Library holds Story Time

CSC’s Family Library, 1520 Hanover Ave, Allentown, will hold public story time throughout the school year on Tuesdays at 10 am and Thursdays at 1 pm. Every one-hour story adventure includes stories, crafts and a snack. Each month holds a thrilling new theme. September’s theme is ‘I am Special.’ Children will learn about themselves and what makes them special Children are invited to bring a favorite picture. There’s a special tribute to all grandparents for Grandparents’ Day, celebrated at the Library on Sept 6 and 8. The Library is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm. Call 610-437-6000, x 3140 for information. Free.

3S33d_admin August 31st, 2011

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Stillman: National Autism Advocate

William Stillman, author and national speaker on autism spectrum disorders, will be the featured speaker on October 7, 2011, 8:30 am – noon, at DeSales University Center. The event is presented by the Early Education Academy, a service of Community Services for Children. A two-tiered pricing is available to accommodate professionals needing continuing education credits ($50) and parents, $25.

Mr. Stillman has been dubbed the “Autism Whisperer” for his innate ability to understand and interpret children and adults on the autism spectrum. He is an award-winning author known internationally for his groundbreaking work, Autism and the God Connection: Redefining the Autistic Experience through Extraordinary Accounts of Spiritual Giftedness. His first book on the subject of autism, Demystifying the Autistic Experience, has been highly praised by the autism and self-advocacy communities. His editorial essays are posted to TheHuffingtonPost.com and other blogs.

He founded the Pennsylvania Autism Self Advocacy Coalition, which endeavors to educate and advise state and local government, law enforcement, educators, and the medical community about the autism spectrum from the “inside out.”

As an adult with Asperger’s Syndrome, a mild “cousin” of autism, Stillman’s message of reverence and respect has touched thousands nationally through his acclaimed autism workshops.

He will present two 90-minute presentations. The first is “Autism and the 90 Percent Factor: Building Authentic Relationships,” which provides insights into demythologizing autism. The second is “The Autism Spectrum and Employment” which provides strategies to assist individuals for viable employment.

For information, call 610-437-6000, x 2113 or register at www.cscinc.org/events.

3S33d_admin August 2nd, 2011

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Autism & Adolescence

Dr. Karen Senft, a local developmental-behavioral pediatrician, and an experienced panel of clinicans and parents will address meeting the physical, behavioral, and social challenges of pre-teens and teens on the autism spectrum. Sponsored by the Autism Resource Community Hub of Lehigh Valley (ARCH of LV), Friday, October 21, 2011, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, at Community Services for Children’s Training Institute, 1520 Hanover Ave, Allentown. Cost $10 for family members and $25 for professionals. ACT 48 and CEU credits will be offered. Contact ARCH at 610-573-2500.

3S33d_admin July 27th, 2011

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Early Ed Classes

August 3, 2011, 9 am – 4:30 pm: ‘Don’t Flip Out, Just FLIP IT!’ Presented by Devereux Center for Resilient Children. FLIP IT is a 4-step strategy for building supportive relationships that encourage emotional awareness and emotional control in children ages 3 through 8. 6.5 hrs of Professional Development. $30/pp.

August 5, 2011, 9 am – 2:30 pm: ‘Secure Relationships: Nurturing Infant/Toddler Attachment in Early Child Care Settings.’ Featuring Dr. Alice Sterling Honig. $35/pp

August 25, 2011, 9 am – 3:30 pm: ‘Brazleton Touchpoint Developmental Overview.’ Overview of the Touchpoint Approach strengthens partnerships between providers and families by developing effective and positive interactions, which are proven to enhance child outcomes. Target infant, toddler and preschool teachers and directors. $35/pp. Act 48 available for additional $5 fee.

These classes will be held at CSC’s Training Institute, 1520 Hanover Ave, Allentown, PA. To register for any of these events, www.pakeys.org and login. If not a member of PA Keys program, go to www.cscinc.org/events. For assistance contact Sheila Rapchak, srapchak@cscinc.org. Send payment to CSC, 1520 Hanover Ave, Allentown,m PA 18109. Include event on check memo.

3S33d_admin July 15th, 2011

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Promotions Announced

Claire DeFazio has been named VP of Operations and Subsidy Services, which includes accountability for building and facilities maintenance and contracts as well as the Child Care Information Services program. CCIS administers subsidies paid to child care providers enrolling children in low income families in Lehigh County.

Rebecca Fenerty recently assumed the new position of Director of Family Engagement. In this position, Rebecca will continue to manage the operational functions for Head Start and Early Head Start, which include transportation, enrollment, collaborations, food and nutrition, and recod keeping and reporting. In addition, she has responsibility for the Family Services Department, which previously reported to long-time employee Nancy Martin who retired recently.

Desiree Lake has been promoted to the position of Director of Facilities and Administration. This new position reflects the enlarged scope of responsibilities in her role such as the new SafeStart building and management and oversight of facilities contracts.

3S33d_admin July 15th, 2011

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Playground Grant Received

Head Start of the Lehigh Valley is one of 436 recipients of a $5000 grant from Head Start Body Start National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play. The grant will be used to provide a playground for children enrolled in Head Start at Allentown’s Overland Park facility off Hanover Avenue.

‘Outdoor play is associated with greater amounts of physical activity in children and research ahs shown that opportunities for whole bdy exerise has a long lasting influence as preschool physical activity tracks throughout childhood,’ said Center Director Kwame M. Brown, PhD.

3S33d_admin June 23rd, 2011

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Summer Reading Buggy

Infants to children aged 12 and their families are invited to join our free summer reading program as we go BUGGY with story time adventures, prizes, crafts and snacks all related to learning about insects. June 6-August 12, 2011. Tuesdays 10 am; Wednesdays 10 am and 1 pm; Thursdays 10 am. Large groups please call for reservations 610-437-6000, x 3140. CSC’s Family Library hours are 9 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. Many thanks to a generous grant from The Julius and Catherine Hommer Foundation for making our summer reading program and hours possible.

3S33d_admin May 19th, 2011

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PPL wins Donley Award

Community Services for Children presented James Miller, CEO, PPL, with the 16^th Annual Inez and Edward Donley Award for Children’s Advocacy on April 20 at the Allentown Symphony Hall Rodale Community Room. Prominent business and community leaders gave Jim a standing ovation for his work and that of PPL for their long-term investment in improving the lives of children and families, and the communities in which they live. Barbara Fraust, chair of the CSC Board presented the award. Providing citations including all senate and house delegates from the Lehigh Valley were The Honorable Jennifer Mann, The Honorable Douglas Reichley, and The Honorable Justin Simmons, and Senator Pat Browne’s chief of staff Ellen Kern. Among those applauding PPL’s efforts were Edward Donley, Hank Barnette, Linny Fowler, Lee Butz, Craig Butz, Dave and Kathy Leber, Bob and Ilene Wood, Dr. Jerry Zahorchak, Susan Gilmore, Laurie Gostley-Hackett, Bill Spence, Don Bernhard, Michana Johnson, Anne Baum, and Jim Klunk. Major sponsors of the event included Air Products, Capital BlueCross, Alvin H. Butz, Concannon Miller, Corporate Environments, Gross McGinley, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Klunk & Millan, PPL, and Victaulic.

3S33d_admin April 20th, 2011

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Chik-fil-A T-town hosts Families

Trexlertown Chik-fil-A has a free Easter event Saturday, April 16, 2-5 pm, for ages 3-9 featuring an egg hunt, crafts, the Easter Bunny, and more. Check out Family Night every Tuesday, 6-7 pm, featuring free arts and crafts.

3S33d_admin April 14th, 2011

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Summer Library Hops

Community Services for Children offers its summer reading program for children ages birth to 12 from June 6 to August 12, 2011. Reading, craft and snack will be offered Tuesdays, 10-11 am, Wednesdays 10-11 am and 1-2 pm, and Thursdays 10-11 am. Reservations for groups are preferred to ensure supplies. The Library is located on the Donley Children’s Campus, 1520 Hanover Ave, Allentown. Books, tapes, games, puppets, toys, and assistive educational materials are available at all times. The summer program is available through a grant from the Hommer Foundation. Call Marie Louesy, 610-437-6000, x 3140.

3S33d_admin April 6th, 2011

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