Head Start Family News
Out of the Box Program Building Kitchens
LCCAA Head Start Nutrition Staff members use their unique Out of the Box cooking demonstrations to expand families’ cooking skills and their kitchen equipment.
The increasingly popular series features a video demonstration shared by Zoom. Those who register and attend then receive a box of ingredients to make the recipe at home. The boxes also include various pieces of kitchen equipment that would be useful in making the recipes.
“We do hope we’re helping build your kitchens,” Food Service Manager Melinda Gray said during a recent event.
Items that have been sent home include measuring
spoons, pizza cutters, casserole dishes, stock pots and more.
The video demonstrations feature Head Start Chef Luis Aguilar and Dietician Marge Robison from our partner Pisanick Partners (right). Aguilar often discusses knife skills and other cooking techniques while also letting families know what to expect at each stage of the recipe. Robison shares different ways to customize the recipe as well as nutritional and budgetary information.
Most recently, the staff demonstrated a homemade baked macaroni and cheese which does not contain the many dyes and other artificial addi-
Out of the Box Equipment
X Food processor
X Stock pot
X Mixing bowl
X Measuring spoons
X Glass baking dish
X Mason jars
X Muffin tin
X Saucepan
X Baking sheet
X Pizza pan
X Pizza cutter
X Knives
tives found in commercial macaroni and cheese mixes.
“When you make it homemade it’s much healthier and tastes better,” Robison said.
A demonstration last fall included a no-knead bread which Robison said cost only 30 cents a loaf. All recipes are designed to be friendly to children’s tastes and to allow kids to help with at least some of the steps.
“We really want to empower families to take control of their health and
nutrition by learning new recipes and skills,” Gray added. “We’re proud and thrilled that these events have been so popular.”
Recipes from the Out of the Box cooking series and other Head Start nutrition events are available on our website.
Dads Invited for Donuts and Dogs at Centers
LCCAA Head Start centers hosted fathers, grandfathers and other family members with special events last month.
Firelands and Wellington classrooms hosted Dads and Donuts while the remaining centers hosted lunch events with Dads and Dogs.
Events included a chance to spend time in the classroom, guest readers, crafts and more. A great time was had by all!
Happy National Nutrition Month from LCCAA Head Start!
Brussels Sprouts Latest Try Day
Head Start students and their families tried Brussels sprouts last month and the reviews were mixed.
Thanks to our friends at Pisanick Partners, Griswold Head Start parents enjoyed a lobby tasting of roasted parmesan Brussels sprouts and students throughout the program got to try the same recipe for lunch.
Firelands students tried making the recipe at home.
For Try Days, classes are given raw food to explore and they discuss how the food is grown or made. The multi-sensory experience concludes with a tasting.
In this case, most classes were served roasted parmesan Brussels sprouts for lunch.
Scan this code to see the latest menu for most of our Head Start Centers.
Highlighting the Difference Men Make in Head Start
Time to Enroll for Fall Classes
It’s time to register for Head Start for the 20252026 school year! If your Head Start student will be returning this fall, contact your family service assistant or home visitor to update your paperwork and reserve your child’s space. If a younger sibling will be joining us, your family service assistant or home visitor can help with that too.
Family Service Assistants’ Supervisor Diana Riffe and staff at Griswold Head Start lead the Men Making a Difference initiative to provide support and opportunities to network with monthly meetings and more.
“We know men want to be engaged and positively impact their children,” Riffe said. “We also want them to flourish in their own personal development and growth.”
“As dads, we just want to be heard and seen,” said Assistant Teacher Terrence Helm-Morris who has worked at Griswold for about a year and had two children complete Head Start.
Riffe said having a male teacher has really helped and given all staff a catalyst to examine how they can make dads feel more welcome in the LCCAA Head Start centers.
Efforts have included posting more photos with dads in them and bringing dads in as mystery readers in classrooms. Connections have already started forming. One dad helped another with Christmas gifts for his children after the December meeting. Another father of three girls expressed that, after a meeting, he “finally feels welcome” in the center.
Although meetings are currently held at the Griswold Head Start Center, they are open to all fathers, grandfathers and father figures (including moms!) in the life of LCCAA Head Start children. Organizers are open to meeting at other centers in rotation.
“The hope is to get more males engaged in the program,” said Family Engagement Specialist Maria Vasquez. “The more dads are involved, the more parenting skills will improve and they will have more access to resources and build relationships.”
To learn more, contact your family service assistant.
Head Start families must live at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL). Families receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) are automatically eligible. Homeless children and children in foster or kinship (grandparents) care are also automatically eligible.
Head Start also serves children with disabilities.
Registration can be started online at www.lccaaforms.net. Packets are also available at all of our centers.
Share your Head Start story with friends and neighbors. Make sure they know Head Start Works!
X Mar. 14: Socialization, Hopkins-Locke, 10 a.m.
X Mar. 28: Socialization, Hopkins-Locke, 10 a.m.
X Apr. 11: Socialization, Hopkins-Locke, 10 a.m.
LCCAA Head Start is engaging dads and father figures with a variety of new activities this school year.
Math Skills Begin with Number Recognition
Around age 3, your child may start to demonstrate real understanding of number recognition. Number recognition is the ability to identify numbers and understand their meaning. It is a critical math skill for preschoolers to develop because it lays the foundation for understanding quantity and how numbers are used in the real world around them.
When kids are young, we want to expose them to math by exploring numbers, shapes, measurements, patterns, sorting, graphing and counting. This lays a strong foundation for elementary school math lessons. We can also build children’s vocabulary of math language by using words like more, less, big, small, few, graph, etc. Here are some ways to incorporate math at home:
X Start off small with the numbers 0-5. By introducing numbers one at a time, using visual aids like fingers, objects (manipulatives) or counting toys, while saying each number clearly and consistently. Once your child has mastered 0-5, then move on to 6-10.
X Look for numbers in the real world. We are surrounded by numbers everywhere. Point out numbers in the world around them like while you are driving, at the grocery store, restaurant or at home.
X Take numbers out of context. You want your child to recognize each number on its own, not just in relation to the numbers around it. Study each number individually.
X Practice writing numerals. When writing numerals, use terms like big line, little line or big curve, little curve. These are words we use in our Handwriting Without Tears curriculum in the classrooms when forming numbers and letters.
X Playing cards are a great resource at home to teach numbers. You can sort cards by numbers or suits, put cards in order, identify which numbers are high or low, play memory matching games, pick a card and find objects around the room to match the number on the card and so much more.
When you incorporate these ideas at home, do not panic if your child skips numbers. This is very typical when children are first learning numbers. They just need more practice with one-to-one correspondence, which is the skill of counting each item in a set once.
Making learning fun and engaging will foster the love of mathematics in your child.
Parent & Committee Meetings
X Mar. 6: South Elyria Parents, 8:45 a.m.
X Mar. 6: Wellington Parents, 10:30 a.m.
X Mar. 6: Central Plaza Parents, 3:30 p.m.
X Mar. 13: Hopkins Parents, 9 a.m.
X Mar. 14: Griswold Parents, 8:45 a.m.
X Mar. 14: LaGrange Parents, 9:30a.m.
X Mar. 17: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m., Central Plaza
X Mar. 19: Men Making a Difference, Griswold, 8:45 a.m.
X Apr. 2: Education Advisory Meeting, 9 a.m., Central Plaza
X Apr. 11: Griswold Parents, 8:45 a.m.
X Apr. 16: Men Making a Difference, Griswold, 8:45 a.m.
X Apr. 17: Firelands Parents, 8:45 a.m.
X Apr. 21: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m., Central Plaza
X Apr. 28: Safety Committee Meetings, 8:30 a.m., Griswold; 10 a.m., Hopkins-Locke
Movement, Music Enhance Classwork
LCCAA Head Start students receive regular visits and lessons from two popular friends who enhance the curriculum.
“We’re so fortunate to have great partners who the students really enjoy,” said Education and Disabilities Specialist Jennifer Bartlebaugh. “Music and movement are two important but distinct ways to engage students and demonstrate new skills like taking turns and working together.”
Music Therapist Izzey Donavan brings a variety of musical instruments to classrooms to provide intentional and developmentally appropriate music experiences which impact communication, social/emotional skills, motor skills and cognitive skills.
“Two of the main things I prioritize while planning my Head Start sessions are motivation and communication,” Donavan said. “Music can be extremely motivating and the activities I bring to the classrooms are designed to be success-oriented to build self-esteem.”
Classroom plans include live music, group movement to recorded music, instrument demonstration and exploration, and sometimes song-writing with technology.
“There are times that bringing a high-energy music experience into a classroom isn’t the best thing in that
moment,” Donavan said. “I’m glad to have the training and flexibility in my sessions to bring accessible moments of relaxation too.”
David Barnes from Vanyo Martial Arts also visits each class regularly to help students develop strength, coordination and balance. Barnes leads martial arts drills including self defense skills while teaching children how to practice safely.
“Physical movement is extremely important for a child’s development,” Barnes said. “To lead a healthy lifestyle, it’s necessary to find a form of exercise you actually enjoy. Otherwise it’s so hard to make it a habit. Burning energy in this productive way also makes it easier for the kids to focus in the classroom.”
These enhancements provide great opportunities for Head Start students to gain new skills while having a lot of fun!
Learn more about Miss Izzey in a longer version of this story on our website.
Week of the Young Child Coming
The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world’s largest early childhood education association.
LCCAA Head Start will join in the fun-filled week from April 5 to 11 this year. We encourage all children, families and staff to celebrate early learning, young children, their
teachers, families and communities.
Events include Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday and Family Friday.
We encourage families to share their Week of the Young Child celebrations by posting pictures on School Status Connect (formerly ClassTag) under the WOYC post. Watch our Facebook page for photos too!
Upcoming Spirit Days
X Mar. 3-7: Dr. Seuss Week
X Mar. 21: Crazy Sock Day, Down Syndrome
Awareness
X Mar. 26: Wear Purple for Epilepsy Awareness
X Apr. 2: World Autism Awareness Day
Crush Reading Goals, Enjoy Baseball
March is National Literacy Month and LCCAA Head Start is excited for the return of Stomper’s Reading Club.
The mascot of the Lake Erie Crushers is the face of the reading club presented by the Lorain Public Library System. Students are challenged to “crush” their reading goals and earn rewards redeemable during the upcoming baseball season.
Every Head Start student will
Book of the Month: Five Green and Speckled Frogs
Five Green and Speckled Frogs, illustrated by Constanza Basaluzzo, is a book version of a favorite preschool song. When children already know the words to a song or rhyme, then see the words as print, it helps them connect the word to text.
This is the type of book kids like to read and reread to themselves because it gives them confidence. They truly do know the words when they have the song memorized!
For even more fun, create five frog stick puppets with paper plates and popsicle sticks or use the printable on our website for an interactive retelling.
receive a bookmark. For every book read, they are to color in a baseball. After coloring all the baseballs, they will return their bookmark for two tickets to a Crushers game.
Head Start students should return their completed bookmarks by the end of March to receive their free tickets.
The reading club is also available for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Game Nights Draw Crowds
Both Griswold and Hopkins Locke centers held Family Game Night events at the end of January.
Games, puzzles, snacks and more were enjoyed by all!
Pathways HUB Provides Help
The LCPHUB is a free program seeking to reduce infant mortality and improve the health of at-risk mothers and infants in Lorain County. The HUB connects mothers with caring Community Health Workers (CHWs) who focus on the health of both mothers and children.
To date, nearly 500 mothers and babies have been assisted by the HUB by addressing key health or social issues. Services include:
X Obtaining baby items.
X Assisting with food and basic needs.
X Finding transportation.
X Navigating the health care system.
Learn more by visiting our website, lccaa.net/pathways-hub.
Upcoming Days Off
X Mar. 3: No School, Conferences
X Mar. 10: No School, Conferences
X Apr. 11: No School Wellington, Records Day
X Apr. 14-18: Spring Break, Wellington
X Apr. 18: No School, Records Day
X Apr. 21-25: Spring Break, all but Wellington
Produce Center Available
Residents throughout Lorain County can take advantage of the LCCAA Produce Center every week.
Households living at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level ($60,000 annually for a family of four) are eligible to order from the center.
Ordering windows are open from 8 a.m. Monday to 11 p.m. Sunday or until all appointments are full. Pickups are the following Wednesday and Thursday.
Appointments must be made via the online system and honoring appointments is critical.
Those picking up are also asked to approach the Produce Center using Reid Avenue and West 10th Street and not cut through the parking lot at 936 Broadway Ave. Please follow all signs and staff instructions. Staff
will bring food orders to your car.
LCCAA operates the Produce Center in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio and Food Forward Lorain.
The center has also benefited from extra produce grown in Lorain by Solidarity Farms.
The Produce Center is staffed by youth assigned to LCCAA’s Youth Services program.
Visit our website for more information or to place your order. Contact Center Manager Deirdre Paynter at 440-457-0327 with questions.
How to Get Help Keeping Your Heat On
LCCAA and the State of Ohio have multiple programs to help you heat your home this winter. Each program has a slightly different set of requirements and procedures. Here’s what you need to know. Emergencies only. Appointment required.
The Winter Crisis Program will help you if your primary heating source is disconnected, a disconnection notice has been received, or you have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel.
Appointments for Winter Crisis can only be made online. All appointments will be conducted over the phone.
If you receive a disconnect notice during the crisis period, make an appointment right away. If you make an appointment for at least 48 hours before your scheduled disconnection AND you enter your utility account number, the utility will put a hold on the disconnect while you are waiting for your appointment.
If you miss or reschedule your appointment, the hold is removed and you may lose service.
Winter Crisis will operate through March 31, 2025.
Apply online. No appointment needed.
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) helps you pay to heat your home during the winter.
PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) reduces your utility bills to a percentage of your income.
For more details on all these programs, please visit our website.
HEAP Benefits Changed
Ohioans who have applied for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will soon see benefits being applied to their utility bills.
Benefits have been adjusted to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Ohio Department of Development. This year, the HEAP customer benefit range is $24 to $441.
The annual HEAP benefit helps you pay to heat your home during the winter. Households must be living at
or below 175% of the federal poverty level to be eligible. They can apply as early as July 1 before the winter season or as late as May 31 after the winter season.
Each household’s HEAP benefit is based on the household’s income, fuel source and location within the state.
HEAP applications are done online and no appointments are needed. Apply on our website.
LCCAA Head Start volunteers will be recognized during April Parent Meetings.
