VPI's Early Intervention Program of Outagamie and Winnebago Counties

12/10/2025

A big thank you to everyone who came out for our Breakfast with Santa event! We had such a wonderful morning filled with laughter, delicious food, and festive fun. It was truly heartwarming to see families gathered together, chatting, connecting, and creating special memories. Moments like these remind us just how strong and supportive our community is.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Grand Chute Lions Club for their incredible generosity in donating gifts for the children in attendance. Your support helped make the morning even more magical for so many families.

A special thank you as well to the Rotary Club of Appleton Helen Thom Roemer Fund for their generous contributions toward the venue and food. Your support made this event possible and helped us create a warm, welcoming space for all who attended.

We’re grateful for everyone who helped bring this event to life and for all who joined us in celebrating the holiday season. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and truly wonderful holiday season! 🎅🎄✨

12/08/2025

Check out this community event at Jefferson Early Learning Center in Menasha. All area families are welcome! This event isn’t limited to those in the Menasha School District. Come join the fun!

11/25/2025

Great Mealtime Tips for the Holiday Season

1. Keep mealtimes positive.
Holiday schedules can feel busy and unpredictable. Keeping the table a low-pressure, pleasant place can make a huge difference for your child.

2. Model the behaviors you want to see.
Children learn by watching the adults around them. Sit and eat with your toddler when you can, and try a variety of foods yourself. Avoid negative comments like “Veggies are yucky!” and show your child how you’d like them to eat through your own actions.

3. Offer comfort through consistency.
Holidays often shake up routines. Offering familiar, preferred foods alongside new holiday dishes can help your child feel more at ease and willing to try something new.

4. Have fun and use all the senses!
It’s okay to get a little messy. Encourage your child to touch, smell, look at, and taste their food. Exploring with all their senses can help them feel more comfortable and curious about new foods.

11/10/2025

Infants and toddlers learn by watching and copying!
From shaking toys, to saying “vroom vroom," every act of imitation builds communication and learning skills.

Celebrate those little copycat moments — they’re signs of big growth!

11/07/2025

🚐✨ Don’t let the pigeon miss this one! Check out this cool event featuring everyone’s favorite feathered friend from Mo Willems’ beloved books. Perfect for little learners and their families! 💙📚

10/31/2025

10/23/2025

🌟 Looking for fun, enriching ways to support your child’s development?

The Building for Kids offers two great programs for young learners and their families—both designed to spark curiosity, build skills, and promote playful learning in a supportive environment.

👶 Early Explorers – FREE monthly program for ages birth to 5
Enjoy hands-on, sensory-friendly activities guided by early childhood professionals. Learn simple ways to support your child’s development through play, with tips you can take home!

🗓️ Monthly sessions
💬 Developmental tips + caregiver support
🎨 Interactive, age-appropriate learning stations
👉 Learn more: https://www.buildingforkids.org/early-explorers/

🧒 Jr. Explorer Camps – Mini-camps for ages 3–5
These themed, half-day camps offer engaging experiences for your preschooler, from science and art to movement and sensory play—all led by early childhood experts.

🧠 Great for kids ready for group learning
⏰ Morning sessions, multiple dates available
🎟️ Registration required
👉 Details + registration: https://www.buildingforkids.org/jr-explorer-camps/

Both programs offer a fantastic way to learn, grow, and connect with other families in the community. 💙

Early Explorers is a learning and engagement program where a Museum Educator will facilitate weekly activities! These activities are aimed to achieve the following goals:

10/20/2025

🎄 Reminder: Christmas Assistance Applications Are Open!

The Salvation Army in Appleton is now accepting applications for holiday assistance—including toys for kids and food for families during the Christmas season. 🎁🛒

📅 Apply early to ensure your family is included!
📍 Learn more and apply here:

We are dedicated to doing the most good throughout the U.S. Donate online to support The Salvation Army. Your help provides critical services. Donate Today.

10/14/2025

👶✨ Helping your toddler follow directions can be tough—but it doesn’t have to be!

Check out these simple, practical strategies you can use at home to support your child’s listening and following directions skills. From using short sentences to modeling what you want them to do, these tips are great for building early communication and independence. 🧠💬

🌟 Remember: Progress starts with small, consistent steps!

Credit to Mommy and Me Milestones.

10/07/2025

Looking for a fun way to celebrate fall with the family this Friday? 🍁🍂 Check out Menasha Early Learners Fall Fest this Friday, October 10 from 10 AM – 2 PM at Jefferson Park (989 Kargus Dr, Menasha, WI).

What’s Happening?
✅ FREE Topper’s Pizza (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
📚 Storytime with Cassie from Menasha Public Library (11:00 AM)
🌿 Explore nature with Mr. Luke from Heckrodt
🐾 Meet School Resource Officer Rick Heinen & Koda the Service Dog
🎈 Giggle and play with Dr. Bell E Button the Clown
🎨 Fall science & craft activities
☕ FREE Caribou Coffee

Bring your family and friends for a day of fun, learning, and community connection!

10/07/2025

Join us for the next Welcome Baby Connecting Event at Building for Kids Children's Museum on Saturday, October 10 at 9AM!

New and expecting first-time parents are invited to join us for our next Welcome Baby Connecting Event on Saturday, October 10 at 9am! VPI's Early Intervention Program of Outagamie and Winnebago Counties will lead a presentation on Social Emotional Development from Birth to 3. Attend this Connecting Event to access parenting resources, connect with other new families, and receive a FREE membership to the BFK.

Learn more and register at https://www.buildingforkids.org/welcomebabycommunity

09/30/2025

Join us this Friday, October 3rd for free a community event hosted by the Menasha Joint School District Early Childhood Program at the Elisha D. Smith Public Library 📚✨

🕒 Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Location: Children’s Area, Menasha Public Library (440 1st St, Menasha)

This is a perfect chance for families—especially those with little ones under 3—to connect with the Early Childhood team, explore resources, and have some fun!