tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44573717281926513132024-02-07T20:48:07.501-08:00North Iowa Children's Discovery CenterWhere families play, learn, and grow together.Le Anne Clausen de Monteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127087454336235973noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457371728192651313.post-7448319586278169382017-06-23T14:31:00.000-07:002019-08-07T04:01:32.214-07:00Welcome!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The North Iowa Children's Discovery Center is a safe indoor place for families with young children to play, learn and grow together.</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Location: We are taking a summer break, and are in the process of moving to a new facility (June through September 2019)</span></b></span></div>
<br />
<b></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Current Hours (to be announced once we are ready to go for fall/ winter!)</span></b></b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Weather policy:</b> Severe weather may cause us to delay or cancel opening for the day. Please visit our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/northiowakids for the most current information.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cost: </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We currently operate on a "Pay What You Can" / Suggested donation basis. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With our outreach program, no family is turned away for inability to pay. Donate today!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Suggested Donation Levels: </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">(admission for adult caregivers included with child)</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>$5 per child </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>No family pays more than $10 for the day</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Babies (up to 1 year old) are always FREE!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V5vlG1t31z_qzXW1n0zyoAkgs5EBhRPy_6q1mRqfw6I/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">$150 "All You Can Play" Annual Family Membership, by <b>clicking this link.</b></a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You may print the form above and bring it with you, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">or copy and paste it into an <b><a href="mailto:northiowakids@gmail.com" target="_blank">email message</a>.</b> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://goo.gl/forms/T8rXpkEhVozbxx9G2" target="_blank">An interactive online membership form is available <b>here.</b></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-------------</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The North Iowa Children's Discovery Center: A Quick Introduction</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mission</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The North Iowa Children’s Discovery Center provides a safe, welcoming, relaxing, and educational indoor play space accessible to all young children and their adult caregivers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Background</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The North Iowa Children's Discovery Center concept and design is based on the Felix Adler </span><b><a href="http://adlerdiscoverycenter.org/" target="_blank">Children's Discovery Center in Clinton, IA</a>, </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and several other children's museums across the state of Iowa.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Vision</b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By providing a safe, welcoming, relaxing, and educational indoor play space that is affordable and accessible to all young children and their adult caregivers:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">+ Young children will have the opportunity and room to exercise and explore year-round. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">+ </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Children will have the opportunity to learn through imaginative play and socialize with other children from an early age, building valuable social skills. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">+ Children will be able to participate in a series of early childhood educational programs in partnership with a variety of community agencies and nonprofits--on topics such as health and wellness, social skills, world cultures and languages, nature/ environment, and our local cultural arts and recreational opportunities.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">+ Families will have a safe, comfortable place for birthday parties and visiting with relatives when a family member's home would not work well for these gatherings.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">+ Parents will be able to relax and play with their children, or take a needed break while children play. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">+ In this safe space, parents will be able to connect with other parents and form supportive community with one another, reducing the isolation many parents of young children feel.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">+ Families who are experiencing challenges will be able to find reliable resources and referrals to community supports, along with encouragement and understanding. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">+ By providing a comfortable venue for such gatherings, families can participate in workshops, support groups and trainings on topics such as foster and adoptive parenting, parenting during tough times, child abuse prevention, etc. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">+ Child service providers will have a venue for extending the programs they are able to offer the children and families they serve, which may include reducing barriers to accessing services for some families.</span></div>
Le Anne Clausen de Monteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127087454336235973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457371728192651313.post-46587453786312437902017-05-31T21:00:00.000-07:002017-06-29T21:00:54.655-07:00The Problem of Parental IsolationParental Isolation, and the Case for Community Supportive Play Spaces<br />
<br />
I recently asked a group of friends, "Everyone is a young child for part of their life. Why are so few places in our world well-suited to the needs of young children?" One friend replied, "because early childhood is such a short period of our lives."<br />
<br />
This is true, statistically--for most of us, our early childhood is only 5-7 years out of (hopefully) 70-90 years in our own lifetimes. That's 10% or less.<br />
<br />
However, we know that for parents, the early childhood years can feel like some of the <i>longest</i> years of our lives. There's sleep deprivation and trying to meet all the physical and emotional needs of a new human being, at times when we're still trying to learn how to communicate with that new human being and understand what their needs are.<br />
<br />
For parents with traditional two-year spacing between their children, that 'Parent of Young Children' status might take up seven years (two kids) to eleven years (three kids) of their lives, if not more--a substantial chunk of our adult lives.<br />
<br />
During this time, many parents go through multiple levels of social isolation, that adds to the stress of parenting young children. These levels of isolation might include:<br />
<br />
+ A reduction of hours, duties, or travel, or a complete separation from one's professional career, and the adult relationships, socializing, and autonomy that are a part of that work;<br />
<br />
+ Separation from one's group of friends, particularly if the parents are the first ones in their group of friends to become parents;<br />
<br />
+ Separation from one's faith community, if that faith community is not well-prepared to welcome young children into their midst;<br />
<br />
+ Separation from one's extended family, as travel with young children can take longer, require more planning and stops, and become more difficult;<br />
<br />
+ Separation from cultural life and recreational opportunities--a person who was previously active in volunteering, participating in sports, outdoor activities, and/or attending concerts, movies, theater performances, art events, and dining out, may find they no longer have the time, money, energy, or adequate child care in order to continue these activities.<br />
<br />
+ Separation from one's partner--which may occur under the stress and exhaustion of parenting young children, but may also occur before the child is born.<br />
<br />
These layers of social isolation can be overcome with enough money, extended family and social network support, and other personal resources to provide for adequate child care and times of respite. However, not all families have these resources readily available. Additional pressures can also be created by poverty, physical or mental illness, lack of supportive family or other relationships nearby, living in a new community, or in a community where one is a religious, ethnic, racial, or other minority, or parenting a child with behavioral health or other health needs.<br />
<br />
Likely every parent, no matter what their background, has known the frustration of needing to get out of the house with their young children--and due to the weather, there's seemingly nowhere to go. Parents may also know the feeling of wanting to go to activities and places designed for children, but realizing that their children, or perhaps one sibling within a group of children, will not be able to participate successfully in that environment. This is the feeling often expressed in the phrase, "I just can't take them anywhere."<br />
<br />
A community supportive play space can help in situations like these. These are indoor, year-round, safe places designed for young children to play and for parents to meet other parents. There is nothing that can be broken or that presents a danger to young children. A toddler can't run out the door. The kids can show up in pajamas. A parent can play with their children, or sit down with a baby and keep an eye on the others while getting a bit of breathing space.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Le Anne Clausen de Monteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127087454336235973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4457371728192651313.post-87290285942087094032017-05-01T11:21:00.000-07:002018-05-09T22:34:46.195-07:00Community Goals<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For many families, the North Iowa Children's Discovery Center will simply be a great place for young children to play year-round. However, beneath the surface are a variety of programming and community wellness goals for families with young children. Read on and learn more:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Community Goals</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. To provide a safe, secure play area for young children, including:</span></span></div>
<ol style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A space with with no breakable or harmful items</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A secured area where a child can’t wander away on their own</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An ethic of kindness in all child and adult interactions</span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. To provide adequate space for different modes of play, including large-motor exercise, fine-motor coordination, experiential and imaginative play</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. To provide a space in which to practice essential life and social skills, such as:</span></span></div>
<ol style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cooperation, sharing, and conflict resolution</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Inclusivity and diversity awareness</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bullying awareness and prevention</span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. To foster community, connection, and provide support to parents/caregivers by:</span></span></div>
<ol style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Creating physical spaces which foster conversation among parents</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Postpartum and parenting support groups</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Child abuse prevention and parenting skills trainings</span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. To provide a ‘launchpad’ for additional community outreach and children’s advocacy by:</span></span></div>
<ol style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Partnering with agencies that provide services to children (health and wellness, social services, cultural and recreational programs)</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Resources and referrals for families at-risk or in crisis</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recruitment and awareness about foster parenting and adoption</span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. To foster total child/family well-being by programming to support:</span></span></div>
<ol style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Early Literacy and Problem-Solving Skills (“STREAM”)</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Healthy parent-child relationships and pediatric/family mental health and well-being</span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Healthy lifestyles through physical exercise space and nutritional education</span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-4f29f4ff-e5a0-124f-4e4b-62298a9e5551"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7. To increase the level of cooperation and collegiality among child service providers by:</span></span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-4f29f4ff-e5a0-124f-4e4b-62298a9e5551"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<ol style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4f29f4ff-e5a0-124f-4e4b-62298a9e5551"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<li dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: lower-alpha; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Providing a venue for regular gatherings for networking and ideas exchange</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: lower-alpha; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Providing a venue for shared continuing education and professional development</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: lower-alpha; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Partnering to reach at-risk families who face barriers to accessing services</span></div>
</li>
</span></span></ol>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-4f29f4ff-e5a0-124f-4e4b-62298a9e5551"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
Le Anne Clausen de Monteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127087454336235973noreply@blogger.com