Our Newsletter

Parents As Teachers
A Newsletter for Parents of Preschoolers

Published 6 times a year.
Columbia Public Schools Parents As Teachers
555 Vandiver Dr. Columbia, MO 65202-1508
Belinda Masters, Coordinator (573) 214-3955

Dear Parents ...

As February approaches we are drawn to thinking about the Valentines in our lives. This issue of the newsletter shares information about expressions of love and ‘loveys’. One of the greatest gifts of love we can give our children is the comfort of routines. Young children have difficulty understanding the concept of time. But when parents develop predictable routines in the morning, at bedtime or during other times of the day, children find comfort in knowing what to expect next. Karen Hickman, a local Loving Guidance Associate, says that “Our brains are pattern-seeking devices, the clearer the patterns (routines) are for young children, the better for brain development. Routines add predictability and consistency to a child’s day.”
For those of you who have watched Super Nanny on television, you will have noticed that no matter what misbehavior the children are showing, the ‘Nanny’ always suggests that parents develop a daily schedule that is full of routines. Becky Bailey, founder of Loving Guidance Inc. believes that when parents and young children engage

Hearing & Vision Screenings

for ages 6 months to 5 years (pre-Kdg)

Wed., Feb. 22, 8:30 - 10:30 am*
(*note earlier time in February)

PAT office, 555 Vandiver.
No appointment is necessary.
Please sign in upon arrival.

in what she calls “I love you rituals” a child’s brain development is enhanced and attachment between parent and child grows stronger, which can ultimately lead to fewer conflicts. She has developed the book, I Love You Rituals, that is filled with nursery rhymes and songs that parents and children can engage in together. Feel free to check out this book and others at the PAT Resource Center.
So think about what routines your family may already be doing each day and appreciate what a positive impact they can have on your child’s development. If your family lacks routines, create some predictable rituals that you and your child might enjoy. As bedtime nears, help yourself and your child unwind with a soothing bath by candlelight, gently brushing those pearly whites, singing a special song and reading a favorite book. Loving routines make wonderful memories!

Belinda Masters, Coordinator
Parents As Teachers

Parents & Infants to 12 mon.
10:30 - 11:30 am...Friends Room
Columbia Public Library
Broadway & Garth

Monday, February 6 ... Choosing a Safe Sitter

Monday, March 6... Setting Limits

Monday, April 3 ... Music & Fingerplays

Jump into a Book
for Infants & Toddlers

Books & early literacy activities for infants to 36 months.

Saturday, Feb. 11
9:30 to 10:45 am
Smithton Middle School
3600 W. Worley Street

Severe weather date: Sat. Feb. 25
Call the PAT Activity Line, 214-3959.

Kids Cuisine

for 3 to 5 year olds
(pre-Kindergarten)
Monday, March 13
6:30 to 7:45 pm
Russell Blvd Elem. School
1800 W. Rollins Road

Kids in the Kitchen

for infants to 36 months

Monday, March 20
6:30 to 7:45 pm
Smithton Middle School
3600 W. Worley Street

Tons of Trucks!

Thursday, April 6
4:00 to 7:00 pm

Rainbow Softball Complex
Parking Lot - Cosmo Park
1615 Business Loop 70 West

February is Dental Health Month

February brings us Dental Health Month. This is a great time for parents to talk about good oral hygiene with their young children.
A child’s first teeth, often called “baby teeth,” are just as important as their permanent adult teeth because they help children speak and chew. The also hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth that are developing beneath the gums.
The American Dental Association recommends that a dentist examine a child’s mouth within six months of the eruption of the first tooth and no later than the first birthday. A dental visit at an early age makes good sense because it not only works as a “well baby checkup” but also allows a child to

Visit the American Dental Association’s website and access a very special interactive story. Go to: www.ada.org/public/games/index.asp and click on Visit the Dentist with Marty, and then follow directions. This piece features sound effects and interactive rollovers and is sure to delight kids. It’s a great way to prepare a child for a dental visit. Discover foods that are healthy, learn about wearing a mouthguard for sports, and investigate the things that can be found in a dentist’s office. Each time you access this story you and your child will discover something new.
The information for this article was provided by:

The American Dental Association: www.ada.org

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: www.aapd.org

get used to regular dental checkups, gives the dentist an opportunity to demonstrate how to clean teeth properly and answer parent’s questions about such issues as thumb-sucking which can cause crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems.
This early visit to the dentist will help families begin a thorough prevention program because a major concern is Early Childhood Decay (sometimes called “baby bottle or nursing tooth decay”). Dentists urge parents not to allow a baby to sleep with a bottle or to nurse just prior to bedtime and to encourage children to drink from a cup as they near their first birthday.

Creative Snacks on a Budget
Snacks are important ‘mini-meals’ to help ensure children get the nutrients and calories they need each day. You & your child can have fun together making these snacks while keeping costs down. Some of the following should not be served to children under age 1 because they pose choking hazards (nuts, seeds, nut butters, grapes, meat chunks, raw carrots).
FRUITS & VEGETABLES

Freeze an unopened can of sliced peaches, pears, or fruit cocktail. Just before serving, run the can under warm water. Open the can. Then slide out the fruit and slice it into rings. Serve immediately.

Place banana halves on Popsicle or craft sticks. Dip bananas in crushed ready-to-eat cereal or graham crackers. Serve immediately, or freeze first.

Let children shell fresh peas for a fun activity. Then eat the peas for a snack.

In re-sealable plastic bags, children can combine lettuce, vegetables of their own choice (e.g. cherry

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends that parents begin cleaning children’s teeth as soon as possible. Starting at birth, parents can clean a child’s gums with a very soft, infant toothbrush and warm water. Always help young children brush their emerging teeth because little ones do not have the dexterity to brush on the own. And remember “easy does it” because from about six months to three years, children may have sore gums due to teething.
The earlier parents are aware of good dental health, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with clean, healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Start your children early on a lifetime of good dental habits.

tomatoes, grated carrots), and salad dressing. Just a few shakes of the bag tosses the salad.

Serve kiwi sundaes. Cut kiwis in half, keeping the skin intact. Children can scoop the fruit right from the skin with a spoon.

Make banana caterpillars. Peel bananas. Poke carrot or pretzel sticks into the bananas for legs and antennae. Glue on raisin eyes and spines with peanut butter.

Grains and Breads

Make whole wheat houses. Toast bread. Cut doors and windows in the bread. For the roof, cut triangle shapes from another piece of toast. Spread the roof with peanut butter, and then shingle with shredded wheat cereal. Cheerios make great puffs of smoke coming from a bread smoke stack.

Make rice mice. Combine leftover cooked rice with a small amount of cream cheese. Roll mixture into balls. Add green pea eyes, a corn kernel nose, a cheese-strip tail and olive-slice ears.

When making muffins, fill muffin tins half-way with batter. Hide a surprise (e.g. a cheese chunk, fruit piece, fruit preserves), then continue filling two-thirds full with batter. Bake according to recipe instructions.

Source: Asso. for Child Development as printed in The Well-Centered Child, DEC 2005

10 ways to show love for your child

From the American Academy of Pediatrics

1. Before your child is born, stay away from drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
2. Help your child’s early brain development by setting aside time for reading. Even a young baby enjoys the attention and sound of her parent’s voice, and children of all ages will benefit from a love of reading.
3. Talk with your pediatrician to be sure your child’s health records are up to date, and that he has had all required immunizations. Keep a copy of health records at home.*
4. Check your home for potential hazards and remove them. For example, be sure medicines, cleaning supplies and other potentially hazardous substances are inaccessible to children. Remove sharp objects from little ones’ reach, remove furniture with hard or pointed edges, and keep small objects away from children younger than three years of age to prevent choking. Check with local officials to see if your home or water supply should be checked for lead.
5. Provide safe transportation. Be sure your child’s safety seat is properly installed in your car, and that it is the appropriate type for her height and weight. Remember that the back seat is the safest place for healthy children younger than age twelve to ride, and show your love by insisting that they buckle up (just like you).
6. Write a list of questions to ask your child’s caregivers to be sure the care setting is safe (including transportation), healthy and developmentally appropriate. Does your care provider know of any community efforts or activities that utilize child care settings to provide health and safety information to children, parents, and staff? Make a note to get involved.
7. Use plenty of positive words. Encourage your child. Nurture his self-esteem and self-confidence by praising a job well done, and show interest in what he is saying.
8. Renew your efforts to monitor your child’s activities and provide structure to her day by limiting the kinds and amounts of television she watches, enforcing her bedtime and homework time, and having meals at predictable times. To help her learn to respect her body, set a time to join your child in physical activity, and offset gifts of candy with healthy treats.
9. Make an extra effort to set a good example at home and in public. Use words like “I’m sorry,” “Please,” and “Thank you.” Handle frustration and anger in non-hurtful ways and without name-calling. (Avoid unwanted tension and frustration by allowing a bit of extra time for transitions for young children so they don’t feel rushed and you don’t feel hassled.)
10.Give your child a hug. Or a cuddle, pat, secret sign or other gesture of affection your child favors. Try this when your child is angry, argumentative, or in a bad mood. And don’t forget to say, “I love you” to children of all ages.
Source: The Well-Centered Child

*Please note that Parents As Teachers is required to record dates of immunizations for all children participating in our program, as part of the health screening. Your Parent Educator will let you know when she needs to gather this information...usually once a year. Thank you.

Sample these books
and feed your
child’s imagination

The Disappearing Alphabet by Richard Wilbur.
Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes and other action rhymes by Zita Newcome.
Imagine by Norman Messenger.
LIttle Bird’s ABC by Piet Grobler.
Tickle My Nose and Other Action Rhymes by Kaye Umansky.
Piggies by Don & Audrey Wood.
Q is for Duck: an alphabet guessing game by Mary Elting & Michael Folsom.

Free Fun
Things to Do

Do the ‘Hokey Pokey’

Play with a flashlight. Use the words on, off, light and dark.

Walk like...a giant, a spider, a flamingo, a turtle.

Watch for winter birds. Compare sizes & colors.

Paint or color a rainbow and hang it in a window.

Wear something purple today.

Name 3 animals that live outside.

Crawl around on all fours--what animal noises can you imitate?

Look at different objects in your house with a magnifying glass.

Start some seeds in a window garden.

Draw a picture of one of your friends.

March 2nd is Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Read one of his books.

Tape a BIG piece of paper to Toddler’s door to draw on.

Play music with a steady beat and clap your hands and march around the house.

Play ‘London Bridge is Falling Down’

Visit the library for story time and special events. Check out a bag of books.

Infant Information

Infant Brain Development

The Growing Brain

The brain is shaped the most during the first 10 years of life.

Young children’s brains are especially able to develop connections that will be used later in life.

All experiences either create a new connection or make an old one stronger.

The more experiences a child has, the more connections are made.

The more connections, the more ways the brain has to understand new things later in life.

The ability to learn new things and make new connections gets harder as a person grows older.

Nurturing Brain Development

Always give loving care.

Warm touching is very important to infants.

Be gently physical and never shake or toss a baby in the air.

Talk back to a baby’s cooing and babbling.

Read to your baby and point out and name things around you.

Repeat sounds and talk clearly to infants.

Give babies different shapes, objects and colors to touch and see.

Give infants many play activities.

Expose your child to a variety of textures.

Play is how infants ‘work’ at learning their world.

Use daily life activities to teach or point out new things.

Play classical music to an infant as much as possible.

Provide a safe and loving environment to develop a pattern of healthy relationships.

Behave the way you’d like your child to act.

Source: MO Assn. of Family & Consumer Sciences, Joyce Taylor, Executive Director

Dressing baby:
A time for learning
Putting on a jacket to go outdoors or taking off shoes for nap may appear to be ordinary chores in caring for infants and toddlers. But all dressing activities offer rich opportunities for learning. Here are some ideas.

Talk with your baby about what you are doing. “Your overalls got wet. We’re going to put on some dry pants. It feels good to be warm and dry.” Encourage the back-and-forth of conversation. “Does that feel better?” Listen for coos and babbles and respond. “Yes, I hear you talking. Tell me about it.”

Describing what you are doing helps your baby develop language. Toddlers learn what to expect, which gives them some sense of control and helps build trust.

Introduce vocabulary about body parts and clothing. “We put shoes on your feet, and mittens on your hands.” As baby gets older, introduce concepts: “Your shirt is inside out. We need to turn it to the outside.”

Beginning about 9 months, play counting games as you dress your baby. For example, playfully touch each finger or toe and say, “Here are your fingers. One two, three, four, five. Five little fingers on your hand.” Count snaps or buttons while putting on a jacket: “One, two, three, four, ready to go out the door.”

Let your child help as appropriate. Children learn how to undress before they learn how to dress. By 12 months, they can usually pull off their caps, socks and shoes.

TEXAS CHILD CARE,
Texas Parenting News, Winter 2005

Toddler Time

Life with Lovey

Has you 1-year-old started dragging around a favorite blanket or stuffed animal? There's a reason toddlers crave comfort objects.

About 60 percent of toddlers are devoted to comfort objects, according to child-development experts. And since blankets and stuffed animals can help children soothe themselves in stressful moments, lots of parents can’t imagine life without them either. Here’s the scoop on your child’s lovey.
Hopelessly devoted to Blankie
Although some children embrace a comfort object earlier in infancy, they usually develop more intense attachments after their first birthday. Why? Because this is a time of change for your toddler. Children are just becoming mobile, and they are also learning that they’re independent from their parents. “Separation anxiety takes hold at this age, so something as simple as wandering into another room and realizing she’s alone can be stressful for your child,” says Mary Ann LoFrumento, MD, author of Understanding Your Toddler. “Having a familiar object with them helps kids this age feel comforted and secure.”
This feeling of safety is important because toddlers have a hard time with transitions, such as heading to day care or even going to bed. “The lovey becomes an extra resource to help your child deal with everyday events that are frustrating or upsetting,” explains Maria Kalpidou, Ph.D., psychology professor at Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts. “It’s especially important when moms aren’t around to hold and console toddlers. Instead, they use a comfort object to soothe themselves.”
Why do loveys have such magical powers? Quite simply, they help children control their emotions. “It feels good--and is calming--for a 1-year-old to stroke a blanket or hug a stuffed animal,” says Jane Kostelc, a child-development specialist at the Parents As Teachers National Center in St. Louis. That’s why most children pick loveys that are soft or have a nice texture.
In addition, many toddlers choose comfort objects that are connected to their mother in some way, such as the blankets they were held in as babies. Of course, other children become fond of items that make little sense to anyone but them. “Our toddler became attached to one of his socks,” says Nicole Guillory of Mount Vernon, Washington. “He carries it everywhere and won’t go to sleep without it.”
Lovey Lessons
While comfort objects can be cute, living with them can also be a pain. Just trying to get out of the house without your child’s lovey can cause a meltdown. “Remember, the world is a scary place to your toddler. That little blanket helps him be brave,” says Kostelc. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t set limits on its use: Doggy can ride along to the mall but must wait in the car, or Bunny can go to day care but needs to stay in a cubby until naptime. Of course, these rules are more for the benefit of the parents. “It’s healthy toddler behavior to cart a lovey around all day,” says Dr. LoFrumento. “But setting limits will reduce the chances of its getting lost or destroyed,”
Another battle for many parents is prying a beloved item out of their child’s hands long enough to wash it. That’s because kids often like the grungy feel and not-so-fresh aroma their lovey has developed, and fear its magic will be gone after a trip through the washing machine. One option is to buy several of the same item as soon as your child shows a preference. That’s what Dr. Kalpidou did after her daughter fell in love with a Santa hat the family used as a decoration. “I stocked up on hats after Christmas and washed them several times to make sure that they were worn enough to pass for the original,” she says.
Your toddler’s attachment to a comfort object will likely continue for the next year or two; it isn’t until preschool that most kids no longer need them. “At around 3 or 4, your child will begin to regulate his own emotions and won’t need to rely on a lovey for comfort,” says Kostelc. In the meantime, enjoy this milestone for what it is: a small, adorable step in your child’s road to independence.
Source: Parents magazine, Sept. 2005

Preschooler Page

It isn't easy to learn how to share!

Four-year-old Cathy was inspecting her crayon collection. Ah, there it was--the ugly gray one with the smashed point. With a benevolent nod, she handed it to her little brother. “Hey, Dad,” she shouted. “I’m sharing my new crayons with Jeff.”
“Well that’s good. That’s what I like to hear.” Maybe their efforts to teach sharing were beginning to pay off he thought proudly.
To adults, sharing seems easy enough. It’s using or enjoying something in common with others, a simple social skill. And one that adults say should be learned as soon as possible by children. But as most parents know, no matter how strongly you might feel about the importance of sharing, it is just not a skill that is learned overnight.
It’s a long road to learning how to share, but parents can guide their children along it with these ideas:
1. Explain in simple terms what you want your child to do. Then don’t leave the scene. Help your child do what you have explained. If for example, you want your two-year-old to take turns, describe how it works. And then stay nearby to help him or her through the process. The idea of reciprocity is pretty hard for a two-year-old to grasp. If you tell your child to give someone else a turn on the slide, make sure she gets her “turn” back again.
2. Be an example of sharing. Research has shown that children who have seen adults share are more likely to do so themselves--and to continue doing so. Showing is more effective than telling when it comes to sharing. When a child is told to share, he or she will do so--for a while. But when children frequently see adults share, they’re more likely to repeat the behavior on their own and do it more often.
3. Share throughout the day with your child, using the words “share” or “take turns” when you do. Whether it’s a piece of toast or a turn with the vacuum cleaner, you’ll be modeling what you want your child to learn.
4. Whenever you share with your child, be as generous as possible. If your preschool daughter is fascinated by your paper clips, don’t dole them out one or two at a time. Give her a whole pile of them. It’s easier to understand generosity when you’ve experienced it.
5. Let your children experience ownership, too. You can’t know what it means to share until you know what it means to own something. Avoid forcing them to share their favorite possessions. If, for example, riding on his toy motorcycle means a great deal to your three-year-old, explain to the neighborhood children he doesn’t need to share it with them. It’s easier to be generous with other toys when you know that the important ones are safe.
Use these suggestions and your own ideas to help your child grow toward sharing from the heart. And keep in mind that your child’s occasional lapse has more to do with age and understanding than with selfishness.
Source: The Well-Centered Child, OCT 2005

Enjoying Valentine’s Day with your Preschooler
All children love to send cards for Valentine’s Day. It’s even more fun if they make their cards as well. Try this Stained Glass Valentine Heart:
© Help your preschooler draw a heart on a sheet of waxed paper.
© Adult: Find some red, pink and light purple crayons and shave them.
© Child: Have your child arrange these shavings on the drawn heart.
© Child: cover the heart and shavings with another sheet of waxed paper.
© Adult: Iron the two layers of waxed paper together on low heat (protect your iron by putting a paper towel on top of the waxed paper while ironing.)
© Child (with adult supervision): Cut out the heart and punch a hole near the top.
© Child: Put a red or pink ribbon through the hole for hanging.
© Child: “Sign” the heart (with adult help) and place inside an envelope and mail.

Source: Parent & Preschooler Newsletter, FEB 2006

Parent's Place

Infant Massage
Day & Evening series

Infant Massage classes are offered regularly for P.A.T. parents & their infants from 3 weeks to 8 months.

Three-session daytime class: February 14, 21, & 28 - 10 to 11 AM
Two-session daytime class: March 7 & 14 - 10:00 to 11:30 AM
Two-session evening class: March 9 & 16 - 6:00 to 7:30 PM.

Please bring lotion and a blanket or pillow for your baby.

The guide, Nurturing Touch, ($5.50) is available for purchase.

Call 214-3955 to register. Minimum of 5 registrations are needed to hold the class. Maximum number 10 families for day; 12 for evening.

Thank you for your support of Parents As Teachers
© Rob & Angie Rush
© Misty & Josh & Britton Griffin
© Jennifer & Jeff Lampe
© Sandi & Tracy Staley
© Jacque Sample
© Laura Dillamon

Parent Educator Favorites

My favorite thing about Babies
© toothless grins...Christie Manie
© how peaceful they look whey they are sleeping...Krista Trower
My favorite thing about Toddlers
© their innocence in showing affection to other children (hugging & kissing and holding a friend’s hand) ...Dee Dee Brown
© their playful exuberance! Everything that they experience is so new and exciting for them. It’s fun to watch ...Susan Cooperstock

For Sale:
Medela back-pack style dual elec. breast pump with accessories. Orig $275; sell $125. Wendy, 814-2683.
Evenflo Comfort Fold stroller, like new $25. Blonde oak crib w/ spindles all 4 sides; no mattress, beautiful cond. $65. Kim, 356-1023.
Eveflo comfort select breast pump, brand new, $30. Sherry 815-0829.
Electric car suitable for toddlers with long lasting rechargeable battery, $25. Grace, 999-9394.
Medela Pump-in-Style original double breast pump w/ car adapter, newest model, only 7 mon. old. $175 OBO. Ramona, 573-522-1540 (W) 573-896-8363 (H).
12 new natural prefold cloth diapers $15; Little Tykes desk & chair $12. New adj. stovetop guard $10; Safety 1st baby monitor with 2 receivers, $12. Set of plastic bowling pins & balls $5; Whoozit sock toy $1. Jessica, 864-0566.
F-P nightlight w/ sounds & fish that move $10. F-P carousel with light & sound, $15. Maternity & infant clothes. Charissa, 442-6504.
Wanted to Buy:
Toddler bed. Full size mattress and box springs. Stacy, 823-4711.
Bike Trailer, Kim, 823-0426.
Kettler trike w/ pushbar capabilities. Jennifer, 234-2412.
Plastic cover to protect InStep jogger & child rider from rain/snow. Charissa, 442-6504.
• The PAT newsletter is published bi-monthly -- 6 times/year.
• Ads are limited to used items for children & families, 1-time insertion.
• Mail, fax (214-3998) or bring ad to PAT office by Wed., Jan. 18 for February/March edition.
• Newsletter is now on our website: www.columbia.k12.mo.us/pat.

Parenting Workshop:
Preventing and Dealing
with Childhood Illness
Columbia Public Library
Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Registration begins Tuesday, Feb. 7.
Call the library to register, 443-3161.

Countdown to Kindergarten
Columbia Public Library
February - March - April
n 3 monthly sessions filled with stories, songs & activities to help prepare your child with the critical skills and concepts needed for kindergarten.
n For children entering kindergarten in fall 2006, along with a parent. No siblings, please.
n Register by calling the library at 443-3161. Registration begins February 7. First session is Sat., Feb. 25, 9:15 -10:00 AM.

Springtime Fun
at Tons of Trucks
Thursday, April 6, 4 to 7 pm
...for ‘walkers’ and up...
Free community-wide event
co-sponsored with
Columbia Parks & Recreation
Rain or Shine at Rainbow Softball Complex Parking Lot in Cosmo Park. Use the main park entrance at 1615 Business Loop 70 West.
J See the world from the driver’s seat of a fire truck.
J Climb in the back of a dumptruck.
J Walk inside an ambulance.
J Meet and visit with community workers to learn what they do and how it helps all of us.
J Plus some exciting new vehicles this year!
Post this on your refrigerator! Our next newsletter will be published after this event!

Columbia Public Schools Parents As Teachers Activities, 2005-2006

DAY	DATE	TIME	AGES	ACTIVITY	LOCATION
WED	SEP 7	6 to 7:30 pm	‘walkers’ to 36 months (No activities for infants)	MESSY NITE for TODDLERS	Cosmo Park Lamb Shelter Business Loop 70 W.
MON	SEP 12	10:30 to 11:30 am	Parents & Infants up to 12 months	OUTDOOR FUN at the PARK	Lions Stephens Park N. Williams & Windsor Sts. 2 blocks N of Boone Hospital Center
MON	SEP 19	6:30 to 8:30 pm	Parents only please; no childcare.	PARENTAL DISCIPLINE: WHAT IS GOOD ENOUGH?	Columbia Public Library Friends Room
WED	SEP 28	5:00 to 6:30 pm	Infants to 5 years	BACK TO NATURE	Oakland Park Shelters 2 & 3 1900 Blue Ridge Rd
MON	OCT 3	10:30 to 11:30 am	Parents & Infants up to 12 months	FEEDING YOUR BABY	Columbia Public Library Friends Room
THUR	OCT 13	5:00 to 6:30 pm	‘walkers’ to 36 months (No activities for infants)	AWESOME AUTUMN for TODDLERS	PAT office parking lot 555 Vandiver
MON	OCT 24	6:30 to 7:45 pm	3 to 5 Years (but not yet in Kindergarten)	FALL into a BOOK for 3 to 5’s	Russell Blvd. School 1800 W Rollins Rd.
MON	NOV 7	10:30 to 11:30 am	Parents & Infants up to 12 months	TRAVELING with INFANTS	Columbia Public Library Friends Room
MON	DEC 5	10:30 to 11:30 am	Parents & Infants up to 12 months	PREPARING for the HOLIDAYS	Columbia Public Library Friends Room
MON	JAN 9	10:30 to 11:30 am	Parents & Infants up to 12 months	ESTABLISHING SLEEP ROUTINES	Columbia Public Library Friends Room
SAT	JAN 21	9:00 to 10:30 am	3 to 5 years (pre-K)	DANCING with the KIDS for 3 to 5’s	Smithton Middle School Cafetorium
MON	FEB 6	10:30 to 11:30 am	Parents & Infants up to 12 months	CHOOSING A SAFE SITTER	Columbia Public Library Friends Room
SAT	FEB 11	9:30 to 10:45 am	Infants to Age 3	JUMP into a BOOK for Infants & Toddlers	Smithton Middle School Cafetorium & Room 99
MON	MAR 6	10:30 to 11:30 am	Parents & Infants up to 12 months	SETTING LIMITS with your INFANT	Columbia Public Library Friends Room
MON	MAR 13	6:30 to 7:45 pm	3 to 5 years (pre-K)	KIDS CUISINE for 3 to 5’s (pre-Kindergarten)	Russell Blvd. School 1800 W Rollins Rd.
MON	MAR 20	6:30 to 7:45 pm	Infants to 36 mon.	KIDS in the KITCHEN for Infants & Toddlers	Smithton Middle School Cafetorium & Room 99
MON	APR 3	10:30 to 11:30 am	Parents & Infants up to 12 months	MUSIC & FINGER PLAYS	Columbia Public Library Friends Room
THUR	APR __	4:00 to 7:00 pm	‘Walkers’ & up	TONS of TRUCKS	Cosmo Park Rainbow Softball Complex Parking Lot
MON	MAY 1	10:30 to 11:30 am	Parents & Infants up to 12 months	SAFETY PROOFING YOUR HOME	Columbia Public Library Friends Room
MON	MAY 15	5:00 to 6:15 pm…Infants to 36 months 6:30 to 7:45 pm…36 months to 5 (pre-K)		DOWN on the FARM	Nifong Park Nifong Bl. & Ponderosa (near Hwy 63 & Rte AC)
MON	JUN 5	10:30 to 11:30 am	Parents & Infants up to 12 months	OUTDOOR SAFETY	Lions Stephens Park N. Williams & Windsor Sts. 2 blocks N of BHC
MON	JUN 5	6:00 to 7:30 pm	3 to 5 Years (pre-K)	MESSY NITE for 3-5’s (pre-Kindergarten)	Cosmo Park Lamb Shelter Business Loop 70 West

Please save and post on your refrigerator! J