Books and videos are available and cover such topics as

• Parenting issues (potty training, discipline, bedtime routines, etc.)
• Child development
• Activities for young children
• Child care provider operations (such as start-up information, best business practices, etc.)

Up to three resources may be checked out for two weeks. So, if there is something you would like to know more about, feel free to stop in and check out a book! Remember, we are located at 1500 Green Bay Street. For more information, please call 608-784-8125.

During the first three years

Do you have concerns about your child or a child you know? Parents often wonder if their child is learning and growing the way they should be. The following offers information about how most children grow and develop. It will help you mark milestones in your child’s development and understand what to expect next.

Development stages

By age 3 months most children…

Cry when uncomfortable or annoyed, lift head and chest while lying on stomach, make vowel sounds such as “eh,” “ah,” “uh” when talked to, grasp objects placed in hand and follow a moving person or object with their eyes.

By age 6 months most children…

Begin to play peek-a-boo and patty cake, sit with minimal support, respond to a smile with a gurgle, coo or smile, roll from back to stomach, and reach for and grasp objects and bring them to their mouth.

By 9 months most children…

Transfer objects from hand to hand, crawl on hands and knees, sit without support, briefly search for an object when it falls or disappears, repeat sounds made by others, smile, and reach out or turn toward the speaker when they hear their name.

By 12 months most children…

Say “mama” or “dada”, pull to a standing position and walk with assistance, drink from a cup that is held for them, and grasp bits of food and small objects with their thumb and first two fingers.

By 15 months most children…

Walk without support, say a few words in addition to “mama” or “dada”, move arms and legs to assist in dressing, wave bye bye, communicate by gesturing and pointing, finger feed self and begin using a spoon.

By 18 months most children…

Drink from a cup held in both hands, bring familiar objects from another room when asked, scribble with a crayon, point to eyes, nose and toes, take things apart, say at least 6 words, build towers of 3-4 blocks and climb.

By 2 years most children…

Push and pull wheeled toys, combine two or three words such as “more juice,” run, demonstrate independence by saying “no” and showing a temper, kick a large ball, point to familiar pictures in a book and turn pages in a book (2-3 at a time).

By 3 years most children…

Speak in short sentences, enjoy listening to story books, verbalize toilet needs, walk upstairs holding a railing, begin to play with other children, enjoy helping adults, dress self with minimal help and match primary colors.

For more detailed information, see the CDC’s list of Developmental Milestones.

The Parenting Place’s Accu-Cut machine available for use that can be used to cut shapes for activities, decorations, party themes and much more. There is a $2 charge each time you use the machine and you will need to bring your own supplies (craft foam, construction paper, etc.) The fee collected is used to purchase more dies to increase the number we have available. Reservations are required. To schedule a time call 608-784-8125. Please review the rules listed below.

Rules for use

You need to call The Parenting Place at 608-784-8125 to schedule a time to use the Accu-Cut machine. The machine may be used Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

There is a $2 charge each time the machine is used. This is the same whether you use it for ten minutes or two hours.

You must provide your own materials.

Children are NOT allowed to accompany you while you are using the Accu-Cut machine. Please schedule a time when you are able to come alone. This rule is in place for safety reasons.

The area must be cleaned up and scraps, etc. disposed of properly. Please ask the receptionist if you need to use the vacuum.

Be sure to ask the receptionist if you need assistance.

The following links offer fun tips and projects that can be done with the accu-cut dies:
www.accucut.com
www.ellison.com