>> PARENT RESOURCE GUIDES
 

Social Services

> The Community Council of Greater Dallas offers an online directory of services. If you have access to a computer, this is an efficient way to find assistance immediately. To help you get started, a sample search is listed below:





















1. Open a new web browser and type in the following website address or simply click on it here: http://www.rtmdesigns.net/ccgd/

2. Type in your zip code in the yellow box or select Dallas County from the drop down menu. For this example, type 75237.

3. Review choices listed in the Service Category. For this example, select the first link, Basic Needs. If you need assistance with something not listed here, look at the pink box and type in your word in the blank text box.

4. The webpage will look the same except for the right-hand side. It will ask you to narrow your search. If you are in need of financial assistance with bills for example,  click on Temporary Financial Aid. A list of items in alphabetical order will appear. If you need assistance with your water bill this month, scroll down to "W" and look for Water Bill Payment Assistance. Click once.

5. This page will let you know if any service agencies are available in your area. The search for the 75237 zip code came up with 5 agencies. If you see one listed near you, give them a call during the listed business hours.

6. If you have trouble using the website, contact your Family Advocate at your child's center to assist you with your search.

> Dental Care Access a list of clinics if your child is receiving Texas Health Steps (THS)/Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or is uninsured. 

> The North Texas Food Bank Education and Outreach Program can help with applications for Food Stamps, TANF, CHIP, and Medicaid.  For more information, call 214-330-1396 or e-mail foodstamps@ntfb.org.

> Angel Food Ministries – coordinating the distribution of deeply discounted fresh food on a monthly basis to neighborhood residents. Contact Interfaith Housing Coalition

> Legal Clinic the 2nd Wednesday of every month - helping local families which qualify obtain no cost legal assistance. Download PDF for further information.

Parent & Child Activities

> Helping Your Preschool Child is published by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Communication and Outreach and is a valuable resource for parents with children under the age of 5. The comprehensive booklet offers parents a list of activities designed to be fun for both the parent and child as well as to help the child gain the skills needed to get ready for school. A Ready-for-School checklist is also included at the end. [Download PDF]

Babies & TV

> A 2009 study by Common Sense Media weighs the pros and cons of baby programming and reminds parents, they are their baby’s first and best teacher! Did you know that each hour of viewing baby DVDs/videos is associated with lower vocabulary development for infants?

Food for thought, the study also showed 61% of babies under 2 years old spend time in front of a screen and 14% of babies are in front of a television or computer for two or more hours a day and 9% of children 1 year or younger have a TV in the bedroom.
 

Cuddling Infants

> Did you know that humans have a left-side cradling bias? According to Psychology Today (January 2010), most humans hold babies so their head is nestled against their left elbow. Positioned this way, babies' expressions are processed first by the emotional right brain, allowing for faster communication of the baby's needs and stronger bonding.

Family Things To Do in DFW

> The library is an excellent place to spend with the entire family - especially for your preschooler. Visit any one of the Dallas Public Library locations to check out books for your preschooler. To obtain a free library card, fill out a library card application (adult application or child application) and take the completed application to any branch or at the Central Library. Adults are required to show name and address identification, and children need a parent's signature to complete the application process.

Other Websites Just for Parents

> http://www.pbs.org/parents/
> http://www.savvysource.org/
> http://www.rtmdesigns.net/ccgd/