Tip of the Week: A smile for Dad!

Save money and help the environment this Father's Day by sending Dad an
e-mail card from your child! If e-cards aren't your style, but you like the
idea of saving money and paper, try this simple and creative solution that
will make Dad's day:

Using a piece of scrap paper, help your child make a sign that says, "I love
you, Daddy! Happy Father's Day!" Take a quick shot on your digital camera of
your child holding the sign and send it to his e-mail. Your child's smile
will make Dad smile, too!

Tip of the Week: Developmental Support

Did you know that the state of Illinois provides a wide range of early
intervention services? They're free to eligible children up to age 3 and can
help with developmental challenges related to vision, hearing, speech, fine
and gross motor skills, self-help skills, behavior and nutrition.

Here are three ways the Illinois Early Intervention programs can help:

   - A therapist will work at least monthly with children and their families
   to provide education, intervention and environmental support.
   - The therapist will also evaluate the child's and family's needs and
   will review activities for parents and caregivers to do with the child.
   - The therapist will provide training, evaluations and assistance for a
   child's specific challenges.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, it's
better to be safe than sorry. Through early intervention, these obstacles
often can be tackled and overcome. Visit Illinois Early Intervention's Web
site at http://www.eiclearinghouse.org/ei_home.html to find out more about
the support the state offers to families.