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Ask the Experts

We have a wide range of experts on hand to answer your questions on everything from dental visits and playdates to dance lessons, lawns and so much more! If you have a question that needs answering, get in touch.

Q. What are some good, longer chapter-style books I can read aloud to my child?

Chapter books make great read-alouds, but finding one that is the right length can be tricky. Get started with this list of chapter books that aren’t doorstoppers but will take more than a couple of bedtimes to finish. All can be placed on hold for pickup from any MidContinent Public Library branch with your library card. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate has short chapters perfect for quick moment. Clean Getaway by Nic Stone is one part road trip and one part family bonding. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown features shorter chapters and is fast-paced. Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo is action-packed and includes comic-style illustrations.   ~ Haley Lefholz MCPL Youth Services Librarian

MCPL

Mid-Continent Public Library has 33 branches and serves more than 816,000 residents across Jackson, Clay and Platte counties, offering resources and services for all ages. 816.836.5200, MyMCPL.org

J Robert Schraeder

Q. I’m interested in becoming a foster parent. How do I get started?

Start by asking yourself a few simples questions: Am I 21 or older? Do I have reliable transportation? Is my home a safe environment with enough space for another child (a separate bed for each child)? Do I agree to positive parenting techniques and non-physical discipline for children? Something else to consider is the financial aspect, but typically becoming a foster parent requires little to no cost. If you’ve answered yes, next steps include a background check and completing a 30-hour free training course, which helps you build skills for caring for children who have experienced neglect or abuse and, as a result, may have physical, emotional or educational difficulties. This is also a great opportunity to decide whether fostering is right for you.  ~ Megan Maciel Director of Recruitment and Communication KVC Kansas

KVC

KANSAS KVC Kansas provides heart-centered services to children and families through in-home family support, foster care, adoption, behavioral health care and children’s psychiatric hospitals. 913.499.8100, Kansas.kvc.org

Are you an expert in your field with advice for our readers, contact editor@kcparent.com and we may consider adding you to our panel.

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