LEAP Solutions, LLC

10/28/2026

🎃👻 HALLOWEEN IS FOR EVERYONE! 🧡

As Halloween approaches, we want to remind our community of something incredibly important: Inclusion doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it starts with a little kindness and understanding. 💚

This Halloween, you may meet children who:

🎃 Don’t say “trick or treat” because they are nonverbal or communicate differently.

👻 Don’t make eye contact or respond when you speak to them.

🍬 Need a little extra time getting to your door or choosing a treat.

🧡 Aren’t wearing a costume because of sensory sensitivities or medical needs.

💜 Use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices.

🎃 Only make it to one or two houses before becoming overwhelmed.

And guess what? Every single one of those children deserves to experience the magic of Halloween! ✨

To our commUNITY, we encourage you to lead with patience, kindness, and acceptance. You never know what challenges a child or family may be navigating.

And to our special needs parents: Whether your child visits 50 houses, makes it to one, or celebrates from the comfort of home, your Halloween is just as special and meaningful as anyone else’s. ❤️

Let’s work together to make Porter County a commUNITY where EVERY child feels welcomed, accepted, and included.

Because at the end of the day, Halloween isn’t about how many houses you visit, what costume you wear, or how you communicate.

It’s about making memories, spreading kindness, and ensuring EVERY child belongs. 🎃🧡

10/28/2026

🎃 Reminder! 🎃
The Downtown Chesterton Trick or Treat is THIS FRIDAY from 4-6pm.
We will be there- stop by and say hello! 🍭🍫🍬

10/27/2026

We love our new book rack at the office... what are some of your kids' favorite fall and Halloween books?

10/26/2026

Take a peek at our new space!

10/26/2026

Porter County parents with children on the autism spectrum can take part in our Window Cling Program, sponsored by Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy and the Portage Township Autism Action Coalition.
Parents may pick up up to 3 clings. The clings are to be place on a vehicle or home in which a child lives or rides. The clings help first responders readily identify a home or a vehicle where an autistic child may be.
Since its inception, PTAAC has given away nearly 1,000 clings to parents or caregivers of Porter County children.
The clings are free of charge and available at:
Portage Township Trustee's office, 3590 Willowcreek Road, Portage
Portage Police Department (Indiana)
Porter County Sheriff's Office
Valparaiso Police Department
Police Department
Burns Harbor Police Department
Kouts Police Department
Town of Porter Police Department
Hebron Police Department

10/23/2026

Music activities are such a great way to promote early learning! Talking, singing, reading are so important in the early years.

🎵 12 Great Songs for Clapping to the Beat with Suggestions for Various Activities!

1. The More We Get Together — Raffi
A wonderful song for encouraging friendship, belonging, and connection.
👏 Clap a steady beat, then invite children to clap gently with partners.

2. Shake My Sillies Out — Raffi
Perfect for transitioning between energetic movement and calmer participation.
👏 Clap along to the beat during the clapping verse, then switch to other movements.

3. Tony Chestnut — The Learning Station
A fun movement song that uses different body parts.
👏 Add a clap between verses or clap while singing before returning to the gestures.

4. If You're Happy and You Know It — Traditional
👏 A classic for combining clapping, feelings, and movement. Invite children to suggest additional actions and emotions.

5. We Are the Dinosaurs — Laurie Berkner
👏 Begin by clapping to the marching beat, then invite children to march, stomp, and freeze. Great for motor coordination and listening.

6. Silly Dance Contest — Jim Gill
👏 Clap along during the dancing sections and stop when the music tells you to freeze. Wonderful for self-regulation, attention, and joyful group participation.

7. Bananaphone — Raffi
👏 Its playful, catchy rhythm makes it fun to clap, tap knees, or use rhythm sticks.

8. Open Shut Them — Traditional
👏 Add gentle claps between verses, alternating clapping and opening and closing hands. Especially good for younger preschoolers.

9. The Freeze — Greg & Steve
👏 Clap or move to the steady beat, stopping when the music pauses.
Great for listening, impulse control, and anticipation.

10. You Are My Sunshine — Elizabeth Mitchell or Traditional
👏 Clap slowly and gently to the beat.
A lovely choice for slowing down and creating a calm, connected atmosphere.

11. Victor Vito — Laurie Berkner
👏 Clap to the beat, tap knees, or create repeated patterns.
Great for playful language and rhythm.

12. You'll Sing a Song and I'll Sing a Song — Ella Jenkins
👏 Clap to the steady pulse while taking turns singing and responding.
Wonderful for community building, turn-taking, and connection.

💛 A Tip for Early Educators: Beat vs. Rhythm 💛

Help children explore the difference between the two.

The beat is the steady pulse of the music, like a heartbeat. The rhythm follows the pattern of the words or musical notes.

Try playing a familiar song twice. The first time, invite children to clap the steady beat. The second time, invite them to clap the syllables of the words. They'll experience the difference through movement rather than an explanation.

For a preschool group, the three to explore first: "The More We Get Together," "You'll Sing a Song and I'll Sing a Song," and "Shake My Sillies Out." These are especially engaging for building connection through shared music-making.

And remember, children don't need to clap perfectly in time. The goal is joyful participation, musical exploration, and the pleasure of making music together!

10/22/2026

Community Baby Shower Event- check it out!

9 DAYS TO GO

We’re officially in the SINGLE DIGITS!
Today we’re celebrating Milk & Honey Photography!
Thank you for helping families capture those precious moments and for being part of our Community Baby Shower.
Only 9 days!
📅 October 30 | 11 AM–2 PM

10/21/2026

This Friday!

It's that time of the year again and we are ready for a spooktacular night! 🕸️🎃

Find the 🔍Porter County Children's Museum at Valpo's Downtown Trick-or-Treating this Friday from 4-6pm. 👻

We will be hosting interactive STEAM candy activities for all the little goblins and witches to participate in! 🍭🍬

See you there! 🙂

🔍Big or Small, Let's Have a Ball!

10/21/2026

Talk with your child about favorite seasonal activities by asking, “What do we do every year when the weather gets cooler?” Sharing memories about pumpkin carving, apple picking, or family gatherings helps build vocabulary, language skills, and a sense of belonging.