We hope that everyone stayed inside and warm during the snow this week. Schools all across Long Island were closed for the bad weather, and many offices closed too. What did you do during your snow day? My husband opted to go to work for a little while and my kids spent most of the morning playing nicely together. In the afternoon, we made cookies, watched movies and drank hot chocolate.  As I sit and write this newsletter, we still don't know if they'll be returning to school tomorrow..... Just a reminder to click here >> to find the most recent weather related Long Island school and program closings.

Did you know that February is National Children's Dental Health Month? The idea behind this is to raise awareness about the importance of oral health for kids. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.  Visit our blog>> to read tips from the American Dental Association and add your own.  You can also click here >> to visit our dental resources page and find a provider in your area.

THE TOOTH FAIRY... And on a side note, what about the tooth fairy? Does she come to your house? How much does she leave under the pillow? Does she have any special routine, perhaps leaving gold fairy dust or a note behind? We invite you to share your own family traditions on family favorites>>.

VALENTINE'S DAY is traditionally a day where we show love for our sweetheart by giving them cards, presents and candy.  What is your idea of a great Valentine's Day?  If you also want to reach deep into your archives, tell us about your best (or worst) Valentine's Day ever (you get extra points if you make us laugh!).  Drop us an e-mail to info@liparentsource.com with your stories.

WIN! Don't forget, we're still giving away a family 4 pack of tickets to see Gustafer Yellowgold at the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington on February 21.  We're keeping the contest page open until Monday at 5pm, so get your entries in fast!  Click here to see you how can win >>

Have a great week - and stay warm and dry!

Three years ago this month, Carol Kestenbaum from Bellmore celebrated her 20th birthday with friends at Arizona State University, including her best friend from home, Nicole Schiffman, visiting to celebrate with Carol for the weekend.  That same night, Carol and Nicole were murdered by Joshua Mendel, an ex-boyfriend of Carol's friend.  He waited in a darkened stairwell for the girls to come home from their night of celebrating and shot them to death, then turned the gun on himself and committed suicide.  Through their grief, the Kestenbaum and Schiffman families launched The Carol Kestenbaum Foundation and The Nicole Schiffman Foundation, in memory of their daughters.  Visit our Non-Profit Spotlight>> page to learn about both of these amazing organizations and what they are doing to honor their daughters, who never had a chance to live to accomplish all of what they were meant to do. 

Seventeen years ago this month (February 5), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was signed into law - the first bill that President Clinton signed during his presidency.  FMLA guarantees employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to take care of their family and medical needs so that they don't need to choose between caring for their families and earning money to support them.  Senator Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) wrote this bill in 1985 and fought for eight years to pass it into law.  Before its passage, employees would return to work after caring for a sick family member, giving birth or adopting a baby, only to find someone else in their position.  Our system is far from perfect and we still have a ways to go, but today, we say happy birthday, FMLA, we can't wait to watch you grow!

Below is only a partial list of upcoming events and activities so be sure to click on our EVENT CALENDAR so you do not miss anything.

Use the PARENT PLANNER to click on events and resources you are interested in and click PRINT MY PLANNER to print or email your list.

LOCAL RESOURCES | PARENT PERKS DISCOUNTS |
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES

Temple Beth David, a Reform Jewish congregation located in Commack, is home to the Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC). The ECLC is a small, yet sophisticated program providing all children with the highest quality care available. As part of a larger congregation, children and families are able to join the Temple's clergy and other families to learn about and celebrate Jewish holidays. The educational program is unsurpassed utilizing a variety of methodologies to engage and excite all students and each preschool class is is led by a NYS certified educator. Accommodating the needs of today's families, the ECLC offers the added benefit of an on-site before and after care program. Currently the ECLC offers a music class for babies, a Movers & Shakers "Mommy & Me," a 2's, 3's & 4's program, before and after care and a variety of enriching afterschool activities. From the moment your baby is born until the time they go into kindergarten, the ECLC has all you'll ever need. Come and learn about the ECLC - call Michelle Finkel, ECLC Director at 631.499.0915 ext. 16 or e-mail mfinkel@tbdcommack.org to schedule a private tour.

You can find the ECLC listed in our Local Resource Directory under Before & After School Care, Preschools & Pre-K, and Parent & Child Classes.  Don't forget to check out their Parent Perk for a free trial class - it expires 3/1/10 so hurry!