Head Start Family News - April 2023

Director’s Corner

Get Outdoors to Spark

Hello Parents, YAY for spring! I am really looking forward to sunny days, and spring flowers. I think of spring as a new beginning. It is the time of year to do spring cleaning in the house, the garage. It’s a time of “out with old and in with the new.” It helps me to prepare for a wonderful upcoming summer season. Think about the outdoors!

Visiting the Lorain County Metro Parks is a great way to take your child on an adventure. Lorain County has wonderful parks and services, so please take advantage of them. Your child’s development

Development

will benefit greatly from these activities because they cover all of the major domains and learning areas: Language, Literacy, Physical, Social/Emotional, Math, Science and Social Studies. These domains are the foundation of school readiness and preparing your child for kindergarten. In the past several months, our Education and Disabilities team has revised our School Readiness Goals for the next program year. Be on the lookout for more information.

LCCAA will be closed for spring break beginning Friday April 7 and we will resume school and regular services the week of April 17. It is my hope that you will have a great spring break and holiday.

Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. Head Start Director

Head Start Offering Summer Child Care

LCCAA Head Start will offer Summer Child Care for preschoolers at its Central Plaza location this year. Teaching staff will provide educational services meeting all current Head Start standards to up to 60 preschoolers in the facility’s three brand new classrooms. Families with childcare vouchers through Lorain County Job and Family Services can use this service at no charge. If you are already approved for a voucher, just notify your caseworker to add LCCAA Head Start as a child care provider.

If you are not already approved, apply by downloading

forms at www.lcdjfs.com/child-care/forms-clients or picking up the forms in the JFS office. Voucher qualifications are based on income.

Families can also privately pay for child care services at Central Plaza this summer. Cost is $175 a week with 50% off for a second child. Services begin June 7 and end August 4 with a summer break July 3 through 7. The hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To enroll or for more information, contact Sharon Harmon at 440-457-0364 or sharmon@lccaa.net.

Enjoy Spring,

Seuss Activities Share Spirit of Learning

LCCAA Head Start classrooms celebrated a Seuss-centered Spirit Week designed to promote the fun of reading.

Activities included sharing favorite colors, making oobleck and the ever-popular pajama day. Seuss works

read included My Many Colored Days, Bartholomew and the Oobleck and The Sleep Book.

Green Eggs and Ham was also read - and on the lunch menu thanks to our amazing nutrition staff. For more photos, please visit our Facebook page.

Head Start to Help Homeless Families

LCCAA Head Start will help families struggling with homelessness thanks to a grant from the US Department of Education. Families are considered homeless if they have no permanent home. They may be staying with relatives, living in hotels or in more dire situations. The grant will be used to purchase luggage, sleeping bags, mats and blankets as well as essential clothing

items and school supplies.

“Regardless of where they are, our students will have some items of their own that can easily be transported and stored,” said Head Start Assistant Director Stefanie Drew.

If your family needs help, contact your Family Service Assistant.

Sharpening Your Child’s Scissor Skills

Using scissors correctly is one of the more difficult small motor tasks in preschool, but a necessary one for kindergarten readiness. Take a look at the steps that you can take to help your child master this skill.

1. Don’t start with scissors! This may seem counter-productive, but first we need to make sure the child has the small motor strength to manipulate scissors. We like to start with ripping paper instead of cutting it.

2. Introduce scissors with a lesson on how to hold them properly. Dr. Jean, an early childhood educator and singer, uses the Scissor Snip song to teach this skill: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=DGhhRqqVzXE. In this short video, she shows children how to manipulate the scissors with the reminders: “Thumb’s on top, take small

bites, hold the paper in the other hand tight.” A great visual reminder is to use a piece of colorful tape on the thumb hole.

3. Use quality scissors, like Fiskar or Wescott. Plastic or cheaply-made scissors can prove to be frustrating to children. If you are worried about your child having scissors, keep a pair in a safe spot and bring them out only when you can supervise.

4. Starting with cutting playdough is very helpful in building the small muscles needed. When your child is ready to cut paper, thicker papers like cardstock, construction paper or old greeting cards are easier to use.

5. Fringing the ends of paper is a great way to start cutting. Work your way up to longer straight lines or shapes with straight lines. Curves are more difficult and will come later.

This skill, like all the others your child is developing, will get stronger with exposure and practice. If we all work together, your child will have the scissor skills needed for school success.

Book of the Month: Tap the Magic Tree

Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson is a fun, interactive read aloud, best done when read to one or two kiddos at a time.

Every book needs you to turn the pages. But not every book needs you to tap it, shake it, jiggle it or even blow it a kiss. Innovative and timeless, Tap the Magic Tree asks you to help one lonely tree change with the seasons.

If children follow the directions when reading, one tap might add blossoms to the tree, two taps will have another effect on the tree.

While adults know there is no magic involved, finding books kids love that encourage reading (over screen time) is magical!

April Shines Spotlight on Minority Health

National Minority Health Month raises awareness of the unequal burden of preventable death and sickness in minority populations.

This year’s theme is “Better Health through Better Understanding” and targets the needs of African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans and other minorities. It also promotes action through health education and early management of disease complications.

The origin of National Minority Health Month is in the 1915 establishment of National Negro Health Week by Booker T. Washington. In 2002, National Minority Health Month received support from the U.S. Congress with a concurrent resolution.

LCCAA Head Start offers a wide variety of resources to support the health and education of our many diverse families throughout the year. These include:

X Periodic screenings such as height, weight, vision and more.

X Physician referrals when needed.

X Assistance establishing a primary care physician or a dental home.

Community partners provide services to our children

right in our centers.

X Case Western Reserve University performs dental screenings and reaches out for follow ups and preventative care.

X Lorain County Public Health completes lead and hemoglobin screenings along with needed follow ups (pictured).

In a multi-cultural society such as the U.S., access to healthcare for everyone is paramount for continued progress. It is important that we care for the health of our children at an early age and educate ourselves to be strong advocates for their health and our own.

Pregnancy Support Available at All Stages

Ohio has the tenth worst infant mortality rate in the U.S. and Black mothers and their babies are three times more likely to die.

LCCAA Head Start offers Pregnancy Support Services to help combat these alarming statistics. Community Health Worker Melissa Carroll walks with women through all stages of pregnancy and the first year of their child’s life.

“There are so many things in a woman’s life – in anyone’s life – that can affect their health and directly affect a pregnancy,” Carroll said. “I try to walk with them and empower them to make their own decisions.”

In each trimester, Carroll focuses on different ways to support the mother.

Post partum care is also critical.

“Many times a woman has a baby and leaves the hospital and doesn’t see her doctor for six weeks,” she said. “There are a lot of things that happen in those six weeks.”

In addition to her training as a doula and her heart for helping mothers, Carroll has worked to create a group of mothers who can support each other.

“It just helps to have other women who are going through the same thing you are,” she said. “If they’re filled up, they can serve their children. Motherhood always changes.”

In addition to answering health care questions, Carroll can assist with basic needs such as housing, food,

and more. Services are individualized for each woman and can begin at any stage of pregnancy.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Carroll at 440-4570187 or mcarroll@lccaa.net.

Celebrate Earth Day Couscous Latest Try Day Treat

Every April 22, Earth Day is celebrated to bring awareness to environmental protection issues. Earth Day is a wonderful opportunity to teach children more about protecting planet Earth and teaching the 3Rs: recycling, reducing, and reusing. There are so many things parents and kids can do to help protect, preserve and restore our planet.

Celebrate with these fun activities:

X Neighborhood clean-up or community Earth Day events.

X Nature scavenger hunt.

X Make a bird feeder.

X Plant a tree, garden, or a seed jar.

X Make earth art with stones, leaves, tree branches, flowers, etc.

X Take a nature hike.

Visit the local library and check out early childhood books on topics like pollution, recycling and reusing, or litter.

Teaching them young and taking small steps in their daily lives, will allow them to become better stewards of the Earth.

LCCAA Head Start’s latest Try Day will features couscous.

Couscous is a form of pasta made from a dry mixture of semolina flour and water that is rolled into very tiny irregular pieces.

Couscous is a starch and is often the main portion of meals in North African cultures where meat is scarce.

It is easy to prepare by pouring the right amount of boiling water or broth over it and covering until absorbed.

It is a blank canvas that can have a variety of flavors and other ingredi-

ents added. Students will get to feel raw couscous in their classrooms and Parmesan Couscous will be served at lunch one day using the following recipe we encourage you to try at home.

Parmesan Couscous

Ingredients

2 cups chicken broth

1 tablespoon butter

1 10 ounce package plain, uncooked couscous

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Bring chicken broth and butter to a boil. Stir in couscous; cover and remove from heat. Let stand five minutes.

2. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and ground pepper. Fluff with a fork and serve immediately.

Show Appreciation without Spending

Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated during the first full week of May, which makes it May 8 to May 12 this year. While you are not obligated to participate in any way, it is a wonderful time to let your child’s teacher know how grateful you are for all he or she does. To help you out, we compiled a list of no cost ways to show your appreciation.

1. Work with your child to write a letter about what he or she likes about the teacher. Many templates are available online so you can just fill in the blanks.

2. Have your child draw a special picture of their teacher and themselves. Then have your child say what they like best about their teacher and write it down.

3. Create a video to send to your teacher through ClassTag. Let your

child talk about his or her favorite memories from this school year.

4. Send a thank you note to school with your child, or even send a fun e-card to their e-mail.

5. A heartfelt hug from the child and thank you, always brings joy and warms the heart!

Over the past couple years through COVID, teachers had to adjust, adapt, brainstorm, think and teach differently. Teaching is not an easy profession and our teachers have done an incredible job this year.

We hope you will take a moment to acknowledge them and the tremendous impact they have on your child’s early learning experience.

Moving Forward By Car

Lorain County residents are moving forward thanks to LCCAA’s By Car program.

So far in 2023, the program has helped a family fleeing the war in Ukraine and several first time car owners.

By Car matches earned income at a rate of $3 for every $1 allowing participants to spend up to $8,000. Thanks to the agency’s partnership with OhioMeansJobs Lorain County the first year of car insurance is also funded up to $2,500. Most participants previously relied on friends and family for rides to work, school and appointments.

“I just want people to know that my experience was amazingly and surprisingly enjoyable and the help you get through the process is priceless,” said April Guzman who purchased a 2014 Audi to drive to her job and her classes at Lorain County Community College.

Participants have access to a number of assessments and tools at OMJ and also must complete a financial class through LCCAA.

Kristina Fernandez is now driving her 2015 Chrysler 200 to school at Elyria High School and her job as a cashier at Apples.

“I think it’s amazing what the program does for people,” Fernandez said. “It really helped me and my family. I don’t have to worry about as many things or being late as much and it gives me so much more freedom.” Learn more about By Car at www.lccaa.net/programs.

Food Center Planned

LCCAA and partners will construct a new food security center in South Elyria this spring.

The South Side Center will be built on privately-owned vacant lots on West Avenue, near the South Elyria Public Library branch. LCCAA President and CEO Jackie Boehnlein said the center is clearly needed.

“The pandemic exposed the challenges of food and nutrition insecu-

Water Help Remains Available

LIH-WAP, the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, can provide up to $1,500 to income eligible Lorain County residents who need help paying their water bills.

Households must be living at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Level or actively receiving assistance from TANF, SNAP or SSI.

You must also have a residential account and either be in arrears or disconnected. If you are disconnected, the program can also help with reconnect fees.

Your municipality or water company must agree to participate. Payment is made directly to them.

rity in this country,” she said. “Food prices are definitely higher. The center will house a produce market and program intake offices, including utility assistance.

Jon Veard of United Properties owns the project land and design work is being done by James Yorks Architect and Associates.

The 3,900-square-foot building will face West Avenue and feature a covered front entrance with sidewalk access, a rear entrance with a portico, a windowed cupola, exterior stone skirting, and a glass-paneled service door for an open-air market as weather permits.

You can apply through energyhelp.ohio.gov or the LCCAA website.

LCCAA Head Start Menu for April 2023

WG Cinn Chex or WG Cinn

Toast Crunch, Pineapple Tidbits

Egg Omelet

Maple Sweet Potatoes

Croissant

Baked Cinnamon Apples

WG Mini Wheats Watermelon

Teriyaki Beef Dippers, Teriyaki or Sweet Sour Dip, Parmesan Coucous, Peas, Pineapple Tidbits

Turkey Stick WG Crackers Spring Break No

Celery w/Ranch, Cheese Stick

Purple Daze Smoothie

WG Bunny Grahams

BBQ Glazed Chicken Drumstick

Cheese Cubes, Carrots & Green Beans, WG Cornbread, Tropical Fruit

WG Flatbread Round WOWBUTTER® and Jelly

WG Banana Muffin

Diced Peaches

Homemade WG Mac-n-Cheese

Steamed Broccoli

Mango Chunks

Local Apple, WG Pretzels

WG Cheerios

Pineapple Tidbits

WG Cavatappi Mac n Cheese

Broccoli

Mixed Fruit Salad

Mango Peach Applesauce

WG Cheez Its

WG Cinn Chex or WG

Cinn Toast Crunch, Pineapple Tidbits

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

Turkey Stick WG Crackers

WG Banana Bread Apple Slices

Build a Tortilla: WG Tortilla, Seasoned Chicken, Cheese, Lettuce, Salsa, Clementine

WG Graham Crackers, Sun Splash Veggie Juice

WG Blueberry Waffle Apple Slices

Build Your Own Nachos: WG Tortilla Chips, Seasoned Beef, Black Beans, Salsa, Cheese, Mango

Danimals® Yogurt Fresh Orange

WG Blueberry Waffle Apricots

Meatball Sub, Carrots w/ Ranch Dip, Diced Pears

Danimals® Yogurt, Clementine

Purple Daze Smoothie WG Bunny Grahams

BBQ Chicken Sandwich Cole Slaw Mandarin Oranges

WG Flatbread Round WOWBUTTER® and Jelly

WG Mini Bagel w/Strawberry Cream Cheese, Applesauce

Bosco® with Marinara, Tossed Salad w/Toppings: Cheese, Croutons, French or Ranch

Dressing, Tropical Fruit

Diced Pear WG Educational Crackers

WG Banana Muffin Diced Peaches

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

Yogurt, Strawberry and Granola Parfait

Homemade Sloppy Joe, Maple Cinnamon Carrots, Diced Pears

WG Tortilla Chips, Salsa Cup

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.

HSAC Needs You

Head Start and Early Head Start programs are required to establish and maintain a Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) to support children’s healthy development.

LCCAA’s committee includes Head Start staff and local health providers from a wide variety of agencies. We are looking for parent representatives who would be interested in serving on the committee and providing input into health program planning.

This is a limited time commitment with meetings generally four times per year.

Interested parents may reach out to Rebecca Rodriguez, Health & Nutrition Specialist, via email at rrodriguez@lccaa.net.

Meal Food Components Ages 1-2

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

Peanut Butter, Nut/Seed Butters Nut and/or Seeds

Cooked/Dry Beans/Peas Vegetables and Fruits (1 each)

Fluid Milk

Cooked/Dry Beans/Peas

Peanut Butter, Nut/Seed Butters

Nut and/or Seeds

Yogurt

1/8 cup 1 T 1/2 oz. 1/4 cup

cup 1/2 cup 1/2 cup 1/2 oz.

1/8 cup 1 T 1/2 oz. 1/4 cup

Breads/Grains, Pasta 1/2 serving, 1/4 cup 1/2 serving, 1/4 cup

Upcoming Events at LCCAA Head Start

LCCAA Head Start @ Firelands

April 3-7: Week of the Young Child

April 3: Dance Party with Miss Izzy, 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.*

April 6: Parent Meeting, 10:30 a.m.*

April 7-14: Spring Break

April 17: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.*

April 19: Scavenger Hunt, 6:30 p.m.*

April 28: Records Day, No School

LCCAA Head Start @ Griswold

April 3-7: Week of the Young Child

April 3: Dance Party with Miss Izzy, 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.*

April 7-14: Spring Break

April 17: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.*

April 18: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.*

April 19: Scavenger Hunt, 6:30 p.m.*

April 25: Case Western Dental Screenings

April 28: Records Day, No School

LCCAA Head Start @ Hopkins-Locke

April 3-7: Week of the Young Child

April 3: Dance Party with Miss Izzy, 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.*

April 7-14: Spring Break

April 17: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.*

April 18: Parent Meeting, 11 a.m.*

April 19: Scavenger Hunt, 6:30 p.m.*

April 25: Case Western Dental Screenings

April 28: Records Day, No School

LCCAA Head Start @ LaGrange

April 3-7: Week of the Young Child

April 3: Dance Party with Miss Izzy, 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.*

April 7-14: Spring Break

April 17: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.*

April 18: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.*

April 19: Scavenger Hunt, 6:30 p.m.*

April 25: Case Western Dental Screenings

April 28: Records Day, No School

LCCAA Head Start @ Wellington

April 3-7: Week of the Young Child

April 3: Dance Party with Miss Izzy, 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.*

April 3-7: Spring Break

April 17: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.*

April 18: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.*

April 19: Scavenger Hunt, 6:30 p.m.*

April 28: Records Day, No School

Early Head Start

April 2: Socialization, 10:30 a.m*

April 3-7: Week of the Young Child

April 3: Dance Party with Miss Izzy, 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.*

April 7-14: Spring Break

April 17: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.*

April 19: Scavenger Hunt, 6:30 p.m.*

April 28: Records Day, No School

Home Based Head Start

April 3-7: Week of the Young Child

April 3: Dance Party with Miss Izzy, 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.*

April 7-14: Spring Break

April 17: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.*

April 19: Scavenger Hunt, 6:30 p.m.*

April 28: Records Day, No School Join

*Indicates a virtual event.