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play and learn

Play and Learn of East Central Iowa
(Posted on 2/6/2012)
Play & Learn of East Central Iowa is an effective way to help caregivers learn more about child development, how children learn and what they can do at home to help the children in their care to grow and learn.

parent education classes resources

Parent Education Consortium Programs
(Posted on 2/6/2012)
The Parent Education Consortium is a program that brings classes and resources to parents through a partnership we have with United Way and Linn County Community Empowerment. If you are a parent of young children you need to know about this wonderful resource.

child online computer

Dare to Excel Newsletter, February Issue – Parents: Protect Your Children Online
(Posted on 2/6/2012)
The Internet can be a dangerous place for children. How can you protect your children when they are online? Learn more in this issue of Dare to Excel.

powerful tools for caregivers trainers

Become a Facilitator to Help Caregivers
(Posted on 1/26/2012)
As the population of our state ages, caregiver education has become a priority need in most communities. Consider getting a team of facilitators trained to teach Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a nationally recognized, evidence based curriculum designed to help family caregivers thrive in their role.

Eco Family Blog

Subscribe to the EcoFamily Blog
(Posted on 12/8/2011)
Research shows that people who choose simpler lifestyles, nurture meaningful relationships and have a connection to nature are happier and healthier. Subscribe to the Eco-Family Blog and learn how to do just that!

winter surival phone app

New Phone App Will Help Stranded Winter Motorists
(Posted on 12/8/2011)
This new smartphone application from the North Dakota State University Extension Service will help motorists stuck in winter weather. Learn how it works and where can you get it.

Healthiest State Initiative

Healthiest State Initiative
(Posted on 10/6/2011)
The Healthiest State Initiative website offers a variety of ways to get involved and resources to help Iowans accomplish the goals of improving health and happiness.

News from Iowa State University Extension
Kids Learn Healthy Habits from Caring Adults
(Posted on 2/1/2012)
Adults need to adapt healthier lifestyles and be role models for kids if Iowa is going to be the healthiest state in the nation, says Ruth Litchfield, an Iowa State University associate professor and state nutrition extension specialist.
Science of Parenting: How to Parent Spirited Children
(Posted on 2/1/2012)
When it comes to temperament, some kids are as dependable as pickup trucks, while others are as touchy as high-end sports cars. This month’s Science of Parenting podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach examines the “engine” that drives a child and how parents can manage spirited children.
Connect to Nature at February Virtual Eco Family Conference
(Posted on 1/25/2012)
“When we love the place where we live, we take better care of it,” said Kristi Cooper, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. She will discuss how to develop a sense of place and build communities that connect people with nature during the Virtual Eco Family Conference on Feb. 2.
Parent-Child Cell Phone Debate Continues
(Posted on 1/17/2012)
Parents can exert a measure of control over their child’s mobile phone use by limiting use, checking its contents and using it to monitor the whereabouts of their offspring. However, with a few exceptions, these activities by parents do not seem to impact patterns of cell phone use by teens, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach family life specialists.
Women: Register for Money Talk Online Class by Feb. 1
(Posted on 1/13/2012)
At some point in many women’s lives, they will have to make major financial decisions. Money Talk, an online class offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, gives women the knowledge to make those decisions and improve their lives. The registration deadline is Feb. 1 and the class begins Feb. 6.
Science of Parenting: Using Technology to Help with Parenting
(Posted on 1/3/2012)
From podcasts to text messages and Skype, many parents are adding technology to their parenting toolkit. This month’s Science of Parenting podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach takes a closer look at how parents can use information and communications technology for parenting.
Virtual Eco Family Conference Connects Families to the Environment
(Posted on 12/22/2011)
Iowa families throughout the state will be getting together — virtually — once a month from January through June for an Eco Family Conference from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. It’s an opportunity for families to improve the environment, reduce their carbon footprint and create community close to home.
Extension Offers Free Monthly Parenting Newsletter
(Posted on 12/16/2011)
Any parent, new or seasoned, may have questions regarding his or her children. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers a free monthly newsletter, Just in Time Parenting, with helpful information on parenting young ones.
Phone App Is Winter Preparedness Tool for Motorists
(Posted on 12/14/2011)
A new smartphone application from the North Dakota State University Extension Service will help motorists prepare for winter weather travels. And should they get stuck in winter weather, the app provides on-the-spot assistance.
Parents Can Help Kids Deal with Bullying
(Posted on 12/1/2011)
Relational aggression in children is another way of saying that kids can be mean to one another. Parents may not be able to stop this bullying, but they can help their children learn how to deal with the behavior, says Kimberly Greder, an extension specialist and associate professor of human development and family studies at Iowa State University.

Events


Families
More Families events

View the complete ISU Extension events Calendar

Staff

Rachel Rockwell - County Extension Director
Phone: (319) 377-9839
Fax: (319) 377-0475
Email: rachelr@iastate.edu

Kristi Cooper - Family Life Specialist
Phone: (319) 377-9839
Fax: (319) 377-0475
Email: kcoop@iastate.edu

Arika Mason - 21st Century Learning Center (STARS) Project Director
Phone: (319) 377-9839
Fax: (319) 377-0475
Email: arika@iastate.edu

Phyllis Zalenski - Field Specialist - Family Resource Management
Phone: 319-462-2791
Fax: 319-462-4572
Email: zalenski@iastate.edu

Ann Torbert - 4-H Youth Development Specialist
Phone: (319) 377-9839
Fax: (319) 377-0475
Email: atorbert@iastate.edu

Resources from ISU Extension

  • 3279 7th Ave., Suite 140
  • Marion, IA 52302
  • (319) 377-9839; Master Gardener Hortline: 319-447-0647
  • benesh1@iastate.edu