Indy's Child // 02.2011

Finding the

Perfect Preschool All About

CHILDHOOD DENTAL HEALTH Join us at our

FREE R C A MP SUMME IR FA 26

ry , Februa Saturday .m. to 4 p.m. a fro m 11 Fashion Mall e h at t ne at at Keys to sing s the Cro

FEBRUARY 2011 * indyschild.com

Making of a

Mompreneur

4 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

February 2011 14

It's time to smile!

Commentary & Parenting * Publisher’s Note: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis­— Better Than Ever! mommy magic: Balancing Motherhood

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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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TIME FOR BABY

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Health & Wellness * PEDIATRIC Health * *

Acupuncture Breaks Through as Treatment for Children

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Happy Healthy Hearts

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women's HEALTH: Prevention is Best in the Fight Against Heart Disease

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special needs awareness: * *

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birthday parties in indy

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Building Social Skills Through Peer Buddies

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A Healthy Start to a Bright Smile

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Finding Relief Through Respite Care

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The Special Needs of Special Needs Parents

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Around Town * INDY PARKS: It's Summer Adventure Time at Indy Parks!

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* RESOURCES

summer camp guide

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special needs calendar

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special needs guide

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mompreneur directory

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childcare & education directory

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calendar

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classifieds

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MUSEUM NOTE: Get Ready to Explore with Dora & Diego!

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150 years of camp

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Ask the Staff:

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February is Library Lovers' Month! In honor of this, tell us what book you are currently reading (or trying to find time to read)?

making of mompreneurs

The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

A Christamore House Guild book -- The Last Time I Saw You

BU

RN

S

Laura Bush: Spoken From the Heart. It really is up front and personal

R O X A N NE

the preschool hunt 6 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

h e at her

l

sk i ew

e ip

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Saving Fish from Drowning by Amy Tan

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

by Stieg Larsson

Crazy Love

by Francis Chan

j e nn i ca za

l

K A R E N R I NG

Indy’s Child

FOUNDING PUBLISHER Barbara Wynne barbara@indyschild.com Publisher & President of Sales & Business Development Mary Wynne Cox publisher@indyschild.com Associate Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Lynette Rowland editor@indyschild.com sales and business development Jennica Zalewski jennica@indyschild.com Art Direction & Design Heather Lipe heather@indyschild.com Controller / ACCOUNTANT Roxanne Burns roxanne@indyschild.com OFFICE MANAGER Karen Ring karen@indyschild.com

Co mm e n tary & PA R E NTING

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Publisher’s Note

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis—Better Than Ever!

t was wonderful to see parents and children interacting at so many of exhibits at The Children’s Museum. We have always said the Children’s Museum is for children of all ages and I am living proof that senior citizens can have a great time learning right along with the grandkids.

I took 17-year-old Korey, Meg, Jane and Lucy, 11, 10 and 7 respectively and we spent an afternoon at the museum together. Korey has been to Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam and had read her diary but had never seen the re-creation at the Children’s Museum. She really appreciated the opportunity to listen to her diary, look and listen to the history of the Second World War and appreciate what all of the families who hid Jewish citizens went through in those unforgettable times.

It gave her a much greater appreciation of the book she had read and her visit to her house in Amsterdam.

We all had a great visit at the Barbie exhibit, as well. It was a fantastic opportunity to be a fashion designer and learn the history behind how Ken and Barbie were created.

There were great staff members on hand to

My grandkids also enjoyed visiting Ryan White’s exhibit. They decided to participate in the movie with him and took turns directing and reading the script and, of course, watching themselves on the monitor.

We bid goodbye to Jolly Days on our way out and watched the children have a snowball f ight. They were intent and the staff member monitoring the action was in total control! There were more than 30 participating and all tell you the history of old and new dolls, but were having fun. the greatest enjoyment came from creating our own Barbie ensembles and using the To everyone reading Indy’s Child, models and fabric to be creative with our remember that you will always see own new designs. Naturally, there was a something new at the Children’s Museum runway and a lot of mirror to allow the each and every time you visit. My ‘tweens to pretend they were world-class grandchildren want to go back to see the models in their creations from the dress-up Egypt exhibit because we didn’t have time to see and do everything we had planned! corner.

I am so glad I renewed my Grandparent Another favorite moment in the Barbie Status membership as it promises to provide exhibit came from watching a father us with many more exciting and fun-f illed actively involved in helping his daughter afternoons. design her own outf it. The interaction between the two of them was one of love and adventure. “Let’s try something new together.”

COVER MODEL Elyse Baker COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Jennifer Driscoll Photography

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 Indy’s Child Inc. and 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.

INDYSCHILD.COM 7

N E WS & SHO PPING

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news you can use

Indy’s Child to Give Away Several VIP Ticket Packages in February!

We want to connect with you, our readers, so for the entire month of February we’ll be giving away several fantastic VIP and standard ticket packages to several lucky readers who sign up for our e-newsletter and become our friends on Facebook!

VIP 4-pack to Madagascar for two lucky families!

VIP 4-pack to Sesame Street Live for two lucky families!

Passes to Sesame Street Live for several families!

So, make sure that you’re signed up for our e-newsletter and to “Like” us on Facebook…you never know what you might win!

The Autism Expo 2011, presented by the Autism Society of Indiana, in partnership with Easter Seals Crossroads, will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 502 East Carmel Drive in Carmel (The Fountains Banquet and Conference Center) and 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. No registration is necessary for this event. For more information about Autism Expo 2011, please contact Leslie at 800-609-8449 or visit www.inautism.org.

Find A Summer Camp at the 2011 Summer Camp Fair Indy's Child Parenting Magazine will be hosting the 22nd Annual Summer Camp Fair held at the Fashion Mall at Keystone at the Crossing on February 26, 2011 from 11 am to 4 pm. Touted as one of the oldest and largest summer planning events in the nation, this event brings families together for a day of family fun and exploration as children and parents seek out the variety of summer camps and programs available in Central Indiana and around the United States. Over 100 different camps and programs will be on hand to discuss with you the variety of options, financial aid, specialties and more.

Radio Disney will be providing entertainment, along with health and wellness information from Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent and

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 8 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

representatives from American Camp Association, Indiana will be available to answer questions you might have about finding the right camp.

Don't miss this once a year event to explore the importance of summer camp and the variety of opportunities available. Many offer financial aid assistance and offer camps for children with special needs.

Location: Fashion Mall at Keystone at the Crossing (Nordstrom side of mall) Date: Saturday, February 26, 2011 Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Celebrities, competitions & hundreds of vehicles on tap as 52nd World of Wheels roars into State Fairgrounds Over 500 incredible vehicles of all shapes, sizes and descriptions will fill three buildings at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Friday, February 11 through Sunday, February 13 as the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 World of Wheels, presented by Ray Skillman Discount Auto, returns to Indianapolis for the 52nd consecutive year.

Visitors can view nostalgic race cars in the perennially popular Drag City USA display - along with hundreds of traditional rods, customs and bobbers, Euro customs, sport compacts, and trucks, see the sprint car simulator from Knoxville (IA) Speedway, automotive swap for hard-to-find parts, tire changing competitions and car care workshops presented by Meguiar’s. Among exhibits will be the futuristic “Roswell Rod” bubbletop.

And fans of two-wheeled transport will not want to miss the All-American Motorcycles 2011 Show presented by Harley-Davidson of Indianapolis,

featuring all makes and models of bikes, custom and restored. Celebrity appearances by Wrestling superstar, Shawn Michaels, Debby Ryan from “The Suite Life on Deck” and Gene Winfield, world-renowned custom car builder.

Show hours are: Friday, February 11, 5 to 10 pm Saturday, February 12, 10 am to 10 pm Sunday, February 13, 10 am to 7 pm.

Advance sale tickets ($12 adult; $4 children 6-12) are available at all area O’Reilly Auto Parts stores and at all six metro locations of Church Brothers Collision Repair. General admission at the door is $14 adults, $5 children 6-12.

Youngsters 5 and under are admitted free. For additional information, visit www.worldofwheels.com.

Sesame Street Live “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo & Friends” Coming to Murat Theatre at Old National Centre Imagine singing and dancing with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all your favorite Sesame Street Live friends! It’s as easy as counting “1-2-3 Imagine!” This high-energy musical will transport audiences to far away places as Ernie captains the high seas, Elmo dances to the rhythm of the African rainforest and Bert meets an octopus who has the blues. It’s a story of adventure and fun that teaches children they can be anyone, do anything and go anywhere with the power of imagination.

intermission. The perfect length for ver y young children!

Sesame Street Live is a larger-than-life, musical touring stage production featuring Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie…and more. Each performance is 90 minutes of singing, dancing and audience participation, including a 15-minute

For a chance to win tickets, remember to subscr ibe to Indy's Child E-Newsletter and "like" Indy's Child on Facebook!

Six delightful per formances !

Tickets on-sale now at the box off ice and all Ticketmaster locations. Performance dates: Friday, February 25 – Sunday, February 27, 2011. To charge by phone, call 800-745-3000.

Local Author Provides Reviews of Class Books in Beyond "Good Night, Moon" - 75 Reviews of Classic Books For Young Children

Did you know there are more than 18 million preschoolers in this country? If you’re a parent or caregiver, you’re likely to be reading a variety of classic tales to your youngsters. Author Joan Louthain Ayer, a graduate of University of Wisconsin at Platteville who also earned her Master’s Degree in Elementar y Education from Butler

University in Indianapolis, has taught all early primary grades as well as f ive years of preschool and reviewed children’s books for over 15 years. This new compilation lists 75 reviews of books perfect to read aloud to young children.

Everything from Madeline to The Snowy Day. Available on www.amazon. com for $10.95.

INDYSCHILD.COM 9

A RO U ND TOW N

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indy parks

It's Summer Adventure Time at Indy Parks!

Summer Camps Offer a Variety of Specialized Fun for All Ages

Adventure is the spice of life and Indy Parks has Day Camps that will rattle out the boredom of summer with challenges and memories to cherish forever.

Adventure is the spice of life and Indy Parks has Day Camps that will rattle out the boredom of summer with challenges and memories to cherish forever. Time f lies when you’re having fun, and that is what Indy Parks provides every day to tickle the creative whims of your child and celebrate the great Parks in our city.

camp to inspire your child’s creative side with professional teaching artists in a variety of media from paint to clay to paper mache. Or explore jewelry making, create a mural and draw plein aire (that’s a fancy word for drawing outdoors).

Check out Theatre Camp at Ellenberger Park – a one week summer workshop providing hands-on experience working side-by-side with professional actors, directors and technicians. Your child will learn memorization techniques, dialogue and develop conf idence in stage presence. With the skills learned in this camp, you could start packing your bags to Hollywood!

Indy Parks’ Day Camps are located throughout Indianapolis at select family centers and parks. Camp packages include trained, qualified and friendly staff, low counselor to camper ratios to ensure your child has their focus. We have exciting weekly field trips, swimming, art and crafts, fascinating guest speakers, cool camp T-shirts, creative educational programs, extended care If your child loves bugs and trees more than scripts and costumes, check out our specialt y Environmental services, structured games, activities, sports and more.

Education Day Camps at Eagle Creek, Holliday and Indy Parks offers a variety of specialty day camps for kids Southeastway Parks. They are truly “crawling” with interested in arts and nature. Garf ield Park has a new great times.

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Sign up for camps called Strive to Survive and Eco-Excursions.

These day camps provide kids with a week of challenges from compass courses to knot tying and various survival techniques and wilderness tips to help you on your next outdoor adventure!

Indy Parks hasn’t forgotten about your precious little preschoolers. We offer camps called Wiggle Worms and Habitat Hunt for exploring creatures in their habitats, playing games, reading stories, making crafts and exploring the great outdoors.

All camps are American Camp Association (ACA) accredited and all staff are First Aid and CPR certif ied. Registration begins Monday, Jan. 31. Call 327-PARK or walk-in to any Indy Parks Day Camp site to register and check out these camps and much more in the 2011 Indy Parks Day Camps Guide available at www.indyparks.org.

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pediatric health

Acupuncture Breaks Through as Treatment for Children Ancient Technique Finds Applications in Young Patients

While I was undergoing specialized medical training in the 3,000-year-old practice of acupuncture, an unlikely patient approached me. It was my 7-year-old son, who was complaining of a headache. I decided to try a little experiment. I pulled out two thin needles and inserted them into his hand, in just the right places. Within five minutes, he told me the headache was gone.

Coincidence? Not if you believe that the ancient Chinese art of acupuncture has real applications in modern medicine. Increasing numbers of health professionals are turning to this technique for their patients – including the youngest ones – to treat a wide variety of conditions.

From easing headaches to stopping hiccups, from treating anxiety to alleviating abdominal pain, acupuncture is moving into the mainstream.

Acupuncture is based on observations of Chinese doctors more than 3,000 years ago. Within every human being, they maintained, is a life force or energy called “chi” (pronounced “chee”) that circulates in our bodies through 12 “meridians,” or invisible channels. Pain and various other conditions were perceived as blockages of this energy. According to these ancient healers, inserting needles into specific “acupoints” on the body would reestablish the natural flow of energy, restoring the body to its normal function. Thousands of years later, health practitioners are using virtually the same methods.

The sticking point Most parents have vivid memories of their children screaming in the doctor’s office during every routine shot. For them, it’s almost unimaginable to choose a treatment for their child that involves needles.

The key is having the right approach when introducing the subject to the patient. It’s also important for parents and children to know that modern acupuncture needles are so thin that they are hardly noticeable. Moreover, there are related, noninvasive techniques that can produce similar results. Acupressure, in which pressure points are manipulated by touch, and laser treatments targeting those same areas can be highly effective in pediatric patients.

A variety of uses As a pediatric anesthesiologist at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, I spend most of my time in the operating room. There, I frequently use acupuncture techniques to prevent and treat post-operative nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects of anesthesia.

Riley also operates a pain clinic that now offers acupuncture as part of its multidisciplinary approach. Abdominal pain and migraines are the most common conditions treated, and there is ample evidence to suggest that acupuncture can be effective for these and various other painful conditions.

There are plenty of benefits to acupuncture. It’s more costeffective than some other treatments, it’s easy to use, and there are no side effects. In fact, it’s hard to pinpoint a downside.

For more information, please visit rileyhospital.org.

Dr. Malik Nouri is a pediatric anesthesiologist for Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health.

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women's health

Prevention is Best in the Fight Against Heart Disease Take a Moment to Think About Cardiovascular Health in the U.S. It is essential that women learn more about heart disease and address preventative strategies, especially given the fact that 64 percent of women who died of a fatal heart attack had no previous symptoms. Thankfully, due to better screening and outreach, we are making headway in the fight against heart disease. Here are some points that you might want to discuss with your physician about your own cardiovascular health.

Make the changes.

There is no way to get around the necessary exercise and dietary changes needed to reduce cardiovascular risks.

Limiting processed fats and decreasing sugar is ver y important, as is getting at least 30 minutes of activity on a daily basis. If your doctor has recommended medications for control of blood pressure, heart rate or blood sugars, it is important to take your medications regularly.

Know your family history.

It is important to share with your physician whether or not there is a history of cholesterol issues, stroke, heart attacks Know the warning signs. or diabetes in your family.

We’ve heard about the chest pressure, arm or jaw pain, nausea and shortness of breath that can herald a heart attack.

However, heart disease can have a more subtle presentation and feel like heart burn, shoulder or upper back pain. One Know your According to the American Heart Association, of the more common symptoms of heart disease is fatigue. numbers.

Needing to sit down or rest after stairs, housework or Womens' cardiovascular disease has surpassed cholesterol tends other day to day activities should prompt you to have an all forms of cancer and is now the number to run slightly evaluation by your doctor. higher than men’s, one killer of women in the U.S. perhaps due to Taking the initiative and discussing your risk factors with the effect of our your doctor can go a long way in the prevention of a estrogens or use of birth control pills. Having low HDL, or broken heart. good cholesterol, is particularly problematic. High insulin February brings to mind visions of red hearts and levels, upward trend in fasting blood sugar or blood pressure Angela LaSalle, MD practices Integrative Medicine in Valentine’s Day, and it is also a good time to think about those issues are also important numbers to look at for cardiovascular Carmel, IN and is board certified in Family Medicine. For more diseases which can literally break your heart. According to the risks. In fact, 50 percent of patients with type 2 diabetes information regarding her practice with Indiana Health Group American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease has surpassed already have significant coronary artery disease at the time or on other health topics visit www.angelalasallemd.com. For all forms of cancer and is now the number one killer of women their diabetes is diagnosed. appointments, call 317-843-9922.

INDYSCHILD.COM 13

It's Time to

SMILE!

All About Childhood Dental Health

14 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

At Dr. Carol McKown’s off ice, everything is designed to put her pediatric dentistry patients at ease, from the Alice in Wonderland theme and the TVs with cartoons on, to the flavored gloves the staff wear (orange, grape or bubblegum) and the toy tower full of prizes for being a good patient.

“Ever ything is geared toward kids,” Dr. McKown says. “I’ve had several parents say, ‘Can you treat me, too? I’m really just a big kid.’”

Just as children need a pediatrician, several Indianapolis dentists specialize in pediatric dentistry.

“Ped iatr ic dentistr y is mostly about prevention,” says Dr. McKown. “We learn how to treat the scared child, the apprehensive child.”

If your baby is teething, she will be irritable, drooling more than normal and waking during the night and is completely normal, she says, but fever or diarrhea should warrant a doctor visit.

Dr. McKown says the first dentist visit should come around 1 year old. By this time, she says parents should start weaning their child off the bottle, as it can affect how teeth grow in.

While thumb-sucking might seem innocuous, Dr. McKown says it can distort teeth angles and the bite, conditions that could later require orthodontic correction.

“I want the child to stop the thumb by age 4,” she says, adding that a pacifier doesn’t deform

the teeth the same way. “The thumb is a harder habit to stop than the pacifier.”

Dr. Michelle Edwards recommends a rewards system and positive reinforcement for children aged 3 to 5, because negative stimulus isn’t as effective until 5 or 6. An appliance that fits behind the upper teeth can fill the comfort space, making the action awkward and reminding kids not to do it.

Dr. McKown recommends helping children brush until age 7 when their fine motor skills are advanced enough to do a thorough job – usually, when they can write cursive or tie their own shoelaces.

“Girls’ fine motor skills develop quicker and earlier,” Dr. Edwards says. Until they can

A baby’s f irst tooth usually appears around 6 months – though it can take longer or come early.

“Girls, in general, lose teeth and get teeth in faster than boys,” Dr. Jennifer Satterfield-Siegal says. “My daughter started getting her teeth in at 4 months.” Her daughter also lost her baby teeth early at 4, when the average is closer to age 6 – but a little early or late is nothing to be concerned about, she assures parents. “It’s not a good thing, it’s not a bad thing – it’s just a thing,” Dr. Satterfield-Siegal says.

INDYSCHILD.COM 15

do a proper job themselves, teaching proper brushing and flossing technique is one of the most important things parents can do. “A lot of kids will want to do it themselves,” says Dr. Erin Phillips, especially as toddlers begin to assert themselves in other areas.

For the child who doesn’t want to brush their teeth, Dr. McKown advises making it a regular part of their day. “Routine is very important,” she says. “It is something that you just need to do.”

Turning it into a game or competition or singing a song can also help make it a positive experience, Dr. Phillps says. Brushing with parents can also be a bonding activity. Dr. Lauren Weddell recommends spin brushes and

fun toothpaste flavors. And sometimes, parents just have to put their foot down.

warning that each teaspoon of most juices contains about three grams of sugar.

“I tell parents all the time that this is the training period – either you train them or they train you,” Dr. Satterfield-Siegal says, warning not to give into tantrums or pouting.

“Don’t give in. Be strong.”

More detailed information can be found at the Indiana Dental Association site DrinksDestroyTeeth.com.

For snacks, Dr. Phillips recommends whole fruits and vegetables, cheeses and yogurt. If a child wants a sippy cup between meals or before bed, Dr. Edwards advises parents fill it with water, as juices, soft drinks, flavored waters and sports drinks can all cause tooth decay.

“So many children and adults are getting cavities because of drinks,” Dr. Phillips says,

“The gummy vitamins have been causing a lot of cavities,” Dr. Edwards adds, because they attach to the teeth, and get stuck between them, lengthening the exposure of sugar.

“Pediatric dentistry is mostly about prevention."

—Dr. Carol McKown

“Studies have shown it’s not actually how much sugar, but how much exposure” that causes tooth decay, warns Dr. Weddell. So chugging a 2-liter of Mountain Dew in five minutes, while not healthy, is less destructive than chewing sugary gum regularly, or sipping a glass of juice over an hour. Sugar-free gum, though, can help dislodge gunky foods without causing more damage, Dr. Phillips says.

Besides acids eroding teeth, oral bacteria create their own acids when processing sugars. The more sugar exposure, the more acid produced, and the stronger it is, Dr. Weddell says. And processed foods have a lot of hidden – or not so hidden – sugars.

“Anything that has corn syrup listed as the first ingredient is probably not good for your teeth,” Dr. Phillips warns. When a baby is born, they have no bacteria in their mouth, Dr. Phillips says, but they soon contract “good” bacteria from contact with their parents.

This, in addition to dietary and oral hygiene habits, explains why the children of parents who have a lot of cavities are usually more prone to dental problems – their bacteria are less effective at combating tooth decay.

Another reason to start seeing a pediatric dentist early is that if the child sustains trauma – like a fall – the parents have a dentist they know and trust who is familiar with the child and their medical records.

“It’s nice to be able to call somebody you know,” Dr. Satterfield-Siegal says.

medical professional parents, she practices what she preaches.

“By hook or by crook, she will get her teeth brushed, because it is what’s best for her,” Dr. Edwards says. “A lot of kids don’t like to be put in their car seat, but you do it anyway because it’s good for them.”

Like adults, many child patients have special needs that must be addressed to provide dental care.

“About 30 percent of my patients are disabled in some way,” Dr. McKown says, including mental, physical and medical disabilities.

The biggest factors in treating these special patients is patience and attention to detail, Dr. McKown says – providing a bean bag chair for her cerbral palsy patient who can’t sit in the usual chair, working with an autistic patient to make sure he or she is as comfortable as possible.

“It’s really just taking more time,” she says.

While nursing is very soothing, it is important to wipe off the baby’s teeth before they nap – not only are the sugars and acids coating the baby’s teeth, the body produces less saliva while sleeping.

“When they sleep, their mouth is dry,” Dr. Edwards says, so nothing washes those destructive elements away.

A cloth is acceptable until the molars come in, Dr. Edwards says, and flossing should begin whenever the teeth start touching.

Soft-bristled baby toothbrushes are available for the first few months of brushing, Dr. Phillips says, and small amounts of fluoride toothpaste are acceptable when the baby is able to spit.

“The keys are starting early and consistency,” Dr. Edwards says.

Dr. Edwards’ own two-year-old isn’t always thrilled with the routine, but like many 16 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

For children with cancer, she makes sure to check their white cell count at each visit; with diabetes, it’s double-checking their insulin and that they eat before a visit. Dr. McKown also has to be careful about any medications her patients might be taking, as the anesthesia could interact with other drugs in the system.

Regardless of age or special needs, the importance of taking care of your child’s teeth is just as important while they are young as it is when then are adults. So celebrate Childhood Dental Health Month by scheduling an appointment with your pediatric dentist today!

Allison Tyra is a graduate

of Indiana University's School of Journalism. An Indianapolis native, she spends most of her time freelancing for various Midwestbased publications, watching too much Glee/Grey's Anatomy and giving into her cats' demands for attention.

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pediatric health

Happy, Healthy Hearts

How to Keep Your Child's Heart Healthy at St.Vincent, shares with parents that heart heart murmurs may result from a hole in the murmurs and chest pains – while not to be heart, thickening or weakness in heart muscle ignored – are often not indicators of heart or a narrowed or leaky heart valve. disease or other underlying heart problems.

Common stressors in children or teens may include school examinations, peer pressure or bullying, friendship or boyfriend/girlfriend relationship problems.

Getting to the heart of the pain Dr. Parikh said chest pains are another common non-cardiac ailment in kids—and also one that typically has nothing to do with the health of the heart. Chest pain can have a variety of sources, and virtually any structure in the chest can cause pain, including the lungs, ribs, chest wall muscles and diaphragm. Chest pain may also be due to problems not related to the chest such as heartburn or acid refluxing from the stomach.

Although less common in children, cardiac conditions associated with chest pain may include inflammation of the heart lining, coronary artery abnormalities or extreme thickening of the heart muscle.

So what are they then?

Most kids are born with a healthy heart—a fact many of us take for granted.

That’s why it’s important to keep your child’s heart in shape with heart-healthy food and plenty of cardio exercise. There are times, however, when something with your child’s heart seems concerning. Maybe your son has been complaining of chest pain, or you’ve been told during a routine well check that your toddler has a heart murmur. Suddenly, a healthy heart seems much more fragile.

Hearing more than a lub-dub A heart murmur is a swishing or a whistling sound that is heard when listening to the heart through a stethoscope. Normally, a heart makes two sounds – lub dub (technically known as ‘first’ and ‘second’ heart sounds) – as it beats. But with a heart murmur, a swishing or a whistling sound is heard in addition to the normal lubdub sound.

Injuries and inflammation may also be the culprit. Falls are an obvious cause of chest “Heart murmurs are basically extra sounds pain, but musculoskeletal chest pain can also or noises that occur between heart beats,” occur from less obvious ones, such as heavy Dr. Parikh explains. “Sometimes it can be an lifting, frequent coughing or intense exercise. indicator of heart disease, but more often than Additionally, inflammation in the chest area, not, there’s no rhyme or reason to the murmur such as between the breastbone and the ribs, may also bring on pain. and it’s nothing to be concerned about.”

Heart murmurs that are unrelated to any heart Dr Sanjay Parikh, pediatric cardiologist and issues are called “innocent” or “functional” medical director of the Children’s Heart murmurs. Typically, they are harmless and have Center at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital no impact on the body. In rare cases, however,

Although for chest pediatric expertise

“Most chest pain in children is usually of a benign nature, where heart disease is an unlikely cause,” says Dr. Parikh. “However, if your child has severe chest pain or chest pain associated with breathing difficulty, fever or an inappropriately rapid heart rate – it is cause for greater concern and you should consult your pediatrician or family physician for further guidance.”

If you want to learn more about kid’s health, visit peytonmanning.stvincent.org and sign up for your free Tip of the Day e-newsletter.

Sanjay Parikh, MD, pediatric stress or anxiety may be responsible cardiologist and medical director pain, most physicians, especially of the Children’s Heart Center at cardiologists, may not have the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital to determine if this is the case. at St.Vincent.

INDYSCHILD.COM 17

Your Guide to Birthing in Indianapolis Nothing is more exciting and more terrifying than realizing you are expecting a child.

Discovering a pregnancy positive brings an immediate rush of emotions and, inevitably, a lot of questions. What do I need to do? Where should I have my baby? Will my baby be healthy? How can I be sure?

There are so many options for child birthing methods, doctors, baby products, etc. that making decisions about what’s best for you and your baby can seem like a daunting task. It’s important to research all options and make informed decisions. Below is a guide to local options to aid in this process.

Choosing a birthing method

Most women, around 70%, deliver vaginally each year. Some opt for pain reduction with medication or an epidural. However, there are many other options for pain management with a natural birth, including, to name a few, the Lamaze Method, Bradley Method, water birth and hypno birth.

The Lamaze Method, created by Dr. Fernand Lamaze in the 1950s, usually involves six to eight weeks of training classes for the mother and a partner. Pain management is achieved with controlled breathing, focusing on an external object and relaxation techniques such as massage or soft music. The Lamaze Method is sometimes used in combination with pain medication.

The Bradley Method was developed by Dr. Robert Bradley as an alternative to pain management drugs. This method involves more intensive study and classes typically last for 12 weeks. The basic idea behind the process is that women instinctively know how to give birth and it teaches women to relax and focus internally on their bodies. Topics such as health, nutrition, newborn care and post partum care are also discussed.

Water birth or water labor is becoming more popular and many hospitals are beginning to offer it as an option in their maternity centers. Mothers will labor and/or deliver in water that is approximately 90-100 degrees. The water temperature relaxes and eases the pain of the mother and the baby is born into a comfortable environment that mimics the temperature and feel of the mother’s womb. Physically, the placenta is still supplying the baby with oxygen until it begins to separate. The baby is immediately removed from the water and placed in the mother’s arms. For the mother, benefits of water birth include easing of pain and anxiety.

Another natural childbirth choice, hypnobirthing, is a form of self-hypnosis that strives to reduce pain and anxiety. The hypnosis is not a form of ‘mesmerizing’ but rather relaxation obtained through imagery, positive suggestion and deep breathing. Mothers practice the technique for several weeks before labor and/or attend classes.

Doctors, midwives AND doulas…oh my!

The majority of women still feel most comfortable seeking the advice and care of their OB/GYN for their prenatal care, labor and delivery. There are however, other types of support available for women who would like additional or alternative care.

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Believe Midwifery specializes in natural home births but also offers a wide range of gynecological and maternity services.

“Indiana licenses Nurse Midwives as independent practitioners, meaning we are primary health care providers to women throughout their lifespan and newborns through the neonatal period,” says Penny. “We perform physical exams, prescribe medications (although Indiana requires a written collaboration with a physician for prescription privileges), order laboratory tests as needed, provide prenatal care, gynecological care, labor and birth care, as well as health education and counseling to women of all ages.”

Group question and answer sessions and tours of the office are offered to provide potential patients with answers to all their questions and to determine if birthing families and the midwife are comfortable working together. For more information visit believemidwiferyservices.com.

Doulas (from the Greek for ‘female servant’) are more like pregnancy and delivery “coaches” and do not provide medical care like midwives and doctors. They are basically there to help with the birthing plan and offer support before, during and after the birth of the baby.

Doulas are usually practiced in relaxation techniques and can aid in making mothers more comfortable during the labor process. They are also trained in lactation procedures and post partum issues that may arise.

Doulas of North America (DONA) is an international association of trained doulas.

DONA doulas are specially trained and certified by the organization. You can find local DONA doulas in your area by sending an email to referrals@ dona.org.

Where to have your baby Though hospital births with an obstetrician are still the most common, more

and more mothers are employing midwives and doulas. Most hospitals today welcome this and have professional midwives and doulas on staff. In addition, home births with midwives and/or doulas are also becoming more popular.

For hospital births, it is important to find out as much information as possible about local maternity wards before making a choice.

Most maternity centers and OB units offer regular tours and classes and are happy to answer any questions. Visiting the hospital and knowing what to expect can do wonders to alleviate fears and concerns of expectant parents.

According to Lisa Crane, childbirth education coordinator for Clarian Health, tours are scheduled twice a month and can be arranged to fit busy schedules (evening and weekend tours are available). Many classes are also available including Lamaze, “Hypno Baby,” sibling birth classes and refresher courses at a number of locations (a full list of classes and online registration is available at iuhealth.org/childbirth). Clarian is open to many birthing methods and will work with parents’ special needs and desires. According to Joyce Reynolds, Shift Coordinator for Labor and Delivery, water birth and therapy is an option and certified midwives and doulas are on staff. Doulas also offer Spanish interpretation as 20% of patients at Clarian require this service.

One unique service offered by Clarian is the Clarian Home Connection, available to those who live in Marion and surrounding counties. A few days after new mothers arrive home with their babies, a nurse will visit the home to provide follow up examinations of both mother and child and to answer any questions parents may have. This service is provided free of charge.

St. Francis Hospitals offer prenatal birthing classes, sibling classes and breastfeeding classes as well as tours of the OB units on Wednesday nights at 6pm.

Fifteen private rooms for labor, delivery and recovery (LDR) are available, as well as 21 private post partum rooms and 8 private antepartum rooms. Visiting hours are open during labor, with 3 people allowed to visit at one time. Two people are allowed to attend deliveries (children must be 14 years or older to visit during this time).

Despite open visitation, security in nursery and maternity areas is taken very seriously at St. Francis. “We use HUGS® as our security system,” explains Shelley Spate of the St. Francis Hospital-Indianapolis Labor and Delivery Unit. “Each baby is banded immediately after birth with ID bands that are compared to parents. They are also banded with a HUGS device which alarms if tampered with or if the infant is removed from the unit.”

Umbilical cord blood is special because it contains stem cells; specialized cells that can be used in the treatment of many diseases.

Cord blood banking is often done at St. Francis, however, patients are responsible for making their own arrangements and supplying their own cord blood kits. “We do have some kits available if they decide at the last minute to bank the cord blood,” explains Shelley. “We also work with Endgenitor, which is a research company doing research on cord blood stem cells. Each patient is asked if they would like to participate in this program and at that point consents are signed.”

Riverview Hospital of Noblesville offers tours every other Sunday at 6 p.m. Many classes are also offered. “We offer a standard five week childbirth education class, as well as a condensed version that meets on one weekend on Friday night and Saturday morning,” says Susan Herzog, Interim Manager of Maternity Services at Riverview. “We also offer a positive positioning class that is geared towards mothers wanting to have a natural childbirth, a class named ‘Mommy’s Having a Baby’ to help prepare siblings to welcome their

new brother or sister, and we also offer a breastfeeding class.”

Standard visiting hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and visitation during labor and delivery are left up to the discretion of mothers and physicians. There are no specif ic restrictions regarding visitation and siblings are allowed to visit at any time before, during and after delivery.

Riv er vi e

Midwives are registered nurses who are educated in nursing and midwifery. They may work through a hospital, in private practice or in collaboration with a physician.

According to Penny Lane, CNM and owner of Believe Midwifery Services, LLC, “There are many routes to becoming a midwife in the United States, which leads to a great deal of confusion among both consumers and medical providers. Indiana currently recognizes only the Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). The CNM credential means that the midwife is a registered nurse who has graduated from a nurse-midwifery educational program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), most often has a master’s degree in nursing, and has passed a national certification examination to receive the professional designation of certified nurse-midwife.”

w

oom ent R i t Pa

Despite open visitation policies, Riverview uses multiple security measures. “We have a locked, secure unit that is constantly monitored,” says Susan. “We also use the KidMatch system, which uses barcodes on bands that the mother and baby wear to ensure that they are matched properly.”

St. Vincent Hospital offers community tours at 6 p.m. every Tuesday night in the OB waiting room at Carmel. Private tours through the Monogram Maternity Program are available with a pre-delivery appointment with an OB nurse. Many classes from baby care to Lamaze and sibling classes are also offered.

Patients deliver in an LDR (Labor, Delivery and Recovery) room, then are transferred to a new post partum room. “We find our families enjoy moving to a new room after they have completed their delivery process where they focus on resting and learning to care for their newborn and selves the next couple of days,” says Michelle Slayman, Clinical Director of OB Services at St.Vincent Carmel. Visitation is open during labor and the amount of visitors is left up to the discretion of the family and the attending physician. “We encourage our families to include those in their experience that are appropriate for them and their particular situation,” says Michelle.

Home births account for only a very small percentage of births in the United States and many of those home births are unplanned.

However, home birth may be a viable option for healthy, pregnant women, but it is important to do your research and surround yourself with the support of people you trust.

Joni Heredia was drawn to the idea of a homebirth when she and her husband took a Bradley birth preparation class and heard their presenter talk about homebirths. “I researched and talked to lots of people and I concluded that homebirth was safe and natural,” she says. “I knew there was less chance of complication and that I would be more comfortable in my own surroundings.”

At first Joni’s husband was leery of the process and preferred that their first child not be born at home. “By the second birth, we both agreed,” she says. “We met with several midwives and my husband trusted the midwives we chose and that conversation made him comfortable with homebirth.”

To prepare, Joni and her husband read several books, met with midwives and looked up statistics about safety and outcomes of homebirth. She recommends that anyone considering homebirth do their research, as well.

Joni has had two of her children at home and says she would do it again. “After experiencing the homebirth, I can say it was the most amazing thing to happen to me and my family,” she says.

“It brought us closer as a couple, it was a relatively simple birth and when it was over we were already home in our ‘nest,’ free to enjoy our new family. The few hours after the birth when you can go to sleep in your own bed with your own family and no one meddling, that is priceless.”

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Common Pregnancy Fears Fear is a common emotion in expectant women as questions and concerns constantly arise. One of the most common fears is the loss of the pregnancy. Fortunately, according to recent statistics, only 10 to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, most of these occurring very early in the pregnancy. After about week 8, the incidence rate drops even further.

Another common pregnancy fear is a premature delivery. The scenario is often depicted in movies and on television: the woman goes into immediate, unexpected labor at an inconvenient time followed by a mad dash to the hospital. The fact is this type of labor, especially for first time mothers, is extremely rare.

Premature births happen only about 12% of the time and even then, a mad dash is not usually necessary.

When my water broke 3 weeks early with my first child, my first instinct was to rush immediately to the hospital. After a call to my doctor, however, I was assured that I still had plenty of time, did not need to rush, and would be more comfortable resting at home until labor pains became more intense. In fact, the average length of labor for first time pregnancies is 12 to 18 hours. Second births, however, will most likely be quicker.

As a woman’s belly begins to grow, she will inevitably begin to be concerned about regaining her figure after the baby is born. The best way to get back into shape after baby is to stay in shape before baby. Don’t make your pregnancy become an excuse to pig out. Instead, follow your doctor’s advice, eat healthy and try to stay in the recommended weight gain recommendations (usually 25-35 pounds). Breast-feeding may also help new moms shed the pounds as it burns calories and tightens the abdominal muscles.

Doing research and taking steps to alleviate fears and insecurities will help ensure a healthy pregnancy and future for you and your family. Having a plan and knowing the facts will empower you on the journey that lies ahead. Relax and enjoy the ride.

Rebecca Todd is a freelance writer and author of the book "What's the Point? -Looking for Logic in Modern America."

Must-Haves for Mommies Bed and Bedding Though the family bed is popular with some, most pediatricians recommend parents do not sleep with small infants for safety reasons.

Therefore, the baby really needs a bed of his own. Be aware, however, that national regulations and safety standards for cribs are changing and it is important to do your research before making a purchase.

and the things you really DON'T need formulated to relieve the sore, dry, chapped skin that can occur with diaper use.

What you DON’T need: Most moms, even the ones who have purchased one, agree; you don’t really need a big, fancy changing table. Many times they end up being stacked up and used for storage. Instead, “a large supply of waterproof changing pads is a must,” says Catherine.

What you DON’T need: Fluffy quilts and pillows, which can pose a suffocation hazard for infants. Simple bedding is best. Local mom Catherine Dixon, mother of 18 month old Lucy with another child on the way, recommends the HALO® SleepSack®, a wearable blanket that replaces loose blankets in the crib that could cover your baby’s face and interfere with breathing.

Feeding Obviously, your needs will vary depending on whether you are breast or bottle feeding.

But as your child grows, a high chair will be a must. “High chairs are one of our top sellers,” says Kate Finger of Once Upon a Child, which buys and sells secondhand quality, safe child and baby items.

“They never stay in the store long.”

Diapering Needs Obviously, diapers are a priority for new moms. Diapering creams will also be important, as well. Arbonne offers a line of baby products that are botanically based and pH correct. Their herbal diaper ointment is a water-repelling cream

20 INDY’S CHILD * FEBRUAry 2011

What you DON’T need: A fancy upholstered or wooden high chair. “They’re impossible to clean,” says Catherine. “Get a plastic one that you can hose down if you need to!”

irthdays come but once a year, so most parents want to ensure their child has a great time and memorable experience. Fortunately, Indianapolis has plenty of options for fun and interesting celebrations.

One thing to prepare for is dietary concerns such as lactose intolerance, allergies and other conditions all of which can lead to emotional and medical reactions. With that being said, it’s important to make sure everyone is taken care of on the food front.

Unlimited, says she’s never seen happen there because there’s so much play equipment to keep the kids busy.

“The kids just go crazy,” she says with a laugh.

Sink says it’s next to impossible for kids to get bored or fight over a particular piece of equipment when there are 15 playsets, not to mention trampolines, play tables, dollhouses and basketball goals.

“A lot of times, people don’t even get around to opening the gifts,” she says. “By Sugar and artistry come together at the the time the kids leave, they are wiped out.”

Icing Academy, where owner/instructor Julie Nolting teaches kids about making It's a fact that little ones are full of energy. cupcake masterpieces. The basic party is A gym party is a great way for children adaptable, so Nolting can work around to release that liveliness and have fun at just about any dietary concern or desired the same time. Gymboree offers great theme. party packages. You'll receive 1 1/2 hours at the gym with your very own “It’s totally customizable,” she says. enthusiastic teacher. They'll provide “Anything they want to add, we can you with invitations, party bags, use of definitely add.” the party room and a special gift for the birthday child.

She can make gluten-free, dairy-free and can even work around sugar concerns or Because everything is indoors, kids can egg allergies. be active and get exercise even when it’s cold outside. Community centers like the “I just need to know in advance,” YMCA are also good for a winter pool party and other indoor sports.

Nolting says.

Birthday Celebrations in Indy

Another potential issue is if the children A definite upside to utilizing a venue like aren’t actively engaged, something Heather Recreation Unlimited, Sink says, is the Sink, general manager of Recreation stress relief for the parents.

INDYSCHILD.COM 21

runway, lights and cameras. Each girl also gets a “swag bag” purse with lip gloss and nail polish.

“We do everything for them to pamper the girls,” Traut says.

For educational and entertaining programming delivered to your door, Mad Science is one alternative for the future scientists. Birthday girls and boys can also enjoy Indiana Jim’s Reptile Experience, complete with turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs and toads.

“They don’t have to worry about the mess at their house,” she says, nor do they have to plan any activities or hire entertainers.

Most movie theatres offer party packages; bowling and roller skating are also good fallbacks, as are party centers like Greatimes Family Fun Park, which offers go-karts, bumper boats and miniature golf, in addition to a massive indoor play structure and arcade.

Nancy Nieman, manager of Snapperz Family Fun and Sports, says the center’s variety of activities keep kids active and entertained.

Besides the four-story playground, airbrushed tattoos, laser tag and laser frenzy game, families will also find bumper cars, bungee trampoline, bowling, bounce houses and an arcade. But the best part for the parents is that a party host is there to help out by serving food, keeping track of the gifts, and taking photos so parents can actually enjoy their child’s birthday party as well.

“They can be our special helper for the day,” herpetologist Jim Horton says.

His presentations include gift bags for the guests and prizes for the birthday kid and whoever wins Horton’s “flippy frog” game.

Horton says kids tend not be scared of the animals, though his largest snake is about seven feet long – one of his “non-touchables.”

Others, like Bubba the toad, are fine for kids to touch. They might not be the cuddliest animals, but Horton’s audiences always have questions.

“Whether you like these animals or not, you find them interesting,” he says. “Whether they’re creepy or cool, you want to know more about them.”

For a wider variety of animals, the Indianapolis Zoo offers party packages, as well and Indiana Wild delivers reptiles, mammals, birds and more, says Alligator Aaron.

“The parent is nice and relaxed and they don’t have to worry about anything,” Nieman says.

“They’re not stressed out like they would be at their own home.”

“There’s cute and cuddly animals, there’s creepy animals,” he says of the nine animals he brings. “There’s something in that nine that everybody will like.”

Even if a child is sulking or throwing a tantrum, Nieman’s staff knows how to take care of the situation.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a great destination for both fun and learning, says Amy Huffman, sales manager for rentals and events.

“Our party hosts are well-trained. They’re used to that,” she says.

For fall fun, Waterman’s Farm Market offers hayrides, fresh produce, pony rides, hay bale maze, farm animals and plenty more low-tech attractions.

For a dose of the feminine, Glitz and Glamour is a go-to option.

“We are a girly-girl boutique,” says owner Brandi Traut. “It’s all about being a girly girl, having fun with their friends.”

Birthday girls and their guests can enjoy makeovers (or “glam-overs”), dressing up in gowns and watching themselves sing and dance down a hot pink runway. With princess teas, Hollywood red carpet, and diva spa parties, the boutique offers a variety of choices.

“Every girl at every age loves the spa parties,” Traut says.

While home makeovers are fine, she says the entire experience is almost impossible to replicate, with the professional-looking 22 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

“You don’t have to bring anything,” Huffman says, “All you really have to do is show up, which is really nice for the moms and dads.

Besides admission to the museum, the party package includes tickets for the carousel, Lilly Theater and SpaceQuest Planetarium. Each party also has a theme, usually corresponding to one of the exhibits, like “fashion fabulous” to go with the Barbie: The Fashion Experience exhibit, and dinosaur-, Egypt- and carouselthemed events. Kids can also enjoy the seasonal events, such as winter’s Jolly Days or October’s haunted house.

“There’s always so much fun stuff to do for everybody,” Huffman says.

And that’s what a child’s birthday should be about – fun.

Allison Tyra is a graduate

of Indiana University's School of Journalism. An Indianapolis native, she spends most of her time freelancing for various Midwest-based publications, watching too much Glee/Grey's Anatomy and giving into her cats' demands for attention.

150 Years of Camp…

And Going Strong Celebrating The Rewards of Summer Camp

Organized camp was born in the summer of 1861. The brainchild of William Gunn, headmaster of the Gunnery School in Washington, Connecticut, the first organized camp was a group of boys who journeyed into the wilderness along Long Island Sound for two weeks of swimming, fishing, hiking, games, and more.

The idea spread like wildfire. Parents realized that while their children were having fun at summer camp, they were also

learning a positive effect that long outlasted their stay at camp.

Eleanor Eells, author of History of Organized Camping: The First 100 Years, detailed in her book that though only several dozen camps were up and running in the early 1880s, several hundred were flourishing by 1900.

In 1922, Harvard University President Charles W. Eliot said, “The organized summer camp is the most important step in education that America has given the world.”

In 1929, in Camping and Character, camp standards and leadership training pioneer Dr. Hedley S. Dimock, echoed Eliot’s views on the educational benefits of camp, writing: “The summer camp as an educational agency has unusual possibilities. Contrasted to ordinary schools, it can be stimulating and enlightening … Camp is new and at least willing to make fresh attacks on problems of education. Schools tend to have pupils deal with life indirectly, learning from what others have to say. In camp life is an actual process.”

INDYSCHILD.COM 23

Perhaps that’s because even in the early 1900s the potential negative impacts of a life without the natural world were evident. Winthrop T. Talbot, an early camp leader, called it the “tyranny of the cities.”

Characterized by a nerve-wracking instability, constant distraction (even before the days of television, computers, and cell phones) and a maddening lack of silence, the antidote for a child in such a state was camp. Talbot wrote, at camp “gradually he grows into harmony with the calm about him, and cheerful good nature replaces ill-temper…”

broaden the horizons of her campers. Eells wrote of Mattoon, “She lived fully in the present and gave freely to her campers and colleagues. But her face was turned to the future in anticipation of what it might hold for her girls and what they might contribute.

She understood well the place women were to occupy in the 20th century and the many ways in which the camp experience could provide preparation.”

By the 1920s more than 100 camps were devoted to helping shape the hearts and minds of girls across the country.

In addition to being an excellent educational tool through experiential learning, the early years of organized camp also proved that the industry was at the forefront of social change, and in a unique position to help youth adjust and thrive in the face of such changes as the women’s suffrage movement, social and racial equality, treatment of individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, times of economic hardship, and times of war.

For both boys and girls, camp was increasingly seen as an equal playing field for all who attended, regardless of social status or economic class. Talbot once said, “In camp, poor and rich lads stripped down to their swimming trunks are on an absolute equality … Courage, generosity, goodwill, [and] honesty are the touchstones to success in camp.”

Female camp pioneer Laura Mattoon made it her mission in the early to mid 1900s to

World War II, the Korean War, and later the Cold War, gave camps an additional purpose:

24 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

teaching campers overall preparedness. In 1951, camping enthusiast C.I. Hammett wrote that it was important “for campers to learn to do for themselves, to practice outdoor skills that teach self-reliance and resourcefulness. This should happen in daily living, not on an occasional hike or outing, and the camper should have an active part in the preparations.”

Hammett also believed that, “the goal of camping should be to develop future citizens and provide children the opportunity to get to know and understand other children of different racial, national, religious, geographical and economic groups,” — yet another camp vision that has today come to fruition.

More recent years have been marked by children retreating indoors in record numbers.

Television, the advent of the computer age, and widespread financial cuts to school funding often resulting in the cancellation of physical education all made the role of camp even more relevant in the 1980s and ’90s.And that trend continues today.

Camps in the 21st century are continuing to prove that experiential learning is paramount in childhood development.

Peg L. Smith, CEO of the American Camp Association, wrote, “The value of camp is resonating with more and more young people and adults — lessons learned, friendships formed, experiences shared, strengths discovered. There is something solid behind what seasoned camp directors have always known, and what parents have witnessed — genuine learning and growth occurs in the unique camp environment.”

Today, right where we are, is “an exciting time to be able to influence the direction of our future,” Smith said.

Eells wrote, “The pioneers of organized camping were men and women with a vision of the impact of outdoor living experiences on the lives of boys and girls.”

She also said,“Camp’s common bond is the concern for people in their relationships to one another, to the environment and for their sense of community.”

Well, it has been 150 years since the beginning of organized camps, and the industry is aging beautifully. Camp leaders are still focused on providing hands-on learning for their campers and the importance of building character. Camps are still fielding children through times of social and economic change.

And millions of children each year are still finding themselves at camp — discovering new interests, overcoming challenges, getting inspired, and shaping themselves into tomorrow’s leaders.

Happy birthday, camp. Thanks for the trailblazing. Thanks for the memories and the bright futures. And here’s to the next 150 years! ©2010

AmericanCamping

Association, Inc. The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACAaccredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

Find A Summer Camp at the 2011 Summer Camp Fair Indy's Child Parenting Magazine will be hosting the 22nd Annual Summer Camp Fair held at the Fashion Mall at Keystone at the Crossing on February 26, 2011 from 11 am to 4 pm. Touted as one of the oldest and largest summer planning events in the nation, this event brings families together for a day of family fun and exploration as children and parents seek out the variety of summer camps and programs available in Central Indiana and around the United States. Over 100 different camps and programs will be on hand to discuss with you the variety of options, financial aid, specialties and more.

Radio Disney will be providing entertainment, along with health and wellness information from St.Vincent Hospital and representatives from American Camp Association, Indiana will be available to answer questions you might have about finding the right camp.

Don't miss this once a year event to explore the importance of summer camp and the variety of opportunities available. Many offer financial aid assistance and offer camps for children with special needs.

Location: Fashion Mall at Keystone at the Crossing (Nordstrom wingl) Date: Saturday, February 26, 2011 Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: FREE

INDYSCHILD.COM 25

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

Address: 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.

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 Address: Various Schools in Indianapolis Contact: Michele Millikan 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 hands-on 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

Address: 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.

26 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

Camp Guide

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, February 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.

Indianapolis Art Center Summer Camp

Address: 820 East 67th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220 Contact: Krista Hurst Phone: 317-255-2464 Fax: 317-254-0486 Email: Classes@IndplsArtCenter.org Website: http://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.

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-tocamper ratio is 1:10 (1:8 for the younger kids). Give your kids something valuable—a connection to their own creativity!

Stansfield Circle Sports Camp For Girls

Address: Park Tudor Campus 7200 N. College Avenue, Indianapolis, 46240 Contact: Sue Tobin Phone: 317-345-1262 Fax: 317-818-0077 Email: stobin@primepay.com 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, Friendship-building exercises, Rainy Day Crafts

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

Registration deadline: May 20, 2011.

Traders Point Creamery Farm Camp Address: 9101 Moore Road, Zionsville, IN 46077 Contact: Amy Rhodes 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

Address: 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) 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!"

to succeed in today�s careers, including team building, culinary arts, scrapbooking, crafts, ropes and obstacle course and repelling.

The Howe School Summer Camp

iD Tech Summer Camps at Purdue

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

Day & Residential Address: Purdue University and 60 Universities Nationwide & Canada Phone: 888-709-TECH (8324) Email: info@internalDrive.com Website: http://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 yearround learning w/iD 365. Save w/ code IN22L.

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mommy magic

Balancing Motherhood

Think About Yourself as We Head into Spring What I have learned over the last decade, that like life, motherhood is ever changing. So rather than throw up my hands and surrender to the madness, I must adapt and incorporate into the daily chaos.

The balancing act of motherhood is a constant effort to make it all work. Sometimes I visualize myself spinning f ive plates (okay, maybe ten) all at one time.

Sometimes one plate slows down a bit while I am attempting to spin another one faster. Sure enough, somehow the multi-tasking and on the job training as a mom enables me to jump over and spin the wobbly plate before it falls. And such is the balance of all things in the world of motherhood. No one ever said all the plates had to spin at the same rate at the same time. Just keeping them

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all going and not falling is sometimes (okay, most of the time) an accomplishment!

One of the plates that we, as moms, need to make sure we constantly spin is taking care of ourselves (okay, you can stop laughing now). In all seriousness, I actually have to remind myself to carve out time to not only stay well, but be well in general. At the beginning of motherhood I assumed that I would have to do this, but separately from my kids. What I have learned over the last decade, that like life, motherhood is ever changing. So rather than throw up my hands and surrender to the madness, I must adapt and incorporate into the daily chaos. With that realization comes a lot of freedom and excitement to create your own plan of wellbeing while balancing being a mom and spinning all of those plates!

With that, I am happy to share a few tips that I have done myself that work, are affordable and fun. As we head into thinking about Spring, remember to take care of yourself!

1.

Play with your kids! Let your kids choose the activity & play with them. Spending an hour outside playing soccer, riding bikes or jumping rope are great ways to burn calories while spending quality time together as a family.

2.

Seek new opportunities to grow outside your comfort zone. For the past five years I've done mat Pilates,

but I love to mix it up with a new workout. In addition to my regular routine I've tried spinning, running, strength training and even Zumba!

3. Make

healthy family dinners. Family dinners are a must in my house! It's a great way to reconnect as a family & try healthy new foods. Don't get discouraged if your child rejects a new dish, keep offering it. You may have to give it to them up to 10 times before they will eat it & like it.

4. Listen

to your body. I'm pushing forty this year & have finally learned to listen to what my body is telling me. What you put into your mouth & when is important beyond measure. I respond better to eating 5 small meals a day instead of 3 larger ones.

5. Find a place for your mind & body to recharge.

I love the Monon Community Center in Carmel. It has it all! A pool, workout facility & great community programming! I just launched "The Mom's Club," a weekly luncheon that gives informative and helpful tips to make motherhood more effective, easy and fun! Go to www.

Mommy-Magic.com for more information and tips!

Mary Susan Buhner is a Life Coach for Moms and author of “Mommy Magic: 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!

museum note

Get Ready to Explore with Dora & Diego!

Dora & Diego—Let’s Explore! Debuts February 5th at The Children’s Museum incorporated in the exhibit to introduce Spanish-speaking skills to preschool children.

Special places – such as Isa’s Garden and Diego’s Animal Rescue Center – from episodes of Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go! encourage your child to play along.

The Purple Planet Children can pretend-pilot a Rocket Ship and take Dora, Boots, and some outer-space friends back to the Purple Planet. They can identify constellations as they travel through space and explore a Purple Planet home, complete with a slide!

Get ready to explore with Dora & Diego at The Children’s Museum! The beloved characters Dora from the television series Dora the Explorer and Diego from Go, Diego, Go!, along with friends Boots, Baby Jaguar, Isa, Tico, and of course Swiper, will soon have their own exhibit for your preschooler to explore.

Dora and Diego—Let’s Explore!, created by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in partnership with Nickelodeon, invites preschoolers to play along as they join an adventure and learn how to solve problems, be a good friend, and care for animals and the environment. Spanish vocabulary is 28 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

Tico’s Tree and Isa’s Garden Dora’s friends Tico the squirrel and Isa the Iguana have their own special places in the exhibit. Tico needs your child’s help at ‘Tico’s Tree’ to pick nuts for a family picnic (but watch out for Swiper – he’ll steal the nuts to f ill his own basket!). And…oh no! Tico’s car has a f lat tire and he needs help to repair it! In ‘Isa’s Garden’ even the littlest visitors will have fun touching soft fabric f lowers and smelling f lowery scents.

Pirate Piggies Ship and Stage Children can join the Pirate Piggies crew on the ‘Pirate Ship’ and pretend-play sailing the ship and divvying up the treasure.

Diego’s Animal Rescue Center At Diego’s ‘Animal Rescue Center’ young children can practice caring and helping rainforest animals as they diagnose, bandage, and care for stuffed animals. Over in the ‘Rainforest Maze,’ preschoolers can make their way across, over and under obstacles to f ind animals in trouble.

The television series Dora the Explorer is a ground-breaking children’s show in part because of its incorporation of play-along viewing and interaction in every episode. Dora & Diego—Let’s Explore carries the play-along theme throughout the exhibit as children are encouraged to actively play by climbing, jumping, and dancing while they practice sharing and caring and learn about the natural world.

Dora & Diego—Let’s Explore! debuts Feb. 5 at The Children’s Museum and will be open through Aug. 14. Be sure to bring your little explorer to play along with Dora, Diego and their friends so they too can say “We did it!”

Produced by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in cooperation with Nickelodeon, The Dora & Diego—Let’s Explore! exhibit is presented by the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation.

Jaclyn Falkenstein is the Public Relations Coordinator at Indianapolis.

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dear teacher

Right- or Left-handed, Math Story Problem Help and What Norm-Referenced Tests Will Tell You Your Questions of Teachers­—Answered

What Norm-referenced Tests Will Tell You Question: Recently, my third-grader was given what is called a norm-referenced test.

She scored in the 95th percentile overall. The teacher was really pleased with my child's score and said that the child should be in the Gifted & Talented program. Is this an accurate measure of my child's ability? Exactly what is a norm-referenced test? - Smart Kid Answer: A norm-referenced test measures one person's score against the scores of a group of people who have already taken the test. Your daughter was not compared to all the students who have taken this test but to this norming group.

The purpose of norm-referenced tests is to compare students' scores. For example, your child's score indicates that she scored higher than 95 percent of the test takers in the norming group. The test is designed so that most students score near the middle.

Only a few, like your daughter, receive high scores. On the other hand, there are also few low scores.

Your daughter is probably a very bright little girl. However, all tests have measurement error. Your daughter's 95th percentile is an estimate. Some tests results are reported in score bands showing the range within which the test taker's "true" score probably lies. And do remember that what was on the test is only a sample of a whole subject area.

Plus, getting one or more questions right or wrong can result in a fairly large change in a student's score, especially sub-scores.

You should be pleased that your daughter can be in a Gifted & Talented program.

Norm-referenced tests are often used for this purpose. If this is the only criterion for admission to such a program, some qualified children will be kept out.

Your daughter will take many normreferenced tests during her school days.

Most college admissions tests fall into this category, as well as such widely used tests as the California Achievement Test, the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills and the Stanford Achievement Test.

A Help in Solving Math Story Problems Question: I have found that many children can't solve story problems because they can't visualize the numbers. They are too big for them. This difficulty first appears in second grade, and if it's not addressed early, it just gets worse as they go up in the grades.

at 50 miles an hour, how long will it take him to get there? Because the numbers are large, students can be thrown by this. If the students substitute 6 for 150 miles, and 2 for 50, the answer (3) becomes apparent and so does the process (division). So they would write 150 divided by 50. - Math Teacher

Answer: Try this technique with your children when they are having difficulty with story problems. It is quite helpful.

Young children who are just learning how to solve story problems can also draw pictures or use hands-on materials so that they can see a problem. And remember this, the more practice your children have in solving story problems, the more successful they will become. If their teacher only assigns the Many times, students get the answer but don't even problems, have them do the odds, too. know how they did it. Perhaps it's just intuition. By writing the equation and their answer, the students Is My Child Right- or can figure what process they used to get there. Left-handed?

Then they can substitute the original numbers in Question: We're still not sure if our child the equation and get the correct answer. who is going to preschool soon is right- or left-handed. Is there any quick and easy way For example, if John is going from Miami to to determine this? He uses his left hand for Naples, a distance of 150 miles, and traveling most tasks. - Lefty Here's my way to handle big numbers in story problems: If the problem has three numbers, have them substitute 2 for the smallest, 6 for the largest, and 3 for the other. If four numbers are used, they should substitute 2 for the smallest, 12 for the largest, and 3 and 6 for the others. By using these numbers, the answer always comes out even with no remainders.

Answer: There's no quick and easy way to determine completely and accurately if your child is left- or right-handed. Usually, a child favors one hand over the other by the age of 3.

Many of us use different hands for different tasks throughout our lives. And this includes children. However, a task, like handwriting, that takes a lot of practice is usually done by a preferred hand. And we guess that this is your concern.

Just observing your child might not give you the answer to which hand your child prefers.

However, you'll get an idea by noticing which hand is used to throw balls, fit puzzle pieces or hold a spoon. If you want to be a bit more scientific, measure the difference in accuracy and time for him to put pegs in holes using each hand.

Parents

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

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d l i h E xceptional C

Midwest

Academy

students

recently initiated a new peer buddy program. Aptly named The Girls’ Group, this studentled organization of about 25 connects middle school girls with high school girls in a social setting. The group has gone wall climbing, been out to lunch, hosted a Christmas gift exchange, and have even planned a slumber party. Notably the majority of the group’s members fall on the autism spectrum.

Some may assume a child with autism is not interested in relationships based on his or her inability to connect with others in a typical way. People close to someone with autism, however, know that is simply not the case.

Social def icits may be a core issue for kids with autism, but it is an issue these individuals work hard to overcome.

Building Social Skills Through

Peer Buddies Mentoring Provides Significant Benefits for Children on the Autism Spectrum

“People who say that kids on the autism spectrum don’t really care about relationships are just giving themselves an out to not listen.

These kids really do care. They show great sensitivity to each other. They really want to have friends. It’s a societal cop out that people on the spectrum don’t care. They do, they just don’t know how to go about it. They want to have friends,” says Dr. Edy Stoughton, head of school at the Midwest Academy of Indiana.

The Girls’ Group is an excellent case in point. It originated last fall in response to female students expressing an interest in learning from other girls, in bonding with other girls and talking about girl issues. As such, Stoughton and staff encouraged the students to establish an organization to meet these needs.

Part of what makes The Girls’ Group and other organized peer buddy programs work for kids on the autism spectrum is the structure they give to social situations. As the private school’s administrative assistant, Margie Lebin, points out, individuals with autism don’t always know how to initiate friendships. Having a planned activity or interaction is helpful for these kids.

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Peer buddy programs for kids with autism can be crucial for their development, yet are sometimes considered an uphill battle in area schools and community groups that may be focused on other issues. Still, peer buddy programs are a worthwhile goal to pursue and some, like The Girls’ Group, do exist. Peer buddies can work whether the buddy is a true peer who also has a diagnosis of autism or a typically developing peer.

“I truly believe all kids with autism would benefit from mentors,” says Jane Grimes, director of marketing for Applied Behavior Center for Autism.

At her center, all kids have one-on-one applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy with an ABA therapist. As a child progresses toward his or her goals, social lessons involving peers may be introduced. Since ABA takes such an individualized approach with clients, therapists can shape the peer programs around the level of the ability of the child and levels of ability of other children to ensure they make progress toward achieving identified social skills.

The center takes peer interaction a step further by hosting social lesson programs year round that help with peer interaction as well as social interaction. The social lessons are open to anyone and are for all ages, though Grimes says the biggest demand seems to be around ages 9 and 10. The social lessons program occurs in the evening at both its Indianapolis and Greenwood locations.

the kids can see how others make friends and behave in a social setting.

“I think kids with autism just want to be like everybody else and they want to have social interaction and friendships and relationships. They see that in the world around them, but sometimes it’s not clear how they can get that,” says Brooke Taflinger, inclusion supervisor with Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation.

She says that by getting kids with autism in a setting in which they can actually see what another peer is doing or see that others have the kind of relationship they want, as well as the means about achieving these relationships, is extremely helpful. These situations help kids learn and imitate appropriate behavior, conversations and personal space. “You learn so much through peer interaction,” Taflinger says.

She feels that being among typical peers or having a peer buddy is an essential part of these kids’ daily living. Parents can find peer buddy programs for their children with autism in various ways. A few include:

Know the child’s interests. Whether it’s music or hockey, parents should seek out an organization within that area of interest and speak with the person in charge regarding the group’s ability to include the child in regularly scheduled programs.

Peer programs are not the exclusive interest of private agencies and schools. Community organizations, such as the Monon Community Center, are often good resources as well.

Contact school counselors to discuss any typically developing peers at the school who may make a great mentor or peer buddy.

Kids with autism benefit from community-based adaptive programs because the activities occur in a natural community setting among peers. It’s real life. People are interacting and

Work with adaptive program organizers to see how

or achieve some other skill, but are there ways the child can use a portion of class time to interact with others in the program?

Seek out school programs. Talk with the school district’s special education director to see what programs are available or to discuss ways to get a peer buddy program started at the child’s school. Some already exist. For instance, Carmel High School social studies teacher Robin Pletcher teaches a class called K-8 Mentors. It’s a class of juniors and seniors who work with students at the elementary and middle schools. The focus of the program is on building academic and social skills and some of the kids being mentored have special needs, some are even on the autism spectrum.

Pletcher likens it to a Big Brother / Big Sister program with a focus on tutoring. If no such program is available within the child’s district, then parents can take the initiative to contact the high school and ask for a capable student to help mentor their child.

Contact local support groups. Resources like the Autism Society or other support groups may have peer programs already going or have the means to establish one. For instance, the Hamilton County Autism Support group has recently begun a peer group for girls with autism. One group is for children ages 5 - 10 and another is for girls 11 - 17 There are any number of ways parents can facilitate peer interaction for their child on the autism spectrum. Peer interaction is a critical part of healthy development for these and all kids.

they can incorporate social skills into the sessions. Perhaps one-on-one time is necessary to learn how to swim, paint

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.

His answer:

“You.“

Who can help the many Indiana children in need of foster parents?

Ask a kid what he needs from a parent, and his answer might surprise you.

It’s not a big house filled with toys or video games. He just wants someone who cares. Make a difference in a child’s life. www.DamarFosterCare.org

Damar Foster Care Services 6067 Decatur Boulevard | Indianapolis, IN 46241 | 317.856.5201

34 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

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special needs awareness

A Healthy Start to a Bright Smile

Taking Special Care Now Means a Healthier Smile Tomorrow It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Has your child been to the dentist lately?

If your child is one year old or older, the answer is hopefully yes. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all recommend a dental visit for children by age one.

This may seem young to some parents whose baby has barely cut her first tooth, but Brian Sanders, DDS, MS, professor of pediatric dentistry at Indiana University School of Dentistry, says it’s important to see a pediatric dentist early to not only address questions related to the eruption of teeth but to discuss nutrition, oral habits, brushing, and the use of fluoride in children. Parents can usually get a list of good pediatric dentists from their child’s pediatrician, who may also have feedback from the “It is a preventative approach to the care of the children in the families they refer to the pediatric dentists’ offices. The American same way our children see the pediatrician on a regular basis,” he Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website (www.aapd.org) also has says. In fact, the first visit can be a lot like a well baby check at the a list of these specialized dentists for parents to browse. pediatrician’s office.

Beyond visiting the pediatric dentist, there are other simple Why choose a pediatric dentist? Certainly many general dentists measures parents can take to help ensure a bright smile for can and do take on young patients, but pediatric dentists are their little one. specially trained to care for the oral health of children birth to early adulthood.

Toothbrushing is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. To do it right, Sanders says it’s important to start “The additional training and education involved in becoming wiping the mouth even prior to the eruption of teeth and as a pediatric dentist allows them to recognize and treat problems they do erupt to use a small soft toothbrush at least two to before they arise,” says Sanders. three times a day after feeding.

As children grow, parents should continue to choose soft-bristled toothbrushes and throw out the toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. Also parents should brush preschooler’s teeth and supervise brushing and flossing of schoolage children.

It’s also important to discuss the use of fluoridated toothpaste with the dentist as Sanders says each case should be evaluated individually based on cavities or tooth decay risk, which takes into account diet, genetics and sources of water.

Unless being used at mealtime, sippy cups with anything but water are considered a no-no by pediatric dentists. At least when they are used beyond their purpose of being a transitional drinking device. The cups are wreaking havoc in the mouths of babes who have unmonitored access to sugary liquids, including juice and milk. The children are essentially creating a playground on which bacteria go wild and cause rampant tooth decay. The same word of caution goes for children who are put to bed with a bottle.

Giving a child a bright start to a healthy mouth is as easy as it is important. If your child hasn’t been to the dentist in a while, let this serve as your friendly reminder call.

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.

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special needs awareness

Finding Relief Through Respite Care

Temporary Respite is a Welcome Support for Parents of Children with Special Needs If it takes a village to raise a child, what does it take to raise a child with special needs? Possibly a village and frequent doses of respite care.

Respite care by def inition is the temporar y relief from the duties of caring for a loved one with special needs. Melanie Ulloa of Greenwood def ines it more along the lines of “godsend” and “lifesaver.”

Ulloa is raising four children, two Respite care by definition is the TEMPORARY RELIEF FROM of whom have special needs. She is THE DUTIES OF CARING FOR A LOVED ONE WITH SPECIAL tapping into a couple areas of respite resources, including Easter Seals NEEDS. Melanie Ulloa of Greenwood, who is raising four Crossroads and Huser HomeCare.

Both add tremendous peace of mind children, two of whom have special needs, defines it more to her life.

along the lines of "GODSEND"and "LIFEAVESER."

Regardless of one’s budget, Easter Seals Crossroads is a resource all families with special needs children should check into. Their services are trusted, purposeful and free to anyone in the Indianapolis community thanks to Lilly Endowment. The organization’s respite program aims to provide rest and relaxation for parents and caregivers of kids, teens and adults with special needs.

“I love Easter Seals. They have always been there. Anytime I needed anything, they’ve always been there to do their best to help me out in whatever situation,” Ulloa says.

She is among the believers in the organization’s Parents’ Night Out program.

Parents’ Night Out is for kids with special needs and their typically developing siblings ages 6 months to 12 years old. Kids arrive at 6 p.m. The night is run by a team leader who divides the kids into groups either by age or diagnosis. There is always a craft, snack, free time and movie for the participants. The staff and adult

36 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

volunteers at these events tend to be social workers or college students who are focused on occupational therapy, speech therapy or physical therapy. The ratio of staff to participants is 1:3.

Teens ages 13 to 17 can participate in the organization’s Teen Night Out program, which is done in conjunction with Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation. Teens are invited to the Monon Community Center where they can swim, play games, do crafts, eat a pizza snack, and interact with peers. “They are just in love with it and they have such a great time there,” says Joelle Ogle, respite program manager for Easter Seals Crossroads, of the attendees.

Above and beyond the time these programs give to parents, Easter Seals Crossroads also provides a program called ParentCare Services, which essentially helps pay for mom and dad’s night out on the town while their children take advantage of the fun Easter Seals programming. Ogle says parents usually receive a $50 gift card to a local restaurant or movie theater most months that can be used during the time their child is in one of these programs. Parents can learn more about ParentCare upon registering their child for Parents’ Night Out. Really, what parent couldn’t use a little time and money?

Easter Seals Crossroads obviously serves Hoosiers of all ages. The respite program for individuals 18 and older is dubbed CHEER for Creating Healthy Environments and Enjoying Recreation. This service offers scheduled social events for the adults with special needs that also afford their caregivers a well-deserved break.

In addition to these organized events and outings, Easter Seals Crossroads offers oneon-one respite for parents and caregivers of medically fragile children. This in-home care is available up to eight hours per month, and like the other programs, is free.

“I’d say they are pretty much a lifesaver. It honestly gives me peace of mind knowing I can trust them, knowing they do what I ask them to do. It’s honestly just a relief to know I actually have someone I can count on and someone I can trust,” Ulloa says of Easter Seals Crossroads.

In addition to this community organization, Ulloa uses respite services provided

by Huser HomeCare. Her oldest son receives 32 hours of the agency’s in-home care per week and Ulloa says, “they have been a godsend. They come and do all things I would do like change his diaper, play with him, offer assistance.”

In its third year, Huser HomeCare provides non-medical home care assistance for clients who are currently between the ages of 5 and 98 and require anywhere from two to four hours of care per week to around-the-clock care.

Terry Huser, vice president of Huser HomeCare and Easter Seals Crossroads board member, says respite care is a must. And he speaks from experience. Huser and his wife Kathy are parents of 10, f ive of whom have a special need of one kind or another.

He says they have always been blessed with a large network of family, friends and neighbors who have provided respite for he and his wife. “We recognize the need to get away. Our goal is to get some evenings [to ourselves] and a weekend away once or twice a year, even if it’s just going to a hotel in downtown Indianapolis for the weekend...We’ve had an outstanding support network, and without them, we’d have been nuts. A lot of people say God doesn’t give more than you can handle, but I say if ‘you’ is singular, that’s crazy. If ‘you’ is plural, then it’s a true statement.” There is just so much pressure on parents of children with special needs.

It’s this personal understanding of respite that has led the couple to found Huser HomeCare. “It’s a mission-driven business,” Huser says. The two are also opening a second respite care agency called Huser SpecialCare, which is being established specif ically for individuals with developmental disorders or autism.

Like Ulloa, Huser praises Easter Seals’ Parents’ Night Out program. He says that, for many parents, this night out will be the f irst time they’ve ever left their child with someone. He says consider the age of their child with special needs. If he or she is 5, then the parents likely haven't been out alone in 5 years. “It’s just not healthy for mind or body for parents to have to continually focus on kids. They just need some re-creation and renewal,” he says.

Thank goodness there are a few good services around that can step up and provide quality and much-needed respite care.

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

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

Spanish-Speaking Support Group Contact: Diane Quillico sponsored by the Autism Society at 317-882-1914 or Linda Knoderer at 317-816-1381 of America-Indiana Chapter When: Feb. 2, 6-8 p.m.

Roadmap to Special Education: Where: Easter Seals Laws and Process, a workshop Crossroads, Indianapolis

by About Special Kids Cost: Free Contact: Dana Renay at 317-658-2973

When Actions Speak Louder Than Words, a workshop by the Indiana Resource Center for Autism

When: Feb. 3, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Where: Tecumseh Junior High School, Lafayette Cost: $125, advance registration required Contact: Visit http://www. iidc.indiana.edu/styles/iidc/ defiles/IRCA/Feb_&_March_ When_brochure.pdf

My Child Has Special Needs: Now What?, a workshop

by About Special Kids

When: Feb. 4, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: St. Joseph Hospital & Health, Kokomo Cost: Free Contact: Visit www. aboutspecialkids.org or email asktraining@aboutspecialkids.org

Autism Family Resource Center Grandparents' Support Group When: Feb. 9, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Where: Easter Seals Crossroads, Indianapolis Cost: Free

38 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

When: Feb. 10, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Bloomington Cost: $40 for families, $75 for professionals Contact: Visit www. aboutspecialkids.org or email asktraining@aboutspecialkids.org

Karaoke Night, ages 13+

Where: White River Christian Church, Noblesville Cost: Free Contact: Beth Schweigel at bkschweigel@aol.com

Contact: Visit www. aboutspecialkids.org or email asktraining@aboutspecialkids.org

Cost: $25 Contact: Brooke Taflinger at btaflinger@carmelclayparks.com

The Arc of Indiana’s 4th Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament

TRY-A-Thon, ages 13+

Valentine’s Day dance, ages 13+

When: Feb. 20, registration begins at noon, Shuffle Up and Deal commences at 1:30 p.m.

Where: The Rathskeller, Indianapolis Cost: $100 initial buy-in, one-time add-ons $25 Contact: Visit www.arcind. org/forum-event

When: Feb. 12, 5-7 p.m.

Where: Monon Community Center Cost: $10 Contact: Brooke Taflinger at btaflinger@carmelclayparks.com

Autism Family Resource Center Parents' Support Group

When: Feb. 11, 6-7:30 p.m.

Where: Monon Community Center Cost: $6 Contact: Brooke Taflinger at btaflinger@carmelclayparks.com

When: Feb. 16, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Where: Easter Seals Crossroads, Indianapolis Cost: Free Contact: Erica O'Neil or Katy Messuri at 317-466-1000

Roadmap to Special Education: Laws and Process, a workshop

by About Special Kids

Public Health Insurance: What You Don’t Know Can Cost You, a workshop by About Special Kids

When: Feb. 12, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: St. Mary’s Center for Children, Evansville Cost: $40 for families, $75 for professionals Contact: Visit www. aboutspecialkids.org or email asktraining@aboutspecialkids.org

When: Feb. 18, Where: East 91st Street Christian Church, Indianapolis Cost: $40 for families, $75 for professionals Contact: Visit www. aboutspecialkids.org or email asktraining@aboutspecialkids.org

Planning for Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making Their Future More Secure, a workshop hosted by Hamilton County Autism Support Group

Roadmap to Special Education, a workshop by About Special Kids

When: Feb. 12, 9 - 10 a.m.

When: Feb. 19, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: South Bend Chocolate Cafe, South Bend Cost: $40 for families, $75 for professionals

Teen Night Out

When: Feb. 25, 5-9 p.m.

Where: Monon Community Center, Carmel Cost: Free Contact: Brooke Taflinger at btaflinger@carmelclayparks.com

Young Athletes, ages 2-7

When: Mondays, Feb. 7 Mar. 28, 6-6:45 p.m.

Where: Monon Community Center, Carmel Cost: Free Contact: Brooke Taflinger at btaflinger@carmelclayparks.com

Icky, Gooey, Slimy!, ages 3-10

When: Tuesdays, Feb. 1-22, 4-5 p.m.

Where: Monon Community Center Cost: $20 Contact: Brooke Taflinger at btaflinger@carmelclayparks.com

Yoga, ages 15+

When: Tuesdays, Feb. 1-22, 4-5 p.m.

Where: Monon Community Center

When: Wednesdays, Feb. 2-23, 1-2:30 p.m.

Where: Monon Community Center, Carmel Cost: $25 Contact: Brooke Taflinger at btaflinger@carmelclayparks.com

Social Etiquette for ages 6-12

When: Thursdays, Feb. 3 - 24, 6-7 p.m.

Where: Monon Community Center, Carmel Cost: $20 Contact: Brooke Taflinger at btaflinger@carmelclayparks.com

Hamilton County Autism Support Group monthly meetings When: 2nd Saturday of each month, 9-11 a.m.

Where: White River Christian Church, Noblesville Cost: Free Contact: Beth Schweigel at bkschweigel@aol.com

Easter Seals Crossroads Parents’ Night Out, East When: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Friday of every month, 6-10 p.m.

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

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

Where: Indian Creek Christian Church, Indianapolis Cost: Free Contact: Anna Marie House at 317-466-2006

Easter Seals Crossroads Parents’ Night Out, North When: 3rd Friday of every month, 6-10 p.m.

Where: Trinity Wesleyan Church (Kids Kastle), Fishers Cost: Free Contact: Anna Marie House at 317-466-2006

Easter Seals Crossroads Parents’ Night Out, West When: 4th Friday of every month Where: Speedway United Methodist Church, Speedway Cost: Free Contact: Anna Marie House at 317-466-2006

Know of an upcoming event benefitting Indianapolis’ special needs community?

Email Carrie Bishop at freelancewritercarrie@ gmail.com.

Special Needs Guide Applied behavior center

317-288-5232 dsundberg@thebaca.com www.thebaca.com

Phone: 317-872-7272 Email: info@IndyKidsDentist.com www.IndyKidsDentist.com The Behavior Analysis Center (BACA) was We have a unique dental practice. As established by Dr. Carl Sundberg and a group of pediatric dentists, we are specially trained highly trained Behavior Analysts who have worked Eyes For Wellness in the dental care of infants, children and The mission of the Applied Behavior Center Address: 2920 E. 96th Street, with Dr. Sundberg for years. BACA uses Applied teens, including those patients with special for Autism is to provide high quality ABA and Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46240 Behavior Analysis (ABA) to teach language, social, medical needs. At Indianapolis Pediatric Verbal Behavior therapy and consulting services Contact: Dr. Mary VanHoy, academic, and life skills to children with autism Dentistry, we treat your kids like our own. to children and their families affected by Autism Autism Parent Care, LLC Developmental Optometrist 395 S 9th St Noblesville, and other related disabilities.

We pay special attention to each patient’s Spectrum Disorders by using researched based Phone: (317) 818-0541 Indianapolis, IN 46020 needs and we take the time to make sure ABA methodology delivered by highly qualified they’re comfortable.We go to great lengths Fax: (317) 818-1756 Contact: Dr. Jane Yip Brain Balance Achievement and certified professionals to increase language Center Indianapolis Email: drvanhoy@eyes4wellness.com to make sure that both the patient and Phone: 317-503-1296 skills, social skills, academic skills, and reduce parents understand what we’re doing, why problematic behavior.

Address: 9510 N. Meridian St. www./eyes4wellness.com Email: aileda88@hotmail.com we’re doing it and the long-term benefits.

Suite D, Indianapolis, IN 46260 www.developmentalphysiopsychologydisorders.com Dr. VanHoy is a developmental optometrist who Applied Behavior Center Contact: Julie Peterson evaluates and treats with optometric vision therapy Offering one to one intervention to children and 450 S. State Road 135, Phone: 317-843-9200 children with autistic spectrum disorder, physical Little Star Center adults with autism. Academic subjects and ABA 12726 Hamilton Crossing Greenwood, IN 46142 and mental challenges, and infants and toddlers Email: jpeterson@ included. Insurance Billable.

Blvd, Carmel, IN 46032 with delays in visual function that interfere with Contact: Kyle Mitchell-Board brainbalancecenters.com Mary Rosswurm, acts of daily living.

Certified Behavior Analyst www.BrainBalanceIndy.com Autism Society of Indiana Executive Director Phone: 317-889-KIDS 13295 Illinois Street, Suite Brain Balance Achievement Centers work 317-249-2242 Homefront Email: kyle@ 110, Carmel, IN 46032 with children who suffer from Developmental maryr@littlestarcenter.org Learning Center appliedbehaviorcenter.org Disorders such as Autism Spectrum , Asperger's, Contact: Dana Renay www.littlestarcenter.org 625 N. Union, Kokomo, IN 46901 www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette's and other 800-609-8449 Little Star is a structured, sensory-friendly Contact: Jamy Wisher, neurological disorders.

The Brain Balance Program To provide the highest quality ABA and Verbal Fax: 317-663-1047 place where children with autism receive ABA supervisor is unique in that it utilizes a comprehensive, multiBehavior therapy and consulting services to Email: info@inautism.org intense, individualized one-on-one therapeutic faceted approach designed specifically to address Phone: 765-454-9748 children and their families affected by Autism www.inautism.org intervention based on the principles of applied the various difficulties exhibited or experienced Email: jnwisher@umail.iu.edu Spectrum Disorders and Down Syndrome. We do We strive to improve the lives of everyone affected by each child. behavior analysis (ABA). Little Star has a this by providing proven researched based ABA www.homefrontlearning.com by autism in Indiana. We provide information Address: 7901 E. 88th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46256 Phone: 317-849-5437 www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org

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 change in public policy and public attitudes.

Contact us. We’re here to help.

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

Cornerstone Autism Center

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.

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.

Indianapolis Pediatric Dentistry

Address: 8433 Harcourt Road, Suite 307, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Contact: Dr. Erin Phillips

“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

H E A LTH & W E LLN E SS

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.

Special Smiles Pediatric Dentistry--Downtown and North Location Address: 2 LOCATIONS Contact: Jennifer SatterfieldSiegel, D.D.S. Phone: (317) 269-0025 Email: drsatterfieldsiegel@ gmail.com Website: www. specialsmilesdentistry.com Downtown: 506 Indiana Avenue--Indianapolis, IN North: 10801 N. Michigan Road--Zionsville, IN

Dr. Satterfield-Siegel is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist specializing in providing dental care for infants, children and patients that have special needs. We provide routine dental care, fillings, in office sedations and hospital dentistry for all of our patients.

We build long lasting relationships with our families through active listening and understanding. New patients are welcomed!

YOUR LISTING HERE!!!

Contact Jennica at Jennica@ indyschild.com

*

special needs awareness

The Special Needs of Special Needs Parents

Taking Care of Children with Special Needs Includes Taking Care of You As parents, lets admit it—we’re exhausted. Now imagine you’re the parent of a child with special needs on top of it, the word “exhaustion” seems too trivial to describe how you feel some days. So, my job as a full time physician and mom to two children, one of whom is autistic, is to help you find ways to take care of yourself in order for you to continue to care for your special children without burnout. I’ll be honest, there are days I struggle to do anything on this list, I’m human, too, after all.

But after years of trial and error, I have grown this foundation of self care so that days when I fall off of self-preservation, it’s not so hard to get back up.

Sleep. I have a dream…of eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. Sleep, it is so basic, yet so crucial and paramount to our overall health and well being. Studies have shown chronic sleep deprivation leads to early dementia, obesity, cardiac disorders, and the list goes on. Are you constantly grabbing caffeine to keep up with the demands of your life? It probably means you’re not getting enough sleep. Caffeine can take up to 8 hours to clear the body, so switch to decaf after lunch, drink water, turn your bedroom into a sleep-only sanctuary by keeping it dark and cool, turn off the TV and world, and like your mom said—go to sleep.

natural stimulants. Eat more fruits, vegetables and lean meats.

Be aware that carbohydrates and processed food act as natural depressants. Drink more water and take quality vitamins. Get an annual physical and take care of your body. These simple things will go a long way in preventing physical burnout and fatigue.

why I was sad to begin with. There will be days when you are overwhelmed or feel as if you’ve failed as a parent. My advice in these times is to learn from those moments, do not be consumed by them, pick yourself up, try again and move forward. Human optimism has won over the darkest fears, wars, despair, and is always free and readily available.

Support. Do you know your limits? It is never wrong to ask for help. Look for support groups—allies understand what you’re going through. Surround yourself with kind, positive people, and Optimism. Likewise, Nat King Cole once sang “Smile,” return the favor. Find your spirituality and don’t be afraid to lean optimism even in the face of adversity is an extremely powerful on it. Take time to connect and don’t forget the importance of tool. I find when things in my life are not ideal, I can waste a lot laughing with others. of energy feeling down or I can put a smile on my face, believe in the happier alternative, and most of the time I forget the reason Health. Exercise daily as it releases endorphins that act as

Nurture yourself. I have practiced this since the grueling days of my medical training: Every week I have a designated two-hour block of “me” time. Whether it be watching a movie, taking a nap, reading a book uninterrupted, getting a massage, soaking in the tub—whatever—it’s a time to remember that I am more than just a parent, wife, or a physician, I am also my own self. I feel that this self indulgent time always allows me to recharge and better appreciate the demands of my life. So remember your well being and take care of yourself as you travel down this journey of parenthood—it’s what your kids would want you to do.

Dr. Sara WINE is board certified in Family Medicine. She recently joined the St.Vincent Physician Network in Fishers and is accepting new patients of all ages. She received her medical degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency at Munson Medical Center / Michigan State University. Dr. Wine practices integrative medicine emphasizing the use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative. Dr. Wine has a special interest in providing primary care to special needs children and their families with a focus on children with autism. For more information call 317-415-6110.

INDYSCHILD.COM 39

Making of a Mompreneur When you first become a mother, everything changes. You become selfless, giving all you have to your newborn. If you choose to have more children, they too get all you have—not only the last drop of energy in your tank, but also your heart and mind as they grow. Somewhere there is a light – a light of something familiar, something that reminds you of a lost self. It grows brighter the less our children need us.

As I talked with these Mompreneurs, I listened to their stories of how they grabbed ahold of that light, examined it, thought about it, prayed about it and turned it into a career for not only themselves as women, mothers and wives, but for the betterment of others.

Born out of necessity Necessity –a stay-at-home Mom needs a lot of things; to be valued for her personal and professional sacrifice, encouraged to dream big for her family and loved for her passion to succeed. Taking desire by the reigns are women with a built-in desire to give back and grow personally, bringing her family alongside her for the adventure.

A common thread in the life of a Mompreneur is that they love being their own boss. Erin Goodwin, owner of Graphic Expressions, Inc. started her business right out of college. Now a mother of two, she has an aggressive five-year plan which includes keeping her family top priority. “I love being creative; it’s an outlet and something that is my identity,” Goodwin said. “Laptops are

fantastic as I can be mobile throughout the house and outside.”

Kyra Hebert, a Mary Kay consultant, juggled relocating to Indianapolis without family near and wanted something to challenge her and connect her with peers. “Finding quality childcare nearly wipes out the income from a second full-time bread winner. We wanted to add extra income but time didn’t permit for either one of us to add another job; then I discovered Mary Kay which allows me to set my own hours and goals.”

Faith Montessori Preschool was started by a mother of five who saw a need for a quality Christian Montessori Preschool in Hamilton County. “There are several Montessori programs, but I have yet to find one that has qualified teachers that promote Christian values,” Jodie Bolinger said, who finds that the most rewarding part of her business is seeing such anxious-tolearn faces.

Babaloo is not only fun to say, it’s fun to discover. Samantha Howard has sewn since she was little and loves making baby and kids’ gifts.

“I had little startup capital so I bought some great fabric on sale, drafted some patterns and got to work. I started my blog about the same time,” Howard said.

For a former teacher unable to find a teaching position, Janet Pillsbury landed the perfect business meshing together her teaching prowess and love of children. “Since my substitute teaching income wasn’t enough, I joined Discovery Toys to earn extra income. I wanted to be a stay-athome Mom, still use my brain, get out of the house and replace some income we’d lost when I was staying home.”

Nurse turned photographer is Loree Alayne Photography. Loree was a pediatric nurse and ended up leaving her job last year because she was completely booked, turning many people away. “After much prayer and consideration, I decided to quit my nursing job and focus on photography as a full-time business,” Wheeler said. “I am so thankful to have the opportunity to do something I love and make a living doing it.”

Some gifts can’t be ignored “It was the hardest decision I had to make,”

Sweet MaggieLu is a brand new business, started the new-fashioned way on Etsy.com as many Mompreneurs with a crafty-bend do (including

said Sarah Coe, owner Sarah Coe Design, an 40 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

Indianapolis interior design business. “But I value spending the majority of the early years of my kids’ lives at home. I wanted to have a say in how they saw the world and know that I was developing their character not someone else.” So Coe turned down a TV interview and the opportunity to work with custom builders the week before she delivered her first baby.

Since having two more children, Sarah has been able to help clients organize and decorate their homes, work on the campuses of Indiana University and Butler. “Regardless of how my family has grown, God always blesses me with interior design jobs,” Coe said.

Babaloo). For Laurie Abel, her goal is to make at least one item a day that can be posted on her Etsy. com site. Etsy.com is a website dedicated solely to selling hand-made goods and works diligently to keep their products true to the nature of handmade. “It was only recently that I realized I can really create some fabulous things,” Abel said.

Women are led by their heart and for Mompreneurs tying together family and career, the heart rules and everyone wins.

Finding balance Mompreneurs are able to work from home while kids are in school. For those with small children, getting work done while children are napping or at preschool allows for productive power sessions.

Laurie Dyer, mother of two school-aged daughters, started T & T Sales and Promotions with her brother from her basement in 2001. We found that working from home takes discipline, but she still says, “Why would I want to work for anyone but myself?” She loves not having to request time off to be with her family and being her own boss, making her own decisions and living with those if they fail or succeed.

Leslie Webber, photographer, notices that Mompreneurs are in it because they want to be with their kids. “For me, there’s a hesitation for my business to grow out of control, but I can be as busy as I want to be. It’s the beauty of having your own business. I cut off scheduling because I don’t want the business to grow bigger than my family.”

Local Moms Make Starting Their Own Business a Passion The switch to digital format has allowed photography businesses to grow. That and social media allow small businesses easily accessible venues to promote their business.

Susan Wenner Jackson, writer, blogger and community manager, works hard from home 9 to 5. Working from home allows her the flexibility to control her daily life. “I love being able to use my natural talents and education to help others – whether it’s to grow their business or just learn or connect to a topic in a new way,” Wenner Jackson said.

Goodwin will reward her daughter with a long game of hide and seek following an impromptu work phone call that may have gone longer than planned. Family first – always. Mompreneurs share their work with their children to help keep the family close and involved.

Balance , or “rhythm,” as some describe their life, is often elusive. However, with the encouragement from fellow Mompreneurs and family getting over the new business hump or the daily grind, Mompreneurs find success.

Moms helping Moms Market Mommy, owned by Dawn Berryman,

by Market Mommy which includes free marketing advice and tips via the blog and e-newsletter.

“To reap what I sow,” Eisha Armstrong said, regional owner of Mom Corps, when asked about why she started her own business. “I wanted more control over my schedule, not necessarily fewer hours, but control over when I work and what I'm wokring on.” Mom Corps is an employment placement agency designed to connect qualified Moms to employers that understand the balance mothers are seeking.

SCORE is a source many Mompreneurs are using. At www.score.org visitors can receive free and confidential on-line or face-to-face business advice. There is an exclusive link for Women in Business on the site, as well.

The beauty of the changing seasons within a family stirs emotions, stops us in our tracks in awe and forces us to renegotiate what our purpose is in this world. Seasons for mothers include choosing a career, starting a family and figuring how our gifts, dreams and family all meld together successfully.

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

specializes in showing moms how and where to market on a budget. “I have a professional background in marketing and couldn’t imagine how much more difficult it is for others to start a business cold turkey—and run a family. What I do helps them market their business with less sweat and tears,” Berryman said of the services provided INDYSCHILD.COM 41

Mompreneur Directory Discovery Toys Contact: Janet Pillsbury, Senior Team Leader Phone: 317-569-9122 Email: toyladyjanet@gmail.com Website: www.toyladyjanet.com Type of Business: Baby & Childrens, Books/CD/DVD, Direct Sales/MLM Too many electronic toys at your house? Want to help your family reconnect with learning in natural ways? Want to earn money helping families with these discoveries? We can help! 30+ year old company committed to helping families thrive. Flexible job with a path to dream fulf illment!

SnackHealthy Contact: Snack Mom Phone: 317-417-8939 Email: snackmom@snackhealthy.com Website: http://snackmom.snackhealthy.com/ Type of Business: Direct Sales/MLM SnackHealthy offers a refreshing, inspiring business opportunity with products and a message we believe will ring true with many. We are committed to the well being of our customers, our associates and our communities. Be Your Own Boss - You set your hours. Work where you want, when you want, part time or full time. You can even feed your kids healthy snacks for FREE.

Moms-SOS Contact: Angie Moller Phone: (317) 727-4787 Fax: (317) 770-9163 Email: angie@saferforyourhome.com Website: http://angela.moms-sos.com/ Type of Business: Baby & Childrens, Direct Sales/MLM Area of Expertise: We are a group of Moms, teaming up to achieve our goals!

UpperCase Living Address: 13151 Guardhill Lane, Fishers, IN 46038 Contact: Deb Satterfield Phone: 317.502.7924 Email: wesatt@sbcglobal.net Website: http://deb.uppercaseliving.net Type of Business: Direct Sales/MLM, Home Decor/Housewares

As a Mom of 3 young children, working as a CPA was not an option for my family. My business has allowed me to be at home and replace that income. My passion is helping other Moms to do the same.

Is this you? If so, please contact me! Let's make a difference!

Words have power. They inspire, celebrate and motivate. Uppercase Living can help you transform your spaces with over 1,000 pre-designed expressions. You can create your own, too. With 55 colors, there is something perfect for each space you need help decorating.

Rendi Style-- Independent Stylist Beth Grund

Usborne Books & More

Contact: Beth Grund Phone: 574-946-7450 Fax: 574-946-.0327 Email: bethgrund.stylist@gmail.com Website: http://www.bethgrund.stylist.com Type of Business: Art & Photography, Direct Sales/ MLM, Home Decor/Housewares Area of Expertise: Direct Sales/ Home Parties Rendi Style is a new home party company launched on 10/1. We currently have a good team started in Indiana and we want to include you on this ground f loor opportunity. Products are eco-friendly customized picture frames and wall signs. Each product has 3-4 different color choices except for The Gallery blk and white products. Each art piece is made in 48 hrs and shipped out. All materials used and production is in the USA.

Address: PO Box 39274, Indianapolis, IN 46239 Contact: Randi Carter, Senior Supervisor Phone: 317-290-READ Email: Randi@myubam.com Website: http://www.LiteracyLocomotion.com Type of Business: Baby & Childrens, Books/CD/DVD, Direct Sales/MLM Once you�ve shared an Usborne book with a child, you want to share with everyone! Usborne Books & More consultants build relationships with people who care about kids: parents, teachers, librarians and more! Earn an extra stream of income as you share great books and your family-friendly business with others!

Wallababy, Inc. Silpada Designs Address: 11026 Tenacious Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46236 Contact: Mary Itamura Phone: 317-823-2031 Email: isellsilver@sbcglobal.net Website: www.mysilpada.com/mary.itamura Type of Business: Direct Sales/MLM, Jewelry Selling .925 hand-crafted Sterling Silver Jewelry. No quotas necessary; you work when your schedule allows. Make between $50-75/hour. Personal growth, f inancial freedom, wonderful incentives!

Would love for this to be your dream job in 2011!

SimplyFun Address: 7642 Prairie View Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46256 Contact: Cindy Herr-Pino Phone: 317.513.5756 Email: cindy@simplyfun.com Website: www.cindy.simplyfun.com Type of Business: Baby & Childrens, Direct Sales/MLM Exclusive Games for ages 2 to 102 years. Our mission is to Learn & Connect Through PLAY! Do something that matters! Flexible, Fun, Meaningful Income. 25% gross prof it on everything you sell.

Build a team! Guidance & support top notch. Only $99 for everything you need to succeed. Start making money now. Children are our greatest commodity, let's support their future and ours! PLAY FOR PAY. Contact Cindy today. 317-513-5756 Host a Party and earn FREE games!

42 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

Address: 5919 West Port Drive, McCordsville, IN 46055 Contact: Jodi Marchal, Owner Phone: 317-536-5614 Email: jodi@wallababy.com Website: www.wallababy.com Type of Business: Baby & Childrens Area of Expertise: Baby carriers, slings and pouches Affordable, reversible baby slings and pouches in a wide variety of beautiful fabrics. Sun protections slings too!

Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.” -W.B. Yeats When it’s time to enroll your child in a preschool, choosing the right preschool is often a diff icult decision to make. The wide range of options available presents new methodologies of teaching of which parents may be unfamiliar. However, learning about the different options is fascinating and informative because Indianapolis offers a host of preschool programs and philosophies.

Here are seven preschool philosophies that may be right for your child.

Montessori

Philosophy: Italian educator Maria Montessori founded the philosophy in 1907, one of its premises being that children are capable and individual learners. Teachers guide and intervene when necessary.

In the classroom: Working within mixed age groups, children help each other to become independent in an environment prepared in such a way as to foster success.

The clock doesn’t reign in the classroom and children may engage in their work for as long as they choose.

Teacher talk: “For most of us our school experience was a blizzard of paper work—much of it boring and the waste of a good tree! The goal is to facilitate the child’s ability to learn on her own in a multi-sensory fashion.

It’s not only a philosophy, but a lifestyle,” says Vivian Cain, Head of Montessori Academy of Indianapolis. Cain also points out, "In a traditional school, children ages 3 years to 6 years use a lot of workbooks and work sheets

(what Montessori calls busy work); whereas, Montessori uses hands-on concrete materials without workbooks and worksheets."

unstructured learning environment. Teachers are viewed as collaborators in learning and students are encouraged to explore their natural curiosity.

A little more info: A school may use the Montessori name without being aff iliated with either the Association Montessori Internationale or the American Montessori Society and there are many shades as to how strictly the school adheres to original Montessori principles.

In the classroom: Parents, as their child’s f irst teacher, are viewed as an integral part of Reggio and often volunteer in the classroom. As in Montessori, teachers are there to guide students, who are then encouraged to take the lead in their own learning and pursue their own interests.

Waldorf

Philosophy: Founder Rudolph Steiner opened his f irst school in Germany in 1919. Waldorf emphasizes playacting, stories, and open ended and imaginative play.

In the classroom: Natural materials in the classroom are emphasized—toys are made of cloth and wood and the environment is unhurried, calm and low tech.

A little more info: Waldorf programs are regulated through the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America. The AWSNA holds the trademark rights to use the Waldorf name and any variation of the Waldorf name, e.g. “Waldorf inspired.” There are currently no Waldorf schools in Indiana, though there are playgroups that practice the Waldorf philosophy (see sidebar).

Reggio Emilia

Philosophy: Named after a city in Italy where the townspeople f irst developed the philosophy, Reggio Emilia was instituted after World War II and is a fairly

Teacher talk: Ron Smith, Director of the Warren Early Childhood Center, says, “The children have opportunities for problem solving and critical thinking.

Through projects, children pursue their own interests and the arts are fully integrated with other parts of the curriculum.”

At The Children’s Museum preschool, both the Reggio and Montessori principles are integrated. Director Cathy Southerland says, “the children participate in project work by their daily exhibit visits. As they explore topics and skills that interest them, they begin to advance their thinking skills, demonstrate increased socialization and practice early literacy skills.”

A little more info: A signif icant emphasis is placed on community and collaboration of teachers, students and parents in Reggio. Teachers often photograph children at work to document their creative process as well as the f inished product.

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Project-Based

Philosophy:Similar to Reggio Emilia in that it is another fairly unstructured, student led learning environment, teachers guide and work with children to plan projects that lead to learning in a positive, spontaneous way.

In the classroom: A real-world connection is emphasized with field trips and hands-on learning being and integral part of the learning process. Children are active and selfmotivated learners, free to follow their own interests with their teacher acting as a guide.

Teacher talk: “We are Unit-based, which is somewhat like project based. Some activities may vary but many are the same from year to year, which is a little different. It could also be termed ‘play-based’ as the children are busy with hands-on activities and move around the room. Our emphasis is on instruction for high ability learners,” says Francine Clayton, head of early childhood at Sycamore School.

A little more info: Project-Based Learning is one aspect of the Reggio Emilia influence, along with many others, but can also be implemented in classrooms that don’t utilize the Reggio philosophy.

Play-Based/Traditional

Philosophy:Many preschools fall under the play-based umbrella where the order of the day is encouraging free play. An emphasis is placed upon cooperation, sharing and other social development tactics.

In the classroom: Toys and materials encouraging openended and imaginative play, such as dress up clothes, musical instruments, toy kitchens and play food, blocks, puzzles and books should be prevalent.

Teacher talk: “I enjoy this philosophy because it maximizes the huge learning potential of the child’s first five years. I have seen how

44 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

it prepares children for success when they reach elementary school,” says Marsha Hearn-Lindsey, director at Day Nursery.

often half that of other preschools, making it more affordable, especially for families with more than one preschooler enrolled.

“We believe in our Balanced Learning philosophy, which is a balance between a Montessori and a traditional approach.

‘Love, laughter and Happily Everafter’ is what we wish for all the children,” says Valerie Hall, director at Primrose School at Bridgewater

Community/Religion

A little more info: Play-based schools can run the gamut from being more academic focused to being more social-based, to everything in between. Free play and experimentation are both important, and some schools are more structured than others.

Cooperative

Philosophy: Co-op preschools involve the whole family.

Parents share in running the business operations of the school and meet monthly for a parent meeting. Under teacher guidance, parents also log hours volunteering in the classroom.

In the classroom: Co-ops are often play-based, and children are encouraged to interact and problem-solve together, as well as to develop their autonomy through choosing what activities to participate in (e.g. choosing whether to play outdoors or indoors). Parents volunteer on a regular basis in the classroom.

Teacher talk: Carol Shipley, 4s teacher and assistant director at Meridian Hills Co-op says, “One of the many aspects that I love is the team-building between teachers and parents. After the holidays, a parent brought in a large bag of packing peanuts and there was a high energy level, so the peanuts were stuffed into pillowcases and became amazing punching bags! They loved that.”

A little more info: Play dates become easy, with parents and children knowing one another from the classroom. Tuition is

Philosophy:The philosophies and curriculum of community and religious preschools will vary based on the program, so it’s key to visit and ask questions. Often the programs are playbased (see above).

In (or out of ) the classroom: Depending on the school and amenities, children in community preschool programs may have access to museums, gymnasiums, pools and playgrounds.

Teacher talk: “Young children learn best by doing. Our primary role is to provide an appropriate learning environment and many firsthand experiences that invite children to investigate, represent and share,” says Erin Mills, director of early childhood education at JCC. A little more info: The Y, JCC, and maybe even your local recreation department all may offer preschool programs.

Many churches offer preschool programs, as well.

Krista Bocko is a freelance writer and lives in Noblesville with her husband and four children.

She can be reached at kbocko@sbcglobal.net.

How Do I Choose???

Choosing the Preschool That is Right for Your Family

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Many children will thrive in more than one style of preschool, which is important to keep in mind if you’re the parent of more than one child in preschool at the same time. Keep in mind that many preschools offer sibling discounts.

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Visit the different preschools you’re considering to observe the classes and speak with the director. Take into account your child’s temperament and try to imagine how your child will assimilate into that particular setting.

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Select the approach that you feel is best for your child and your family.

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Preschool programs may also be limited based on your schedule and needs. Many follow the school calendar, however, some are year round. Some offer classes every day and some are 2-4 times a week

10 Signs of a Great Preschool from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Children spend most of their playing and working with materials or other children. They do not wander aimlessly, and they are not expected to sit quietly for long periods of time.

Children have access to various activities throughout the day. Look for assorted building blocks and other construction materials; props for pretend play, picture books, paints and other art materials, and table toys such as matching games, pegboards, and puzzles. Children should not all be doing the same thing at the same time.

Teachers work with individual children, small groups, and the whole group at different times during the day. They do not spend all their time with the whole group.

The classroom is decorated with children’s original artwork, their own writing with invented spelling, and stories dictated by children to teachers.

Children learn numbers and the alphabet in the context of their everyday experiences. The natural world of plants and animals and meaningful activities like cooking, taking attendance, or serving snack provide the basis for learning activities.

6.

7.

8.

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Children work on projects and have long periods of time (at least one hour) to play and explore.

Worksheets are used little if at all.

Children have an opportunity to play outside every day. Outdoor play is never sacrif iced for more instructional time.

Teachers read books to children individually or in small groups throughout the day, not just at group story time.

Curriculum is adapted for those who are ahead, as well as those who need additional help. Teachers recognize that children’s different background and experiences mean that they do not learn the same things at the same time in the same way.

10. Children and their parents look forward to school.

Parents feel secure about sending their child to the program. Children are happy to attend; they do not cry regularly or complain of feeling sick.

Visit www.rightchoiceforkids.org or www.greatschools.org for more information

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46 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

Childcare & Education Directory Child Care East

Kidz Luv Bilingual Academy & Educational Childcare 4118 N Sheridan Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46226\ Tumikia Gilbert 317-547-7323 tumgilbert@aol.com www.kidzluv.daycarematch.com Home: East: Christian - Catholic Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Kidz Luv has provided early childhood education to families for 10 years. Our Educational Childcare cares for children Infant-3 years and our Bilingual Academy implements Spanish and Sign Language into our preschool cirriculum, and is for children ages 3-5. We are NAFCC Accredited, State Licensed and CCDF is accepted.

M eridian K 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 nonsmoking 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.

SeekingSitters

1950 E. Greyhound Pass, Ste 18-301, Carmel, IN 46033 Kristin Slade 317-985-9505 kristins@seekingsitters www.seekingsitters.com Agency

SeekingSitters Indianapolis North is the solution for all of your childcare needs. We are an on-demand service for families seeking babysitters. Whether your need is last minute, one-time, part-time, or full-time, we can solve your childcare dilemma. Visit SeekingSitters.com for more information and to sign up!

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 head-teaching 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 fullday 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 certification in Montessori Education. Discover the Difference at the Maria Montessori! Now accepting applications for all ages starting 3 months to 6 years located in Stonegate, Zionsville, IN.

The Montessori Learning Center

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

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.

INDYSCHILD.COM 47

Fishers

Fall Creek Montessori Academy Address: 8888 Fitness Ln, Fishers, IN 46037 Contact: Diana Brugh Phone: (317) 436-8606 Email: diana@fallcreekmontessori.com Website: http://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.

Woodlands Montessori

Address: 10305 Allisonville Road Suite 110, FIshers, IN 46038 Contact: Cynthia Thompson Phone: 317-845-9035 Email: woodlandsinfo@att.net 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

48 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

Open House Dates: Open House Saturday, January 6 & January 13, 11:00 - 4:00!

Offering Montessori preschool education two to five days per week. Small class size and individualized instruction in a nurturing environment.

Geist

My Backyard Fine Arts Preschool at Geist Sports Academy 11960 East 62nd Street Indianapolis 317-823-7734 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, 226-4287 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, 255-0831 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

Kindermusik by Musical Beginnings Address: 606 S. Union Street, Westfield, IN 46074 Contact: Kim Bemis

Phone: 317-867-3077 Email: kimusik@musicalbeginnings.com Website: http://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 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

Address: 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) 317773-0387 (Noblesville) Email: pollypandaindy@sbcglobal.net Type of School: Early Childhood Ages/Grades: Six weeks through Kindergarten, summer program also available.

Description: 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

Address: 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 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.

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

Address: 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208 Contact: Christy Whaley Phone: 317-253-0472 Fax: 317-253-5513 Email: cwhaley@meridianstreet.org Website: 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 February 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 churchatthecrossing.org Ages: 12mos - Pre-K 5’s

Our Mothers Day Out (12-35mos) 9:15-2:30 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 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!

The Independence Academy of Indiana, Inc. 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 high-functioning 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.

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

Address: 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 critical-thinking 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: 8:3011:30 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, joyous experience! Children learn how to think for themselves and how to solve problems in original and creative ways and have a positive selfimage. 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, non-sectarian, 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.

INDYSCHILD.COM 49

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; full-day 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 strichardsschool.org Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: PK-

50 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

Grade 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 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 317202-2519 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 Address: 6401 E. 75th Street,

Indianapolis, In 46250 Contact: Emily Iglendza, Director of Enrollment Management 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, February 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 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 Ranee Dhadialla 317-575-8733 rkd1948@sbcglobal.net intlmontessori.com Please call for more information on tuition 9 AM - 12 Noon or 9 AM - 3 PM with options for 7-9 AM, 3-6 PM Field Trips: Yes 3 - 9 years Before/After School Care: Yes 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.. Now enrolling for Summer and Fall 2011!

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 February 2. Middle School: January 13 and February 9. High School: January 27 and February 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: Preschool - Secondary School Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: $425-$850 per Month Hours/Dates: Monday-Fri-

day 6:30 am -6:00 pm Field Trips: Yes Ages/Grades: 18 Months- 4th Grade Uniforms/Dress Code: No Before/After School Care: Yes Serving toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners and 1st-4th graders, MGA builds children's selfconfidence 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

Address: 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

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 Listing H ere !

Contact Jennica

Jennica@IndysChild.com

Discover the difference at The Children's Cottage.

Our Learning thru Play teaching methods encourage creativity and problem 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

INDYSCHILD.COM 51

February 2011 Give Kids a Smile Day Become a member and receive 143,640 minutes of fun and adventure!

Celebration Idea: Hide a note in your child's lunchbox or backpack.

Let your children choose what's for dinner.

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Celebration Idea: Look into joinging your local boy or girl scout troop!

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Celebration Idea: Count all of the Quarters in your piggy bank.

Homemade Soup Day

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White Shirt Day

Umbrella Day

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Celebration Idea: Throw a Mexican Fielsta for dinner and learn a new Spanish word.

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On this day in 1930,

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Chocolate Mint Day

Celebration Idea: Try to name all of the planets in our solar system.

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Celebration Idea: Play Monopoly as a family.

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National Tooth Fairy Day!

LOVE this calendar?

E-mail editor@indyschild.com images of your family participating in one of these fun days and/or send us your day of the month

Celebration Idea: Be sure to practice good dental health today, and every day!

Sources: familycrafts.about.com, brownielocks.com, holidayinsights.com & thenibble.com 52 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

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Celebration Idea: Make log cabins out of pretzel sticks or graham crackers and icing.

paper currency was introduced in the U.S.

by President Abraham Lincoln.

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Celebration Idea: Have something strawberry at every meal!

Strawberry milk, PB&J with strawberry jelly...

Celebration Idea: Bullying has become a nationwide problem. Talk to your kids about the harmful effects of bullying.

Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

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Celebration Idea: Starting today, make a weather chart to see if Punxsutawney Phil was right!

ABOUT THIS DAY: The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change aimed at fighting global warming.

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Chinese New Year!

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Celebration Idea: Make the game fun for the kids! Play football with a balloon, decorate football shaped cookies...

the Boy Scouts were founded.

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February CALENDAR EVENTS

send you home with an eco-friendly bookmark that you can keep or give to a friend. 6 p.m. Johnson County Public Library: Clark Pleasant Branch. 530 Tracy Rd., Ste. 250, New Whiteland. www.jcplin.org/.

317-535-6206.

Tuesday, February 01 Community Tuesday Enjoy discounted museum admission. Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.in.gov/ism. 317-232-1637.

Estate and Financial Planning for Families with Children with Special Needs As the direction of Medicaid and SSI becomes difficult to predict and benefits often prove inadequate, it has become critical for parents to plan for the future of their child or dependent with Special Needs. This Workshop covers Legal Issues, including Wills, Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, and Guardianship. Financial Issues, such as Special Needs Trust Funding, Medicaid and SSI. Family Issues, including Letter of Intent and Family involvement in the process. Presented by MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning Special Needs Financial Planner, and parent, Gordon Homes, CFPÆ. 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Reach High Consulting.

2100 S. Liberty Dr., Bloomington. www. gordonhomes.metlife.com. 317-567-2005.

Hip to Knit All ages and experience levels welcome. Experienced knitters: bring your current project and knit in the company of others. Beginners: bring a pair of needles & we’ll get started learning how to cast on and knit away! Free program. More information available at www.greenwoodlibrary.us/ hiptoknit.asp. 5:30-7 p.m. Greenwood Library. 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood. www. greenwoodlibrary.us/. 317-881-1953.

Winter Reading Carnival Drop in at the Franklin branch for 4:00-5:30 p.m. for a carnival-themed party as we kick-off the Winter reading program, Reading is a Thrill.

4-5:30 p.m. Free. Franklin Branch Library.

401 State St., Franklin. www.jcplin.org.

317-738-2833.

Wednesday, February 02

Green All Year series Grab a friend or relative and join us as we watch feature length movie this month as part of our kids’ ecology series. Feel free to bring a pillow or blanket to get comfy during this 90-minute movie. We’ll

Using the Library for Homeschoolers (Grades K-12) Become a knowledgeable library user! Learn how to navigate the card catalog, find books in the stacks, and use online databases. Show us what you’ve learned in the library scavenger hunt!

Registration required by calling 881-1953 or www.greenwoodlibrary.us. 1 p.m. Greenwood Library. 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood. www. greenwood.lib.in.us/. 317-881-1953.

Thursday, February 03

Three Classics by Mercer Mayer How does a little boy survive the alligator that lives under his bed? How does another child protect himself from the Big Nightmare that lives in his closet? And what about the little girl who lassos the Silly Scary Thing living in her farm house attic to show it to her parents? What would you do? This musical production is designed with vivid and imaginative costumes and scenery, where the Alligator under your bed, the Nightmare in your closet and the Thing in your attic become your best friends. 12 p.m. Adults: $13.00 Children under 18 Years: $8.00. Clowes Memorial Hall. 4600 Sunset Ave, Indianapolis. www. cloweshall.org. 317-9406444.

Friday, February 04

Carnival Fun! 4:30 p.m. Johnson County Public Library: White River Branch. 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood. www. jcplin.org. 317-885-1330.

Gracious Groundhog Did the groundhog see his shadow? Learn about this tradition and how groundhogs and other animals survive the cold weather. Make shadow puppets and look for animal tracks outside (weather permitting). Reservations required. 317.776.6006 $12/youth ($11/member youth) Kids must be accompanied by an adult (at no charge). 9:30-11am & 12:30-2 pm. Conner Prairie. 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. www.connerprairie.org/. 317776-6000.

Indiana Pacers vs.

Portland Trailblazers 7 p.m. $10 - $200. Conseco Fieldhouse.

125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. www. consecofieldhouse.com. 317-917-2500.

Indianapolis Ice vs.

Dubuque Fighting Saints 7 p.m. Pepsi Coliseum. 1202 E. 38th St., www.indianastatefair.com.

Indianapolis.

317-927-7536.

PRINCE CHARMING’S BALL Mothers, bring your little Prince to share a Valentine’s evening of enchantment and wonder at this ballroom-style event. Each family will have their picture taken and share a night of dancing and fun! Formal dress is optional. Punch and snacks will be provided to all guests. Pre-registration is required. You must register each mother and prince.

Register online at carmelclayparks.com (Activity # 319047-01). 6-9 p.m. $15/person. Carmel Clay Parks. The Monon Center, 1235 Central Park Drive East, Carmel. www.carmelclayparks. com. 317-848-7275.

Wii Play as a Family: Wii Carnival Gaming Come enjoy Wii Carnival Games to help kick off the Winter Reading Program. Bring the whole family. Snacks and drinks provided. 4:30 p.m.

Johnson County Public Library: Franklin Branch.

401 State St., Franklin. www.jcplin.org. 317738-2833.

Saturday, February 05

3rd Annual Sweet Saturdays Saturday February 5th and Saturday February 12th.

Come learn which sweet treats grow on trees at the Garfield Park Conservatory! Sweet Saturdays focuses on plants that provide the key ingredients to some of our favorite sweet treats. The Garfield Park Conservatory, a veritable plant-based candy show, is home to many living sweets such as bananas, vanilla beans, cinnamon bark, and chocolate trees. Visitors of all ages can sample the facts, the flavors and the fun of some of the most tantalizing tropical treats.

Suggested donation of $3 per person, children 3 and under are free, Members are free. Garfield Park Conservatory. 2505 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis. www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org/.

317-327-7184.

Go Red For Women Casting Call The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement is hosting a national casting call from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Macy’s at Castleton Square Mall to select real women for its 2011-12 campaign efforts. Women can make it their mission to fight heart disease by

bringing their network into our network. Give five women you care about the power to save their lives at GoRedForWomen.org. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Macy’s at Castleton Square Mall. 6020 E. 82nd St., www.goredforwomen.org.

Indianapolis.

317-732-4700.

Dora and Diego—Let’s Explore! Opening Day

Meet Dora and Diego and explore programs, activities, and performances designed to keep your family active, fit, and healthy. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Children’s Museum. 3000 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis. www.childrensmuseum.org/.

(317) 334-3322.

Indianapois Ice vs. Tri-City Storm 7 p.m. Pepsi Coliseum. 1202 E. 38th St., www.indianastatefair.com.

Indianapolis.

317-927-7536.

ComedySportz Two teams of "actletes" take suggestions from the audience to perform hilarious, completely improvised scenes. This battle of wits comes complete with a referee and the "Star Spangled Banner." All ages. Reservations recommended. $15; $12/students & seniors, $8/kids; Kids 5 and under FREE. Comedy Sportz. 721 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis. www.indycomedysportz. com. 317-951-8499.

Sunday, February 06

Indianapolis Home Show 2011 Final Day Running Jan 28 to Feb 6, 2011, the Indianapolis Home Show is the place for you to experience whats new in Home Building, Remodeling, Home Decor, Landscaping and More!Youll have the opportunity to meet over 1000 experts and experience thousands of products and services.

Visit www.indianapolishomeshow.com/ for more details. Indiana State Fairgrounds. 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis. www.in.gov/statefair.

317-927-7500.

Monday, February 07

American Girls Club (Grades K-5) at Greenwood Public Library A 25th Birthday Party: Celebrate the inspiring American Girls-past, present and future-who encourage girls today to build strong characters.

INDYSCHILD.COM 53

(Dolls are welcome, but not necessary). Registration required by calling 881-1953 or online www. greenwoodlibrary.us. 4:30 p.m. Greenwood Library. 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood. www. greenwood.lib.in.us/. 317-881-1953.

Bookworms: All Sorts of Sports

Bookworms: All Sorts of Sports We've covered all the bases! We're keeping the drive alive! Since records are made to be broken, let's break our attendance record tonight! This program will be held in the Storytime Room and is for children in grades 1 and 2. 4pm and 6:30pm. For more information on this event and other CCPL children's programs, call (317) 844-3363. Location: 55 Fourth Ave. Southeast, Carmel, IN 46032 www.carmel.lib.in.us/ Teen Reading Group This month’s book discussion will be A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle. For information, call Amy or Emily at 317-9845623. 4:30 p.m. Hamilton North Public Library, Cicero Branch. 209 W. Brinton St., Cicero. www.hnpl.lib.in.us/. 317-984-5623.

Valentines Galore!

Family Fun Night Hey Kids! Bring grandma, grandpa, mom, and dad to the Franklin Branch for games, crafts, stories and a snack. 6:30 p.m. Johnson County Public Library: Franklin Branch. 401 State St., Franklin. www. jcplin.org. 317-738-2833.

Fishers Parks & Recreation: Teddy Bear Picnic Grab your favorite furry friend and join us for stories, songs, games, a craft, and an indoor picnic.

You and your stuffed buddy will leave with a great big smile! This class will include a light lunch. For ages 3-7. Billericay Park Building. 126, Fishers.

(317)595-3155.

Fishers Parks and Recreation: Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance Fathers and daughters are invited to join us for a special evening of fun and dancing. A photographer will be on hand to take pictures for an additional cost. Prizes and refreshments will round out the evening. Semi-formal dress. Tickets go fast so don’t delay Pre-registration is required. For girls 5-12 years old and their fathers. Cost is per person. Min 200/Max 400. 7-8:30 p.m. R$8/NR$12. The Mansion at Oak Hill. 5801 E. 116th St., Carmel. www.fishers.in.us/parks. 317-595-3150.

Indiana Pacers vs.

Charlotte Bobcats 7 p.m. $10 - $200. Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. www. consecofieldhouse.com. 317-917-2500.

Thursday, February 10

4:30 p.m. Johnson County Public Library: White River Branch. 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood. www.jcplin.org. 317-885-1330.

Tuesday, February 08

American Girls: Meet Felicity Do you like the American Girl dolls? Join us as we meet Felicity a young colonial girl. Bring your favorite American Girl to share with the group.

4:30 p.m. Johnson County Public Library: Franklin Branch. 401 State St., Franklin. www.jcplin. org. 317-738-2833.

Celebration of Black History Concert 7:30 p.m. FREE. Hilbert Circle Theatre.

45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. www. indianapolissymphony.org.

Science Wonders Come explore the wonders of science by trying out a few experiments!. 4:30 p.m. FREE. Johnson County Public Library: White River Branch. 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood. www.jcplin.org.

317-885-1330.

Un-Valentine’s Day Bash Not a fan of candy hearts and sappy valentines, or looking for something fun to do? Come to our UnValentine’s Day Bash and construct a conversation heart catapult and create chocolate-dipped treats.

6:30 p.m. Johnson County Public Library: Clark Pleasant Branch. 530 Tracy Rd., Ste. 250, New Whiteland. www.jcplin.org/. 317-535-6206.

Investigation Destination Play Minute to Win It! Try to beat the clock and win a prize! For kids in 1st-4th grade. 6:30 p.m.

Avon-Washington Township Library. 498 N. State Road 267, Avon. www.avon.lib.in.us/. 317272-4818 Ext. 222.

Children’s Craft Classes The Greenwood Parks and Recreation Department is offering craft classes for children ages 10 and up.

The craft classes will be held at the Greenwood Community Center the second Thursday of every month from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Please register one week in advance. Call 317-881-4545 to find out what craft is being offered each month and the cost. Varies. Greenwood Community Center. 100 Surina Way, Greenwood. www.greenwood. in.gov. 317-881-4545.

Friday, February 11

Indiana Pacers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 7 p.m. $10 - $200. Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. www. consecofieldhouse.com. 317-917-2500.

Indianapois Ice vs. Lincoln Stars 7 p.m. Pepsi Coliseum. 1202 E. 38th St., www.indianastatefair.com.

Indianapolis.

317-927-7536.

52nd Annual World of Wheels

Wednesday, February 09

Art is Everywhere: Drawing 101 Johnson County author and illustrator, Noname Porter-McShirley, will provide hands-on experience and instruction for those who wish to draw. Her poetry book Pebbles, Blisters, and Handfuls of Sunlight is available at the library.

Visit her websites: www.rifll.com or www. nonameportermcshirley.com. 4:30 p.m.

Johnson County Public Library: Trafalgar Branch.

424 Tower Street, Trafalgar. www.jcplin.org.

317-878-9560.

54 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

Over 500 incredible vehicles of all shapes, sizes and descriptions will fill threebuildings at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Friday, February 11 through Sunday, February 13 as the O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 World of Wheels, presented by Ray Skillman

Discount Auto, returns to Indianapolis for the 52nd consecutive year. Price: Advance tix: $12/adult, $4 kids 6-12. At the door: $14/adults Location: 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205 www. worldofwheels.com

Junie B. Jones Hurrah! Junie B. Jones has finally graduated from kindergarten and is entering first grade - at last!

Armed with her top-secret personal beeswax journal, Junie struggles to adjust to a new group of friends, a new teacher and new glasses! Don’t miss this musical adaptation following Junie B. through zany adventures based on four books by Barbara Park: Top-Secret Personal Beeswax: A Journal

by Junie B. (And Me!); Junie B., First Grader (At Last!); Junie B., Boss of Lunch; Junie B., One Man Band. 12 p.m. Adults: $13.00; Children under 18 Years: $8.00. Clowes Memorial Hall. 4600 Sunset Ave, Indianapolis. www.cloweshall.org. 317940-6444.

Saturday, February 12

Get a Clue at T.C. Steele State Historic Site: Murder Mystery Enjoy an evening of mystery and suspense in T.C. Steele’s studio. The night will begin with a presentation and book signing by local mystery writer, Sara Hoskinson Frommer, about the challenges and joys of mystery writing. Afterwards, guests will enjoy participating in a murder mystery about the death of a local art dealer as well as an auction of paintings used in the mystery. Speaking roles are available, or guests may simply enjoy the show Includes dinner and drinks. 5 p.m. $30 ($5 for presentation only). TC Steele State Historic Site.

4220 tc Steele Rd, Nashville. www.tcsteele. org. 812-988-2785.

Indianapois Ice vs. Fargo Force 7 p.m. Pepsi Coliseum. 1202 E. 38th St., www.indianastatefair.com.

Indianapolis.

317-927-7536.

20th annual Woodcarver, Woodturner & Woodburner Exhibition and Sale Works created by many of the region’s finest woodworkers and artists will be showcased at the 20th annual Woodcarver, Woodturner and Woodburner exhibition. Artists will be on hand during the show to demonstrate how they create their various works and talk with visitors about their craft. A children’s area will also be available where kids can try their hand at carving bars of soap with various kid-friendly tools. The event will take place in the park’s Earth Discovery Center, overlooking Eagle Creek Reservoir. Admission is free with $5 per vehicle park admission. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Eagle Creek Park. 7840 W. 56th St., Indianapolis. www. indygov.org/eGov/City/DPR/Parks/List/ Eagle+Creek+Park.htm. 317-327-7110.

Sunday, February 13

Valentine’s Day Puppet Cabaret Includes juice box & treat. Performances at 1 and 3 pm. $10 (under 2 free). Peewinkle’s Puppet Studio. 25 E. Henry St., Indianapolis. www. peewinklespuppets.com. 317-917-9454.

20th annual Woodcarver, Woodturner & Woodburner Exhibition and Sale Works created by many of the region’s finest woodworkers and artists will be showcased at the 20th annual Woodcarver, Woodturner and Woodburner exhibition. Artists will be on hand during the show to demonstrate how they create their various works and talk with visitors about their craft. A children’s area will also be available where kids can try their hand at carving bars of soap with various kid-friendly tools. The event will take place in the park’s Earth Discovery Center, overlooking Eagle Creek Reservoir. Admission is free with $5 per vehicle park admission. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Eagle Creek Park. 7840 W. 56th St., Indianapolis. www. indygov.org/eGov/City/DPR/Parks/List/ Eagle+Creek+Park.htm. 317-327-7110.

Monday, February 14

Anti Valentine’s Day Party for Teens (grades 5-12) at Greenwood Public Library Do you want a fun alternative to red hearts and lovey-dovey couples? The Anti-Valentine’s Day party is the place for you! Make an Anti-V Day doll, express your angst on the grafitti wall, watch Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, decorate cookies, and more! Register by calling 881-1953 or online www.greenwoodlibrary. us. 4 p.m. Greenwood Library. 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood. www.greenwood.lib. in.us/. 317-881-1953.

Lego Mania: Robot Challenge Do you love to build amazing Lego creations?

Bring your friends and join us at a Lego Robot building party. Please bring your own Legos to create your masterpiece. You may temporarily leave your Robot creation at the library for display. For ages 5-12. Registration required. Register by calling the Youth Services Department at 770-3216 or online at www. hepl.lib.in.us. 7-8 p.m. Hamilton East Library (Noblesville). One Library Plaza, Noblesville. www.hepl.lib.in.us/. 317-770-3242.

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) Coffee Talk - North Come and receive some extra support or to chat all topics related to autism and meet other TACA families. (Located at Hamilton Town Center Mall, exit 10 off I-69). 7-9 p.m. FREE. Paradise Bakery and Cafe. 13230 Harrell Parkway, Suite 400, Noblesville. www.tacanow.org. 949640-4401 Foundation Office-.

Tuesday, February 15 Family Game Night at Fountain Square Families are invited to play a variety of fun and educational board games with their children.

6-7:30 p.m. Fountain Square Library. 1066 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org.

317-275-4390.

Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat 7 p.m. $10 - $200. Conseco Fieldhouse.

125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. www. consecofieldhouse.com. 317-917-2500.

New Lands New Homes Tour 1-2 p.m. Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.in.gov/ ism. 317-232-1637.

Wednesday, February 16 Lego Mania: Robot Challenge Do you love to build amazing LegoÆ creations?

Bring your friends and join us at a LegoÆ Robot building party. Please bring your own LegosÆ to create your masterpiece. You may temporarily leave your Robot creation at the

library for display. For ages 5-12. Registration required. Register by calling the Youth Services Department at 579-0304 or online at www. hepl.lib.in.us. 7 p.m. Hamilton East Library (Fishers). Five Municipal Dr., Fishers. www. hepl.lib.in.us/. 317-579-0300.

Indianapolis Area StepParents - Coffee Talk This is a group that hopes to provide a place for step-parents to support, give advice, ask questions, vent and get to know others that are in this unique, challenging and exciting position The first and third Wednesday of every month. Venues will change regularly and notification of location will be sent out the weekend before each meetup. A chance to just get together to meet, talk and vent with other step parents. 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Will change for each meeting. www.meetup.com/Indy-StepParents/, Indianapolis. www.meetup.com/ Indy-Step-Parents/. 317-555-5555.

Thursday, February 17 Ready Readers: Frog and Toad Are Friends Beginning readers are invited for the story, “Frog and Toad Are Friends, along with crafts, games and other activities that focus on phonics and other literacy skills. Franklin Road Library.

5550 S. Franklin Rd, Indianapolis. www. imcpl.org. 317-275-4380.

Art and Book Art Adventures: Chris Van Allsburg Discover the magical worlds of Van Allsburg pencil drawings by sharing his works, listening to his fantastical tales, and practicing with charcoal and pencils. 4:30 p.m. Johnson County Public Library: Trafalgar Branch. 424 Tower Street, Trafalgar. www.jcplin.org. 317-8789560.

Booklovers Book Club at Greenwood Public Library Have you ever noticed how fun it is to talk to another reader about the books they’re reading or that you’ve both read? Instead of waiting for those rare moments to happen, join us on the third Thursday of each month for great conversation with others who love books as much as you do! February’s book is The Shack

by William P. Young. 10 a.m. Greenwood Library. 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood. www.greenwood.lib.in.us/. 317-881-1953.

Friday, February 18 Friday Family Fun: Silly Friendships!

We’re celebrating all sorts of silly and unusual friendships today as we meet a goat & a pig and a cat & a dog who are inseparable buddies. We’ll even meet a lonely old skunk who is searching for a friend, and then we’ll laugh our way through a silly movie and get artsy with a craft. So grab you BFF and join in the fun!. 4:30 p.m. Johnson County Public Library: Clark Pleasant Branch. 530 Tracy Rd., Ste. 250, New Whiteland. www.jcplin.org/.

317-535-6206.

Tot Art: Playdough Sculptures Join us for an art program just for toddlers, twos, and threes. Stick around after the craft for socializations and a short playtime. Please dress for a mess!. 9:30 a.m. Johnson County Public Library: Franklin Branch. 401 State St., Franklin. www.jcplin.org. 317-738-2833.

IHSAA Wrestling Individual State Finals Fri. 6 pm; Sat. 9:30 am & 5 pm. $8. Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. w w w.consecof ieldhouse.com.

317-917-2500.

Saturday, February 19 Barks to Books at Pike 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. Call 275-4480 to register. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Pike Library. 6525 Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4480.

Fishers Parks and Recreation: Snowball Softball Touranment Get a team together for this wintery softball tournament. Play softball in the snow and try to win the championship of the first ever Fishers Snowball Softball Tournament For ages 18 and up. Min 4 teams/Max 10 teams. 9-4 p.m.

R$125/NR$187. Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Softball Fields. 1 Park Dr., Fishers. www. fishers.in.us/parks. 317-595-3133.

Writing Club: Flip-O-Rama (grades K-5) at Greenwood Public Library Using the popular series “Captain Underpants” as well as picture books by David Pilkey, we will be creating cartoons and watching howto videos to create our own Flip-O-Rama animations. Register by calling 881-1953 or online www.greenwoodlibrary.us. 1 p.m. Greenwood Library. 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood. www.greenwood.lib.in.us/.

317-881-1953.

Monday, February 21 Hibernation Day Camp Feb. 21 - Mon - Hibernation Day. What is hibernation and what animals hibernate? Come do an investigation with us as we discover who really hibernates. It will not be long before those animals start to make an appearance, hungry and looking for food.Every. Camp includes a well-balanced lunch, crafts, games, and of course gym time. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. InterActive Academy. 3795 s us 421, Zionsville. www. interactiveacademy.org. 317-733-3000.

LIVE from Delaware Street Celebrate Presidents’ Day at the the President’s Home!On this special day, your tour includes the opportunity to interact with family members and household staff, whose roles are recreated by exceptional actors. You’ll have the chance to hear the conversations and gossip of the day in 1898 as you enter each room and find out more about what life was like after the President returned home from the White House. A President’s Theatre production.

Additionally, included with admission on this day, is the public opening of the 2011 exhibit “Windows to the Past: Harrison’s Indianapolis”.

This exhibit will depict Indianapolis from 1854 to 1913 when the Harrisons lived here, including items the Harrisons purchased from local stores and background information and photographs of the businesses. Visitors will see how President Harrison’s home and neighborhood changed over the years. 10 a.m.3 p.m. Adults $10; students (ages 5 to 17): $5.

Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. 1630 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis. www.pbhh.org.

317.631.1888.

Presidents Day at The Children’s Museum Free museum admission. Discover Indiana’s presidential heritage, meet Abraham Lincoln, and explore more about our past Presidents with fun crafts, activities, and historic facts. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Children’s Museum. 3000 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis. www.childrensmuseum. org/. (317) 334-3322.

Tuesday, February 22 Holliday Park: Eco-Explorers Come out to Holliday Park and become a true Eco-Explorer! We’ll spend our time hiking the trails, exploring the river, discovering history and making memories. Children will be divided into a 5-7 year-old group and an 8-10 year-old group. Dates for the series are 2/22, 3/8, 3/22, 4/5, 4/19 and 5/3. Class meets from 3:45-4:45 pm. Call 327-7180 to register. $30/Series.

Holliday Park Nature Center. 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis. www.hollidaypark.org.

3173277180.

Tuesday Night Book Club Kids: Nightmare at the Book Fair When Trip Dinkleman gets knocked out by a crate of books at the book fair, he finds himself trapped in all the stories and has to rescue himself before he becomes lost forever! That’s just the start of this month’s action packed adventure

by Dan Gutman. Join us as we talk about the book and enjoy activities that bring Trip’s crazy journey to life. Register and reserve your copy of the book by stopping by the library, calling 535-6206, or registering online at www. jcplin.org. 6 p.m. Johnson County Public

IHSAA Wrestling Individual State Finals Fri. 6 pm; Sat. 9:30 am & 5 pm. $8. Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. www.consecofieldhouse.com.

317-9172500.

Sunday, February 20 2011 Indiana Art Fair: Indianas Winter Art Event - Final Day This indoor event, running Feb. 18 -20, features some of the best artists Indiana has to offer spread out among the three levels of the museum. As in years past, guests are able to enjoy the museum while browsing the work of more than 75 artists. The museum and the L.S. Ayres Tea Room will be open.

Food artisans will demonstrate their culinary techniques and products for all to enjoy outside The Indiana Store. Or beat the crowds and shop Friday, Feb. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. Phone: 317232-1637 Location: 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.in.gov/ism

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Library: Clark Pleasant Branch. 530 Tracy Rd., Ste. 250, New Whiteland. www.jcplin.org/.

317-535-6206.

Wednesday, February 23 Indiana Pacers vs.

Detroit Pistons 7 p.m. $10 - $200. Conseco Fieldhouse.

125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. www. consecofieldhouse.com. 317-917-2500.

LEGO Club Calling all builders! Open to kids who like to build with LEGO. Make awesome creations using the library’s LEGO collection. All handy parents welcome. February theme: Carnival.

6:30 p.m. Johnson County Public Library: Trafalgar Branch. 424 Tower Street, Trafalgar. www.jcplin.org. 317-878-9560.

Teen Gaming Night - Wii We’re bringing out the Wii, bring your friends and come game. We’ve got Guitar Hero, Sports and more! For more information, contact the TeenZone at 579-0315. 6-8 p.m. Hamilton East Library (Fishers). Five Municipal Dr., Fishers. www.hepl.lib.in.us/. 317-579-0300.

Teen Knitting Club It’s time to knit and pearl while relaxing with your friends. Bring along your knitting needles, creativity and conversation. The Library will even supply the yarn. Teen Programming Room. For more information, contact the TeenZone at 579-0315. 6-8 p.m. Hamilton East Library (Fishers). Five Municipal Dr., Fishers. www.hepl.lib.in.us/. 317-579-0300.

The Scientific Method for Homeschoolers (Grades K-12) at Greenwood Public Library What is the scientific method? Learn how to state a problem, formulate a hypothesis, conduct an experiment, collect and analyze your results, and present your findings. We’ll be conducting three fun and easy experiments focusing on solids, liquids and gases. 1 p.m. Greenwood Library. 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood. www.greenwood.lib.in.us/. 317-881-1953.

Animeniacs Club Join the Animeniacs Club! We’ll meet the last Thursday of every month to watch anime, talk about/draw manga, and enjoy Pocky. Bring your Yu-Gi-Oh! cards too. 3 p.m. FREE. Johnson County Public Library: White River Branch.

1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood. www.jcplin. org. 317-885-1330.

Music Appreciation: Patriotic Music Learn about the origins of some of America’s patriotic music. 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. 10 a.m. Hamilton East Library (Fishers). Five Municipal Dr., Fishers. www. hepl.lib.in.us/. 317-579-0300.

Random Film Festival: How to Train Your Dragon Free movie and popcorn for all ages. 6 p.m.

Greenwood Library. 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood. www.greenwood.lib.in.us/.

317-881-1953.

Read N’ Feed TeenZone Book Club Join us for our teens-only book club. List of reads for each month is available in the TeenZone.

Registration is requested, and participants must be in grades 7-12. Teen Programming Room.

Contact: Register by calling the TeenZone at 770-3242 or online at www.hepl.lib.in.us.

Hamilton East Library (Noblesville). One Library Plaza, Noblesville. www.hepl.lib. in.us/. 317-770-3242.

Friday, February 25 Comfy, Cozy, Cuddly Quilts Grab your favorite blanket and join us for some warm fun! We’ll make a cozy quilt square.

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. Conner Prairie. 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. www. connerprairie.org/. 317-776-6000.

Sesame Street Live: 1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends

WINTER KIDS KONCERTS AT THE MCC: Kid Kazooy Come join Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation for some entertainment at our Winter Kids Koncerts! We 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. FREE. Carmel Clay Parks. The Monon Center, 1235 Central Park Drive East, Carmel. www. carmelclayparks.com. 317-848-7275.

Thursday, February 24 Teen Book Club at Brightwood Young people ages 12 - 17 are invited to be a part of this monthly book discussion club. 4 p.m. Brightwood Library. 2435 N. Sherman Dr, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org/about/ locations/westindianapolis.html. 317-2754310.

56 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

Imagine singing and dancing with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all your favorite Sesame Street Live friends! It's as easy as counting "12-3 -Imagine!" This high-energy musical will transport audiences to far away places as Ernie captains the high seas, Elmo dances to the rhythm of the African rainforest and Bert

meets an octopus who has the blues. It's a story of adventure and fun that teaches children they can be anyone, do anything and go anywhere with the power of imagination. This show runs Feb. 25 - 27 and tickets are available at the Old National Centre Box Office, By phone through Ticketmaster 1-800-745-3000 or at www. ticketmaster.com/ Phone: 317-632-7469 Location: 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis, IN 46204

Friday Family Fun: Ready, Set, Go! Put on your running shoes because today it’s all about races. We will meet some competitive characters as they compete on the racetrack, horse track, and running track. We’ll speed through a movie before you cross the finish line with a racecar craft. 4:30 p.m. Johnson County Public Library: Clark Pleasant Branch. 530 Tracy Rd., Ste. 250, New Whiteland. www.jcplin.org/. 317-535-6206.

Drop-In Read Aloud Children and caregivers are invited to join us for a fun, informal read-aloud as a member of the Children's staff shares a few stories. To participate in this program, please meet at the windows.

11:00 AM. 55 Fourth Ave. Southeast, Carmel, IN 46032 http://www.carmel.lib.in.us/ Indiana Pacers vs. Utah Jazz 7 p.m. $10 - $200. Conseco Fieldhouse.

125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. www. consecofieldhouse.com. 317-917-2500.

Ladies’ Night Out Ladies, take an evening away from the stresses of life and enjoy some time for yourself at the OWC Our Ladies’ Night features a variety of wellness services from the best natural wellness businesses in our community. This month, we’re pleased to offer the following services: massage therapy, facials, all-natural nail care, reiki, foot bath detoxification, ear candling, waxing (eyebrows), complimentary skin consultations, and complimentary stress analysis. Please call OWC at (317) 870-7220. 5-9 p.m.

Services begin at $10 please call for pricing details.

Optimal Wellness Center. 4545 Northwestern Dr, Ste. a, Zionsville. www.

WeCreateWellness. com. 317-870-7220.

IHSAA Boys Swimming & Diving Championship Fri. 6 pm; Sat. 9 am. $8 per session; $12 both days. IUPUI Natatorium.

901 W. New York St, Indianapolis. www. ihsaa.org. 317-274-3518.

Saturday,

February

26

Indy’s Child 22nd Annual Summer Camp Fair Coming to you this year from a new location, the Fashion Mall at Keystone Crossing, Indy’s Child camp fair is touted as one of the oldest and largest summer planning events in the nation, this event br ings fam ilies together for a day of family fun and exploration as children and parents seek out the variety of summer camps and programs available in Central Indiana and around the United States.

Over 100 different camps and programs will be on hand to discuss with you the variety of options, f inancial aid, specialties and more. Radio Disney will be providing enter tainment, along with health and wel lness infor mation from St.Vincent Ho s pit a l a nd r e pr e s e nt a t ive s f r om A mer ican Camp Association, Indiana wil l be available to answer questions you might have about f inding the right camp. Don’t miss this once a year event to explore the importance of summer camp and the variety of opportunities available.

Many offer f inancial aid assistance and of fer camps for children with special needs. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Fashion Ma l l.

8702 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis. www.indyschild.com.

Engineers Day at The Children’s Museum Local engineers will be at the museum to show how engineering has contributed to our health, happiness, and safety. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Children’s Museum. 3000 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis. www.childrensmuseum. org/. (317) 334-3322.

INDYSCHILD.COM 57

Packs are welcome and must be accompanied by at least one adult. Lunch will be provided.

Come prepared to be inside and out. Ages 9-11, registration required. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $10/scout. Holliday Park Nature Center.

6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis. www. hollidaypark.org. 3173277180.

IHSAA Wrestling Team State Finals Fri. 6 pm; Sat. 9:30 am & 5 pm. $8.

Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. www.consecofieldhouse. com. 317-917-2500.

Holliday Park: Brownie Girl Scout Try-It Day Brownies will earn the ‘Eco-Explorer’ and ‘Watching Wildlife’ Try-Its and the Our Council’s Own patch, ‘Love Maple Syrup.’

Scouts should come prepared to be inside and out. Whole troops are welcome and must be accompanied by at least one adult. Ages 7-9, registration required. 1:30-4:30 p.m. $8/ scout. Holliday Park Nature Center. 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis. http:// www.hollidaypark.org. 3173277180.

Holliday Park: Webelos Badge Blitz During our annual badge blitz, Webelos will enjoy earning the three activity badges required for the World Conservation Award.

58 INDY’S CHILD * FEBURARY 2011

piece. Discover the history of the Selridge Pottery and its signif icance to the Steeles and the Arts and Crafts Movement. Registration is required. 10 a.m. $20. TC Steele State Historic Site. 4220 tc Steele Rd, Nashville. http://www.tcsteele.org. 812-988-2785.

IHSAA Boys Swimming & Diving Championship

Virtue in Design: Pottery Painting Create your own pottery piece inspired by the Steeles’ collection. Mary Jo Benedict of The Latest Glaze will teach participants the technique of overglazing to use on your

Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns 12 p.m. Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. http://www. consecofieldhouse.com. 317-917-2500.

Monday, February 28

Indianapolis Ice vs.

Dubuque Fighting Saints 7 p.m. Pepsi Coliseum. 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis. www.indianastatefair.com.

317-927-7536.

Literacy Day With Teachers Credit Union Bring the whole family to this great day at Greenwood Public Library celebrating Literacy... we will have face painting, author talks, and all kinds of fun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Greenwood Library. 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood. http://www. greenwoodlibrary.us/. 317-881-1953.

Center, and a full-tuition scholarship for summer study in the United Kingdom. This program will be held in Central Library’s Clowes Auditorium. To learn more, call 317-216-9539 or visit www.esuin.org/.

2 p.m. Central Library. 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis. 317-275-4100.

Fri. 6 pm; Sat. 9 am. $8 per session; $12 both days. IUPUI Natatorium. 901 W. New York St, Indianapolis. www.ihsaa.org. 317-2743518.

Sunday, February 27 2011 ESU National Shakespeare Competition Families are invited to hear Shakespearian monologues performed by Indiana’s brightest high school thespians. This competition, presented by the Indianapolis branch of the English-Speaking Union, is the next step toward national advancement that includes acting workshops and cultural activities in New York City, competing at Lincoln

Fishers Parks & Recreation: Basketball Skills Competition Showcase your basketball abilities by shooting, passing and dribbling in a halfcourt obstacle course. Participants should wear appropriate athletic attire and shoes.

This is a drop-in program. Prize winners will be notif ied following the competition.

For boys and girls, ages 9-14. Registration BEGINS 12/13/10 and ends 2/21/11. 6:307:30 p.m. FREE!. Fall Creek Intermediate School Gymnasium. 12001 Olio Rd., Fishers. www.fishers.in.us/parks. (317)595-3150.

Monday Mania at Avon Library Warm up to the cold with a fun winter beach blast! Enjoy games, treats and fun in the sun!

For kids in 1st-4th grade. 6:30 p.m. AvonWashington Township Library. 498 N. State Road 267, Avon. www.avon.lib.in.us/.

317-272-4818 Ext. 222.

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calendar

ONGOING EVENTS ”The Diary of Anne Frank” Occurring Daily Beginning Tuesday, January 18, 2011 Through Thursday, February 24, 2011. Now it’s history; once, it was a young girl’s life. The Diary of Anne Frank is such a literary landmark that it’s easy to forget how it started out: as the personal journal of a young girl striving to become a woman.

Written while she and her family hid from Nazis in Amsterdam, Anne Frank’s diary stands as a tribute to the human spirit. This lyrical new adaptation celebrates creativity’s power while, at the same time, remembering the young girl at the heart of the history. Ticket prices start at $20 for preview performances.

Indiana Repertory Theatre. 140 West Washington Street, Indianapolis. www.irtlive.com. 3179164834.

52nd Annual World of Wheels Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, February 11, 2011 Through Sunday, February 13, 2011. Over 500 incredible vehicles of all shapes, sizes and descriptions will fill threebuildings at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Friday, February 11 through Sunday, February 13 as the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 World of Wheels, presented by Ray Skillman Discount Auto, returns to Indianapolis for the 52nd consecutive year. View nostalgic race cars in the perennially popular Drag City USA display - along with hundreds of traditional rods, customs and bobbers, Euro customs, sport compacts, and trucks. Among exhibits will be the futuristic "Roswell Rod" bubbletop. And fans of two-wheeled transport will not want to miss the All-American Motorcycles 2011 Show presented by Harley- Davidson of Indianapolis, featuring all makes and models of bikes, custom and restored. Celebrities scheduled to appear include: Shawn Michaels, Debby Ryan and Gene Winfield. Hours are 5-10 pm on Friday, 10-10 pm on Saturday and 10-7 pm on Sunday.

Pinstriper Panel Jam and Auction will benefit The Diabetes Youth Foundation of Indiana on Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2, 4 and 8 pm and Sunday at 3 pm. Advance tix: $12/adult, $4 kids 6-12. At the door: $14/adults, $. Indiana State Fairgrounds. 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis. www.worldofwheels.com.

Forged by Fire Occurring Every Sun & Sat Beginning Saturday, February 05, 2011 Through Sunday, February 27, 2011.

Explore the connection between art and science during Forged by Fire, a February program series at the WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology in Bloomington. Forged by Fire highlights the scientific process by which fire and heat change the structure of four materials - wood, wax, glass, and metal - used as artistic media. Each weekend, visitors can interact with different artists at work, participate in an actual art process through related hands-on activities and learn about the science involved in creating a work of art. orged by Fire is appropriate for all ages. Parental discretion is advised for certain hands-on activities for the safety of very young children. For a schedule of complete events, visit www.wonderlab.org/.

1:30-4:30 p.m. WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology. 308 W. Fourth St., Bloomington. www.wonderlab.org/. 812-337-1337.

do anything and go anywhere with the power of imagination. Tickets are available at the Old National Centre Box Office, By phone through Ticketmaster 1-800-745-3000 or at www.ticketmaster.com/.

Old National Center (Formerly Murat). 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. www.livenation.com/ murat. 317-632-7469.

Blue's Birthday Party Occurring Every Fri & Sat Beginning Saturday, February 12, 2011 Through Saturday, March 19, 2011. 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. Phone: 317-872-9664 Location: 9301 N. Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268 www.beefandboards.com Dora and Diego - Let's Explore!

Occurring Daily beginning Saturday, February 05, 2011 through Sunday, August 14, 2011. Meet Dora and Diego and explore programs, activities, and performances designed to keep your family active, fit, and healthy. Times: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Phone: (317) 334-3322 Location: 3000 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.childrensmuseum.org/

CL A SSI F I E DS

Hairspray Occurring Daily Beginning Thursday, February 03, 2011 Through Sunday, March 27, 2011. 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. $36 to $59. Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. 9301 N. Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www.beefandboards. com. 317-872-9664.

Miss Saigon Occurring Daily Beginning Thursday, February 10, 2011 Through Saturday, February 12, 2011. Loosely based on Giacomo Puccini’s opera Madamde Butterfly, Miss Saigon tells the tragic tale of a doomed romance involving an Asian woman abandoned by her American lover. The setting of the plot is relocated to 1970s Saigon during the Vietnam War, and the romance between Madame Butterfly’s American Lieutenant and Japanese geisha is replaced by a similar love story between an American GI and a Vietnamese bar girl. 7 p.m.

Civic Theatre. 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis. www.civictheatre.org. 317-923-4597.

Odd Indiana Occurring Daily Through Saturday, February 12, 2011. $7 adult; $6.50 Senior; $4 children 3 -12. Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.in.gov/ism. 317-232-1637.

Sesame Street Live: 1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, February 25, 2011 Through Sunday, February 27, 2011. Imagine singing and dancing with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all your favorite Sesame Street Live friends!

It’s as easy as counting "1-2-3 Ö Imagine!" This high-energy musical will transport audiences to far away places as Ernie captains the high seas, Elmo dances to the rhythm of the African rainforest and Bert meets an octopus who has the blues. It’s a story of adventure and fun that teaches children they can be anyone,

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Contact Jennica at Jennica@indyschild.com

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