Free Children's Services

Did you know that if you suspect that your child might have a developmental, speech, or any other type of disorder, there are centers in every state where you can receive FREE evaluations and help?

When my older son was two years old, we suspected that he might have a speech and language delay. Someone told me to contact our local Regional Center, which I did, and we received free testing. From there, they recommended speech therapy. I thought our options were limited to what was being offered through the school system (for free through the Regional Center). However, upon further research, I discovered that there are places called NPA's (Non Public Agencies) where you can also be approved to send your child. I found an amazing speech center in my area and requested that my son receive services there instead of at the school. Our request was approved, and he received speech therapy 2-3 times a week for over a year.

If I had not known about these services, we would have either not been able to get our son the help he needed, or been forced to pay out of our own pockets for help. Speech therapy sessions can range anywhere from $40-150 an hour.

For a list of California Regional Centers, visit this website. If your child is over 4 years of age, you can just contact your local school district for services as well. If you are outside of California, do some research to see if your state offers regional centers as well. If not, do an online search for "free speech therapy in [your state]" or "free testing for [your child's issue]". You may find the services you are needing for free!

Need Clothes for Your Kids?

Then don't miss tomorrow's sale at Children's Orchard - Fill a Bag for $5!   Children's Orchard is a children's retail store that sells very gently used clothing for cheap!  The prices here are often better than at thrift stores, with most items selling between $1.99-$5.99.  You can also sell gently used children's clothing to them and earn either store credit or cash.  I have done this a few times and earned at least $30 both times.  If you do want to sell to them, call to make an appointment, and iron all of the clothes.  They are picky and won't take anything with even the slightest stain, fade or tear.  THIS is the place to go for Halloween costumes, special occasion clothing, or just everyday gear.  They also sell many different baby items, toys, shoes, etc.  

Click here for more details:

Fill a Bag for $5 Sale

Find a Location near You!  (Click on the store locator button at the top left of the page)

Kids Eat Free!

I now have 2 toddlers (ages 1 and 3), and our eating out bill has increased by at least $10 each time.  Both boys eat full meals and now need their own kids' meal when we go to restaurants. Today I was pleased to read an article in our daily paper about local restaurants that have "Kids Eat Free" menus on certain nights of the week.  (If you live in the South Bay, check out the list here).   The following chain restaurants may have a "Kids Eat Free" night in your area. (Granted, these aren't normally places I'd LOVE to go to, but if we need to save some money, then these are the places to choose from).  I've included the "typical" night that they offer this deal, although you may want to call the location nearest you just to double check:

Carrows - Monday & Tuesday nights

IHOP- Every night

Norms -  Monday night

Texas Loosey's - Every night

Tony Roma's - Monday & Tuesday nights

Denny's - Tuesdays (and some Saturdays)

Rocky Cola Cafe- Tuesdays

Rubys- Tuesdays

Another great resource to check out the deals in your neighborhood is mykidseatfree.com.

Aquarium of the Pacific

If you live near the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, you may want to consider getting an annual pass. For only $110 a year, an entire family can get unlimited admission. This includes 2 adults and any dependent children in the same household. You can also get 5 parking passes for only $15 (parking is normally $7 each trip). In addition, they often have a promotion which includes 1-2 free guest passes when you purchase an annual membership.

However, you can also get FREE admission once a year if you work for a non-profit organization. The only catch? Your HR office has to fill out the form and send it in, and then the admission is good during the month of September. In order to qualify, your application has to be received by August 8, 2008. For more information, visit this site.

We have passes to the Aquarium and can tell you from first-hand experience that our kids love it, and it is great to be able to go for 2-3 hours at a time. It's not Sea World, but it's sure a lot closer to us! :)