February Newsletter

Website: iafamilysupportnetwork.org Phone: 1-888-IAKIDS1

The Iowa Family Support Network serves as a central point of contact to help parents and providers connect to Early ACCESS, Family Support, and Group Based Parent Education Services for 0-5 year olds and their families across the state of Iowa.
The IFSN Newsletter is intended to keep you connected and provide information that may be informative and beneficial to the families and clients that you serve.

Developing your Child’s Language

Language skills are important because they help us communicate and express ourselves. Babies develop their language before they even begin to say words and can start developing their language as early as birth. Here, are a couple tips to help encourage your child’s language skills.

·  Talk with your baby

·  Respond to your baby

·  Introduce new words to your baby

·  Read to your baby

For more information on the importance and tools to develop your child’s speech and language visit the link below.

http://www.icommunicatetherapy.com/child-speech-language/child-speech-language-development/activities-strategies-help-develop-speech-language-skills/

It’s important to remember that each child develops at their own pace, however children do develop in predictable ways. If you have questions or concerns on your child’s development contact IFSN at 1-888-IAKIDS1.

Music and Learning

We hear music everywhere; in the car, on television, in the movies, at church, during celebrations and much more. Music not only provides us with joy but also can impact your child’s development.
Music may be a popular tool to lull your baby to sleep, but music can be a tool to promote your child’s development as well. Music can improve your child’s memory, social skills, and listening skills. Dancing can grow your child’s motor skills and singing can help your child learn sounds and meanings to words.
For more information on the benefits that music can have on your child, follow the link below.
http://www.peps.org/ParentResources/by-topic/development/physical/language-dev/benefits-of-music-in-child-development

Importance of Dental Health at a Young Age

The ADA recommends that your child sees a dental provider before their first birthday to promote healthy dental habits. Children are born with their primary set of teeth underneath their gums. These teeth typically do not come in until about 6-8 months of age. Below are tips on promoting healthy oral hygiene at an early age.
·  Clean your child’s teeth after each feeding with a clean towel or gauze pad.
·  Caregivers should begin brushing their child’s teeth as soon as they come through their gums.
·  Until you feel your child can brush their own teeth, continue to brush their teeth for them twice a day.
It is important for your child to see a dentist by their first birthday. The dentist will check your child’s gums and cheeks, and will also check that their primary teeth are developing correctly. For more information on what you need to know before taking your child to their first visit, select the link below.
http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/life-stages/childrens-oral-care/article/your-childs-first-dental-visit

To view and order IFSN materials visit: https://www.iafamilysupportnetwork.org/forms/materials-order-form For more information on resources across the state, call us at 1-888-IAKIDS

Providing Care and Support to Iowa’s Families and Children / Page 2 of 2