Tools & Resources

S.C.A.T. School Crisis Assistance Teams for Adams & Pike Counties

Pike County Film Library Catalog of Videos available for check out in the Pike County Film Library.

Internet Safety Fight against exploitation aimed at youthful users of the Internet.

Child & Family Connection Information on eligibility for Early Intervention Services.

ACT Truancy Forms Abolishing chronic truancy in our schools.

Job Openings Search job openings for the West Central Four Area.

Useful Links for Teachers

The Beacon

Free Family Picnic!!
Invitations are extended to any special needs families including the Down syndrome support group, Autism support group, Pike County Connections, and Child & Family Connections families.
Monday, September 29, 2008
6:00 p.m. at Upper Moorman Park,
North 36th. in Wavering Park, Quincy, Illinois
6:30 p.m. "Free" Fried Chicken Dinner serving starts
Michelle Obert from Transitions will give a brief presentation about the Respite program.
Sponsored by Child & Family Connections
RSVP is required for planning purposes.
Call Child & Family Connections at (888) 222-9592 or email Karla Richmond at aclic@adams.net by Sept. 22, 2009.
In your message, please include your name, the number of adults and number of children planning to attend the picnic.
Train rides by Little Toot Express!!
Legal and Future Care Planning for Your Relative with a Developmental Disability
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. Registration/9:30 a.m. Seminar begins
Location: Transitions CRC, 631 North 48th Street., Quincy, Illinois
This workshop will address the unique needs families have in planning for the financial and legal future of their relative with a developmental disability.  Topics will include: Negotiating the Social Security Maze, Preserving Eligibility for Government Benefits through Proper Estate Planning, Special Needs Trust, Guardianship and Less Restrictive Alternatives-The Implications for Consent, Health Care Proxies (Advanced Directives), and Selecting a Knowledgeable Attorney.
 
Theresa M. Varnet, M.S.W., J.D. has been an advocate for persons with disailities for over 40 years.  In addition to being a certified teacher, licensed social worker and graduate of DePaul University College of Law, she is the parent of an adult daughter with a disability.  Her experience includes work in the area of in-service training of families, special educators and other professionals.  She specializes in probate and estate planning for people with disabilities.
Please register by October 10, 2008
Contact Karla Richmond at Child & Family Connections for more information by calling 217-222-9592 or 888-222-9592
Child & Family Connections #17 Workshops
 October 9, 2008
Brain Basics
Presented By: Illinois EI Training Program and sponsored by CFC #17
Category: Typical Child Development
Understanding the basics of the brain's structures and their functions enables early childhood educators to recognize the integrated nature of neurodevelopment and behavior.  Knowing the basics about the brain helps educators better understand and respond to children's behavior.
Location: IL Education Association Professional Development Center
3440 Liberty Drive
Springfield, IL
Meeting Time: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, Registration Time: 8:30 AM
Cost: No Charge
Register on line at www.illinoiseitraining.org
Credit Hours: 3 EI Contact Hours in the Area of Typical Development
 
October 9, 2008
Language & the Brain
Presented By: Illinois EI Training Program and Sponsored by CFC #17
Category: Typical Child Development
Language development is central to early childhood development.  Children use languge in their daily efforts to communicate with others, build social relationships, express their emotions, and learn about the world.  Understanding the mutual influence of the brain and experience on children's language helps early childhood specialists better support children's development.
Location:  IL Education Association Professional Developlment Center
3440 Liberty Drive, Springfield, Illinois
Meeting Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Registration Time: 12:30 PM
Cost: No Charge
Registration: On line at www.illinoiseitraining.org
Credit Hours: 3 EI Contact Hours in the Area of Typical Development
For more information on the October 9, 2008 workshops contact Lucy Gimble/Allyce Karrasch at 866-509-3867 or email lgimble@ucpnet.org
 
October 22, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: 512 Maine, WCU Hall, Quincy, Illinois
Cultural Diversity by Benton Johnson
 
November 11, 2008
10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (Lunch Provided)
Location: Illinois School for the Deaf
125 Webster Avenue, Jacksonville, Illinois
Infant Massage by Brook Linenfelser and Cindy Rosenkoetter
 
To register for the CFC Workshops listed above-Call toll free 1-888-222-9592 or 217-222-9592
Brown County Parental Training Program
The Parental Training Program is a FREE program for all families interested in the Brown County School District.  It is designed for families who are expecting a child or have children birth to three years of age.
Services Include:  Personal Home Visits, Developmental Screenings, Story Times held at the Public Library, Parenting Classes and a Monthly Newsletter.
For more information contact Diane Settles, Parent Educator, at Brown County Elementart School at 217-773-2624.
Safe Kids Adams County
How safe is your old or unused car seat?
Seats may be unsafe or unusable if any of the following are true:
  Does the seat have a label showing it was manufactured after January 1, 2002?
  Does the seat have a label showing that it meets all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards?
  Has the seat been recalled for safety defects? (To find out call the Auto Safety Hotline 1-888-327-4236 and give them the model number and date of manufacture of the seat).
  Has the seat been involved in a vehicle crash?
  Are there any cracks, bends, or breaks in the plastic shell or metal frame?
  Do you have a copy of the manufacturer's instructions?
  Does the seat have all its parts; harness straps, retainer clips, padding, shield, tether, straps and bolts?
  Are the harness straps worn or frayed?
  Does the buckle area show signs of rust?
  Does the buckle latch mechanism fasten securely, remain fastened, and unfasten smoothly?
You can have your car seat check on the following dates at the following locations in Quincy, Illinois?
October 24, 2008 - Friday - 3-6pm at the Central Fire Station
November 14, 2008 - Friday - 3-6pm Central Fire Station
South of Eighty
A FREE Conference for parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing in Central Illinois.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Illinois School for the Deaf
125 Webster Avenue,
Jacksonville, Illinois
Conference Topics
  • Transition from High School to Adult Life
    Effective Communication Skills for Parents and Professionals
    Deaf Culture
    Growing Up Deaf
    Music and Rhythm for Children with Hearing Loss
    Panel on Cochlear Implants
     
    CPDU's and EI credits are available for professionals attending the conference.
    Financial assistance may be available to reimburse your expenses for childcare or overnight accommodations.  For more information, please contact Mary Smith at 1-217-742-5252 or email mk-smith@wiu.edu by October 27, 2008.
    Tours of the ISD Campus are available after the Conference, by advance request.
    To register by phone call toll-free: 1-877-339-2686 (V/TTY)
    To register on line, go to www.morgan.k12.il.us/isd/outreach_events
  Happenings at the Jacksonville Public Library
201 West College Avenue, Jacksonville, Illinois
Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Friday-9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Contact information: phone-217-243-5435, website www.jaxpl.org
 Reading Lincoln Contest
   To help celebrate Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday the Jacksonville Public Library and the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission are having a reading contest.  Simply read one book about Lincoln, his family, his presidency, or any event that took place during his lifetime and answer one question: What new thing did you learn about Lincoln from this book?  You can enter as many times as you wish!  We have a list of ideas of what to read posted at the adult desk.  The Reading Lincoln program runs from September 3rd, 2008 to January 31st, 2009.  The top readers will be picked from all of the entries in January and the prize will be awarded by the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission at Illinois College on February 12th, Lincoln's birthday.  All participants will receive a certificate for participating.  Start entering today and you could win a reading medal!
The Beginning of a Great Story
The Library Writers Group will meet the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Library.  This group is for adults who are interested in writing and are looking for others to help and encourage their progress.  Contact Jill Vorbeck for more information.
Friends of the Library Annual Meeting
   The Friends of the Library will hold their annual meeting on Tuesday, September 30th, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the meeting room.  The featured speaker for the meeting will be the Jacksonville Area Senior Center Quilters who will hold a "bed turning" to display some of the lovely quilts they have made over the years.  The Senior Quilters will be honored as the "Friends of the Library" at the meeting as well.
Smart Investing Van
   The Smart Investing Van will be back at the Library on Saturday, September 20th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the West parking lot.  The van will house information to help you choose investing and retirement options, among other financial topics.
Reading Lincoln Events
   Reading Lincoln Contest.  We have two programs, one for kids up to 6th grade and another one for teens.  For kids in K through 6th grades, you are simply asked to read three hours worth of books on Lincoln or any event that took place during his lifetime.  You have been given a book in school, so you can start with that and then read other books we have hare at the library.  Every second Wednesday of the month at 3:00 p.m. we will have a special story time with books that are about Lincoln.  Also we have pre-selected websites that you can go to and learn about Lincoln.  These websites can count toward your reading time as well!  Pick up your reading log at the Youth Services desk.  When you have finished three hours, we have a special surprise for you!
For teens, we have a program that is going to ask you to think.  You simply have to read one book about Lincoln or events during his lifetime and answer one question.  That's it.  Teens do have to read a YA or preapproved J level book for their entry to count.  The top readers will be awarded their medals on February 12th just in time for Lincoln's 200th birthday, by the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission at a gala at Illinois College.  All participants will receive a certificate for participating.  The program runs from September 3rd to November 26th.  So start reading now and you could be a winner!
Upcoming Events
September 23, 2008 Creative Toddler Play Time 10:15 a.m.
September 24, 2008 Story Time 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
September 26, 2008 Infant Toddler Play Time 10:15 a.m.
  
West Central Mass Transit District
Now serving Brown County providing a safe, reliable, and timely means of public transportation.
For more information or to make reservations call 217-773-3025 or email jklinglerwcmtd@verizon.net
Provider Credentialing Using Videos for Credit Hours

To help providers and applicants meet their credentialing goal, the EI Childhood Intervention Clearinghouse has worked with the EI Training Program to identify approximately 175 recent videos at the Clearinghouse that are now approved for credit hours.  While providers cannot utilize video-based training for all of the hours, they can apply for credit for at least some of the required hours.  Once the videos are borrowed and viewed, the applicant needs to complete an EI Training Video Credit Request form available from the Clearinghouse or by downloading the form on their website at www.eiclearinghouse.org  On their homepage, located on the left hand side, click on the box "Videos Approved for EI Credit".  On this page you can access the lists of videos available in Typical Development, Atypical Development, Working with Families, Intervention Strategies for Young Children, Assessment of Young Children.  The videos can be loaned for two weeks.  They are provided free of charge, with the exception of postal costs to return the videos loaned from the library.  You may be able to use your local library to return the videos through inter-library loan at no charge.

The Clearinghouse is a service of the Illinois Early Childhood Intervention.  The Director is Chet Brandt.  If you would like to visit the Clearinghouse in person, it is located at 223 South 3rd Street in Springfield, Illinois in the Illinois Public Health Association offices.  There hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  It is recommended that you call ahead of time.  Their phone number is 800-852-4302 and email is clearinghouse@eiclearinghouse.org  Remember to visit the website at www.eiclearinghouse.orgBooks  for an updated list of new materials received at the Clearinghouse.  An example of several 2007 books include "The Autism Answer": More than 300 of the Top Questions Parents AsK" by William Stillman.  This book addresses common questions asked by parents. "Colic Solved": The essential guide to infant reflux, and the care of your screaming, spitting, congested, hiccupping, sleepless, difficult-to-feed baby by Bryan S. Vartabedian.

Two of our 2008 books include: "Behavioral Challenges in Early Childhood Settings" by Connie Jo Smith.  Looks at specific issues, such as aggression, biting, crying, defiance, shyness, tantrums, separation anxiety and others with an eye to managing these behaviors in early childhood environments.  "Children and the Dark Side of Human Experience": Confronting global realities and rethinking child development by James Garbarino. 

New Online Resource:  The Illinois Early Childhood Asset Map http://iecam.crc.uiuc.edu/  provides a comprehensive picture of early care and education services in Illinois by combining up-to-date demographic information with early childhood program information from state agencies Head Start, and private sector child care.  Users can see the distribution of early childhood services at the state level in the counties, townships, and legislative destricts.  This site will be helpful when writing for grants and offers current information on trainings.

 

 

    MARK YOUR CALENDAR !!!!!!

BROWN COUNTY INTERAGENCY

These meetings are held the last Tuesday of the month except the months of July and December. The meetings are held at the Senior Center on 115 North Capital Avenue in Mt. Sterling beginning at 8:30 a.m. Agency participants are encouraged to bring information to share.

Cass County Interagency Meeting
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
11:00 a.m. Buffet Lunch,   ($6.25 per meal)
11:30 a.m. meeting
Elks Club, 205 East 2nd Street
Beardstown, IL

Contact Christine to register for lunch at Christine.Bacon@illinois.gov

 

  TFN/Children's Issues Meeting


 Tuesday, October 7,2008

Noon meeting/Bring your lunch. 

 Location:University of Illinois Extension
 Jacksonville, IL

Morgan/Scott/Greene Community Planning Group Meeting

Thursday,  October 9, 2008

9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
Passavant Hospital
Rooms #2 and #3
Jacksonville, IL

The CFC #17 satellite office is located in Jacksonville. If you are a new provider or have changes to your address etc. call Ashley at 217/245/8755 or e-mail her at bcmslic@csj.net   she can update your profile in the provider books that parents use to select the provider they want for services.

Questions regarding the Credentialing Process: talk to an Early Intervention Credentialing Specialist at 1/800/701/0995 or visit the Credentialing Website at www.wiu.edu/ProviderConnections 

Providers will not receive notices of credential expiration from provider connections. Expiration dates can be verified on the credential certificate or the Provider Connections Credential Lookup on the above website.

CFC  Trainings  to get credentialed visit the UCP of Greater Chicago website: www.ucpnet.org

The Illinois Early Intervention Training Program provides training opportunities for early intervention professionals in Illinois.  They are a program of the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Chicago funded through a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services Bureau of Early Intervention.  To learn what trainings are available visit the website: www.illinoiseitraining.org/

Three days (18 hours) of EI Systems  Overview Training are required and documentation of completion of 240 hours of supervised professional experience to receive EI Credentialing. Two extensions of up to 6 months each may be given due to extenuating circumstance during the "Temporary" credentialing time periods.

Questions regarding the Central Billing Office (CBO) go to the website www.eicbo.info

Child & Family Connections is recruiting licensed, credentialed providers in the following categories: Developmental Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. You can determine how many families you wish to serve, and work with the family to determine the time services are provided. If this kind of employment appeals to you, the following resources will help you achieve your goal. Start by calling Karla Richmond, Program Director for CFC # 17, at 1-888-222-9592.  CFC #17 serves the counties of Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Jersey, Morgan, Pike and Scott.

Illinois Assistive Technology ProgramThe IATP is a statewide, not-for-profit agency. Assistive technology is any tool that makes life easier.
IATP’s programs include:
Springfield (Myers Building at 5th & Washington Streets


Visit our website at; www.iltech.org and view the list of devices in our Demo Center and for Loan.
For more information or to set up a tour or training call: 800.852.5110 V/TTY (IL only)

217.522.7985 voice
217.522.9966 TTY users

 

You have permission to make copies of the Beacon newsletter.

Serving Children in Adams, Pike, Brown, Cass, Morgan, Scott, Jersey, Greene and Calhoun Counties.

Contact Us

The counties of Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Jersey, Morgan, Pike and Scott are served by CFC #17. The Program Manager is Karla Richmond and she can be reached at 1-888-222-9592 or e-mail her at aclic@adams.net

Child & Family Connection

Child and Family Connections will assist your family with evaluations and assessments for your child, age birth to three years, to determine eligibility for Early Intervention Services. Read More

Staff

  • Karla Richmond Parent Liaison, Program Manager, Service Coordinator
  • Kara Hoener Service Coordinator
  • Morgan Clay Service Coordinator
  • Amy Shepard Service Coordinator
  • Brook Linenfelser Clerical and Service Coordinator
  • Ashley Rice Service Coordinator/Clerical
  • Peggy Meyer LIC Coordinator : Brown, Cass, Morgan and Scott Counties
  • Susan Thornton LIC Coordinator : Jersey, Greene and Calhoun Counties

Provider Resources