SmithCoFall2008Edition

Smith County Fall 2008

BeSafe Child Since 1994

Day Care Guide Compiled by:

TM

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Inside BeSafe Child

Managing A Safe Household With Young Children............................................. 4 Giving Kids A Good Night’s Rest................ 4 Catch Up On Missed Vaccinations.............. 5 Tips To Prevent Head Lice........................... 5 Preventing Child Abduction......................... 6

ON THE COVER: Colton Brown, Ciarra Brown, Ryan Wooddell, Zach Wooddell, Ryleigh Wooddell, & CaiLea Brown.

FREE BOOKLETS AVAILABLE CALL 581-5704 OR 1-800-443-0131

Gestational & Type 2 Diabetes..................... 7 Fighting Obesity In Toddlers....................... 8 Edibly Fun, Easily Done Recipes................. 8 Breast-feeding Benefits Mom & Baby......... 9 Teaching Young Children Safe Online Habits............................................... 10 Tips On Preventing & Detecting Ear Infections...............................................11 The Flu: A Guide For Parents.................... 12 Safe During Severe Weather...................... 13 Guide To Licensed Child Care Centers.14-17 Child Safety Seats....................................... 18 Cause For Alarm: What Parents Miss When Child Proofing.................................. 19 Children’s Health Insurance Program.20-21 Could Your Child Have Autism..................22

BeSafe Publications

566 C.R. 4103, Jacksonville, TX 75766

903-586-3767 1-800-233-8568 Fax 903-586-0333 www.besafechild.com email: info@besafechild.com Publisher/Editor: Royce Ewing Graphic Design/Layout: Claudette Wooddell Office: Patricia Goar ©Copyright 2008 BeSafe Publications We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information within these pages. We cannot, however, assume any liability of any kind of its validity or completeness or for additional or changed information subsequent to the date the information contained herein was submitted for publication.

BeSafe Publications welcomes your suggestions and inquiries.

Articles from professionals in child safety and health are also encouraged.

While we retain our copyright position, we do grant permission to responsible parties to duplicate our articles in the interest of child safety, health and good character.

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Managing A Safe Household With Young Children

o matter how many children you have, proper organization can help keep the little ones safe and from running you ragged.

Consider these parenting tips from Kate Gosselin, the “Chief Family Officer” of a clan that includes 8 children under the age of 7: 1. Organize your life. Make lists and stick to schedules.

2. Reward yourself and your children. Always remember to count your blessings.

Take a moment to relish in all that is positive in your life, and it will give you that boost that you need. And don’t forget to reward your children for their helpfulness and kindness-if only with your words.

3. Listen to your children. Remember to read between the lines and really hear what your children are saying to you, even if they are not verbalizing it clearly.

4. Discipline. When disciplining, remember

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to explain what they did wrong, make sure they understand why it was wrong and talk about ways to do better next time.

5. Teach your children safety. Talk about what is and isn’t safe. Remind them to come to you if they hear something that they don’t understand or think is “bad” or don’t know what it means. You want to position yourself as their resource person to keep conversation lines open. This needs to start at a very young age.

6. Spend time together as a family. It’s important to involve both the parents and the kids in daily family chores, as well as the fun times. This helps to provide family unity, a sense of belonging, and safety. It also teaches kids to develop a strong work ethic.

For additional information, visit www.dis coveryhealth.com.

Giving Kids A Good Night’s Rest

recent survey conducted by GoodNites(r) found nine out of 10 parents and kids participate in a pre-bedtime routine, while nearly half of parents can find it a struggle to put their kids to bed. Bedtime routines can be disrupted by anxiety over issues ranging from fear of the dark to bedwetting, making it difficult for kids to get the sleep they need.

To help parents ease stress at night, parenting expert Judsen Culbreth, former editor-in-chief at Working Mother and Parent & Child magazines, offers the following tips.

• Reserve the Time Consistent quality time spent with your children-even just minutes a day-helps you both unwind and reconnect from busy schedules. Select a time at night to turn off any distractions such as cell phones or computers to focus on your kids.

• Chart Their Progress To ensure your children stay on task during their bedtime routines, create special charts.

Illustrate or photograph each step of their routine and number them in the order your children prefer. Post the chart on your children’s bedroom doors or walls and let your kids place stickers on the charts after they’ve completed each task.

• Fear of the Dark Help your kids feel secure by leaving a light on or putting nightlights throughout the house. Or leave their bedroom door open at night so they feel closer to you.

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• Monster Squad Remove clutter from under the bed in case your child wants to do a pre-bedtime check for monsters. Decorate a spray bottle with stickers and the words “Monster Repellant” and fill it with water. Allow your child to spray his or her bedroom door at night.

• Concerns About Tomorrow To ease any negative thoughts your child may have about the next day, create a “worry box.”

As part of your nighttime routine, discuss any concerns about tomorrow with your child and drop a bead, coin or small trinket into the box for each worry. Explain to your children that now all the worries are in the box and can wait, so they can focus on getting the rest they need. · Bedwetting: Bedtime can be an especially stressful time for children if they’re nervous about wetting the bed. In fact, 20 percent of kids have trouble sleeping through the night because of bedwetting. To help kids manage bedwetting until they outgrow it, try new GoodNites(r) Sleep Boxers and Sleep Shorts.

They look like any shorts a child would wear to bed but with all-in-one disposable nighttime protection specifically designed for boys or girls, so your child can feel confident while going to sleep.

Visit the newly enhanced GoodNites.com Web site for bedwetting facts, advice and solutions and to hear about other families’ experiences with bedwetting.

Catch Up On Missed Vaccinations

This information is sponsored by Merck & Co. Inc. as your child missed a recommended tious diseases. vaccination?

By stimulating the immune system, vaccines If so, back-to-school physicals are a bolster the good time to get back on track to help body’s defense protect your child’s health. They can against specific provide a chance to catch up on any infections. The shots appropriate for your child that CDC estimates were missed. Importantly, most states that the current require up-to-date vaccinations for recommended students. vaccination If you think your child has missed any program preshots, you can ask your doctor about vents millions what you can do to get your child’s of cases of vaccinations up to date. The Centers disease among for Disease Control and Prevention children and (CDC) Web site includes routine imtens of thoumunization schedules for children and sands of deaths adolescents that list the ages when each year. each vaccine or series of shots is That’s why recommended to be given. It also has it’s important a Catch-Up Immunization Schedule, for parents to which guides physicians in giving discuss vacdelayed vaccinations. See http://www. cinations with cdc.gov/ vaccines/recs/schedules/ their child’s child-schedule.htm#catchup. The doctor so that schedules have been updated for 2008, children can so talk to your child’s doctor this back-toreceive appropriate vaccines on time. When school season. children are not vaccinated, they may be left “Vaccines have great public health impact open to possible infection, perhaps to an inand are an important solution to help keep fectious disease carried into the United States children healthy,” said Barbara Watson, M.D., by someone traveling from another country.

Medical Director, Immunization Program, Di- Doctors Recommend vision of Disease Control of the Philadelphia The current recommended vaccination schedDepartment of Public Health. “It is important ule is approved by the Centers for Disease to keep vaccinations up to date and current, Control and Prevention, the American Acadbut if any doses are missed, it is possible to emy of Pediatrics and the American Academy get children caught up.” of Family Physicians.

Vaccines can help prevent serious infec-

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Tips To Prevent Head Lice

ere are tips to help keep head lice from being present at school roll call this year.

The CDC reports that most of the 12 million cases occur in preschool- and elementary school-aged children.

What to do: • Check your children every week. Sit under a bright light and comb thru each section of the hair. Look for tiny bugs or grayishcolored, rice-sized nits or eggs. They will be glued at an angle to the side of the hair shaft 1-2 inch from scalp. Focus on the “hot

spots” back of neck, around ears and part lines.

• Tell your children never to share hats, combs or pillows. Keep long hair up in a ponytail or braid.

• Herbs such as rosemary, citronella and tea tree have been shown to repel head lice.

Products made for children such as Rosemary Repel Hair Care use these organic herbs to help keep bugs away. To learn more, visit www.fairytaleshaircare.com or www.licepreventionnews.com.

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Preventing Child Abductions A

By Lt. David Young, Lufkin Police Dept.

kidnapped child is every parent’s worst nightmare. Thankfully it’s a rare event in the United States. The purpose of this article is to discuss stranger or non-parental abductions. This article won’t address family or non-custodial parent abductions.

Though they take similar resources to investigate they are a different type of crime.

The frightening part of stranger abductions is that approximately 4 in 10 victims are killed. Another 4% are never found. A significantly high percentage of these victims are physically and/or sexually abused.

As horrifying as those numbers are, there are ways we can protect our children. The primary tool we can use for this is to talk with our children about it. Most children are taught from an early age not to talk with or take candy from strangers. While this is a good start parents should build on it as the children grow. Use the news as a good starting point. When a kidnapping occurs, have the child read the article (if age appropriate) and discuss what could have happened and how to avoid it.

Discuss the common traps predators use.

They often pretend to be hurt or have a lost pet or child they ask the potential victim to help them find. One of the most common traps used by predators is to have a leash and a photo of a dog or puppy and approach a child asking if they’ve seen the “lost” pet.

This leads to asking the child to help look for the pet. Which leads them away to a secluded location or vehicle where the abduction takes place.

There may even be uncommon traps; like using a cute little dog to get the child’s attention.

Predators may pose as authority figures such as security guards, police officers or firefighters to try and form a bond of trust 6

with the intended victim. Some go so far as to obtain jobs working with children to gain close access. This is often a favorite method used by sexual predators to get close to victims too.

If a child is aware of how predators work they are better able to defend against them. We should always watch young children closely while they are outside.

At some point, our older children will require some measure of independence. They should go out equipped with a family code word; a unique code word known only to the child and the parents. For instance, if I send someone to pick up my daughter, she’s been instructed and tested on asking for the code word. If the person trying to pick her up doesn’t have it she is not to go with them before getting the OK from her mother or me.

A number of organizations recommend against putting a child’s name on the back of clothing or sports jerseys. Doing so gives the child’s name to a watchful predator that may use it to make them seem more familiar to the child and create an instant rapport the predator can use to quickly get close to a potential victim.

There are several good resources out there for more information. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has useful information on their web site at www.ncmec. org. The FBI has authority to investigate kidnappings, particularly those of children under 12 years of age. Their web site has several articles and links and can be found at www. fbi.gov.

The primary key to preventing the unthinkable is education. Talk to your child, let them know how predators work and that while rare, kidnapping does occur. A little prevention can go a long way towards safety. Find the time, talk to your child about this soon.

Gestational & Type 2 Diabetes by the National Diabetes Education Program

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estational diabetes affects women during pregnancy and causes a lifelong risk for diabetes. Children of women with a history of gestational diabetes are also at risk, especially if they are overweight. But families can take small steps to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

If you had gestational diabetes, you can prevent type 2 diabetes by losing a small amount of weight by being more physically active and making healthy food choices. And your children can lower their risk for type 2 diabetes if they do not become overweight.

The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) suggests taking these small steps to prevent diabetes: Tips for Mothers: • If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, get tested for diabetes six to 12 weeks after your baby is born, then every one to two years.

• Breast-feed your baby. It may lower your child’s risk for type 2 diabetes.

• Try to reach your pre-pregnancy weight six to 12 months after your baby is born.

• Be physically active at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week and eat smaller portions of healthy foods to help you reach and stay at a healthy weight.

Tips for the Family:

• Tell your child’s doctor that you had gestational diabetes and ask for an eating plan for your child.

• Follow a healthy lifestyle as a family. Serve your children healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats, dry beans and peas, whole grains, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese. Choose water to drink.

• Help your children be physically active at least 60 minutes a day and limit TV and inactive video and computer game time to an hour or two a day.

Read NDEP’s It’s Never Too Early to Prevent Diabetes. A Lifetime of Small Steps for a Healthy Family tip sheet (also available in Spanish) and download or order free diabetes prevention materials by visiting www.YourDiabetes Info.org or calling (888) 693-NDEP (6337). For more information about helping children maintain a healthy weight, contact the Weight-control Information Network at www.win.niddk.nih.gov or (877) 946-4627.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Diabetes Education Program is jointly sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with the support of more than 200 partner organizations.

Tyler Water Utilities 511 W. Locust

Tyler, Texas 75710

Office: 903-531-1230 Fax: 903-531-1259

email Water Utilities: WaterUtilities@tylertexas.com 7

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Fighting Obesity In Toddlers

ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 14 percent of children ages 2 to 5 are overweight, putting them at increased risk of becoming obese adults.

Experts agree that the key to combating these weighty statistics is to get parents involved with their children at an early age to teach them the importance of healthy eating habits and exercise.

“Kids develop healthy diet and exercise habits as preschoolers,” explains Mary L. Gavin, MD, Medical Editor, KidsHealth, Nemours Center for Children’s Health Media. “Parents can be both teachers and role models when it

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Edibly Fun, Easily Done Recipes

or parents contending with a throng of hungry, thirsty kids looking for some munchies, they’ll be happy to know they can easily turn their kitchen into a neighborhood hot spot. Even the busiest of moms can show they have a knack for snacks by serving up easy, kid-friendly creations that are loaded with fruits and vegetables that kids need as part of a healthy diet. Parents can whip up a variety of Edibly Fun, Easily Done recipes that include fun dipping sauces, bite-sized portions and kid-friendly favorites to ensure they hit a home run with every kid on the block.

The Canned Food Alliance collaborated with

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comes to eating right and being active.”

Here are some tips: • Get preschoolers moving-and have fun doing it. Try walking like a penguin, hopping like a frog or imitating other animal movements with your child.

• Teach kids that healthy foods taste good.

Serve delicious but low-sugar juice beverages, with a handful of whole-grain cereal for a tasty, nutrient-packed snack.

• Connect with your child through active play like dancing. The key is to have fun.

For more ideas and information, visit www.

SproutSmart.com.

Chef Andrew Schloss to create recipes for mom to make for her kids and their friends who always seem to find their way to the kitchen. As a cookbook author and father of three, Chef Schloss created these kid-friendly offerings using a variety of shelf-stable canned foods so they’re edibly fun, easily done any day of the week, without making an extra trip to the store. Serve up creations such as Munchable Mini-Burgers with Flavorful Fruit Dips, Fruity Frozen Fudge Pops, and French Toast Fingers with Fruity and Veggie Dips.

For more recipes, visit www.mealtime.org.

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Breastfeeding Benefits Mom & Baby

ccording to Healthy People 2010, a national initiative to improve the health of all Americans, only 64 percent of America’s mothers breastfed their babies in early postpartum in 1998-despite breastfeeding’s many positive benefits.

One goal of Healthy People 2010 is to see that percentage increase to 75 percent by 2010.

“There are three components of a successful breastfeeding experience for all moms,” said Irene Zoppi, clinical education specialist at Medela, maker of the No. 1 choice of breastpumps for hospitals and health care professionals. “Moms need support from family and friends, a trustworthy lactation consultant, and a high-quality breastpump to make sure that they get off to a good start.”

PASTRIES * CAKES * “Leaves are falling, Our cookies are calling”

PIES

According to Zoppi, whether a mom chooses to work or stay home, she should be aware of the significant benefits of breastfeeding for her health as well as that of her infant. “With an established breastfeeding regimen, the health rewards are numerous and the bond created between mom and baby is like no other.”

World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), a global network of individuals and organizations in 120 nations, designates a World Breastfeeding Week every August to remind people of the health benefits that early and exclusive breastfeeding provides for both moms and their babies.

For more information about breastfeeding and breastpumping, log on to www.medela.com.

WAL MART Caring About Our Children’s Health

5930 OLD BULLARD RD., TYLER 903-561-9644 www.chezbazan.com

3900 Troup Hwy Tyler - 903-534-1333 9

Teaching Young Children Safe Online Habits

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n eye-opening survey on young children and the Internet suggests that parents might want to give their kids a talk about “bits and bytes” before they talk about the “birds and bees.” The survey, conducted

by Harris Interactive and commissioned by the computer experts from 1-800-905GEEK, revealed that children are being introduced to the Internet at young ages. Specifically, 20 percent of online adults with children under 18 in the household report that at least one child in their home was introduced to the Web at age 3 or younger. An even higher proportion of these adults-41 percent-are allowing children online at 6 or younger.

Giving “The Talk” With the goal of helping parents to educate young children about safe online habits, 1-800-905-GEEK encourages adults to give a “bits and bytes” talk to all young ones venturing online. Here are some suggested guidelines that parents should follow when talking with their children about proper Internet usage: 1. Keep it Private-Make sure your children know how important it is to remain anonymous on the Internet. They should never give out personal or private information of any kind. Encourage them to tell you about anyone on the Internet who asks them to reveal personal information.

2. Don’t Connect in the Real World-Remind your kids how dangerous it is to have a real-life, face-to-face meeting with someone from the Internet.

3. Play by the Rules-Consider creating household rules governing when your children can use the Internet and what they are allowed to do online.

4. Keep it Real-Remind your kids that not everything they read online is true. Many Web sites contain gossip, rumors, misleading information or outright lies.

5. If it Seems Too Good To Be TrueLet your children know that advertisements appearing too good to be true-such as those offering free products-are usually a trick of some kind.

Controlling Online Content Even the most intelligent, well-informed children can still succumb to the temptations of the Internet. To best protect them, 1-800905-GEEK suggests that parents remove computers from their children’s bedrooms (or any place where the Internet can be accessed in private), keep an eye on the Web sites their kids visit, and don’t be afraid to read their e-mail. To learn more about child Web safety, download the free “Parents Guide to Internet Safety” found at www.1800905GEEK.com/ press.

1313 S.Vine Tyler, TX 75701 903-526-AUTO 2886 PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE AGENTS

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Local Agents Serving Main Street America

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Tips On Preventing & Detecting Ear Infections

eeding some simple advice could help your child avoid an ear infection, or help identify an infection early, so you can take action quickly.

Middle-ear infections (acute otitis media) are so prevalent that 83 percent of children under the age of 3 have had one or more and nearly 50 percent have had three or more. According to a recent study in Pediatrics magazine, ear infections are the No. 1 reason for: • Children’s visits to the emergency room; • Illness visits to the doctor’s office; and • Antibiotic prescriptions.

While an infection can develop anytime, the majority occur during the cough/cold season when fluid lingering in the ear, after a cold or flu, becomes infected with either bacteria or a virus.

Dr. Jerome Klein, an expert on middle-ear infections, offers tips to help prevent, and detect ear infections: • Keep child’s immunizations up to date.

• If possible, breast-feed rather than bottlefeed.

• Avoid child’s exposure to tobacco smoke.

• Practice frequent hand washing to decrease germ transmission.

If you suspect your child has an ear infection, some common signs include: • Fluid in the middle ear

• Pulling or rubbing the ear (indicating ear pain) • Irritability • Decrease in appetite • Fever • Runny or stuffy nose and/or cough.

Parents of infants and children with middleear fluid and/or other signs of an ear infection will want to consult their physician.

For more information, visit www.earcheck. com or call (888) EAR-CHEK (327-2435).

1313 S.Vine Tyler, TX 75701 903-526-AUTO 2886 PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE AGENTS

Stainback Tire & Alignment Center Lawn Tires Passenger Tires Tractor Tires Truck Tires

Whitehouse, Texas

(903) 839-9559

Darwin Stainback - Owner 19030 CR 2197 Next to Whitehouse Garage

Scott Dowdy Manager

Local Agents Serving Main Street America

Whitehouse Garage (903) 839-2808 Darwin Stainback - Owner 18976 Hwy. 110 S. Whitehouse, TX 75791

John Stainback Manager & Mechanic

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The Flu: A Guide for Parents

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he fall season is here and winter is not far behind. Unfortunately, winter does not come alone. Flu activity can start as early as October and last through March. Now is the time to take preventative steps in protecting your child and others from the flu.

How Can I Protect My Child from the Flu? A flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu. The Center for Disease Control recommends that all children from the ages of six months through 18 years of age get a flu vaccine every fall or winter.

• Flu shots can be given to children 6 months and older.

• A nasal-spray vaccine can be given to healthy children 2 years and older You can protect your child by getting a flu vaccine for yourself too.

What Can I Do? Take everyday steps to prevent the spread of germs. This includes: • Clean your hands often and cover your coughs and sneezes.

Tell your child to: • Stay away from people who are sick.

• Clean hands often.

• Keep hands away from face.

• Cover coughs and sneezes to protect oth-

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ers (it’s best to use a tissue. Then, throw it away).

What Should I Use for Hand Cleaning?

Washing hands with soap and water (for as long as it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song twice) will help protect your child from germs. When soap and water are not available, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used (the gels should be rubbed into your hands until they are dry).

What Can I Do If My Child Gets Sick?

Consult your doctor and make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks a lot of fluids.

Remember to never give aspirin or medicine that has aspirin in it to children or teenagers who may have the flu.

Can My Child Go to School If He Or She Is Sick?

No. Your child should stay home to rest and to avoid giving the flu to other children.

When Can My Child Go Back to School After Having The Flu? Keep your child home from school until his or her temperature has been normal for 24 hours.

For more information about flu, visit www. cdc.gov/flu Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Safe During Severe Weather

Source: Embarqo Corp. & Home Safety Council hile 58 percent of moms feel their fami- has a handset connected to the base of the lies are prepared for a severe weather phone by a cord. emergency, only 30 percent have created and These phones should continue to operate if discussed an emergency communication plan, the power goes out at your home. according to a recent survey by the Additional Safety Home Safety Council (HSC).

Tips When the weather turns severe, • Compile a safety is no accident. That’s why “ready-to-go kit” many experts say a detailed comfor when your munications plan plays a pivotal family needs to role in helping families and emerleave your home gency contacts stay connected to and a “ready-toeach other during a natural disasstay kit” when ter. your family needs Wallet-sized emergency commuto stay inside nication cards that include space your home for exto list important phone numbers tended periods of and medical information can be time. Kits should downloaded at www.embarq.com/ contain water, severeweather. canned food, can opener, flashlight, battery“First, families should discuss how they will powered radio, extra batteries, change of communicate during an emergency and then clothes and first-aid supplies. record important plan information on their • Designate a safe meeting location outside emergency communication cards,” said Home your home and out of harm’s way.

Safety Council President Meri-K Appy.

• Designate a safe place to stay in your home Communication, simple preparation and prop(away from windows) in case of severe er supplies are keys to staying safe and keepweather. ing in contact during severe weather threats.

For more information and tips, visit embarq.

The HSC strongly recommends having a com/severeweather. corded landline phone, which is a phone that

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Community Coordinator For BeSafe Publications Needed

Reach out to the community with our child safety & health magazine, and earn income too. Call Royce Ewing at 903-586-3767 or email resume to rle@besafechild.com

Helping Young Minds Soar!

One Of The Largest Selections Of Educational Material For Parents And Teachers In East Texas

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Quality Merchandise & Friendly Service

4538 S. Broadway Tyler, TX 903-509-9205 Monday - Thursday 9:30-8:00 Friday & Saturday 9:30-6:00

Toys That Teach Thomas The Tank Cash Register Teaching Telephone Phonics Readers & Flashcards Floor Puzzles & Games Butterfly Gardens Grow-A-Frog And Much, Much More

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Guide to Licensed Child Care Centers

This Directory was produced by the Better Business Bureau Foundation as a public service to assist parents in their search for a licensed child care facility. The Better Business Bureau does not endorse or recommend any product, service or company; therefore, parents should not consider this Directory a recommendation of any child care center. Any portion of the listing is subject to change at any time.

The Better Business Bureau suggests you visit and tour the facility before making a decision. Check the current status of the facility’s license with the Department of Protective & Regulatory Services at 533-4173. This license should be posted in a conspicuous place and reflect the correct address of the facility.

Here are some things to look for when choosing a child care service: Is the facility clean? Are the children clean? Is there a safe place to play both indoors and outdoors? Does caregiver share your views on discipline and religion? Can they provide special care such as diet and medication? Is this facility open to you and welcome visits anytime? If you have questions or would like a brochure from the Better Business Bureau on choosing child care, call us at (903) 581-5704 or 1-800-443-0131.

Better Business Bureau Member

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Name, Address (Listed by Zip Code)

Acute Children’s Montessori 1709 East 5th St., Tyler 75701 Bell Elementary Prime Time 1409 Hankerson, Tyler 75701 Boys & Girls Club at Bell Elem. School 1409 Hankerson, Tyler 75701 Birdwell Elementary Prime Time 1919 S. Kennedy, Tyler 75701 Clarkston Elementary Prime Time 2819 Shenandoah, Tyler 75701 Faithful Care Child Dev. & Learning 1910 Bellwood Rd., Tyler 75701 First Beginning Nursery & LearningCntr.

1000 Augusta St., Tyler 75701 First Christian Ch. Mothers Day Out 4202 S Broadway, Tyler 75701 Good Shepard Church Preschool 2525 Old Jacksonville Rd., Tyler 75701 Grace Community Early Education Cntr.

3215 Old Jacksonville Rd., Tyler 75701 Green Acres Early Education Center 1607 Troup St., Tyler 75701 Kid’s Kaleidoscope 3030 Copeland Rd., Tyler 75701 Kinder-Care Learning Center #266 2524 McDonald Rd., Tyler 75701 Kisha’s Learning Academy #2 3108 Bellwood Rd,. Tyler 75701 Tyler Christian Pre School 714-A Shelley Dr., Tyler 75701 Stepping Stone School 3105 University Blvd., Tyler 75701 Tiny Town 111 West 6th St., Tyler 75701 Trinity Lutheran Child Development 2001 Hunter, Tyler 75701

Phone

Capacity

Hours & Days Open

Zip Code 75701 526-7084

17

592-5529

40

593-9211

70

597-5466

30

566-8246

40

596-8220

61

526-0876

64

581-7936

167

592-5152

35

593-3859

150

525-1104

265

597-3063

125

597-9805

118

526-5949

31

534-9992

102

566-1851

420

526-7505

270

593-7465

136

Mon.-Fri. 7:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:30 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 8:30 - 2:30 Mon.-Fri. 7:30 - 5:30 Mon.-Fri. 7:30 - 5:30 Mon.-Fri. 7:30 - 5:30 Mon.-Fri. 9:30 - 1:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:15 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 5:45am - 6:30pm Mon.-Fri. 6:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 7:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:30am - 6:15pm Mon.-Fri. 7:00 - 6:00

Drop After School Ins Care

Ages Accepted

No

No

18 Mos. - 6 years

Yes

Yes

Head Start - 5th Gr.

No

Yes

Head Start - 5th Gr.

Yes

Yes

Head Start - 5th Gr.

Yes

Yes

Head Start - 5th Gr.

Yes

Yes

6 wks. - 12 years

Yes

Yes

Birth - School

Yes

No

Birth - 6 years

No

No

3 1/2 years. - 5 years.

No

No

2 mos. - 5th Grade

No

No

6 wks. - 5th Grade

No

No

18 mos. - Grade K

Yes

Yes

14 mos. - 12 years

Yes

Yes

Toddler - School Age

Yes

Yes

18 mos. - 13 years

No

No

Birth - 12 years

No

Yes

6 wks. - 12 years

Yes

Yes

6 wks. - 12 years

First Christian Church 4202 S. Broadway ·Tyler

MOTHER’S DAY OUT

PRESCHOOL

Licensed Drop-In Child Care Ages 0-6 years

Now Registering 3,4, & 5 Year Olds

Carolyn Wallace, Director 14

903-581-7936

Mon.- Fri. 8:30 am - 2:30 pm

Name, Address (Listed by Zip Code) Andy Woods Elementary Prime Time 809 Clyde Dr., Tyler 75701 Boys & Girls Club at Andy Woods Elem.

809 Clyde Dr., Tyler 75701 Angela’s Little Angels 1011 N. Englewood, Tyler 75702 Bridging the Gap Acceleratory 625 N. Glenwood, Tyler 75702 Bright & Early Learning Center 2916 Old Chandler Hwy., Tyler 75702 Brighter Day Christian Academy 3409 Chandler Hwy., Tyler 75702 Building Blocks Child Care 902 N. Border, Tyler 75702 Child Development & Treatment Ctr. 1722 W. Front, Tyler 75702 Ebenezer’s Day Care Center 1101 W. Queen St., Tyler 75702 Boys & Girls Club at Caldwell 331 South College, Tyler 75702 Boys & Girls Club at Douglas Elementary 1508 N. Haynie Ave., Tyler 75702 Family Learning Center of Tyler 1508 N. Haynie, Tyler 75702 Fun & Learn Child Care 522 E. Nutbush, Tyler 75702 Greater Purpose Youth Center 3200 Garden Valley Rd., Tyler 75702 Jones Elementary Prime Time 2521 W. Front, Tyler 75702 Kidz Depot Learning Academy 2420 N. Border, Tyler 75702 New Life Learning Center 1201 N.N.W. Loop 323, Tyler 75702 Ninos de Promesa Preschool 301 Ferguson W., Tyler 75702 North Moore Creative Learning 1809 N. Moore Ave., Tyler 75702 North Tyler Child Day Nursery

Phone

Capacity

592-7729

60

593-9211

70

Hours & Days Open Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00

Drop After School Ins Care

Ages Accepted

Yes

Yes

Head Start - 5th Gr.

No

Yes

Head Start - 5th Gr.

Yes

Yes

Newborn - 12 years

Yes

Yes

6 mos. - 13 yrs.

Yes

Yes

18 mos. - 13 yrs.

No

Yes

Infant - School Age

Yes

Yes

18 mos. - 13 yrs.

Yes

Yes

18 mos. - 13 yrs.

No

Yes

Birth - 5th Gr.

No

Yes

Head Start - 5th Grade

No

Yes

Head Start - 5th Grade

No

No

Birth - School

No

Yes

18 mos. - 12 years

Yes

Yes

PreK, School Age

Yes

Yes

Head Start - 5th Gr.

Yes

Yes

6 wks - 13 years

Yes

Yes

6 wks. -5 years

No

No

Pre-Kindergarten

Yes

Yes

Birth - 13 years

Yes

Yes

18 mos. - 13 years

Zip Code 75702 597-7735

21

592-6981

72

595-6646

29

595-4155

28

597-9394

63

597-5067

107

592-4180

140

593-9211

106

593-9211

40

595-0012

44

596-0060

29

593-5630

32

531-3848

20

593-5437

33

526-7676

78

595-1021

55

597-6441 592-3671

112

Mon.-Fri. 6:30 - 10:30 Mon.-Fri. 6:30 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 8:00am - 12:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 24 Hours Mon.-Fri. 7:30 - 5:30 Mon.-Fri. 6:00 - 5:30 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 7:30 - 5:30 Mon.-Fri. 6:00am - 6:00pm Mon.- Fri. 7:00am - 6:00pm Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:30 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:30 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 7:30 - 5:30 Mon.-Fri. 6:30 - 5:30 Mon.-Fri.

15

Name, Address (Listed by Zip Code)

Phone

Paula’s Outreach Center 1700 N. Moore, Tyler 75702 Ramey Elementary Prime Time 2105 Garden Valley Rd., Tyler 75702 Texas College Child Development Cntr.

2404 N. Grand Ave., Tyler 75702 Tyler Day Nursery 2901 W. Gentry Pkwy., Tyler 75702 Tyler 1st UMC Kidz Place 2107 Woodlawn, Tyler 75702 T.I.S.D. Child Care 1818 North Confederate, Tyler 75702 Visions of Learning Child Care Centers 513 S. Fleishel, Tyler 75702 YMCA - The Learning Center 225 S. Vine, Tyler 75702

592-2471 597-5347 526-4577 592-4861 593-1169 590-4020 533-0812 593-7327

Capacity 33 20 85 136 93 34 31 85

Hours & Days Open Mon.-Fri. 6:00 - 5:30 Mon.-Fri. 6:00 - 5:30 Mon.-Fri. 7:30 - 5:30 Mon.-Fri. 7:30 - 5:30 Mon.-Fri. 6:00 - 5:30 Mon.-Fri. 6:00 - 5:30 Mon.-Fri. 6:30 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 7:00 - 6:00

Drop After School Ins Care

Ages Accepted

No

Yes

18 mos. - 11 years

Yes

Yes

Head Start - 5th Gr.

Yes

Yes

18 mos. - 13 years

No

No

6 wks. - 5 years

No

Yes

Birth - 4 years

No

No

6 wks. - 4 years

Yes

No

Infant - Pre K

Yes

Yes

2 years - 12 years

Zip Code 75703, 75704, 75705, 75706, 75707, 75708

Creative Kids Learning Center 420 W. Rieck., Tyler 75703 East Texas Christian Academy 1797 Shiloh Rd., Tyler 75703 Boys & Girls Club at Cumberland Acad.

8225 S. Broadway, Tyler 75703 Boys & Girls Club at Jack Elementary 1900 Balsam Gap Ln., Tyler 75703 Boys & Girls Club at Owens Elementary Saline Creek Rd., Tyler 75703 Gresham Heights Learning Center 15945 FM 2493, Tyler 75703 Kidz R Life Childcare Center 18535 Hwy. 69S., Tyler 75703 Little Peoples School 5210 Hollytree, Tyler 75703 Tyler Little Red School House 6611 S. Broadway, Tyler 75703 Rice Elementary Prime Time 409 Carriage Drive, Tyler 75703 Oak Hill Montessori School 6720 Oak Hill Blvd., Tyler 75703 Oak Tree Academy LLC 6321 New Copeland Rd., Tyler 75703 Boys & Girls Club at Rice Elementary 409 Carriage Drive, Tyler 75703 Shiloh Road Learning Center 2101 Shiloh Rd., Tyler 75703 The Taylor-Carden School 5330 New Copeland Rd., Tyler 75703 Dixie Prime Time 213 Patton Ln., Tyler 75704 Orr Elementary Prime Time 3101 Orr Drive, Tyler 75704 Kissam Prime Time 12800 St. Hwy. 64 E., Tyler 75705 Faith Academy 10645 St. Hwy. 64 E., Tyler 75707

561-3120 561-8642 593-9211 593-9211 593-9211 581-5141 839-2202 509-8904 561-0746 561-6713 561-1002 581-4075 593-9211 561-1559 561-3551 593-6979 593-3954 521-1229 565-0404

136 60 77 136 150 75 154 130 175 65 100 119 116 186 200 356 25 65 50

Mon.-Fri. 6:30 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 7:30 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:30 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:30 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 9:30 - 1:30 Mon.-Fri. 6:30 - 6:10 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00 Mon. - Fri. 7:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 9:00 - 2:30 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:00 - 6:30 Mon.-Fri. 6:45 - 5:45 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 8:00 - 3:00

Yes

Yes

12 mos. - 12 yrs.

Yes

Yes

2 years - 12th Grade

No

Yes

Head Start - 5th Gr.

Yes

Yes

School Age

No

Yes

Head Start - 5th Gr.

Yes

Yes

6 wks. - 13 years

Yes

Yes

Infant - School Age

No

No

Preschool - 2-5 years

Yes

Yes

6 wks. - 5th Grade

Yes

Yes

Head Start - 5th Gr.

No

Yes

Toddler, PreK, School

No

No

12 mos. - 6 years

No

Yes

Head Start - 5th Gr.

No

Yes

12 mos. - 12 years

No

Yes, Selected

2 years - 12 years

Yes

Yes

Head Start - 5th Gr.

Yes

Yes

Head Start - 5th Gr.

Yes

Yes

Call for Information

Yes

Yes

Pre K - School

Community Coordinator For BeSafe Publications Needed

Reach out to the community with our child safety & health magazine, and earn income too. Call Royce Ewing at 903-586-3767 or email resume to rle@besafechild.com 16

Name, Address (Listed by Zip Code) The Growing Stick Learning Center 2700 Willard St., Tyler 75707 Fairwood UMC Child Care Center 1712 Old Omen Rd., Tyler 75707 Future Leaders Day Care 11901 FM 3270, Tyler 75708

Phone

Capacity

534-0601

86

566-8359

102

636-5440

47

Hours & Days Open Mon.-Fri. 7:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 7:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:00 - 6:00

Drop After School Ins Care

Ages Accepted

No

Yes

18 mos. - 12 years

No

Yes

6 wks. - 13 years

Yes

Yes

Birth - School

Zip Code 75709, 75750, 75755, 75757, 75762

ABC Preschool Inc. 13931 State Hwy. 31, Tyler 75709 All About Love 12831 State Hwy. 31, Tyler 75709 The Playschool 300 E. Longview, Arp 75750 Taylor’s Christian Day School, Inc. 111 N. Rather St., Bullard, 75757 First Baptist Church Hand-in-Hand Pres.

1001 FM 2813, Flint 75762

593-9410

222

593-9788

27

859-2315

17

894-7222

100

839-4886

96

Mon.-Fri. 6:00am - 6:30pm Mon.-Fri. 6:00 - 6:30 Mon.-Fri. 7:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 7:00 - 6:00 Mon, Tues, Thurs 9:00 - 2:30

Yes

Yes

Birth - 12 years

Yes

Yes

18 mos. - 13 years

Yes

Yes

18 mos. - School

Yes

Yes

6 wks. - 12 years 6 wks. - 13 years

No

Zip Code 75771, 75789, 75791, 75792

Apple Tree Learning Center 1420 S. Main St., Lindale 75771 Little Eagles Day School 110 Bell St., Lindale 75771 St. Lukes Episcopal School 16292 FM 849, Lindale 75771 Toy Town Pre-School 610 S. Boyd St., Lindale 75771 Crayon Campus 428 Hwy. 110 N., Whitehouse 75791 Cain Elementary Prime Time Hwy. 110 South, Whitehouse 75791 First Baptist Children’s Learning 801 E. Main St., Whitehouse 75791 Mama’s House, Inc. 802 W. Main, Whitehouse 75791 New Generation Learning Center 14172 Hwy. 110 S., Whitehouse Tyler Metro Childrens Center 14186 Hwy. 110 S., Whitehouse 75791 YMCA - Whitehouse Community Branch 301 Terry St., Whitehouse 75791

881-9921

94

882-5200

95

881-8733

65

881-9404

71

839-8607

26

839-7666

30

839-4840

144

839-6789

119

561-5833

204

561-0253

165

758-3535

30

Mon.-Fri. 6:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:30 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 8:30 - 12:30 Mon.-Fri. 7:00 - 6:00 Mon. - Fri. 6:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 7:00 - 5:45 Mon.-Fri. 6:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:30 - 5:45 Mon.-Fri. 7:00 - 6:00 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 - 6:00

Yes

Yes

Birth - School

No

Yes

6 wks. - 12 years

No

No

18 mos. - 4 years

Yes

Yes

18 mos. - School

Yes

Yes

Birth-School

Yes

Yes

Head Start - 5th Gr.

No

Yes

6 wks. - 11 years

No

Yes

Birth - 13 years

Yes

Whitehouse

18 mos. - 6th Grade

No

Yes

6 wks. - 12 years

Yes

Yes

Head Start - 5th Gr.

Visit us on the Web www.besafechild.com

17

F

Children Safety Seats

or most parents, a child safety seat tops their “to-buy-for-baby” list. And with good reason: All 50 states have laws that require the use of child safety restraints. And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that child safety seats reduce the risk of being killed in a car crash by 71 percent for an infant and by 54 percent for a toddler.

However, the wide range of child safety seats on the market today has left more than a few parents confused. A recent NHTSA study reveals that 72 percent of parents (close to three out of four!) don’t know how to use child safety restraints properly.

Choose It Right4 Steps For Kids To help parents and caregivers choose the right safety restraints for children of every age, NHTSA developed “4 Steps For Kids.” Visit www.nhtsa.gov and click on “4 Steps For Kids” to download your copy today.

Or check out the “4 Steps For Kids” safety guidelines below: 1. For the best possible protection, keep infants in the back seat, in rear-facing child safety seats, as long as possible up to the height or weight limit of the particular seat.

At a minimum, keep infants rear-facing until at least age 1 and at least 20 pounds.

2. When children outgrow their rear-facing seats they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds).

3. Once children outgrow their forward-facing seats they should ride in booster seats in the back seat, until the vehicle seat belts fit properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’ 9” tall).

4. When children outgrow their booster seats they can use the adult seat belts in the back seat, if they fit properly (lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest).

For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov and click on the “Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Week” link.

Visit us on the Web

besafechild.com 1-800-233-8568 BeSafe Publications 566 CR 4103 Jacksonville, Tx. 75766

18

What’cha waitin’ for?

OPEN 24 HOURS ACROSS FROM BROADWAY SQUARE MALL 137 WSW LOOP 323, TYLER GRESHAM Location Coming Soon!

561-7334

A

Cause For Alarms: What Parents Miss When Child Proofing

s new parents prepare for the arrival of their baby, they’ll likely make safety a top priority. They put poisons out of reach, cover up unused electrical outlets and install safety gates.

But experts say parents may miss the deadliest threat in the home for small children.

Fires and burns are the leading cause of unintentional homeinjury deaths for children over age 1 and the second-leading cause for infants, according to the Home Safety Council’s State of Home Safety in America.

“In addition to working smoke alarms, families need to take all necessary precautions to help protect themselves and their children in the event of a house fire. This includes having fire extinguishers within reach and regularly practicing a fire escape plan,” said Chris Rovenstine, vice president for Kidde Residential & Commercial.

Steps to Take Before Bringing Baby Home Parents can easily incorporate fire safety into overall childproofing plans: • Install UL-listed smoke and carbon mon-

Kids Meal $2 On Wednesday After 4:30 p.m.

1815 Roseland Blvd.

(903) 597-2901 Ken Rollins / General Manager

200 Rice Road

(903) 581-2498 Antonio Romero / General Manager

oxide (CO) alarms near sleeping areas and on every floor of your home. For optimal protection, install both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms, which may provide the earliest opportunity of detecting either smoldering or fast-flaming fires.

• Test alarms per manufacturers’ instructions and replace batteries as needed.

• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years and CO alarms every seven.

• Keep a UL-listed fire extinguisher (minimum 2A-10B:C).

Steps to Take as a Family • Develop and regularly practice a fire escape plan.

• Include two exits from every room and also details such as who will assist young ones out of the home.

• Practice your plan at least twice a year, both during the day and at night.

• Teach toddlers not to hide. Remind them that firefighters are there to help.

For more information on baby safety and to download a free childproofing checklist, visit www.safehomesafebaby.com.

Home of Hand Cut Steaks & Fall Off The Bone Ribs Tuesdays - Kids Eat Free 2101 E.S.E. Loop 323 509-0053 19

Children’s Health Insurance Keeps Growing CHIP “Perinatal Program”

Texas residents who are pregnant, uninsured and not eligible for Medicaid may qualify for CHIP “Perinatal Program” benefits.

Coverage starts before the child is born and continues after the child is enrolled.

Benefits include: Up to 20 prenatal visits.

Prescription drug coverage based on current CHIP formulary.

Hospital facility charges and professional services charges related to labor with delivery only.

Preterm labor that does not result in a birth and false labor are not covered benefits.

Two postpartum visits for the mother.

Regular check-ups, immunizations and prescriptions for the baby.

A full list of covered benefits is available at http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/chip/perinatal/indes.htm.

If you would like to apply for any State Programs CHIP/Medicaid, CHIP “Perinatal Program,” Women’s Health Program, Food Stamps, TANF or long term care please contact any of the Outreach Assistance Contact Numbers below in your county. Or you can call 1-800-647-6558.

You can also visit our website @ www.chipmedicaid.org.

. . . . . . .

New Ways To Apply for Any of the State Of Texas Programs

CHIP (Children’s Health Program)

CHIP “Perinatal Program” Women’s Health Program (Medicaid)

Medicaid Food Stamps Long Term Care TANF

Please Contact Us For More Information

Cynthia (Abby) Farias Outreach Specialist (Covering Smith, Camp, Rains, Van Zandt, Wood, Gregg, Harrison Counties) (903) 535-0028 1-888-903-0028 cfarias@netphd.org

Arnetta Garner Outreach Specialist (Covering Cherokee, Rusk, Anderson, Henderson, Panola, Marion, Upshur Counties) (903) 541-2454 1-888-903-0028 a.garner@netphd.org

Or go to our website: www.healthyeasttx.org 20

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

$50 or less covers all your children for one year. Most families pay little or nothing at all. .Extend the enrollment from 6 months to 12 months. .Eliminate the 90-day waiting period for most children. .Increase the asset limit from $5,000 to $10,000 per household. .Increase the amount cars can be worth when determining eligibility. .Allow childcare expenses to be deducted from household income when determining whether children are eligible for the program.

Children’s Medicaid Children’s Medicaid provides free coverage for a wide range of health care services for children who qualify. It helps nearly 2 million Texas children stay healthy and get the care they need.

CHIP If your children get CHIP coverage, Your family will pay no more than $50 every year, and many families pay nothing. Depending on your income, you may have copayments for some services, such as prescriptions and visits to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Most copays range from $3 to $10.

Benefits Include: .Choice of doctors .Regular check-ups and office visits .X-rays and lab tests .Prescription drugs and medical supplies .Mental health care .Dentist visits, cleaning and fillings .Coverage for special health needs .Access to medical specialists .Coverage for pre-existing conditions .Shots and immunizations .Eye exams and glasses CHIP now offers prenatal care for unborn children of low-income women who do not qualify for Medicaid. One application covers both programs. We will look at your application and let you know if your children qualify for Children’s Medicaid or CHIP. Go to www.CHIPmedicaid.org and print an application, or call us at 903-535-0028 or 1-888-903-0028 NETPHD Website: www.healthyeasttx.org

Income Guidelines for CHIP/Children’s Medicaid Family Members (Adults plus children)

May Qualify For Children’s Medicaid Annual Family Income

May Qualify For CHIP Annual Family Income

1

$10,400

$20,800

2

$14,000

$28,000

3

$17,600

$35,200

4

$21,200

$42,400

21

Could Your Child Have Autism?

Free Service Available

O

nce considered a rare disorder, autism is now diagnosed in one in every 150 children, with boys nearly four times more likely than girls to receive a diagnosis. For parents who believe their child may have autism, it is important to ask questions, get answers and seek appropriate treatment.

What Is Autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder,” which means that it manifests itself differently for every individual, varying in the severity and type of symptoms.

While there are strong and consistent commonalities, there is no single behavior that is always typical of autism and no behavior that would automatically exclude an individual from receiving a diagnosis.

A basic rule for treating autism is the earlier the intervention, the better. Getting the right help at the earliest stage of life can help a child gain the skills he or she needs to be successful. If you’re worried your child may have autism-or feel something just isn’t quite right-you should: 1. First and foremost, follow your instincts.

Don’t assume that your child will catch up.

2. Share your concerns with your pediatrician. Consider seeing a doctor who is

familiar with autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers an online pediatrician referral service, searchable by specialty and location.

3. Utilize early intervention services available in every state. The government provides free services for children with disabilities.

Consult the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities at www. nichcy.org and your local early intervention lead agency at www.nectac.org/ search/ mapfinder.asp. The lead agency is required to provide a timely evaluation, typically within 45 days of being contacted. If your child is experiencing significant developmental delays in one or more of the following areas, you’re eligible for free early intervention services: cognitive, physical, communication, social, emotional or adaptive skills.

4. Get a diagnosis. Autism can be diagnosed as early as 18 months old. Many children are diagnosed before age 5, although many children get misdiagnosed or not diagnosed until later in life.

5. Seek help from community service and treatment providers like Easter Seals. Start by visiting autism.easterseals.com.

To learn more about autism, find services at an Easter Seals near you or help Easter Seals change the lives of people living with autism by becoming a donor or volunteer, visit autism.easter seals.com.

Helping Young Minds Soar!

One Of The Largest Selections Of Educational Material For Parents And Teachers In East Texas

.

.

.

Quality Merchandise & Friendly Service

4538 S. Broadway Tyler, TX 903-509-9205 Monday - Thursday 9:30-8:00 Friday & Saturday 9:30-6:00

FREE BOOKLETS AVAILABLE CALL 581-5704 OR 1-800-443-0131

22

Toys That Teach Thomas The Tank Cash Register Teaching Telephone Phonics Readers & Flashcards Floor Puzzles & Games Butterfly Gardens Grow-A-Frog And Much, Much More

Protect, Promote, & Provide For The Health Of Our Community

.. .

Did you know........?

17.5% of children ages 6-11 are overweight Parents should start cleaning their child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears In the U.S., vaccination programs have eliminated or significantly reduced many vaccine- preventable diseases. However, these diseases still exist and can once again become common - and deadly - if vaccination coverage does not continue at high levels.

Your Northeast Texas Public Health District is here to help.

Northeast Texas Public Health District offers the following services and much more to the children of our Community: Immunizations - 535-0060 Birth Certificates - 535-0030 St. Paul Pediatric Dental Clinic - 526-4900

WIC Nutrition Education & Assistance - 592-7635 St. Paul Children’s Clinic - 531-9441 Community Outreach & Assistance - 535-0028

City of Tyler Animal/Mosquito Control - 535-0045

Medicaid, CHIP, Food Stamps, TANF

WE ARE HERE TO MEET YOU CHILD’S HEALTHY LIVING NEEDS. 23

Michael Austin, MD

Andrew Hoover, MD

Caroline McRae-Vogler, MD

Ellen Melton, MD

We Know Kids

ETMC First Physicians for Kids When it comes to knowing kids, the pediatricians at ETMC First Physicians Clinic on Fifth Street in Tyler are experts. They’re specially trained in the care of newborns, infants, toddlers and adolescents, with emphasis on physical, mental and social development.

See the ETMC First Physicians for Kids on Fifth Street in Tyler for: • Immunizations • Physicals and developmental assessments • Treatment of childhood viruses and illnesses For an appointment, call 903-590-5000.

1000 E. Fifth St. Tyler, TX 75701

Marinel Munda, MD

ETMC First Physicians are in-network providers for most insurance plans.

24

A not-for-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life in East Texas communities.

www.etmc.org