Head Start Family News News from Lorain County Community Action Agency Head Start • November 2020 Director’s Corner
Holiday Memories Still Possible, Important November Greetings! It is hard to believe that we are fast approaching the holiday season and our seasonal breaks.
This year, we adjusted our calendar to provide staff with a Fall break, from which they have just returned. This helps us with further planning into the second part of the year, and dealing with the pandemic. It continues to be our hope to add more openings to our directly operated centers, so that we can serve additional children in the classroom. We will continue to follow public health protocols concerning COVID-19. November brings me joy as it is the month of my Homemade Craft – Have a craft day, and use the wedding anniversary. It also brings sadness, as it will completed craft for decoration and celebrating the be one year since my father passed away. I am sure season. you have many things you think about like this, as we Music – Music is a universal language. Find favorite approach the holiday seasons. songs, groups and bands to enjoy as family. I want to challenge you to think about making lasting Family Zoom Meal – When not able to visit in large family memories this year throughout the holidays. COVID-19 has taken so much from us, but it doesn’t groups do it Zoom style and eat together! Physical Activity – Get outside and enjoy nature! have to take your family time and memories. The idea is to stay safe and follow all health guidelines, but to still make lasting memories with your family. These activities can help in building lasting family Here are just a few suggestions on how you can memories. It may seem simplistic, but it will have accomplish this task: lasting effects! I wish everyone a very HAPPY Reading Time – Set time a side and read a story each THANKSGIVING! day leading up to the holidays. Meal Time – Have each member talk about their favorite things during the season. What are you thankful for today? New Recipes – Find a new recipe to try each week.
Head Start Works! www.lccaa.net 1-888-245-2009
Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. Head Start Director
Wellington Combines Virtual, In Person Students Students at Wellington Head Start combined hands-on learning with new technology to retell a classic story – and have fun!
Teachers Brenda Robbins and Jane Godby led both center-based and virtual students in a musical retelling of The Little Three Pigs. Recently purchased webcams attached to the classroom Smart Board allowed virtual students to join the fun. While Ms. Robbins read the script and Mrs. Godby displayed puppets, the children played their instruments on cue to represent different characters in the story. “It was so well-organized and everyone was fully engaged,” said Site Administrator Kara Goodwin. “The virtual kids were so excited to see the whole class.”
the Wellington center. Another 16 Ed.D. “They have been fantastic virtual slots are available with the about learning new technology and same teachers. working hard to make every child “This is a great example of our feel included in every activity.”
teachers taking what comes and Virtual slots are still available in Currently, 16 students are making the best of it,” said Head LCCAA Head Start Centers. Visit attending Head Start in person at Start Director Shauna Matelski, www.lccaaforms.net to apply.
Why Three-Year-Olds Ask Why - A LOT!
Most parents of a three-year-old will tell you that his or her favorite word is “Why?”
While it can be exasperating to hear it asked multiple times a day, remember that your child is trying to make sense of the world and asking “why?” shows an interest in doing just that. As much as we want to our children to think logically, they simply aren’t at that stage of development yet. According to Jean Piaget, a Swiss psychologist who is well known for his theory of cognitive stages in children, the logic of a three-year-old is based only on his own knowledge of the world so far. In other world, acknowledge it, and then offer up the correct words, there has not been enough time or experience to answer. This approach will help your child learn and understand logic or reasoning. understand new vocabulary as well as build logical Right now, one of the best things you can do is answer thinking skills. those “why” questions with a question of your own: Remember, the “why” stage is a normal part of “What do you think?” development. The more we nurture it, the better we will Take the time to listen to their understanding of the build those important thinking and reasoning skills.
Building Math Skills for Future Success Numeracy is the ability to understand and work with numbers, and something we work on daily in our Head Start classrooms.
The National Research Center has identified the three most relevant principles in early childhood, and there are things that you can do daily to help your child build foundational skills. The one-to-one principle: Instead of just counting aloud, a child needs to understand that counted items each get their own number. Count daily! To make sure your child understands one-to-one correspondence, have him or her touch each item as they count. The stable-order principle: “One, three, two,” tells us that we need to help the child understand that times, children will begin counting the items again. numbers have a set order. Start with one to three and Recalling and understanding that last number is a higher work your way up as your child shows mastery of the order thinking skill and takes some practice to develop. sequence. Children love to count, especially if you make a game The cardinal principle: After counting items, a child of it. Count the steps it takes to get from the car to the needs to understand that the last number represents the house, count the whiskers on the cat, count the squares quantity in the set of objects. After your child counts on the window. Your child will love it; you can count something, ask, “How many did you have?” Many on that!
Shape Behaviors with Ohio Guidestone Sessions LCCAA Head Start partner Ohio Guidestone is offering a series of free sessions for parents who want to expand their parenting tool box.
Shaping Behaviors: Tools of the Trade began Oct. 20 with a session on the Power of Play. All sessions are free and available via Zoom. Sessions typically run for one hour, with extended time given for discussion and questions. Zoom links and passwords are posted on ClassTag. The sessions are presented by
Donna Jezewski, M.Ed., LSW strategies for setting limits. a therapist and mental health Dec. 1, 12 p.m.: Reducing consultant with Ohio Guidestone, Misbehavior. This session includes Lorain County. a discussion of calming skills and effective consequences. Upcoming Sessions: Sessions are independent of each Nov. 3, 12 p.m.: The Art of other - tune in when you can. Material Effective Praise, Encouragement is taken from The Incredible Years, a and Incentives. This session will curriculum for parent education, and help you shape the good behaviors Conscious Discipline, the discipline you’d like to see more of. philosophy used in LCCAA Head Nov. 17, 12 p.m.: Preventing Start classrooms. Misbehavior and Meltdowns. Jezewski plans to repeat the series This session will share effective this winter as well.
Book of the Month: Dear Zoo
Dear Zoo by Rob Campbell is a classic, lift-the-flap book that naturally lends itself to making predictions while reading. For any child who has ever wanted a wild animal for a pet, this book simply explains why zoo animals wouldn’t be a good pet. It builds vocabulary with the use of adjectives such as “fierce” and “naughty.” After a couple readings, children can begin to “read” it themselves!
Long-Time Cook Retires Long-time cook Lillian Baretto has retired from LCCAA Head Start’s kitchen staff.
LCCAA Granted COVID Funds
LCCAA Head Start has received nearly $75,000 to assist with its COVID-19 protocols and standards.
Lillian has worked in the kitchen for nearly 35 years preparing meals and snacks for thousands of Head Start students. She has been with the kitchen staff as it introduced innovations such as homemade dressings, more freshly prepared items and Try Days.
The CARES act funds, funneled through the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association, can be spent on personal protective equipment, classroom dividers, professional cleaning and more. Each LCCAA Head Start center received a specific allocation, said Head Start Director Shauna Matelski, Ed.D.
“She loved cooking and preparing the food for ‘her children,’” said Food Service Supervisor Melinda
Gray. “It made her proud she was If you have questions about how part of the children’s day.” LCCAA Head Start is operating Lillian’s last day in the Head Start during COVID-19, please view our kitchen was Oct. 21. She is pictured Frequently Asked Questions page with Head Start Director Shauna at www.lccaa.net/programs/head_ Matelski, Ed.D. and in Head Start’s start or contact your family service fully-equipped commercial kitchen worker. at Kennedy Plaza.
“She passed her knowledge on to the kitchen staff to help us continue serving quality food,” Gray added. “She is really going to be missed here.”
Partner Spotlight - Lorain County Public Health
Many thanks to our valued partner Lorain County Public Health! The services they provide to our families include: ►► Communication regarding health services, identified health concerns, potential health risks. ►► Pre- and post-natal home visits for Early Head Start expectant mothers. ►► Oversight and guidance for on-site health procedures and services. ►► Screenings (i.e lead and hemoglobin) and/or services as deemed appropriate and necessary. ►► Support health and nutrition education. ►► Monitor health services. ►► Attend quarterly advisory meetings.
LCCAA Head Start implements “I Am Moving I Am Learning” a health and nutrition enhancement program to increase children and adults’ overall wellbeing. Here is a fun physical activity to do at home. Use tape and make a variety of lines across the floor. Take turns jumping from the first line to the second line and seeing how far your child can jump. Add a little bit of challenge to it and skip lines or count as you jump to each line to work on number sequence.
Be Heard on Policy Council
Parents are invited to join Head Start Policy Council and make a difference in the program. Policy Council consists of volunteer parents serving on the board that is required by funders and regulators. Members review budgets and make decisions about the program in monthly meetings, currently being held by Zoom.
Fathering in 15 Free Resource
“It’s a good way to give back to the community,” said current President Susan West (pictured), whose grandchildren attend Head Start. “I get a real sense of satisfaction knowing that I’m a part of being able to make decisions that could change the lives of children and families in the best ways possible.” Members of Policy Council also have opportunities for training, which have included travel. Among the skills they learn are: leadership, advocacy, networking, representation and more. “Policy Council is another way Head Start empowers families,” said LCCAA Head Start now offers Head Start Director Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. “Many past members of a new interactive online tool for the council have developed the confidence they needed to further their fathers. education, adopt new career paths and achieved many other goals.” Fathering in 15 allows dads to If you are interested in serving on Policy Council, please contact your build their skills and knowledge family service worker. anytime, anywhere. The program is accessible on any computer, tablet or mobile device.
You’re Invited: Virtual Town Hall Nov. 5, 2020 from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. by Zoom
This free resource, available in English and Spanish, offers 15 interactive, engaging topics. Each topic takes 15 minutes to complete. Topics include: ►► Family history ►► Handling emotions ►► Co-Parenting ►► Child Development ►► Work-Family Balance ►► Managing Money ►► More!
LCCAA needs input from community residents and those served by the Agency. Help us identify how to improve our services, address challenges caused by COVID, and identify big needs in the community that would help low income residents. This Virtual Town Hall will be conducted by Zoom as part of our strategic planning process on Nov. 5 from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required. Register by emailing Linda Howell at lhowell@lccaa.net and a link to the virtual event will be sent to you.
Check it out anytime by simply visiting f15.fatherhood.org/lccaa (that’s the letter f and the number 15). For materials in Spanish, visit f15.fatherhood.org/lccaa-sp. If you have questions or trouble with connectivity, please contact your family service worker.
Help for Water Bills, Eviction Prevention
Help Available with Heating
Special programs for those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis continue at Lorain County Community Action Agency. Funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) has enhanced some programs and allowed LCCAA to create new programs. Eviction Prevention If you have been unable to pay your rent because of COVID-19, contact our partner Lorain County Urban League. This program will help protect your rights and negotiate with your landlord. You must have a written lease and your rent must have been current before the pandemic. Rent assistance may be part of the process. Contact the Urban League at 440323-3364 or outreach@lcul.org. Water Bill Assistance LCCAA’s utility advocates are applying the same great service they do for gas and electric bills to your water company thanks to CARES funding. If you are unable to pay your water bill because of COVID-19, call our 24-hour appointment line at 440-538-6999. If you are already on PIPP or have received help from the Summer Crisis or Winter Crisis programs, you MIGHT be eligible. You still have to apply, however. Appointments can also be made online at: app.capappointments. com/
For Help, Call 440-538-6999, 24 Hours a Day disconnection, but are struggling to pay your bill, you may qualify for HEAP. HEAP provides a once a season credit on your heating bill that can ease your tight budget. This Winter Crisis Program year, additional funding is available Residents who have been for HEAP through the CARES act. threatened with disconnection for HEAP operates annually from inability to pay their bill most likely July to March. Residents must be will benefit from the winter crisis living at or below 175% of the FPL. program. To be eligible for help, residents Winter Reconnect Order LCCAA currently offers multiple programs that help low-income Lorain County residents keep their heat on or reconnect them to heat.
must live at or below 175% of the federal poverty line (FPL). This year, in addition to the threat of disconnect or an actual disconnect, residents are eligible if they have or have had COVID-19. Utility companies will stop a service disconnection if an appointment to determine eligibility has been made. The appointment must be kept and you must include your account number when booking.
If your heat is turned off, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio requires companies to accept a minimum payment to reconnect you.
This $175 fee can be part of your HEAP or Winter Crisis benefit. The order is typically in effect from October to April, but can vary by utility company. Eligibility includes all Ohioans.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Appointments must be no less than crisis, all Winter Crisis services will 48 hours before a disconnection to be provided by phone only. Our service is scheduled. Rescheduling satellite offices and administrative removes the hold and possibly building remain closed to the public. triggers loss of service. Required documents can now
Winter Crisis operates annually be submitted three ways: by FAX to 440-201-6483, by email to from November to March Home Energy Assistance Program heapdocs@lccaa.net and through the secure drop box at 936 Broadway If you are not threatened with a Ave., Lorain.
LCCAA Head Start Menu for November 2020 Monday 2
B L
No School
S 9
WG Graham Crackers & Juice
Diced Pear Cup, WG Granola Bar
Local Apple, WG Pretzels
WG Tortilla Chips & Salsa
WG Blueberry Waffle, Applesauce
S
WG Graham Crackers, Juice
Danimals® Yogurt, Fresh Orange
23
10
11
WG Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Diced Peaches
No School
17
18
12
6
Yogurt, Peach & Granola Parfait WG French Toast Sticks, Chicken Sausage Patty, Tater Tots, Tangerine
Meatball Sub; Asst. Raw Veggies w/ Ranch Diced Pears
S
5
WG Bagel w/Cream Cheese; Applesauce Beef & Veg w/Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Diced Peaches, WG Garlic Toast
Veggie Chili w/Cheese; WG Cornbread, Diced Pears
No School
4
Frosted Mini Wheats & Seasonal Melon
Friday
WG Lasagna Roll-Up Green Beans Clementine
L
L
Thursday
Cheeseburger with choice to add Pickle Chips, Ketchup; Baked Beans, Apricots
B
16
3
WG Banana Bread & Local Apple
WG Cereal & Pineapple Tidbits
B
Wednesday
Tuesday
Yogurt, Berry & Granola Parfait
13
WG Homemade Mac & Cheese, Steamed Broccoli, Sweet Mango
Orange Chicken Stir Fry, Brown Rice, Stir Fry Veg, Seasonal Melon
Assorted Raw Veg, Ranch Dip & Cheese Stick
Banana, WG Goldfish Crackers
19
20
Mini Wheats & Seasonal Melon
WG Bagel w/Cream Cheese; Applesauce
Beef Nachos topped with choice of Black Beans, Salsa, Cheese; Clementine
BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Cole Slaw, Mandarin Oranges
WG Pepperoni Pizza, Tossed Salad w/Toppings: Cheese, Croutons, Assorted Dressing;Tropical Fruit
THANKSGIVING MEAL: Roast Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy, Green Beans, Ambrosia Salad
WG Graham Crackers & Juice
Diced Pear Cup, WG Granola Bar
Local Apple, WG Pretzels
WG Tortilla Chips and Salsa
WG Banana Bread & Local Apple
WG Blueberry Waffle, Applesauce
24
25
Berry Patch Smoothie, Annie’s Bunny Grahams
B
WG Cereal & Pineapple Tidbits
L
Veggie Chili w/Cheese; WG Cornbread Diced Pears
Chicken Tortilla Topped w/ choice of cheese, lettuce, salsa; Mango Chunks
Chicken Grillbites, Ketchup, BBQ; WG Pasta Salad w/ Veg; Mandarin Oranges
S
WG Graham Crackers & Juice
Danimals® Yogurt & Fresh Orange
WG Flatbread Round; WOWBUTTER® and Jelly
Yogurt, Peach & Granola Parfait
26
27 No School
No School
Milk is served daily at breakfast and lunch. Children less than 2 years old are served whole milk. When a specific food allergy is identified, appropriate food substitutions will be provided. Menu items are subject to change due to food availability or unplanned school closings. Menus are reveiwed and approved by M. Robison, MPH, RD, LD. Equal Opportunity Provider.
Joyful Together Study
Meal Breakfast (Portions & Servings)
Food Components
Ages 1-2
Ages 3-5
Fluid Milk
1/2 cup
3/4 cup
Fruit or Vegetable
1/4 cup
1/2 cup
1/2 serving, 1/2 cup, 1/8 cup
1/2 serving, 1/2 cup, 1/8 cup
Breads, Cold Cereal, Granola Fluid Milk
LCCAA Head Start parents are invited to participate in Ohio Guidestone’s study of new playtime activities.
Lunch (Portions & Servings)
Participants will receive a free gift! This study is open to parents in Lorain, Medina and Summit counties.
Cooked/Dry Beans/Peas
3/4 cup
1 oz.
1 1/2 oz.
1/4 cup
3/8 cup 3T
1/2 oz.
3/4 oz.
1/2 cup 1/8 cup each
3/4 cup 1/4 cup each
1/2 serving, 1/4 cup
1/2 serving, 1/4 cup
Fluid Milk
1/2 cup
1/2 cup
Vegetable
1/2 cup
1/2 cup
Fruit
1/2 cup
1/2 cup
Meat or Cheese
1/2 oz.
1/2 oz.
Cooked/Dry Beans/Peas
1/8 cup
1/8 cup
Yogurt Vegetables and Fruits (1 each) Breads/Grains, Pasta
Snack (Portions & Servings) Must Select Two Different Protein Components
1/2 cup
2T
Peanut Butter, Nut/Seed Butters Nut and/or Seeds
Parents of children ages 3 months to 10 years are welcome to try new games and activities in an online group. To sign up, call 440-260-8865, email research@ohioguidestone.org or visit bit.ly/joyfultogether.
Meat or Cheese
Peanut Butter, Nut/Seed Butters Nut and/or Seeds Yogurt Breads/Grains, Pasta
1T
1T
1/2 oz.
1/2 oz.
1/4 cup 1/2 serving, 1/4 cup
1/4 cup 1/2 serving, 1/4 cup
Upcoming Events at LCCAA Head Start Please note the following changes to our calendar that apply to ALL LCCAA Head Start Centers: Nov. 9 - School for all - Superhero Day! Nov. 11 - No School, Veterans’ Day
Nov. 23 - School for all - Favorite Color Day! Nov. 26 & 27 - Thanksgiving Break
Cascade Head Start
Hopkins-Locke Head Start
*Nov. 3: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m.
Nov. 2: Meal Service Pick Up, 10 a.m.
*Nov. 5: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.
*Nov. 3: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m.
*Nov. 12: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.
*Nov. 10: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.
*Nov. 16: Head Start Book Club, 2 p.m.
*Nov. 12: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.
*Nov. 17: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m.
*Nov. 16: Head Start Book Club, 2 p.m.
*Nov. 19: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m.
*Nov. 17: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m. Nov. 18 & 19: Lifetouch Pictures
Firelands Head Start
*Nov. 19: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m.
*Nov. 3: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m. *Nov. 6: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.
LaGrange Head Start
*Nov. 12: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.
*Nov. 3: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m.
*Nov. 16: Head Start Book Club, 2 p.m.
*Nov. 10: Parent Meeting, 11 a.m.
*Nov. 17: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m.
*Nov. 12: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.
*Nov. 19: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m.
*Nov. 16: Head Start Book Club, 2 p.m. *Nov. 17: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m.
Griswold Head Start
*Nov. 19: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m.
Nov. 2: Meal Service Pick Up, 10 a.m. *Nov. 3: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m.
Wellington Head Start
Nov. 3 & 4: Lifetouch Pictures
*Nov. 3: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m.
*Nov. 10: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.
*Nov. 10: Parent Meeting, 11 a.m.
*Nov. 12: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.
*Nov. 12: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.
*Nov. 16: Head Start Book Club, 2 p.m.
*Nov. 16: Head Start Book Club, 2 p.m.
*Nov. 17: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m.
*Nov. 17: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m.
*Nov. 19: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m.
*Nov. 19: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m.
Home-Based Head Start Socializations are all virtual. Early Head Start will meet at 10 a.m. Nov. 13. Head Start will meet at 10 a.m. on Nov. 6 and 20. * Indicates a virtual event for centers.
