Safe Crib Program

The Safe Crib program is intended for children birth through 12 months of age, with the priority being children birth through 6 months. Low-income families are eligible to receive a crib if they do not have one or if the one they have is unsafe. Proof of income or verification in an income eligible program (such as TANF, Food Stamps, WIC, EHS) is required.

Families receive a crib, 2 crib sheets and information on Safe Sleep for their baby. An EHS Home Visitor delivers the crib, and helps the family assemble it for their child. The family receives information about the safest way for their child to sleep.

The best position for your baby to sleep is on his/her back, even for naps, and on a firm sleep surface, such as a firm crib mattress covered by a fitted sheet. Keep all loose bedding, soft objects and toys out of the crib. It is best to use a one-piece sleeper instead of a blanket.

The Children’s Therapy Center administers the Safe Crib program and the money to support the program is provided through the Children’s Trust Fund and United Way funds.

If you are interested in applying for a crib or for more information, contact Kathy 660-826-4400 ext. 276.

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Infant Massage

Infant massage is a preventative program that provides touch right from the start. Understanding and beginning touch early in life can improve the quality of parenting and family life and promote the well-being of the infant. Infant massage contains some critical elements of bonding as eye-to-eye contact, smiling, soothing, vocal sounds, loving touch, caressing, smell, and mutual interaction. Studies show that bonding increases a parents feeling of attachment as well as the desire to nurture and care for their infant.

 

 

Benefits for the baby

• Emotionally nourishes the baby
• Begins a loving intimate communication between the parent and the baby
• Helps to strengthen and regulate the baby's primary systems
• Reduces gas and colic and allows the baby to sleep better.
• Helps the baby to relax and release the tensions of daily stimuli

• Better understanding about the baby's cues of responsiveness
• Increases confidence and handling skills
• Greatly improves the bond of affectional attachment
• Enhances communication and emotional ties
• Provides a means to develop quality interaction time
• Helps to relax and listen to their baby
• Massage becomes a perfect avenue for conversation as the child gets older.

• Teen parents
• Families with risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect (for example, as identified on the Newborn Risk Assessment Screen).
• Fathers of infants will be encouraged to participate.
• This intervention project does not have income guidelines.

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Aquatics

Swim classes are held year-round and are arranged according to the interests of the community. Sessions may include water walking, water exercise (including Tai Chi), and swimming lessons for all ages in our indoor pool. Therapeutic aquatics is available for individuals with disabilities who will benefit from individualized sessions utilizing the warmth and resistance of a therapy pool.

For more information, contact Janet at 660-826-4400 Ext. 213

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