Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 6 September 2002 — Page 26

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6,2002 ■ PAGE C8

8 tips for choosing child care

(NAPSI) — Selecting the best child care arrangement for your child is one of the most important choices you’ll make as a parent. With so many options available today, this may seem like a daunting task. How do you know which one is just right for your child, and what do you look for when evaluating child care centers that may appear to have similar offerings? “Every child is unique, so it’s important to select a place where your child feels at home and the philosophy and approach to learning agree with your own,” said Barbara Anderson, Ph.D., vice president of education for KinderCare Learning Centers, which operates more than 1,250 early childhood education and child care centers nationwide. Anderson says that once a parent narrows the search to locations that are convenient and affordable, mere w n nuiiiucr oi qucsiiuira parenta should ask when evaluating child care facilities. (1) Is the child care center licensed? (2) Is it safe? Is there fire protection, plenty of light, air and clean facilities? Are there formal procedures for the arrival and departure of children? (3) Is there enough indoor and outdoor space for both quiet and active learning and play? (4) Is there a clean, properly equipped area specifically for infants and toddlers? Is there appropriate interaction and nurturing of infants and toddlers? (5) Is parent participation encouraged? Are parents welcome and encouraged to visit and observe at any time? Are there scheduled parent conferences and developmental progress reports? (6) Does the center have strict procedures for hiring caregivers? Is the director a professional person who inspires confidence? Do teachers have experience and skills in child care methods? Are applicants fingerprinted when required by state law and required to take a medical exam in compliance with state licensing regulations? Are background checks and written references mandatory? (7) Does the center have a written, planned program you can see in action? Are learning programs designed specifically for each age group? (8) Are educational programs focused on the whole child, designed to meet the social, emotional, physical and intellectual needs of children? Anderson suggeste carrying a checklist and taking notes while touring facilities. Answering these questions about the facilities, staff and educational programs will help parents make a more informed decision.

BIG. BOLD & BEAUTfUL

FASHION FRENZY" CAPTURES GLAMOUR OF PLUS-SIZE WOMEN

T K HOLA

By ANAR& V. HOLMES

Recorder Editor

Veteran plus-size model and local homegirl Frieda Quarles teams up with celebrity fashion show coordinator Harvey “Star” Washington for the third installment of “High Heels: The Fash-

ion Frenzy.”

The couture runway extravaganza set for 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15 at the Indi ana Convention Center is not your typical fashion showcase. “No model in this show is under a size 14,” said Quarles. “We want to break the stereotype of what it means to be a plus-size woman. We can be beautiful, glamorous and sexy as people will see in this ground-breaking show.” No stranger to th fashion industry,

Quarles is back i

Indianapolis after a three-year stint in Chicago, where she worked as a professional full-figured model. Her voluptuous frame has appeared in print ads for Nordstrom and help land her a spot on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” where she modeled fits from Hollywood TV actress Delta Burke’s plus-size clothing line. “I’ve had an opportunity to do what some only dream of and now I want to come back to pass the baton and show these young girls how they can do it,” said Quarles, who was once signed with the locally-owned Helen Wells

Agency.

New twists were added to make the third “High Heels” show a special treat for attendees, they include: fresh models, a few tricks from the show’s creator Harvey “Star” Washington and its new home at the Indiana Convention Center. Clothing retailer Fashion Bug returns as one of the show’s major sponsors, drapping models in many of the designs to ap pear on the runway. The fierce styling team of hair and make-up artists Lequetta Fletcher, Anthony Phillips and T a j u a n a Nixon from Eye Candy image consulting will be on hand to “paint the girls down,” said Fletcher, owner of Paradise Palace Salon, another show sponsor. “Baby, this year’s show is going to be fabulous, there will be more drama, more skin and more surprises from me,” said Washington, who will also bring in a few of his own creations. “So you all will just have to come out and see plus-size women at their best.” Tickets for “High Heels: The Fashion Frenzy can be purchased at Paradise Palace Salon, 2176 N. Meridian St., 927-9462.

Veteran plus-eize model Frieda Quarles (left) recently made a visit to The Recorder’s weekly public affairs program, “The ROAR,” to talk with Anar* V. Holmes about life, love and work from the perspective of a full-figured woman.

A Nordstrom Human Resource department professional by day, Renita Corner will be among the models for this year’s “High Heels: The Fashion Frenzy.”

“We want to break the stereotype of what it means to he a plus-size We can be beautiful, glamorous and sexy... Frieda Quarles

A bouquet of party planning ideas

(NAPSI) — Getting ready for guests involves more than planning a memorable menu. Putting out the welcome mat means making your home as attractive and appealing as you possibly can. Making sure the rooms your guests will use are picture-perfect and comfortable is one way to show you care about the people you are inviting.

guest towels for them to use, a collection of small assorted pretty soaps, and liquid soap for those who prefer it. You can put out toiletry items for your guests to use, such as hand lotion, breath mints and a small packet of pain relievers. A small travel sewing kit is also a nice courtesy. Beside cleaning and straightening up, entertaining is a good excuse to dress up

For example, there are easy your rooms for company with

ways to make the room where your guests powder their noses even more pleasiag. Set out some attractive

interesting throws and some conversation-inspiring arrangements. Appeal to all the senses. Scented candles and potpourri

can be “scent-sational,” as can a concoction of water laced with vanilla and cinnamon simmering on the stove. Another attractive and economical way to freshen and perfume the air is the use of fresh flowers. A simple tumbler or pitcher filled with fragrant blossoms can brighten and freshen a room. Or, you can add a touch of romance with a few beautiful stems that complement or accent the color of linens or wallpaper. Put flowers in unexpected places and to add interest, use unusual containers, such

as old watering cans, enamelware pitchers, or teapots. A row of champagne glasses with a large blossom in each can make any dinner an elegant occasion. Bowls and shallow dishes can be used for floating flower heads. For seasonal arrangements, use seasonal props. A hol-lowed-out pumpkin filled with autumnal flowers and leaves can serve as a focal point at Halloween, or an evergreen and flower wreath can be used around Christmas. For more ideas, visit www. flowerpossibilities.com. For a free brochure about using

A ilmolu tumblur or pltchur fMud with fragrant bloaaoma can brighten and fraahan a room.

flowers to make the party, write to P.O. Box 16, Ovid, Ml 48866.