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Set up a lemonade stand Blow some bubbles Make ice cream Set up a tent outside Go on a picnic Play hopscotch Make kool aid play dough Paint rocks Set up an obstacle course Ride bikes Run through sprinklers Play in the pool Watch a parade Plant a vegetable garden Watch fireworks Draw with chalk Throw a Frisbee Build sandcastles Go to the zoo Go to a library program Have a barbeque Make chalk paint Go to the beach Play on homemade slip and slide Make jello boats Fly kites Watch clouds Make popsicles Handprint sunflowers Go to the county fair Eat watermelon Go to the park Walk along waterfront Paint the fence with water Make mud pies Make milk carton boats Color scavenger hunt Make a pizza Write a story Homemade finger paints Treasure map hunt Puppet show Outdoor bowling Mini golf Go to a free concert Dig in the dirt Make a fort Become a pen pal Melt crayons
Summertime is a great time to make memories. Here are a few ideas to get
your family started. Checkout the “Summer Safety Tips” on pages 10 & 11.
S U P P O R T F O R F A M I L I E S
W H O S E C H I L D R E N H A V E
S P E C I A L N E E D S
S U M M E R 2 0 1 2 V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 2
C O O R D I N A T O R ’ S
C O R N E R
Skagit County Parent to Parent
Family Links
I N S I D E T H I S
I S S U E :
P2P Services &
Trained
Helping Parents
2
P2P Summer Events 3
Conferences
Autism Resources
4
5
Disability Directory
Arc Island & Skagit
6
7
Informing Families
Recreation Directory
8
9
Summer Safety Tips
Bulletin
10
11
SAVE THE DATE!
2012 Buddy Walk
12
Ah, summer!
Time to slow down and
enjoy our families and
hopefully a bit of
sunshine, too.
Check out all of the fun
events on page 3 and
other recreation re-
sources on page 9.
Our office hours will be
reduced over the
summer months, but
don’t hesitate to contact
P2P if you need support.
Go to a duck pond Bake some cupcakes Coke and Mentos experiment Cheerio necklace Make a tin foil river
with floating bottle caps Wash the car Play basketball Pick some flowers Water the garden Make car wash sprinkler Chase butterflies Play on swing set Make a nature rubbing Water balloons Play soccer Go to a free outdoor movie Make a friendship bracelet Visit a retirement home Make a collage from old magazines Take cookies to a fire station Decorate an old box as a playhouse Make s’mores Go fishing Put on a play Take a class Visit the pet store Make a memory album Teach your child to set the table Ride a carousel Star gaze READ a book!
Summertime FUN Checklist!
P A G E 2
Skagit County
Heather Milliren,
Coordinator
360.416.7570 x401
Cindy Hubert,
Birth-to-Three &
Autism Consultant
360.416.7570 x406
Gabby López,
Hispanic Liaison
360.416.7570 x414
Se habla español
Parent to Parent Services
Your
experience
can help
others
cope and
grow!
F A M I L Y L I N K S
No Cost Services:
Support • Support Meetings
Website • Educational Workshops
Resources • Social/Recreational Events
Newsletters • Presentations in our community
Lending Library • “Helping Parent” Training
Mission Statement: Parent to Parent programs offer emotional support and information
about disabilities and community resources to parents who have a newborn or newly diagnosed child with a disability or special health
care needs. We utilize trained, veteran parents called “Helping Parents” who
provide one-on-one support to new or referred parents who have a child with similar needs.
Thank you to our newly trained
Skagit & Island County Helping Parents, Self-Advocates & Professionals
Linda Bailey, Jason Burley, Dawn Chapman,
Sarah DuCharme, Geno Dogans, Annette Hanson, Erin King-Luce,
Lindsey Linville, Gabby López, Michael Murray, Allyson Pederson,
Janet Rutz, Amanda Sloan, Jill Sprouse, Michelle Yerger
Thank you to Christine Griffin, Whatcom County P2P Coordinator
for your presentation on the “Grief Process.”
Thank you to Joy Caldwell, former Arc of Island/Skagit Leadership Series Coordinator, for hosting this training.
¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
Do you have an interest in helping other parents who have a child with a developmental difference
and/or special health care need? Your experience can help others cope and grow!
Plan to attend our annual FREE “Helping Parent” mentorship training to
provide one-to-one support and informational resources to another parent/caregiver whose child has a similar diagnosis.
Contact Skagit P2P @ 360.416.7570 x 401
or [email protected] for more info
Legos® in the Library Anacortes Public Library—1220 10th ST Wednesdays •4:30 PM•
La Conner City Library—614 Morris ST
Wednesday, June 13, 2012 •3-5:30 PM• Tuesday, July 17, 2012 •10-11 AM•
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 •3-5:30 PM•
Mt. Vernon City Library—315 Snoqualmie ST Wed, June 13 •1 to 7 PM• Sat, June 16 •1 to 4:30 PM• Sat, July 21 •1 to 4:30 PM• Wed, August 8 •1 to 7 PM• Sat, Aug. 18 •1 to 4:30 PM•
Sedro Woolley City Library—802 Ball AVE Tuesday, June 19, 2012 •2:30-6:30 PM• Tuesday, July 17, 2012 •2:30-6:30 PM•
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 •2:30-6:30 PM•
Upper Skagit Library—45770 B Main ST, Concrete Friday, June 29, 2012 •3-5:30 PM•
Friday, August 31, 2012 •3-5:30 PM•
Lego and Duplo blocks provided. Adult supervision required.
Autism Parent Support Brunch Saturday, July 14, 2012 •10 AM to 12 PM• Location: Skagit Family Resource Center 320 Pacific PL, Mt. Vernon
Facilitated by Cynthia Hubert; Spanish translation by Gabby López Light refreshments provided. Adults only please!
CHILDCARE: Limited spots (ages 2-10) with firm RSVP by July 11th to 360.416.7570 x401.
Autism 101 Seminar—FREE! Tuesday, September 4, 2012 •7-8:30PM•
For parents/caregivers of children recently diagnosed with Autism
Autism 200 Seminars—FREE! Thursday, June 21, 2012 •7-8:30PM• Autism 206: “Transition to Adulthood...”
Thursday, July 19, 2012 •7-8:30PM•
Autism 207: “Feeding Issues: From Picky Eaters to Feeding Disorders”
Thursday, August 16, 2012 •7-8:30PM•
Autism 208: “Facilitating Early Communication Skills”
3 Locations to choose from: Seattle Children’s Hospital NW ESD 189 in Anacortes
Skagit Valley Hospital Preregistration required for Skagit Valley Hospital @ 360.814.2424
Summer Reading Program in the Libraries—FREE! For preschoolers through 12th grade
Sign ups begin: June 11, 2012
• Activities • Events • Prizes Check your local public library for details
Children’s Museum Community FREE Days! Tuesdays, June 12, July 10 & August 14, 2012 • 10 AM—5 PM •
550 Cascade Mall Drive, Burlington
For details: www.skagitchildrensmuseum.net
Father’s Network All Family Campout—FREE! Friday, June 15–Sunday, June 17, 2012
Washington Park, Anacortes Camp anytime or simply attend dinner on
Saturday, June 16th @ 5:30 PM Bring your own dinner (BBQs available) Dessert potluck & campfire with s’mores Contact [email protected] or 425.653.4286 for more info
Kids R Best Fest—FREE! Saturday, July 7, 2012 •11:00 AM-4:00 PM• Storvik Park, Anacortes
Children’s Art Festival—FREE! Saturday, July 21, 2012 •10:00 AM-4:00 PM• Hillcrest Park, Mt. Vernon
Live entertainment, giant inflatable bouncer, arts and crafts, concessions for purchase, prizes, resources, etc.
Starlight Cinema Outdoor Movie Series—FREE! Mt. Vernon Parks & Recreation present
■Friday, June 29, 2012 “Goonies” (PG) @ Kiwanis Park
■Saturday, July 14, 2012 “Spy Kids 4” (PG) @ Kiwanis Park
■Friday, July 27, 2012 “Bolt”(G) @ Bakerview Park
■Saturday, August 18, 2012 “Big Miracle” (PG) @ Edgewater Park
■Friday, August 24, 2012 “Lorax” (PG) @ Hillcrest Park
For more info call MVPR @ 360.336.6215 or visit www.mountvernonwa.gov
Sensory Friendly Films Cascade Mall Cinemas—$6 matinee ticket 200 Cascade Mall Drive, Burlington Call 360.707.2727 to confirm films, dates and times
■Saturday, June 16, 2012 @ 10 AM “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted”(PG)
■Saturday, June 30, 2012 @ 10 AM “Brave” (PG)
■Saturday, July 21, 2012 @ 10 AM “Ice Age: Continental Drift” (PG)
■Saturday, August 11, 2012 @ 10 AM “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” (PG)
Visit www.amctheatres.com/sff/ for sensory-friendly films details. SFF include: No movie previews, house lights turned up, sound turned down, “Silence is Golden” policy not enforced, and gluten-free snacks permitted.
Skagit County Parent to Parent 2012 Summer Events Note: Events subject to change
Support for families whose
children have special needs
360.416.7570 x 401
www.skagitp2p.org
Start time: DUSK CONCESSIONS
available Bring your
blankets, lawn chairs, flashlights, etc.
P A G E 4
June 21-23, 2012
Hands &
Voices
National
Leadership
Conference Hood River, OR
www.handsandvoices.org
“To the world
you may be one
person, but to
one person you
may be the
world.”
Heather Cortez
Pediatric Associates Speaker Series Time: 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Location: Kindering Center, Bellevue—www.kindering.org
July 11, 2012—“Helping Your Child Learn Effective Social Skills" Presenters: Marcee Ben-Menachem, MA and April Remfrey, MS, Co-Owners/facilitators for Peers
Actively Learning
September 19, 2012—“ASD: Preparing For Your Child’s Teen and Adult Years”
Presenter: Lisa Iland, M.S., author and founder of Social Bridge coaching for teens & adults
October 18, 2012—“Better Bedtime: Common Behavior & Biological Sleep Issues in Childhood"
Presenter: Dr. Jervis Belarmino, Pediatric Associates
October 24, 2012—“An Alphabetical Toolbox for Parenting Zen”
Presenter: Dr. James Chattra, Pediatric Associates
Questions, please contact Joe at 425.653.4321 or [email protected]
F A M I L Y L I N K S
Combined Institute on Special Education “Design for Success: Progress for All”
Keynote: Dr. Eugene Edgar, UW
July 30-August 2, 2012 Eastmont Junior High School—East Wenatchee, WA
$200 (parents & students); $315 (professional)
To register contact, N Central ESD 171
1.509.665.2630 or [email protected] Visit www.ncesd.org/csi for more details
Summer Conferences
October 13, 2012 8 AM—4 PM
“Executive Function” Seminar @ Seattle Children’s Hospital
FREE! More info at 206.987.4209 or [email protected]
Save the
Date!
V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 2
Autism Resources www.autism-society.org
www.autismsocietyofwa.org
How to Cope Video Series & ASD Video Glossary
100 Day Kit www.autismspeaks.org
www.firstsigns.org
Dedicated to educating parents & professionals
about autism and related disorders
www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/mch/Autism/guidebook/ default.htm
Autism Task Force Guidebook
FREE copies available at P2P office!
Autism Center Search
“Autism Center Resources” www.seattlechildrens.org
or call 206.987.8080
www.k12.wa.us/SpecialEd/pubdocs/Autism%20Manual.pdf
Educational Aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Did you know? 1.5 million Americans have some form of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
What’s more… 1 child in 110 births is affected by autism
Autism is the fastest growing neurodevelopmental condition
Autism costs America an estimated $60 billion annually
In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400 billion
The cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention
http://depts.washington. edu/uwautism/index.php
UW Autism Info Line 1.877.408.UWAC
Clinical Services, Research, Training Resources, including
“My Next Steps: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Autism”
Seattle Children’s Hospital presents More information at www.theautismblog.seattlechildrens.org
Autism 101 Seminar—FREE! 90 minute seminar for parents/caregivers of children recently diagnosed with Autism Tuesday, September 4, 2012 •7-8:30 PM•
Autism 200 Seminar Series—FREE! Thursday, June 21, 2012 •7-8:30 PM• Autism 206: “The Young Adult Transition: Tangible Steps to Independence” Thursday, July 19, 2012 •7-8:30 PM• Autism 207: “Feeding Issues: From Picky Eaters to Feeding Disorders” Thursday, August 16, 2012 •7-8:30 PM• Autism 208: “Facilitating Early Communication Skills”
Thursday, September 20, 2012 •7-8:30 PM• Autism 209: “Bullying” Thursday, October 18, 2012 •7-8:30 PM• Autism 210: “Using Visuals to Support Independence at Home & in the Classroom” Thursday, November 15, 2012 •7-8:30 PM• Autism 211: “Panel: From a Sibling’s Perspective”
3 Locations to choose from: Seattle Children’s Hospital
NW ESD
Skagit Valley Hospital Preregistration required for SVH @ 360.814.2424
Combined Institute on Special Education
“Design for Success: Progress for All” Keynote: Dr. Eugene Edgar, UW
July 30-August 2, 2012
Eastmont Junior High School East Wenatchee, WA
$200 (parents & students)
$315 (professional)
To register contact N Central ESD 171
1.509.665.2630 [email protected]
Visit www.ncesd.org/csi for more details
Autism Outreach Project www.nwesd.org/autism
1.888.704.9633 Lending Library: books, dvds & curriculum
Classes, Seminars & Workshops
P A G E 6
A Few Skagit County People to Know Family Resource Coordination (Birth to 3 years): A Family Resource Coordinator (FRC) is available to help your family identify concerns, priorities and resources related to your infant’s or toddler’s developmental needs.
Contact Annette Driscoll, Skagit County Lead FRC 360.416.7570
Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN): Skagit County provides linkages and coordination of services for all children with special needs. Limited equipment and supplies to those families that meet financial and other program eligibilities.
Contact Jennifer Walton, Skagit County CSHCN Nurse 360.336.9383
Developmental Disabilities (DD): A variety of services and supports are available for persons with developmental disabilities (ages birth through adulthood).
Contact Skagit County DD Coordinator 360.419.3420
Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD): A variety of services and supports are available for qualifying persons with developmental disabilities (ages birth through adulthood).
Contact Lonnie Ripley, Mt. Vernon Outstation Manager 360.416.7275
Health Information Center 1.800.5.PARENT or visit
familyvoicesofwashington.com
Center for Children with Special Needs
www.cshcn.org
Partnerships for Action Voices for Empowerment
For assistance navigating “systems”
Contact Jeannette Stonecipher 1.877.675.5808 (statewide) [email protected]
Travel Training Program For seniors & people with disabilities 360.757.4433 or www.skat.org
Disability Resource Directory
For people with intellectual
& developmental disabilities
NEW Phone: 360.707.0158
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.arcislandskagit.org
The Arc of Washington State Phone: 360.357.5596
Web: www.arcwa.org
For accurate, reliable information
on special education law,
education & advocacy for children
with disabilities
www.wrightslaw.com
We Connect Now is dedicated to uniting college students with disabilities in access to higher
education and employment issues www.weconnectnow.wordpress.com
We
Connect
Now Washington State Special Education Support Center
To help parents and educators clearly understand state and federal rules and best practices for
students with disabilities
1.800.622.3393
www.specialeducationsupportcenter.org
Find educational consultants, psychologists,
educational diagnosticians, health care
providers, academic therapists, tutors, speech
language therapists, occupational therapists,
coaches, advocates & attorneys for children
with disabilities.
www.yellowpagesforkids.com FYI Transition A website designed for older students
with disabilities, their families & professionals in the field of transition
from school to work. www.fyitransition.org
F A M I L Y L I N K S
P A G E 7 V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 2
The Arc has a NEW phone number: 360.707.0158 www.arcislandskagit.org
Our office is located at 1285 Goldenrod Road in Burlington
Questions? Need Info? Contact Us!
June is our Annual Membership Drive! Your membership assists in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in your community!!
Membership Benefits: Consultation Services
Forms Assistance Advocacy Support Services
Discounted or Free Group Training & Community Events
empower Real People, Real Progress
Becky Bullard
Executive Director
Doggie
Bones
Stop by our kids activity table at Berry Dairy
Days in Burlington on June 16th. Your child can create
a “Take and Bake” doggie bone to take home. Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, peanut
butter, skim milk, baking powder.
Sarah DuCharme
Case Mgmt Coordinator
Amy Morris-Young
Advocacy Coordinator
Mark your Calendars:
Our board meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Our next meeting is June 13, 2012—6:30 PM at our office (1285 Goldenrod, Burlington). We’d love to see you! Please e-mail us if you would like to attend.
Legislative Reception is September 26, 2012—5:30 to 7:30 PM @ Skagit Valley College. The Arc of Island/Skagit is co-sponsoring this event with People First of Skagit. If you would like to testify your story to our legislators, please contact Amy Morris—Young at [email protected]
The Arc’s Annual Meeting is Friday, October 5, 2012—time & location TBD
Our Mission
To promote an inclusive community in Island & Skagit Counties with equal opportunity and full participation for children and adults with disabilities by advocating, supporting, educating and empowering these individuals and their family members.
What does the
Arc do?
We are here to help you understand the services and resources available to you and
your family member with intellectual & developmental disabilities. If there is any way we can help, please contact us.
Thank you Skagit County Parent to Parent for your support!!
Island & Skagit
Parent
to
Parent
Island
and
San Juan Know someone or a family living in Island or San Juan
County that could benefit from our services? Have them give us a call!
Island & San Juan
Become a member or renew your membership for only $15 in June and receive a complimentary “I support the Arc of Island and Skagit” travel cup, laminated membership card and a doggie bone sampler.
Transitioning from birth-to-three services to the school system comes with a series of changes for you and
your child. Be prepared for not one, but several transitions, and start planning at least six months ahead.
Learning Who’s Who
Rather than the family-centered approach of birth-to-three services, school district professionals are
focused solely on your child. Whether it’s an Early Childhood Coordinator, Readiness to Learn
Coordinator, or school psychologist, the professionals involved in coordinating special educational services
will vary. Before your child transitions, find out the name and contact
information for each of the school district professionals who will be
involved in your child’s education.
Becoming Your Child’s Advocate
No one knows your child better than you do, so when it comes to
making decisions regarding his/her education, it’s important to speak
up and ensure that your child’s needs are being met. Organizations
such as Parent to Parent (P2P) and Partnerships for Action, Voices
for Empowerment (PAVE) will help you learn how to
be your child’s best advocate.
P2P: 1-800-821-5927; www.arcwa.org/getsupport
PAVE: 1-800-5-PARENT; www.wapave.org
Resolving Issues with Schools
The Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO) resolves complaints,
disputes, and problems between families and public schools. The OEO
is independent of the public school system and provides an alternative to
costly lawsuits and administrative hearings.
OEO: 1-866-297-2597; www.governor.wa.gov/oeo
A Service of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council
For more information on this and other topics, visit: www.informingfamilies.org
Tips for Life’s Transitions: Navigating the Transition from Birth to Three
to the K-12 Education System—Where to Turn, What to Do
Ages
3-6
Developmental
Preschool Kindergarten First Grade Birth to Three
Services
Good information is the key to preparing for the many transitions in your child’s life.
Informing Families Building Trust is committed to providing you with trusted, reliable
information to help you plan for, and successfully move through, each milestone.
Make Time for
Social Time
The more your child learns to
participate in groups and
socialize with other children,
the better s/he will make the
transition to school.
Look for opportunities to
include your child in typical
community activities, such as
library story time or Parks &
Recreation programs. Connect
with your local Parent to
Parent to find out what your
community has to offer.
Children
with
Special
Needs
SUMMER
CAMP
Directory www.cshcn.org
V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 2 P A G E 9
Skagit County
Visit www.skagitspecialo.org
Community Free Days 2nd Tuesday of the month
10 AM to 5 PM Cascade Mall in Burlington
Cascade Mall Cinemas Burlington
June 16 & 30 July 21
August 11* @ 10 AM for $6/ticket
Call 360.707.2727
*to confirm title, times & prices or visit
www.amctheatres.com/sff for more information
Visit www.outdoorsforall.org or call 206.838.6030 for year
round recreation opportunities
Supported Trips, Activities & Recreation For people ages 16+ with disabilities
www.skagitymca.org or 360.419.9058 x304
Y-Star formerly known as “Rec ‘n Roll” Program
Jon Dalgarn’s “Out of the Ashes”
Entertainment Program for People with Disabilities
Tuesdays 4 to 6 PM
NEW Location: 1107 Railroad, Bellingham
Wednesdays 2 to 4 PM
616 E Fairhaven, Burlington
Fridays 1 to 3 PM 338 N McLeod, Arlington
For more details visit www.outoftheashes.us
or call Jon @ 360.770.9715
Check out your
local library for fun SUMMER
READING events including
Legos® in the Library!
FREE
National
Parks
Access Pass
http://
store.usgs.gov/
pass/
access.html
Thank
You! Thank you Bellingham
Sportsplex for sponsoring
our Family Ice Skating Event
Thank you Kat McCarroll,
AHS student, for planning
our Family Ice Skating Event
Thank you Patron Restaurant
for the delicious
Cinco de Mayo dinner
Doug Chandler of
Samaritan’s Counseling for
facilitating our
“Explosive Child” series.
Thank you Mom’s Night Out
Donors
Kelly Aus, Consultant
Katie Walton, Instructor
Recreation Resources
P A G E 1 0
Summer Safety Tips
Whether your kids are home for summer, on the road with you or away at camp, use these tips to keep your family safe and healthy.
Riding Safe When your child is ready to roll, make sure they: Always wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter and skateboard or roller blading. Wear knee and elbow pads for scooter riding, and add wrist guards for roller blading
or skateboarding. Ride a bike that fits them.
For Family Bike Rides
Children under 1 shouldn’t ride as passengers on adult bikes. Children ages 1 to 4 (or less than 40 pounds) should ride belted and wearing a
helmet. They ride best in a carrier seat mounted on the bike or in a bike trailer. Children follow your lead, so always wear a helmet when you ride!
Safe Travel Always strap children in a properly fitted car seat, booster seat or seat belt when
traveling by car or airplane. The back seat is the safest place for children to ride. In Washington state, the law
says children under 13 must ride in the back seat where it is practical to do so. Children in rear-facing car seats should never be placed in the front seat if it has an
air bag. Check the owner’s guide for your child’s car seat to make sure it is approved for
airplane travel. When renting a car, reserve a car seat or booster seat, or bring your own. Lock all doors when driving. Never leave children alone in a car, even for a minute. Children left in cars are at
risk for heat stroke, which can lead to death. Other risks are setting the car in motion and getting injured by playing with power controls. Keep empty cars locked at all times.
Fun In the Sun
Protect your children from too much sun. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM, so be extra careful during that time.
Whenever your child is outside, use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 to 30. Choose one that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours and after being in the water or sweating.
Keep children under 1 out of the sun as much as you can. Dress your baby in lightweight, light-colored clothing with long sleeves and long pants. Always cover their head. Children under 6 months of age can have small amounts of sunscreen put on their faces and the backs of their hands, but be careful not to get it in their eyes or mouth.
Most of the sun’s burning rays go right through clouds, so use sunscreen even on cloudy days.
Select sunglasses for babies and children that provide 100 % UV protection. When it is 90° or above and humid, children should not exercise or play outside for
more than 30 minutes at a time. Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids even if they are not thirsty. Water is
best. Take breaks to cool off in the shade.
F A M I L Y L I N K S
More
Safety
Bulletins
available @ www.
seattlechildrens .org
Source: Seattle Children’s Hospital Bulletin
P A G E 1 1 V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 2
Water Safety Never leave children alone in or near the water, even for a minute. Watch children with
care in and around water. Have adults take turns being “child watchers” at family events.
Children, teens and adults should wear life jackets for boating and while swimming in lakes,
rivers or the ocean. Young children also need to wear life jackets when playing near deep
or moving water and while on docks.
Bring life jackets with you on outings and vacations. Make sure they fit and are comfortable.
Teach your children to swim. Be aware of the hazards of swimming in a lake or river.
Toys and mattresses that inflate will not keep children safe. Life jackets are the only
flotation aid you can rely on.
Children should swim only when lifeguards are on duty or if an experienced swimmer is
watching.
Pools need a fence that has four sides, is at least four feet high, and is self-latching and
secured.
Cover your spa when not in use. Keep long hair away from intake drains at the bottom of
spas.
If you spend time in boats, learn about boating safety. Call 1.800.336.BOAT to learn more.
Ponds, five-gallon buckets and wading pools are drowning hazards for very young children.
Empty water from buckets and wading pools, and make sure children are supervised around
water.
Playgrounds Watch children while they play at the playground.
Keep children away from the front and back of swings while in use.
Make sure metal slides are cool to prevent burns.
Check play equipment for exposed bolt heads, sharp edges and places where fingers can get
pinched. Cover these with rubber.
Place new play equipment over wood chips, sand or another soft surface.
Avoid riding double on swings and slides.
Teach children to take turns and not push or roughhouse on play structures.
Lawn Care When you mow the lawn, keep children under 5 inside or away.
Store mowers away from children. Toddlers can cut or burn themselves on mower parts.
Never let children ride on mowers or in carts towed by mowers.
Avoid using insect or weed killers on your lawn or garden. If you do, keep children out of
the yard for at least 48 hours.
Bites and Stings Teach your children how to deal with dogs outside your home. Teach them to never
surprise or scare a dog and never approach a dog they don’t know.
Check eaves and under decks for bee or wasp nests. Teach children not to touch or throw
things at nests.
Avoid using insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months.
Use repellent that contains no more than 30% DEET.
Use repellent on the outside of clothing and on exposed skin. Avoid putting it on cuts.
Do not spray repellent on your child’s face. Instead, spray a little in your hand and rub it on
their face. Be careful to avoid their eyes and mouth.
Avoid dressing your child in brightly-colored and floral print clothing.
Avoid using scented soaps, perfumes, and hair products.
To Protect Against Ticks Have children wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Tuck clothing into pants and pant cuffs into socks.
At the end of the day, check your child’s whole body for ticks.
To Learn More www.cshcn.org for injury
prevention and safety tips for children with special
healthcare needs
www.seattlechildrens.org/dp to learn more about
water safety
www.seattlechildrens.org
Seattle Children’s Resource Line
206.987.2500 or 866.987.2500
Your child’s health care provider
Summer Safety Tips continued
INSIDE: Summer
2012 Events Calendar
Non-profit Org
US Postage PAID
Permit No. 9
Mt. Vernon WA
c/o SPARC
320 Pacific Place
Mt. Vernon WA 98273
360.416.7570 ext 401
www.skagitp2p.org
Skagit County Parent to Parent
Or Current Resident
SAVE THE DATE! Get Involved. Be Inspired.
Skagit County Parent to Parent presents our
6th Annual
Skagit County Buddy Walk
Promoting awareness & acceptance for people with Down syndrome & other disabilities
Saturday, October 13, 2012
11 AM to 2 PM •Walk kicks off at 12 noon•
Bakerview Park •Fir @ 30th Street, Mt. Vernon•
■ Live entertainment ■ BBQ Lunch ■ Family Friendly Activities ■ Resources
REGISTRATION FORMS available soon www.skagitp2p.org
WANTED: Sponsors, raffle prize donors,
& event day volunteers
Contact Skagit P2P to help: 360.416.7570 x 401 or
For families whose children have special needs
