All Children at CCAF Learn Sign Language

Did you know that at Challenged Child and Friends, all children are taught to sign? At Challenged Child and Friends, some children are unable to speak. Others are hearing impaired. For these children, learning sign language can be essential. But learning sign language is a good thing for all children. A great deal of research suggests that teaching infants and toddlers to sign improves their ability to learn the spoken language. Children’s ability to understand language and use it to communicate develops before their ability to form words with their mouths. Teaching them to sign early in life helps them to express themselves before they are able to talk. Teaching all of our children to sign is also benefi cial for the communication between children who have language diffi culties and our “and friends” children. In our diverse world, it never hurts to know a second (or third!) language. So the children at Challenged Child and Friends are getting a jump start by learning to communicate through signing.

    >>>Learn to Sign with Your Child

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Citizenship

Citizenship does not refer only to nationality. Becoming a good citizen begins in the home and is reinforced within schools and communities. Teaching a child to pick up after himself, to put litter in the proper place, and treating others with respect all contribute to good citizenship. Parents
may model patriotism by taking older preschoolers with them to vote in our upcoming presidential election and explaining why we have laws and rules in society.
Good books to share with children include:

• Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, by Bernard Waber
• Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?, by Carmela La Vigna Coyle (this book shares the lesson that everyone has to learn, grow, and be responsible)
• Put Your Best Foot Forward, by Allison Stoutland (addresses the things we learn in life; being successful)
• Two Clifford books: Clifford’s Good Deeds and Clifford to the Rescue, by Norman Bridwell.

These are just a sampling of books parents can share with their children to encourage
good citizenship!

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United Healthcare Offers Grants to Families

The United Healthcare Foundation offers assistance to families for medical services and equipment not covered by insurance. Grants--up to $5,000--are available to families for such things as speech therapy, physical therapy and psychotherapy sessions; medical equipment such as wheelchairs, braces, hearing aids and eyeglasses; and orthodontia and dental treatments.

To be eligible for UHCCF grants, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and be covered by a commercial health insurance plan.

For more information or to apply online, visit http://www.uhccf.org

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