Ask the Experts

Megan Maciel

KVC KANSAS KVC Kansas provides heart-centered services to children and families through in-home family support, foster care, adoption, behavioral health care and children’s psychiatric hospitals. 913.499.8100, Kansas.KVC.org

Ashley Flores, CPDT-KC

GREAT PLAINS SPCA Great Plains SPCA is one of the largest no-kill animal shelters in the Kansas City area, serving Johnson County, KS, and Kansas and the surrounding area. 913.831.7722, GreatPlainsSPCA.org

Q

How do I know my home meets the licensing requirements to provide foster care?

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, we encourage you to reach out to a recruitment specialist to discuss options. During this process we will evaluate and discuss your home, how many children you are interested in fostering, and what state requirements need to be met. We can also assist with school and daycare enrollment, community resources for counseling, and where to access medical care for a foster child in your home. Megan Maciel

Director of Recruitment and Communication KVC Kansas

Q

My dog has not been around many children, and I am now expecting. How do I prepare my dog for our new baby?

Start refreshing or training your dog on the basics such as “sit,” “wait,” and “no jumping.” The “leave it” command is also a good one to utilize when your dog and new baby are first getting to know each other. Familiarize your dog with the baby gear and strollers. Take the dog for a walk with the stroller prior to the baby’s arrival and have the dog spend some time in the baby’s room so everything is not new all at once. Create a safe space where your dog can go if he feels overwhelmed and never leave your baby unsupervised with your dog. Ashley Flores

Great Plains SPCA

ASK THE EXPERTS...If you have a question, send it our way and we’ll ask one of our experts to answer. Email editor@kcparent.com and put “Ask the Experts” in the subject line. As always, please consult your health care provider with any medical questions or concerns.