Head Start Family News - April 2022

Head Start Family News News from Lorain County Community Action Agency Head Start • April 2022 Director’s Corner

Spring is the Season of New Life Hello Parents,

Welcome to April! Spring is here and good things are ahead.

helpful and will answer questions concerning the parks or anything in them (www.loraincountymetroparks.com).

Yes! Spring is in the air which also means our spring We have more daylight hours which break will begin Friday, April 15. School will be closed means more activity outside! I always through the 22nd. think of spring as the season of New LCCAA recognizes that the CDC guidance has been Life. We see it everywhere in the animal world. updated as COVID cases seem to continue downward.

I was reminded of this just days ago when my 14th We will continue through the rest of this school year grandchild came into the world. He is so new, so with our COVID policies. precious, and helps me to recognize the good around us, even when life can be overwhelming at times. It reminds us to capture the moment and look for good things moving forward.

We are hoping that by the time we start again in September that we will be able to lift many of the COVID restrictions. Our concern and focus will always be about keeping the children safe.

When I think of spring, science and exploration comes Enjoy spring, and have a wonderful Easter holiday! to my mind. It is a great time to get outside and explore the environment with your child so they can discover new things.

Going to the Lorain County Metro Parks is a favorite!

If you can, talk with the parks’ staff. They are always

Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. Head Start Director

Staff Promotions, Credentials Recognized LCCAA Head Start congratulates two employees who have been recently promoted and others who have earned degrees and credentials.

Carlene Pinkard has been a Family Service Worker with LCCAA for eight years and is now a Family Service Assistant Supervisor.

Diana Riffe has been a teacher at Griswold Head Start since 2019. She

partners who operate Head Start classrooms in their own facilities.

Early Head Start employee Belkis Negroni earned her associate’s degree. She works with babies and toddlers at LCCAA’s HopkinsLocke. Griswold staff members Crystal Williams and Carmen is now the program’s Collaborative LaBoy have both earned their Child Administrator working with Development Associate credential.

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

Seuss Scenes Spotted Across Program LCCAA Head Start classrooms buzzed with spirited activities and budding readers.

Students and staff enjoyed themed days based on different books by Dr. Seuss, whose birthday was March 2.

On Tuesday, students wore crazy socks while reading Fox in Socks. On Wednesday, backwards clothes and wild hairstyles were the order of the day for a reading of Wacky Wednesday.

Oh, The Places You’ll Go was read Thursday while students were dressed as their future professional selves for career day.

As is tradition, Green Eggs and Ham was both read and served for lunch on Friday while everyone wore green.

For more photos and videos, please see our Facebook page.

Preschoolers’ Attention Span Typically Short Is your child easily distracted, overly active or impulsive?

X Parents often want to diagnose their child with ADHD X when seeing these types of behaviors. However, young children often will not be diagnosed with ADHD unless their distractibility or high level of activity has an X impact on their daily life.

This may include their behavior causing him/her to X

your attention.

Make eye contact with your child when talking.

Break down tasks into smaller parts by giving simple two to three step instructions.

Spice tasks up and make them fun (ex. Play a game and see who can pick up the toys the fastest).

Brain breaks and movement allow children to regain focus.

have difficulty with learning, forming friendships or other activities. Your child would also have to show X Build brain power/concentration by encouraging activities that require thinking, such as doing a several symptoms in different settings (ex. home, puzzle. school, church, extra-curricular activities, etc.).

In reality, a short attention span is part of typical X Eliminate hunger and fatigue. When basic needs are not met (physical, mental and emotional), it’s hard development in preschoolers. The average attention for a child to focus. span is two to three minutes for each year of the age of the child (for example, a three-year-old has an attention X Find your child’s interest by exposing him or her to span of six to nine minutes, a four-year-old can pay new opportunities. attention for eight to 12 minutes, etc.) Not only is his or X Praise effort! her attention span short, you will also see variations in your child’s attention span throughout the day (morning, X Be observant and know when your child is getting frustrated or when to seek help. afternoon, evening, etc.).

If you want to strengthen your child’s focus and At any time you are concerned about your child’s concentration, check out these tips for improving behavior or attention span, please reach out to your child’s classroom teachers, Head Start Mental Health attention span: Consultant, Donna Jezewski, at djezewski@lccaa.net X To get your child’s attention, you must give them or your child’s physician.

How ‘W Sitting’ Can Impact Development

Did you know the way your child sits muscles for sitting. can impact his or her development? X It can limit trunk rotation and Sometimes you will see children sit crossing the midline of the body. in a “W” formation, which consists of them sitting on the floor on their X It may also delay the integration of infant reflexes which could bottoms with knees bent and rotated lead to bunny hopping or butt on the floor behind them. scooting instead of crawling.

This position is typical for This can lead to coordination children under 12 months, as they problems later in life with will transition in and out of it developmental milestones such when beginning to learn to walk. as skipping, bike riding and However, it does become a concern swimming. when “W” sitting is your child’s primary way of sitting, because X It can cause problems with decreased stability in the trunk core muscles are not fully engaged. and hips which creates weak Without a stable core, a child’s core muscles. shoulder and wrist stability may be weak, and this may affect fine motor X It creates future orthopedic X Feet sitting (kneel with feet issues with your child’s hips, development, which is crucial in the together and sit on feet or tall knees, and feet. early childhood years. kneel) X It creates tightness in the When you notice your child “W” hamstrings, hip adductors, sitting, encourage him or her to sit internal rotators and heel cords. like one of the suggestions above As a parent, what can I do to by using a verbal cue such as “fix your feet” and/or modeling for your prevent “W” sitting? child.

Here are some alternative ways to If your child refuses to sit in a encourage your child to sit: different position, encourage him or X Tailor sitting (criss-cross their her to sit on a chair, a bench/stool, legs) or a pillow instead. Remember, the Why is “W” sitting discouraged? X Ring sitting (round sit without longer the habit is allowed to occur, ankles crossing) X This position limits active trunk the harder it will be to break in the control and development of core X Long sitting (legs out front) future.

Nutrition Staff Offering Cooking Classes Head Start Nutrition Staff have begun a three-part series of cooking classes for Head Start families.

The Build a Balanced Plate: Out-of-the-Box Cooking Series began March 23 with Registered Dietician Marge Robison and Production Lead Luis Aguilar demonstrating how to chop fresh ingredients to make salsa.

Robison emphasized that salsa may be a way to introduce vegetables to kids. Her advice was to “present, present, present.” In short, keep presenting vegetables to children and encouraging them to try them. She also noted that modeling good eating habits is important.

Build a Balanced Plate: Out of the Box Cooking Series

Salsa INGREDIENTS 3-4 tomatoes 1/2 medium red onion 1 jalapeno pepper 1 lime, juiced 1/4 cup fresh cilantro salt and pepper Optional: mango, peach, corn, garlic, canned crushed pineapple, black/pinto beans

DIRECTIONS • • • •

chop tomatoes finely dice red onion, jalapeno pepper and cilantro mix all ingredients in a bowl store in an air-tight container in the fridge Fresh salsa won’t last as long as store bought salsa because it doesn’t have any preservatives, but it’s so tasty you’ll finish it fast!

From the LCCAA Head Start Kitchen

“If you eat vegetables, your child is more likely to eat them,” she said. and show families how to build a balanced meal.

Robison also talked about ways to vary the salsa recipe The salsa demonstration covered the vegetable area such as adding black beans. If a child likes the tomato of the balanced plate. On April 6 at 1 p.m., a Mexican or beans in the salsa, they are more likely to try either Frittata recipe will be shared to cover the protein portion ingredient in another recipe in the future. of a balanced plate.

Registered families received a box of ingredients The series concludes April 13 when the group will to build the demonstrated recipe. The box included learn cilantro lime quinoa to include a healthy grain suggested add-ins such as a can of beans or cup of fruit, component for their plates. as well as the basic salsa recipe.

Preregistration is required and space is limited. Parents The three sessions are designed to build on each other can register for one or all three classes. There are great giveaways for Zoom participants. Check ClassTag for the registration link, or ask your child’s teacher, family service assistant or home visitor.

Pisanick Partners’ Dietician Marge Robison and Production Lead Luis Aguilar discussed how to balance meals during the first of a series of cooking classes. Ethan, a LaGrange student, made salsa at home with his family using the full kit that was sent home. If you missed the class, you can view the video on our YouTube Channel. Use the link on our website at www.lccaa.net.

Parenting Apprenticeships Available Class Offered with LCCAA Head Start Parents with children age 12 and younger are invited to join Ohio Guidestone for their Triple P Positive Parenting Program in either April or May. Each month will include a series of three discussions on the following topics: X Managing agression;

fighting

and

X Dealing with disobedience; X Developing good bedtime routines.

April dates are the 7th, 14th and 21. May dates are 12, 19 and 26. All meetings are from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom.

For more information, contact Kathleen Donnelly at 440-2606468 or kathleen.donnelly@ ohioguidestone.org.

Like many employers of all types across the country, LCCAA Head Start has been working hard to recruit and retain high quality staff.

To promote the profession, LCCAA is starting an apprenticeship program. In addition to engaging Development area high school students, parents Professional Specialist added, “This is a program are invited to apply.

Apprentices will gain valuable that benefits all of the ECE field experience and the opportunity to as we hope to add more qualified complete their Child Development professionals working with young Associate credential. If hired by children and their families.”

LCCAA after completing their apprenticeship, they become eligible for tuition assistance. LCCAA encourages CDA-holding staff to go on to earn their associate’s degree through a partnership with Lorain County Community College.

Sharon Harmon, the new Apprentice Program Manager, is capitalizing on existing relationships with schools, community agencies and organizations to initiate the program.

The goal is to have apprentices in classrooms this fall.

“Staffing challenges have made keeping classrooms open difficult,” said Head Start Director Shauna Matelski. “This apprenticeship program is designed to increase the pool of qualified staff while providing opportunities for parents and community members.”

“Head Start is a family organization,” Harmon said. “They do so many good things for the community.”

LouAnn

Rhodes,

Head

If you are interested in an early childhood career in Head Start, and specifically Lorain County Community Action Agency, contact Sharon Harmon at sharmon@lccaa.

Start net or (440) 457-0364.

Book of the Month: Alpha Oops!

ABC books help reinforce letter order and help build letter sound association when there are objects that begin with each letter’s sound. It’s also a fun way to add letters into your day.

Alpha Oops: The Day Z Went First starts with Z tiring of coming last. Then all the letters get in on the act and assert their independence. This fun book

by Alethea Kontis and Bob Kolar reinforces individual letter sounds and concepts in a fun way.

When teaching children letters, the first letter of their name is usually the most meaningful one to them and the one they learn first. Use your finger to trace the letters on the page and slowly say each object so they can hear the beginning sounds. If your child can’t sit still for all 26 letters, then skip around the book to the letters they are learning in their name.

Youth Services Taking Applications Now Building leadership and job skills in Lorain County youth improves their ability to succeed in life.

LCCAA is proud to be a partner with the Lorain County Workforce Development Agency and OhioMeansJobs Lorain County to offer our Youth Services program.

The program serves young men and women ages 16 to 24 whether they have completed high school or not. The core of the program is to offer paid work experience.

Experience can be had at the LCCAA Bike Shop, while performing community service throughout the county and as other partnerships are developed. Along the way, they learn a variety of skills, including drone piloting (pictured right). and OhioMeansJobs.

Families on TANF or SNAP qualify and the funds earned Questions should be directed to Amy Steele, Client by the youth do not count against those benefits. All Services Specialist at asteele@lccaa.net or 440-204eligibility requirements are determined and reviewed 3121. Apply online through our website at www.lccaa. by the Lorain County Workforce Development Agency net.

Help Continues for Rent, Water Bills If you are struggling to pay your covidhelp.lccaa.net. bills, LCCAA may be able to help.

X Priority for those facing Talk to your child’s teacher or family eviction. service worker about a referral to Water Assistance one of these programs.

LIH-WAP, the Low-Income Rent Assistance Household Water Assistance Rent assistance is available and can Program will provide help to income be paid as far back as March 2020. eligible Lorain County residents.

X Must live at or below 80% X Households must be living of the Area Median Income at or below 175% of the ($62,900 for a family of four Federal Poverty Level. in 2022).

X Apply by sending an email X Must apply online at www.

through LCCAA’s Contact Us form. Direct your email to “Water Assistance (LIHWAP).” Visit www. lccaa.net/about_us/contact_ us.

X You can also apply at energyhelp.ohio.gov.

LCCAA has partners throughout the county. If you are in need of help with any household expense or issue, please ask your Family Service Worker for information.

LCCAA Head Start Hiring Assistant Teachers If you have a high school diploma, experience with X $15 starting wage with guaranteed increases. small children, are fully vaccinated and can pass a X Certificate training provided, tuition assistance. background check, you can come make a difference X Great benefits: medical, dental and more. with us!

Our Head Start centers are five star rated under Step Up X Generous retirement match. to Quality and full of dedicated lifelong learners.

X Holidays, vacation and PTO for all employees.

Apply today and join our mission to serve and empower X Highly rated centers and top-notch colleagues.

Lorain County residents in need.

Make a difference with us!

X Start immediately with a signing bonus.

Apply today at www.lccaa.net

LCCAA Head Start Menu for April/May 2022 Monday

Wednesday

Tuesday 4

5

Thursday 6

Friday 7

8

B

WG Rice Chex Pineapple Tidbits

L

General Tso Beef, WG Brown Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Diced Pears

Build Your Own Tortilla: WG Tortilla, Seasoned Chicken, Cheese, Lettuce, Salsa; Sweet Mango Chunks

BBQ Chicken Sandwich Cole Slaw Mandarin Oranges

Turkey w/Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, WG Spaghetti w/Meatballs, California Veggies, WG Breadstick, WG Dinner Roll, Seasonal Melon Fresh Fruit Salad

S

Turkey Stick WG Saltines

Danimals® Yogurt Fresh Orange

WG Flatbread Round WOWBUTTER® & Jelly

Local Apple, WG Heartzel Pretzel Bag

11

WG Blueberry Snack ‘n Waffle, Apple Slices

12

WG Banana Bread Apple Slices

Berry Patch Smoothie, WG Bunny Grahams

13

WG Mini Wheats Seasonal Melon

WG Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Diced Peaches

WG Strawberry Mini Bagel, Applesauce

Banana WG Goldfish Crackers

WG Cheerios Cereal Pineapple Tidbits

L

WG Lasagna Roll-Up Steamed Green Beans Pears

Build Your Own Burger: WG Bun, Cheese, Pickle Chips, Ketchup; Baked Beans, Apricots

Braised Chicken Thigh, Maple Cinnamon Carrots, WG Cornbread, Clementine

Beef & Veggies w/Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Diced Peaches, WG Garlic Twist

S

Mango Peach Applesauce WG Cheez Its

WG Elf Grahams Veggie Juice

Diced Pears WG Educational Crackers

Assorted Raw Veggies, Ranch Dip, String Cheese Stick

19

18 No

L

Spring

No School

21

20 School

15

14

B

B

Yogurt Berry & Granola Parfait

22

Break

S 25

WG Banana Bread 26 Apple Slices Build Your Own Nachos: WG Tortilla Chips, Seasoned Beef, Black Beans, Salsa, Shredded Cheese; Clementine WG Graham Crackers Sun Splash Veggie Juice

28

WG Strawberry Mini Bagel, Applesauce

Yogurt, Peach & Granola Parfait

WG Cheerios Cereal Pineapple Tidbits

L

Veggie Chili w/Cheese, WG Cornbread Apricots

S

Mango Peach Applesauce WG Cheez Its

B

WG Rice Chex Pineapple Tidbits

L

General Tso Beef, WG Brown Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Diced Pears

Build Your Own Tortilla: WG Tortilla, Seasoned Chicken, Cheese, Lettuce, Salsa; Sweet Mango Chunks

BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Cole Slaw, Mandarin Oranges

WG Spaghetti w/Meatballs, California Veggies, WG Breadstick, Fresh Fruit Salad

Turkey w/Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, WG Dinner Roll, Seasonal Melon

S

Turkey Stick WG Saltines

Danimals Yogurt®, Fresh Orange

WG Flatbread Round, WOWBUTTER® & Jelly

Local Apple, WG Heartzel Pretzel Bag

Banana, WG Goldfish Crackers

B

WG Cheerios Pineapple Tidbits

L

WG Lasagna Roll-up Steamed Green Beans Pears

Build Your Own Burger: WG Bun, Cheese, Pickle Chips, Ketchup, Baked Beans, Apricots

Braised Chicken Thigh,Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus, WG Cornbread, Clementine

Beef and Veggies with Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Diced Peaches, WG Garlic Twist

S

Mango Peach Applesauce WG Cheez-Its

WG Elf Grahams Veggie Juice

WG Educational Crackers Diced Pears

Assorted Raw Veggies, Ranch Dip, String Cheese

2

9

3

WG Blueberry Snack ‘n Waffle, Apple Slices

WG Banana Bread Apple Slices

10

WG Mini Wheats Seasonal Melon

27

B

WG Wild Mike Pizza Bites, Tossed Salad w/Cheese, Croutons, Assorted Dressings, Tropical Fruit Assorted Raw Veggies, Ranch Dressing, Cheese Stick

Teriyaki Beef Dippers, Sweet/Sour Dip, Edamame & Corn Salad, Pineapple Diced Pear Cup, WG Educational Crackers

4

Berry Patch Smoothie, WG Bunny Grahams

WG Mini Wheats Seasonal Melon

11

WG Strawberry Mini Bagel, Applesauce

Green Eggs & Turkey Ham, Tater Tots, Dinner Roll, Diced Pears WG Tortilla Chips, Salsa

5

WG Cinn Toast Crunch, Diced Peaches

29

Yogurt Berry & Granola Parfait

12

6

13 No School

WG = Whole Grain. Milk is served daily at breakfast & 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 reviewed & approved by M. Robison, MPH, RD, LD. Equal Opportunity Provider.

Asparagus to be Tried May 11

LCCAA Head Start’s Try Day tradition continues with a spring-time staple: asparagus.

Whole stalks will be provided to classrooms for students to explore. Garlic parmesan roasted asparagus is on the lunch menu for May 11.

Try Day events are used to introduce new foods to Head Start students and their families. Recipes will also be sent home so parents can try the dish too.

Scan below for Nutrition Information

Upcoming Events at LCCAA Head Start Program Wide Events April 2: Wellington Carnival Recruitment Event, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

April 2: Elyria Special Olympics Vendor Fair Recruitment Event, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

April 4-8: Week of the Young Child *April 4: Music Monday: Virtual Science Event with Great Lakes Science Center: “Seeing Sound”, 1:30 p.m.

April 5: Tasty Tuesday, Book and Recipe Kit Sent Home April 6: Work Together Wednesday *April 6: Out of the Box Cooking Class #2, 1 p.m.

April 7: Artsy Thursday April 8: Family Friday, Floor Puzzles Sent Home

*April 13: Out of the Box Cooking Class #3, 1 p.m. *April 14: Toolbox Series, 12:30 p.m.

April 15: Good Friday, No School April 16: Jamie’s Flea Market Recruitment Event, 11 a.m to 2 p.m.

April 18-22: Spring Break (Go on a Bear Hunt!) *April 21: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.

April 27: Amherst Vendor Fair Recruitment Event, 5 to 7 p.m. *April 28: Education Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.

May 2-6: Teacher Appreciation Week *May 2: Book Club, 11 a.m.

Cascade Head Start April 8: Lead Screenings with Health Dept. *April 11: Parent Meeting, 10:30 a.m.

April 12: Dental Screenings with Case Western

LaGrange Head Start April 7: Lead Screenings with Health Dept.

April 8: Dental Screenings with Case Western *April 13: Parent Meeting, 11 a.m.

Firelands Head Start April 6: Dental Screenings with Case Western April 7: Lead Screenings with Health Dept. *April 13: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.

Wellington Head Start April 6: Dental Screenings with Case Western April 7: Lead Screenings with Health Dept. *April 13: Parent Meeting, 11 a.m.

Griswold Head Start April 8: Lead Screenings with Health Dept. *April 12: Parent Meeting, 12 p.m.

April 12: Dental Screenings with Case Western

Early Head Start *April 1: Socialization, 10:30 a.m. *April 29: Socialization, 10:30 a.m. *May 6: Socialization, 10:30 a.m. *May 20: Socialization, 10:30 a.m.

Hopkins-Locke Head Start April 1: Dental Screenings with Case Western April 12: Lead Screenings with Health Department *April 13: Parent Meeting, 9:30 a.m.

Home-Based Head Start *April 8: Socialization, 10:30 a.m. *April 29: Socialization, 10:30 a.m. *May 13: Socialization, 10:30 a.m. *May 27: Socialization, 10:30 a.m.

*Indicates a virtual event.

Spring Activities at LCCAA Head Start Certain activities in schools are sure signs of spring.

Firelands Head Start students enjoyed the nearby high school’s traditional “Drive Your Tractor to School” day.

Meanwhile, Wellington Head Start students celebrated the start of Spring with Very Hungry Caterpillar Day.