Kids can see alpacas and play games while their parents pick up valuable information about available community resources during Babies & Little Tykes Day Out. This free event is sponsored by Kansas Children’s Service League’s (KCSL) Healthy Families team and will take place Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Great Bend City Auditorium, 1214 Stone St.
“This event is for caregivers with babies ages 0-3 years old in Barton, Rush, Pawnee and Stafford counties,” said Vicki Richardson with KCSL. “There will be resources for caregivers along with fun games and learning activities for the children. The Great Bend Recreation Commission will also have their Imagination Playground set up.”
Richardson explained that Healthy Families has previously sponsored three Community Baby Showers that focused on prenatal parents and newborns, but they’d never offered something that targeted this age group.
Vendors were asked to bring information that caregivers may find helpful. “It’s not just for parents,” she said, noting grandparents and others who provide child care are welcome.
Several fun activities and prizes will be offered. An alpaca named Joy and her daughter Quivira from Heartland Farm (www.facebook.com/HeartlandFarmKS) will be in a corral on the northeast corner of the Rec Center’s south parking lot. Other special activities include a 10:30 a.m. story time presented by the Great Bend Public Library and a 30-minute program by the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo at 11. The Shafer Art Gallery at Barton Community College will have an art project.
Free hot dogs and chips will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
These groups or vendors will be inside the auditorium:
• KCSL Healthy Families Kansas
Call 1-800-CHILDREN 24/7 for access to the Kansas Children’s Service League resources.
•Barton County Conservation District – With a craft for young children that stimulates curiosity about nature.
•Sunflower Early Education Center
• United Way of Central Kansas – Sharing Dolly Parton Imagination Library and other United Way resources.
•Heart of Kansas Dental Clinic – Learn about oral health care
• University of Kansas Health System
•Barton County Health Department WIC Program
• KDHE – KanCare – Check your KanCare eligibility status
• Pilot Club of Great Bend – Free infant and toddler helmets
• USD 428 Parents as Teachers
• Child Care Aware – This group can help families find quality, accessible, affordable childcare. For those interested in starting a childcare business, Child Care Aware can help equip them with tools, trainings, and one-on-one advice to have a thriving business.
• Kathryn Shaffner – Doula
• Communities Organizing to Promote Equity (COPE)
Questions can be directed to Richardson at vrichardson@kcsl.org or call 620-603-8442 ext. 1922.
