The Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Coalition (BPEC) is rolling into spring by rolling out its Bicycle Ambassador Program! “Roll Into Spring” is a two-week celebration (April 17-27) in Fort Collins and Loveland that will feature fun, family-friendly opportunities to learn more about safe bicycling and how active transportation is improving the health and well-being of Larimer County residents. Check out their website for a full-list of actitivies, dates, and times.

Roll Into Spring 2012

Celebrate the wonder of 4-year-olds on Sunday, April 22 from 1:30-3:00 PM at the Main Library (201 Peterson Street)! Mayor Weitkunat and other invited dignitaries will read stories along with games, crafts, songs and hand out a gift for the 4-year-old.

Download their flyer for more information.

4 Year Old Birthday Party! flyer

Grandfamilies (grandparents and other relatives providing care for children) are invited to attend a special presentation on Dealing with Today's Legal and Financial Stresses on April 18, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m at the Ranch near Loveland, Co. The legal and financial realities faced by grandfamilies continue to be a challenge in providing a secure environment for the children in their care. This presentation will highlight how social support resources and commitment to family can help in coping in uncertain times. The speaker, Dr. Tammy Henderson from Oklahoma State University, is a family policy and law scholar who focuses on grandparent rights and responsibilities, foster care, mentoring, diversity, and policies. For registration information click on the flyer.

PVHS (Poudre Valley Health System) has several upcoming informational workshops for parents including Preparing for Kindergarten and Food Allergies. See the flyers listed below for more information.

Preparing for Kindergarten, May 10

Food Allergies, June 6

The Colorado State University "Parenting Young Children Project" is seeking families with 1.5-2.5 year old children that have low income and are struggling with high levels of stress in their lives.

We hope to learn from these families about what works for them: how they handle big challenges as well as small, daily challenges, especially in the parenting of toddlers. The ultimate goal is to better understand parent-child interactions in order to improve prevention and intervention programs for families.

This study involves questionnaires and observing parents and children as they interact with each other (play and solve puzzles) in our laboratory. We make every effort to ensure that families feel comfortable during each 1 hour and 15 minute session. Families are asked to come 3 times over a 1 1/2 year period, and are compensated for their time ($110-115 total for one parent, $200 total if both parents participate). This is a 5-year project funded by NIH that has been approved by the CSU ethics board. We will be recruiting 200 families over the next year or so.

Erika S. Lunkenheimer, PhD Assistant Professor Human Development and Family Studies Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523-1570 Phone: 970.491.2794 Fax: 970.491.7975 http://parentchild.colostate.edu/

Parenting Young Children Project flyer

The Thompson School District's Early Childhood program is piloting a new program for families. It is a family play and learn time for babies and toddlers. It is an opportunity for families to come together weekly for early literacy activities including stories, songs/fingerplays and concept games. It also allows time for parents to connect with each other and early childhood staff to discuss today's parenting issues. Weekly sessions are taking place at Monroe Early Childhood, Madison Early Childhood Center and at Lago Vista Mobile Home Park. More information can be found on the flyer below.

Thompson Family Circle Flyer