime.

Day & Residential

iD Tech Summer Camps at Purdue

Purdue University and 60 Universities Nationwide & Canada Phone: 888-709-TECH (8324) Email: info@internalDrive.com www.internalDrive.com Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day AND Residential Basic Category: Academic/Pre-college Hours: Weeklong day and overnight camps.

Dates: June - August Ages/Grades: 7 - 18 Cost: Cost varies Activities Included: Students create video games, iPhone and iPad apps, C++ and Java programs, websites w/Flash, movies w/ Final Cut Studio, Maya 3D animations, robots and more w/products experts use in their professions

The World�s #1 summer tech camp!

Students ages 7-18 create video games, iPhone apps, websites and more. Weeklong, day and overnight programs located at 60 prestigious universities nationwide including Purdue, Harvard, Stanford and others. Also Teen programs: iD Gaming Academy, iD Visual Arts Academy and iD Programming Academy. Free year-round learning w/iD 365. Save w/code IN22L.

SUM MER C *A *M *P *S!

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26 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

s pT i o n O Childcare

hether it’s time to go back to work after weeks, months or years of being home, f inding the right childcare situation can be stressful. The process involves not only f inding the right provider, but also adapting to a new routine and a new ‘normal.’ Parents may feel guilty for needing to work and be away from their child(ren) for long stretches of time; however, parents should look at having good childcare in place as an advantage and not a disadvantage for children.

What is one of the biggest advantages of quality childcare for children and parents? It’s knowing that your child has a positive attachment to someone else other than you, which helps alleviate the guilt of being apart for much of the day.

There are a number of childcare options in the Indianapolis area as well as free resources to help parents and childcare providers network, learn and take advantage of the options that are available.

Even for stay-at-home mothers who have no plans to return to work while their children are small, developing attachments with other adults is important, according to Penelope Leach, author of Your Baby & Child. Leach points out that “Even if you don’t need childcare right now, plans could change or disasters could strike….and loving a few other people a bit makes life safer.”

Machelle Hartford, founder of Solutions Home Staff ing, helps parents f ind in-home help.

Solutions Home Staff ing offers everything from a full-time nanny to a mother’s helper for a new mom just home from the hospital.

Nannies

Hartford also can help parents employ nannies who have special needs experience and education, INDYSCHILD.COM 27

as well as nannies with multiples or tutoring experience. What’s an advantage in going with an agency when searching for a nanny? “The biggest advantage is meeting with me and f inding out exactly what your job description is and then going to my database and f inding someone who’s an exact match,” Hartford says. “Rather than them making dozens of phone calls, hopefully if I’ve done my job I’ve screened it down to three or four people that are what you’re looking for.”

Childcare Centers Typically serving children ages 6 weeks through 6 years, childcare centers often provide educational opportunities in addition to childcare. Day Nursery operates seven centers around the city. Susan Davis of Day Nursery notes, “we like the term childcare, not daycare. We’re taking care of children, not days.” About Day Nursery she says, “once you get into the childcare situation and watch your child develop, there is an infant and toddler specialist on staff. They’re there to train childcare providers, but also to answer parents developmental questions.”

In-Home Childcare Charity Holland, owner of HOME Childcare located in Fishers, operates her center out of a house dedicated solely to childcare. “My setup is different than the average home setting since I don’t live here,” Holland explains. “I decked out the whole f irst level of the house.” Holland offers a preschool curriculum program and accommodates special requests from parents, such as cloth diapering and organic food.

28 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

According to Holland, “many families like it because the children get to mingle with different age groups, which is especially helpful for siblings who then get to see each other during the day.”

bring the kids in since one of them has to go to work and the other one is not off work yet,” Grant adds.

Babysitters

Finding Quality Care

Kristin Slade is the local owner of national franchise Seeking Sitters, an on-demand babysitting service. The membership-based service provides sitters for members whenever they are needed (members make their requests online and pay online as well). Slade handles all the interviews and reference checks; and background investigations are also performed on all sitters.

Mindy Bennett, director of programs for Child Care Answers, which hosts the Paths to Quality statewide childcare quality ratings system, says, “Child Care Answers is a free service for parents. We have over 1400 childcare providers in Central Indiana that can help meet parents unique and individual needs and can walk parents through all of the quality indicators that they should be looking for in quality childcare. For one family it might be right to have a neighbor down the street and we can help them with that, and for another family it might be right to have a ministry-based childcare and we can help with that too, or whatever they are looking for.”

Need a sitter in a pinch? Slade can often f ind one within a few hours for members. “We’re a nanny alternative,” Slade says. Sitters call the families ahead of time and bring ageappropriate crafts and things to do with the kids.

“They’re coming to interact with the kids.”

Drop-in Childcare Misty Grant is the owner of Kidz Depot Dropin Childcare, located in Brownsburg. The dropin center takes children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. “There are no registration fees, and no fees except for the time that they’re here,” Grant says.

With evening hours and late-night hours on weekends, parents enjoy the f lexibility. “We have a number of families that come three or four days a week, and then some that come once a week or once a month. When both parents are working different hours, there might be a time span where they have to

Take your time When adjusting to a new caregiver, your baby or child will need time to get to know and love her, and vice versa. Acceptance from the parents about the new situation is also crucial. “If parents are sure that what they’re doing is right, or certainly all right…you can be sure that even the most clingy one-year-old will eventually take childcare in stride if you can give him enough time to adapt,” Leach says in her book.

KRISTA BOCKO is a freelance writer and lives in Noblesville with her husband and four children.

She can be reached at kbocko@sbcglobal.net

R

cES

eS o u r

Susa n Dav is, d i rector of publ ic relat ions for Day Nur ser y, the oldest ch i ldca re prov ider in the st ate, encourages pa rent s to seek out the f ree resources offered th roug h the ch i ldca re refer ra l agenc y Ch i ld Ca re A nswer s ( CCA). CCA ser ves Ma r ion, Hend r ick s, Ha m i lton a nd Joh nson Count ies. “We bel ieve i n qua l it y ch i ldca re for a l l ch i ld ren, no m at ter what the set t ing. CCA is there to ex pla in the d i f ference bet ween a l l the opt ions so pa rent s ca n m a ke a n educated choice for their fa m i ly.” Visit w w w.childcareanswers.com to t a ke adva nt age of th is va luable resource.

Paths to Quality is Indiana's voluntary quality rating system for licensed childcare programs, recognizing childcare that exceeds Indiana’s quality benchmarks. The standards for Paths to Quality are consistent but vary according to the requirements for the type of childcare facility in question; for instance if it is an in-home center vs. an unlicensed registered ministry. The system validates programs and providers for ongoing efforts to achieve higher standards of quality and provides incentives and awards for success.

Visit www.childcareanswers.com or call 317-631-4643 to begin your childcare search and select providers who meet the criteria of the Paths To Quality rating system.

The National Association of Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) is the national website dedicated to providing help for both parents and providers. See www. childcareaware.org for a wealth of resources to assist in your childcare search.

Indiana Association for Child Care Resource and Referral (IACCRR) builds networks with parents, childcare providers and communities to serve families better. www.iaccrr.org

What do Parents Want?

Top Seven Things Parents Look for in Childcare

1.

Safe environment

2. Experience of caregivers 3. Good reputation 4. Education of caregivers related to working 5. Training with young children

6. Curriculum or activities for children 7.

Program schedule (days/times)

(Based on results of IACCRR’s parent surveys 2009-2010)

INDYSCHILD.COM 29

30 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

A ROUND TOW N

*

museum note

Costumes Are Incredible!

New Exhibit Opening at the Children's Museum Encouraging a preschooler to play dress up is usually as easy as bringing out a box of scarves, hats and other old clothes. A simple blanket becomes a dress f it for a princess or a cape worthy of a superhero and a hat might suddenly turn your darling little one into a daring cowboy or cowgirl capable of roping your furniture with a jump rope. Through the simple act of putting on a different outf it, preschoolers can become entirely different people.

Much like dressing up helps preschoolers to imagine and play, actors use costumes to help visualize their role. By putting on a costume, they begin to feel like the character they are going to play,enabling them to give Enjoy entering a world of fantasy and make-believe their best performance. at the Incredible Costumes from Film and TV exhibit This spring open March 12 through May 8 at break The Children’s The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

Museum is bringing this same concept to visitors in its newest exhibit, Incredible Costumes from Film and TV! In Incredible Costumes your little ones will be able to view costumes from many well-known film and television series including the pointy hat of the Wicked Witch of the West from 1939’s The Wizard of Oz, the Caped Crusader costume from

Batman & Robin (1997) and the reptilian Gorn from Star Trek (1966). In addition to viewing some famous costumes, children and families visiting Incredible Costumes will learn what goes into creating a costume, what actors and actresses do to help become that character and why a great costume is an important part of the story-telling process. And of course, no visit to an exhibit about costumes would be complete without the opportunity to play a little dress-up of your own. Adult and child-sized costumes will be available to create characters for your own family.

Incredible Costumes from Film and TV comes to The Children’s Museum from Seattle’s Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum. This traveling exhibit features many science fiction and fantasy costumes, and The Children’s Museum is adding to this exhibit with pieces from its own collection including a Superman cape from Superman: The Movie (1978) and a green dress worn by Penny Marshall on Laverne & Shirley (1976-1983).

This spring break, your family will enjoy entering a world of fantasy and make-believe when visiting Incredible Costumes from Film and TV. This exhibit will be open March 12 through May 8 at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

Organized by the Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum, Seattle, Washington.

Jaclyn Falkenstein is the Public Relations Coordinator at The Children's Museum in Indianapolis.

INDYSCHILD.COM 31

d l i h E xceptional C

Ever piece together a jigsaw puzzle without a

Area Allies

for Autism

A Profile on the New Indiana Allies Program

picture to use as a guide? Not easy. Now try piecing together resources for a child diagnosed with autism. It’s every bit as puzzling. Area autism advocates are working hard to change this. Most recently, the Autism Society of Indiana unveiled its Indiana Allies program and it’s worth a look.

Indiana Allies is a statewide peer-to-peer support program meant to help people who are personally affected by autism or a dual diagnosis of autism and a mental health illness. It literally connects people in need with people in the know. Real people helping real people. Parents who think their child might have autism can connect with an Ally to discuss necessary f irst steps toward obtaining a diagnosis. Families with a child already diagnosed can f ind help through the program too, as can teachers, pediatricians, siblings and others with questions related to autism. The program, funded by the Department of Disability and Rehabilitative Services, is also free to the public.

Notably, each Ally is personally touched by autism or a dual diagnosis so are able to draw on their own experiences and understanding of the disorders in addition to the training they receive through the Autism Society of Indiana.

Dana Renay, executive director of the Autism Society of Indiana, says such peer-to-peer support is important. “If you’ve just gotten the diagnosis, it can be the most devastating thing. You can’t even describe it. The benefit of a peer-to-peer relationship is you don’t have to describe it. The Allies know. They’ve been through it, are going through it, and will go through it forever. There’s an inherent understanding of the issues so you don’t have to explain it. It’s the common bond we all have as people touched by autism,” she says.

The program offers a broad range of services. The Allies can simply listen. They are prepared to help with an individualized education plan. They can help strategize with parents on treatment options, though they do not endorse or promote any specific service providers or organizations. They do training for parents, schools, churches, and others, including offering Autism 101 workshops.

They help start up support groups, help with visual schedules at schools, discuss behavior plans, help parents through justice system issues brought on by behavioral issues, and much more.

“Literally the only things we don’t do are transport people, we don’t diagnose, and we don’t say there’s one way to do it,” says Renay.

Indiana families can connect directly with a local Ally by calling 800-609-8449 or emailing info@inautism.org.

Additionally, Indiana Allies works in conjunction with Autism Resource Network of Indiana, a new web portal developed by the Autism Society found at www.arnionline.org, Renay says it’s the most comprehensive list of autism-related resources for the state. The site may be a good one for families touched by autism to bookmark.

Carrie Bishop is a freelance writer and mother of two young sons whose daily antics inspire her work and her life. Contact her at freelancewritercarrie@gmail.com.

34 2011 34 INDY’S INDY’SCHILD CHILD * MARCH 2011 *March

INDYSCHILD.COM 35

H e a lt h & W e lln e ss

*

special needs awareness

Summer C *A *M *P Savvy for Families with Kids with Special Needs How to Find the Right Camp for your Kid

March it may be but summer is right around corner. Yippee! Summertime means sunshine, sunblock and summer camp. While the sun and Coppertone generally work themselves out, summer camp needs a bit of planning, especially for kids with special needs. Many camps are enrolling campers right now so don’t delay in securing a great summertime camp experience for your child. But where to start?

Choosing a summer camp Brigitta Adkins, executive director for the American Camp Association Indiana, offers some worthwhile advice for parents looking to enroll their children with special needs in a summer camp.

First, she says, don’t assume that because a child has a special need that he or she must attend a specialty camp that is solely for kids with special needs. For instance, a child who has asthma doesn’t have to be limited to asthma-specific camps.

36 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

“Don’t assume that because a camp doesn’t list a particular special need that your child can’t attend. Many camps can in fact incorporate special needs into their program. Many camps follow the concept of inclusiveness, allowing those with special needs to not feel so different and helping those without special needs to be aware and accepting of those with needs,” Adkins says.

Adkins also advises parents to make a list of their child’s needs before contacting the camp. This will help the parents and camp director work together as a team to create options that will best suit the child. Of course some camps may not be able to accommodate every special need, but it is worth checking into it she says.

To choose the ideal camp for a particular kid, About Special Kids parent liaison Suzanne Aaron says parents should take their child’s strengths and challenges into account. She also says camps specific to a special need will give good details about

what kids the camp is intended to serve and often have a thorough application process that will further help families determine if the camp is a good fit.

a lot of nervousness and anxiety about [going to camp]. If you get to see it before all the kids get here, it makes it easier on the family,” he says.

Aaron says another good way to assure a child will be attending a safe camp is to see if they are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).

Tami Wanninger, director of children and therapy services for Noble of Indiana, adds that camps need to have trained staff that knows how to work with kids with special needs, are able to adapt to meet the needs of the campers, and can modify the schedule for kids, like those with autism who have a difficult time transitioning from one activity to the next.

“I think camp is a really good idea for all kids. I think for kids with special needs, it’s even more important,” says Tim Nowak, ACA board member and program director of Jameson Camp.

He believes summer camp provides a good opportunity for kids to develop social skills, friendships and character.

He also says that most camps are more than happy to give families tours of their facilities to further aid in the camp decision-making process and increase a family’s comfort level with the camp.

“That can be a really big thing for a child with special needs because there’s

Wanninger also says parents need to educate themselves on the types of camps available, ask the right questions of the camp staff, learn staff-to-camper ratios, and understand their child’s interests before enrolling in a program.

Fortunately a search for area camps is easier than a broad Google search. A few online spots that provide lists of area camps for parents to browse include

challenges, offers About Special Kids (www.aboutspecialkids. analysis program, designed to help kids traditional camp retain skills they learned during school. org), the Department of Education sessions as well as a (www.doe.in.gov) and ACA (http://find.

Wellness Camp that “Our ABA therapist will do an assessment acacamps.org/finding_a_camp.php). focuses on healthy prior to camp and will follow the child’s IEP (individualized education plan),” Jones explains. “It’s Types of camps available not a typical summer camp.

A quick look at these sites reveals that despite Don’t assume that because a camp doesn’t It’s very education based the poor economy, there still is a good list a particular special need that your and essential skills based.” variety of summer camp options for kids She says the kids work on of all abilities. Families will be able to find child can’t attend. —Brigitta Adkins, executive everything from overnight camps to day camps applying these skills into a director for the American Camp Association Indiana natural environment. The to camps that occur just a few hours a week. camp incorporates recreation living, nutrition and Noble of Indiana is one organization that offers therapists, music therapists, occupational broad summer camp programming for area kids therapists and speech therapists, among others. exercise, and the Tataya Mato camp with special needs. Of note, Noble of Indiana for kids impacted Meaningful Day Services also offers a also considers their camps inclusive so they

by HIV/AIDS. make space available to kids of typical abilities summer program for teens that works on their transition into adulthood. The focus as well. It’s summer programming includes is on daily living skills, cooking, social a social skills camp, art camp, handwriting Affording camp camp, career camp and a one-week sports camp skills, and music and recreation therapy.

These are obviously just a few of the designed to get kids thinking about Special many camps available to area kids with Olympics. In addition, the organization offers Families looking for a more traditional other traditional-type camps where Wanninger experience for their camper may be interested special needs. Of course finding a camp is one thing, affording it is another. Before says kids get to canoe, work on social and daily in a program like Jameson Camp. Located throwing in the towel before summer living skills, and other fun activities associated on 100 acres on the west side of Indianapolis, even starts, know there are ways to Jameson Camp has been around since 1928 with typical summer camp experiences. make summer camp more affordable. and serves about 500 kids each summer.

The residential camp focuses on character Meaningful Day Services, a company that “I recommend parents talk to the camp development for youth ages 7 to 17. provides therapy and support for individuals director. Most camps are people-friendly with developmental disabilities, is another organizations and are good at being there The camp offers a variety of activities for summer camp resource parents of children for the parents,” says Nowak. He says with autism or other developmental disabilities kids such as archery, culinary arts, outdoor many camps have scholarship programs recreation, challenge course, and more. may not be aware of. Jennifer Jones, behavior or offer fees on a sliding scale analyst and director of training at the company, Jameson Camp, which trains its staff to serve says their camp is an ABA, or applied behavior children with minor social or emotional

Wanninger agrees that most camps offer some type of scholarship program. She notes that Noble of Indiana camps are $200 per week but says the organization writes a lot of grants to help offset the cost for families.

In fact, last year the organization gave out $22,000 in camp scholarships. “We will sit down and determine if the family has a need. I have never turned anybody away for a scholarship,” she says, adding that they offer some full scholarships and some partial ones.

That’s good news. Even better news: summer is on the horizon. Time to think camp.

Carrie Bishop is a freelance writer and mother of two young sons whose daily antics inspire her work and her life. Contact her at freelancewritercarrie@gmail.com.

INDYSCHILD.COM 37

38 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

H E A LT H & W ELLNESS

*

The Second Step: Transitioning a Child with Autism Out of First Steps

special needs awareness

What to Expect Once Your Child Leaves First Steps Indiana's First Steps System is a family-centered, locally-based, coordinated system that provides early intervention services to infants and young children with disabilities or who are developmentally vulnerable. records and birth certificate, which will allow for the initiation of preschool services.

Parents may also want to send additional documents that include medical, educational, or therapeutic information that may be helpful to the child’s soon-to-be school.

as the IFSP should include steps taken 4. Just to support the transition of the child and family into the First Steps system and throughout the program, it will also include essential steps that will support the child and family out of the program. Part of this will include a transition meeting with the parents and their school district, as well as other service providers important to the child’s continued growth. the transition meeting, there will 5. After be an evaluation of the child, which of

Indiana First Steps early intervention program can be a blessing for families who catch their child’s autism early. Once a child turns 3, however, he or she is no longer eligible for this program. What is a family’s next step after First Steps?

The short answer is transition into services that fall under the Indiana Department of Education. This means a child will go from a home-based program to one that is school based. Many school districts run their own 3 to 5 year old programs that are equipped to help children with special needs, including those with an autism spectrum disorder. Some families also choose to enter their child into a private, center-based program to receive various therapies. It depends on the child’s unique set of needs and the family’s financial and otherwise life circumstances. This article will focus on the transition from First Steps into the public school setting.

What’s next step by step Generally speaking, parents can expect to encounter the following process as their child turns 3 and moves out of First Steps and into the local school district:

1.

2.

3.

As the child approaches age 3, a formal transition plan should be put into place by the First Steps service coordinator; however, the process should be discussed as early as the first time the child receives early intervention services and throughout his or her involvement in First Steps. Further, all decisions about a child’s programming needs will be made prior to the third birthday.

At 30 months of age, or as soon as a child is identified thereafter until he or she is 36 months, the First Steps service coordinator will complete and forward a document called the First Steps 30 Month Notice to Local Educational Agency to the school along with other documentation such as the child’s most recent individualized family service plan (IFSP), social history, recent assessments and progress summaries, physician’s health summary, and other documents.

course the parents are involved in as well. The evaluation will often include a school psychologist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, parent and others deemed appropriate during the transition meeting. The evaluation process will determine if a child should attend the district’s developmental preschool or enroll in a typical community-based preschool while tapping into specific therapies offered through the public school system.

6.

A case conference committee meeting follows the evaluation. This effort includes the family and aims to identify the needs of the child, determine eligibility for services, and identify placement options in the least restrictive environment. For eligible children, the case conference committee will develop an individualized education plan by the child’s third birthday.

It’s a process to say the least; yet, it exists to help the child transition from the home-based First Steps into a school setting as easily and seamlessly as possible.

School district autism conTo prepare for the transition, the service cosultants can help ordinator will help the family gather information required by the child’s school. This In addition to a family’s familiar First Steps includes proof of residency, immunization service coordinator, parents with a child-

with autism can also tap into another wellinformed resource who focuses exclusively on autism spectrum disorders. This person is called an autism consultant, leader or mentor. Each school district now has one such advocate who, among many duties, is available to help with the transition from First Steps, including the creation of the IEP. “The increasing incidents of autism has put a strain on schools to provide the types of services these types of kids need,” says Cathy Pratt, director for the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University. Pratt’s organization has trained and worked with many of the state’s autism leaders.

“A lot of times special education directors are busy and may not have a lot of knowledge about autism. [The autism leaders] allow parents to connect with someone within their district who speaks their language and can help them through the process.

These are leaders who are trained through us. We support them. They network with each other across the state,” says Pratt.

Edi Powell is among the group of autism consultants. A Washington Township teacher for 17 years, Powell has been working now for eight years exclusively with kids who have autism, their families, and teachers who have students on the autism spectrum. A bit of a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to supporting the autism community within Washington Township schools, she and her peers are great resources for families transitioning out of First Steps into their local school system. Parents can find Powell or their local autism consultant by calling their school district or looking on the Indiana Resource Center for Autism website under the tab for Autism Support in School Districts.

Don’t miss a developmental step First Steps is a terrific resource for families with a child who has autism or other developmental delay or disorder. With the state’s established process to transition kids out of their early intervention program and into a school-based setting, and school resources like autism consultants, there is no reason families should miss a step when transitioning into the public school system.

Carrie Bishop is a freelance writer and mother of two young sons whose daily antics inspire her work and her life. Contact her at freelancewritercarrie@gmail.com.

INDYSCHILD.COM 39

Special Needs Guide Applied behavior center

7901 E. 88th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46256 Phone: 317-849-5437 www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org

The mission of the Applied Behavior Center for Autism is to provide high quality ABA and Verbal Behavior therapy and consulting services to children and their families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders by using researched based ABA methodology delivered by highly qualified and certified professionals to increase language skills, social skills, academic skills, and reduce problematic behavior.

Applied Behavior Center

450 S. State Road 135, Greenwood, IN 46142 Contact: Kyle Mitchell-Board Certified Behavior Analyst Phone: 317-889-KIDS Email: kyle@appliedbehaviorcenter.org www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org

To provide the highest quality ABA and Verbal Behavior therapy and consulting services to children and their families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and Down Syndrome. We do this by providing proven researched based ABA methodologies delivered by highly qualified and certified professionals. Our programs focus on increasing language skills, social skills, academic skills, and reducing problematic behavior.

The Arc of Indiana

107 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 800, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone: 317-977-2375 or 800-382-9100 Email: thearc@arcind.org www.arcind.org

The Arc of Indiana, established in 1956 by parents of children with developmental disabilities, works every day to empower families with information and resources, empower people with disabilities to be as independent as possible, and inspire positive

40 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

change in public policy and public attitudes.

Contact us. We’re here to help.

Autism Consultation

Providing service to central Indiana Contact: Mika Adams Phone: 866-968-3698 Email: mikaadams@ sbcglobal.net www.autismconsultation.net

Individually designed behavior and academic support and intervention strategies for families and children dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders. With 35+ years experience in special education in public schools I am comfortable attending IEP meetings to advocate for the family and child. Introductory meeting at no charge.

Autism Parent Care, LLC 395 S 9th St Noblesville, Indianapolis, IN 46020 Contact: Dr. Jane Yip Phone: 317-503-1296 Email: aileda88@hotmail.com

www.developmentalphysiopsychologydisorders.com

Offering one to one intervention to children and adults with autism. Academic subjects and ABA included. Insurance Billable.

Autism Society of Indiana

13295 Illinois Street, Suite 110, Carmel, IN 46032 Contact: Dana Renay 800-609-8449 Fax: 317-663-1047 Email: info@inautism.org www.inautism.org

We strive to improve the lives of everyone affected by autism in Indiana. We provide information and support, referral to resources, policy and educational advocacy, training, awareness, family programs, Spanish-speaking support group, summer camp programs, and oversight on the Indiana Comprehensive Plan of Lifetime Supports for Individuals with Autism.

Behavior Analysis Center for Autism

11902 Lakeside Dr., Fishers, IN 46038

Devon Sundberg 317-288-5232 dsundberg@thebaca.com www.thebaca.com The Behavior Analysis Center (BACA) was established by Dr. Carl Sundberg and a group of highly trained Behavior Analysts who have worked with Dr. Sundberg for years. BACA uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to teach language, social, academic, and life skills to children with autism and other related disabilities.

Brain Balance Achievement Center Indianapolis

Address: 9510 N. Meridian St. Suite D, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Contact: Julie Peterson Phone: 317-843-9200 Email: jpeterson@brainbalancecenters.com www.BrainBalanceIndy.com

Contact: Dr. Mary VanHoy, Developmental Optometrist Phone: (317) 818-0541 Fax: (317) 818-1756 Email: drvanhoy@eyes4wellness.com www..eyes4wellness.com Dr. VanHoy is a developmental optometrist who evaluates and treats with optometric vision therapy children with autistic spectrum disorder, physical and mental challenges, and infants and toddlers with delays in visual function that interfere with acts of daily living.

Homefront Learning Center

625 N. Union, Kokomo, IN 46901 Contact: Jamy Wisher, ABA supervisor Phone: 765-454-9748 Email: jnwisher@umail.iu.edu www.homefrontlearning.com

Brain Balance Achievement Centers work with children who suffer from Developmental Disorders such as Autism Spectrum , Asperger's, ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette's and other neurological disorders. The Brain Balance Program is unique in that it utilizes a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach designed specifically to address the various difficulties exhibited or experienced by each child.

Homefront Learning Center is an Occupational, Speech, Physical, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy provider servicing Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. Homefront offers both in-clinic and in-home therapy for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other special needs.

Cornerstone Autism Center

The Independence Academy of Indiana, Inc.

360 Polk Street, Greenwood, IN 46143 Contact: David Ide, Executive Director Phone: (317) 888-1557 www.cornerstoneautismcenter.com

Cornerstone Autism Center is an intensive day treatment clinic dedicated to maximizing the potential of children with autism.

Utilizing the science-based approach of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), trained therapists work 1:1 with the children to improve language skills, address their academic and social needs and reduce any maladaptive behavior.

Eyes For Wellness

Address: 2920 E. 96th Street, Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46240

612 West 42nd Street Susan Le Vay 317-926-0043 susanlevay@IAindiana.org www.IAindiana.org Ages/Grades: Grades 5 - 12

Hours/Dates: 8am - 3:30pm M-F August - May Field Trips: Field trips average 1 per month (for curriculum and life skills enhancement) Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: $11,250. No financial aid currently available. We accept students with high-functioning autism, including Asperger’s Syndrome, who are able to work in a small group setting.

Uniforms/Dress Code: Yes Before/After School Care: After school care available from 3:30 - 5:30pm.

Open House Dates: Call us for a consultation and tour Created specifically for students with highfunctioning autism and Asperger Syndrome, The Independence Academy helps students achieve their highest level of independence and academic success. Dedicated and trained staff teach math, sciences, language arts, global studies, social and life skills, and more.Very small classes. Beautiful campus. A place to belong.

Little Star Center

12726 Hamilton Crossing Blvd, Carmel, IN 46032 Mary Rosswurm, Executive Director 317-249-2242 maryr@littlestarcenter.org www.littlestarcenter.org

Little Star is a structured, sensory-friendly place where children with autism receive intense, individualized one-on-one therapeutic intervention based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Little Star has a “family first” philosophy and offers a supportive community of parents and

professionals. Indiana’s original ABA center – providing services since 2002.

Meaningful Day Services, Inc.

Address: 640 Patrick's Place, Suite B, Brownsburg, IN 46112 Contact: Kim or Joanna, Office Support Phone: 317.858.8630 Fax: 317.858.8715 Email: mdsofficeassistant@yahoo.com www.meaningfuldays.com

Meaningful Day Services provides individualized services for children with special needs. Some of our services include Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Management and First Steps which is home and facility based. Our services include assessments, program development and training for parents and caregivers. We accept Medicaid Waiver, private insurances and private pay.

Worthmore Academy 3535 Kessler Blvd. East, Indianapolis, IN 46220 Contact: Brenda J. Jackson/ Founder & Director Phone: 877-700-6516

Private full-time alternative school for children with specific learning disabilities (Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum.

Asperger's Syndrome, PDD-NOS...) K12th grade. 3:1 student:teacher ratio focusing on academic, social and emotional skills.

A place where kids can feel "worth more!"

YOUR LISTING HERE!!!

Contact Jennica at Jennica@indyschild.com

H E A LT H & W ELLNESS

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special needs awareness

Puberty Workshop for Girls and their Parents Helping Girls with Special Needs Understand Puberty Ready to talk to your daughter with special needs about her period?

Maybe. Maybe not. Since puberty won’t wait on parents’ preparedness for “the talk,” it may be wise for families to attend the upcoming puberty workshop for girls with special needs.

more. To aid presentations, visuals of the female body as well as female hygiene products will be part of the workshop. The morning will not, however, include discussions on sex.

Presented by Jane Grimes, special needs coach, president and founder of Hamilton County Autism Support Group, and trained parent advocate for kids with special needs, the workshop is a hands-on, visual experience that aims to help girls and their parents discuss puberty.

This type of presentation can be meaningful to this population of girls. While their physical bodies are growing and changing every bit as much as girls without developmental disabilities, Grimes says the challenge is these girls - boys too - don’t understand why or what to do with the changes. Also, some parents don’t know how to teach their child with special needs, talk openly with her about puberty, or are uncomfortable showing pictures about the changes. This workshop provides both daughter and parents the support needed to move forward in this sometimes uncomfortable discussion.

The workshop will touch on topics such as starting your period, having your period when you are not at home, body safety, personal space and

Presentations will be given at a slow speaking pace to help the participants who process information at a slow rate or who are visual

The event costs $25 and will be held Sat., March 19, 9:30 a.m. to noon at White River Christian Church in Noblesville. Girls ages 9 and up who have autism, ADHD, Down syndrome and other special needs are invited to attend along with their mom or dad.

learners. In addition, the morning will include social activities for the girls to help with their developing social skills.

This will be the second time Grimes has held such a workshop and reservations are required.

Please email Grimes at grimesje@ sbcglobal.net to secure a spot.

Participants are also asked to bring a side dish to share for lunch.

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March 2011 Special Needs Calendar Check out what’s happening in Indianapolis this month for the special needs community...

Tues., March 1 Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making Their Future More Secure, workshop by Gordon Homes, CFP Time: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Where: The Little Star Center, Fishers Cost: Free Contact: Mary Alter at 317-7125041 or malter1@metlife.com Brain Balance parent lecture Time: 7pm Where: Brain Balance Achievement Center, Indianapolis Cost: Free Contact: Julie Peterson at 317-843-9200 or jpeterson@ brainbalancecenters.com Special Olympics Indiana Pacers Clinic Where: Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis Visit www.soindiana.org Weds. March 2 When Actions Speak Louder Than Words Time: 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Where: Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center, Evansville Cost: $125, pre-registration required Contact: Donna Beasley at dbeasley@indiana.edu or 812-8556508 for registration; Kim Davis at davisk@indiana.edu, Susan Dixon at sudixon@indiana.edu or 812855-6508 for content information National Spread the Word to End the Word Day Where: Nationwide

42 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

Cost: Free Visit www.specialolympics.org Tues., March 8 Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making Their Future More Secure, workshop by Gordon Homes, CFP 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Where: The Council on Developmental Disabilities, Louisville, Ky Cost: Free Contact: Mary Alter at 317-7125041 or malter1@metlife.com Thurs., March 10 Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making Their Future More Secure, workshop by Gordon Homes, CFP Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Where: Bloomington Housing Authority, Bloomington Cost: Free Contact: Mary Alter at 317-7125041 or malter1@metlife.com Fri., March 11 Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Karaoke Night Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Where: Monon Community Center Cost: $6 Contact: Brooke Taflinger at 317-573-5245 or btaflinger@ carmelclayparks.com Sat., March 12 Hamilton County Autism Support Group speaker and support meeting featuring Tim While of Noble of Indiana Time: 9 - 11 a.m.

Where: White River Christian Church, Noblesville

Cost: Free, childcare is available, RSVP required Contact: Jane Grimes at janegrimes@hcasg.org Sat., March 12 – Sun., March 13 Special Olympics Indiana Women’s State Basketball Tournament Where: DePauw University, GreencastleVisit www.soindiana.org Tues., March 15 Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making Their Future More Secure, workshop by Gordon Homes, CFP Time: 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.

Where: Zionsville Community School Corporation, Freshmen Center, Zionsville Cost: Free Contact: Mary Alter at 317-7125041 or malter1@metlife.com Thurs., March 17 and Fri., March 18 Ziggurat and CAPS Model Workshop - A Two Day Workshop Time: 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Where: School City of Hammond Area Career Center, Hammond, Ind. Cost: $200, advance registration required Contact: Melissa Dubie at mdubie@ indiana.edu or Kristie Lofland at klofland@indiana.edu for content questions, or Donna Beasley at dbeasley@indiana.edu Fri., March 18 Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation St. Patrick’s Social Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Where: Monon Community Center Cost: $10

Contact: Brooke Taflinger at 317-573-5245 or btaflinger@ carmelclayparks.com Sat., March 19 Brain Balance Open House Time: Noon - 2 p.m.

Where: Brain Balance Achievement Center, Indianapolis Cost: Free Contact: Julie Peterson at 317-843-9200 or jpeterson@ brainbalancecenters.com Down Syndrome Indiana’s Fashion Show Gala Time: 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Where: Indiana Roof Ballroom, Indianapolis Cost: $125 Contact: Rachel Wood at 317931-9843 or info@dsindiana.org

Jameson Camp’s Spring Into Wellness community fair

Time: 1 - 4 p.m.

Where: Jameson Camp, Indianapolis Cost: Free Contact: Andrew Watson at andrew@jamesoncamp.org Puberty workshop for girls with special needs and their parents Time: 9:30 a.m. - Noon Where: White River Christian Church, Noblesville Cost: $25 Contact: Jane Grimes at grimesje@sbcglobal.net Special Olympics Indiana Men’s Sectionals Where: Various locations Visit www.soindiana.org

Thurs., March 24 Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making Their Future More Secure, workshop by Gordon Homes, CFP Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Where: Decatur County S.T.O.K. Transition Fair, Greensburg Cost: Free Contact: Mary Alter at 317-7125041 or malter1@metlife.com Sat., March 26

Autism Expo 2011Time:

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: 502 East Carmel Drive, Carmel Cost: Free Contact: Leslie at 800-609-8449 Special Olympics Indiana Youth Basketball Tournament and Youth Rally Where: University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Visit www.soindiana.org Sat., March 26 – Sun., March 27 Special Olympics Indiana Men’s State Basketball Tournament Where: Indiana State University, Terre HauteVisit www.soindiana.org 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Friday of every month Easter Seals Crossroads Parents’ Night Out, East Time: 6-10 p.m.

Where: Easter Seals Crossroads, Indianapolis Cost: Free Contact: Anna Marie House at 317-466-2006

1st Friday of every month Easter Seals Crossroads Parents’ Night Out, South Time: 6-10 p.m.

Where: Indian Creek Christian Church, Indianapolis Cost: Free Contact: Anna Marie House at 317-466-2006 3rd Friday of every month Easter Seals Crossroads Parents’ Night Out, North Time: 6-10 p.m.

Where: Trinity Wesleyan Church (Kids Kastle), Fishers Cost: Free Contact: Anna Marie House at 317-466-2006 4th Friday of every month Easter Seals Crossroads Parents’ Night Out, West Where: Speedway United Methodist Church, Speedway Cost: Free Contact: Anna Marie House at 317-466-2006 Registration Now Open Applied Behavior Center for Autism summer camp and summer social camps registration Where: Applied Behavior Center for Autism Cost: Inquire at www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org Contact: Call 317-849-5437 x 113 Know of an upcoming event benefitting Indianapolis’ special needs community?

Email Carrie Bishop at freelancewritercarrie@gmail.com.

CO MM ENTA RY & PA R ENTING

mommy magic

*

Keeping Up With Changing Times Embracing the "Going Green" Trend

I am not an old mom (yet) or a young mom (anymore). I am in the middle...so middle aged mom, I guess.

I have eleven years of motherhood under my belt thus far. There are a lot of things about motherhood that have stayed the same overtime; loads and loads of laundry...that never changes.

There are some things, though, that have changed without me knowing it or even understanding it. One major change for me, the mom in the middle, is the ever changing technology. I thought it was cool when I had the f lip phone. Somewhere between my f lip phone and Facebook, texting happened. Yes, I DO text and yes, my 5th grader is better at it than I am. Which makes me wonder some days, if in fact, I am smarter than my 5th grader?

In technology, I highly doubt it.

An area that has also changed over the past decade is the concept of “Going Green.” When my f irst daughter started drinking milk, my pediatrician recommended organic milk. At the time, organic was NOT the norm. Finding organic milk was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Now, of course, “Going Green” is much more Since I am the generation that grew up on happy meals, I KNOW mainstream and easy IT CAN BE A HARD MIND SET TO CHANGE. I also know that it is for moms to do. This is actually something something that our children's generation innately comprehend. that I feel that I don’t HAVE to do, but something I WANT to do.

More Tips for Going Green:

1.

When you Clean Use Green! Many household cleaning products contain various chemicals and toxins detrimental to the

Since I am the generation that grew up on happy meals, I know it can be a hard mind set to change. I also know that it is something that our childrens' generation innately comprehend. I am not sure if it is marketing, taught in schools or both, but somehow they know that recycling is important and fresh is better. So with that, March is a great time to make a plan with your family on how you want to embrace “Going Green” this Spring. The great thing with this concept is that you can usually implement your “Going Green Plan” quickly. Ask your kids what their def inition of recycling is. Write down what they say and apply it to their age group. If you have little ones, recycling could be giving their used toys or clothes to their younger sibling. If your kiddos are older, their def inition could apply to sorting plastics, newspapers and aluminum to a recycling bin.

Regardless of your children’s age, a great way to embrace “Going Green” is to plant a family garden. It doesn’t have to be big or overwhelming task. Instead, pick a few things you all enjoy eating as a family and try growing them. Plus, planning and planting a garden is a fun activity to do as a family. If starting a garden doesn’t f loat your boat, perhaps buying local and going to farmer’s markets is more your speed. Still a great way to eat fresh! In the winter, I am a big fan of Whole Foods Market. Like my texting skills, I am not perfect in the area of Going Green, but by trying a few of the above tips, I know my children are embracing the concept of a healthier lifestyle. We do, in fact, physically “do” these things as a family together - recycle, reuse, garden, cook. Little did I know that “Going Green” would be a great way for our family to spend quality time together. I am sure there is an app for that, right?

Mary Susan Buhner is a Life Coach for Moms and author of “Mommy Mag-

environment and to your health.

2. Buy Recycled Products.

Buying new products made from recycled materials allows you to "close the loop," creating a market for the items recycled curbside or in other recycling programs.

3. Ditch Plastic Drinking Bottle.

80% of the 25 billion singleserving plastic water bottles Americans use each year end up in landf ills. Recycle your bottles, or better yet, choose to reuse with a ref illable water bottle made of a ref ill-safe material

ic: Tricks for Staying Sane in the Midst of Insanity” Visit www.Mommy-Magic. com for more information. Become a Fan of Mommy Magic on FaceBook!

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indy on a budget

10 TIPS to Get Back What You Paid

Covering everything from used bookstores to online swaps, here are 10 ways to sell your stuff, be green and make a little green:

1. Reselling Books, Music,

Movies & Games: Reselling these items can easily become a family affair. Have your children help you collect books, cds, dvds and video games that no longer hold their interest. Stores specializing in these items generally offer cash on the spot, so you can let your children spend the money they earned by cleaning out their bookshelves to buy new items. Bonus: you now have clean bookshelves and this is a potentially free outing, depending on how many books wind up in your shopping basket.

2.

Consignment Sales: These sales, often held in three-day increments in the spring and again in the fall, offer current baby gear, toys, clothes from newborn to size 12 and maternity clothes.

Consignors can earn as much as 60-75% commission from sales. “Consignors make an average of $250 and we have several that make close to $1,000,” Lori Chandler, organizer of Indy Kids Consignment, says.

Lori got into consignment sale shopping when her daughter was born. “I had a hard time paying $30 for something when I knew I could get it for $3,” she says. When consignment sale shopping at events like IKC, Lori suggests leaving

44 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

your kids at home, shopping with friends, and bringing a laundry basket to carry items in.

after which it’s either donated or can be picked up.

Some consignment stores also offer cash buyouts.

with other moms is a free, easy way to let people know what you have and find what you need.

Whale of a Sale organizer Courtney O’Neil loves consignment shopping because “Moms can find upscale brands and a huge selection all under one roof. Whale of a Sale offers a department store–like shopping experience. Smart moms shouldn’t miss this fantastic opportunity to score toys, clothing and equipment for less.”

Professional Organizer and Personal Assistant Chandra White, who currently works with five consignment shops, says that top sellers in Women’s Consignment shops are jewelry and purses. “It’s been rewarding to see my clients make extra cash. People have become more aware of where their money is going. Consignment shopping is hotter than ever.”

Garage Sales: If you’re planning a garage sale in the spring, here are some tips: neatness counts—keep clothing items grouped by size and gender and on tables and racks. Advertise on craigslist and local forums. Price to sell. Good signage is key, as is neighborhood participation. (People are more likely to stop if there are other sales nearby.)

3. Kids Resale Shops: Parents may

sell clothing and accessories purchased within the last five years for cash. Be sure that your items are clean and in nearly new condition (clothing that has stains or holes will not be accepted). When selling toys, be sure the item is in good condition and all pieces are present. Bonus: These shops are also a great place to pick up inexpensive clothes and toys to replace those you just sold.

4. Sports Equipment: Some

sporting goods stores allow you to turn your gently used sports equipment into cash, or trade it for new or used equipment – a great way to try out a new sport without breaking the bank!

5. Women’s Consignment

Stores: Consigning your in-season and current clothing is a great way to make 40-50% of the selling price. Stores usually consign clothing for 90 days,

Katie McKnelly, owner of Out of the Closet, says that consignment is the new “new,” having become much more popular due to the economy. Her store is now accepting merchandise for spring and summer, and her tips for shopping consignment are: don’t be in a rush, don’t go by size labels, and only buy items in like-new condition.

6.

Online Selling: Whether selling on eBay or craigslist, the best way to sell clothing via these venues is by doing your research first. See what is selling, compare what you have to offer and price your items accordingly. Items that are in high demand or that are in mint condition should be sold individually. However, to make the most of your time selling online, group like items (sorted by size, gender, and season) into lots that sell as one item.

7.

Mom Forums: Mom forums often have an active Buy & Sell page. Connecting

8.

9. Online Swaps: Who doesn’t like

getting packages in the mail? For just five bucks plus shipping, thredUP online clothing swap, www.thredup.com, allows parents to pick from boxes of gently used kids clothing, buy it and get it in a few days. Then you list a box of your own (it is a swap after all) and ship it for free.

10. Local Swaps: Indy has a monthly free

swap at Earth House Collective. For small groups, organizing a swap with friends is a fun & frugal way to acquire some new clothes or accessories as well as declutter some items you’d donate anyway.

Leftovers get taken to Goodwill or other thrift stores.

KRISTA BOCKO is a freelance writer and lives in Noblesville with her husband and four children. She can be reached at kbocko@sbcglobal.net

Lookin g for consignment sales in Indy?

Here a few unique opportunities and events you can check out!

Indy’s Kid Consignment Sale Indy Kids Consignment has almost 250 consignors who bring tons and tons of children's clothes, toys, furniture and any type of baby equipment that you can think of. IKC has thousands of shoppers that are looking for great deals. This is a great event to come to with your girlfriends. Leave your kids at home and come save your family a ton of money. The IKC website offers a list of tips at http://www.ikcsale. com/ShoppingTips.php to help make the most of your consignment sale experience – a little prep work goes a long way.

When: Thursday, March 10, 9am7pm; Friday, March 11, 9am-5pm; Saturday, March 12, 9am-1pm Where: Hamilton County Fairgrounds,

2003 Pleasant St, Noblesville, IN

Whale of a Sale is an upscale children and maternity consignment sale bringing families together to sell and buy gently used, top-quality items in a departmentstore-like setting. This event features upscale spring and summer clothing, toys, equipment, furniture, bedding, outdoor items, accessories, maternity and a variety of vendors from the Indianapolis area.

Shoppers can expect to find popular brands such as Gymboree, Baby Gap, Ralph Lauren, Janie and Jack, Peg Perego, Graco, Fisher Price, Pottery Barn Kids and many more. Admission is free! New this year, customers wanting to shop before the general public can buy a VIP pre-sale ticket for Thursday for $10!

When: Friday, March 11, 10-7 p.m., Saturday, March 12, 8-1 p.m. (many items half price)

For more details, visit www.ikcsale.com

Their upcoming event is well organized and clean so it is easy to find everything you need at great prices. Shoppers can expect to save between 30 and 90 percent off retail. That's saving smart with JBF! When: April 27-30, 2011: Wednesday Thursday 9-7pm, $2 admission Wednesday only (all other days are free), Friday 9-7pm 25% Off Sale, Saturday 9-2pm 50% Off Sale Where: Just Between Friends of North Indy

Where: Eagle Church at Anson,

Whale of a Sale Children’s Consignment Event Brings Families Together for Fashion, Fun and Big Savings

Just Between Friends Just Between Friends has anything and everything you need to raise a child including clothing, educational games, toys, baby equipment, maternity items and so much more. Our strict guidelines on what we will accept – nothing worn, stained, torn or outdated ensures the highest quality and that we have the very best items for our shoppers.

5801 South 650 East, Zionsville, IN (off SR 334 and I-65)

For more details, call 317-869-6600 or visit www.whale-sale.com.

Hamilton County Fairgrounds 2003 Pleasant St. Noblesville, IN

Visit www.jbfsale.com for details

Chandra White, Professional Organizer Feeling overwhelmed by a cluttered home? Then Chandra is the woman for you! As a professional organizer/personal assistant to many families over the past 6 years, Chandra has helped them turn their treasures into cash. Her unique service includes visiting her client’s home, sorting through their belongings and helping them get their lives streamlined.

As an additional bonus, she takes any items that her clients no longer want and sells them at local consignment shops around Indiana. Chandra currently works closely with five consignment stores to get the best possible value for her clients.

“It has been quite rewarding to see my clients make extra cash. No matter what their income level is people have become much more aware of how and where their money is going. The economy has made everyone take a look at things.

Consigning has become an "in" thing to do and shopping in consignment stores has become a way of life. It is hotter than ever,” says Chandra.

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family fun in indy

Women's Final Four® Family Fun

No Ticket Required for These FREE Events!

The spotlight will shine on the nation’s best women’s basketball teams during the NCAA Women’s Final Four at Conseco Fieldhouse in April. The semif inal and championship games take place on April 3 & 5. But, what you may not know is that you don’t have to have a ticket to enjoy a lot of the excitement.

There are several things to do that are FREE. The entire family is invited to take part with free admission to Tourney

Town™ Refreshed by Coca-Cola Zero™, open practices, autograph sessions, Circle City Dribble, WBCA High School All-America Game and several other family friendly events.

Here’s a breakdown of the FREE fun: Tourney Town Designed to be the ultimate fan experience, Tourney Town is a three day event with plenty of hands-on fun for the whole family. Center Stage will feature nonstop entertainment with a wide variety of local and national music groups throughout the weekend. The headliner concert will be announced closer to the event but visitors will be sure to enjoy this event as it will highlight a top national music act. It will take place Saturday, April 2, 5:30 p.m. And, it will be a free concert as all of Tourney Town is free and open to the public.

The stage itself will be surrounded by basketball courts hosting everything from youth clinics to children’s entertainment,

46 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

open play and deejay-hosted games with giveaways and merchandise. Some of the other fun that families will experience includes fan favorites like the NCAA Women’s Final Four Pep Rally and mascot challenge, performances by basketball skills entertainers, a talent show featuring local acts and celebrity judges, emcee-hosted fan contests for great prizes, and sponsor-based entertainment programming like game-ticket giveaways.

It all takes place in the newly expanded Indiana Convention Center just one block from the Conseco Fieldhouse, home of the 2011 Women’s Final Four games. Hours of operation will be Friday, April 1, 2011 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 3, noon – 6 p.m. (subject to change).

Open Practice and Team Autograph Sessions Open practice serves up a chance for fans to see how these great female role models practice and get ready for the biggest game of their lives. And afterward, fans can get autographs on complimentary posters. After all the practice and

autograph sessions, check out the Battle of the Bands, which pits the pep bands from each of the four competing schools against each other in friendly competition as they show off their school spirit.

Circle City Dribble Downtown will come alive with the sound of thousands of basketballs hitting the pavement in this event. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. for the 2 p.m. event that begins outside Conseco Fieldhouse. The first 2,500 kids 18 and under who sign in will receive a free t-shirt and basketball to keep and use while dribbling down the streets of Indianapolis. There will be entertainment, activities and lots of free fun for the whole family! Tourney Town will welcome dribblers and fans with live music and performances throughout the afternoon.

Kimberly Harms has four children (5-24) along with a grandchild and is the Associate Director of Media Relations at the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association, www.visitindy.com. You can follow her on Twitter @kimberlyharms.

INDYSCHILD.COM 47

CO MM ENTA RY & PA R ENTING

*

dear teacher You have waited a long time to deal with this situation.

Set up a meeting with your daughter's teacher right away so that you can f ind out how you and the teacher can help your child master the kindergarten work.

Be sure to discuss in great detail your daughter's skill level with the teacher. The child may simply not be ready to handle the work that she is being asked to do. This could be a result of the trend of pushing f irst grade content into kindergarten.

In the meantime, put some joy back into learning for your child. When doing work with her, focus on areas where she will have some success to rebuild her conf idence in her ability to learn. And try to use games, songs and computer activities much of the time when working with her. Because her kindergarten sounds very academic, you may need to spend time reviewing the work she has done this year during the summer to prepare her for next year.

At the kindergarten level, 15 minutes is the appropriate amount of time for homework, if any is assigned.

What to Do about Two Hours of Kindergarten Homework

My 5-year-old daughter has a lot of homework in kindergarten – as much as two hours occasionally. The work is on stuff that I am still trying to teach her how to do, so she isn't frustrated with learning. We have noticed a decline in her work attitude when it comes to school during the past couple of months. I truly believe it is because the children are forced to do and learn so much that the pressure gets to them when they don't understand it the f irst time. How can I improve her attitude toward learning? -Attitude Problem

No wonder your daughter is not enthused about doing her schoolwork.

Two hours is way too much time to devote to schoolwork. You simply can’t spend this much time in one session trying to get your child to do or understand her homework. At the kindergarten level, 15 minutes is the appropriate amount of time for homework, if any is assigned.

48 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

The Benefits of Belonging to the PTA

I wanted to tell you about my experiences in being involved with the PTA. Being a member of a PTA makes one a part of the oldest and largest organization that advocates for all children. The organization dates back to 1897! As the mother of three grown daughters, I have spent many years involved with the PTA, as my mother did before me. I now watch my oldest daughter's involvement at my grandsons' schools. It is a legacy to pass on.

My own involvement included several years as an officer throughout my daughter's middle- and highschool years. Often, this is the time we see parent/ guardian participation drop off dramatically.

All parent/staff organizations set out to support the staff, students and programs of the school. They fundraise, they educate and they offer support in a variety of ways. As a member of a PTA, one not only supports your own child's school but also reaches out state-wide and nationally for all children. - PTA Supporter Another great benefit to being an active member of the PTA is getting to know the parents of many children in your child's school. It also acquaints you with school administrators.

Plus, you get a bird's-eye view of what is happening

at the school. And there is no question that the collective voice of the members of this organization has more inf luence than that of one parent.

Is Spelling Correctly Still Important?

Last year, my niece was a fifth-grader.

When I was trying to help with a school paper, she told me she didn't have to correct her spelling on school papers. She only had to spell correctly on her spelling tests.

I was convinced that she was mistaken and made her correct all her spelling mistakes. The next day, my brother spoke with the teacher. To our astonishment, my niece was correct. The school assumes that in the upper grade levels all papers will be written on computers, and spell-check will take care of the spelling. What do you think? - For Correct Spelling Fifth grade is a bit soon to throw in the towel and no longer stress the correct spelling of words. Each time a child misspells a word and it is left uncorrected, the misspelling is reinforced. We don't think the teacher should correct the misspelling, but circle it so the student can correct it.

There are several flaws to relying entirely on computer spell-checkers to catch spelling errors. First of all, you cannot rely on spell-checkers to catch all errors because they do not always catch homophone errors (war, wore). Admittedly, they are getting more context-sensitive. And relying on spell-check and grammar-check as well can lead students to abandon the important final checking of their work.

Furthermore, misspelling words can affect how teachers view students' work. Some students may spell so poorly that it is impossible to know what they have written.

Furthermore, at the present time, plenty of handwriting is still done on classroom work and tests at most schools.

Finally, the experts weigh in on both sides to this question.

Some think relying on computers leads to skill losses in writing. Others believe skills lost by spell-checkers are being replaced by other skills, such as better research skills.

Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or ask them on the columnists’ Web site at www.dearteacher.com.

Childcare & Education Directory Child Care

M K

eridian essler Wee Folk Child Care Meridian Kessler Neighborhood Indianapolis 317-926-3640 Ages: 4 weeks+ Quality in-home child care serving caring families for 20 years. (CPR, 1st aid certified, and state licensed). Two meals and one snack provided daily along with baby food and regular formula. We provide quality learning through play in a non-smoking Christian environment. Preschool program providing Kindergarten prep is available. $130/week. 7:15-5:30 M-F.

North

Peanut Butter and Jelly Childcare 2421 Butterfield Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46220 Mrs. Hatcher 317-205-9211 peanut_jelly@att.net www.peanutbutterjelly.info Low flexible rates vary with age.

CCDF accepted; monthly specials. $50.00 registration fee. Drop in services available, Parent’s Night Out. Please call for more information!

7 DAYS A WEEK 24 HOURS A DAY Home Childcare Field trips to the Children’s Museum, The Indianapolis Zoo, Chuck E. Cheese’s, Monkey Joe’s, Snapperz and more!

Ages 4 weeks through 4 years old Peanut Butter and Jelly Childcare offers a “home away from home” within a learning enviornment, and our professional caregivers provide quality care that kids deserve while also being allowed to be kids. Licensed, CPR certified, first aid, universal precautions, drug and criminal checks. Daily hot home cooked meals. Daily progress reports, kindergarten prep.

Schools

Carmel

Carmel Montessori Schools, Inc. Emily & Scott Rudicel 1402 W. Main St. Carmel, IN 317-580-0699 info@carmelmontessori.com carmelmontessori.com Ages: Pre-school through Kindergarten.

Carmel Montessori School is located on the beautiful campus at St. Christopher’s Church on the NE corner of Main St. and Meridian in Carmel. Our directress is American Montessori Certified with 10 years headteaching experience. We offer a beautiful,

peaceful and positive Montessori learning environment. Extended days available.

Clay Montessori Peggy White 463 East Main St. Carmel 317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850 Ages: 3-6 Call for more information. (Affiliated with Fisher’s Montessori). Morning, afternoon and full-day programs.

Maria Montessori International Academy 4370 Weston Pointe Dr., Zionsville/Carmel, IN 46077 Phone: 317-769-2220 www.mariamontessori-intl.org Maria Montessori International Academy offers a child centered Montessori program allowing children to learn at their own pace and are treated with respect. Teachers encourage and inspire children to do not only the minimum, but also their best, where learning should be a happy, joyous experience!

Children learn how to think for themselves and how to solve problems in original and creative ways and have a positive self-image. Children participate in math, language, music, art, practical life, science, geography, and foreign language.

The lead teachers possess bachelor degree and certif ication in Montessori Education. Discover the Difference at the Maria Montessori! Now accepting applications for all ages starting 3 months to 6 years.

The Montessori Learning Center Elizabeth Williams 1402 W. Main St. Carmel 317-846-8182 elizabeth@ themontessorilearningcenter.com

www.themontessorilearningcenter.com

Ages: Grades 1-3 The Montessori Learning Center Elementary program focuses on developing the whole child through interaction with an interdisciplinary curriculum. Our program specifically meets the needs of each child and is aligned with Indiana State Standards.

Fishers

Fall Creek Montessori Academy Address: 8888 Fitness Ln, Fishers, IN 46037 Contact: Diana Brugh Phone: (317) 436-8606 Email: diana@fallcreekmontessori.com www.fallcreekmontessori.com Type of School: Montessori Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: $89 to $174 per week Hours/Dates: 7:00 am to 5:30 pm Ages/Grades: 18 months to kindergarten

Religious Affiliation: NONE Before/After School Care: Before school care: 7:00am to 8:30am. After school care: 3:00pm to 5:30pm Open House Dates: Feb 10th, check website for times. Please call to set up a tour any other time.

Fall Creek Montessori Academy is a culturally diverse environment where children grow and develop their unique talents and gifts. Through child-centered learning, children excel physically, academically and emotionally.

Conveniently located one mile east of I-69 on 96th St. FCMA serves children at all levels. Programs are available two to five days per week.

Fishers Montessori Peggy White 12806 Ford Rd and 131st and Allisonville Rd. Fishers 317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850 Ages: 3-9 A quality learning environment offering preschool, kindergarten and elementary. Certification through American Montessori Society. 9-12, 12:30-3, 9-3.

Little Scholars Learning Academy 7555 Timber Springs Drive S., Fishers, IN 46038 Contact: Linda McGowan Phone: 317-842-0030 Email: lcmcgowan@comcast.net Ages/Grades: 3-6 Little Scholars Learning Academy is a funfilled way for your preschooler or kindergartner to get ready for school...and for life! With each child spending time on his/ her individual program including phonics, reading, math, music, art, science, creative writing and computers, the program provides a strong foundation for life-long learning while building self-esteem and confidence. 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m.

Geist

My Backyard Fine Arts Preschool at Geist Sports Academy 11960 East 62nd Street Indianapolis 317-823-7734 www.geistsportsacademy.com Ages: 2 year-Pre K (5 year) NOW ENROLLING! Children will discover their unique selves and learn about the world around them through exploring the visual arts, creative movement and music appreciation. 9-11:45 a.m. M-Fri; MWF 9-1:30pm.

Multiple L ocations

Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives: ICPC Multiple Locations in Indianapolis Area For schools, see below.

ICPC Line: 317-767-7596 Ages: Preschool classes for ages 2-5; other programs vary - Kindergarten, Stay & Play, Enrichment/Extended Days.

Indianapolis Area Preschool and Kindergarten Cooperatives Cooperative Preschools: great for your child, great for you! Children and parents learn and grow together in the classroom with caring, experienced teachers.

Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives (ICPC) member schools are: Apple House: 6121 E. County Rd 100 S, Avon, 797-5925 Butler: 2411 Indianapolis Ave, Indy, 2264287 Downey: 111 S. Downey Rd, Indy, 359-5304 Edgewood: 4040 E. Thompson Rd, Indy, 767-7730 Fishers Point: 9959 E. 126th St, Fishers, 767-4312 Geist Orchard: 7879 N. 700 West, McCordsville, 336-7008 Meridian Hills Nursery School and Kindergarten: 7171 N. Pennsylvania, Indy, 2550831 Meridian Street: 5500 N. Meridian St, Indy, 767-3003 Northeast Cooperative Preschool and Kindergarten: 5805 E. 56th St, Indy, 592-9790 Parkview: 4550 central Ave, Indy, 380-0628 Speedway: 3000 N. High School Rd, Indy, 356-2804 Willowcreek: 8170 Hague Rd, Indy, 578-5488

Woodlands Montessori 10305 Allisonville Road Suite 110, FIshers, IN 46038 Contact: Cynthia Thompson Phone: 317-845-9035 Email: woodlandsinfo@att.net www.woodlandsmontessori.org Type of School: Montessori Hours/Dates: Traditional Calendar - August thru May Ages/Grades: 3 months - Kindergarten Before/After School Care: Before and After Care available Offering Montessori preschool education two to five days per week. Small class size and individualized instruction in a nurturing environment.

Kindermusik by Musical Beginnings Address: 606 S. Union Street, Westfield, IN 46074 Contact: Kim Bemis Phone: 317-867-3077 Email: kimusik@ musicalbeginnings.com www.musicalbeginnings.com Choose Your Activity Category: Music Kindermusik is a music and movement program for children, ages 0-7. You'll play, listen and dance to music that will impact your child in profound ways. That's because every song, story and two-step has a carefully chosen purpose in this creative curriculum - one that's designed to stimulate and strengthen the vital neural wiring taking place in your child's mind right INDYSCHILD.COM 49

now. A Kindermusik educator will guide you every step of the way so you know how each activity contributes to your child's overall growth and development.

Polly Panda Preschool and Bridgford Kindergarten 2944 E. 56th St. and 17645 Oakmont Dr., Indianapolis/ Noblesville, IN 46220/4606 Contact: Gail Hacker & Tammy Clark & Mandy Galle Phone: 317-257-9127 (Indy) 317-773-0387 (Noblesville) Email: pollypandaindy@sbcglobal.net Type of School: Early Childhood Ages/Grades: Six weeks through Kindergarten, summer program also available.

Polly Panda provides a safe and healthy environment which enhances each child�s total growth. Our theme-based hands-on preschool program provides a wide-range experiences that foster learning, creativity and problem solving in all areas. A child�s sense of self-worth, independence and growth in social skills are developed through positive interaction with peers and our well-qualified and loving staff.

Noblesville

Primrose School of Noblesville 15707 North Point Blvd., Noblesville, IN 46060 Contact: Jackie Bell Phone: 317-773-4900 Fax: 317-773-4433 Email: jbell@primrosenoblesville.com Type of School: Early Childhood Hours/Dates: 6:30 am to 6:00 pm Ages/Grades: Infant through Kindergarten Before/After School Care: We transport to and from both Noblesville and Hamilton Southeastern Schools Primrose School of Noblesville distinguishes itself by creating a safe and nurturing environment where children will take their first steps toward a lifetime of achievement. You will find certified, professional staff and many programs such as spanish, technology, music and physical fitness that will consistently challenge your child.

North

Arthur M. Glick JCC 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260 317-251-9467 emills@JCCindy.org www.JCCindy.org Ages: 6 weeks - Grade K Our loving caregivers and teachers demonstrate by example and encourage children to behave according to these values as the children are learning, playing and socializing with one another. The JCC embraces a learning-through-play teaching method to engage children in activities that promote creativity, accelerate learning and stimulate social interaction, all at each child’s individual pace.

50 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood Center 600 W. 70th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Joanie Waldman 317-259-6854 jwaldman@bez613.org Ages/Grades: 12 mos.+, 18 mos.+, 2’s+ (8:50 am to 12:30 pm or 3:00 pm and choice of days). 3’s+ (8:50 am to 3:00 pm and choice of days).

4’s+/PreK (3 or 5 day option)and Kindergarten (5 full-day program 8:50 am to 3:00 pm) OPTIONS FOR ALL: Flexible hours. Availibility 7:30am-6pm, until 5:30 on Fridays.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Full Academic Curriculum and Innovative Arts’ Enrichment. Our Program recognizes that intellectual, social, emotional and physical development are interwoven. Our children will thrive on exploration, creativity, curiosity, discovery, spontaneity and more important, lots of love!

Children’s Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208 Contact: Christy Whaley Phone: 317-253-0472 Fax: 317-253-5513 Email: cwhaley@meridianstreet.org www.meridianstreet.org Type of School: Early Childhood Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Cost varies. Financial aid not available.

Hours/Dates: School year is from Labor Day to Memorial Day weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Summer Camp CDI from the first Tuesday in June through the second Thursday in July on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm.

Field Trips: Yes, preschool classes only.

Religious Affiliation: Methodist Uniforms/Dress Code: No Before/After School Care: No Programs: Nursery School and Preschool Enrollment: Registration begins in March for summer and fall with open enrollment throughout the year based on availability.

The Children's Day In Nursery School is a fully inclusive early childhood program with an emphasis on Christian values. It is designed to offer children ages 9 months to 3 years a positive and developmentally appropriate experience in the care of experienced caregivers. We play and learn! Classes are offered weekdays from 9 am to 2:30 pm.

The Children's Day In Traditional Preschool program provides a quality developmentally appropriate education for 3, 4 and 5 year olds. Our program includes weekly Christian Life Skills, First Steps in Music (ICC) and Book Club. Our 3's Preschool meets on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Our 4/5's Preschool meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Summer Camp CDI is our 6-week summer program

for children ages 9 months to age 5 years.

Classes are offered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Summer Camp CDI begins the first Tuesday in June and ends the second Thursday in July. Please call, E-mail or visit for further information and registration forms..

Children’s Circle Preschool at Second Presbyterian Church 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Regina Covey for Registration; Director Cara Paul for Curriculum 317-252-5517 rcovey@secondchurch.org Ages/Grades: 9 months to 5 years Now accepting applications.

Children’s Circle Preschool is a weekday, developmentally appropriate, activity-based Christian program. We meet the needs of the whole child in a fun, creative, nurturing environment. Here, children can develop the skills necessary to live in today’s world. Our experienced faculty leads children toward discovery of who they are and what they can do. We embrace excellence in education by nurturing the whole child -- physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually.

Early Childhood Center, The Church at the Crossing John Drake or Kelly Belt 9111 N. Haverstick Rd. Indianapolis 317-575-6508 jdrake@churchatthecrossing.org www.churchatthecrossing.org Ages: 12mos - Pre-K 5’s Our Mothers Day Out (12-35mos) 9:152:30 and Preschool (3yrs-PreK’s) programs provide relaxed, playful, secure environments that nurture creativity and encourage the exploration of God’s world, a wide variety of learning materials, & friendships, with readiness activities woven through each study unit. Need longer hours? Try our childcare ministry, The Neighborhood designed for 2-PreK 6:30-6pm M-F. Call for information and to schedule tours.

Fairview Early Childhood Program Melissa Peterson 4609 N. Capital Ave. Indianapolis 317-253-4990 mpeterson@fairviewpresbyterian.org www.fairviewpresbyterian.org Ages: 12 mo-5 yrs. (or up to Kindergarten) Fairview ECP has a developmental, experienced based curriculum in a warm and inclusive environment. Curriculum is designed to promote positive social behavior, respect for diversity, positive self-concept, independence, creativity and critical thinking skills. Come and visit us!

International School of Indiana Cathy Blitzer, Director 4330 N. Michigan Road Indianapolis 317-923-1951

isind.org Ages: 3 years old-12th grade ISI is founded on the belief that an introduction to a second language, exposure to different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds and an International Baccalaureate-driven curriculum all work together to foster critical and independent thought. $12,860 pre-k through 8th grade and $13.600 for High School. Financial aid available for qualifiers.

Meridian Hills Cooperative Nursery School 7171 N. Pennsylvania, Indianapolis, IN 46240 Contact: See �Admissions/ Tours� webpage Phone: 317-255-0831 www.meridianhillscoop.org Type of School: Cooperative Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: $48 - 233/month, limited tuition assistance available Field Trips: 3 - K Ages/Grades: Ages 2, 3, 4 & Kindergarten Religious Affiliation: None Open House Dates: Tours scheduled all year Share your love of learning with your children. Founded in 1960 by involved parents like you, Meridian Hills Cooperative provides a positive, nurturing environment wherein children explore and learn by doing. Spacious classrooms.

Beautiful, wooded playground. Caring, experienced staff. Adult/child ratios 1:4 - 1:6. Find us on Facebook.

montessori Centres Lynne Boone, Director 563 Westfield Blvd. W. Dr. Indianapolis 317-257-2224 montessoricentres@sbcglobal.net Ages: 2 1/2-3rd grade Stressing peace and respect for all, we’ve worked with children to develop criticalthinking and time-management skills since 1966. Montessori-certified lead teachers serve children aged 2 1/2-3rd grade. Our classroom structure and materials allow children to be self-directed and self-paced.

Our well-rounded curriculum includes French and Spanish, art, and computer labs. True Montessori environment serving children at all levels from gifted to special needs. Pre/K: 8:30-11:30 or 8:30-3:15.

Maria Montessori International Academy 7507 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone: 317-291-5557 www.mariamontessori-intl.org Type of School: Montessori Ages/Grades: Infant to 6th grade Maria Montessori International Academy offers a child centered Montessori program allowing children to learn at their own pace and are treated with respect. Teachers encourage and inspire children to do not only the minimum, but also their best, where learning should be a happy, joy-

ous experience! Children learn how to think for themselves and how to solve problems in original and creative ways and have a positive self-image. Children participate in math, language, music, art, practical life, science, geography, and foreign language.

The lead teachers possess bachelor degree and certification in Montessori Education.

Discover the Difference at the Maria Montessori! Now accepting applications for all ages toddlers, Pre-K and Kindergarten.

The Orchard School 615 W. 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Contact: Kristen Hein, Director of Admissions Phone: 317-713-5705 Fax: 317-254-8454 Email: khein@orchard.org Category of School: Private Independent Type of School: Preschool - Middle School Religious Affiliation: N/A Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Applicants are selected without regard to their ability to pay tuition. Every effort is made to provide financial assistance where needed. Tuition is all-inclusive.

Hours/Dates: School hours are 8:10 am to 3:20 pm. Before- and After-School Care available.

Field Trips: Middle School: 5th Grade to Cherokee, NC, 6th Grade to St. Louis, 7th Grade to Chicago, 8th Grade to Washington, D.C./ Williamsburg, Science Shadow Day. Elementary School: Various field trips throughout the year.

Ages/Grades: Preschool 3/4 through Grade 8 Religious Affiliation: None Uniforms/Dress Code: Dress code described in Family Handbook. (No Uniforms)

Before/After School Care: Before/after care available. 7-8 a.mm. and 3:30-6 p.m. Ranges from $5.25-$7.25 per day.

Open House Dates: Call to schedule a personal tour, and check our Web site for the date and time of our annual Open House.

The Orchard School, an independent, nonsectarian, progressive school, emphasized experiential learning. Orchard teachers engage the natural curiosity of children, develop academic excellence, and provide leadership experience through well-rounded education. Orchard's diverse community and commitment to multicultural education inspires responsible, global citizenship. Founded in 1922. NAIS, ISACS, NAEYS accredited.

Park Tudor 7200 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46240 David Amstutz 317-415-2777 nfo@parktudor.org www.parktudor.org Private Independent: Preschool - High School Jr. KG (full-day) $13,300; Sr. KG-Grade 5-$15,630; Grades 6-12-$16,570 Trips for all grade levels, ranging from local to national and international depending on age.

Ages/Grades: Junior Kindergarten (ages 3-5) - Grade 12 Dress code varies by grade level.

Before- and after-school care offered.

Visit web site for a complete admissions calendar.

Park Tudor School’s exceptional educators and extraordinary opportunities prepare students to become confident and resourceful lifelong learners. The school community creates an inspiring college-preparatory learning environment for highly motivated young people. Two-year Global Scholars program

for juniors and seniors; 19 AP classes; fullday kindergarten; Spanish beginning at age 3.

St. Luke’s Early Childhood Programs 100 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Bobbi Main-Jackson, Dir. 317-844-3399 mainb@stlukesumc.com stlukesumc.com Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Available upon request Labor Day-Memorial Day 9am-1pm with Summer Programs available Preschool 3 yrs (by Sept 1 of school year)-5 yrs, Parents’ Day Out 10 mos (by Sept 1 of school year)-3 yrs Tours available upon request.

St Luke’s Community Preschool is a weekday, developmentally appropriate and experience based program. Two well-trained, degreed teachers are in each classroom.

Parents’ Day Out is a structured play experience that provides parents some time for themselves on a regular basis on M, Th, F. We provide a warm and loving Christian environment in which children can learn and grow. Tours available upon request. Visitors welcome.

St. Richard’s School 33 E. 33rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205 Melinda W. Fisher 317-926-0425 x134 mfisher@strichardsschool.org www.strichardsschool.org Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: PKGrade Four $13,115 Grades FiveEight $13,715 2009 FA: $450,000 Multiple field trips per grade level offered each year Age three (3) through Grade Eight Prefer student to be three years old

prior to June 1st for Pre-Kindergarten.

Before/After School Care: Before Care: 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.

After Care: 3:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Independent Episcopal day school offering a community filled with academic rigor, faith based ecumenism and long-standing traditions. Its mission is to instill knowledge and values for a lifetime through the implementation of five Pillars for Success: Faith, Classic Curriculum, Leadership, Civic Responsibility, and Global Readiness.

Pre-Kindergarten (3) through Grade 8.

Sycamore School 1750 W. 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Dr. Susan Karpicke, Director of Admissions 317-202-2500 skarpicke@sycamoreschool.org www.sycamoreschool.org 1/2 day programs range from $5,030 to $8010; Full-day PreK through 8th grade is $13,495 for 2009-2011. Financial assistance is available. Please contact dridings@sycamoreschool.org.

M -TH 8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.; F 8:15 a.m.2:15 p.m. Parent Tours: Please call 317-202-2519 to schedule a parent tour.

2 yrs. 8 mos. - 8th grade At Sycamore, teachers trained in gifted education deliver a curriculum designed to challenge and engage gifted learners. Art, music, Spanish, PE and technology are taught at all levels. Extensive field trips, athletics, child care, financial aid, and a wide variety of after school activities are offered.

Northeast

Heritage Christian School 6401 E. 75th Street, Indianapolis, In 46250 Contact: Emily Iglendza, Director of Enrollment Management

INDYSCHILD.COM 51

Phone: 317-849-3441 Email: Admissions@ heritagechristian.net Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: $3839 - $9130 Open House Dates: Prep K -12th Grade Campus Days 9am - 5pm Thursday, March 10th and Thursday, March 31st. RSVP on the HCS website at www.heritagechristian.net Financial aid available for qualified families Biblical worldview learning Bus Transportation Available Before and After School Care High Ability Learners Program Honors and AP classes Fine Arts and IHSAA Atletics Accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) & NCA. Prep K - 12th Grade college preparatory, Christian school. Non-denominational & independent. The mission of HCS is is to glorify God through the discipleship of students and the pursuit of excellence in education with the Bible as the foundation and Jesus Christ as our focus.

Indianapolis Jr. Academy 2910 East 62nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220 Phone: 317-251-0560 Email: ijacademy@comcast.net www.ijacademy.org Private Independent: Preschool - Middle School

52 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

Religious Affiliation: Christian - Protestant/Other Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: egistration Fees - $250 Pre-school Registration $125 Tuition: $3,515 Pre-School - $5,750 Hours/Dates: 8:00am - 3:30pm MonThurs 8:00am - 12:30pm Fridays Before/After School Care: 7:00am8:00am Mon-Friday, 3:30pm-6:00pm Mon-Thurs 12:30pm-5:30pm Fridays Founded in 1963, Indianapolis Jr. Academy provides a well-rounded educational program with emphasis on spiritual, mental, physical, and social development. Our teachers are dedicated Christians who desire to prepare children academically and socially in an accepting environment where Christian principles are modeled and taught.

The teachers enjoy enhancing the curriculum with thematic units, hands-on activities, and field trips to interesting places in our area. We currently offer grades Pre-K to 8th, along with a 3-year old Pre-School program.

Northwest

International Montessori School, Inc. 2150 West 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Contact: Ranee Dhadialla Phone: 317-575-8733 Fax: 575-8737 Email: rkd1948@sbcglobal.net www.intlmontessori.com Type of School: Montessori Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Please

call for more information Hours/Dates: 9 AM - 12 Noon or 9 AM - 3 PM with options for 7-9 AM, 3-6 PM Field Trips: Yes Ages/Grades: 3 - 9 years Before/After School Care: Yes Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour A unique & warm place for children ages 3-9 years providing quality Montessori Education including exposure to diverse cultures, languages, art, music and more.

A Little Angel's Child Care Center 7434 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 Contact: Alice Glenn-Artis Phone: 317-872-8080 Fax: 317-252-4854 Email: alittleangel@att.net Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: infants - $150.00/wk, 1 & 2’s - $130.00/ wk, 3 & up - $115.00/wk (potty trained). No financial aid.

Hours/Dates: 6:30 am - 6:00 pm Ages/Grades: 6 weeks - 12 years (before & after care) Summer program: “Traveling Squad” for 1st thru 6th graders.

The best kept secret on the North side. A Christian learning environment designed for today’s family. We have a very diverse student population and we strive to satisfy all children’s needs. We offer a well rounded program stressing learning through directed play.

We emphasize the traditional core values of

“Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Respect.” Conveniently located at North Willow Mall (86th & Township Line Rd).

Traders Point Christian Academy 6600 S. Indianapolis Rd, Whitestown, IN 46075 Contact: Toni Kanzler Phone: 317-769-2450 Fax: 317-769-2456 Email: tkanzler@tpcs.org www.tpcs.org Type of School: Private Independent Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Preschool: $1665 - $3525, Elementary: $4528 - $6917, Middle School: $8237, High School: $9790 Financial aid is available for qualified families Hours/Dates: Traditional calendar: Preschool: 2 - 4 days per week for 3 hours per day, morning and afternoon classes;extended hour options available.

KG - 12th grade: M - F 8:10am - 3:30pm Field Trips: Preschool - 12th various during the year. In addition: 5th grade to Bradford Woods, 6th grade to Cincinnati, 7th grade to Chicago, 8th grade to Washington DC/New York/Gettysburg, PA, 9th-10th to Nicaragua/Mexico Ages/Grades: Two years old - 12th grade. Half-day, extended-day and full-day kindergarten options.

Restrictions: Preschool - KG age cut-off is August 1. Academic performance must be at or above grade level.

Biblical Worldview instruction. Fine Arts, Spanish KG - 12th, interscholastic athletics, AP classes, laptop computer program, college preparatory.

Religious Affiliation: Christian - Protestant Before/After School Care: Before and After School Care available M - F at 7 am before school and to 6pm after school.

Open House Dates: KG - 5th: January 6 and March 2. Middle School: January 13 and March 9. High School: January 27 and March 16. KG Round Up January 26.

Fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), NCA and State of Indiana (Freeway); college preparatory, nondenominational Christian school. TPCA’s mission: to challenge/educate students within a Biblical worldview, leading them to a personal faith and transformed life in Jesus Christ.

South

Montessori Garden Academy 4141 S. East Street, Indianapolis, In 46227 Contact: Kelly Sikora, Director of Admissions Phone: 317-782-9990 Email: kelly@ montessorigardenacademy.org www.montessorigardenacademy.org Type of School: Montessori Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: $425-$850 per Month Hours/Dates: MondayFriday 6:30 am -6:00 pm Field Trips: Yes Ages/Grades: 18 Months - 6 Years

Uniforms/Dress Code: No Before/After School Care: Yes Serving toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners. MGA builds children's self confidence and nurtures their natural curiosity. It's different from traditional child care and early education because children "learn by doing" to achieve a sense of pride and independence. Early on, children learn to cooperate with each other and resolve their own conflicts respectfully. Rather than a "cookie cutter" approach, MGA’s caring teachers and individualized attention enable each child to reach his or her highest potential. Early childhood is a precious window of time when kids are most receptive to learning. Help build a strong foundation for your child or grandchild by investing in a rich learning environment now.

The Children's Cottage 5935 S. Shelby, Indianapolis, IN 46227 Contact: Ann Derheimer Phone: 317-787-2990 Email: aderheimer@acsrestoration.com Type of School: Early Childhood Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Tuition varies with age of child. CCDF accepted Hours/Dates: 7 am - 6 pm Field Trips: Weekly field trips Ages/Grades: Toddler thru 12 years old Before/After School Care: Before and After school care available. Transportation available to area Perry Township schools.

Open House Dates: January 13, 2011 Discover the difference at The Children's Cottage. Our Learning thru Play teaching methods encourage creativity and prob-

lem solving as well as nutures their natural curiosity. Our weekly fiedtrips and dedicated teachers inspire responsibility and respect.

Come visit our family owned preschool. Your children deserve this home away from home.

West

Imagine Indiana Life Sciences Academy—West 4950 W. 34th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46224 Keith Marsh 317-297-9100 keith.marsh@imagineschools.com Charter: Kindergarten - Middle School Free tuition Hours/Dates: 8 am - 3pm Ages/Grades: k-7 Before care 6:30 am- 7:30 After care 3 pm - 6pm Imagine having a choice to decide what is the best school option for your child, regardles of where you live. By choosing Imagine Life Sciences Academy West, you provide your child with a challenging education rich in math, arts, science and technology, with teachers who use innovative teaching techniques that prepare students for success.

Maria Montessori International Academy 431 E. Northfield Dr., Brownsburg, IN 46112 Phone: 317-852-3900 www.mariamontessori-intl.org Type of School: Montessori

Maria Montessori International Academy offers a child centered Montessori program allowing children to learn at their own pace and are treated with respect. Teachers encourage and inspire children to do not only the minimum, but also their best, where learning should be a happy, joyous experience! Children learn how to think for themselves and how to solve problems in original and creative ways and have a positive self-image. Children participate in math, language, music, art, practical life, science, geography, and foreign language.

Discover the Difference at the Maria Montessori! Now accepting applications for all ages toddlers, Pre-K and Kindergarten.

Westfield

Montessori School of Westfield, Inc. 800 E. Sycamore Street, Westfield Mary Lyman, Directress 317-867-0158 montessoriwestfield@gmail.com Ages/Grades: Toddler- 15 months to 3 years; Ages 3-Kindergarten; Elementary 1: Grade 1-3; Elementary 2: Grade 4-8 Located on 3 wooded acres in Central Indiana, the Montessori School of Westfield adheres tothe academic traditions of Montessori while serving the present day child.

Your L isting H ere !

Contact Jennica

Jennica@IndysChild.com

INDYSCHILD.COM 53

March 2011 1

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Celebration Idea: Serve green eggs and ham. Celebration Idea: Read your favorite Dr. Think of something you Seuss story...it's also "Read can do today that will make Across America" Day! someone else happy!

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Celebration Idea: Talk about the things that make you smile.

Hide a smiley face in your child's lunch box.

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Potty Dance Party at the

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11:00am - 12:30pm Watch Ralph's World perform the Potty Dance live in concert!!!

National Write a Letter of Appreciation Week...Who do you need to thank? Teachers? Parents? Coaches?

8

Check Yo u BATTERI r ES Day!

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officially begins at 1:59am!

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National Puppy Day

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Tell three people who don't already know it, what your middle name is!

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On this day in 1912,

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Chocolate Caramel Day

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On this day 25 in 1882,

pancakes were first made in New York City.

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HOLIDAY Day! Celebration Idea: Let your child create their own special day and record it so you can celebrate it every year!

31 LIKE this calendar?

On this day in 1886,

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Celebration Idea: Help your child write an Day! acrostic poem using their Celebration Idea: name. Acrostic poetry Share your favorite ways is constructed so that to "goof off" with one the initial letters of each another. Do you like to line taken consecutively form words or phrases. read, play games, swim???

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Middle Name Pride

Celebration Idea: This holiday isn't just for the kids! Holding something against your parents?

Today's the day to let it go!

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Celebration Idea: Check out Barbie™: The Fashion Experience at The Children's Museum!

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Celebration Idea: Eat foods that begin with "pi" (pineapple, pie, pizza, etc).

20

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H appy Birt hday, Barbie ™!

Celebration Idea: Celebration Idea: Make Rice Krispie Bake a king cake to serve Treats. Practice counting as dessert. Play jazz music using Cheerios. and wear colored beads!

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Let us know! E-mail editor@indyschild.com with your suggestions Celebration Idea: Write only in pencil, today! Work a puzzle or draw a picture in pencil.

Celebration Idea: Potatoes at every meal???

Hash browns, potato skins, baked potato, fries...

Sources: familycrafts.about.com, brownielocks.com, holidayinsights.com & thenibble.com

March 2011

C a le n dar o f E v e n t s Tuesday, March 01 Indiana Pacers vs. Golden State Warriors Times: 7:00 PM Price: $10 - $200 Phone: 317-917-2500 Location: Conseco Fieldhouse: 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.consecofieldhouse.com

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other Eric Carle Favorites Times: 12:00 PM Price: Adults: $13.00, Children under 18 Years: $8.00 Phone: 317-940-6444 Location: Clowes Hall: 4602 Sunset Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46208

information, call the Children’s & Youth Services desk at 844-3363.

Animal Tales Times: 4:00 PM Phone: 317-852-3167 Location: Brownsburg Library: 450 S. Jefferson St., Brownsburg, IN 46112 www.brownsburg.lib.in.us/

Children ages 4-12 are invited to take part in exciting animal adventures with the Hendricks County Park and Recreation Naturalist! Each month we will feature an animal found right here in Indiana while reading a story that helps us discover our wild neighbors. No registration is required!

Thursday, March 03 Peewinkle Goes Fishing

Join The Very Hungry Caterpillar on a transformational journey eating his way through a variety of foods then changing into a beautiful butterf ly, a Little Cloud changing shapes to depict the things it sees, and a Mixed-Up Chameleon trying to become something else and learning the importance of being true to oneself.

This extraordinary puppet adaptation receives rave reviews worldwide.

It features black-light technology capturing the charm and visual style of three favorite books by Eric Carle.

Every Thu, Fri & Sat Beginning Thursday, March 03, 2011 Through Saturday, March 12, 2011.

Price: 2 - 8yrs. Tickets:

Dr. Seuss Birthday Drop-In Craft Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Location: Carmel Library: 55 Fourth Ave. Southeast, Carmel, IN 46032 www.carmel.lib.in.us

Today is Dr. Seuss’ birthday! Celebrate by dropping in and decorating a Birthday Seuss hat. For more

Location: The Children's Museum

St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

of Indianapolis3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208

www.consecofieldhouse.com

www.cloweshall.org

Wednesday, March 02

Location: 125 S. Pennsylvania

$8. Under two free.

Phone: 317-917-9454 Location: 25 E. Henry St.,

Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.peewinklespuppets.com

www.childrensmuseum.org

Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra Times: 9:30 AM Phone: 317-216-5450 Location: Pike Performing Arts Center: 6701 Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268 www.pike.k12.in.us

Music educators, Mark Buselli and Brent Wallarab delight students with a look at swing music throughout the ages. Don't just listen, watch! Dancers demonstrate as the musicians rock the house. History and music come together in this multimedia presentation to an entertaining end.

Registration can be made by contacting the PPAC Director at 317.216.5450.

Target Free Family Night Times: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Price: Free Phone: 317-334-3322

Join us for Read All About It: Let's Explore Reading Visit the new exhibit Dora and Diego-Let's Explore and take part in special activities celebrating literacy. Sponsored generously by Target, the f irst Thursday of each month The Children's Museum opens free of charge from 4-8 p.m.

Friday, March 04 Fishers Parks and Recreation: Spring Family Game Night Times: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Price: Free!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites

March 1 at 12:00p.m.

Clowes Hall

Join Peewinkle as he learns from Sherman, the Pelican, about the wonders under the sea. The hokey pokey dancing Octopus, singing Sea Stars, f luorescent school of f ish and more... will delight your youngsters. Optional post show workshop for $3 (Purchased at studio after show).Thurs. and Fri.: 9:30 & 11am ; Sat.: 10:30am, 1 & 3pm

Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament Daily Beginning Thursday, March 03, 2011 Through Sunday, March 06, 2011.

Phone: 317-917-2500

INDYSCHILD.COM 55

Phone: 317-595-3150 Location: 8660 East 131st

St., Fishers, IN 46038 www.fishers.in.us/parks

Join us for the 7th Annual Spring Family Game Night. Enjoy a night of family fun while playing board games, doing puzzles, BINGO, open gym, and more. Snacks and games will be provided. Bring your family out for an exciting evening. For all ages.

Shen Yun Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, March 04, 2011 Through Saturday, March 05, 2011.

Price: $60 - $120 Phone: 317-940-6444 Location: Clowes Hall: 4600 Sunset Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46208

animated digital backdrops conjure up blossoming landscapes and celestial palaces.

The Shen Yun orchestra meanwhile performs all-original compositions while combining classical Western and Chinese instruments as never before.

Escape to the Tropics Times: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Price: Free Phone: 317-327-7580 Location: 2505 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46203 www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org

Bring the family to enjoy our tropical festival. Grab your favorite f loral shirt and enjoy crafts, treats, games and more. Learn what life is like for people like you who live in the rainforests.

www.shenyunperformingarts.org

The Show That Is Leaving Millions in Awe! Shen Yun Performing Arts presents classical Chinese dance and music in gloriously colorful and exhilarating shows. An art form several millennia old, Chinese dance is refreshingly dynamic and expressive. Ancient legends and heroic f igures come to life through its leaps, spins, and delicate gestures. Shen Yun premieres over a dozen new dances and songs each season. State-of-the art,

BIG TEN MEN's BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

March 10-13 Conseco Fieldhouse

Saturday, March 05 Vienna Boys Choir Times: 7:00 PM Phone: Box Off ice 317-843-3800 Location: 355 City Center Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 www.thecenterfortheperformingarts. org/

The incomparable and world famous Vienna Boys Choir brings its celebrated sound to the Center in what promises to be one of the most remarkable concert events of the year.

Holliday Park: Sap to Syrup Day Times: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Price: $5/individual Phone: 317-327-7180 Location: 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260 www.hollidaypark.org

Bundle up and help celebrate the amazing Maple tree! Join us anytime between 9 and 11 to journey around the trails for some hands-on fun.

You can learn about how maple sap turns into syrup, try a taste test and enjoy breakfast with real maple syrup!

All ages, registration required.

DIME CARNIVAL AT THE MCC Phone: 317848-7275 Location: The Monon Center, 1235 Central Park Drive East, Carmel, IN 46032 www. carmelclayparks.com

Join us for our Dime Carnival at the Monon Community Center 56 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

(MCC). The event takes place from 6-9pm in the MCC Banquet Rooms. There will be at least 15 different types of games appropriate for ages 3-12. The number of tickets required to play varies for each game. You may play your favorite game as often as you would like; just make sure you do not run out of tickets. Tickets are $0.10 each, but you may purchase by the dollar! Carnival games may include: duck pond, minnow races, wheel of prizes, dart toss, and many more.

For more information on our Dime Carnival, please call Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation at 317.848.7275.

Writing Club: Create Your Own Magic Treehouse Tapestries and Rhyme Books Times: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Price: Free Phone: 317-881-1953 Location: 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood, IN 46143 www.greenwoodlibrary.us

Using Mary Pope Osborne's popular series, we will be creating our own canvas tapestries that tell a story. We will also be creating our own magic rhyme books to take home. Attendee must be between the grades of K and 5.

Registration is required by calling 881-1953 or online www.greenwoodlibrary.us

Indiana Wild live animal program Times: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Price: FREE Phone: 317-538-1226 Location: Emerson Avenue and County Line Road, Greenwood, IN Zip www.indianawild.org

Join animal expert Alligator Aaron for a practical look at keeping reptiles and amphibians as pets. Indiana Wild will have several types of reptiles and amphibians on hand. Of course, a quick family friendly, lively animal show will be conducted too. Presented by Holistic Select quality pet food and Pet Supplies Plus. Indiana Wild celebrates humananimal cultural connections through conservation, education, and rescue.

Monday, March 07 American Girls Club Times: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Price: Free Phone: 317-881-1953 Location: 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood, IN 46143 www.greenwoodlibrary.us

Mavens of Mystery: The American Girl Mysteries. Celebrate the inspiring American Girls-past, present and futurewho encourage girls today to build strong characters. (Dolls are welcome, but not necessary.) Attendee must be between the grades of K and 5. Registration is required by calling 881-1953 or online: www.greenwoodlibrary.us

Think Green Each Monday Beginning Monday, March 07, 2011 Through Monday, March 14, 2011.

Phone: 317-770-3242 Location: Hamilton East Public Library:

One Library Plaza, Noblesville, IN 46060 www.hepl.lib.in.us/

Come help us celebrate St. Patrick's Day and Spring. For Grades K-4. 1:30pm and 4:30pm Registration required. Register by calling the Youth Services Department at 770-3216 or online at www.hepl.lib.in.us.

Tuesday, March 08 Fishers Parks and Recreation: Totally Awesome 80's Party Times: 7:00 PM - 8:30 AM Price: R$8/NR$12 Phone: 317-595-3133 Location: 12690 Promise Road, Fishers, IN 46038 www.fishers.in.us/parks

Mothers, grab your sons for this Totally Awesome 80’s Party Join in and dance to the music of Bon Jovi and Journey for this year’s Mother Son Dance. Gear up for some totally awesome fun and relive the 80’s as if they were today. For boys 5-12 years old and their mothers. Cost is per person. Min 60/Max 80. After payment tickets must be picked up at the Recreation Off ice. *Web Registration NOT allowed for this event.*

Dr. Seuss Family Program

Sunday, March 06 The Sacred Dance Institute: Spirited Movement Times: 3:00 PM Price: $5 nonmembers/ $3 members Phone: 317-251-9467 Location: Jewish Community Center: 6701 Hoover Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46260 www.JCCindy.org

Enjoy a tapestry of spirited dancers celebrating modern, contemporary and liturgical dance. Share in the vibrancy and liberty of dance with the Sacred Dance Institute as they perform spirituallyinspired selections from their repertoire.

An opportunity to meet choreographer Tiffany Johnson and the dancers will follow the show. For more information visit: www.sacreddanceinstitute.com

Times: 7:00 PM Phone: 317-770-3242 Location: Hamilton East Public Library:

One Library Plaza, Noblesville, IN 46060 www.hepl.lib.in.us/

Bring the family and join in the fun as we enjoy crafts, snacks and stories by our old friend Dr. Seuss. Space is limited.

Registration is required.Register by calling

the Youth Services Department at 7703216 or online at www.hepl.lib.in.us.

Chess Night Times: 6:00 PM Phone: 317-272-4818 Ext. 222 Location: Avon Library: 498 N. State Road 267, Avon, IN 46123

presale tickets to shop early). Thursday: 9am - 7pm. Friday: 9am-5pm. Saturday 9am-1pm (most items half price).

Thursday, March 10 Project Foodie: Irish Pub Grub at Greenwood Public Library

www.avon.lib.in.us/

Children and adults are invited to come for Chess Night.

www.carmel.lib.in.us/

For teens in middle or high school. 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.; Young Adult Lounge Drop by the Young Adult department lounge to shoot Nerf basketballs and eat snacks with your friends. No registration required. For more information, call the YA desk at 814-3983.

Scratch Workshop Times: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Phone: 317-885-1330 Location: White River Branch: 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood, IN 46142 www.jcplin.org

During this workshop, you’ll have the chance to create your own interactive stories, animations, games, music and art using Scratch—a free downloadable twodimensional design application created by the MIT Media Lab. Attendee must be between the grades of 6 and 12.

Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament Occurring Daily Beginning Thursday, March 10, 2011 Through Sunday, March 13, 2011.

Phone: 317-917-2500 Location: Conseco Fieldhouse: 125 S.

Times: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Price: Free Phone: 317-881-1953 Location: 310 S. Meridian St.,

Greenwood, IN 46143 www.greenwoodlibrary. us/projectfoodie.asp

There are those who like food, and there are those who LOVE food. When you mix librarians and food obsessions, the results can be pretty cool. Come explore food topics in a whole new way at Greenwood Public Library. Each presentation includes some history, some recipes, some advice, and almost always some sampling. Get in the St. Patrick's Day spirit with a taste of Irish food

Friday, March 11 Benjamin Harrison Day Phone: 317.631.1888 Location: Benjamin Harrison House: 1230 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 Website: www.pbhh.org Special recognition of the anniversary of President Harrison's inauguration.

Whale of a Sale

Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Daily Beginning Friday, March 11, 2011 Through Saturday, March 12, 2011.

Location: 5801 South 650

www.consecofieldhouse.com

East, Zionsville, IN www.whale-sale.com

Indy Kids Consignment Sale

Occurring Daily Beginning Thursday, March 10, 2011 Through Saturday, March 12, 2011.

Location: 2003 Pleasant St, Noblesville, IN 46060 www.IKCsale.com

Consign and Shop at the largest and most experienced children’s consignment sale in Hamilton County and the North Indy area! Baby & children’s high-quality, new or gently used clothing,toys, gear and more, including maternity clothes.

Wednesday March 9th: Presale (must have

Family Link Night Times: 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM Price: Free Phone: 317-352-9226 Location: IU Health North Hospital, 11700 N. Meridian St., Carmel, IN Zip www.diabetes.org

Wednesday, March 09 Play It Again Wednesdays Location: Carmel Clay Public Library: 55 Fourth Ave. Southeast, Carmel, IN 46032

adult (at no charge). 9:30-11am & 12:302pm Come make merry music. We’ll have historic instruments (a dulcimer and a drum) on hand to touch. Make a kazoo and a drum to use as we f inish off with a St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Whale of a Sale is Indy’s premier upscale children’s consignment event and shopping expo. Featuring brand-name clothing, toys, equipment, bedding, furniture, boutique, maternity, fabulous vendors and more... at a fraction of retail price! Shopping here will save you hundreds of dollars on essentials. This is where smart moms SHOP and SELL. Sellers earn 60-75% of the sale price they set. Thursday, March 10th: MOM’S NIGHT OUT PRE-SALE (Pass Required for Admission). Friday, March 11th: OPEN TO PUBLIC 10-7 p.m. Saturday, March 12th:OPEN TO PUBLIC 8-1 p.m. 1/2 PRICE DAY!

Merry March Music Phone: 317-776-6000 Location: 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers, IN 46038 www.connerprairie.org/

Reservations required: 317.776.6006. $11/member youth ($12/non-member youth). Kids must be accompanied by an

Come to Family Link Night with the American Diabetes Association and meet other families who live with diabetes This fun, FREE, kid-friendly evening includes dinner, social time, and educational speakers geared to kids with diabetes, parents, and siblings. The event is open to families of children ages 10 to 18 who have diabetes.

Saturday, March 12 Fishers Parks & Recreation: Teen Job Fair Times: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Price: FREE! Phone: 317-595-3150 Location: 11601 Municipal Drive, Fishers, IN 46038 www.fishers.in.us/parks

Sunday, March 13 Holliday Park: Meet the Nature Center Animals Times: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Price: Free Phone: 317-327-7180 Location: 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260 www.hollidaypark.org

Get up close and personal with the animals who call the nature center home. We'll learn about what makes each animal unique as well as how our natualists keep them happy and healthy.

All ages, no registration required!

Monday, March 14, DIY Mondays Location: Carmel Clay Public Library: 55 Fourth Ave. Southeast, Carmel, IN 46032 www.carmel.lib.in.us/

For teens in middle or high school 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.; Young Adult Lounge Learn how to turn ordinary items into artwork. This month: Paper Robots.

No registration required. For more information, call the YA desk at 814-3983.

Mad About Science: Volcano Explosion

Join us for a unique opportunity to get job information and applications for seasonal summer positions, interviewing and resume- tips, and advice on how to begin your job search. This is a dropin program. For ages 16-19. Location: Fishers Train Station Meeting Room

Radio Disney Get Fit With Meijer Times: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Phone: 317-574-2000 Location: 10509 Heartland Blvd, Camby, IN 46113 Join Radio Disney at Meijer for tons of fun and f itness from 11:30 to 1 p.m. The Road Crew will have awesome music and dancing to help get you get in shape for the New Year Meijer Healthy Living Advisor will attend the event and have handouts and sample Healthy Snacks. While there you can check out the Simple Changes for Preventing Diabetes, chainwide event. Kids 16 and under can register for a chance to win a Nintendo Wii Food Cultural Day Phone: 317-636-WEST Location: The Eiteljorg Museum: 500 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.eiteljorg.org/

Celebrate Native American cultures through food. See demonstrations, sample a variety of culinary delights and meet professional chef Nephi Craig (Navajo/White Mountain Apache) and hear about his work to bring inf luences of traditional Native foods and f lavors into modern cuisine.

Times: 6:30 PM Phone: 317-535-6206 Location: Clark Pleasant Branch: 530 Tracy

Rd., Ste. 250, New Whiteland, IN 46184 www.jcplin.org/

Are you wild about science? Then join us for our new monthly program series for kids - Mad About Science! We will blast off our f irst adventure with a look at volcanoes. Experiments are guaranteed each month! Space is limited so registration is required; call 535-6206 or go to www.jcplin.org. Attendee must be between the grades of 1 and 4.

Tuesday, March 15 Fishers Parks & Recreation: Little Leprechauns Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Price: R$12/NR$18 Phone: 317-595-3133 Location: 12690 Promise Road, Fishers, IN 46038 www.fishers.in.us/parks

Where did the leprechaun hide the gold? That is just one of the fun games we’ll be playing in our St. Patrick’s Day celebration. A story, craft, songs, games, and a snack will keep all of your INDYSCHILD.COM 57

little leprechauns so busy you won’t have time for mischief. For ages 3-7.

Indiana Pacers vs.

New York Knicks Times: 7:00 PM Price: $10 - $200 Phone: 317-917-2500 Location: 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.consecofieldhouse.com

Holliday Park: Tales and Trails

Times: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Price: $5/child Phone: 317-327-7180 Location: 6363 Spring Mill Road,

Indianapolis, IN 46260 www.hollidaypark.org

Join us for an exciting morning as we dive into the pages of our favorite children's books and then venture out to explore the natural world for ourselves. This is a parent/child class.

Ages 3-4, registraion required.

Wednesday, March 16 Stranger Danger Personal Safety Times: 4:30 PM Phone: 317-770-3242 Location: Hamilton East Public Library: One Library Plaza, Noblesville, IN 46060

www.hepl.lib.in.us/

Location: Trafalgar Branch: 424

Give your children (ages 5-14) the skills they need to prevent assault and abduction.

David Saldivar, certif ied self-defense trainer, will discuss possible scenarios and the best ways for children to handle those scenarios. Children should dress for action. Physical tactics for escaping a strangers grasp or hold will also be taught and practiced. All materials used in this class have been approved through the Amber Alert program. Each child will also receive a "child ID kit" for parents to complete with their child.

Registration is required and space is limited. Register by calling the Hamilton East Public Library at 776-6939 or online at www.hepl.lib.in.us. For further information contact Melissa at 770-3235.

Tower Street, Trafalgar, IN 46181

Invasion of the GigantiGerms: A Super Science Show Times: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Price: Members: $2 | Non-Members: $2/ticket plus museum admission Phone: 812-337-1337 ext. 25 Location: 308 West Fourth Street, Bloomington, IN 47404

Children's School Age Program.

Join us for an adventure around the world to the Netherlands! Trafalgar Airlines; taking you to see the world, one book at a time.

Family Game Night Times: 6:00 PM Phone: 317-852-3167 Location: Brownsburg Public Library: 450 S. Jefferson St., Brownsburg, IN 46112 www.brownsburg.lib.in.us/

Family Game Night Ages 6 and under.

Come learn how to play new games.

Children love to play games, and they particularly love to play games with adults. Enjoy a family game night where everyone sits down and enjoys a board game. The games will be provided by Wilbur's Lincolnwood Toy Store.

Thursday, March 17

www.WonderLab.org

Germs may be tiny, but they can have a gigantic impact on our bodies and create epidemics in our communities. During this interactive presentation, take a peak into the microscopic world of germs, and f ind out how they make us sick.

Participants will engage in a related takehome craft activity. Seating is limited and will be available on a f irst-come, f irst-served basis the day of the show.

Travel Club Netherlands Phone: 317-878-9560

www.jcplin.org

Music for All National Festival Ongoing Daily Beginning Thursday, March 17, 2011 thru Saturday, March 19, 2011.

Phone: 317-940-6444 Location: 4600 Sunset Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.cloweshall.org

Concert halls across Indianapolis come alive with the performances of the Music for All National Festival presented by Yamaha. Featuring outstanding high school and middle school ensembles selected through a national audition process.

Single Day Ticket: Adults: $18; Students/ Seniors: $10. Three Day Pass: Adults: $40; Students/Seniors: $25. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 800.848.2263.

St. Patrick's Day Parade Times: 11:30 AM Visit www.indystpats.com for a full lineup of the day's events and parade route.

Morning Bird Stroll Times: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Price: $2 Phone: 317-327-7580 Location: 2505 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46203 www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org

Join staff for a walk through the park to see what feathered friends are out and about.

Bring your f ield guide and binoculars, or use ours. Strollers are welcome.

Friday, March 18 Meaningful Day Services Indy West Side Drum Circle Times: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Price: $3.00 (proceeds go to CapeAble) Phone: 248-0016 Location: 2461 Directors Row Suite k, Indianapolis, IN 46241 www.meaningfuldays.com

This music therapy event is for all people with all abilities who have an interest in connecting with others in the community while working on valuable skills such as fine and gross motor skills, attention span, motor coordination, sensory processing and expressive communication. All proceeds will go to CapeAble a nonprofit organiztion that raises money in order to allocate items for people with disabilities in our commmunity such as horse and equipment rental for Dusty Dreams.

Spring Equinox: Sun Boxes Price: FREE Phone: 317-920-2659 Location: Indianapolis Museum of Art: 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.imamuseum.org

Mark the start of spring at 100 Acres, March 18 - 20, with sound artist Craig Colorusso’s Sun Boxes. Marvel at a field of 20 solarpowered speakers, each programmed with a different loop of guitar notes, for an effect of an overlapping field of sound.

The sounds of Sun Boxes have been described as both soothing and energizing, as they react to the natural fluctuations of cloudiness and sun to create an ephemeral composition. All are welcome to enter the sound environment at will during the threeday installation. Bonus: On March 19, look for the Perigree Moon, when the moon is 14% wider and 30% brighter than usual due to its closest-to-earth elliptical orbit.

Fly a Kite

St. PaTrick's day parade

March 17 at 11:30 a.m.

Downtown Indianapolis

Phone: 317-776-6000 Location: Conner Prairie: 13400

Allisonville Rd., Fishers, IN 46038 58 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

www.connerprairie.org/

Reservations required: 317.776.6006 $11/ member youth ($12/non-member youth).

Kids must be accompanied by an adult (at no charge). 9:30-11am & 12:30-2pm. See some 1800s-era kites and learn about f lying them. Make and decorate a kite and other paper toys that f ly. Weather permitting, we will go outside to try our kites.

Saturday, March 19 Parkview Cooperative Preschool's Annual Bunny Hop Times: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Price: $1.00 Phone: 317-921-7000 Location: 4450 Central Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46205

Historical Society are partnering to present a genealogy program for young people.

Family History for Kids! allows students to discover their roots.

In this program, participants will search online records to learn more about their family history.

Recommended for ages 9 through 12.

Sunday, March 20 Around the World in Seven Snakes: A Live Animal Presentation Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Price: Members: $2 | Non-Members: $2/ticket plus museum admission

Phone: 812-337-1337 ext. 25 Location: 308 West Fourth Street,

Location: Clark Pleasant Branch:

Bloomington, IN 47404

530 Tracy Rd., Ste. 250, New Whiteland, IN 46184

www.WonderLab.org

www.jcplin.org/

Learn about how snakes live in different environments around the globe! This interactive show features seven snakes from Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, Central America, and North America. Seating is limited and will be available on a firstcome, first-served basis the day of the show.

Grab your favorite toy Superhero and join us for an evening of stories and video about these "community helpers."

Make a really cool action adventure craft to take home. Attendee must be between the grades of K and 3.

Monday, March 21 Salute to the Superheroes!

Times: 6:30 PM Phone: 317-535-6206

Monday Mania at Avon Library Times: 6:30 PM Phone: 317-272-4818 Ext. 222 Location: 498 N. State Road 267, Avon, IN 46123 www.avon.lib.in.us/

www.parkviewpreschool.org

Come join us for a fun day of carnival style games, animal interactions, food, and a fantastic silent auction.

Reptile and Amphibian Show

Times: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Price: Free Phone: 317-327-7580 Location: 2505 Conservatory

Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46203 www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org

Join the Conservatory in welcoming the Hoosier Herpetological Society and their cold-blooded friends. Come and see a variety of different reptiles and amphibians from both Indiana and the tropics.

Barks to Books at Pike

Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Phone: 317-275-4480 Location: Pike Library: 6525 Zionsville

Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268 www.imcpl.org

Children in grades 1 - 5 are invited to practice their reading skills by reading to a trained therapy dog. Call 275-4483 to register for a 15-minute session.

Family History for Kids Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Phone: 317-232-1882 Location: Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46202 www.indianahistory.org

The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America and the Indiana Junior INDYSCHILD.COM 59

Get ready to go bananas! Make plans to join us for our Funkey Monkey program.

Swing into the lbirary for all types of monkey fun with trivia games and a craft.

Go ape & sign up for this monkey of a good time! Elementary (Gr. 1-4)

Tuesday, March 22 Fimmakers Club

will have performances that are musically based and interactive, geared towards children 2-5 years old. The series runs on Wednesdays from 10-11am at the Monon Community Center (1235 Central Park Drive East). This event is free to the public.

The Awesome Power of Air: A Super Science Show Times: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Price: Members: $2 | Non-Members: $2/ticket plus museum admission Phone: 812-337-1337 ext. 25 Location: 308 West Fourth Street, Bloomington, IN 47404 www.WonderLab.org

Times: 4:30 PM Phone: 317-738-2833 Location: Franklin Branch: 401

State St., Franklin, IN 46131 www.jcplin.org

Explore the world of movie making. We will learn about script writing, acting and directing. Attendee must be between the grades of 4 and 6.

Wednesday, March 23 WINTER KIDS KONCERTS AT THE MCC: Ruditoonz Phone: 317-848-7275 Location: The Monon Center, 1235 Central Park Drive East, Carmel, IN 46032 www.carmelclayparks.com

Come join Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation for some entertainment at our Winter Kids Koncerts! We

Get blown away by the power of air! See how you can use it to create colorful chemical reactions, implosions, and explosions during this interactive science show! Participants will engage in a related take-home craft activity. Seating is limited and will be available on a f irst-come, f irst-served basis the day of the show.

Thursday, March 24 Random Film Festival: Meet the Robinsons Times: 6:00 PM Price: Free Phone: 317-881-1953 Location: 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood, IN 46143 www.greenwoodlibrary.us

The Random Film Festivals brings you the best in family f ilms. Join us this March for Meet the Robinsons. Lewis is a brilliant inventor who meets mysterious stranger named Wilbur Robinson, whisking Lewis away

in a time machine and together they team up to track down Bowler Hat Guy in a showdown that ends with an unexpected twist of fate. Free popcorn and drinks are provided for all attendees.

Music Appreciation: Island Music Times: 10:00 AM Phone: 317-579-0300 Location: Hamilton East Public Library: Five Municipal Dr., Fishers, IN 46038 www.hepl.lib.in.us/

Music Appreciation: Island Music.

Get away to the islands, enjoy Calypso and Reggae music and make related crafts. For grades 4-6. Registration is required. Register by calling the Youth Services Department at 579-0304 or online at www.hepl.lib.in.us.

Choruses of Hollywood & Broadway Daily Beginning Friday, March 25, thru Sunday, March 27, 2011 Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre: 45

Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Friday, March 25, 2011 Through Sunday, March 27, 2011. The ISO joins forces with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir for an epic evening of choruses from beloved Broadway musicals, Hollywood’s Golden Age and today’s cinematic blockbusters, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Star Trek and Avatar.

Visit www.indianapolissymphony. org/ for performance times.

Saturday, March 26 Autism Expo 2011

The Circle Trio Price: FREE Phone: 317-624-2563 Location: Indianapolis Artsgarden: 110 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.indyarts.org

Jazz, standards, ballads & pop. 12:15 - 1:15pm.

Friday, March 25 Feathered Friends Phone: 317-776-6000 Location: Conner Prairie: 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers, IN 46038 www.connerprairie.org/

Reservations required: 317.776.6006. $11/member youth ($12/non-member youth). Kids must be accompanied by an adult (at no charge). 9:30-11am & 12:30-2pm Take a closer look at some birds’ nests and then make your own to take home. We’ll take a hike to look for Conner Prairie nests (weather permitting), and have a bird’s nest snack!

Times: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: 502 East Carmel

Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 This is a free, all-about-autism event for families, professionals, and anyone else involved in the autism community.

There will be over 100 vendors with great exhibits and special products for sale. For more information, please contact Leslie at 800-609-8449 or visit www.inautism.org.

Pop-Up Card Workshop Times: 2:00 PM Phone: 317-275-4100 Location: Central Library: 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.imcpl.org

feathered friends

March 25 Conner Prairie

60 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

Children ages 8 and up are invited as artist Sof iya Inger leads them in a workshop on paper engineering and making a one-ofa-kind pop-up card for home. Younger children may need an adult or older sibling to help them with their craft. This program will be held in the Learning Curve.

Circus Day Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Phone: 317-232-1882 Location: Indiana Historical Society: 450 W. Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46202 www.indianahistory.org

Free admission to the Indiana Experience PLUS: Radio Disney, Hampel Family Circus, Carnival Games, Clowns, Magicians, Face painting, Amazing World of Animals, Balloon Sculpture, Crafts, Juggling. Game and refreshment tickets are 50 cents each.

Family Overnight at the Zoo Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 AM Price: Per Person: $50/nonmember and $40/Zoo member Phone: 317-630-2044 Location: 1200 W. Washington St., Indpls., IN 46222 www.indianapoliszoo.com/SitePages/ Education/FamilyOvernights.aspx

Looking for something new to do with the family? Why not come and experience a family overnight at the Indianapolis Zoo? With our family overnight, you will get to spend the night at the Zoo and participate in a variety of different activities, specif ically designed for families, including: a craft, games, animal stories, a special after hours tour and a morning breakfast. Groups sleep on the f loor in the Dolphin Gallery or Oceans. (Sleeping is prohibited in the Dolphin Dome.)

Noblesville Kids Consignment Sale Times: 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM Price: Free Admission Phone: 317-902-4982 Location: 20650 Cumberland Road, Noblesville, IN 46060 www.noblesvilleconsignmentsale. blogspot.com

Join us for the 3rd Annual Noblesville Kids Consignment Sale on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Noblesville Indiana. The sale runs from 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM. Half price sale will follow from Noon - 1:00 PM. Cash only, please. Consignors welcome.

Sell your gently used baby and kids clothing, maternity clothing, strollers, baby equipment, toys, books and more.

Women In Art Market Phone: 317-636-WEST Location: 500 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.eiteljorg.org/

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art will host Women in Art Market that celebrates creativity from a women’s perspective.

The Women in Art Market is being held in honor of Women’s History Month. Guests to the museum can view and purchase basketry, f iber arts, ceramics, painting and other work from regional female artists.

Free with general museum admission.

Madagascar Live!

Bloomington, IN 47404 www.WonderLab.org

Sunday, March 27 Holliday Park: Naturalist on the Loose Times: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Price: Free Phone: 317-327-7180 Location: 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260

Daily Beginning Tuesday, March 29, 2011 Through Wednesday, March 30, 2011.

Phone: 317-632-7469 Location: Old National Centre: 502 N.

www.hollidaypark.org

www.livenation.com/murat

Have you ever touched a toad? Smelled skunk cabbage? Join us as we grab some of the coolest stuff from the nature center and head out into the park. All ages, no registration required. Meet your naturalist under the gazebo at the Holliday Park playground.

A 90-minute touring production based on the 2005 animated movie Madagascar is headed for more than 70 U.S. cities, produced by DreamWorks Theatricals and Broadway Across America. Madagascar Live follows DreamWorks’ f irst foray into live theater, the 2008 Broadway production of Shrek the Musical.

Indiana Wild live animal show Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Price: WonderLab members $2, nonmembers museum admission + $2 Phone: 317-538-1226 Location: WonderLab: 308 W. Fourth St., Bloomington, IN Zip www.indianawild.org

Meet wild creatures of every size and shape, and explore how each has adapted to the unique conditions of its habitat.

This interactive presentation by Indiana Wild also includes conservation tips for kids. The audience will have an opportunity to touch wild animals.

Seating is limited and will be available on a f irst-come, f irst-served basis the day of the show. Indiana Wild celebrates humananimal cultural connections through conservation, education, and rescue.

Monday, March 28 Family Films Location: Carmel Clay Library: 55 Fourth Ave. Southeast, Carmel, IN 46032 www.carmel.lib.in.us/

For young children & their caregivers.

10:00-10:30 a.m., 11:00-11:30 a.m.; Storytime Room. Petunia, The Pigs’ Wedding, Rosie’s Walk. For more information, call the Children’s & Youth Services desk at 844-3363.

Tuesday, March 29 Big Screen Movie Times: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Phone: 317-839-6602 Location: 1120 Stafford Rd., Plainf ield, IN 46168 www.plainfieldlibrary.net/

Enjoy a sensational battle of the bands while viewing the Disney movie "Camp Rock 2" featuring the Jonas Brothers. Snacks will be provided.

Movie rated G; 97 minutes.

Location: 308 West Fourth Street,

New Jersey St., Indianapolis, IN 46204

Taking the Mystery Out of College Funding Workshop Times: 7:00 PM Location: Carmel Clay Library: 55 Fourth Ave. Southeast, Carmel, IN 46032

How does your body digest the food you eat, and what foods provide the nutrients your body needs? Find out at this interactive presentation as we unzip Stuffee, a huge demonstration doll, and take a close look at each part of Stuffee's digestive system. Visitors also will make and enjoy a healthy snack.

Seating is limited and will be available on a f irst-come, f irst-served basis.

Thursday, March 31 Imagination Movers

Times: 7:00 PM Price: $38.75, $32.75, $25.75 Phone: 317-940-6444 Location: Clowes Hall: 4600 Sunset

www.carmel.lib.in.us

Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46208

College funding isn’t merely about needbased f inancial aid; there are actually four key areas that must be considered: college selection, f inancial aid, tax aid and personal resources. This workshop will help you identify where your child may get into college and get aid, and how to determine your best strategy to pay for college. This seminar is offered free of charge, but registration is required at www.IndyCollegeFunding.org.

www.cloweshall.org

Wednesday, March 30 Spring Break Drop-In Craft Times: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Phone: 317-275-4370 Location: Flanner House Library: 2424 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.imcpl.org

School-age children are invited to drop by the Flanner House library and create a spring break craft to take home.

Teen Gaming Night - Wii Times: 6:00 PM Phone: 317-579-0300 Location: Hamilton East Library: Five Municipal Dr., Fishers, IN 46038 www.hepl.lib.in.us/

We're bringing out the Wii, bring your friends and come game. We've got Guitar Hero, Sports and more!

Snacking with Stuffee: A Super Science Show Times: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Price: Members: $2 | Non-Members: $2/ticket plus museum admission Phone: 812-337-1337 ext. 25

With Special Guests Nina and Warehouse Mouse! What would happen if the Beastie Boys collaborated with Mr. Rogers? The answer is the Imagination Movers. Indeed, the Movers sing about things they knowmessy rooms, healthy snacks, sibling rivalry, and other topics that relate to being a little kid-but their musical style would sound right at home on MTV. In concert, they teach high-energy dances, play games with the audience, and make music on their one-of-a-kind trashcan drum set as they live the Movers motto to 'reach high, think big, work hard, and have fun! '.

Art & Book Adventure: Art of Chris Raschka Times: 2:00 PM Phone: 317-878-9560 Location: Trafalgar Branch: 424 Tower Street, Trafalgar, IN 46181 www.jcplin.org

Children's School Age Program. Listen to jazz as we combine crayon and watercolor just like author and illustrator Chris Raschka. We’ll share his stories and take a close look at how he draws people.

Need even more great ideas on things to do??? Sign up for our e-newsletter at www. indyschild.com and have the top events delivered right to your inbox, every week!

At Indy's Child, we work hard to make sure our calendar information is accurate. However, occasionally event specifics change after we go to press. We encourage our readers to call locations in advance to verify information.

INDYSCHILD.COM 61

March 2011

ONGOING EVENTS Hairspray

Dora and Diego--Let's Explore

Daily Through Sunday, March 27, 2011.

Price: $36 to $59 Phone: 317-872-9664 Location: Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre: 9301

N. Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268

Daily Through Sunday, August 14, 2011.

Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Price: Free with museum admission Phone: 317-334-3322 Location: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis:

www.beefandboards.com

3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208

Every Fri & Sat Through Saturday, March 19, 2011.

Phone: 317-872-9664 Location: Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre: 9301

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents the big fat Broadway blockbuster Hairspray for the first time in February. This fun and fabulous eight-time Tony Award-winning show is on stage for eight big weeks. There are 57 performances of Hairspray in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, where you’re never more than six rows from the stage. Each performance includes Chef Odell Ward’s dinner buffet, coffee, tea and lemonade. Parking is free. For reservations, call the Beef & Boards Box Office at 317.872.9664.

www.childrensmuseum.org

N. Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268

Explore this active adventure in the enchanting world of Dora the Explorer and her animal-rescuing cousin Diego. Produced

by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in cooperation with Nickelodeon, the Dora and Diego-Let’s Explore exhibit is presented by the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation of Indiana. 2010 Viacom International Inc. All rights reserved.

www.beefandboards.com

62 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011

Nickelodeon, Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go and all related titles, logos, and characters are trademarks of Viacom International.

Blue's Birthday Party

It's Blue's Birthday and she's celebrating it with her best friends Joe, Tickety Tock, Slippery Soap, Magenta, Periwinkle...and YOU! Featuring brand new songs, story line and characters, Blue's Birthday Party takes to the stage to celebrate Blue's birthday, as we help search for clues to discover what Blue wants for her birthday. This awesome show is an extra special

opportunity to wish Blue a happy birthday in a BRAND NEW interactive show, Blues Clues Live! Blue's Birthday Party.

Tickets are only $12.50 for this one-hour show and include a juice box and snack. Shows are Fridays at 10am and Saturdays at 10am and 1pm.

Take a trip to a simpler time of poodle skirts, drive-ins, and T-birds. Bad boy, Danny and the girl next door, Sandy fall in love all over again to the tunes of your favorite songs. So throw your mittens around your kittens and "Hand Jive" the night away with the show that’ll make you want to stand up and shout, “A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop, A-wop-bam-boom!” GREASE!

Winter Green Market Each Saturday Beginning Saturday, March 05, 2011 Through Saturday, March 26, 2011.

Phone: 317-733-1700 Location: Trader's Point Creamery: 9101

Moore Rd., Zionsville, IN 46077 www.tpforganics.com

The Green Market is hosted inside the heated Red Barn every Saturday morning from 9am-12noon. In the winter, breakfast is served during the Saturday morning market in the Loft.

Cabaret Every Sun, Thu, Fri & Sat Beginning Friday, March 11, 2011 Through Saturday, March 26, 2011.

Price: $32 (Fri.-Sun.), $25 (Thu.) Phone: 317-924-6770 Location: Civic Theatre: 3200 Cold Spring

Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46222 www.civictheatre.org

On the eve of Hitler's rise to power, a Cabaret singer, an American writer and the citizens of Berlin are caught in the swirling maelstrom of a changing society. This provocative Broadway show, Tony Award winner for best musical and score, features a macabre emcee and phenomenal cabaret dance numbers. Thu. 7pm, Fri. & Sat. 8pm, Sun. 2pm.

Incredible Costumes from Film and tv Daily Beginning Saturday, March 12, 2011 Through Sunday, May 08, 2011.

Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Price: Free with museum admission Phone: 317-334-3322 Location: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis:

3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.childrensmuseum.org

The Terminator's leather jacket, Batman's Bat Suit, Darth Vader's cape and helmet, the Wicked Witch of the West's hat...these are just a few of the amazing original costumes featured in Incredible Costumes from Film and TV. The limited engagement exhibit explores the role of costume in defining characters from films and TV shows seen by millions, including Blade Runner, Star Trek, Ghostbusters II, and The Wizard of Oz. Organized by the Experience MusicProject|Science Fiction Museum, Seattle.

Shibori Spaghetti Daily (except Mon) Beginning Tuesday, March 29, 2011 Through Saturday, May 28, 2011.

Price: Activities included with museum admission Phone: 812-337-1337 ext. 25 Location: The WonderLab:

puppets and shadow puppets. The many mice, glittering Fairy God Mother and large pumpkin coach will delight your children. Visit: www.peewinklespuppets.com/ for exact show dates and times.

2011 ANNUAL STUDENT SHOW Daily Through Sunday, April 10, 2011.

Phone: 317-255-2464 Location: Indianapolis Art Center: 820 E.

67th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220 www.indplsartcenter.org

Visit the art center to see work by artists of all ages in this Juried Competition and Exhibition.

308 West Fourth Street, Bloomington, IN 47404 www.WonderLab.org

A temporary installation of a huge 3D textile exhibit of long tubes of fabric dyed with the arashi shibori method. Visitors can rearrange the tubes to create new art compositions. This interactive exhibit was created by artist Daren Pitts Redman with support provided by an Individual Artist Grant from the Indiana Arts Commission.

Cinderella Daily Beginning Thursday, March 31, 2011 Through Sunday, May 01, 2011.

Price: 2 - 10 yrs. Tickets

$10. Under two free.

Phone: 317-917-9454 Location: Peewinkle's Puppet

Studio: 25 E. Henry St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.peewinklespuppets.com

This classic fairy tale will be performed with marionettes, hand

C L A SSIFIEDS

The Frog Prince Daily Beginning Saturday, March 12, 2011 Through Sunday, April 17, 2011.

Price: Free with museum admission Phone: 317-334-3322 Location: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis:

3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.childrensmuseum.org

Hyronomous is bored and unhappy as a frog. One day, the good witch Gloria appears and tells him he was once a human prince and was turned into a frog through a spell. To break the spell, he must be kissed by a maiden. Follow Hyronomous on his humorous quest for that special kiss. March 12-13, 19-20, 25-27, April 2-3, 9-10, 16-17: 1 and 3 p.m. March 29-April 1: 11:45 a.m., 1:15 and 3:15 p.m.

April 5-8: 1:15 p.m. ASL-interpreted performance, April 16: 1 p.m.

Grease Daily Beginning Tuesday, March 22, 2011 Through Sunday, March 27, 2011.

Price: $69 - $22 Phone: 317-940-6444 Location: Clowes Hall: 4600 Sunset Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.cloweshall.org INDYSCHILD.COM 63

64 INDY’S CHILD * MARCH 2011