Activities for Your May Calendar

I know I am jumping the gun just a little bit, but there are some activities this weekend that I don't want you to miss out on if you are looking for something to do!  So here are the May activities in Davis County.

The Safe Kids Fest will be held at Barnes Park on May 4th from 10:00 to 1:00.  This is a free event for families and children to learn safety.  They have given out bike helmets in the past, so it is worth it to attend at the beginning of the scheduled day.  Lots of information and fun activities for families.

May 4th is also Take Pride Day in West Point City.  The celebration is at 8:00 am at City Hall.

Station Park in Farmington is sponsoring Family First Mondays - the first Monday of each month will have a different theme.  Monday, May 6th will be Jake and the Neverland Pirate Party.  Free family fun in the Village!

Ogden Union Station is celebrating National Train Day on Saturday, May 11th from 10:00 to 5:00.  Explore the train museum, ride the mini train, pan for gold and a variety of other activities.  Admission is free.  2501 Wall Avenue, Ogden. (Not quite Davis County, but it is a train!)

Magic on the Sidewalk on Main Street in Bountiful will be held May 15th - 18th.  This is the annual Chalk Art Festival.  Enjoy a walk down the sidewalk viewing the amazing talent of the artists.

Monday, May 27th is Bountiful Davis Arts Center Family Art Night from 7:00 - 8:30 pm at the Bountiful Davis Arts Center, 28 E State Street in Farmington on the Second Floor.

Don't forget Cinco de Mayo on May 5th, Mother's Day on May 12th and Memorial Day on May 27th.

If you know of any activities for families, please share!

The Benefits of Infant Massage

At Davis Early Intervention, we have two certified infant massage trainers.  They each took a four day class and then completed the training by conducting infant massage trainings for parents, taking tests and completing written essays.  The training was through Infant Massage USA and was a great training!  We now offer infant massage classes to interested parents and their little ones who are not yet mobile (usually).  If you are interested in attending a five week infant massage training, please let your service provider know.

Some of the benefits of massaging your infant correctly are:

• Improved Sleep Patterns.  If your little one is experiencing difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep or getting on a sleep schedule, infant massage can help.
• Reduction of Stress.  Massaged pre-term infants showed fewer stress behaviors and significantly lower cortisol levels, a stress indicator.
• Enhanced Motor Development.  Infants who received infant massage regularly and consistantly showed increased development of motor skills.
• Improved Interaction in Family.  Infants will respond to massage with more eye contact, smiling, vocalizing, and reaching.  This will aid in developing a bond between the child and other family members.
• Help for Depressed Babies and Mothers.  Infant massage can improve sociability and sooth-ability of infants and also facilitate the mother-infant interaction - all concerns of postnatal depression.
• Increased Weight Gain for Premature Infants.  Regular massage can result in higher daily weight gain and increased motor activity.
• Improved Immunity.  When babies are regulated their immune systems are functioning better.  Massage helps them to learn to regulate themselves.
• Safe for Medically Fragile Infants.  Infants receiving massage therapy demonstrate fewer stress behaviors and increased immunity.  Infant massage is soothing to little ones.

Change in Transitioning to Preschool

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) has recently released their new regulations involving Early Intervention.  One of the changes that will soon begin involves the process of transitioning children from early intervention to preschool special education services.  Beginning in May, children who are eligible for early intervention services and do not "opt-out" from having their information sent to the preschool special education department of the local educational agency (Davis School District) and are 30 to 33 months old will be referred to the Davis Preschool Program.  Previously children were referred at 33 months of age.  This means that if your child is 30 to 33 months old and you have chosen to release information (child's name and date of birth as well as the parent's contact information) to the school district, it will be automatically shared electronically between Davis Early Intervention and Davis Preschool.

The sharing of this information allows for a smooth transition for children who are eligible for preschool special education services into the preschool program when they turn three.  However, you have the right to opt-out of having your child's information released if you do not want the preschool program to be aware of your child.  The opt-out notice must be received in writing prior to April 26th.  If you choose to not have your child's information released we will not be conducting a transition meeting to initiate the process of transitioning your child into the preschool program at the conclusion of early intervention services.  No action needs to be taken on your part if you do wish for your child to be tested to determine eligibility for the preschool program.

If you choose to opt-out of the information release, you can provide written notice to your service provider or through email.  If you have any questions, please contact me, mzeschke@dsdmail.net or 801 402-5403

Mandy

Parents' Rights

Parents' rights in early intervention language are called Procedural Safeguards.  These rights are reviewed at least annually for parents whose children qualify for early intervention services.  However, if you have a question or concern, please ask your service provider or your service coordinator for clarification.  Our main concern is to provide the services your child needs to progress and to provide the training that will enable your family to succeed together. 

Here is a review of the Procedural Safeguards:

1. The right to timely, comprehensive evaluation.  We have 45 days from the day we receive the referral to have the assessments complete and, if the child qualifies, have an IFSP written.  The initial assessment covers all areas of development (cognitive, motor, communication, self help and social-emotional skills).  In most cases we are able to let you know immediately if your child qualifies for services or not.
2. The right to prior notice so you can participate.  Any meeting that involves making decisions, changing services, or providing necessary information requires prior notice with reasonable time for you to make arrangements to attend.  Most of these meetings are held in your home, so we really like it when you are there!  We also want parents to feel comfortable inviting others to attend these meetings with them, if they desire.
3. The right to a plan for services within 45 days of referral.  This goes along with number 1 - we have 45 days to assess and have a plan in place.  We work hard to meet this deadline and coordinate with everyone involved in order to begin services as soon as possible.
4. The right to be present and to participate in your child's IFSP.  You are the expert on your child and we cannot develop an effective plan without input from parents. 
5. Rights regarding parent fees. Utah has a cost participation program for EI services.  The fee is determined based on family size and income.  We are not able to begin services without a completed fee form.  Some of our services are provided at no cost: evaluation and assessment, service coordination, and services provided by the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.
6. The right to confidentiality and access to records.  We will not share any information with anyone other than the parents or guardians without written permission from the parents or guardians.  However, if parents would like to review the file, just ask your service provider.  We have 45 days following a request to provide the file.
7. The right to request records be amended and the right to a hearing.  If you believe information in your child's EI records is inaccurate or misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of your child, you have the right to request that the records be amended and the right to a hearing, if necessary.  Please let us know if you have any concerns regarding your child's file.
8. Rights regarding safeguard and destruction of records.  We will protect the confidentiality of your child's records at all times.  If your child is eligible for the Special Education Preschool program we will transfer the file to the Preschool program and the information will remain in your child's educational file.  If your child does not qualify for services beyond early intervention, we will store the file in a locked room for a designated length of time and then the information will be destroyed, unless it is requested by you in writing.
9. The right to file a complaint, request a mediation conference and/or due process hearing.  If you are unhappy with the services you are receiving, please contact us.  It is best to start with the service provider or service coordinator.  If they are unable to resolve the concern, contact the Davis Early Intervention Coordinator (Mandy Zeschke 801 402-5403).  If you are still not happy with the solution, you are welcome to call the Utah Department of Health, Baby Watch Early Intervention program at 1 800 961-4226 or 1 801 584-8226.  If you are not able to solve the problem informally, or through a mediation process, you may proceed with filing a formal complaint or request a due process hearing.

If you have other questions regarding your rights as a parent of a child in early intervention, please consult your Parents' Rights in Early Intervention booklet or ask your service coordinator for more information. 

April Community Activities

I hope everyone enjoyed a great Easter weekend!  The weather was beautiful!  I am so happy to welcome Spring!

Here are the April activities in Davis County.

You can register to attend a free12 week parenting program called The Incredible Years.  This is a program for parents of children ages 2 - 8.  Classes are from 6:30 - 8:00 starting on Wednesday, April 10th.  Limited childcare is available.  To register, call Angie Smith at 801 772-7060 ext. 502 or register online at dbhutah.org. 

North Salt Lake Kite Festival is March 30 - April 13.  Kids seen flying kites in North Salt Lake during this time will receive a treat or gift certificate from supporting businesses.  

Also, it is National Kite Month!

World Autism Day is April 2.  Wear blue to support those researching or experiencing Autism.

Antelope Island Activities for the month of April are listed below.  Park entrance fees apply.

• April 6th - Birds and Binoculars.  Meet at the visitors center.  Activity is from 10 - 12.
• April 12th -  Sunset Hike.  Meet at Buffalo Point Overlook at 7:00 pm.  Dress for the weather.
• April 13th - Bird Tour.  Meet at the visitors center at 9:00 am.
• April 20th - History Hike.  Meet at Fielding Garr Ranch at 1:00 pm.

Week of the Young Child  is April 14th - 20th.  The theme for the celebration this year is Early Years are Learning Years. 

Flapjack Friday and Bingo Night in Layton at Central Davis Jr. High, Friday, April 19th from 6:00 - 8:00pm.  Admission is free.

National Parks Week is April 20th - 28th.  Admission into the National Parks in Utah (and many parks across the country) is free this week. 

Clearfield Arbor Day Trees and Tots Celebration is on Friday, April 26th at 10:30 am at Fox Hollow Park and Arboretum (2010 South 575 East).  A storytime focusing on trees will be followed by an invitation for the tots to join the Clearfield City Arborist in planting a tree.  Refreshments will be available.  Admission is free.

Arbor Day Celebration in Kaysville.  Residents are invited to meet at the Evergreen strip and help plant trees that will be provided by the city.

Station Park is holding their first Annual Art Walk on Saturday, April 27th from 11 - 3.  Artists can submit their art.  Admission is free.

Other things to celebrate this month include:

Autism Awareness Month

Month of the Military Child

National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month

National Multiple Birth Awareness Month

National Occupational Therapy Month

Physical Wellness Month

Also, a head's up for May.  A Safe Kids Festival will be held at Barnes Memorial Park on Saturday, May 4th from 9:00 - 2:00.