Down Syndrome Network is hosting open meetings for families of children with special needs aged 0-3 years at Scottsdale Bible Church on the third Tuesday of every month beginning January 19, 2010.  The meetings will include a chance for parents (and children) to meet one another, a speaker on a topic of particular interest to this age group, and an activity to do with your child. 

October 19: 6:30-8:30pm Nutrition for Young Children with DS. Chef Rachel Albert will discuss healthy eating and provide food tips and ideas for getting our children to develop great eating habits that help with optimum development. Chef Rachel teaches cooking classes at The Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe and all over the valley and receives great feedback from her students. Chef Rachel specializes in making healthy food taste great and in teaching people how to cook for special diets, including wheat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, corn-free, low-sugar, and low-carb, and low-allergen diets. You can visit her blog for recipes, cooking tips, a cooking class schedule, and information about her two cookbooks. http://www.thehealthycookingcoach.com/classes.html

November 16: 6:30-8:30pm Music and Brain Development Lecture Learn how music influences brain development and how you can set your baby up for learning to his/her potential. Music is the one activity that lights up all areas of the brain. Research shows that early exposure to music plays an important role in wiring the brain for reading, math, language, social skills and learning. Missy and Mary from Musicology will present. http://site.musicologyaz.com/ Respite provided.  

There is no cost to attend the meeting but space is limited to the first 20 families.  Please register, so we know how many children will need respite care.