3. Translation Services
American Sign Language
Lisa Warren – Anointed Hands
lisawarren@anointedhands.com
317-850-6696
http://www.ouranointedhands.com/
Languages Other Than English
Luna Language Services
20 E. 91st
Street, Suite 201
Indianapolis, IN 46240
317-341-4137
info@LUNA360.com
http://www.luna360.com/
American Sign Language & 90+ Foreign Languages
4. Children with Disabilities
Children’s Therapy Connection
7424 Shadeland Station Way
Indianapolis, IN 46256
317-288-7606
info@childrenstherapyconnection.com
http://www.childrenstherapyconnection.com/
Children's Therapy Connection (CTC) is a credentialed Indiana First Steps agency
currently serving children and their families in Marion, Hendricks, Hamilton, and
Tipton counties. We serve children birth through adolescence. CTC is an
independent therapist-owned and family-operated organization located in
Indianapolis. Specializing in pediatrics, CTC has been steadfast in our
commitment to quality, focusing on providing individualized, family-centered
therapy for children throughout central Indiana. Our goal is to connect children
with their potential!
Optimist Miracle Movers
info@optimistmiraclemovers.com
http://optimistmiraclemovers.com/
P.O. Box 421
Plainfield, IN 46168
Optimist Miracle Movers was created to allow individuals with special needs the
experience and enjoyment of organized sports. Our goal is to offer sporting
leagues and programs for the special needs community in Hendricks County and
the surrounding Central Indiana area.
5. Children’s Development
Zero to Three
http://www.zerotothree.org/
ZERO TO THREE is a national nonprofit that provides parents, professionals and
policymakers the knowledge and know-how to nurture early development.
Our mission is to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life.
At ZERO TO THREE we envision a society that has the knowledge and will to
support all infants and toddlers in reaching their full potential.
ZERO TO THREE is unique in our multidisciplinary approach to child
development. Our emphasis on bringing together the perspectives of many fields
and many specialists is rooted in the robust research studies showing that all
domains of development—social, emotional, intellectual, language and
physical—are interdependent and work together to promote a child’s overall
health and well-being in the context of his family and culture.
All of our work is:
Grounded in research and experience
Multidisciplinary
Collaborative
Culturally responsive
Clinically informed
Accessible
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Child Development
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/
The CDC’s website on Child Development provides information to parents,
health professionals, and educators concerning developmental milestones,
screening tools, information on children’s mental health, parenting tips, and free
materials and articles.
PBS Parents – Child Development
http://www.pbs.org/parents/child-development/
PBS Parents Child Development website offers information and articles to parents
about different aspects of development depending on the age of their child. The
parent can select an age between 1 to 8 years old and the website will offer
articles and information on approaches to learning, creative arts, language,
literacy, mathematics, physical health, science and social and emotional growth.
7. American Academy of Pediatrics – Healthy Children
http://www.healthychildren.org/
Health Children is a website created by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
This website provides detailed information on ages and stages of development,
healthy living for children and families, safety and accident prevention, family
life, and health issues.
8. Indiana Department of Education
Indiana Department of Education
South Tower, Suite 600
115 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-232-6610
webmaster@doe.in.gov
http://www.doe.in.gov/
Indiana Early Learning
http://www.doe.in.gov/earlylearning
Foundations to the Indiana Academic State Standards
Indiana Standards Tool for Alternative Reporting of Kindergarten Readiness
http://www.doe.in.gov/assessment/istar-kr
9. Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA)
Indiana Code (IC) 12-17.2 establishes the authority for Indiana Family and Social
Services Administration, Division of Family Resources to regulate child care in the State.
It also authorizes the division to adopt rules to implement the federal Child Care and
Development Fund voucher program administered by the Division of Family Resources,
Bureau of Child Care for the State.
Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning
The vision of Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning is that every Indiana
community will have a strong network of Early Care and Education (ECE) and Out-of-
School time (OST) programs that support the child, the family and local schools.
Programs will be high quality, affordable and accessible, enabling families to work
effectively to obtain economic self-sufficiency. Children will thrive in programs that
meet their developmental and educational needs and make them feel welcome,
encouraged and supported. Professionals teaching and caring for children will have the
resources, including training and education, needed to operate and maintain high quality
programs.
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning
402 West Washington Street, Room W361
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Child Care Information Line: 1-877-511-1144
Child Care Resource and Referral Information for Parents: 1-800-299-1627
Paths to Quality
Paths to QUALITY™ is administered statewide by the Indiana Family and Social
Services Administration (FSSA).
http://childcareindiana.org/
childcarehelp@iaccrr.org
Toll Free Help Finding Child Care or Child Care Questions
English: 800-299-1627
En Español 1-866-865-7056
10. Before/After School Care
AYS (formally known as At-Your-School Child Services) operates in Pittsboro Primary
School and North Salem Elementary. The Pittsboro Primary location also serves the
children of Pittsboro Elementary School. The North Salem AYS additionally offers an
early childhood program. Winter and spring break programs are not offered at these
locations. Camp AYS is offered at Pittsboro Elementary to all children in the North West
Hendricks School Corporation.
Pittsboro Primary School/Pittsboro Elementary AYS Before/After School Program
540 Osborne Avenue
Pittsboro, IN 46167
pt@ayskids.org
317-397-8000
Director: Denise Smeltzer
Hours: 6:45am-8:00am; 2:30pm-6:00pm
https://www.ayskids.org/blog/locations/pittsboro-elementary/
North Salem Elementary AYS After School Program
7027 North State Road
North Salem, IN 46165
ns@ayskids.org
317-994-3026
Director: Michelle Staton
Hours: 2:30pm-6:00pm
https://www.ayskids.org/blog/locations/north-salem-elementary/
North Salem AYS Early Childhood Program
7027 North State Road
North Salem, IN 46165
ns@ayskids.org
317-994-3026
Director: Michelle Staton
Hours: Mon, Wed, & Fri 8:30am-11:00am
https://www.ayskids.org/blog/locations/north-salem-early-childhood/
11. Early Childhood Associations
Indiana AEYC
http://secure.iaeyc.org/
As our state’s affiliate, Indiana AEYC is enriching the lives of tens of thousands
of children each year. Founded in 1964, Indiana AEYC has advanced early
childhood education for youngsters from birth through age eight and their families
across the state. Your membership provides YOU with the latest research,
informative resources, networking, and educational opportunities to help you lay
the foundation for your students’ school readiness, academic success, and adult
achievement. Empowering individual educators in turn enriches our schools and
child care centers.
Six Great Ways You Benefit by Membership in NAEYC and Indiana AEYC
1. Be enriched!
Access the latest research to inspire and inform your work with young children.
Choose a journal or magazine filled with authoritative guidance and ideas you
can put to use every day in your profession. (Comprehensive members receive six
free books each year.) Visit the members-only area to read digital versions of
Young Children, exclusive articles, and previews of new books.
2. Save 20% off NAEYC books and resources!
NAEYC is the premier publisher of research-based books and multimedia for
early childhood educators who work with children of different ages and in a
variety of settings. Members save 20% on all products in the NAEYC catalog
and online store.
3. Receive generous conference discounts!
Pay less to attend professional conferences and other career development
opportunities at the national, state and local levels. NAEYC’s Annual Conference
is the world’s largest early childhood education conference and your opportunity
to network with early childhood educators from around the globe. The Indiana
Early Childhood Conference sponsored by Indiana AEYC is the largest early
childhood conference in the state.
4. Build your network and let your voice be heard!
As a member, you’re entitled to all local and state member benefits. So you can
…
Attend local and state affiliate conferences, professional development events,
and networking opportunities.
12. Join an NAEYC Interest Forum and add to its strong voice of advocacy for early
childhood education throughout local communities and the Indiana state
legislature.
Receive Public Policy Alerts and help create our state’s annual Public Policy
Agenda.
5. Change the world!
Partner with NAEYC and Indiana AEYC in education, advocacy, and public
awareness activities that increase understanding and support for high-quality early
childhood education among policy makers and the public. NAEYC is a leading
voice for early childhood education to Congress and other federal
entities. Indiana AEYC is one of the leading voices for early childhood education
to local and state policymakers.
6. Be recognized as a leader in education!
Open the door to many new opportunities that NAEYC and Indiana AEYC offer
members to get involved. Accept a position serving on the Governing Board or
as a committee chairperson. Volunteer at a special event. Put your unique
talents and expertise to work for young children and families across Indiana.
Indiana Head Start Association
http://www.indianaheadstart.org/
Dear Head Start Friend,
It is that time of year again - time to become a member of the Indiana Head Start
Association. Look at what your IHSA membership provides:
Opportunities to network and meet with other Indiana Head Start programs
and staff.
Directors’ meetings
Cluster meetings
The opportunity for a parent, staff member, and/or director to be elected to the
IHSA Board and /or serve on IHSA committees.
Discounts on state conference registrations.
Professional Development opportunities.
IHSA notification on events, legislation and child/family issues
Access to the IHSA website
Opportunities to serve on important state committees.
Information on IHSA activities and board meetings, state and federal
legislative activities and happenings of other Head Start programs.
13. Council for Exceptional Children
http://www.cec.sped.org/Membership/New-Membership-Options
CEC State/Provincial Units and Special Interest Divisions are subgroups within
CEC which provide opportunities for members to interact with colleagues with
similar interests and to keep abreast of new developments in their specialized
fields. When you join CEC you are automatically assigned to your state/provincial
unit. A state unit is an organization of all CEC members within a state. For
example, Virginia CEC is composed of all CEC members in the state of Virginia.
14. Child Abuse and Neglect
Who is required to report child abuse or neglect?
Under Indiana law any individual who has a reason to believe a child is a victim of abuse or
neglect has the duty to make a report; therefore, each citizen of Indiana is considered a
“mandated reporter.” While reporting child abuse is everyone’s responsibility, Indiana law
requires some in certain occupations to do so. These professional reporters are staff members in
a medical or other public or private institution, school, facility, or agency. These reporters are
legally obligated by their profession to report alleged child abuse or neglect.
Everyone has an important role and responsibility to prevent child abuse and neglect. Children
need everyone to stand up for their safety when they may be in harm's way or when families in
crisis or turmoil need support from those close to them. By contacting the Indiana Child Abuse
and Neglect Hotline if you suspect a child is a victim of abuse or neglect, you can play your part
in protecting a child and/or making it possible for a family in crisis to get the help and support
they need.
What will I need to provide when making a report?
If you call to make a report, an Intake Specialist will ask you for information about the
circumstances creating a risk of harm to the child including who was involved, what occurred,
when and where it occurred, the extent of any injuries sustained, and any other relevant
information.
When you contact the Hotline, Intake Specialists will ask you for information about the parties
involved (victim, parent(s)/guardian(s), perpetrator) and the specific allegations giving rise to the
call. Information you will be asked to provide may include:
15. 1. Child Information: name, age, address, current location, person caring for child, and
need/receiving medical treatment
2. Parent/Guardian Information: name, address, phone number as well as any domestic violence,
substance abuse, criminal history, mental health issues, or past CPS history
3. Alleged Perpetrator Information: name, address, phone number, relation to the child,
behavioral issues, and other children who may be at risk
4. Physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect allegations: what happened, when, where, timeframe,
and specific conditions
Even if you are unable to provide all of the information above, please contact the Hotline to
make a report if you suspect a child is a victim of abuse or neglect. An Intake Specialist will
review the information you are able to provide to determine whether it meets the statutory
requirements for DCS to initiate an assessment. Please do not wait for someone else to make the
call – your call may be the critical first step in protecting a child.
Juvenile Code:
Encourages effective reporting of suspected or known incidents of child abuse or neglect
Provides each county with an effective child protection services
Provides children and families with rehabilitative services
Establishes a centralized statewide child abuse registry and an automated child protection
system
Definitions:
Child abuse or neglect refers to a child who is alleged to be in need of services (CHINS).
IC 31-34-1 A child is in need of services if before the child's 18th birthday:
The child's physical or mental health condition is seriously impaired or seriously endangered
as a result of the inability, refusal, or neglect of the child's parent/guardian/ custodian to supply
the child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, or supervision
The child's physical or mental health is seriously endangered due to injury by the act or
omission of the child's parent/guardian/custodian. An omission is an occurrence in which the
parent/guardian/custodian allowed that person's child to receive an injury the
parent/guardian/custodian had a reasonable opportunity to prevent or mitigate
The child is the victim of a sex offense under the criminal citations incorporated into the
CHINS definition
The child's parent/guardian/custodian allows the child to participate in an obscene
performance
The child's parent/guardian/custodian allows the child to commit a sex offense
And needs care, treatment, or rehabilitation that the child is not currently receiving and that is
unlikely to be provided or accepted without the coercive intervention of the court.
This definition includes a child with a disability that is deprived of:
16. nutrition necessary to sustain life
medical or surgical intervention necessary to remedy or ameliorate a life threatening medical
condition if the nutrition or medical or surgical intervention is generally provided to similarly
situated children with or without disabilities
Religious Beliefs/Provision of Medical Treatment:
When a parent/guardian/custodian fails to provide specific medical treatment for a child because
of the legitimate and genuine practice of the parent/guardian/custodian's religious beliefs, a
refutable presumption arises that the child is not a child in need of services because of such
failure. However, this presumption does not prevent a juvenile court from ordering, when the
health of the child requires, medical services from a physician licensed to practice medicine in
Indiana. The presumption does not apply to situations in which the life or health of a child is in
serious danger.
Use of Corporal Punishment:
Nothing in the Juvenile Code limits the right of a person to use reasonable corporal punishment
when disciplining a child if the person is the parent/guardian/custodian of the child. In addition,
nothing in this chapter limits the lawful practice or teaching of religious beliefs.
Reporting:
Any individual who has reason to believe that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect must
make a report. In agencies in which there are established reporting protocols, the report may be
made to the individual in charge or another designated agent, who also becomes responsible to
report or cause a report to be made. This does not relieve individuals who make a report to
another staff person of their own obligation to report directly to child protection services or law
enforcement unless a report has already been made by the agency liaison. Anonymous reports
are accepted. Failure to make a report can be a Class B misdemeanor.
Mandatory reporting law (IC31-33-5-1)
Failing to report law (IC31-33-22-1)
False reporting law (IC31-33-22-3)
Immunity from liability (IC31-33-6-1):
Any person, other than the accused, who reports child abuse or neglect or is involved in the
investigation or disposition of child abuse or neglect reports is immune from criminal or civil
liability, unless the person acted maliciously or in bad faith.
Confidentiality (IC31-33-18-4):
All reports made to CPS are confidential and will only be released to CPS workers, police,
prosecutors, doctors, or other authorized personnel.
Child Protection Services:
Each County Office of Family and Children must establish a CPS, which will be the primary
17. agency responsible to receive, investigate or arrange for investigation, and coordinate the
investigation of all reports of known or suspected child abuse or neglect. CPS must:
Provide protective services to prevent a child's exposure to further incidents of child abuse or
neglect. CPS must provide or arrange for, coordinate, and monitor the provision of services to
ensure the safety of children. Reasonable efforts must be made to prevent a child's removal
from the home
Cooperate with and seek and receive cooperation of appropriate public and private agencies and
programs providing services related to prevention, identification or treatment of child abuse or
neglect
18. Interview
Name: Karen Cravotta
Position: Physical Therapist
Location of Agency: Children’s Therapy Connection in Indianapolis, IN
What services do you provide?
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Developmental therapy
Social work
Nutrition services
Feeding therapy
Vision services
Is this for just this community or does your agency reach out into several counties?
CTC serves children birth through adolescence in Marion, Hendricks, Hamilton, and
Tipton counties.
How many people are employed at this agency? What are their roles and responsibilities?
EMAIL! Each employee provides the services that they are trained to do. For example,
physical therapists work on gross motor skills, mostly in the home, and help parents learn
how to do different activities and exercises to aid in their child’s development. Other
therapists provide the services that they are trained to do such as occupational therapy,
developmental therapy, and speech therapy. The social worker helps connect family to
services. The nutritionists assists parents in developing a nutritionally sound diet and
addresses nutritional health concerns, such as difficulty feeding, poor food tolerance, and
failure to thrive. Vision specialists help monitor and identify vision issues.
What kind of background or education is required for people who work in this agency?
Everyone has at least a Bachelor’s degree. A majority of the therapists have a Master’s
degree. Many of the providers, especially the lead providers, have Doctoral degrees.
As a future teacher should I be sharing information about your agency? How does it fit
into my role as a teacher? How do you suggest I share information about your agency?
The best thing to do as an early educator is to connect parents to Indiana’s First Steps if
you suspect a child has a developmental delay. The families will then work with their
service coordinator to pick an agency, which could by CTC depending on the family’s
location. If parents are asking you about agencies, although they would most likely ask
their service coordinator, you can refer them to CTC’s website or Facebook.
19. How do you let people in the community know of your existence? Do you advertise? Take
referrals?
CTC really doesn’t advertise. We do do some community outreach, but we mostly
host events for the families we already serve, such as Family Night Out. Most of the
children we serve are enrolled in First Steps. Their family and service coordinator decide
to utilize our agency for various therapy services. Once they choose CTC, a therapist is
assigned and usually visits the home assist families with helping their child reach their
goals. Roughly 75% of the children we serve are under the age of 3. The other 25% are
typically children who started using our agency through First Steps and have opted to
continue working with the same therapists.
