Parent Resource Guide December 2008

Look Inside to find out how to win a $100 Gift Certificate to...

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parent resource guide â—† success by 6 â—† Sunday, November 16, 2008 â—† A product of Ledger Advertising

What is Success By 6?

As Florida’s mines, mills, plants, and farms become more ‘high tech’ we will have difficulty finding a qualified work-force. Right now more than 20% of American workers cannot understand the instructions written in a medical prescription. One consequence of the skills problem is a slowdown in growth of productivity of the work-force.

Children in middle and upper class homes have financial and cognitive resources. Those children born into less advantaged circumstances are much less likely to receive cognitive and socio-emotional stimulation and other family resources.

Success By 6 is dedicated to helping to create a community where all children, by the age of 6, have the mental, physical, social and emotional foundation to grow into healthy, productive members of the community.

Have you heard about Florida KidCare? It is the state’s children’s health insurance program for uninsured children under age 19. It includes four programs: MediKids, Healthy Kids, Children’s Medical Services and Medicaid. Florida KidCare will check to see which program your child may be eligible for based on age and family income.

Call 1-888-540-5437 to update information, or go to floridakidcare.com to apply online or to print an application. No child should be uninsured!

What can you do to help?

United Way of Central Florida Success By 6 has focused on four areas to help parents prepare their children to enter school ready to learn.

1. Access to Health Care. Let your friends and neighbors know about Florida KidCare Insurance for children. No child should be uninsured. www.FloridaKidCare.org 2. Family Involvement in Literacy Activities. Read to your children, grandchildren or neighbor kids.

3. Quality Preschool Experiences. Research your child’s child care provider. Location is NOT the most important aspect of a center! See www.dcfsanswrite.state.fl.us/Childcare/ provider to check on a center’s inspection reports.

4. Involvement of Community Partners. Sponsor a Parent Lending Library, read to a child, give to United Way.

For more information about Success By 6, Family Fundamentals or Born Learning contact Jodi Tucker at 863-648-1500 ext. 265.

Play Play Play!

Children spend the most of their waking hours at play.

But play is not just a way for children to pass time!

It is an important way for children to learn about their world while developing emotionally,

socially and intellectually.

ABOUT THIS SECTION

Bill Reid, Direct of External affairs at Verizon presents Terry Worthington, United Way of Central Florida President, with a check from the Verizon Foundation to place additional Parent Lending Libraries in Polk County. Verizon understands that lasting community changes are made when children enter school ready to succeed.

Coordinator: Layout & Design: Advertorial/Photos: Advertising:

Jodi Tucker, Director Success By 6 Michelle PeĂąa, The Ledger Provided by Success By 6 Gary Martin, The Ledger

This section is a product of the Marketing Concepts Division of Ledger Advertising.

For more information call Gary Martin at 863.521.0938

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A product of Ledger Advertising â—† Sunday, Sunday, November 16, 2008 â—† parent resource guide â—† success by 6

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parent resource guide ◆ success by 6 ◆ Sunday, November 16, 2008 ◆ A product of Ledger Advertising

Community Challenged to Eliminate the Gap in Early Literacy!

The United Way of Central Florida has unveiled an early childhood initiative: “Let’s Grow. Every Child. Every Chance.” The goal is bold and clear: to eliminate the gap in early childhood literacy between children from low income and middle/high income levels.

Let’s Grow. Every Child. Every Chance. will be initiated in three pilot sites in Polk County: Fort Meade, Lake Wales and Crystal Lake. Sites were selected based on the concentration of low-income families, the high population of students falling short on language proficiency tests and community support. The best practices of healthcare, family involvement, community awareness and quality childcare will be important to improve kindergarten readiness scores.

Businesses and organizations can help by increasing opportunities for parents to read to their child by investing in Dolly Parton Imagination Library or sponsoring a Parent Lending Library in a childcare center.

Other simple opportunities exist to begin to close the gap: Add early literacy information to your business newsletter, write a letter to the editor, hold a family literacy event or 2.062" start a book club.

For more information about Let’s Grow.

Every Child. Every Chance. contact Penny Borgia at the United Way of Central Florida 863-648-1500 ext. 275 or at pennyb@uwcf. org.

I spy something green.

Everyday moments can be learning moments with your kids. For more tips, visit bornlearning.org

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To see more community events go to www.uwcf.og, click News & Events on the right, then click on the yellow Community Calendar balloon on the left.

A product of Ledger Advertising â—† Sunday, Sunday, November 16, 2008 â—† parent resource guide â—† success by 6

Is your child ready for Kindergarten?

Wacky Definitions For Parents FEEDBACK: The inevitable result when your baby doesn’t appreciate the strained carrots.

FULL NAME: What you call your child when you’re mad at him/her GRANDPARENTS: The people who think your children are wonderful even though they’re sure you’re not raising them right.

HEARSAY: What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.

INDEPENDENT: How we want our children to be as long as they do everything we say.

OW: The first word spoken by children with older siblings.

PUDDLE: A small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.

SHOW OFF: A child who is more talented than yours.

TOP BUNK: Where you should never put a child wearing Superman pajamas.

TWO MINUTE WARNING: When the baby’s face turns red and she begins to make those familiar grunting noises.

WHODUNIT: none of the kids that live in your house...

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He should be able to do most or all of the following by the time he turns five years old: Intellectually: • Use future tense. For example, “Tomorrow I am going to school,â€? or “On my next birthday I will be five.â€? • Tell her full name and address • Count ten or more objects Socially and Emotionally • Want to be like her friends • Exhibit greater independence, such as a willingness to visit a friend’s house alone • Easily agree to rules • Enjoy singing, dancing and acting.

Physically • Hop on one leg • Do somersaults • C opy triangles and other geometric patterns.

Get your child ready for school and life!

All children who turned 4 years old on or before September 1, 2008, are eligible for FREE Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) in a 2008-2009 school year program.

Go to: www.elcpolk.org for more information

Bedtime should follow a schedule. For example, bath, teeth brushing, bedtime story, nightlight, kiss good night and sleep.

A consistent schedule helps children learn to go to sleep by themselves. Go to

bornlearning.org for more

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parent resource guide â—† success by 6 â—† Sunday, November 16, 2008 â—† A product of Ledger Advertising

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She and Jaiden have won a shopping spree at Publix, compliments of United Way Success By 6.

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Name_____________________________Address___________________________________ City______________________ Zip Code___________ Phone_________________________ I found the Parent Resource Guide helpful. YES__ NO__ Ages of Children__________ What do you like the best about the Parent Resource Guide?________________________ What would you like to see added to the Guide?__________________________________ Mail to Success By 6, P.O. Box 1357, Highland City, FL 33846-1357

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helping children enter school - ready to succeed!

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Foster a Child

* Monthly Orientations * Monthly Foster Parenting Classes * Ongoing Support and Training Available * Network with other foster families and community partners

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For information about becoming a foster parent, please call or visit www.heartlandforchildren.org

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A product of Ledger Advertising ◆ Sunday, Sunday, November 16, 2008 ◆ parent resource guide ◆ success by 6

programs partner with Family Fundamentals to provide the services and activities you and your family can use!

1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd.

863-686-1221 x221

Visit Family Fundamentals for fun activities that prepare your children for success in school! A list of classes held at Family Fundamentals is included on page 11 See uwcf.org for all current classes, activities and events!

We are open from 8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Fridays. Play is a child’s work. Come read, sing, dance and play at Family Fundamentals!

Achievement Academy www.achievementacademy.com/ Bolesta Center, Inc. www.bolesta.com

Healthy Start of Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties

Polk County Public Schools

www.healthystarthhp.org

Polk County Sheriff’s Department

Heart of Florida Legal Aid Society, Inc.

Winter Haven Hospital Behavioral Health Division (BHD)

www.pcsb.k12.fl.us

www.polksheriff.org/

www.winterhavenhospital.org/fac/behavioral Women’s Resource Center Counseling and support

Camp Fire USA

Family law

Polk Education Foundation

www.Campfire.org

Heartland for Children

www.polk-fl.net/pef/ Polk Museum of Art www.polkmuseumofart.org

Word Alive Ministries Community Service Corporation

St. Joseph's Children's Hospital

Writer’s Inc.

www.sjbhealth.org

Read me a story, stretching with stories

Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind

Youth & Family Alternatives, Inc.

www.tampalighthouse.org/ USF Early Steps

www.yfainc.org/

Catholic Charities of Central Florida

www.heartlandforchildren.com Infants & Young Children www.early-intervention.org/infants_young_children.htm Junior League of Greater Lakeland www.jlgl.com Lakeland Regional Medical Center www.lrmc.com Leland Ministries (MAMA’s) www.floridamamas.com

www.catholiccharities.info/

Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center www.cfshc.org

Citizen CPR & First Aid www.citizencprinc.com

City of Lakeland/Education Enlightenment Group www.lakelandgov.net/commdev/planning/nac.html

Clint Wright Foundation

Educational programs for children

Learning Resource Center

Devereux Kids, Inc.

www.lrcpolk.com/

Le’Azon Technology Institute, Inc.

www.devereux.org

Drug Prevention Resource Center

www.early-intervention.org/usf_intervention_programs.htm

West Area Adult School www.polk-fl.net/west_area_adult Wings of Eagles International www.wingsofeagles.net/

www.leazon.com/

www.drugpreventionresource.org

LifePath Hospice

www.explorationsv.com/

Family Focus Ministry

www.lifepath-hospice.org Luster All Pastoral Care Family counseling career training

Family counseling

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill

Florida Dance Theatre, Inc.

www.nami.org

Explorations V Children’s Museum

Do You Have Questions About Your Child’s Development?

We can help by providing in-home early intervention services, developmental play groups and parent resources to families in Polk County. Our program is FREE for children ages Birth to Three years old.

Help is available now… call today.

Peace River Center

www.floridadancetheatre.org

Florida Department of Children and Families

www.peace-river.com

Polk Community College

www.sun6.dms.state.fl.us/cf_web/

Girl Scouts of West Central Florida

www.polk.edu

Polk County Cooperative Extension

www.gswcf.org/

Gulf Coast Community Care

www.polk.ifas.ufl.edu/

Polk County Health Department

www.gcjfs.org/

Healthy Families Polk

www.co.polk.or.us/PublicHealth/

www.healthyfamiliesfla.org/

863-688-9292 fax

We can help…

Pre-K through Adult Academic Services • • • • •

One-to-One Tutoring Intensive Reading & Math programs Study Skills SAT / ACT / FCAT / GED / GRE Preparation

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Call today to learn how we can help you!

1628 S. Florida Avenue • Lakeland, FL 33803 (863) 688-9477 www.LRCpolk.com

Education and workforce development

Course fees based on family income SACS accreditation

www.achievementacademy.com

863-683-6504 phone

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parent resource guide ◆ success by 6 ◆ Sunday, November 16, 2008 ◆ A product of Ledger Advertising

Resources for parents

adoptions

Florida Baptist Children’s Homes www.fbchomes.org 863-688-4981 Heartland for Children www.heartlandforchildren.com 863-519-8900 ext. 289

BABY FORMULA

Catholic Charities www.catholiccharities Lakeland: 863-686-7153 or 863-686-1651 Winter Haven: 863-299-7983 Church Service Center, Inc. 863-533-5822 Frostproof Care Center 863-635-5555 HELP of Fort Meade www.helpoffortmeade.org 863-285-6600 ext. 5 Hope Center - Lighthouse Ministries http://www.lighthousemin.org/LHHope.htm 863-683-8182 Polk County Health Department - WIC Program (Women, Infants and Children) www.doh.state.fl.us 863-519-7900 Auburndale 863-965-5452 Bartow 863-519-7542 Haines City 863-419-3250 Lakeland 863-413-2638 Lakeland Central 863-284-3075 Lake Wales 863-678-4013 Salvation Army 863-682-8179

BEREAVEMENT COUNSELING

A Place For Grace Project www.healthystarthhp.org/grace.htm 863-294-8845 Good Shepherd Hospice www.goodshepherdhospice.org 863-682-0027, TOLL FREE: 1-800-464-3994 Innovations in Counseling 863-294-8845

BREAST FEEDING SUPPORT

Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center www.heartofflorida.com 863-419-BABY (2229) Highlands County Health Department WIC Program Avon Park - 863-452-6411 Lake Placid - 863-465-1943 Sebring - 863-382-7216 La Leche League of Lakeland www.llllakeland.org 863-680-1118 Lakeland Parents of Multiples www.lakelandpom.com 863-648-5533 Lakeland Regional Medical Center www.lrmc.com 863-687-1100 Polk County Health Department-WIC Program Auburndale - 863-965-5452 Bartow - 863-519-7542 Haines City - 863-419-3250 Lakeland - 863-413-2638 Lakeland Central - 863-284-3075 Lake Wales - 863-678-4013 Regency Medical Center 863-294-7068 (Breast Feeding Helpline)

CHILD ABUSE prevention

Children's Advocacy Center - Children's Home Society of Florida 863-519-3906 Children's Advocacy Center - Children's Services Foundation of Highlands County 863-402-6845 Florida Abuse Hotline www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse TOLL FREE: 800-96-ABUSE (962-2873) Heartland for Children www.heartlandforchildren.com 863-519-8900 Highlands County Service Center 863-382-2141 Department of Children & Families www.state.fl.us/cf_web Abuse Hotline - 800-962-2873

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center www.heartofflorida.com 863-419-BABY (2229) Highlands Regional Medical Center www.highlandsregional.com 863-385-6101, X807 Lakeland Regional Medical Center www.lrmc.com 863-687-1100 Polk County Health Department 863-686-1221, ext. 247 Regency Medical Center 863-294-7020

CHILD CARE RESOURCE AND REFERRAL Arbor E&T www.arboret.com Lakeland: 863-577-2450 TOLL FREE: 800-843-9780

CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Life Path Solutions Lifepathsolutions.org 863-292-3200 ext. 3212 Polk Community College-Childhood and Professional Development Program www.polk.edu 863-297-1010 ext. 6250 South Florida Community College www.sfcc.cc.fl.us 863-453-6661 University of South Florida Infant & Toddler Early Intervention Program Avon Park 863-386-6149 Lakeland 863-701-1233 Sebring 863-655-6421

CHILD RECREATION

Boy Scouts of America, Gulf Ridge Council www.boyscouting.com 863-533-2775 Camp Fire USA www.campfire.org 863-688-5491 Citrus Center Boys & Girls Club, Inc-Main Center 863-967-6088 Girls Inc of Lakeland www.girlsinc.com 863-682-3002 Girls Inc of Winter Haven www.girlsinc.com 863-967-2874

For additional resources and referrals, including holiday assistance, please dial 2-1-1 or 863-648-1515.

CHILD RECREATION

Girl Scouts of West Central Florida www.gswcf.org 863-688-7648 TOLL FREE: 800-321-4475 Haven Community Center 863-294-6837 Highlands County Family YMCA www.highlandsymca.com 863-382-9622 James J. Musso Unit - Boys and Girls Clubs of Lakeland, Inc. 863-683-3371 John L. Sanders Unit - Boys and Girls Clubs of Lakeland, Inc. 863-686-0721 Kelly Recreation Center 863-648-3284 Lakeland Family YMCA www.ymcawcf.org 863-644-3528 863-859-7769 North Ridge Unit Citrus Center Boys & Girls Club, Inc. 863-422-7014 Wogan S. Badcock, Jr. Center Boys and Girls Clubs of Lakeland 863-425-0130

EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE (cont’d) Highlands County Family YMCA www.highlandsymca.com/youthsports1.php 863-382-9622 Highlands County School Board www.highlands.k12.fl.us 863-471-5583 Housing Authority/Lakeland www.lakelandhousing.org 863-687-2911 863-687-0497 - After Hours/Crisis Lake Wales Family YMCA www.lakewalesymca.net 863-676-9441 Lakeland Family YMCA www.ymcawcf.org 863-644-3528 North Lakeland YMCA 863-859-7769 Polk County School Board - PreK Programs and PreK Migrant www.pcsb.k12.fl.us 863-534-0578 RCMA Head Start 863-767-0222 Educational Support/Tutoring

Anchor House www.anchorhouseministries.com 863-665-1916 Auburndale Florida Baptist Children's Home www.fbchomes.org 863-688-4981 863-533-0371

Americorps www.americorps.org 863-519-8638 Lake Wales Family Literacy Coalition 863-224-1250 Learning Resource Center www.lrcpolk.com 863-688-9477 Life Skills Center Polk County East-Ages 16-21 863-439-2242

COMMUNITY RESOURCES & REFERRALS

FAMILY SUPPORT

CHILDREN'S GROUP HOME

United Way 2-1-1 www.uwcf.org Dial 2-1-1, 863-648-1515, TOLL FREE 1-800-8818929 Crisis Response Team at Peace River Center www.peace-river.com 863-519-3744 TOLL FREE: 800-627-5906

DRUG PREVENTION EDUCATION

Drug Prevention Resource Center www.drugpreventionresource.org (863) 802-0777

EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE

ACE Charter School-Speech and language impaired children 863-686-3189 Arbor E&T www.arboret.com Lakeland: 863-577-2450 TOLL FREE: 800-843-9780 Camp Fire USA Sunshine Council www.campfireusa-sunshine.org 863-688-5491 9-5:30, M-F East Coast Migrant Headstart Project Bowling Green 863-375-2101 Wauchula 863-773-2815 or 863-773-2869 Winter Haven 863-439-0864 Girls Inc of Lakeland www.girlsinc.com 863-682-3002 Girl Scouts of West Central Florida www.gswcf.org Lakeland 863-688-7648 TOLL FREE: 800-321-4475

Drug Prevention Resource Center www.drugpreventionresource.org 863-802-0777 Heartland for Children www.heartlandforchildren.com 863-519-8900 ext. 289 Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center Childbirth Education Sibling Preparation Class www.heartofflorida.com/ 863-419-BABY (2229) Healthy Families Polk www.polk-county.net/county_offices/healthy_ families 863-603-6461 Bartow 863-534-5022 Haines City 863-401-2463 Lake Wales 863-679-4252 West Lakeland 863-284-4585 Lake Wales Family Literacy Coalition 863-224-1250 Lakeland Parents of Multiples www.lakelandpom.com 863-648-5533 Wings of Eagles/Outreach Center 863-665-7700

foster parenting

Heartland for Children www.heartlandforchildren.com 863-519-8900 ext. 289 HEALTH INSURANCE Healthy Kids Corporation www.healthykids.org 863-534-5313 TOLL FREE: 888-352-5437

A product of Ledger Advertising â—† Sunday, Sunday, November 16, 2008 â—† parent resource guide â—† success by 6

Resources for parents foster parenting (cont’d) Florida KidCare www.floridakidcare.org TOLL FREE: 1-888-540-5437 HEALTH INSURANCE

MomCare Program (Healthy Start) www.healthystarthhp.org/momcare.htm 863-297-4481 TOLL FREE: 1-866-796-0871 Central Florida Health Care www.cfhconline.org Dundee 863-419-3330 Frostproof 863-635-4891 Hardee County 863-773-2111 Highlands 863-452-3000 Children’s Medical Services - Department of Health www.cms-kids.com 863-701-1151 Highlands County Health Department Lake Placid 863-465-2252 Sebring 863-386-6040 Highlands Stay Well Clinic 863-382-1234 Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine www.lvim.net 863-688-LVIM (5846)

HEALTH services

Polk County Health Department www.doh.state.fl.us 863-965-5400 Auburndale 863-519-7916 Bartow

HEALTH services (cont’d) Polk County Health Department (contd) 863-421-3204 Haines City 863-413-2620 Lakeland 863-678-4144 Lake Wales Fort Meade Literacy Council www.helpoffortmeade.org 863-285-6600 ext. 5 Girl Scouts of West Central Florida www.gswcf.org 863-688-7648 TOLL FREE: 800-321-4475 South Florida Community College www.sfcc.cc.fl.us/ 863-453-6661, ext. 7441 East Area Adult School www.eastareaadult.com 863-965-5475 West Area Adult School www.westareaadult.com 863-499-2835 LITERACY CLASSES

Literacy Classes Fort Meade Literacy Council www.helpoffortmeade.org 863-285-6600 ext.5 Girl Scouts of West Central Florida www.gswcf.org 863-688-7648 TOLL FREE: 800-321-4475 South Florida Community College www.sfcc.cc.fl.us 863-453-6661 ext 7447

For additional resources and referrals, including holiday assistance, please dial 2-1-1 or 863-648-1515.

LITERACY CLASSES (cont’d)

East Area Adult School www.eastareaadult.com 863-965-5475 West Area Adult School www.westareaadult.com 863-499-2835

LITERACY ORGANIZATIONS Fort Meade Literacy Council www.helpoffortmeade.org 863-285-6600 ext. 5 Lake Wales Literacy Council 863-676-5767 READ Lakeland 863-802-1512 READ Polk www.readpolk.com 863-967-1757

MENTORING

Big Brothers/Big Sisters - Polk County www.bbbsfl.org 863-682-5191 Camp Fire USA Sunshine Council www.campfireusa-sunshine.org 863-688-5491 Florida Ridge Big Brothers/Big Sisters 863-402-9001 Girls Inc of Lakeland www.girlsinc.com 863-682-3002

MENTORING

Girl Scouts of West Central Florida www.gswcf.org 863-688-7648 TOLL FREE: 800-321-4475 Polk County School Board www.pcsb.k12.fl.us 863-534-0636

MIGRANT SERVICES

East Coast Migrant Head Start 863-773-2815 863-375-2101 863-375-2100 Highlands County School Board www.highlands.k12.fl.us 863-471-5555 Highlands County Health Department Polk County School Board www.pcsb.k12.fl.us 863-534-0500 RCMA- Fred Dennis Child Development Center Wauchula - 863-767-0222 Redlands Christian Migrant Association Sebring - 863-386-6131 South Florida Community College and Heartland Workforce Investment Board, Inc. - Adult Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker Program www.sfcc.cc.fl.us/ 863-453-6661, ext. 7386 WIC Program 863-386-6040 Avon Park - 863-452-6411 Lake Placid - 863-465-1943

It’s never too early to plan for college!

Polk Community College: Success for a Lifetime Faculty dedicated to your success Classes close to home Financial aid available Over 190 degree programs Online classes

Polk Community College

polk.edu/learn

Polk Community College is committed to and encourages equal opportunity / equity / access for its programs, services and activities.

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parent resource guide ◆ success by 6 ◆ Sunday, November 16, 2008 ◆ A product of Ledger Advertising

Resources for parents

NUTRITION

Polk County Cooperative Extension Service 863-519-8677 ext.114 Polk County Health Department WIC Program (Women, Infants and Children) www.doh.state.fl.us Auburndale - 863-965-5452 Bartow - 863-519-7542 Haines City - 863-419-3250 Lakeland - 863-413-2638 Lakeland Central - 863-284-3075 Lake Wales - 863-678-4013

PARENT/CHILD ACTIVITY GROUPS & EDUCATION

Camp Fire USA Sunshine Council www.campfireusa-sunshine.org 863-688-5491 Explorations V Children’s Museum www.explorationv.com 863-687-3869 Family Fundamentals add website: www.uwcf.org 863-686-1221 x221 Fort Meade Literacy Council www.helpoffortmeade.org 863-285-6600 ext. 5 Girl Scouts of West Central Florida www.gswcf.org 863-688-7648 TOLL FREE: 800-321-4475 Highlands County Family YMCA www.highlandsymca.com 863-382-9622 10th Judicial Court A.D.A.P.T. - Abolish Domestic Violence: Alternatives & Prevention Techniques "I Will Survive" Domestic Violence Survivors Program Positive Co-Parenting 863-534-4698 Camp Fire USA Sunshine Council www.campfireusa-sunshine.org 863-688-5491 Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder’s www.chadd.org TOLL FREE: 800-233-4050 Citizen CPR, Baby Safe/Child Safe www.citizencprinc.com 863-680-1277 Lake Wales Family Literacy Coalition 863-224-1250 Learning Resource Center www.lrcpolk.com Public Libraries www.polk-fl.net/mediaservices Auburndale 863-965-5548 Bartow 863-534-0131 Lakeland 863-834-4280 Polk City 863-984-4340 Winter Haven 863-291-5880

PARENT EDUCATION AND SUPPORT

Drug Prevention Resource Center www.drugpreventionresource.org 863-802-0777 East Coast Migrant Head Start 863-299-7100 Family Network on Disabilities 727-523-1130 (Voice & TTD) TOLL FREE: 800-825-5736

PARENT EDUCATION AND SUPPORT

Florida Division of Blind Services www.dbs.myflorida.com 863-499-2385 Florida First Start Frost Proof Elementary 863-635-7802 Griffin Elementary 863-853-6027 Snively Elementary 863-291-5316 Florida Ridge Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Inc. 863-682-5191 Girl Scouts of West Central Florida www.gswcf.org 863-688-7648 TOLL FREE: 800-321-4475 Fort Meade Literacy Council www.helpoffortmeade.org 863-285-6600 ext. 5 Gulf Coast Community Care Family Builders 863-904-3024 Haven Community Center 863-294-6837 TDD/TTY: 863-297-9058 Healthy Families Polk www.polk-county.net/county_offices/healthy_families 863-603-6461 Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center www.heartofflorida.com/ 863-419-BABY (2229) Highlands County Health Department Healthy Start Office 863-386-6040 Highlands County School Board www.highlands.k12.fl.us 863-471-5555 La Leche League www.llllakeland.org 863-680-1118 Lakeland Parents of Multiples 863-648-5533 Lakeland Regional Medical Center www.lrmc.com 863-687-1100 Polk County Health Department Healthy Start Office www.doh.state.fl.us Lakeland 863-413-2620 Auburndale 863-965-5400 Bartow 863-519-7916 Haines City 863-421-3204 Lake Wales 863-678-4144 Polk County School Board www.pcsb.k12.fl.us 863-534-0636 Regency Medical Center www.winterhavenhospital.org 863-294-7020 Winter Haven Hospital Behavioral Health Division www.whhbhd.com 863-294-7062 Winter Haven Hospital Behavioral Health Division www.whhbhd.com 863-294-7062

SMOKING - HELP TO QUIT SMOKING

Drug Prevention Resource Center www.drugpreventionresource.org 863-802-0777 Highlands County Health Department - Healthy Start Office 863-386-6040 x252

For additional resources and referrals, including holiday assistance, please dial 2-1-1 or 863-648-1515.

SMOKING - HELP TO QUIT SMOKING

Polk County Health Department www.co.polk.or.us/PublicHealth 863-519-7900, ext. 1065 Regency Medical Center 863-294-7020

SPECIAL MEDICAL NEEDS and SERVICES

ACE Charter School-Speech and language impaired children 863-686-3189 Achievement Academy www.achievementacademy.com Bartow 863-533-0690 Lakeland 863-683-6504 Winter Haven 863-965-7586 All Children's Specialty Care of Lakeland www.allkids.org 863-802-6600 TDD/TTY: 863-802-6504 Camp Fire USA Sunshine Council www.campfireusa-sunshine.org 863-688-5491 Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center www.cfshc.org 863-686-3189 (includes TDD/TTY) Children’s Medical Services (CMS) www.doh.state.fl.us/cms/ 863-701-1151 TOLL FREE 800-741-2250 Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resource System (FDLRS) www.paec.org/fdlrsweb TOLL FREE: 800-316-7057 Heartland Helping Hands Equipment Library for Children 863-686-1221 ext 228 Infants and Young Children www.early-intervention.org/infants_young_children. htm 863-686-1221 x228 Our Children's Rehab Services Center 863-294-1429 Peace River Center www.peace-river.com Lakeland - (863) 248-3300 Bartow - (863) 519-3750 Wauchula - (863) 773-3228 Peace River Center - Sexual Abuse Treatment Services Bartow - (863) 519-3750 Pediatric Health Choice www.pediatrichealthchoice.com/locations.html 863-603-0515 Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc. 863-802-3800 Polk County School Board "Child Find" 863-534-0946 TDD: 863-534-0929 Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida www.sbacfl.org 407-248-9210 St. Joseph Children's Hospital www.sjbhealth.org 813-870-4020 University of South Florida - Infant & Toddler Early Intervention Program 863-701-1233

SPEECH & HEARING SERVICES

ACE Charter School-Speech and language impaired children 863-686-3189 All Children's Specialty Care of Lakeland www.allkids.org 863 802-6600 TDD/TTY: 863 802-6504 Bolesta Center (at Family Fundamentals) www.bolesta.com 813-932-1184 Central Florida Deaf Services www.cfdeafservices.org 863-688-9394 863-888-9394 TDD/TTY Central Florida Speech and Hearing Centerwww.cfshc.org 863-686-3189 (regular and TDD/TTY) Deaf Service Center of Polk County, Inc. 863-701-0544 Florida School for the Deaf and Blind www.fsdb.k12.fl.us TOLL FREE: 800-344-3732 TDD/TTY Our Children's Rehab Services Center 863-294-1429 Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc. 863-802-3800

TEEN PARENT SERVICES

Highlands County School Board www.highlands.k12.fl.us 863-471-5555 La Leche League www.llllakeland.org 863-680-1118 Lakeland Teen Parent Program 863-499-2963 Life Path Solutions www.lifepathsolutions.org 863-292-3200 ext. 3212 Polk County School Board www.polk-fl.net 863-534-0500 Potter's House - Alpha-Omega Crisis Center 863-699-1685

A predictable world: Providing routines and consistent responses gives a child a sense that the world is trustworthy and teaches him that he can depend on you.

See bornlearning .org for more great tips.

A product of Ledger Advertising ◆ Sunday, Sunday, November 16, 2008 ◆ parent resource guide ◆ success by 6

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1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33805

863-686-1221 ext. 221 ACTIVITIES

DAILY CLASSES The following classes are free and do not require registration.

Drop in anytime! The Parent Resource Room, Computer Lab, Children’s Library and Playroom are also open daily.

Monday My Play & Learn Time A School Readiness Activity Children 3-5 years 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Tuesday Tuesday Trunk Tales Explorations V Children’s Museum A School Readiness Activity Children 3-5 years 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Wonderful Wednesdays Explorations V Children’s Museum A School Readiness Activity Children 3-5 years 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Mommy and Me Two Lakeland Regional Medical Center Children 1-2 years 10:00 -11:30 a.m.

Thursday Growing Beyond Books A School Readiness Activity Children 3-5 years 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Mommy & Me Lakeland Regional Medical Center Children birth - 1 year 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Friday Creative Movement Florida Dance Theatre A School Readiness Activity Children 3-5 years 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

The following classes require registration. Most are free, but some may involve a modest fee for materials. Please call for more information! 863-686-1221 x221

Car Seat Installation Polk County Health Department Car Seat Safety Polk County Health Department Family Fundamentals Child Birth Preparation Polk County Health Department CPR and First Aid Citizen CPR Computer Class for Beginners Polk County School Board Developmental Screening Clinic USF – Early Steps Hearing Screenings Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center

Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Troop Meeting Parenting Classes (Infants and Teens) Winter Haven Behavioral Health Parenting Classes Healthy Families Smoking Cessation (Quit Now!) Polk County Health Department Toddler Sign Language Family Fundamentals Tutoring (Grades K-3) Americorp Learning Resource Center

You & Me Play Group Achievement Academy Support Groups provided by ADAPS - A Differently Abled National Alliance for the Mentally Ill P.E.A.C.E. Parental Encouragement for Autistic Children Everywhere Parent Support Group Foster Parent Association

Thank You For Your Support

2929 Lakeland Hills Blvd.

Lakeland, Florida 863-688-3550

5950 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, Florida 863-619-8441

www.lakesidepeds.com

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parent resource guide â—† success by 6 â—† Sunday, November 16, 2008 â—† A product of Ledger Advertising

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