Weekly News
Subscribe To This Newsletter
Black History Books to Share with Families and Children
Today’s need for greater racial equity and inclusion requires kids to be exposed to diversity at a young age. To uplift all voices that have an impact on our country, it’s critical that Black history is studied and celebrated—not just in February, but throughout the entire year. African American history is American history, and when kids understand the fuller picture of the past, it will also help them understand the fuller picture of today.
From: How to Celebrate Black History Month With Kids, Parents Magazine
Our CTC staff collected a few of their favorite books to share with families this month!
Dream Big, Little One
Follow Your Dreams, Little One
Saving the Day: Garrett Morgan’s Life-Changing Invention of the Traffic Signal
My First Heroes: Black History
The Story of Juneteenth
Autism Navigation After Diagnosis
A four-week virtual group of navigation, support, and community for families with a recent autism diagnosis. Each week includes:
- A strategy designed to impact a child’s engagement and communication.
- Autism resources
- Time to ask questions and discuss next steps
Parents, caregivers, and extended family are invited to attend this support group that is held every other month. This virtual event is open to both CTC and community families. Strategies presented are for children ages 0-5 years. Families who are in the process of seeking a diagnosis are welcome! No pre-registration required.
WHO: Families whose child was recently diagnosed with autism.
WHEN: Mondays 4:00-5:00 pm March 6, 13, 20, and 27. Click here to add to your calendar.
WHERE: Zoom meeting ID 814 7217 9475
*If an interpreter is needed, please send a request one week in advance to the event organizer Ronda Duluoz (ronda@ctckids.org).
Need Help with Taxes?
Pierce County https://www.uwpc.org/tax-assistance
King County https://www.uwkc.org/need-help/tax-help/
Do you qualify for the Working Families Tax Credit? Visit the link below. This credit is also available to immigrant families without documentation.
Indoor Play Opportunities
Kids’ gyms and indoor trampoline parks can be a fun way to spend rainy, cold days but sometimes they are too loud, bright, or crowded for children with sensory processing differences or autism. Here are some alternatives:
We Rock the Spectrum in Federal Way is designed just for autistic kids and kids with other disabilities.
This gym in Tukwila has morning hours just for kids under six, which may be a less overwhelming experience. https://defy.com/defy-seattle/activities/kid-jump/
This gym in Puyallup describes their facility as inclusive and limits the number of participants. https://www.kaleidoscopefamilygym.com/
These community kids’ gyms (below) in Burien and Kent do not advertise specific programs for children with special needs, but CTC families and/or staff have had good experiences there. It may be worth calling and asking if there are less crowded days/times to visit or asking if they would consider dimming the lights or turning down the music.
http://www.junglegymfun.com/#/open-gym/
All of these experiences cost money, which can be challenging. If your child is autistic they are eligible to get funding for experiences like these from Ben’s Fund https://www.bensfund.org/apply-to-our-grant/
Please ask your child’s provider, Family Resources Coordinator, or Family Navigator to support you in the application process. We are happy to help!
Important Updates for Families Receiving Food Benefits and Apple Health
Food benefits are changing for families who received additional temporary emergency food benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency food allotments are ending in February and your food benefit amount will decrease to normal benefit levels beginning March 2023. Please visit their website to learn more: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/online-community-services-office-cso
The Washington State Healthcare Authority extended extended coverage for all Apple Health (Medicaid) clients during the Covid-19 pandemic, but those benefits are changing. Please visit their website to learn more: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAHCA/bulletins/342a82a
Infant Massage Class at CTC
Introducing a five-week infant massage class for caregivers and babies that are enrolled in CTC’s ESIT services. Massage class will be led by a certified educator of infant massage. The instructor will demonstrate on a doll while caregivers massage their baby. Infant massage practice can be a relaxing time shared between caregivers and babies.
A few benefits of infant massage include: bonding and attachment between baby and caregiver, reduced stress, colic and gas relief, muscle relaxation, positive touch experiences, early communication, improved self-regulation, improved sleep, and so much more!
- Class times: Wednesdays from 3:45pm- 4:45pm (one hour)
- Class Dates: March 22, March 29, April 12, April 19 and April 26
- Location: ESIT House at CTC Kent, 10807 SE Kent Kangley Rd Bldg. B, Kent WA 98030
Deadline to sign up for the class is March 10. Sign up for class by contacting Kelsey Finn, Infant Massage Instructor and Occupational Therapist.
- Email: kelsey@ctckids.org
- Phone: 253-457-2042
Once you are signed up for class you will receive additional information on class and a participant waiver form. We ask that only one caregiver attends each week.