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Other things may change, but we all start and end with family. 

Issue 9, Summer 2019

Summer is Playground Season

Feet first for a safe ride down the slide.

Summer is a great time for outdoor fun and learning at playgrounds. Playgrounds are full of opportunities for physical growth, social interactions and brain development.  Walking, climbing and running help build strength, coordination and flexibility.  Building those physical skills increases your child’s self-confidence.  They get to observe and play with children of many ages and abilities developing social skills.  Brain development happens when babies and toddlers use problem solving skills exploring playgrounds with loving caregivers. Talk about everything you see and do with your little one at the park to help language development.  The following safety tips can help make the most of your time playing and learning on the playground.

Playground Safety Tips

• Check the age recommendations for the equipment.
• Directly supervise all children. Little ones need help navigating around big kid play and big kids need to watch out for the little kids.
• Inspect play surface and equipment. Make sure the surface under the equipment is soft and the equipment is not broken.
• Use slides safely.  Check the temperature of the slide before sliding with kids. Always slide feet first and make sure little feet are safely tucked in when going down with an adult.
• Find the right swing. Bucket style swings are great for babies and toddlers. Teach little ones to walk around when others are swinging.
• Check sand boxes for broken toys, metal or glass before exploring the sand.
• Remove dangerous clothing and jewelry like necklaces and clothes with drawstrings.
• Take sun and water breaks. When needed take a break from the sun in the shade and enjoy a drink to rehydrate for more playground fun!
  
  National Program for Playground Safety
  More Information

"The playing adult steps sideward into another reality; the playing child advances forward to new stages of mastery."

- Erik Erikson
Developmental Psychologist

Booklist Spotlight Nicole’s Learning Lab: Children’s Books that Include Characters with Disabilities Nicole Chavanne, mother and special education teacher, has created a list of books for all ages that provide a look at many disabilities and illnesses. The books celebrate the young characters without making a disability or illness the focus of the book. View the List

Things to Know and Places to Go

United States Department of Agriculture USDA Summer Food Rocks Free Summer Meals List Call 1-866-3486 press 2 Text “Food” to 877-877 Online Provide your area code for a list of free local summer meal locations for children up to age 18.

Special Kids of Lake County
Facebook support/resource group for families with children that have special needs.
Facebook

Little Lake County’s Toddler Approved Playgrounds
Explore the toddler safe playgrounds around Lake county.
View list

Lamb's Farm Farmyard Families enjoy visiting farm animals and reptiles, play mini golf, explore the playground and ride the carousel and train. Hours: 10am to 5 pm daily 14245 W. Rockland Road Libertyville, IL 60048 (847) 990-3760 Farmyard Admission: $5 children over 2 and adults Child Day Pass: $12 2 to 12 years for all attractions Adult Day Pass: $8 for all attractions

August is National Breastfeeding Month! The theme for World Breastfeeding Week is "Empower Parents. Enable Breastfeeding." This includes promoting laws and workplace policies to support breastfeeding by offering time and comfortable places for mothers to pump their breast milk and continuing to promote a community that is supportive of breastfeeding and all parents/families.

Breastfeeding can be challenging. The Lake County Health Department’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) offers Breastfeeding Peer Counselors and other trained staff to help families meet their breastfeeding goals.

To schedule an appointment or to learn more about WIC, call (847) 377-8420.

Invitation to Early Intervention Playgroups

Please RSVP if you plan to attend any of the upcoming private playgroups planned for Early Intervention families.
Siblings are always welcome. Contact Melissa Carnes at mcarnes@lakecountyil.gov or (847)377-8923.

The Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods
Date: Saturday, July 20
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Address: 21850 N. Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods
Details: We will take a walk to the farm animals on a stroller friendly path, feed animals and make an art project.
Cost: FREE

Bella's Bouncies in Lake Villa
Date: Thursday, August 1
Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Address: 1600 N. Milwaukee Ave. Suite 402
Details: We will enjoy bounce time in a private playroom for 2 hours of fun! Socks required for all ages.
Cost: $8 for walkers and older.  Crawlers and adults are free.
Bella's Waiver

The Round Lake Children's Neighborhood Museum
Date: Saturday, September 21 
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Address: 814 Hart Rd, Round Lake (lower level at Round Lake Park District)
Details: Have fun playing and exploring the neighborhood. Private play for EI families.
Cost: $5 for children 12 months and older. Adults and children under 12 months are FREE.

Let's Make Lunch
with the University of Illinois Nutrition Education Program
Date: Saturday, September 28
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Address: Zion -Health Department Community Room 1819 27th St.
Details: Families will work together making a fun, delicious and nutritious lunch kids will love! Kids will have time to play. The community educator will answer your questions about feeding your little ones. 
Cost: FREE

You are invited to the Early Intervention Library Playgroups

Early Intervention is teaming up with local libraries to offer drop-in playgroups for families in EI and library patrons with children under 5. Early Intervention provides sensory stimulating activities and books your child can explore with you and other children. 

Grayslake Library
Move with Me (Large motor activities)
Date: Saturday, August 3
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Address: 100 Library Lane, Grayslake
Cost: Free

Who is the Parent Liaison? How does she support families?

Your Early Intervention Parent Liaison is Melissa Carnes. She is the parent of a child with special needs ready to listen, support and provide resources for you.
Please contact Melissa with any questions, concerns or requests you may have at (847)377-8923 or mcarnes@lakecountyil.gov.