Education

USING COMMON SENSE Best Apps and Videos for Learning:

Common Sense recommendations for families

By Ilana Lowery AS YOUR STUDENTS settle into the school year and their routines at home, it’s important to remember that learning opportunities shouldn’t be relegated to the classroom alone. With families in mind, Common Sense has developed a series of trusted reviews and ratings for learning apps, videos, books and more to help parents select quality media for your kids.

Our “Best of” lists offer handpicked, carefully reviewed titles grouped by category. Topics range from skills essential to life and work in the 21st century, to traditional academic subjects, to recommendations for particular settings or types of kids. And these titles are FUN! After all, excited, engaged kids are primed for learning.

While we have compiled lists of the best of the best for all ages, here are some great learning apps and games that Common Sense staffers have gathered and reviewed for kiddos to keep them engaged:

• Dora the Explorer Movies, Games, and

More: Play, sing, and learn with kids’ favorite bilingual explorer.

• Podcasts and Audio Apps for Kids: Podcasts aren’t just for grown-ups, so find one like

Fruit Punch Music, Tales Untold or Sparkle

Stories that your whole family can enjoy.

• Cool Online Museums for Curious Kids:

Explore art, science, and history from around the world with apps such as Civilisations AR, Smithsonian Education Students, Exploratorium or Google Art Project.

• Fun Apps That Don’t Need Wi-Fi or Data:

Sometimes you can’t stay connected, but these apps will let the fun continue! Check out codeSpark Academy, Thinkrolls: Kings & Queens and Jump Numbers.

• Apps and Sites for Kids Who Hate Math:

Things just don’t add up when your kid can’t stand math, but these tools can help. Some of the best include: Bedtime Math; Kahoot!

Algebra by DragonBox; MathTango; or

Mystery Math Town.

• Apps for Kids Who Think Reading Is Boring:

For some kids, picking up a book is like torture. Take the sting out of text and find a fun inroad with apps like uKloo, SwapTales:

Leon, Marvel Hero Tales and Weirdwood

Manor.

• Apps to Help Kids Stay Focused: From little kid to teen, all youngsters get distracted, so consider using some tech to keep them on track like KazuTime, ChorePad, Focus

Keeper Pro or Streaks.

• Quirky Apps That Can Help Your Kid Learn:

These apps are bizarre in the best ways — and they offer learning opportunities. Some great ones are Busy Water, WindoSill and

The Robot Factory by Tinybop.

• Apps and Sites for Gifted and Talented

Kids: Though these tools are great for all kids, they have special appeal for kids who need an extra challenge. DIY.org: Creative Challenges, Dotopedia, Storybird and The Foolish King are a few to get them engaged.

• Best Math Games for 2nd Grade: Keep your kid’s love of numbers alive with these super-fun tools with apps like Math Bakery 2, Math Wizard for Kids, Hexologic and

Rookie Maths.

• Games That Support Kindness and

Compassion: Step into others’ shoes with great games such as A Bird Story, Social

Adventures and Chuchel.

• Best News Sources for Kids: News websites designed for a young audience that we like are Newsela, News-O-Matic: Reading for Kids, NewsForKids.net and Time for Kids.

For more tips and resources, go to commonsense.org. You can also sign up for our bilingual texting program, Tips by Text for families with children aged 3 to 11. Parents and caregivers can get entertainment picks and tips for healthy tech use, sent by text message. Just text the word “kids” to 21555 for English and “familia” for Spanish to sign up for this free service.

Ilana Lowery is the Arizona director for the nonprofit Common Sense Media. She can be reached at ilowery@commonsense.org

How to choose a PRESCHOOL or CHILDCARE PROGRAM

By Alex Swartz

CHOOSING A PRESCHOOL or childcare program for your child isn’t easy. It’s exciting to look for a program that will provide the foundation for your child’s education and development, but parents and caregivers often end up with more questions than answers.

The process of finding, evaluating and choosing a program that is the best fit for your child can quickly become overwhelming. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on preschools and childcare providers: social distancing, school closures and economic challenges have all made a tough process even harder.

Southwest Human Development’s Birth to Five Helpline frequently receives calls from parents and caregivers looking for advice or resources for finding a childcare or preschool program for their child.

One of the first hurdles that parents and caregivers face is availability. Many programs don’t have openings or have even shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And once parents and caregivers find an opening, they may find that a program is too expensive for their family budget.

The most important factor to consider when looking for a preschool or childcare program is quality. The first five years of a child’s life are the most important time for their development, shaping their physical, mental, emotional and social abilities as well as creating the foundation for future success in learning and life. Parents and caregivers also have to consider their child’s and family’s unique needs. That’s a lot of pressure. But knowing the key elements of quality can help you make an informed decision.

Quality early learning programs should include:

• Teachers and childcare professionals who are skilled at working with young children • Positive, nurturing interactions • Small class sizes, maximizing the amount of individual attention that children need • Environments that promote creativity, imagination and play-based learning, not just formal worksheet education • Engaging activities that promote a child’s brain development • Teachers and childcare professionals who frequently communicate with parents and caregivers about their child’s developmental progress

Some resources that are available right here in Arizona are Arizona Child Care Resource and Referral (azccrr.com) and Quality First (qualityfirstaz.com). These resources provide ratings of childcare facilities and a checklist for parents and caregivers looking at individual programs. Quality First also has a provider search tool, which helps you find programs near you based on type of childcare, age of children and other criteria.

Parents and caregivers can also explore the NAEYC’s website (azaeyc.org) and the First Things First website (firstthingsfirst.org), both of which provide a wealth of resources about early learning programs, accreditation and what makes a program high-quality.

If you are considering a preschool or childcare program for your child and have questions, you can call, email or text Arizona’s Birth to Five Helpline. Helpline specialists will talk with you about your questions and your child’s and family’s unique interests and needs, and connect you with resources to aid your search, explain different resources and possible available scholarships and even call local programs to find openings and available scholarships.

Also consider Southwest Human Development’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs, which give children from birth through five years old and their families the foundation they need to flourish.

All content in this article, including any advice or commentary from Southwest Human Development staff and/or others, should be considered an opinion and is provided for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for medical or other professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the direct advice of your own trusted professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the child/ren in your care. Southwest Human Development does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, products, procedures or other information that may be mentioned in this article. You may contact Southwest Human Development’s Birth to Five Helpline at 1-877-705-KIDS (5437) to speak with one of our early childhood professionals for personalized assistance. Birth to Five Helpline specialists are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Mount Lemmon When we have the time, we love driving up to the top of Mt. Lemmon and eating at the Iron Door Restaurant. It’s a perfect place to enjoy fall! They also have great kids’ meal choices. Funny Foot Petting Zoo This is a really unique petting zoo, and great for kids-- a perfect place to visit when the weather cools down. There are lots of animals you’d never think about petting. You can actually pet a porcupine!Marana Pumpkin Patch Every fall, visiting this pumpkin patch is a ‘must-do’! Our girls love the tractor ride and picking their own pumpkins. Plus, the bakery makes the best fall treats! It’s a great tradition. The Bennett’s Favorite Family-Friendly Spots AROUND TUCSON!

ABOUT THE COVER FAMILY: The Bennetts

By Monique Seleen | Photos by Kate Reed

MEET THE BENNETTS: Ashley, Ross and their two girls Kali-Rae (3) and Elsie (15 months). Ashley, who moved to Tucson when she was 18, and Ross–a Tucson native, met about 12 years ago through mutual friends.

They’ve now been married for almost seven years and say they love living in Tucson for its nice weather.

“If we can just bear through the few months of 110 plus, the rest of the year is perfect,” said Ashley.

Ashley began working for Southwest Metrology and Quality Services, a highly technical calibration laboratory, about eight years ago. During that time, she said she tried to learn as much as possible– from how the equipment works to how to run the business.

At the start of this year, Ashley and Ross made the decision to take over the business when the previous owner was ready to retire.

Ashley now runs the business on her own, and Ross, who worked for 12 years in the automotive industry, recently changed careers to become a firefighter.

“He challenged himself physically and mentally and made it onto a department in Green Valley,” said Ashley. “During his time in the academy, I was pregnant with our second daughter, and he never skipped a beat on being an amazing husband and father.”

Although Ashley said it was an adjustment when Ross is gone for work, she and her daughters have been learning to adapt.

“It has taken a lot to get used to him being gone overnight, but we just take it day by day,” she said. “I try to keep myself and my girls in a routine to make evenings easier.”

When home together, Ashley said she and Ross have learned to work together to divide household responsibilities and ensure they are both supporting each other as much as possible.

“My husband and I split everything–the chores around the house, cooking, and everything in between,” said Ashley. “We have always had great communication and compromise. I know at the end of the day he’s my biggest fan and cheerleader as I am to him; we’ve always pushed each other to chase our dreams.”

Maricopa County HEAD START

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ASPECT of childhood is the opportunity to observe and support the unique qualities of children. All children develop at different rates, influenced by their temperament, physiology, and family culture.

Exploring and creating individualized learning opportunities for children to thrive–including those with special needs– is a cornerstone of the Head Start program. Head Start programs promote children’s development through services that support early learning, health, and family well-being.

Head Start recognizes the importance of offering learning environments that are inclusive of children with different abilities and ones that promote belonging. All children participate in learning environments filled with opportunities for free choice that nurture their natural curiosity with the guidance of a loving caregiver. Children with disabilities or other special needs benefit from participating in inclusive settings with the appropriate assistance, allowing children to achieve more than they would in a segregated environment.

Inclusive care for children with disabilities can be achieved with a relationship-based approach that is individualized and responsive to their needs. Individualized care and daily adaptations are regularly implemented by families and teachers for typically developing children, and it can be easily achieved for children with special needs.

Recognizing that all children are competent and may need support when mastering a specific skill creates a safe and inclusive setting for children to explore. When adapting environments, activities, or materials, reviewing what supports the child’s unique interests helps create opportunities for active participation. It’s also important to remember that a child’s disability may affect one area of development but may be typically developing in others.

There are several easy key strategies to adapt environments and materials to create inclusive settings.

• Alter activities to simplify • Giving children materials for tasks one piece at a time • Providing other materials for easier use such as a big handle paint brush • Alter the environment to promote participation and learning. • Use pictures to establish routines or to signal the next activity/transition • Create safe boundaries for activities that require extra space with tape • Place material on lower shelves for easier access • Modify material to promote confidence • Add knobs or handles to wooden puzzles • Velcro to help with clothing

Head Start works closely with families to effectively plan and implement practices that keep the child engaged in the classroom community. Head Start programs change classroom materials intentionally and periodically to support children’s interests, development, and learning. Ultimately the observation and regard for the child’s preferences will generate creative strategies that support inclusive learning of all children.

Maricopa County Early Head Start and Head Start are offered by the Early Education Division of the Human Services Department of Maricopa County. The Early Education Division is dedicated to ensuring children have the knowledge and skills to be successful in school and life through service delivery to children and families in core areas of early learning, health, and family wellbeing while engaging parents as partners every step of the way. Head Start encompasses Head Start preschool programs, which primarily serve 3- and 4-year-old children, and Early Head Start programs for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.

RYAN HOUSE

Provides Relief for Caregivers of Children with Life-Limiting Conditions

DID YOU KNOW that Phoenix is home to a very special place that is dedicated to creating memories and building legacies for children who suffer from life-limiting conditions while offering a much-needed break to their caregivers? One of only three such places exist in the entire country – in fact.

It’s called Ryan House and its mission is to embrace all children and their families as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys through palliative and respite care. It’s a place for families to be supported and comfortable during their most difficult times.

You may have heard some of these terms like end-of-life, palliative and respite care before but perhaps you’re not quite sure exactly what they mean.

End-of-life care (hospice) is not a place but, rather, it is high-quality care that enables patients and families to focus on living as fully as possible despite a life-limiting illness. The care team at Ryan House, for example, offers a loving system of support and comfort for children and families through their very difficult journeys by providing symptom management, assisting with difficult conversations, and offering spiritual care to name a few.

Palliative care and pediatric palliative care provide an extra layer of support. The pediatric palliative care offered at Ryan House is both a philosophy and method of care. It aims to holistically identify and alleviate the physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and emotional pain for both the child and the family. Its primary goals are to enhance quality of life, minimize suffering, optimize functions, and provide opportunities for personal growth.

Respite care essentially means a time out to rest and recharge. Ryan House provides short-term, specialized pediatric care and supervision for children in a safe environment to provide relief for their parents or caregivers. Think of respite stays as a mix between grandma’s house and camp for the children with life-limiting conditions. Families can receive care at no cost to them thanks to the generous support of the community.

If you or someone you know needs a break from the 24/7 care required for a child with a life-limiting condition, then Ryan House is for you.

Families with a child 17 years or younger, diagnosed with a life-threatening condition and who could benefit from overnight short-term respite stays can contact Ryan House at info@ ryanhouse.org or (602) 200-0767 for more details. The Ryan House Care Team works with each family to determine the eligibility of each child.

2022 Run for Ryan House

10K, 5K, and 1 Mile Family Fun Run. Registration required. Sunday, Nov. 6th at 7 a.m. Mesa Riverview Park 2100 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa

To learn more about Ryan House, including stays, volunteering opportunities and/or to donate, visit ryanhouse.org. While there, check out the online virtual tour under the “Our Palliative Care & Respite Care Home” dropdown menu.

With world-class care and programs, Ryan House embrace all children and their families as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys through palliative and respite care that addresses the emotional, spiritual, and social needs of the family, continuity of care from diagnosis to end-of-life, expert care provided by our prestigious care partners and highly trained staff and a loving community that offers ongoing support and compassion. Ryan House is the only facility of its kind in the state and only one of three in the country. For more information visit ryanhouse.org

PAL EXPERIENCES Helps Special Needs Families Have Fun

By Monique Seleen

Pal Co-founders, Melanie and Adam Isaacs.

PAL EXPERIENCES, a Phoenix-based nonprofit organization, is helping make places more inclusive and accessible for guests with developmental disabilities.

Founder and Chief Inclusion Officer, Melanie Isaacs, got the idea for the organization while working at an aquarium. After work one day, she encountered a family that inspired her to want to help.

“One day on my way home from work, a father and a son approached me,” she recalled. “They noticed the logo on my shirt and wanted to know all about the aquarium. As we were chatting the son was getting more and more excited. When I asked if he’d liked to visit, the father quickly said, ‘Oh no, we can’t go to the aquarium. He has autism. It would be too hard.’”

It was then that Isaacs recognized the difficulties that special needs families face when trying to go out places.

“Seventy percent of families impacted by autism are socially isolated; it is just easier to stay home when some of the challenges with autism are anxiety over not knowing what to expect, sensory sensitivities, and differences in communication,” Isaacs said.

That’s where Pal Experiences comes in to help. With digital tools that are available online 24/7 and free to those in need thanks to fundraising, grants, and other partnering organizations, families have access to crucial information to help them plan and prepare for their outing.

A Pal Video foreshadows what to expect– showing everything from walking through security and smelling popcorn to waiting in line and leaving– decreasing anxiety and making new adventures more predictable.

Pal Place Web Pages provide sensory scales and insider tips so families can be prepared and bring what they need, like headphones, to make it a positive experience.

Pal Guide provides on-location support including a behavior chain and picture exchange communication so guests can communicate, through images, how they are feeling and things they need.

“Our tools were built using evidencebased best practices in behavioral therapy,” said Isaacs. “Just as a ramp helps guests who move differently, Pal’s digital tools were created to help guests who process differently.”

Pal currently partners with local organizations such as OdySea Aquarium, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, the Phoenix Suns, and Arizona Diamondbacks so families can have fun together while feeling confident and prepared for their experience.

The organization also recognizes the value in not only creating resources for places that families want to go, but has resources for the places they need to visit too. Because of that, they have a partnership with Banner Children’s Urgent Care and have worked with Blue Star Recyclers to create an employment program that supports adults with developmental disabilities.

“The sky’s the limit with where our tools can work,” said Isaacs.

For more information or to access Pal Experience’s digital tools, visit: palexperiences.org

SAGUARO AQUATICS Offers Special Needs Swim Program

By Monique Seleen

THIS TUCSON-BASED swim school is taking dives to stand out among other swim facilities. Apart from their small class sizes, well-trained, professional coaches, and indoor, salt-water pool facilities, Saguaro Aquatics also offers swimming lessons specifically designed for children with mental or physical disabilities in their Sonoran Dolphins Program.

The Sonoran Dolphin Program offers private, individualized lessons for any student with disabilities. Using a unique water safety and swimming lesson curriculum, the program allows children with autism and other disabilities to learn and experience swimming safety skills and improve the overall quality of their life.

Staff is specifically trained in behavior and sensory therapy and each child is assessed during an introductory lesson, where the instructor will then customize the curriculum for each individual child allowing them to achieve their goals.

Molly Walker, Manager of the Sonoran Dolphin Program, says that the program is designed to better meet the needs of each student.

“From visual schedules to sensory toys to help during lessons as positive reinforcers and focus tools, Saguaro Aquatics strives to enter each student’s world to help teach the water safety skills needed for each student,” she said.

Not only is the program teaching valuable life-saving swimming skills, but it is also helping in a variety of other ways including fostering a sense of community, alleviating joint pain and muscle stiffness, as well as improving communication in non-verbal students.

“The SD program allows [students] to exercise, communicate, connect and be successful,” said Walker. “For clients who feel pressure on their joints constantly, the water alleviates that pain and helps cause comfort and the ability to focus on other tasks. It’s been shown that communication also grows in non-verbal students when learning in water!”

Since drowning is one of the top leading causes of death for people with Autism due to water’s calming effect, Walker says it’s important to teach water safety and set boundaries with students in hopes of reducing the number of drowning incidents amongst this population.

What To Do if You Suspect Your Child has Autism

By Morgan Hall, PhD

“IF YOU KNOW one child with autism, you know one child with autism.”

It’s a common refrain among health professionals who care for children with autism spectrum disorder. Just as no two kids are the same, no two kids with autism are the same. In fact, signs can vary dramatically from one child to the next.

Still, there are common behaviors — or a lack of behaviors — that often indicate autism. If you suspect your child may have autism, this list below of typical social and developmental signs may feel familiar. Though you may fear your child will not fit in at school or grow up to have the experiences, a proper diagnosis and appropriate interventions can help you mitigate the challenging aspects of autism and help your child live a full and happy life.

• 9 months: Your baby doesn’t respond to his or her name or look at you with a range of facial expressions — like joy, sadness and frustration. They also may be frequently and intensely distressed.

• 12 months: Your child doesn’t play pata-cake or wave goodbye to friends, family or passersby.

• 2 years: Your toddler doesn’t notice when others are hurt or sad, and doesn’t communicate or make requests by pointing or using words. children or join them in play. He or she may not care about toys, instead showing an intense and ongoing preference for household objects like flashlights, toothbrushes, remote controls — even while other 3-year-olds show a clear preference for toys.

• 4 years: While peers may enjoy dressing up as superheroes or princesses, your 4-year-old doesn’t engage in pretend play.

• 5 years: Your child doesn’t want to sing, dance or otherwise perform. In addition, collecting toys and objects is far preferable to playing with them.

• 7 years: Other 7-year-olds may be forming small friendship groups at school, but yours doesn’t have any preferred friends. Instead, your child has recurrent challenges getting along with classmates.

You may also notice your child shows restricted and repetitive behaviors, which may be very challenging for parents. These behaviors can happen across a range of ages:

• Repeats words or phrases over and over

• Lines up toys and becomes frustrated when the order is changed; gets upset when others play with toys a different way diverge, even for another fun activity

• Can’t tolerate minor changes to routines, clothing, home or school settings

• Has outsized or unusual reactions to sounds, smells and tastes

• Rocks body, spins or flaps hands

If you believe your child has autism, I recommend scheduling an evaluation right away, as a diagnosis is helpful for accessing services through many insurance providers as well as the Arizona Department of Developmental Disabilities. And since early intervention is linked to better short-and long-term outcomes for children, it’s best to move quickly.

You can start by scheduling a visit with your child’s pediatrician or contacting Axis for Autism, an Arizona healthcare company specializing in autism evaluation with offices in the Valley and in Tucson, for a free 15-minute screening. During that time, our team will determine if a full evaluation is appropriate and help you through next steps.

During my 20-year career working with children and families, I have learned that parents who believe their children have autism are almost never wrong. Honor your intuition and act swiftly to ensure the best future for your child.

Morgan Hall, PhD is a clinical neuropsychologist and clinical director of Axis for Autism.

6Accessible Playgrounds for Kids of All Abilities

By Monique Seleen

Dobson Ranch Park

2359 S Dobson Rd, Mesa

• 10,000 square feet • A multi-layer play experience with upper and lower play structures connected through ramps • Toddler expression swings that allow parents to swing with younger children • Sandbox table and musical instruments to encourage sensory play • A 50-foot double zip line with supported seat and disc for side-by-side play • Triumph Climber with transfer station for side-byside climbing • Cozy Cocoon and Saddle Spinner for children who need a quiet space • Mixed surfacing with rubber and wood fiber • Updated restrooms to meet ADA requirements • Inclusive play structures and shaded playground

Jordan’s Corner

15681 N Hayden Rd Unit 116, Scottsdale

• 2,800 square feet • Indoor play place for children under the age of 6 • Sensory play • Swings • Montessori climbers • Soft play • Interactive wall • Art and cars table • Daily staff led activities • Meet & greet with princesses • Story time • Parent rest spots with complimentary phone chargers, access to coffee and clean meals, and an open layout, so each child can be seen from every corner of the room

Milagro Playground

Jacobs Park 3300 N. Fairview Ave, Tucson

• Wheelchair accessible picnic tables • 720-foot Challenge Circuit that surrounds the park • Triple-Shootout basketball court with baskets of varying heights • Seat walls • Sand & water play area • Swings for tots • Climbing structure with slide • Surfaces made of rubberized cement • Play area for 5-12 year old children with ramped play modules and discovery learning stations

Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative Playground

282 N. 12th Avenue, Yuma

• Slides (including tunnel slides from within the castle towers) • Climbing wall • Nooks for creative exploration • Pebble Flex ground cover that is soft and squishy, ensuring safe landings • Zipline • Giant TriNet climbing structure • Comfort swing • 17,000-square-foot (over 3 acres of playground) Also known as Castle Park, the Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative Playground is a unique ADA playground that has been recognized as one of the largest creative playgrounds, as well as one of the top 20 playgrounds in the country, for being “impressive, accessible and inclusive.” Local school students provided input on the playground’s design, and volunteers of all ages worked together on the actual construction. Sadly, in late 2015, most of the playground was destroyed by an arson fire. The community immediately pulled together again to rebuild, and while the insurance helped fund most of the new playground, it was the donations that helped make it “Bigger, Better, and Safer.”

Telephone Pioneers of America Park

946 W. Morningside Drive, Phoenix

• Two beep baseball fields for those who are visually impaired • Therapeutic heated pool • Wheelchair-accessible playground • 18-station exercise course • Wheelchair accessible sports courts

We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym

4811 E Grant Rd Suite 141, Tucson

• Suspended equipment with swings for balance and vestibular treatment • Crash mats and crash pillows for fun, motor planning, and strength • Tunnels & zip line • Trampolines for building leg and core strength • Indoor play structure for climbing and increasing playground skills • Sensory-based toys • Fine motor play toys and equipment • Arts and crafts area with chalkboard

Tips for Visiting the Dentist with a Special Needs Child

By Dr. Lafe Chaffee

GOING TO THE DENTIST can be very intimidating! The tastes, the smells, the noises, opening your mouth for a ridiculous amount of time… It’s just not a very enjoyable experience. It’s even more difficult for kids – especially those with extra sensitivity or unique needs.

So how do you help your child with special needs have a good experience at the dentist? While we can’t take away all the stress, we can help you have a better dental visit.

First, your child needs to feel the dental office is a safe place. Call the office and schedule a “happy visit.” This is an opportunity for kids to walk through the office, sit in a dental chair, look in the rooms, touch the instruments and get a prize. There’s no exam, just safe exploring so everyone leaves feeling a little more comfortable. We also encourage our patients to stop by anytime just to wave and say hello. All of this helps us build a positive relationship with your child and establish trust.

Another way to help your child is to set expectations about the dental visit. Try playing dentist at home! Have them sit on the floor or in a recliner while you wear a mask and practice counting their teeth. Talk about what happens in a dental visit. Look at pictures of the office or watch videos about the dental practice online. An app like Social Story Creator and Library can be helpful for children with autism. It allows you to create a story about a dental visit with your child as the main character. It’s something they can watch over and over again.

Finally, advocate for your child. Tell us what would help them best – is it a private room? Turning off the overhead television? Holding a special toy in their hands? We will always do what we can to accommodate your child’s needs. Clear communication from parents really helps us do that.

Here in Arizona, you have lots of great options for pediatric dentists. Search around and try out offices until you find one that makes you and your child feel comfortable. It’s always best to start early. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is much easier on everyone if the child is not in pain.

Dr. Lafe Chaffee is a board certified pediatric dentist in Mesa. He specializes in creating a great dental experience for kids of all ages. You can learn more at chaffeekids.com

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

•ABA Based Education •Special Education Teachers •Board Certified Behavior Analysts •Registered Behavior Technicians •Speech and Language Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Small classroom settings •Dense staff to student ratios •Individualized instruction •Transition development •Play ABA extended day services •Developmental Half Day Program (Ages 4-6)

Chrysalis Academy is a theraputic private day school for children with autism and related disorders. Chrysalis Academy began in 2003 after a successful summer program was implemented under Play ABA. Chrysalis Academy started with just 8 students and 7 staff members. Play ABA continues to support after-school services including habilitation, respite, and direct OT/Speech Language/ABA services.

Chrysalis Academy has grown over the years and is now part of the LEARN Behavioral family of educational and clinical service companies, as a division within Desert Choice Schools. We are an Arizona Department of Education approved day school, providing K-12+ educational services to students throughout the valley. Chrysalis Academy accepts both district and privately placed st udents.

Chrysalis Academy 1250 North 77th Street Scottsdale AZ, 85257

Phone Number Fax Number (480) 839-6000 (480) 839-6363

Email: office.chrysalis@gmail.com

5 Tips to Prepare for Your Hospital Delivery

By Andrea Hassler MSN, RN, NEA-BC

IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO DELIVER at a hospital, here are several tips you can do to help prepare for a personalized delivery experience. Doctors and nurses who provide care to moms during labor and afterward are focused on the patient experience now more than ever.

Almost ALL hospitals track the results of their patient experience through surveys and use that data to meet customers’ needs and provide outstanding experiences. This change means hospitals are competing for your business which puts you in the driver’s seat for your delivery experience.

You can help create the delivery experience you want to have with your healthcare team. Here are five quick tips to prepare you for your personalized hospital delivery experience:

1. There’s an app for that! Most hospitals have a smartphone app and some have apps that are specific to pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Search in your smartphone app store and check out the app for the hospital you plan to deliver at. At Dignity Health facilities we use the my. Baby app. Apps often include tours of the hospital, preregistration, education, kick-counters, links to classes provided at the hospital, a list of delivery experiences offered and more. An app can give you some insight to what the hospital offers and help you get a feel of what to expect. 2. Plan it. Birth plans are very popular and there are a ton of birth plan templates online. If you are planning on delivering in a hospital and have a birth plan, make sure you match your birth plan with a hospital that offers the experiences you desire. If you would like to bring a doula, have aromatherapy, music, an epidural for pain control, or even a natural birth, check with the hospital you plan on delivering at to ensure those services are supported. Labor and delivery healthcare providers are familiar with birth plans and want to partner with you on your delivery experience. A birth plan is the perfect way to communicate your wishes to your healthcare team. Keep in mind that each experience is different and there will be occasions when you or your baby’s healthcare needs can override your birth plan. Even if your delivery does not go 100% as planned, your healthcare team will try to honor your wishes as much as possible. Flexibility and clear communication between you and your healthcare team are the keys to success.

3. Know where to arrive. The day you go into labor can be stressful, but you can minimize the chaos by knowing exactly how to access the Labor and Delivery department at your hospital. Some hospitals have specific entrances for Labor and Delivery patients and others may have signage to guide you. Either way, you are going to want to know how to get to the Labor and Delivery department prior to

being in labor. This includes knowing where to park. This information can often be found on the hospital’s website, app, or by taking a hospital tour if one is offered.

4. Bring the essentials, but only the essentials. Many moms plan on bringing a car seat, an outfit for the baby, plenty of blankets and a change of clothes for themselves. You will need all of these things but you will also need your identification card/driver’s license and your insurance card or information. The hospital staff supports you as you fill out a form to send to the state of Arizona for your child’s birth certificate. You will need to provide your child’s parent(s) names, addresses, birthdates, occupations, as well as other racial, ethnic, and demographic information. This is a legal document and can be tedious to complete. You will want to ensure the document is complete and accurate before it is sent off to the Arizona Office of Vital Statistics. Changing it after it has been submitted can be challenging. Do not bring any valuables like large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry. Valuables can get misplaced or lost forever in a hospital as most do not have a safe keeping place. Do not bring a bunch of extra stuff. You will likely be moving to different rooms in the hospital and you will not want to have to pack up a bunch of things each time you move and when you are discharged from the hospital.

5. Take that hospital class. Hospital classes should be on your to-do list. They are designed to be very low cost or even free, but are chock full of rich information that can contribute to a healthy delivery for you and your baby. Some think hospital classes are designed to make money. On the contrary, hospital classes are designed to educate you, prepare you for your delivery and even help you set realistic expectations for delivery and postpartum journey. Is this your first baby? You should consider taking a childbirth class to help you understand what to expect from your body during labor and different ways to manage the birthing process. Do you plan on breastfeeding? Take a breastfeeding class. Many will tell you breastfeeding is “natural” and while it is natural; it can also be frustrating, painful, and exhausting. A class can help you understand breastfeeding, set realistic expectations, and help you successfully meet your new baby’s needs.

Preparing for your hospital experience in these ways will help you partner with your healthcare team during and after your delivery. Creating the experience you desire for your delivery and hospital stay is achievable. Take advantage of the opportunities to empower and educate yourself and make your baby journey uniquely your own.

Andrea Hassler is the Nursing Director for Women and Infants Services at Dignity Health - St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. She is passionate about women’s health, childbirth, and maternity care. She leads a team of 330 labor and delivery, postpartum and neonatal intensive care nurses, and believes in the importance of childbirth education. Andrea has served as the Arizona State Chair for the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrical and Neonatal Nursing (AWHONN), and has been an active member of the March of Dimes Maternal Child Health Board and the Board of Directors for the Arizona Perinatal Trust.

Ashley Sherouse with her third daughter, Sloane, who passed in the womb due to a complete placenta abruption at 31 weeks.

NATIONAL PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS REMEMBRANCE DAY Tips on how to cope with a loss

By Monique Seleen

OCTOBER 15TH OFFERS GRIEVING mothers, parents, and families a chance to honor the loss of a pregnancy or infant as it is deemed National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

It’s a heartbreak that the Sherouse family in Peoria knows all too well. Ashley found out she was pregnant with her third child in September 2021. Having had two healthy and successful pregnancies with her daughters Samantha (7) and Savannah (3), she was not expecting anything different the third time around.

“My pregnancy was smooth sailing,” she said. “We found out that our baby would be another girl and we named her Sloane Isabella.”

On March 18th, 2022 when Ashley was 31 weeks and 4 days pregnant with Sloane, their lives changed.

“It was just a normal Friday, the end of Spring Break for the older girls so we were just starting to prep to go back to school on the upcoming Monday. We were on the home stretch [of the pregnancy] and the day before I had started to get the room ready to have all three girls together, so we were getting super excited,” Ashley recalled.

As Ashley went to go use the restroom that morning, she said she felt like her water broke, but instead quickly realized she was bleeding out. They dialed 911 and Ashley was rushed to the hospital. Once there, it was determined that baby Sloane no longer had a heartbeat.

Ashley was sent in for an Emergency C-Section where they delivered the baby and later informed her that she had suffered a catastrophic complete placenta abruption, never showing any symptoms of it until the moment she started bleeding.

Within hours, the Sherouse family went from happily preparing to become a family of five, to grieving the sudden death of their third daughter.

Since then, Ashley, Jonny, and their daughters have had to learn how to navigate the overwhelming emotions that have come after their loss and want to share their story and advice in hopes of helping others.

“Grief after losing your baby is such a roller-coaster of emotions,” said Ashley. If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are five things she says have helped her cope:

• Have photos taken to look back on. While

I was still in the hospital one of my very close friends came and took photos of Sloane and me so we would have them for our memories. I am forever grateful to be able to look at Sloane at any point in the day and just see her.

• Find and go to therapy. Within a few days of getting home I had called my VA

Maternity Care liaison and let her know that Sloane had died. She instantly set me up with one of the grief psychologists at the

VA that works with female veterans who lost their babies and/or children. This has been an absolute life saver. I have been speaking to both a grief therapist and a trauma therapist since the beginning weeks of Sloane dying.

• Attend a support group. Banner

Thunderbird, where I had Sloane, also has a

Pregnancy And Infant Loss (PAIL) Support

Group that I joined right away so I could

talk to other moms who experienced loss. My oldest daughter and I have also started attending Billy’s Place in Glendale, which is a support group for all types of loss. I can talk with other parents who lost their children, and my daughter gets to talk to other kids who have lost their siblings. She also really enjoys this because no one in our family here in Arizona has gone through this loss so she is able to speak her truth.

• Stay busy. I have made it a point for us to stay busy which can be good and bad in terms of being over exhausted, but our kids are getting to enjoy themselves while we get to watch their joy. We will never get over losing Sloane, but we must get up for

Samantha and Savannah.

• Elicit a friend or family member to set up a meal train. The day after Sloane died, one of my best friends started a meal train for our family which allowed our friends and family from all over the country to either bring us food or send us gift cards for food.

This was such a blessing because for those first few weeks we really did not have to worry or think about what the girls and us would eat since it was taken care of.

If you know someone experiencing a loss, here are three tips Ashley suggests for how you can help:

• Don’t expect what you do or say to make them feel better. Just let them know that you are there for them to be heard. Allow those in the grief process to talk about their baby, no matter how far along they were in their pregnancy or how old the baby was.

• Reach out. On those important dates, just reach out to the family to let them know that you are thinking of them, ask if they need anything, or if they want to talk about their child. I would love for someone to just be like, “Hey, let’s go to the cemetery and visit with Sloane.”

• Let them talk. I know personally I want to talk about Sloane and keep her memory alive but there have been times where people have asked me to not talk about her. It is so important to let the families of those who have lost a child to be able to talk as much as they want and to share any pictures that they want as well.

“Everyone grieves differently and grief has no end,” said Ashley. “There is no getting over the loss of a child, no matter how long you had with them.”

NICU Helping Hands’ Angel Gown® program

SLOANE WAS BURIED in a dress from Angel Gowns by Karen, part of the NICU Helping Hands’ Angel Gown® program that provides custom made gowns to families free of charge for a baby’s final photos and/or burial services. For more information visit nicuhelpinghands. org/programs/angel-gown-program

What You Need to Know About the New Safe SLEEP GUIDELINES

By Dr. Kristin Struble

CHANCES ARE IF you have a new little one in your home, you are receiving lots of advice from family and friends on just about everything and I would bet that even includes your baby’s sleep practices. As a mom myself, I was privy to various advice including my mom’s approaches, as she raised six kids. Now, as a pediatrician – I find myself as part of this group, offering my patients advice on important topics such as sleep.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) just recently updated their recommendations regarding evidence-based safe sleep practices. This has been an accumulation of over five years of research and data. I would strongly consider reviewing them and putting them into practice. Sadly, there continues to be a number of sudden infant deaths (SIDS) that are unexplained or due to strangulation. The AAP is constantly looking at new data to help further decrease those numbers as was done with the “back to sleep” campaign or the “safe to sleep” campaign starting in 1994. This implementation dropped the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by 60%.

Here is my “top five” summary of the newest suggestions on safe sleep practices for your infant: 1. A baby should always be placed on their back to sleep; not on their side or their stomach. 2. Babies should be placed on a firm, flat, new mattress that fits snuggly into the crib. There should not be anything placed in the crib with your little one such as a pillow, blankets or stuffed animals or toys. 3. Keep the room cool, well ventilated, and even consider a fan. Studies show keeping babies cool also decreases the incidence of SIDS. 4. Do not co-sleep with your infant due to the risk of smothering. 5. No smoking around or near your infant. Second and third hand smoke also places your infant at risk for SIDS.

The entire AAP policy statement (How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained) with a plethora of great information can be found at healthychildren.org

Of course, discuss any questions you might have regarding their policy statement with your trusted health care provider. They welcome any and all of your questions.

Dr. Kristin Struble is a pediatrician at Camelback Pediatrics and has been practicing since 2001. She earned her undergraduate nutrition science and medical school degrees from the University of Arizona. She is married to Steve Chakmakian, DO and has one child, Luke. In her free time, she enjoys, hiking, cooking and family time.

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL BABY SAFETY MONTH:

4 Baby-Proofing Tips

By Tené Marion

NEW AND EXPECTANT PARENTS face a dizzying array of to-do’s as they prepare for baby. Among the most important priorities is ensuring their home is safe for tiny hands and curious minds.

September is National Baby Safety Month, an opportunity to review the most important precautions to take at home to keep babies and toddlers safe. While baby proofing may seem a daunting task, the tips below and valuable checklists from trusted partners can help you ensure your home is a secure place for your little one.

• Set them up for safe sleep: At the top of every baby proofing list is safe sleep. Follow the ABC’s: Baby should be Alone in their own sleep space, placed to sleep on their Back and sleeping in a Crib – not in mom or dad’s bed. Learn more at azdcs.gov/safesleep. • Get down on their level: Consider your home from the point of view of a crawler or toddler to understand their risks. Put safety plugs in every electrical outlet. Tie up cords on shades and curtains to ensure they’re out of reach. And store small objects like batteries or magnets in a place your child can’t access. • Keep danger out of reach: While a newborn baby may not be at risk of opening cupboards or getting into hazardous substances, the risk grows exponentially as children get older and begin crawling or walking. Add safety latches to low cabinets and drawers. Put cleaning supplies, kitchen knives and medications – including medical marijuana – in a locked box or out of reach. Keep firearms locked away and stored far from reach. • Get serious about pool safety: If you don’t have one already, install a pool fence and keep it locked at all times. Designate a pool boss – someone whose only job is to watch the kids – every time you take your child swimming. Find more important water safety tips at phoenixchildrens.org/watersafety

Following these guidelines will dramatically reduce injury risks and keep your baby or toddler safe at home. For additional guidance including a pointby-point checklist for baby proofing, visit FirstThingsFirst.org/home-safety

Tené Marion is the Program Administrator for the Arizona Department of Child Safety’s Office of Prevention.