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Family Programs Provide Information on Topics of Interest to Parents

Imagine an evening with a purple asparagus or the anticipation of hearing your child speak his or her first words.

In recent months, Little GEMS International – Lincoln Park has hosted free programs on these and other topics especially for Chicago families. The programs, provided as a community service by Little GEMS International, are led by local experts who share information and advice on aspects of child development that are of interest to parents of young children.

Recent family programs have included the following:

Healthy Eating with “Purple Asparagus” 

In January 2012, Melissa Graham, the “Head Spear” of the non-profit organization Purple Asparagus, addressed families about the importance of eating foods that are good for the body and good for the planet. She taught practical skills for enjoying cooking together as a family and discussed how sharing time at the dinner table can strengthen family bonds.

Speech/Language Development in Young Children 

In February, families met Colleen Brennan, a certified speech-language pathologist, who discussed speech and language development in babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Parents curious about when and how their children will begin using language learned about speech and language milestones to look for and ways to support their children’s early language development.

Helping Children Learn to Read

In April, Katie Van Sluys, a professor at DePaul University, talked with families about building a solid foundation for their children’s reading and literacy experiences. Acknowledging that today’s young children are immersed in a world rich with sights and sounds, she examined ways parents can help their children navigate that world and become successful readers who love to read.

Additional family programs will be announced in the weeks and months ahead. For information, call Nadia Dreger, Admissions Director, at (312) 361-3532.

 About Little GEMS

Little GEMS International provides a unique, high-quality preschool experience for babies, toddlers and young children (“Little Gems”) from 6 weeks to 5 years of age. The curriculum is based on the latest international research on how the earliest learners grow and develop, coupled with individualized care and attention for each child.

Little GEMS International is now accepting registrations for the 2012-13 school year. For information, visit www.LittleGEMSinternational.com or call (312) 361-3532.

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