Links in this issue have been repaired!

Toddler Times
Chester County Infant & Toddler Early Intervention News
November, 2017
Stay healthy & connected with these opportunities and events!
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A Fun Free Afternoon
in the Country

at Quest Therapeutic Services
in West Chester

Saturday, Dec. 2, from 2:00 until 4:00 PM

Join other families using Early Intervention services for an afternoon at the Quest stables. Children will have the opportunity to “meet” the therapy horses, and may even take a ride   on a horse around the ring, accompanied by trained professionals and volunteers. Other activities include:
 
 interactive story time  •  refreshments  •  make n’ take craft

Watch our Facebook page for updates!
Be ready for flu season!
Everyone 6 months old and older should get a flu vaccine every year, says the Center For Disease Control and Prevention. Flu vaccines are considered the most effective way to protect yourself and your family from catching the virus. You can make an appointment at Chester County's Health Department .
Holiday Happenings for the Family
in and around Chester County

There are lots of free or low-cost, family activities in Chester County during the holiday season. Here are just some of the events geared towards families and young children. Use the links to find out more information.

Throughout the month of December, Chester County's Library system will hold various holiday themed activities. The events calendar includes information on all 18 branches.

West Chester's Christmas Parade, Dec. 1 .

Malvern's Victorian Christmas, Dec. 1 and 2.

Coatesville Christmas Parade, Dec. 2.

Christmas in Parkesburg, Dec. 2.

Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas Parade, Dec. 8.

West Chester Area School District Preschool Parents Group sponsors different kinds of activities throughout the year. In December, there are two holiday-themed productions being held at local schools. Dec. 8 - Elf, Jr. and Dec. 14 - The Nutcracker.

Throughout the month of December, Rose Tree Park in Media, Delaware County, has a Festival of Lights that is open to the public. Families are invited to walk, or drive through the display, which began in the 1970's.
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Finding Gratitude

Practicing gratitude has proven positive effects on our overall health and well-being. Research shows the impact on sleep, self-esteem and personal relationships. Even during times of stress, loss and personal crises, we can cultivate an attitude of gratitude and find true happiness.

Simple exercises, like creating lists of things for which we're grateful, or writing weekly entries in a gratitude journal are good first steps to becoming more grateful. Re-framing life's more manageable challenges as opportunities may feel insincere at first, but the practice is worth the effort.

Robert Emmons, professor of psychology at the University of California has written extensively on the topic, and is considered one of the scientific leaders in positive psychology. He notes that gratitude, even in tough times, reminds us to not take things or situations for granted, gives us perspective, and helps us become more resilient. When we consciously practice gratitude, we can actually build our "psychological immune system" to give us strength when we need it most, Emmons says. Learn more here .
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Everyone Has Something
Chester County's ACEs Coalition is getting the word out about Adverse Childhood Experiences with the slogan, "Everyone has Something." The idea is that we all have something in our personal history that has helped to define who we are today.

Traumatic events in childhood can have long term impact on a person's life. But what is considered an Adverse Childhood Experience ? There are ten identified experiences, from physical abuse, to emotional neglect, or having a parent with a mental illness or addiction. The more of these experienced by a young person, the greater the increase of toxic stress and negative outcomes in that person's life. But there is hope.

Understanding ACEs, and knowing how common they are, can help us build resiliency and foster hope. These things can offset the cycle of trauma and contribute to life-long health benefits. Find out more about ACEs and Chester County's Coalition. 
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Did you know that incorrect use of car seats can triple the likelihood of serious injury from a crash?

Safe Kids Chester County offers free car seat inspections, by appointment, at various locations throughout the year. In addition, Safe Kids Worldwide has created the Ultimate Car Seat Guide to help parents find and install their car seats. The Guide is available online in English and Spanish.

Click for Chester County's car seat inspection schedule. Go to this link for the Guide.
The Center for Autism Research

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is the home of the Center for Autism Research. In addition to clinical research, the center supports families and offers valuable information,training, news and updates. Find out more about this resource online.
Chester County Department of Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Chester County Commissioners 
Linda Cox, Administrator, Chester County MH/IDD
Lori Gallagher, Director, Early Intervention Services
Stacy Barno, Early Intervention Coordinator
Michelle Davis, Service Coordination Manager 
Chester County Early Intervention, 601 Westtown Road, West Chester 19380