Early Steps of SWFL

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The Southwest Florida Early Steps program serves infants and toddlers in Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties and is part of the Florida Early Intervention Program. Florida's Early Intervention Program is improving its service delivery system to better support infants and toddlers and their families - in places where they live, learn and play. An enhanced family-focused early intervention system called Early Steps has replaced the former Infants & Toddlers Early Intervention Program with a new Mission, Vision and Values.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

How much therapy does my child with special needs require?

Please click here to read this article:

FROM THE EARLY STEPS OFFICE




Dear Friends,


Part C of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires public input on proposed policies and the annual renewal application for Part C funds. This includes input from families!!!


The information will be available for review beginning on January 25, 2012 through March 26, 2012. The opportunity for you to provide input is between February 1, 2012 through March 1, 2012. To view the information electronically, please go to http://www.cms-kids.com or contact your service coordinator to access this information.


Please note there are three ways to provide input. You may attend a public hearing at one of the below locations to provide input. The sites, dates, and locations are below:



Thursday, December 22, 2011

Mom of children with special needs : Why you should come first?

You can read this article with a click here :






Free playgroups for children 0 to 5 years old in Southwest Florida - Grupos de Juegos gratuitos en el Suroeste de la Florida


Please join us for an hour of play and fun in our community playgroups!

Porfavor únase a nosotros en una hora de juego y diversión en nuestros grupos de juego comunitarios.


Playgroups are free and specially designed for caregivers and their children 0 to 5.

Los grupos de juegos son especialmente diseñados para padres de niños de 0 a 5 años de edad.

Playgroups are inclusive and they are a great opportunity to socialize and learn!

Los grupos de juegos son inclusivos y son una excelente oportunidad para socializar y aprender.




Monday, November 28, 2011

Electronic Communication Release ENGLISH/Espanol



November 28th, 2011





Dear Caregiver:



Starting January 2012, we would like to improve the delivery of information for our families. We know many of you would rather receive an email than a printed communication. That’s why we would really appreciate your input by signing the attached electronic communication release, if you feel this would be a better way to serve you.



Signing for electronic communication will help us lower mailing cost, and we will be able to utilize this money for better purposes, like educational scholarships or funds for families in need.



We will also be contributing to our natural environment, saving trees and resources that usually end at the trash can.



You can also download and mail this electronic communication release by visiting our blog at www.earlystepsswfl.blogspot.com



Thanks for your attention. Please do not hesitate to contact me for extra info.





Eliana Tardio

Family Resource Specialist

(239) 433-6700 # 224


………………………………………………………………………………………………
FOR YOUR SECURITY PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL PERSONAL INFORMATION OF YOU OR YOUR CHILD


NAME OF THE CHILD:___________________________D.O.B ________________



Name of the caregiver _______________________________________________



e-mail ____________________________________________________________



Blog or website page to promote with our families ___________________________


I authorize Early Steps Southwest Florida to email me informational education and resources regarding my child’s development at his participation in the Early Steps program.



I understand I can cancel this agreement anytime by e-mailing a STOP MAILING reference e-mail to elianatardio@hpcswf.com





____________________________                                 _______________________

Signature                                                                                 Date



SPANISH
___________________________




Noviembre 28, 2011





Querida familia:



A partir de Enero 2012, nos gustaría mejorar la entrega de información a nuestras familias. Sabemos que muchos de ustedes prefieren recibir un correo electrónico en vez de una comunicación impresa. Este es el motivo por el cual apreciaremos que firme la autorización de envío de correo electrónico, si considera que este será un mejor método para servirle.



Registrándose para comunicaciones a través de correo electrónico nos ayudará a reducir costos, para  utilizar este dinero para el uso de becas y fondos para educación.



También estaremos contribuyendo a nuestro medio ambiente, salvando árboles y recursos que la mayoría de las veces terminan en la basura.



Puede descargar esta comunicación electrónica visitando nuestro blog en www.earlystepsswfl.blogspot.com  (Porfavor no envíe informacion personal por correo electrónico)



Gracias por su atención. Porfavor no dude en contactarme para mayor información.





Eliana Tardío

Especialista en Recursos de Familia

(239) 433-6700 # 224


……………………………………………………………………………………………………………



NOMBRE DEL NIŇO: _______________________________ D.O.B _____________



Nombre del padre _____________________________________________________



e-mail _______________________________________________________________



Web o blog personal para promover en nuestro blog __________________________



Autorizo a Early Steps SWFL el envío de información electrónica  con fines educativos acerca del desarrollo de mi hijo durante su particpación en el programa.



Entiendo que yo puedo cancelar este acuerdo en cualquier momento enviando un correo electrónico con referencia PARAR EL CORREO a  elianatardio@hpcswf.com





____________________________                                    ___________________

Firma                                                                                       Fecha

Thursday, October 27, 2011

F R E E - HALLOWEEN EVENTS for families in Collier and Lee County

FORT MYERS

FALL FESTIVAL AND HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA
LAKES REGIONAL PARK
Bounces houses, hayrides, express train and more
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27 
FROM 6PM TO 9 PM
FRIDAY , OCTOBER 28TH
FROM 5PM TO 10 PM
SATURDAY 29TH AND SUNDAY 30TH
FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM
FREE

NAPLES
FALL FESTIVAL
EAGLE LAKES COMMUNITY PARK
11565 TAMIAMI TRAIL E
Carnival rides and refreshments
OCT 27 & 28 , 2011
FROMO 6PM TO 11PM
OCTOBER 29TH , 2011
FROM 4PM TO 11PM
OCT 30TH , 2011
FROM 2PM TO 11PM
   
LIONEL TRAIN MUSEUM
Open House Halloween party
NAPLES DEPOT
OCTOBER 29TH
FROM 3PM TO 7 PM
FREE
FALL BLOCK PARTY
North Naples Baptist Church
1811 Oakes Blvd, Naples
Fall block party, trunk or treating, games, an inflatable castle, food and a dunk tank
 
OCTOBER 29TH
From 5pm to 7pm
 
FREE

TRUNK OR TREAT
CORNERSTONE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
8200 Immokalee Rd, Naples
Kids from infants to 10 years old are welcome to get candy, play games, face painting and snacks.
 
OCTOBER 29TH
From 6pm to 8pm
 
FREE
  SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN ON FIFTH
Fifth Avenue South
 
Kid’s trick or treat in Stores from 4.30pm to 7pm
Costume Contest and entertainment from 7pm to 10pm
OCTOBER 31ST
FREE

CAPE CORAL
Trunk or Treat,
sponsored by Cape Coral Parks and Recreation

Oasis Elementary School, 3415 Oasis Blvd
Oct. 31
5 to 6:30 p.m.


Cape Harbour Trick-or-Treat
Trick-or-treating for children at
Cape Harbour merchants,
5848 Cape Harbour Drive
Oct. 31 6pm
 
Before attending any of these events, please verify the dates and time with the organizers by contacting them.

Freedom Waters at the Stone Crab Festival - This Weekend!!!

Come one - Come All!  Freedom Waters at the Stone Crab Festival - This Weekend!!!

Oct. 28-30, Friday -Sunday - all day -  Tin City 

Incredible Raffle Items - Private Yacht Cruises, Fishing Package, Hotel Stays, Restaurants Galore and More!

Kids Activities - Bounce House, Face painting, Fun!

Live Music from Pinchers Stage!

For more information about the event, link to - http://www.stonecrabfestival.org/

Rain or Shine - We will be there! Hope you will too! 

Thank you!

Debby and all the Freedom Waters Foundation Friends

Friday, October 21, 2011

SIGN UP FOR THE SALVATION ARMY CHRISTMAS CHEER PROGRAM. Lee county only


GIFTS FOR CHILDREN 13 AND UNDER.
October 26, 27, & 28 from 9am-Noon & 5pm - 8pm
November 3, from 9am - noon & 5pm - 8pm
November 4, from 9am-noon
November 12, from 9am - noon
Final sign up date.....November 21 from 9am - noon
YOU WILL NEED:
ADULTS: VALID FL DRIVERS LICENSE OR FL PHOTO ID
SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
CHILDREN: SOCIAL SECURITY CARD OR
BIRTH CERTIFICATE FOR EACH CHILD
PROOF OF: INCOME AND BENEFITS
ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE LEE COUNTY RESIDENTS
APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE TAKEN WITHOUT ITEMS LISTED ABOVE.
THE SALVATION ARMY BONITA SPRINGS
                                                          10291 MCGREGOR BLVD                                                         
FT. MYERS, FLORIDA

Marine Toys for Tots Foundation * Naples Florida



Toys for Tots Foundation



ET BRISSON 063 DETACHMENT
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE OF NAPLES
TOYS FOR TOTS
PARENT REGISTRATION 2011

Toy Registration for needy families with children is scheduled as follows:

Wednesday, November 30th, 9am.....5pm

Thursday, December 1st, 8am....4pm

Friday, December 2nd, 8am.....5pm

Location is former DeVoe Buick/GMC Dealership
2601 Airport Pulling Road SOUTH, Naples, FL
Parents with needy children will be required to have proof of residence
in Collier County, such as a valid driver’s license, or county issued ID card.
The parent must also have a birth certificate for each child needing toys.

To receive toys children must have been born in 1997 or after.

Children must live with the parent who is applying for toys.
These dates are for registration only.
NO toys will be distributed at this time.
The parent that registers is the ONLY parent that may pick up toys,
no one may substitute.

Happening Next Week - SALVATION ARMY taking Christmas Applications


Please note:
The Salvation Army will take Christmas Application on
October 24th – October 28th
10/24, 25 and 26
from 9a-3p
10/27 from 9a-12p
10/28 from 9a-5p

Applicants for gifts and food must be

*Collier County Residents
*Have a Photo ID
(Soc. Sec, Birth Cert, Immuniz. Card
or school ID for parent and ALL children)
* Proof of family income


Apply in person at
3180 Estey Ave., Naples
239-775-9447

Thursday, October 13, 2011

The Road to Sustainability Is Paved with Broad Stakeholder Involvement, Collaboration and Data-Driven Decision Making

This is a workbook developed by the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health whose mission it is to:
* Provide advocacy at the national level for the rights of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges and their families;
* Provide leadership and technical assistance to a nation-wide network of family-run organizations; and to
* Collaborate with family-run and other child serving organizations to transform mental health care in America.
With support from the national evaluation of the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Children’s Mental Health Initiative

Read or download it from the following link:




Copyright © 2011
National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
9605 Medical Center Drive, Suite 280
Rockville, Maryland 20850
240-403-1901 (phone)
240.403.1907 (fax)
http://www.ffcmh.org


Wednesday, October 5, 2011

FREE "Let's Talk" Adapated from "It takes two to talk" IN CAPE CORAL AND FORT MYERS

Let's Talk
Adapted from "It takes two to talk"
Free classes in Cape Coral and E Fort Myers
HANEN PROGRAM FOR PARENTS
Download or share this document from here:

Free BASIC CAR CARE Saturday October 22nd in Fort Myers

**FREE Car Care**
Thank you to the efforts of some local churches, financially challenged single mothers, widows, widowers, and SeniorsANYONE in financial need is able to receive Free General Maintenance on their vehicles, by Appointment ONLY.  Contact one of the individuals below, or their websites, to make an appointment.

Oct. 22, 2011, Collier County: First Baptist Church Naples   
(239) 596-8600, ext. 617, Rod Foster



Oct. 1, 2011, Lee County:        First Christian Church              
(941) 416-9946 or masterservants@gmail.com

Volunteers and Donations ARE NEEDED J  Please pass this information along to anyone you feel could benefit from this service.
Share and download this flyer from here :

SAVE THE DATE FOR KIWANIS Children's day in Labelle

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Family Cafe shares great information about free program from NCPAD

The Family Cafe Logo
Dear Friend,
The Family Cafe would like to share information about a great, free program from The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD).
They are currently offering a free, web-based physical activity and nutrition program for people with chronic health conditions, mobility impairments, and physical disabilities. By registering, you will gain exclusive access to exercise and nutrition experts who can provide you with personalized guidance along the way. To sign up anytime for NCPAD's 14-Week Program or for more information please visit http://www.ncpad.org/14weeks/?f=FL and click “join” in the upper right hand corner of the screen.
To watch an advertisement about the 14-week program please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf8bVWSDo4U

If you have questions, contact a NCPAD 14-Week coach at 1-800-900-8086  , ncpad@uic.edu, or via live chat.

Thanks very much,
The Family Cafe

The Family Cafe 888-309-CAFE begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 888-309-CAFE end_of_the_skype_highlighting www.FamilyCafe.net
1332 N. Duval St.
Tallahassee, FL 32303
United States

Monday, September 12, 2011

SKILLS LIVE IS NOW LIFE Card has officially launched the first of its kind


Skills Live™ is now LIVE!
CARD has officially launched the first of its kind, live web show giving ANYONE… ANYWHERE …100% access to up-to-the minute autism resources and training. Skills Live airs each weekday from 9 am to 1 pm (Pacific Standard Time) on the Internet at
skillsforautism.com/skills-live.htmland clicking “WATCH NOW”.
This show goes beyond a basic webcast by enabling members to submit questions to autism experts and a CARD-trained moderator on a daily basis. Skills Live is part of the Skills® web-based, autism recovery program, released earlier this year.


high_res_SkillsLIVE.jpg
WATCH the first show this MONDAY, September 12th! Skills Live will broadcast LIVE at ACT Today’s 5th Annual Charity Golf Classic at the North Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village, California. The event is hosted by actor Joe Mantegna (“Criminal Minds"). Enjoy!
All the best,

Daphne Plump
Public Relations & Events Manager


Center for Autism & Related Disorders, Inc. / Skills
19019 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 300 | Tarzana, California 91356
Telephone: (818) 345-2345 ext. 270 | Mobile: (661) 478-6512

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Opportunity: Your Ideas for Topics from Disability.gov‏

The Family Cafe Logo
Each month, White House staff who work on disability-related policies host a public, live-captioned conference call to keep the public better informed about important developments on many different disability issues. These calls also connect you to leaders in the federal government who work on these issues. Over the past several months, monthly conference calls have featured discussions on accessibility, employment, education, technology, emergency preparedness, transportation, healthcare and the federal budget.
The White House is now offering the opportunity for you to suggest topics you'd like discussed during these calls. Send in your ideas about subjects for discussion, as well as the federal officials you'd like to hear from on these subjects, by visiting https://www.disability.gov/WHQuestion.
Visit Disability.gov for information about these and many other subjects:
. Finding employment
. Help finding and paying for housing
. Laws that protect your rights as a person with a disability
. Disability benefits
. Scholarships and other financial aid
. Federal government grants
Looking for organizations, programs or services near you? Visit Disability.gov's Information by State section.
Visit Disability.Blog to read and comment on a wide variety of subjects of interest to the disability community,

The Family Cafe 888-309-CAFE www.FamilyCafe.net
1332 N. Duval St.
Tallahassee, FL 32303
United States
Click Here to Unsubscribe

The 2011 Toys "R" us Toy guide for children with different abilites

Copies of the Guide are available at all Toys"R"Us® and Babies"R"Us® locations nationwide. If you represent a special needs organization or are a special needs educator or therapist, you may e-mail DifferentlyAbled@toysrus.com to receive copies in bulk free of charge for redistribution. A "flippable" digital version, as well as a downloadable version in both English and Spanish, can be found by clicking here.
How can I get on the mailing list to receive the Guide next year?
The latest version of the Guide is available every September. You can e-mail DifferentlyAbled@toysrus.com to be added to next year's mailing list. If you are already on our mailing list, you will automatically receive a copy of the latest edition upon release. For a more environmentally friendly option, click here to receive an e-mail alert when the latest digital Guide becomes available online.

Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health (DRC)


The Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health (DRC) has a redesigned website! The same point-and-click access to data findings from the National Survey of Children's Health and the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs can now be found in one integrated browsing and search tool.

How You Can Use the DRC Website:

  1. Learn about the National Survey of Children's Health and the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs
  2. Browse national and state findings on over 200 child health indicators
  3. Download and print snapshot profiles on key topical areas for your state
  4. Request a dataset and conduct in-depth data analyses on your own
  5. Learn to use data more effectively
  6. Discover how other state and family leaders use these findings
  7. Get expert help by e-mailing us your questions - plus get links to other data sets and resources for improving children's health and healthcare

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