1 3 1 34 5 Advertisement One thing is certain, the first five years of life really count. They re incredible years of learning that shape kids futures. Yet, every year 1.45 million children, all under the age of five, enter school with learning and health issues that put them far behind their peers and have a lasting, negative effect on their ability to meet their full potential. But when kids get the right treatment and therapy early in life, they re ready to learn alongside their peers and build lifelong skills. Known as early intervention services, these therapies work to strengthen kids physical, social, emotional and intellectual abilities well before kindergarten. As the leading provider of autism and early intervention services, Easter Seals therapists and families know what s possible when kids get the support they need and also what happens when they don t. But as a nation, we don t invest nearly enough in early detection and treatment for kids before the age of five, even though it s incredibly effective and more than pays for itself. That s why Easter Seals created Make the First Five Count SM to engage parents around the importance of early intervention. If you believe all children should have access to early identification, education and care services to make a difference in their future and the future of our country, join us at MaketheFirstFiveCount.org. We were able to build such a strong foundation for him. Without that, I don t think he d be anywhere near where he is today. Stephanie Gordon, about her son Kyle s experience with early intervention services Kyle is a first grader at his school outside of Milwaukee. Teachers say he may be able to live independently someday. It s an idea his mom, Stephanie, didn t think possible when he was diagnosed with a form of autism at age 2. She says Kyle s progress is a result of the early start he got at Easter Seals. Now 7, Kyle continues to receive 30 hours of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy each week, thanks in large part to a grant to Easter Seals from CVS Caremark. Since 2006, CVS Caremark s All Kids Can TM Program has committed $2.3 million in grants to further Easter Seals work in early intervention and autism services. Kyle s family is one of many to directly benefit from CVS Caremark s support. MaketheFirstFiveCount.org
Advertisement Make the First Five Count for Your Child Far too many children today don t get the help they need. If you feel something isn t quite right with your child s development, act early. Five Things to Count On: 1. Know your child is unique and develops at her own pace. 2. Follow your instincts. Share your concerns with your pediatrician or health care provider. 3. Act early. Getting the right help at the right time makes all the difference. 4. Seek support from an organization like Easter Seals take advantage of all the education, programs and services you and your child need. 5. Learn what every parent needs to know and where to go for help at MaketheFirstFiveCount.org. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Making Sure Kids & Families Thrive MassMutual Financial Group Continues its Commitment to Families Living with Autism and other Disabilities Nearly three quarters of families living with autism and other disabilities are worried about their child s financial future, but most have done little to plan for when their child with a disability becomes an adult. This revelation is among key findings from Easter Seals Living with Autism Study and Living with Disabilities Study, both funded by MassMutual and available at easterseals.com or massmutual.com. For nearly a decade, MassMutual has touched the lives of millions of families through SpecialCare SM, a program providing families with solutions to assure the best life care plan for their loved ones with autism and disabilities through a network of experts distinguished as Chartered Special Needs Consultants by The American College. Be sure to check your local listings for Autism: Coming of Age, a documentary airing on public television stations nationwide over the next several months to learn more. Thanks for Making the First Five Count Kudos to Our Family of Supporters MaketheFirstFiveCount.org
Make the First Five Count for All Children When You Shop Make it Count Advertisement Become a part of the solution. Make the first five count for your child, and all children especially those living with autism, disabilities and other special needs. Here are some simple ways you can Make the First Five Count with our Partners. In April This April shop any Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Tom Thumb, Randalls, Dominick s, Genuardi s, or Carrs store and make a donation at checkout to its People with Disabilities Campaign to support Easter Seals autism and early intervention services. one two four three fi v e LEARN MORE AT safeway.com Visit your local A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts store to be a part of their Crafting a Better World TM program. Be creative and support Easter Seals families living with autism with a donation. Plus, make a free create-your own autism puzzle project at all stores on April 9 or make the puzzle at home. See acmoore.com for instructions. Help CENTURY 21 and Easter Seals make the first five count. Friendly s & Easter Seals Make the First Five Count 41 IH/CO Get a FREE level 1 kids meal with purchase of an adult entrée Valid through 5.22.2011 Please present coupon to server prior to ordering. Not valid when used with any other discount or promotional offer. Limit one coupon per party, per visit and one item per coupon. Resale of this coupon is prohibited, including Internet auction sites, except where expressly permitted by law. Valid only at participating locations. Applicable sales tax applies. 41 IH/CO Visit us on facebook.com/century21 to learn more about giving all kids the best start in life.
Advertisement Walk with Me to Make the First Five Count Held in nearly 70 markets across the country, Easter Seals Walk With Me raises millions to support early identification and intervention services for young children with disabilities, autism and special needs. Participants don t just receive the typical race number or T-shirt. They re partnered with an Easter Seals family living with a disability who benefits from local services. As the National Premier Sponsor of Walk With Me, CVS Caremark associates help bring Easter Seals one step closer to making sure all young kids at risk of disabilities or delays get the early identification and services they need to be school-ready. The company has engaged thousands of its associates in raising $7 million dollars in the past five years. It s never too early to take steps if something might not seem right with your baby or toddler. We are very proud that so many of our CVS Caremark colleagues are supporting Easter Seals to ensure their services are available to children and families in every community. Eileen Howard Boone, CVS Caremark Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications and Community Relations Make the First Five Count and start your own team at WalkWithMe.org
What is the sign of a good decision? It s giving families who live with autism a chance to tell their own stories. At MassMutual, we believe in listening to the needs of families who live with Autism Spectrum Disorder. That s why we sponsored Easter Seals groundbreaking 2008 family survey, Living with Autism, and the 2011 public television documentary, Autism: Coming of Age. The film provides an honest look at the future facing these families as their children become adults. Both efforts stem from a larger commitment that began with our SpecialCare SM program. Since 2004, the program has trained MassMutual financial professionals on how to help families with special needs achieve financial peace of mind. It shows how one good decision can open your eyes to another. Contact your local PBS station to find out when Autism: Coming of Age airs in your area. LIFE INSURANCE + RETIREMENT/401(K) PLAN SERVICES + DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE + LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE + ANNUITIES MassMutual Financial Group refers to Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), its affiliated companies and sales representatives. Insurance products are issued by and ratings apply to MassMutual, Springfield, MA 01111, and its subsidiaries, C.M. Life Insurance Company and MML Bay State Life Insurance Company, Enfield, CT 06082. CRN201302-145311