June 2019
According to Foster Focus Magazine 1 in 4 kids has PTSD. With that we can also for certain know that a child's mental health will be affected. When we think of PTSD often the first person that comes to mind is a veteran but foster kids are twice as likely to suffer from it according to a study done by Harvard Medical School. It is important to also note that this may cause children low success rates in school.
Respite Volunteers Needed
Help Out One Another
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Foster Change would like to put together a respite list for members that have adopted children and are not eligible for services through Department of Family Services. Every now and then I hear caregivers wanting to get away for a weekend or they need a few hours of self care. If you are willing to provide assistance to your fellow caregivers, please let us know by filling out this form with your information. Your participation is greatly appreciated. Not only are you helping another caregiver take a break, but you are connecting kids so they can make lasting friendships. If you are interested, please take a minute to fill out the interest form.

Click Here: Interest Form
Respite Opportunities
Canyon Ridge Christian Church hosts Parents Night Out every third Friday of the month from
6-9 pm. For safety purposes, the door closes at 6:30 pm.

Please make sure your children are fed before they are dropped off. Or for a small price you can have family dinner together at the church.
Please click below to create an account if you are interested.

Grace Point Church Church provides free respite care every first Friday of the month. Grace Point Church appreciates the opportunity to help Foster Parents take a little break to catch a movie or go do something fun with their significant other. For more information please contact:

YMCA Family Night
If your family is a member of The YMCA, there are great activities and events to consider.
Events include, Family's Night Out, Parents Night Out and much more. Some events and activities require memberships and some are offered at a low cost. Check the YMCA in your area for more details. Below is an informational flyer specific to the Centennial Hills YMCA.

Foster Change Events
Behavior and Sensory Training!

This month we have a special guest for our monthly meeting. On Tuesday June 18th at 6 pm we have the pleasure of welcoming Nadine Garcia who works for NEIS (Nevada Early Intervention Services). Nadine has degrees in Child Development and Early Childhood Education.

Here is a little bit about Nadine in her own words:

"I taught in an inclusive classroom for 13 years with typical developing children and children with developmental delays. Currently I work as a Behavior Interventionist for children 0-3. I support with community resources and strategies for behavior and overall development. "

Discussion: We will address the 4 functions of behavior. Which include: access to tangibles, attention, avoidance and sensory. As we discuss sensory, I will provide information on how sensory affects behavior and strategies for calming children with processing delays. I will provide samples of homemade sensory materials and offer strategies for families with questions. 

Please email [email protected] or call 702-970-4546 to reserve your spot in childcare. Dinner and childcare will be provided.
Foster Change has grown significantly from when we first started. I would love to connect with you and our children. I would like to invite you to join us for a Playdate in the Park in July. I would like to see as many of you there as we can.

What to bring: Towel and sunscreen

What to expect: a fun time playing on the splash pads while parents connect with each other.

Date:Friday July 12th from 5-7 pm

We will be providing shaved ice for the kids and snacks.

Potluck style, if you would like to bring a food item, please email me and let me know.

Please RSVP:702-970-4546 or [email protected]

Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Training
Available dates for Car Seat Safety Training

Tuesday 7/30/2019 from 6-9 pm
Tuesday 9/19/2019 from 6-9 pm
Sunday 11/10/2019 from 10am-1pm

Please bring your car seat to class, if you have one available.

There is no childcare available for this class.
Please call 702-970-4546 to register.
Available dates for CPR/First Aid/AED Training

Friday 8/9/2019 from 2-6 pm
Friday 10/4/2019 from 5-9 pm
Sunday 12/15/2019 from 10am-2pm

Please bring your car seat to class, if you have one available.

There is no childcare available for this class.
Please call 702-970-4546 to register.
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If you are working on your license (kinship caregivers who have children with an open DFS case), there are two required QPI videos that you have to watch for licensing:  Normalcy and  Emergency Preparedness. We have created study guides for the required videos licensed caregivers much watch for re-licensing hours.  Click here to view our available study guides.

We continue to offer our computers for you to use at our office in order to complete videos required for licensing and re-licensing, please call to request an appointment (702) 970-4546.
Required QPI Videos for Re-licensing - NEW STUDY GUIDES
If you are a licensed caregiver and it is time time to renew, you will be required to complete 12 hours of online training through QPInevada.org. There are six hours of trainings you are required to take, and the rest you can choose.

We have created study guides for the required trainings and nine more we recommend that will equal 12 hours. Click  HERE for the study guides, or give us a call and we'd be happy to provide it for you!
Adoption Exchange - Online Training
The Adoption Exchange offers free online training for Foster and Adoptive parents. Please register first to gain access to the online learning. If you already have an account with The Adoption Exchange please log in and take advantage of the free training.


The Adoption exchange also offers a lending library which is an excellent post adoption service. Please click on the link below for more information.

SAFY offers a Sex Education class for children an
if you would like more information contact SAFY at 702-385-5331. SAFY also provides services such as Intensive Family Intervention Services
  • Trauma
  • Anxiety and Depression*
  • ADHD*
  • Conduct Issues*
  • Transition and Adjustments*
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Discounts for Foster Families
SeaQuest offers the opportunity for children in Foster Care to enjoy SeaQuest free of charge. Please take your placement letter with you.

Children's Discovery Museum offers a reduced fee of $3.00 per person (up to four guests) if you show an EBT, WIC, SNAP card or foster care license.
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Merlin's Magic Wand
Merlin's Magic Wand offers the opportunity to apply for a travel grant to to places such as Legoland and Madame Tussauds. The travel grant can cover the cost of tickets and parking.
For more information on how to apply please click below.
Events
Play Date in the Park
Fire Extinguisher Service
These two companies have very affordable rates if you need your fire extinguisher recharged.

301 W St Louis Ave
(702) 384-1546
Open ⋅ Closes 4PM   

Support
Need Support? Do you know that there are support groups for Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship families across Las Vegas? We have recently compiled a list of groups and hopefully you will find one that meets your needs!

Summer Resources
During summer, CCSD Food Service is serving FREE hot breakfasts and hot lunches in schools for kids and teens. Meals are available to all children 18 and younger. There is NO need to enroll and NO cost for families. There's a school serving free summer meals near you! For locations and serving times, visit   CCSDfs.info/summer .
Summer Fun!
Purchase your Pogo Pass for this year and get access to some great activities for all ages. For more information please click on the link below.


Sandy Vargas | Foster Change | 702-970-4546 | |[email protected] | www.fosterchangecc.org