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| First Connections' Fall 2016 Newsletter |
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|  We are happy to let everyone know that Heather O'Brien, LICSW, has returned to First Connections as our postpartum social worker. Heather most recently provided in-home therapy services through the Moving Beyond Depression (MBD) home visiting program in Central Mass. The timing of the MBD grant ending and Laurie moving to the west coast worked out perfectly!  A big thank you to Postpartum Progress and all the families who raised funds across the State through the June Climb Out of the Darkness Walks. Our grant award will be $2,875 which will be used to provide continued services to postpartum families. Maynard Community Chest awarded us a grant for $1,500 to continue our programming in Maynard and services to Maynard families. Acton-Boxborough United Way awarded us a grant for $3,000 to continue our programming in Acton and services to Acton families. Thanks to Carlisle Family Connection for the board books and wooden puzzles. Thank you to Rebecca C. for the toys and books from Ellie's Playgroup Wish List. Thanks Erica H., for the Barnes & Noble gift card which added 3 books to our children's library. Laurie G. sent us 6 new books for our parenting library. Natalie C. for the donation of paper products. Workday, Inc. for the $100 donation. Nesting c ups or nesting blocks (These do not need to be brand Dinosaurs new - just have plenty of play Pop-up cause and effect toys left in them!) Play food and dishes |
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Parent Workshops
Keeping Kids Safe - 
Presented in Chinese
Kaiyan Jew and Anne Zhang will be presenting a Children's Trust seminar in Simplified Chinese for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children age 0-10. The translated training will be given to families as a handout. Topics will include 10 Ways to Keep Kids Safe, Family Safety Rules, How to Select a Babysitter, and Behaviors in Other Adults that Parents Should be Concerned About. Families will also receive "Sam's Storybook" to read with their children, and a list of other books typically available in libraries on this topic. Minimum registration to hold the training is 20.
Saturday, September 24, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Held at Acton Memorial Library
Choo
sing a Preschool or Child Care that is the Right Fit for Your Family
Presented by Ellie Springer, M.Ed. Early Childhood
Will you be looking for a preschool or child care for your child/ren in the next year? Has your family just started with a school or child care this fall and you want to be sure it's the right fit? Come and learn what the options are for preschool and child care, and what questions to ask to be sure you choose a setting that works for you and for your child. Lists of all preschool and child care options in our catchment area will be available. Bring your questions!
Thursday, October 27, Reuben Hoar Library, Littleton, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Kindergarten Readiness Overview
Presented by Mary Beilman, M.A. ECSE
The minimum age for compulsory school attendance in Massachusetts is six. Some parents struggle with the decision on whether to send their summer-birthday 5 year old to kindergarten, or wait until the following September when he/she will be six. Others may feel their child is academically ready but not emotionally ready for kindergarten. What should parents look at when making the decision for their child to be one of the youngest or oldest in his/her class? Each child is unique as they bring their own experiences, emotions and biology to the classroom. This seminar will provide opportunities for parents to learn how to determine if their child is ready for kindergarten, and what to consider when making the decision. The Ages & Stages physical or social-emotional questionnaires will be available (up to age 5 1/2) at the program if parents would like to see where their child may or may not need to develop some additional skills before beginning school next fall. A First Connections staff member will go over the questionnaire individually, by phone or in person, with parents who choose to participate, at a mutually-agreeable time. If you're coming right from work or have a sitter feeding your children, please let us know if you would like pizza generously offered by our host!
Thursday, December 1, Bedford Children's Center, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Parent Cafés are short presentations with plenty of time for questions and discussion. Child care will be provided during the program if needed. Infants welcome to attend with parent. Please register so we have sufficient seating and handouts.
10:00-11:00 a.m. at First Connections
Wednesday, October 5: Dental Care from Birth thru 5 with Eric Block, DMD, from Acton Dental Associates
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Fall Parent Groups
Registration required for all programs except Ongoing New Moms Group
Weekly Emotional Wellbeing After Baby Group
Anxiety and depression are the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth, yet mothers often feel isolated and ashamed if they are struggling. Moms experiencing new or increased anxiety or depression, or who are feeling overwhelmed in the postpartum year can come together for this supportive, nonjudgmental, confidential group to share stories and learn from each other. While this is an ongoing, weekly group, before attending for the first time please contact Heather, the facilitator,
[email protected]. Childcare for an older sibling can be provided with advance notice.
Every Thursday, 10-11:30 at First Connections, Acton
6-Session First-Time Moms Group
This group includes discussion and handouts on a different topic each week such as adjusting to your new role, changes in relationships, work/family life balance, sleeping, feeding, crying and infant development. One session will be presented by pediatric and neurological development specialist Mary Evans from Emerson Rehabilitative and Sports Therapies who will present "Motor Development in the First 12 Months." All other sessions will be led by Certified Lactation Counselor Mary Beilman, MA ECSE. Email
[email protected] to sign up.
Tuesdays 10:00-11:30, Begins September 27 or November 8
Ongoing New Moms Group
Any mom with a pre-crawling baby is welcome to attend this ongoing weekly support group facilitated by Emerson Hospital and First Connections. This open discussion group is a forum for you to share experiences and resources, connect with other new mothers, and seek guidance about any concerns you might have. Facilitators are certified in lactation support. Held in the yoga studio. No registration needed. Directions can be emailed (
[email protected]).
Wednesdays, 1:30-3:00, Emerson Health & Wellness Center, 310 Baker Ave Ext, Concord
New Dads Group
Our new dads group allows dads to make connections with other fathers, ask questions, and share their experiences of parenthood. Adjusting to the new work/life balance and changes in relationships with friends, family and partners can sometimes be a challenge! Fathers are welcome to attend with or without babies, most of whom are 0-12 months. Facilitated by Heather O'Brien, LICSW and a "veteran" dad. Held at First Connections in Acton. Please email
[email protected] before attending for the first time in case of any last-minute changes.
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13
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Fall Parent/Child Playgroups
First Connections' facilitated playgroups are a place for parents and children to learn together and meet other families.
Registration is required for all groups, which are free of charge. Email Linda at
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matth[email protected] with your contact information and child's name and age on the week of September 12. You will receive a confirmation sheet with directions to your playgroup location, and a pre-group survey which we collect before and after each session to help us assess the success of our individual groups. All groups have space limitations based on their location. Please let us know of any anaphylactic allergies if your group has a snack time so we can notify the whole group for you.
Infant Playgroup for ages 3-9 Months
The purpose of our baby playgroups is twofold: to give parents support and connection, and to help babies socialize and develop new mobility and early-literacy skills through rhymes, songs, short stories and finger-plays.
Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 at Sargent Memorial Library, Boxboro
Older Babies/Young Toddler Playgroup for 10-17 months
This group is for babies who are crawling or newly walking. There will be free play time at the beginning, and stories and songs at the end. The facilitator will be available to talk to and answer questions, but we won't have the same structured adult talking time as in the infant group because the children are starting to move around and sitting still for more than a few minutes is too much to ask!
Wednesdays, 12-1:00 at First Parish Church, Bedford Center
Toddler Playgroup for Ages 12-23 Months & Walking
This is a chance for your toddler to play in a classroom setting with other children his age. We will have free play time, and some art, sensory, science, or math activities will be available. We'll end with a circle time with songs and books.
Fridays, 10:00-11:00 at Village Nursery School in Harvard
Multilingual Families' Raising a Reader Playgroup for Ages 1 1/2 - 5
Our Raising a Reader group is for children who are being raised in a home where a language other than English is spoken. The group includes a circle time with songs, and families are invited to share a book in their language with the group, if desired. All families receive a bag of books to take home and read each week, exchanging them for a new bag the following week. Our goal is to have books in all the languages that families in the group speak, so please let us know what language(s) your family speaks when you register. This group strives to support parents in the wonderful gift they are giving their child by retaining the culture and language of their family's heritage. Please bring a snack for your child.
Mondays, 10:00-11:30 at First Connections in Acton - we're on the public transportation route!
Large Motor Playgroup for Ages 1 1/2 to 2 1/2
This group is held in a preschool gym, and is a great way for kids to get some energy out while also learning social and school readiness skills. In addition to a circle time, children will work on running, balancing, jumping, throwing and kicking a ball. Not appropriate for infant or older siblings.
Mondays, 1:30-2:30 at The Learning Experience in Littleton
Preschool-Age Playgroup for 24-48 Months (babies in carriers welcome)
In this playgroup we will have free play time and some art and STEM activities. We will also focus on your child's social and emotional development, with books and activities for the children as well as information for caregivers. We will also have snack time and spend time on the playground, weather permitting. Let us know of any anaphylactic allergies when registering.
Thursday, 10-11:30 at WoodsEdge Children's Center in Sudbury
Siblings Playgroup for Ages 2-5 (baby siblings welcome)
A playgroup for siblings where we will explore art, sensory, STEM and literacy activities in a preschool classroom. We will have free play time as well as a circle time with songs and books. Families should bring a snack for their children with no peanuts or tree nuts. This is a great chance for children of different ages to play together and learn from one another.
Tuesdays, 2:00-3:30 at UCC/Community School in Maynard
STEM Outdoor Group for Preschoolers Age 3-5 (babies in carriers welcome)
This nature-based group will observe and be immersed in the changing seasons this Fall with indoor and outdoor activities such as nature walks on conservation land. Our walks will not be stroller friendly, and all activities will be developmentally appropriate for ages 3-5. Not appropriate for younger or school-age siblings. If the weather turns cold in Nov./Dec. we will meet at First Connections and continue to explore a STEM topic. Babies in carriers welcome.
Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30 on Lincoln Conservation Land and at First Connections, Acton
Sing and Play in Spanish Playgroup for Ages 1-5
This playgroup is for parents and their children who already speak or understand Spanish. All songs, stories and conversation will be in Spanish, led by Ibeliza Tovar, a Venezuelan Spanish Montessori Teacher and group facilitator. Participants will receive an email reminder before each group and are asked to RSVP to assist Ibeliza with preparing for the class. Ibeliza is our most
Friday afternoons - we will notify you of dates, time and location.
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|  Fall Family Festival at the Playscape at Ripley Sunday, October 2, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Celebrate fall with an afternoon of fun family activities at the Playscape at Ripley in Concord! Wash a fire truck with Concord Family Network, meet animals from Drumlin Farm, enjoy a StoryWalk and activities with First Connections, get artsy with Musketaquid Arts @ Environment, and enjoy games with Concord SEPAC. Free and open to the public. No registration required. 120 Meriam Rd., Concord More information at: www.ripleyplayscape.org
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Community Activities for Families
Concord Family Network's Back-to-School Popsicle Party takes place on August 24, 3:30-5:00.
All Concord families with a child entering Kindergarten in September 2016 are invited to participate!
The Alcott School playground will be the location of this CFN tradition. There will be plenty to do for all kids 6 and under including face painting, coloring activities and a storywalk of "Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come." Please RSVP so we have enough pops for every kid: www.concordfamilynetwork.org or [email protected]. Include names of adults and children attending, kindergartner's school and teacher's name.
Acton-Boxborough Family Network's & Maynard Family Network's Kids' Stuff Tag Sale is September 24, 8:00-11:00 at Parker-Damon Building, Acton
ONLY children's, baby and maternity items at this sale! Admission $1 for buyers, $20/25 member/nonmembers to set up a table and keep proceeds. ABFN will do the advertising. Clothes, winter items, sporting goods, toys, baby equipment, books, maternity. E-mail
[email protected] for more information or to reserve space.
AFN is now the Acton-Boxborough Family Network!
Acton Family Network recently announced it has changed its name to the Acton-Boxborough Family Network (ABFN). The name change came about in response to significant growth in both membership and outreach in neighboring Boxborough. Membership is open to all those in neighboring towns as well! Co-chairwoman Curran Schiefelbein writes, "This is an exciting season for ABFN, and I hope your family will share in our fun!" Learn more about ABFN at:
Help Rebuild Castle in the Trees Playground September 20-25!
A community re-build process will be happening in Littleton soon. There are MANY ways you can help -- from registering volunteers to loaning a tool, donating food or child care for helpers to all phases of construction, sanding, painting, and landscaping. The playground will be closed September 6-October 1st during the renovation. To volunteer or donate toward the project, visit
www.castleinthetrees.org
Enter the Scarecrow Making Contest and Help S
hoo Away the Stigma of Mental Illness in our Community
100 scarecrows will be on display at Curcurbit Farm, 32 Parker St., Acton, for the month of October. You can secure your spot along the fence for a $25 donation benefitting the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
http://cucurbitfarm.com/scarecrow-2016.html
October 8-10 is Farm Fun Family Activities Day!
2016 ABFN Spooktacular Halloween Party at R.J. Grey Jr. H.S. in Acton
Children and adults are encouraged to come dressed in costume and should be ready to have a fun time making crafts, dancing, participating in fun activities or a raffle, and trick or treating at the fabulous Haunted House, in addition to refreshments. Open to the public and free to all adults, ABFN members and children under age 1. Non-ABFN families can attend for $3/child with a $10 family maximum. Questions? [email protected] Saturday, October 29, 10-11:30
OF INTEREST TO PARENTS OF BABIES:
"Happiest Baby on the Block"
will be presented at Lowell General Hospital in an effort to teach new and expectant parents step-by-step how to help babies sleep longer and how to soothe even the fussiest infant in minutes. Class includes the calming reflex, swaddling, side/stomach positions, shushing sounds, swinging and sucking, as well as the cuddle cure. Taught by a nurse from the Mother-Infant Unit. $15. Register at www.lowellgeneral.org/health-and-wellness
Held Mondays, August 29 or October 24, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Lowell General Hospital
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Tiny Fingers Tiny Toes" Free Program for Expectant Parents
This 1-day program covers newborn appearance, babycare basics, safety with medications, fevers and SIDS, immunizations, and what to expect from pediatrician visits. Healthy snacks and drinks provided, as well as goodie bags. To register: 978-577-0497 or
[email protected]
Held in Westford on Sept. 10 & 24, Oct. 1 & 15, Nov. 5, Dec. 3 & 17 from 9-4:00
"Reducing the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome"
This workshop will define SIDS, discuss risk factors, identify safe sleeping positions and environments. The class is focused on child care providers but is also open to expectant parents and new parents. Provides certification for providers. Mass. Dept. of EEC curriculum taught by a registered nurse. Free for public attendees not requiring certification. To register: 877-544-9355
Monday, September 19, 6:00-7:30 at Lowell General Hospital
Free "Itsy Bitsy Moovin' and Groovin" Class for Newborns to Crawlers
Studies have shown that movement is an integral part of a child's growth and development. An Early Intervention Developmental Specialist will present this fun interactive group that will include songs, baby signs, movement and laughter to promote bonding and support routines and development of trust. Held at Lowell General Hospital. www.lowellgeneral.org/health-and-wellness
6-week sessions held Sept. 23-October 28, Nov. 4-Dec. 2, and Dec. 9-Jan. 13, 10-11:15 a.m.
"Signs of Communication" for Preverbal Babies & Parent/Caregiver
Sheryl White teaches this introductory class for caregivers and babies 2 months to pre-walking. The program is designed to instruct parents and be stimulating and fun for babies. Class includes the benefits and research behind using sign language as an early form of communication and modeling of proper signing technique by the facilitator with each pair. $35. Register at www.williamjames.edu/community/freedman-center
Held Friday, September 30, 10:30-12:00
Infant CPR Anytime Class
Provides information and skills needed to perform infant CPR and relieve choking. Includes take-home kit. 6:30-8:00 p.m. $50 for up to 2 participants. Call Emerson Hospital 978-287-3777 to register or go to
www.emersonwellness.org
Screening of PPD Documentary "Dark Side of the Full Moon" with Q&A
Parents and professionals are invited to attend a screening of the highly-acclaimed documentary about postpartum depression, followed by a Q&A with Lauren Brown, Psy.D. and cocktails at Woods Hill Table in West Concord Center. More info at: www.concordtherapy.com
The film begins at 7:30 at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center on Saturday, October 1
Free Infant Massage Class at Lowell General Hospital
Class for parents and babies 6 weeks to 1 year of age will present the many benefits of infant massage and instruction on different types of massage strokes for babies. Taught by a Certified Infant Massage Therapist and Mother Infant Unit Nurse. Register at www.lowellgeneral.org/health-and-wellness Held Tuesdays, October 4 or December 6, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
"Soon to be Grandparents" Class.
This program includes changes in labor and delivery practices, latest recommendations for infant care and safety, and how to support the new parents and accept their decisions. 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Emerson Hospital. Taught by Nurse Peggy Kleiman, who is also a grandmother. $30/couple. 978-287-3777 to register or www.emersonwellness.org. Held on Thursday, November 17
OF INTEREST TO PARENTS OF CHILDREN AGE 1 AND UP
"Exercise & Outdoors: A Key to Helping Our Kids Build Emotional Resilience and Optimizing Their Learning Capacity"presented by John Ratey, M.D. Clinical Assoc. Prof. of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of "Go Wild." Free. Thursday, September 22, 6:30-8:30 pm at Oak Meadow School, Littleton
Register through The Discovery Museums:
8-week "Ways to Help Your Family Be Healthier and More Resilient" Wkshp
Would you have an interest in learning new skills and gaining insights that would ease transitions and bring smoothness to your routines with your young child? Would you like to learn how to deal more effectively when tempers flare? You can expect to come away from this free workshop with strengthened family relationships and a greater understanding of child development. Appropriate for families with at least one child aged 3-6. Facilitated by Patricia Marquis, LICSW. Registration required by emailing [email protected] with "Resilient Families" in the subject line. Include the ages of your children, address, and phone #. Questions? Call Sally at 978-202-1143. Held in Concord on Wednesdays 9/28, 10/5, 12, 19, 26, 11/2, 9, 16 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Adult and Pediatric American Heart Assn. CPR Class
Class includes mannequin practice and defibrillator training taught by EMS2000 through Roudenbush Community Center in Westford, Course completion card. Book is $14. Class is $59 ($56 residents). Register through www.roudenbush.org
Held in Westford on Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, 6:30-10:00 p.m.
Family & Friends CPR (Infants, Children and Adults)
Held in Chelmsford on Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
"What Exactly is Play, and Why Is It Such a Powerful Vehicle for Learning?"
presented by Peter Gray, Ph.D., Research Professor at Boston College and author of "Free to Learn: Why Unleasing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life." Free, November 2, Register through The Discovery Museums:
Wrightslaw Special Education and Advocacy Conference, Pete Wright, Esq.
This conference will cover: federal laws that give you the right to request services and receive the right evaluations for your child, key words to ignite action on behalf of your child, how to have the district provide and pay for needed services, Smart IEP's, and how to build healthy working relationships with school personnel. Helpful to anyone who advocates for a child with autism, learning, or developmental disabilities-not disability specific. $175 includes $63 textbook, breakfast, lunch. Register at www.autismresourcecentral.org. October 27, 9-4:30 in Sturbridge
"Cognitive Abilities: A Different Way of Thinking and Learning Profile" and "Managing Feelings: CBT to Manage Anxiety, Sadness & Anger"
presented by Professor Tony Attwood, the world's leading expert on Asperger Syndrome and author of Asperger's Syndrome-A Guide for Parents and Professionals, at the annual AANE Connections Conference at MIT. Cost to attend ranges from $75-145 public/professional.
Raising Your Child on the Autism Spectrum Series held in Watertown
Join other parents at the Asperger/Autism Network for 3 sessions held from 7-9:00 p.m.
Sept. 29: A New Kind of Parenting & Promoting Social Connections, Wrika Drezner, LCSW
Oct. 19: Understanding and Managing Behavior, Jean Stern, M.S.
Dec. 7: Developing Effective Education Plans, Jean Stern, M.S.
$110/couple. Call 617-393-3824 x17 to register. www.aane.org
Free Autism Parent Support Group Held in Westford
Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders can receive monthly support, build friendships, and have a safe place to exchange ideas with others in similar situations. Please register with Allison, 978-577-0414, to be informed of any changes to the schedule.
Held at Pediatrics West on Sept. 20, Oct. 6, Nov. 1 and Dec. 1, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
LOW-COST FUN ACTIVITIES FOR ALL FAMILIES
August 20 "Raise the Roof" Activities at Animal Adventures Rescue Center
Special after-hours event will have photo-ops with many different animals, special animal interactions and encounters, bouncy house and face-painting. Meet newly arrived Timon the baby fox, Delilah the civet, and Aslan the Carpathian lynx. Pet an owl or take a pony ride on Minion ($5, children under 50 lbs. only). All proceeds go to helping the animals. $10/person.
Saturday from 6-8:30 p.m., located at 336 Sugar Road, Bolton. RSVP:
[email protected]
August 27 Free "Summer Family Festival" at The Taylor School
Live music, farm animal friends, games, art projects, mud kitchen, face painting, cider and donuts, schoolhouse tours. Bring your own picnic!
Saturday, August 27, 10-1:00, 8 Hill Rd., Boxboro
Sept. 12-18 Visit a Free Trial Class at Footnotes Music
Sept. 24, Oct. 7, Nov. 4, Dec. 2 Free Friday Nights at The Discovery Museums
Free admission from 4:30-8:00 pm. Food donations welcome for local food pantries. Located at 177 Main Street (Rte. 27), Acton. Children's Museum is appropriate for babies thru preschoolers. Science museum great for school-age children.
www.discoverymuseums.org
September 11 is Half Price Day at Southwicks Zoo for Mass. Residents
For each paying Mass. resident with an I.D., another visitor is admitted free. This zoo does not have a library pass program, so this is the only discounted admission day of the year.
www.southwickszoo.com Located in Mendon.
September 10 is Open House Day at Indian Hill Music School
Your child age 0-8 can participate in a demonstration "Music for Aardvarks" Early Childhood music class at the school located at 36 King Street, Littleton. For schedule: www.indianhillmusic.org
September 18 is Tufts Veterinary School Open House with Family Activities
Tufts' Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine's annual open house in N. Grafton provides an opportunity for families interested in animals and science to experience many types of hands-on activities such as owl pellet dissection, examining microscope slides, wildlife arts & crafts, dressing like a Vet and performing mock surgery, and a teddy bear clinic. In addition there will be demonstrations from police dogs, agility courses, horses, wildlife rehab, and the turtle rescue league from 10-3:00. www.vet.tufts.edu/open-house
October 1 is Maynard Community Fest, 9:00-3:30 Memorial Park and downtown Maynard. Free family entertainment, farmer's market, sidewalk sales, trackless train ride, 100 vendors, and Maynard Library book sale.
October 1 & 2 is the Global Harvest Festival at Heifer International Farm
The international homesteads in the global village will have piñatas, games, apple cider pressing, potato digging, bees wax candle rolling, scavenger hunts. Meet farm animals, milk a goat, take a hay ride, pick a pumpkin from the patch, listen to live music, buy a farm-to-table lunch or bring a picnic. 10:00-4:00. $20/vehicle. www.heifer.org
October 27 is Downtown Trick or Treating in Maynard Center Nason Street will be closed to traffic. 4:00-6:00 p.m. [email protected]
November 5 is Fruitlands Museum's Free Annual End-of-Season Bonfire
Activities held from 5-8:00 p.m. with s'mores! 102 Prospect Hill Rd, Harvard. www.fruitlands.org
Nov. 25-Jan. 3 is "Family Trees: A Celebration of Children's Literature"
During the holiday season the museum's galleries are filled with fanciful trees which are decorated with original ornaments inspired by acclaimed children's storybooks and contemporary picture book favorites. Each tree serves as a canvas for the artistic creations of a dedicated team of volunteer decorators. Please check website for special author events and children's activities: www.concordmuseum.org
Sensory Storytime for Children 3-6 on Saturdays at Waltham Public Library
Storytime for children with autism or other developmental disabilities whose biological or developmental age is 3-6, and their neurotypical peers. Stories, songs, quiet musical instruments, fingerplays, and bubbles. Playgroup with sensory toys takes place afterwards. Drop-in program.
December 18 Autism-Friendly Performance of "A Christmas Carol", 11:00 am
Hanover Theater in Worcester
www.thehanovertheatre.org
. This Autism Theatre Initiative program includes a downloadable Sensory Friendly Performance Guide, a quiet area if needed, and trained staff for support. Tickets begin at $28 with various discounts.
Sept. 29, 9:30-12:30: Morning for Families with Deaf/Hard of Hearing Infants/Toddlers
Nov. 5, 5:00-8:30: Evening for Families with Deaf/Hard of Hearing Children
Oct. 4,
Nov. 1, Dec. 6, 1:30-4:30: ASD-Friendly Afternoons
Oct. 15 and Dec. 3, 5:00-8:30: Evenings for Families with Children with an ASD
Nov. 19, 5:00-8:30: Evening for Families of Children with a Visual Impairment
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| What is a Preschool Screening?   |
A preschool screening is a brief assessment of your child's skills conducted by an educational professional who specializes in the area of concern you may have for your child. The purpose of a screening is for you to have a professional observe your 3- to 5-year-old child and to provide any recommendations as to what next steps might be appropriate. Parents may request a screening by speaking with the Early Childhood contact for their town, listed below. This is a free service.
Carlisle: Will Verbits, 978-369-3758
Concord: Janet O'Shea, 978-202-1147 or
Lincoln: Lynn Fagan, 781-259-9889
Parents are also always welcome to fill out an Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) through First Connections. These assessments are based on your child's birth date and can screen for motor, language, social and emotional development. Since you know your child best, you fill out the questionnaire, we score it and then go over it with you. We also give you recommendations for activities you can work on to help your child reach his or her next developmental milestones, or will recommend a professional follow-up. Your First Connections playgroup or support group leader can get you an ASQ, or you can email Linda with your child's birth date and your postal mailing address (lmatthews@jri.org) and we will send you the correct form. The Dept. of Early Education and Care is also working on an online form that you fill out, which will then be send directly to us for scoring, followed by our feedback to you.
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