December 2020 Head Start Family News

Head Start Family News News from Lorain County Community Action Agency Head Start • December 2020 Director’s Corner

Cherish Every Moment of Holiday Season Happy Holidays!

Let me live within the moment.

Let me feel all that I can.

Let me cherish life for all it’s worth, With everything I am.

Let me see what’s right in front of me, With vision crystal clear.

And face what’s waiting there for me, With no hesitance or fear.

May I wake each day with gratitude, For all my life may be.

And always feel that wonderment At the world surrounding me.

Here we are, the last month of 2020. I can honestly say, 2021 will be a breath of fresh air!

I think many of you probably feel the same way. Still, we have many things to be grateful for as we have learned how to live and work differently this past year.

Our commitment to our Head Start families is stronger than ever before! We know the importance of the comprehensive services needed for children and families of Lorain County. We will continue our endeavors and hope to have a productive second half of the program year.

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/ my-credo-of-life

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas, and a very Pat A. Fleming wrote a poem called My Credo of Happy New Year!

Life. This is not the full poem, but I love this beginning.

As we look to the new year, let us cherish every moment.

Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. Head Start Director

Two Centers Temporarily Closed

Out of an abundance of caution for children and staff, the Agency switched to virtual services at Hopkins-Locke and Griswold on Nov. 16.

Families were notified Thursday, Nov. 12 and have received information on how to participate in virtual classes. Head Start staff have been working with all families In person classes continued at on Internet and other accessibility all our other centers, but we are issues. certainly glad we cherished every The current plan is to have moment (see poem above) with Hopkins-Locke and Griswold our students and families at the two children return, along with everyone largest centers. else, after Winter Break on Jan. 7.

Head Start Works! www.lccaa.net 1-888-245-2009

Winter Kits Sent Home with Activity Ideas It’s hard to believe that colder weather, winter break and the holidays are fast approaching. With the COVID-19 crisis, it can be challenging to find fun activities to do with your child during the winter months. Don’t worry, LCCAA Head Start has you covered!

Each center-based and virtual Head Start child will be receiving a Winter Wonderland Kit filled with fun hands-on learning activities you can do with your child over winter break. Early Head Start children will receive a kit, but items may Strengthen fine motor skills and vary from below, to ensure it’s foster creativity. developmentally appropriate for Snowflake stencils- Strengthen that age range. fine motor skills and focus.

Preschoolers Winter Wonderland Insta-snow and storage binKits will include: Practice science by watching a Little Snowflake Book- Enhance chemical reaction and math by language and literacy skills by measuring. reading, asking questions about the Arctic animalsNurture book, etc. creativity and imagination through Create your own snow globe- pretend play.

We are your partners in creating positive experiences for your child.

The best thing we can all give is time and attention, and within that time will always be learning opportunities.

A good resource for activities that promote learning and skill enhancement is Ready Rosie. Pull up some videos during break and keep that learning going until school resumes in January.

Technical Improvements Minimize Contact LCCAA Head Start has implemented a contact free system to allow parents to complete enrollment and other forms without visiting Head Start centers.

“When COVID-19 hit, many operations across the country moved online,” said Data Integration Specialist Shakeysta Craighead.

“We implemented Docusign so parents would not have to drive to our centers to complete or sign paperwork.”

COVID-19 restrictions that is just not possible.”

The forms include everything from basic name and address information to medical and income information required by Head Start funders and regulators, she added.

Families who do not have access to a computer can visit Hopkins Locke or Griswold Head Start and use a kiosk provided. They can also print, make copies and access meetings being held by the Craighead said approximately nine forms are virtual platform, Zoom. Families should speak to their available through the system and parents are sent links Family Service Worker if they need to take advantage to complete them via either a provided email address or of one of the kiosks. the new LCCAA Head Start gmail address the agency Families should also make sure they are regularly provides for free. checking their Gmail accounts and any other email or “We used to sometimes have hour-long appointments contact methods they have provided to Head Start. For to complete these forms,” Craighead said. “Families instructions on how to check your Gmail account see often had to make multiple trips. Obviously, with the October issue of the Head Start Family Newsletter.

Motor Skills Addressed Every Day A motor skill is a movement made by using muscles.

These skills are broken down into two categories: small (or fine) motor skills and large (or gross) motor skills.

The basic difference is that small motor skills use small muscles, like those in the fingers, wrists, and toes; and large motor skills use large muscles, like those in our arms and legs, and feet. There are, however, many more distinctions between the two.

Development- Both skills begin developing at the same time, but children achieve proficiency in large motor much earlier than small, sometimes by as much as several years.

Gender- Boys tend to develop large motor skills sooner than girls, but girls develop small motor skills more quickly than boys.

The use of objects- Many large motor skills can be done with no objects other than the body. These include walking, running, jumping, and crawling. Small motor skills, on the other hand, more often require accessory materials such as writing tools, scissors, or small objects to pick up.

needed for small motor skills is best in a smaller, quieter space.

These are just some of the differences between the two sets of skills. They do have at least one thing in common though: Your Head Start teacher plans activities daily to enhance the development of both!

Amount of space needed- Large motor skills need safe, large spaces, while the concentration and focus

Book of the Month: Giraffes Can’t Dance In Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreas, the jungle animals tease and say hurtful things to Gerald the giraffe because he can’t dance. He is upset until he tries and discovers that he can dance.

This book can help teach kids that they never know what they can do until they try and they should not let others discourage them!

Partner Spotlight - Prevent Blindness Care Bags Many thanks to our valued partner Provided Prevent Blindness, Ohio Affiliate!

The services they provide to our families include: ► Provide training in conducting vision screenings on children for Family Service Workers and Home Visitors

LCCAA Head Start distributed its first Care Bags of food items to all Head Start families November 30.

Using funding from the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and ► Participation in the Head Start Health Services Advisory Committee Economic Stability), the agency has ► Provide free vision equipment to staff to complete children screenings rented space in south Elyria, hired temporary workers and purchased ► Vision and eye health resources two vans. ► Support Head Start family engagement activities.

Head Start Director Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. said Head Start typically provides thousands of You can be an advocate for your child’s vision and eye health: meals every month to children ► Make sure your child’s healthcare provider, educator, or public health enrolled in the agency’s centers, program completes regular vision screenings. but the COVID-19 crisis has caused ► Take your child to an eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) if demand for food assistance to they do not pass a vision screening, if they are at increased risk of a vision skyrocket. problem due to developmental delay, medical condition, or a family history “We know people are hurting and of vision problems, or if you have a concern about your child’s vision. we have the ability and responsibility ► Follow all treatment recommendations the eye doctor prescribes for to support our families,” she said. your child - including eyeglasses, wearing an eye patch, medications, and/ Each bag will contain a variety or surgical recommendations. of foodstuffs intended to supply For more information on the family for as much as a month, children’s eye health and safety, depending on family size. or financial assistance programs in The next distribution will be the Ohio, please call Prevent Blindness, week of Dec. 14. Families will Ohio Affiliate at (800) 301-2020 or be notified of pick up times and visit pbohio.org and wiseabouteyes. delivery options by their Family org .

Service Worker.

Waddle Like A Penguin

Got email?

As a new tool this year, all LCCAA Head Start families were provided with a free email address.

Place a ball in-between your legs and then place your arms close to the side of your body like a penguin.

Try to walk across the room, without dropping the ball. This a fun gross motor activity to build leg strength and coordination.

This is used by your teacher, family service worker and other staff to share important infomration. It should be checked regularly.

Contact your Family Service Worker if you need help!

Help Available for Past Due Water Bills The Lorain County Community Action Agency (LCCAA), which serves all of Lorain County, was awarded $1.1 million in Home Relief Grant (HRG) funds to assist households impacted by COVID-19.

to which LCCAA has allocated a portion of its funding. If you are 65 or older, apply at www.ucanapply. org.

All payments are made directly to the utility companies. You must be past due to apply.

Programs to help with past due rent and past due water bills opened Eligibility criteria, required Nov. 9. The rent program filled in have received a disconnect notice, documents and frequently asked your application will be given questions are posted at www.lccaa. less than four hours.

The water program remains priority. net under Programs. Look for Home Applications for water assistance Relief Grant. open, but residents should apply quickly. Funds are only available are being taken through the agency’s The agency is not able to accept website at this link: https://www. phone calls to answer questions until Dec. 30.

To qualify, you must live at or lccaa.net/programs/home_relief_ about this program. All applicants below 200 percent of the federal grant-water_assistance will be called by an advocate and Seniors are urged to apply through will receive a written confirmation poverty level. If your water service the United Way’s UCAN Network, letter in the mail. is not currently connected or if you

Changes Coming as Director Retires

A retirement and promotions are bringing changes Changes in Youth Program to key programs at Lorain County Community Action Youth Services Coordinator Bobby Agency.

Taylor has been promoted to Deputy Retirement in CSBG Director of Planning and Community Frank Prihoda, Director of Planning Services and will take over Prihoda’s and Community Services, will retire as role on Jan. 1, 2021. of Dec. 31, 2020. Prihoda oversees all programs funded by the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). These include Getting Ahead, Tech Connect and Youth Services. He also oversees all the Utility Help programs including Winter Crisis and Summer Crisis.

A lifelong Lorain County resident, Prihoda has held positions in industry and the public sector. Prior to joining LCCAA in 2014, he was a Workforce Development specialist at Ohio Means Jobs - Lorain County (formerly known as the Employment Network).

He also taught business management classes at the college level for 15 years and ran his own business for 23 years.

A drive-by retirement celebration will be held for Prihoda at 936 Broadway Ave., on Monday, Dec. 14 from 2 to 3 p.m.

Taylor was hired by Prihoda to expand the Youth Services program to include work experience. He has grown the program to include the LCCAA Bike Shop on West 10th Street in downtown Lorain. Taylor is well-connected in the community and brings a wealth of experience.

Taking over for Taylor is newly hired Youth Services Coordinator Joshua Smith who started work Nov. 16. Smith has been familiar with LCCAA’s youth program as a volunteer at the Elyria Bicycle Center, where our youth were trained to operate the LCCAA Bike Shop.

Smith is a native of Grafton, Ohio with a science degree from Bowling Green State University (that he began at Lorain County Community College) and several years of industrial experience.

Grandparents Offer Unique Perspective

Are you a grandparent who has given up your retirement or your own plans in order to take on the diapers, daycare, teacher conferences, homework and everything else that comes along with raising children?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately three percent of children nationwide live apart from their parents, and, of those, nearly two-thirds are being raised by grandparents.

Some 2.6 million grandparents are raising their grandchildren, either because of a temporary change in circumstance for the parents, such as military deployment or joblessness, or something more lasting and We were unable to host our grandparents for lunch this year but we terrible: mental illness, divorce, can’t wait for next year! incarceration, death, or, substance Find a support group. Either a a trusted adult who can babysit or abuse. group specifically for grandparents take over while you’re out.

If you are one of these grandparents, Take a parenting class. A you have made numerous sacrifices raising grandchildren or some other support group where you can share class may help you to feel more in order to provide a better life for your grandchildren. Here are some your challenges with others who comfortable with your status as a caregiver for young children. It will things you can do now to provide will understand.

Talk to someone. This could be a the best possible care for your grandchildren while still preserving friend or relative or a professional, such as a counselor, family doctor, your own health and well-being.

Take care of yourself. To be able or someone at your church or to provide the best care for your temple. Unburdening yourself can grandchildren, it’s important that be a stress reliever.

also provide resources in the form of your teacher and the other students in the class.

Learn to say “no.” You don’t have time to do everything. Learn to make priorities and eliminate the Take a break. A short time away unnecessary tasks in your life. you take care of yourself and not allow yourself to be overwhelmed from your grandchildren may give you some time to relax. Look for Sources: ChildWelfare.com, The Atlantic.com by your parental responsibilities.

Grandparent Resources AARP runs a Grandparent Information Center where you can sign up for their newsletter, check their message board, and search for a local support group. Visit www.aarp.org/families/grandparents/gic Generations United runs their own National Center on Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children, which offers information and resources. Visit www.gu.org/projg&o.htm.

For local resources, visit the Lorain County Office on Aging at www. lcooa.org

LCCAA Head Start Menu for December 2020 Monday 30

B L

No School

S 7

B L

No School

S 14

B L S

No School

Wednesday

Tuesday 1

WG Banana Bread & Locally Grown Apple

Thursday 2

Mini Wheats & Seasonal Melon

Friday 3

WG Bagel w/Cream Cheese, Applesauce

Cheeseburger with choice to add Pickle Chips, Ketchup; Baked Beans, Apricots

WG Lasagna Roll Up, Green Beans, Clementine

Beef & Veg w/Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Diced Peaches, WG Garlic Toast

WG French Toast Sticks, Sausage Patty, Tater Tots, Tangerine

WG Graham Crackers & Juice

Diced Pear Cup, WG Granola Bar

Local Apple, WG Pretzels

WG Tortilla Chips & Salsa

8

9

WG Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Diced Peaches

10

4

Yogurt, Peach & Granola Parfait

Yogurt, Berry & Granola Parfait

11

WG Blueberry Waffle, Applesauce

Berry Patch Smoothie; Annie’s Bunny Grahams

Meatball Sub; Assorted Raw Veggies with Ranch Dip; Diced Pears

BBQ Chicken Drumstick; Carrots & Green Beans; WG ItalianSeasoned Pierogies; Tropical Fruit Salad

WG Homemade Mac & Cheese, Steamed Broccoli, Sweet Mango

Orange Chicken Stir Fry, Brown Rice, Stir Fry Veg; Seasonal Melon

Danimals Yogurt & Fresh Orange

WG Flatbread Squares, WOWButter & Jelly

Raw Veg, Ranch Dressing & Cheese Stick

Banana, WG Goldfish Crackers

15

16

17

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: French, Ranch, Italian; Tropical Fruit

Sloppy Joe; Maple Cinnamon Carrots; Diced Pears

WG Graham Crackers & Juice

Diced Pear Cup, WG Granola Bar

Local Apple, WG Pretzel

WG Tortilla Chips & Salsa

WG Banana Bread & Locally Grown Apple

Yogurt, Peach & Granola Parfait

18

Enjoy your Winter Break! School resumes January 7, 2021.

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.

Heating Help Available

LCCAA currently offers multiple programs that help low-income Lorain County residents keep their heat on, reconnect them to heat or help pay their heating bill.

If you have received a disconnect notice but still have heat, make an appointment as soon as possible by calling 440-5386999. If you live at or below 175% of the federal poverty level, you qualify for the Winter Crisis Program.

You may also qualify for the Winter Crisis Program if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

For a complete list of programs and qualifications, please visit www.lccaa.net.

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

1/2 cup

3/4 cup

Breads, Cold Cereal, Granola Fluid Milk

Lunch (Portions & Servings)

Meat or Cheese Cooked/Dry Beans/Peas Peanut Butter, Nut/Seed Butters

1 1/2 oz.

3/8 cup

2T

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

Nut and/or Seeds Yogurt Vegetables and Fruits (1 each) Breads/Grains, Pasta

Snack (Portions & Servings) Must Select Two Different Protein Components

1 oz.

1/4 cup

Meat or Cheese

1/2 oz.

1/2 oz.

Cooked/Dry Beans/Peas

1/8 cup

1/8 cup

1T

1T

Peanut Butter, Nut/Seed Butters Nut and/or Seeds Yogurt Breads/Grains, Pasta

1/2 oz.

1/2 oz.

1/4 cup 1/2 serving, 1/4 cup

1/4 cup 1/2 serving, 1/4 cup

Second Harvest operates food pantries and mobile distributions throughout Lorain County. Visit www.secondharvestfoodbank.org to find one near you.

Upcoming Events at LCCAA Head Start * Indicates virtual events. Please see ClassTag for log in instructions.

Cascade Head Start

Hopkins-Locke Head Start

*Dec. 1: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m.

*Dec. 1: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m.

*Dec. 14: Evening Conferences Available

*Dec. 9: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.

*Dec. 16: Book Club

*Dec. 14: Evening Conferences Available

Dec. 18-Jan. 6: Winter Break

*Dec. 16: Book Club

*Dec. 21: Winter BINGO, 11 a.m.

Dec. 18-Jan. 6: Winter Break

Jan. 7: Classes Resume

*Dec. 21: Winter BINGO, 11 a.m.

Jan. 7: Classes Resume

Firelands Head Start *Dec. 1: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m.

LaGrange Head Start

*Dec. 14: Evening Conferences Available

*Dec. 1: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m.

*Dec. 16: Book Club

*Dec. 14: Evening Conferences Available

Dec. 18-Jan. 6: Winter Break

*Dec. 16: Book Club

*Dec. 21: Winter BINGO, 11 a.m.

Dec. 18-Jan. 6: Winter Break

Jan. 7: Classes Resume

*Dec. 21: Winter BINGO, 11 a.m.

Jan. 7: Classes Resume

Griswold Head Start *Dec. 1: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m.

Wellington Head Start

*Dec. 9: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.

*Dec. 1: Parenting Tools, 12 p.m.

*Dec. 14: Evening Conferences Available

*Dec. 14: Evening Conferences Available

*Dec. 16: Book Club

*Dec. 16: Book Club

Dec. 18-Jan. 6: Winter Break

Dec. 18-Jan. 6: Winter Break

*Dec. 21: Winter BINGO, 11 a.m.

*Dec. 21: Winter BINGO, 11 a.m.

Jan. 7: Classes Resume

Jan. 7: Classes Resume

Home-Based Head Start Socializations are all virtual. Early Head Start will meet Dec. 4 and Dec. 18 at 10 a.m.

Head Start will meet Dec. 11 and Dec. 18 at 10 a.m.