GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2020

FALL 2020

GRAND RAPIDS

VOL 11

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

Homeschool 101

on page 20

WHERE TO FIND

the best

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE

FALL FARMS, DONUTS + CIDER

PAGE 14

roundup starting on page 24

GRAND RAPIDS

KIDS

P U BLI C AT I ON

Want the next issue?

Sign up your group at grkids.com/GRfunGuide

#AD

HIGHER HEALTH CHIROPRACTIC WAS VOTED TOP CHIROPRACTOR KIDS

BY GRKIDS TOP CARE PROVIDER READERS! GRAND RAPIDS

2020

Dr. Erik Kowalke was voted top Chiropractor and Dr. John Deyo & Dr. Marc DeMeester were both voted into the top 10!

Higher Health Chiropractic serves God by serving the families of our community and region through specific, scientific, chiropractic care.

Their purpose is to help people reach their God-given health potential through chiropractic care, allowing them to live a healthy, happy, drug-free life.

“

We are driven by faith. Proven by results. Creating an extraordinary experience.

HIGHER HEALTH CHIROPRACTIC GetHigherHealth.com // 616-301-8300 1027 Gezon Parkway SW Wyoming

98 Douglas Ave Holland

Dr. Erik Kowalke Dr. Marc DeMeester Dr. Katie DeMeester Dr. John Deyo Dr. William Booker Dr. Andrew White Dr. Heather Speaks

Violette came to HHC with infant reflux, which she had been experiencing since birth. She was frequently spitting up large quantities with discomfort and was not sleeping like a newborn should. After 1-2 Chiropractic adjustments, Violette was no longer a difficult, fussy baby and she is now able to keep her formula down. She is also now sleeping for longer periods of time. Mom did not realize how little Violette slept for a newborn, until after she started getting adjusted and began sleeping more, as a baby should! Mom stated, "I had no idea that reflux could be caused by nerve interference.”

“

Hurray for fall!

Crisp air and vivid colors signal the gorgeous transition to autumn. As we continue to support one another through this time, we hope this issue provides you with fun opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy time with loved ones.

- Soak up the fall classics in this issue: Donuts & Cider, U-Pick Apples and Pumpkins and our favorite Fall Farms.

- Research area resources for your loved one with special needs with the huge Special Needs Directory.

- Take advantage of the beautiful colors and shoot the perfect Christmas card photo at one of these Favorite Fall Picture Hotspots.

- Dive into the world of Homeschool with a mega list of community resources.

- Check off autumn fun with our Fall Bucket List.

Please note that at the time of writing, all attractions listed are open. Before visiting any of these recommended places, please call ahead or check their website for hours and health guidelines.

Team GRKIDS Melody VanderWeide Publisher

April Hunt Content Editor

Leanne Hendrikse Content Manager

Christie Tidd Graphic Designer

Kelly Dentler Contributor

Michelle Smith Contributor

Allyson Paplawsky Contributor

Kate Randall Contributor

FIND US ONLINE grkids.com Facebook.com/grkids Instagram.com/grkids grkids.com/daily

The Grand Rapids Family Fun Guide is published five times per year by Grand Rapids Kids in Grand Rapids, MI. Š2020 Grand Rapids Kids, All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part granted only by written permission of the publisher in accordance with our legal statement.

GRKIDS.COM

3

HELPING KIDS EXCEL THROUGH INNOVATIVE K-12 EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR 25 YEARS. Learn why thousands of families in West Michigan choose GVSU’s charter public schools at

gvsu.edu/cso

SO MUCH Good

Stuff PACKED IN HERE!

Same City, New View | 7 Petting Zoos and Farms | 9 U-pick Pumpkins and Apples | 10 The Michigan Apple | 12 Donut and Cider Faves | 14 Farms to Visit in the Fall | 16 Fall Photo Hotspots | 18 Homeschool 101 | 20 Inclusive and Sensory-Friendly Places | 23 Special Needs Support in GR | 24 How to Support a Family Living With Special Needs | 29 Outdoor Fall Bucket List | 31 GRKIDS.COM

5

GR Civic Theater

Same City, NEW VIEW Explore downtown Grand Rapids in a new way with these guided & self-guided walking tours. Immerse yourself in the history, art and architecture of the city we love.

GR Walks App mytoursapp.com/apps/gr-walks Find and download the GR Walks app onto your phone. Choose a walking tour such as “Garfield Park,” “Black History Tour of Downtown Grand Rapids,” or “Rad Women A-Z.” Once downloaded, the app will lead you through a tour of the chosen area and explain the significance of each stop.

gr tag tour grtagtour.org Access two walks, “History” and “Art Around the Corner,” through the QR Code Reader app on your phone. Visit the website for a map of the stops and where to begin. Once you reach the start of the tour, you’ll find a sign with a code to scan which will provide information about each stop.

Grand Rapids Running Tours grandrapidsrunningtours.com Tour the city with Caroline, an enthusiastic ambassador of the city, on one of her 50+ walking or running tours.

Try “Lapping the Landmarks,” “West Side Story,” or “Young President Ford.”

heritage hill walking tour heritagehilweb.org/tours-ofheritage-hill/self-guidedwalking-tour Take a self guided tour of the magnificent historical homes of Heritage Hill. See nearly every type of American architecture from Greek Revival to Prairie style in this historic neighborhood.

grkids mural crawl | grkids.com/grand-rapids-murals GRKIDS is in the mix too! There are 100+ murals in West Michigan and we’ve created the Mural Crawl to highlight all of them. Visit the site above to consult the map for exact locations and for information about the public artwork and mural artist.

GRKIDS.COM

7

GET UP CLOSE

PETTING ZOOS +

Farms

Nurture the animal lover in your family with a trip to a nearby petting zoo. They’ll love the chance to bottle feed a calf, cuddle a bunny or get in the pen with a miniature llama.

THE CRITTER BARN | 9275 Adams Street, Zeeland

Feed, pet and learn to care for animals at this hands-on educational farm. Interact with rabbits, chickens, ducks, cats, hogs, cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, turkeys, pot-bellied pigs, geese, a pony and a horse.

DEER TRACKS JUNCTION | 7850 14 Mile Rd, Cedar Springs

Visit with deer, yak, elk, goats, rabbits and more. Feed cups are available to purchase for many of the animals. Visitors can also take an air-conditioned stagecoach ride where the animals may come right up to you for a visit. A mega wooden play area and homemade ice cream make this a family favorite.

LEWIS ADVENTURE FARM & ZOO | 4180 West M-20, New Era

This huge petting farm includes zebus, llamas, alpacas, miniature horses, emus, wallabies, prairie dogs and more. Kids will love the barrel train, skee ball, carousel, slides and play area. In the fall, additional experiences include U-pick apples, hayrides, corn maze, corn pit and a pumpkin patch.

DAIRY DISCOVERY | 12877 84th St SE, Alto

Go behind-the-scenes of the dairy industry at Dairy Discovery. Along with learning about how the farm operates, visitors can bottle feed newborn calves, watch cows being milked, and meet barnyard friends in the petting farm. There is also a picnic area, straw fort, maze and hayride.

FELLINLOVE FARM | 6364 144th Ave, Holland

The farm is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing dynamic experiences for all ages and abilities. At this petting farm, guests not only pet the animals, but they can also get right into the pens with miniature llamas and donkeys. Fellinlove Farm has over 65 animals including rare Fell horses, an African tortoise, New Zealand pigs, a bunch of friendly barn cats, and over 25 koi.

VISIT GRKIDS.COM/GRAND-RAPIDS-PETTING-ZOOS-AND-FARMS

for our full list of nearby farms.

GRKIDS.COM

9

FIND A FAVORITE

U-PICK

Pumpkins + Apples

Stroll through the country this fall to pick apples and pumpkins. These farms have everything you need for a picture perfect fall day.

1 | Hunt for a pumpkin, take a hayride or race though the corn maze.

Bethke Farms 12124 136th Ave, Grand Haven 2 | Choose your perfect pumpkin and enjoy a horse drawn hayride, corn maze, pe�ng zoo and pony ride.

Fruit Ridge Hayrides 11966 Fruit Ridge Ave, Kent City 3 | Visit Moelker’s for U-pick apples and pumpkins, farm market and bakery.

Moelker Orchards and Farm Market 9265 Kenowa Ave SW, Grand Rapids

4 | Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and a�erwards enjoy donuts, a pumpkin train, farm animals and more.

Post Family Farm 5081 Bauer Rd, Hudsonville

10

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2020

5 | Visit Schwallier’s for U-pick pumpkins + apples, a pe�ng farm, cow train, wagon rides and a straw mountain.

Schwallier’s Country Basket 1185 9 Mile Rd NW, Sparta

6 | Find U-pick apples and pumpkins, wagon rides, cider, donuts, food trucks and lawn games on the weekends.

Frugthaven Farm 11466 W Carson City Rd, Greenville

7 | Pick a basket of apples & a few pumpkins and then enjoy donuts, hayrides, corn maze and jumping pillow.

Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery 3142 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids

Metro Health

GRKIDS.COM

11

The

Michigan Apple

Biting into a juicy Michigan apple is one of the tastiest parts of fall.

That’s why so many Michigan families choose an apple orchard adventure for an idyllic autumn day.

But why

Home to

825

are Michigan apples so incredible?

A Mich ppl ig e T an riv ia

3rd

largest apple producing state

family-run apple farms

over 200

farm markets, cider mills and u-pick orchards

11.3 million

commercially-producing

apple trees

over

25,000,ooo

Distributed

to retailers + supermarkets in more than

30 states

bushels produced annually

The Mitten state’s wacky weather is ideal for apple growing.

The heavy snow, humid summers, and delays in spring and fall, plus our proximity to the Great Lakes and rich soil complete this perfect apple-growing storm.

VISIT GRKIDS.COM/MICHIGAN-APPLES

for the full story.

12

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2020

GR Kids Visit Landing Page grkids.com/ grand-rapidsfall-fun-guide for all things fall in West Michigan!

SHOP NOW

GRAND RAPIDS

KIDS

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11999 Cascade Road, Lowell, MI • 616-897-6707 Corner of Cascade Rd & Alden Nash • www.heidisfarmstand.com

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TASTES LIKE FALL

DONUT + CIDER

Faves

In West Michigan, autumn signals the quintessential combination of donuts and cider. We quizzed your favorite local farms to find out more about their process and their history.

Ed Dunneback and Girls | 3025 6 Mile Rd NW, Grand Rapids + Edwin Dunneback purchased the farm in 1922.

+ He farmed 170 acres of apples, peaches, corn, hay and a herd of dairy cows. + The barn was built in 1938 and is now home to their fresh produce market, gift shoppe, bakery, kitchen & tap room. + Owned by the same family for four generations.

Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery | 3142 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids + The farm was purchased in 1911 by Barzilla Robinette. + The farm produces cherries, peaches and apples. + Jim Robinette built a cider mill on the farm in 1971 and Mary Bethel Robinette added a donut machine in 1972. + Owned by the same family for four generations.

Moelker Orchards | 9265 Kenowa Ave SW, Grand Rapids + They make approximately 450 donuts per hour.

+ Their cider comes from Engelsma Apple Barn and is a blend of 3 - 4 varieties of apples. + Each donut takes 115 seconds to cook for a perfect crispy outer layer with a light and fluffy interior. + A family farm since 1907.

Heidi’s Farmstand and Bakery | 11999 Cascade Rd SE, Lowell + Heidi's signature cake donuts are made fresh daily.

+ Their donuts are all hand-dipped in seven tasty toppings. + Cider Slushies are a unique and popular offering. + Over 60 years of family farming in Lowell.

Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo | 4180 M-20, New Era

+ They’ve made over a million Apple Cinnamon Donuts and each one is sprinkled with cinnamon sugar by hand. + The bakery team arrives daily at 4 AM to make fresh donuts. + Owned by the same family for five generations. + The farm market was built in the 1970s.

Post Family Farms | 5081 Bauer Rd, Hudsonville + The 1915 barn was originally built for dairy cows. + The Posts purchased the 80 acre farm in 1969. + The first Post Family Farm donut was served in 1997. + Each donut is iced by hand.

GRKIDS.COM

15

ALL ABOUT AUTUMN

FARMS TO VISIT

in the Fall

Michigan farms really come alive in the fall. In addition to excellent homegrown goods for purchase, these farms oer special seasonal activities that get kids excited for a trip to the country.

Bethke farms 12124 136th Ave Grand Haven, MI 49417 U-pick pumpkins | Hayrides Corn Maze | Pirate Ship Play Area peacock road family farm 11854 Peacock Road Laingsburg, MI 48848 Pig Races | Wagon Rides Pumpkin Patch | Petting Farm red barn market 3550 Alden Nash Ave NE Lowell, MI 49331 U-pick apples and pumpkins Petting Farm | Ice Cream | Cafe shawhaven farm 1826 Rolfe Road Mason, MI 48854 Corn Maze | Milk a Cow Petting Farm | U-pick pumpkins

16

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2020

Olin Farms 10991 Vergennes St Lowell, MI 49331 U-pick pumpkins | Corn Maze Hayrides | Cider + Donuts

Crane Orchards 6054 124th Ave Fennville, MI 49408 U-pick apples | Hayrides Corn Maze | Cow Train Rides

Gull Meadow Farms 8544 Gull Road Richland, MI 49083 U-pick apples | Apple Chute Slide Corn Maze | Zipline

Vivid autumn colors at one of these picturesque parks sets the perfect background for a family portrait. Try your hand with a tripod or book a local photographer to capture your family this year.

Fall Photo Hotspots

Provin Trails

2900 4 Mile Rd Grand Rapids Township Find a grand pine forest, looping nature trails and a unique sand dune.

96

Walker

196

37

Wyoming

131

Grand Rapids Charter Township

East Grand Rapids

6

Kentwood

Comstock Park

131

RAH SHEPPAR D : SA PH by

Spring Grove Park

96

Forest Hills

1800 Greenly Street, Grandville Choose this charming spot for its flowing spring, acres of towering trees and a vine covered trellis. *sarahsheppardphoto.com

Fallasburg Park

96

1124 Fallasburg Park Dr NE, Lowell Set the scene with a gorgeous historic covered bridge over the Flat River.

Warren Townsend Park

8280 6 Mile Rd Cannonsburg Pose in front of a bubbling creek and the park’s stately white pines.

Wittenbach Wege Center

11715 Vergennes St SE, Lowell Hardwood forest, woodlands, fields and a creek offer diverse backdrops.

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2020

18

45

Georgetown

o

Ph ot

TO O

vvandmkidsden�stry.com

Your Dental Team

At Valleau, VanDeven, and Massie Dentistry for Children, what sets our office apart is the kind, gentle, and compassionate care we provide all of our pa�ents. We understand that a child’s mind is constantly growing and developing and that all children cope with new situa�ons differently. Our wonderful staff takes pride in making all children feel comfortable, relaxed, and even making a dental visit fun!

Grand Rapids

(616) 455-1301

2000 43rd St S.E. - Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

Rockford

(616) 884-5812

170 Marcell Dr N.E. - Rockford, MI

Craigs Cruisers

GRKIDS.COM

19

READY TO LEARN

Homeschool 101 In today’s ever-changing times, homeschooling is an appealing option for many families. West Michigan’s thriving homeschool community is full of resources and extracurricular activities to enrich the journey.

FIND FACEBOOK GROUPS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUPPORT There are several local Facebook groups where families get advice, announce activities, and buy and sell curriculum and other related items.

- Grand Rapids Area Inclusive Network for Homeschoolers - Grand Rapids Area Homeschoolers - SELAH Homeschool JOIN A HOMESCHOOL CO OP West Michigan has a large number of cooperative programs (co-ops) for homeschoolers. Most are weekly programs where students have multiple classes, though many offer the choice of only one class.

These programs are an excellent source for extracurricular classes – especially the arts, home economics and foreign languages.

- Four Square - GRACE Home School Association - West Michigan Homeschool Fine Arts 20

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2020

ENROLL IN HYBRID HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS Some schools in the area offer hybrid programs, in which a student divides time between attending the school and learning at home. Such programs allow families to enjoy the perks of both homeschooling and enrolling in a school where extracurricular activities are offered as part of the program.

- Hamilton Community Schools - NorthPointe Christian Schools - Trinitas Classical School USE THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT ARE HOMESCHOOL FRIENDLY Many local businesses and organizations are aware of the large homeschool population in the area and offer day classes and support.

- Blandford Nature Center’s Nature in Action: Homeschool Program - Camp Roger Homeschool Program - The Tutoring Center TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HSB, INC. West Michigan homeschoolers have their own place – a building dedicated to serving the homeschool community with classrooms to rent, two bookstores and a gymnasium. Many groups meet here and use the facilities. Just a few of them are:

- Homeschool Performing Arts - Hornets Basketball - Rivertown Christian Volleyball

For all of our homeschool resources, VISIT GRKIDS.COM/HOMESCHOOL

GRKIDS.COM

21

#AD

THE TUTORING CENTER THE TUTORING CENTER IS READY TO HELP YOUR K-12 CHILD WITH READING, MATH, STUDY SKILLS AND ENRICHMENT COURSES. Their innovative system, The Rotational Approach to Learning™, involves children rotating between stations with separate materials in a sixty minute session.

Children work one-to-one with an instructor followed by a short period of time to independently apply what they just learned.

This method rapidly increases academic skills, concentration and focus.

I’m pleasantly surprised how excited and positive my son is about going to The Tutoring Center. After each session, he smiles and indicates how great the session was. I feel this reaction is a testament to his increasing self confidence that The Tutoring Center has helped develop.

The Tutoring Center has a 95% success rate for all learners including children with ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities.

Homeschool families also find great benefits from programming.

It helps me focus and I get to do better in reading and math. The teachers are nice and I really like saving my dollars to get prizes.

- Brendan, tutoring student

- Parent of a 6th grade student

Wyoming.TutoringCenter.com 5751 Byron Center Ave SW, Suite S, Wyoming

LEARN + PLAY

Inclusive + Sensory-Friendly Places

around Grand Rapids From parks to museums to play places to libraries, Grand Rapids is inclusive of differently-abled families. Because every child deserves the space to learn through play and exploration, we are happy to highlight some of the handicap accessible and sensory-friendly places here in West Michigan.

Bounce Around Frog Hollow Park 2050 Metro Court, Wyoming

As a Boundless ™ Playground, Frog Hollow features a rubber playground surface and barrier-free play stations allowing this space to be highly inclusive and wheelchair accessible.

Find adaptive swing seats, grassy areas for play, a picnic table area and accessible bathrooms.

Wander Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids

With 158 acres of beautiful scenery, one can enjoy nature and art in this extraordinary environment. While there are several areas and exhibits for quiet reflection and enjoyment, in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, kids are encouraged to dive in and explore nature through the use of their senses. The entire campus is barrier-free including the tram tours.

Drop Into an Open Studio at Artists Creating Together 140 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 4101, Grand Rapids

Artists Creating Together welcomes students with disabilities and their friends for a wide variety of art experiences. For ages 16 +, one can create paintings, drawings, collages, recycled art, weavings, jewelry and sculptures.

Soak up the Sun at North Beach Park 18775 North Shore Dr, Ferrysburg

This cool beach offers a barrier-free beach walkway and dune overlook deck. Other barrier-free amenities include restrooms, playground, and picnic shelter. There is also an accessible beach wheelchair that navigates through sand and floats in water that is available free for public use.

Play Baseball With The West Michigan Miracle League 3300 10 Mile Road, Rockford

The West Michigan Miracle League (WMML) gives kids with mental and physical disabilities an opportunity to play baseball. With spring and fall sessions, children ages 5-18 can register to participate on the completely accessible baseball field at the Art Van Sports Complex.

GRKIDS.COM

23

SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT in Grand Rapids

When your child is diagnosed with a disability or special need, it's important to get support. You're not alone, even if it feels that way sometimes. Numerous resources around West Michigan are available to serve you and connect you with the support you need.

Our hope is to provide a starting point for families that are wondering if their child needs additional services or intervention. Find information in support groups for parents and anything else a family with special needs might want to be aware of.

RESOURCES FOR EVALUATION Project Find (800-252-0052) or Early On (1-800-Early-On) can both point you in the right direction if you want to have your young child evaluated.

AUTISM RESOURCES AND TREATMENT OPTIONS Hope Network Center for Autism 3361 36th Street SE, Kentwood | 616-942-2522 Horizons Developmental Resource Center 3120 68th Street SE, Caledonia | 616-698-0306 Autism Support of Kent County | 616-752-8577 Michigan Alliance for Families | 800-552-4821 The Autism Society of Michigan | 517-882-2800 The Center for Childhood Development 7086 8th Avenue, Jenison | 616-667-9551

RESOURCES FOR SOCIAL, PERSONAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT Bright Beginnings – Kent ISD’s program empowers parents with the skills and tools they need to be their child’s first and best teacher. They serve children from birth to kindergarten with free home visits, playgroups and screenings. 616-365-2276 Arbor Circle – Helps clients build coping skills through more than 50 counseling, education and prevention programs and services addressing everything from school readiness and child abuse prevention to substance use and homelessness.

616-456-6571 Pine Rest – Mental health services; provides testing & assessment for ADHD, autism, learning disabilities and cognitive impairment at the Psychological Consultation Center (866-852-4001), and parent support and counseling services through the Outpatient Clinic Network (866-852-4001) Cerebral Palsy Guide – Provides free educational materials, financial options and support to help those across the country affected by this disorder. 866-605-8152 24

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2020

Continued on page 26

ÂŽ

Helping Students Achieve Their Potential

400 Ann St NW Suite 106A | Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-591-2905

paperplanetherapies.com paperplanetherapies

K-12 Math, Reading, Writing

Tutoring Center

Enrichment Programs

1:1 In Person Instruction

FREE Diagnostic test + 2 free sessions Monthly tuition - no long-term contracts Following county/state health guidelines

Students enjoy attending and families see immediate results!

616-805-3479

SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT in Grand Rapids

RESOURCES FOR SOCIAL, PERSONAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT CONTINUED Cerebral Palsy Guidance – Provides vital guidance and assistance to parents of a child with cerebral palsy through symptom information, financial assistance and daily living articles. 866-579-8495

RESOURCES FOR DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS Family Futures – Programs and resources are designed to provide a wide range of support for West Michigan parents, teens and families through education and prevention-based programming, including Connections (616-454-4673), a free program which helps families track their child’s growth and identify any developmental delays from birth to age five.

Early On – Assists families with infants and toddlers, from birth until 36 months, who have a delay in their development or a diagnosed disability. They provide evaluations for your child’s development right in your home and if they qualify, they create a plan and provide services and support to help your child reach their full potential. 616-365-2310 Ken-O-Sha – Students who reside within Grand Rapids Public Schools district are provided services in a continuum of settings including home, or school buildings located throughout the district. Programs include: Early Childhood Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional Impairment, Moderate Cognitive Impairment, and Resource Programs. Ken-O-Sha Early Childhood Center provides services to children birth through age five with developmental delays. (Call Child Find Hotline 616-819-3514) HeadStart – Early childhood programs focus on education, nutrition, medical and dental care, parent involvement and social service. Programs include home visits and free preschool for children ages three and four. 616-453-4145 Family Tree Therapies – Multidisciplinary therapy clinic specializing in occupational and speech-language therapy. 616-447-7799 Wedgwood Christian Services – Provides a wide range of social services to children, youth and families who are struggling with tough problems including: sex trafficking, abuse and neglect, sexual abuse and sexual behavior issues, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, developmental delays, learning difficulties, school expulsions and more.

616-942-2110 Comprehensive Therapy Center – Offers speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, sensory integration and motor therapies. 616-559-1054 Hope Network – Provides services including rehabilitation, behavioral health, developmental and community support. 800-695-7273 Conductive Learning Center – Helps children birth to age 26 with motor disorders related to complications of prematurity, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida or brain injury.

616-575-0575

26

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2020

SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT in Grand Rapids

RESOURCES FOR DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS CONTINUED Great Start to Quality – Michigan’s tiered quality rating and improvement system that supports early childhood programs and helps families find and choose quality programs that meet their children’s needs. 877-614-7328 Grand Rapids Public Schools Early Childhood – Preschool and Kindergarten registration, including The Great Start Readiness Program, a state-funded free preschool program for qualifying four-year-old children.

Mary Free Bed Pediatric Rehabilitation and Therapy – An inpatient rehabilitation hospital where pediatric doctors, nurses, and therapists treat young people who have experienced brain injury, brain related illnesses and concussion, cancer, neurological conditions, stroke, spinal cord injury, fractures, chronic pain conditions, surgery, burns and other debilitating illnesses and injuries. 616-840-8005 Michigan Alliance for Families – A statewide resource for families of children with disabilities to help improve educational services and outcomes. 800-552-4821 Life Therapeutic Solutions Inc. – Provides children with personalized recreational therapy sessions including in home therapy, aquatic play, or community outings.

Recreational therapists facilitate inclusion into activities your children enjoy, despite their disability. Children benefit from recreational therapy by overcoming specific obstacles to engage with their peers and environment. 800-925-3152

PARENT SUPPORT AND COUNSELING SERVICES MomsBloom – Programs provide hands-on, nonjudgmental practical and emotional support to women and their families while building a sense of community and connecting people to each other. 616-828-1021 Spectrum Health Maternal Infant Health Program – A team of nurses, community health workers, counselors, and nutritionists make home visits and telephone calls throughout your pregnancy and your baby’s first year, with the goal to help you to be a healthy mom who has a healthy baby. 616-391-8601 Network180 - Connects individuals and their families to services for mental illness, substance use disorders or developmental disabilities. 616-336-3909 Wellspring Counseling – A non-profit organization dedicated to assisting churches and community organizations in providing superior counseling care. 616-460-3341 Pine Rest Christian Counseling Center – Provides quality behavioral health services, including therapy and psychiatric services for children, adolescents, adults, and families.

866-852-4001 Levine Benjamin Law Firm – A social security disability firm specializing in helping individuals and families that want to apply for or have been denied benefits based off their disabilities. 888-523-4930 GRKIDS.COM

27

SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT in Grand Rapids

RESOURCES FOR HEALTHCARE Medicaid – Essential health care coverage available to those who otherwise cannot afford it. Michigan has many health care programs available to children, families and adults who meet eligibility requirements. (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – Kent County 616-248-1000) Children’s Special Health Care Services – A program within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that provides certain approved medical service coverage to children and some adults with special health care needs. 800-359-3722

For the full resource guide, VISIT GRKIDS.COM/SPECIAL-NEEDS-RESOURCES-GUIDE

home

Feel Right at While Receiving Exceptional Dental Care.

Michael R. Rediske DDS Clifford J. Van Putten DDS

Now Accepting Patients of All Ages!

6543 28th Ave | Hudsonville MI 49426 | 616-669-1225 greatlakesfamilydentistrymi.com GreatLakesFamilyDentistryMI 28

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2020

3 Ways to SUPPORT A FAMILY

Living with Special Needs Do you know a mom, dad or family parenting a child with special needs?

Do you wonder how you can support your friend or family members?

Use this list to get started.

1

LOOK BEYOND THE DISABILITY

2

SET THE EXAMPLE OF ACCEPTANCE

3

PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERACTION WITH KIDS THAT HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS

Every child is so much more than his or her physical, mental, or emotional ability. See them for their interests, their talents and their desire to be included.

Take advantage of day-to-day opportunities to talk with your child about those different from them, read books that include characters with different abilities, and model kindness to those around you in your daily interactions.

Connect with families in your community, neighborhood or school. If you meet the parent(s) of a child with special needs, ask if he or she might like to play with your son or daughter.

GRKIDS.COM

29

#AD

DR. STEPHANIE KLOOSTRA AND DR. KATIE SWANSON WERE VOTED TOP 10 DENTISTS BY GRKIDS READERS! As pediatric dental specialists, they understand that all children are unique and tailor treatment approaches for each child.

They offer preventative care, including regular exams and cleanings, restorative care, laser dentistry and sedation dentistry.

Drs. Stephanie and Katie are also certified by the American Board of Laser Surgery for treatments using a laser, including frenectomies to relieve a lip or tongue tie if a child is having difficulty with feeding or speech development.

PEDIATRIC DENTAL SPECIALISTS OF WEST MICHIGAN Dr. Stephanie Kloostra and Dr. Katie Swanson 2155 East Paris Ave SE, Ste 120, Grand Rapids www.pdsofwestmi.com 616-608-8898 Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan is designed for and around the oral health of kids, from infancy to adolescence.

Dr. Stephanie Kloostra and Dr. Katie Swanson are Board Certified Pediatric Dentists with specialized training in child development and behavior enhancement.

We love this place! You will not be disappointed in taking your children here. Both my kids are EXCITED to go to the dentist! Everyone at the office wants the best for their patients, and they go the extra mile to make your children feel comfortable.

OUTDOOR FALL BUCKET LIST There is never a shortage of fun things to do in West Michigan in autumn.

Nothing beats the leaves changing color, the yummy cider, the enormous leaf piles and the cool sunny weather.

Cut these out and see how many you can do!

Drive along the lakeshore for a color tour.

Pay it forward and rake leaves for a neighbor or friend jump in the huge piles for extra fun.

Dress up and take family photos at one of the Fall Family Photo Hotspots (page 18).

Build a bird feeder: coat pine cones with peanut butter and cover them with birdseed.

Collect autumn leaves in all shapes and sizes and make leaf rubbings.

Visit a U Pick Apple Orchard or Pumpkin Patch (page 10).

Take in the spectacular fall sights at Rosy Mound Natural Area.

Bake apple or pumpkin pies with ingredients you picked yourself.

Bike the White Pine Trail under a riot of fall color.

Carve your U Pick pumpkin.

Drive to the country and away from city lights to go stargazing.

Go on a city walking tour (page 5).

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MOMS OF GRAND RAPIDS FIND YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK WITH MOMS OF GRAND RAPIDS, A NON-PROFIT GROUP THAT HOSTS EVENTS FOR MOMS TO CONNECT What You'll Love

Membership

Try for Free

Local moms love this group for its focus on mom-tomom interaction, where women can support each other in their parenting journey. Regular monthly activities include:

While many of the events are open to the public, a $49 annual membership fee gives you access to:

Find out if Moms of Grand Rapids is for you by attending a free monthly meeting.

Spring and winter family events

These days the group is maintaining these valuable connections through zoom meetings, backyard social distanced events, yoga in the park and outdoor movie nights.

Weekly AM and PM playgroups

Moms-Only holiday parties

Social Clubs - Book Club, Movie Night and Game Night

Member appreciation brunches

Mom’s Night Out

Supportive online community

“

I found this group to be a genuine, authentic bunch. Before I became a parent, I used to meet friends through school or work, and

“

Monthly Meetings on topics like “early childhood literacy” or “how to style your hair in 5 minutes.”

joining this group gave me an organic easy place to make friends. - Jenni

CHECK OUT DETAILS OF THEIR NEXT EVENT AT WWW.MOMSOFGRANDRAPIDS.ORG