Flex :: Getting Handles To Dynamically Generated Components

I have a Flex application which references a separate MXML file as a template for a custom component. I create instances of the component dynamically several times in my program, but I need to get a handle that will allow me to modify that instance of the component as desired. I pass specific information to this component on instantiation using bindable public variables in the component's MXML file. I add it to my main program using addChild().

I want to update the component's progressbar as necessary and I want to remove it from the box to which I addChild'd it. What's the easiest/best way to get a variable that will give me predictable access to each component so I can easily manipulate the components as necessary? Some research suggests creationComplete, but I decided it was faster to just ask than to go through lots of different experiments and come up blank.