Education briefs

On Sunday, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Oct. 31, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., United Blood Services will host its annual Safe Halloween Party with arts and crafts, treats, a costume contest and a fishing pond.

The Reno Psychic Institute will present psychic readings exclusively for donors on Sunday between noon-3 p.m. and Oct. 31 between 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

For donor convenience, the center will remain open until 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Pizza will be served to those who donate during 4-7 p.m. The Carson City center is located at 256 E. Winnie Lane in the Crossroads Shopping Center. For further information or to schedule an appointment, call 887-9111.

Start brushing before you see baby's teeth

It is important for a parents to clean their child's mouth everyday. It is a good idea to start cleaning your baby's gums with a soft, damp cloth or the new "finger" toothbrush before they get teeth. Your baby will get used to you putting something in their mouth and it becomes a habit. As the first teeth come in, you just add them to the cleaning.

An infant-size soft toothbrush can also be used, especially when their back teeth start to come in. A small "pea-size" amount of toothpaste is all you need.

Do not use fluoride toothpaste until your child can spit unless your dentist or doctor tells you to do so. Clean their gums and teeth in the morning and especially at night before bed time. It is best to put them to bed without a bottle (except for water) because it can cause baby bottle tooth decay.

For more information, contact the Oral Health Program, Nevada State Health Division, at 684-4251.

Youngest students explore learning through collaboration

The University of Nevada, Reno's Child and Family Research Center is presenting some of the early collaborative influences that make visible a child's own works, thinking, words and perceptions, from infancy up to age 6.

The monthlong exhibit of "Children - Discover, Investigate, Learn" in the Front Door Gallery, Church Fine Arts Building, on campus in a display through Nov. 2. The exhibit includes documentation of children's learning and provides insight into the research that teachers conduct at the center, using principles inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education.

Modest-prom dress design contest set

The Modest Prom Dress Design Contest gives high school girls ages 15-18 a chance to win a dress of their own design. In addition, the winner will receive all of her accessories and the perfect pair of shoes to match her dream dress. Four runners-up will win gift certificates towards any gown of her choice at Modest by Design Clothing Company.

All entries must be mailed to Modest by Design and postmarked by Nov. 31. Entrants must include their original dress design and a short essay, entitled "Why I think It Is Important to Dress Modestly" of 150 words or less.

The winners will be announced on Jan. 7 at the fourth annual "Modesty in Motion" Fashion Show at Thanksgiving Point in the Show Barn. To see past contest winners, go to www.modestbydesign.com.