December Head Start Family News

Head Start Family News News from Lorain County Community Action Agency Head Start • Dec. 2021 Director’s Corner

Holiday Activities Build Skills, Memories Season’s Greetings Head Start Parents!

It is my hope that everyone has the best winter break and holiday season ever!

It is hard to believe that December is here and 2022 is upon us. I am looking for great things to happen in 2022. This past year and a half has been so very hard for everyone.

As we began the school year with in person services, I was very hopeful that soon we would be celebrating “post” COVID. Well, we are not quite there just yet, but it’s coming!

cookies. This is the type of activity that covers all of I am so GRATEFUL for you, our Head Start parents the learning domains like math, science, language, art, ,and how patient you have been during this pandemic. physical, and just plain fun!

I can assure you that we will continue to work toward This is such a great time of year to make lasting providing our comprehensive services safely. memories with your friends and families. LCCAA That being said, get the family outside and make those wishes all of our families the very best holiday season snow angels, and build that snowman. This is great and a Happy New Year. We will see you in January! physical and mental health activity for the whole family.

Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. Do you like to bake? It’s cookie time! Get out the Head Start Director mixing bowls, measuring spoons, flour, and make those

Five Star Ratings Renewed Across Program Ohio created its five-star rating system to recognize and promote early learning and development programs that meet quality standards over and above the minimum health and safely licensing requirements.

Since implementing the program, LCCAA Head Start has consistently maintained the highest ratings, said Director Shauna Matelski, Ed.D.

employing teachers with more specialized training as well as enhanced parent, family and community engagement, among Three centers recently renewed other criteria. their five-star ratings: Cascade in Step Up To Quality is administered All of LCCAA’s directly operated September, Firelands in October by the Ohio Department of centers have earned the highest and Griswold in November. Higher Education and the Ohio Department rating in the program: five stars. ratings are given to programs of Job and Family Services.

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

When Should Your Child Write His Name?

When should my child be able to write his or her name?

The easy answer to this question is that there is no set timeframe.

Every child develops skills in a different order, which is why you may have one child who walks at 10 months old and another long after a year. Before name writing can happen, your child needs to develop both small motor skills and letter recognition skills. Fortunately, your child is practicing these skills in his/ her Head Start classroom every day.

Did you know that every center in a Head Start classroom contains paper or notecards and writing utensils?

We do this to encourage writing things such as a menu or receipt in the dramatic play center, blueprints in the block center, or a prediction in the science center. Classrooms also establish some form of signing in, from daily attendance sign-ins to signing up to use a popular tool, such as the computer.

We encourage you to try the same things at home. Provide the materials needed for daily writing, and keep them in a special place for your child. Add books, magazines or greeting cards that may prompt your child to begin to copy words or small phrases. Give your child a

pad of paper to help you create a grocery list, or to create a “reverse list” as you put things into your cart at the store.

attempts. As you can see from the chart provided by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), they are the beginning of what will Most importantly, accept the eventually become your child’s beginning scribbles as true writing name.

Book of the Month: Dragons Love Tacos When children develop a love of books in early childhood, it will encourage them to read and improve their reading and comprehension skills.

Those are very important skills that they will use for the rest of their education. If you have a child you would like to encourage to read more, choose books on topics they are interested in.

Many children like stories with a good vs. bad guy, ie: pigs vs. big bad wolf! Dragons Love Tacos written by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri features a dragon that some may find scary, but he is lovable in this book. If they enjoy it, there’s a sequel too!

When buying gifts for your child, don’t forget to add some exciting books.

LCCAA Head Start Offices Moving in 2022 LCCAA will expand its presence in downtown Lorain by moving some offices to the former Chase Bank building at 1949 Broadway Ave. next spring.

three Head Start classrooms and the LCCAA Energy Services Department.

Interior and exterior work is underway, including the demolition of a nearby building to make way for parking. The goal is for staff to move in March with classrooms available next fall.

Head Start Director Shauna Matelski, Assistant Director Stefanie Drew and other management and support staff will relocate to the second floor of the building now owned by Previously, the agency planned to Jon Veard. use the Dye’s Appliance building The building, now known as at 960 Broadway Ave. That Central Plaza, will also hold building will now be demolished.

Biting Signals Need for Communication Skills

instinct is to help rather than to punish. Now you can think about telling your child what to do, instead of what not to do.

Let’s take a look at a common scenario: Your child wants a toy that a sibling or friend is using.

He first tries to grab it, but soon resorts to hitting or biting to get what he wants.

Your first instinct may be to yell or use some other form of punishment, but first take a deep breath and calm yourself. Then, teach your child what he can do in this type of situation. It might sound like this:

While behaviors such as biting and hitting are not “You wanted that toy, but your brother was still using desirable, they are actually developmentally appropriate. it. You may NOT hit or bite him. Next time, walk over That statement may be hard to wrap your head around, and ask, ‘Can I play with that?’ Would you like to try but these behaviors are natural and common responses that now?” to a young child’s strong emotions. Young children Then lead him through those steps. With patience and do not have the skills yet to express emotions such as repetition, you will see your child begin to use the new sadness, frustration, or anger, so often the response is to skill instead of resorting to the emotional response. bite, yell or hit.

Tips like this come from Conscious Discipline, our But what is an exasperated parent to do? These behaviors Head Start social-emotional curriculum. We know are unwanted and not welcome in homes or schools. that by forming connections and looking for teachable If we can change our response from punishment to moments, we will give our students needed skills. teaching, we will be more successful in eliminating the If you want to learn more about Conscious Discipline, behavior and teaching the self-regulation skills children come to a parent meeting, where a new topic is discussed will need for success in both school and life. monthly. You can also ask your child’s teacher or site To do so, first recognize the behavior as a form of supervisor for advice or guidance. We are your partners communication. Ask yourself what your child may be in education and are here to help with these frustrating, trying to tell you. When you look at it that way, your yet common, issues.

Rituals Used to Develop Friendships Friendships and social play skills are key competencies for our preschoolers to develop. They help form the foundation for long term success in school and in the community.

Head Start uses Conscious Discipline, a social-emotional learning program designed by Dr. Becky Bailey. The program offers relationship building activities that promote skills like taking turns, sharing, being kind to one another, and helping one another. We talk time and after transitions. Teachers and individual students benefit about our “school family.” from scheduling regular one-onConscious Discipline also helps one I Love You Rituals when us teach the children to have selfthere is a call for help from a child control and to self-regulate. during difficult behaviors such as It gives them ways to respond to aggression, tantrums or withdrawal. each other when we are emotional “I Love You Rituals are helpful for and it helps figure out the triggers all children, but are particularly that cause us to become emotional. essential to fostering healthy For example, “I Love You” Rituals connections and development,” are structured connecting activities said Firelands Head Start teacher that include eye contact, touch, Jennifer Ketchum. “They are presence and playfulness. critical to engaging children with Classrooms benefit from I Love challenging behaviors, as well as You Rituals in routines like the those who are at-risk, or experience Brain Smart Start, during circle special needs.”

Greeting rituals also encourage friendships.

Our preschoolers have the opportunity to be the greeter each morning and they ask their friends how they want to be greeted in the morning by giving them several options as they are welcomed in the classroom.

“Greetings provide a way to connect with every family that enters the classroom,” Dr. Bailey says. “All parents/guardians want to know their children are going to be safe and valued, and have a fun day of learning while at school.”

Ultimate Gift Ideas to Foster Open-Ended Play The best way to describe openended toys are those that can be used 100+ different ways and in infinite possibilities. Open-ended toys don’t light up, play cute songs and are not used for singular type of use.

X Wooden Doll House with furniture and people X Toy cars & track to build X Play-doh X Art Materials (paper, crayons, glue, scissors, etc.)

X Dress Up & Role Play Items (costumes, tea set, doctor kit, pretend school or restaurant) X Animal Figurines X Play Fort Kits / Playhouses X Musical Instruments

Children don’t tire of open-ended toys. They spark brain-boosting skills that will serve them well in Great Open-Ended Gift Ideas: school and life. Children are using X Wooden Blocks, Duplo, Legos, their imagination, creativity, vision Magna Tiles, Gears and patience. Let’s not forget their X Baby Dolls & Accessories trial and error and problem solving Let’s not forget a great book is also (stroller, bottle, etc.) skills. a wonderful gift idea!

Parent Spotlight: Policy Council Officers LCCAA Head Start’s 2021-2022 Parent Policy Council has elected officers for the school year.

Stephanee Kochco is serving as the Council’s vice president. Melanie Wiseman is Assistant Secretary.

Stephanee is the first Policy Council representative from Firelands Head Start where her daughter started in September. She has experience cofounding and running a local nonprofit.

Melanie represents LaGrange Head Start where her son is a student. She volunteered because she remembers her mother working hard to support her activities growing up.

activity,” Stephanee said. “We love that she is making friends in a safe and wlecoming environment while preparing to start kindergarten.”

Parents are elected by their centers to serve on Policy Council. Policy Council members review budgets, “I want to bring new ideas to the human resources needs and table to make both my children and curriculum. others’ experience the best it can be,” she said.

They also have an opportunity to Both mothers said they appreciate share any successes or concerns the Head Start program for its safe from the center they represent. and inclusive environment as well Policy Council members also have as the caring and patient teachers. an opportunity to attend trainings “Our only child has spent half her and conferences locally, statewide life in a pandemic with little social and nationally.

Dress Your Child for Daily Outdoor Play LCCAA Head Start classes play outside every day, even in the winter time.

Fresh air and outdoor play are vital parts of child development. Please check the weather forecast and make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the temperature and the wind chill.

This includes a warm coat, hat, scarf and gloves. As always, we recommend closed-toe shoes children can run in.

Head Start staff monitor the temperature and children are outside only briefly on the coldest of days. If your chlld needs cold weather clothing, please contact your family service worker for assistance.

Recognizing the Role of Fathers at Home, School

A child raised in a father absent home will be affected in many ways. LCCAA Head Start has recognized this trend and put in place initiatives.

We work each year to develop a plan to support fathers.

This includes: X Father-focused activities X Dad talks X Fathering in 15

Fathering in 15™ is a free, online, mobile-accessible LCCAA Head Start recognizes both the unique program for fathers and father figures, that offers challenges fathers face and their critical contribution to opportunities to engage in conversations and activities to enhance key life skills and establish healthy behaviors the health of their families.

Approximately 18.3 million children in America live in that can improve relationships in their lives. Fathering in 15™ offers 15 topics related to being a father. homes without their biological fathers.

Disconnect Notice?

Make an Appointment

LCCAA’s 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 and only for these emergency situations. Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, all appointments will be conducted over the phone.

LCCAA is Hiring!

LCCAA wants you to come make a difference with us!

The agency is hiring for a variety of positions including Head Start classroom teachers and aides, food service workers and energy services advocates.

Full and part time positions are available as well as full and part year positions. Visit www.lccaa. net to apply.

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, 2022.

If you are already disconnected, you can also receive help through the program along with the state’s Winter Reconnect Order which limits how much the utility can charge you to restore your service.

Rent Help Available

You do not need an appointment to apply for the annual HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) benefit or to reverify your income for PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan).

Apply for these programs online at energyhelp.ohio.

Help is available for renters and homeowners in Lorain gov. Allow at least 8 weeks.

County to avoid eviction and foreclosure.

For more details on all these programs, please visit Rent assistance is available and can be paid as far back www.lccaa.net/programs/energyservices as March 2020. Residents must live at or below 80% of Some regulated utility companies also offer Fuel the Area Median Income ($60,800 for a family of four).

Fund programs. Those usually begin in January.

Watch our Facebook page, ClassTag and website for LCCAA will also be working directly with eviction courts to serve high risk populations. announcements.

In 2022, LCCAA will add partnerships with Lorain County Urban League and El Cento des Services Sociales to better serve vulnerable communities.

Using the latest round of funding, LCCAA will create an updated application that records eviction case numbers. Any application with a pending eviction will be given priority processing and a dedicated contact for magistrates.

Applications must be made online at www.lccaa.net.

No phone calls are being accepted.

LCCAA Head Start Menu for December 2021 Monday B

WG Rice Chex Pineapple Tidbits

L

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

S

Turkey Stick WG Saltines

Wednesday

Tuesday 13

WG Blueberry Snack ‘n Waffle, Apple Slices

14

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

Purple Daze Smoothie, WG Bunny Grahams

Thursday 15

Friday

WG Cinn Toast Crunch, Diced Peaches

16

17

Yogurt, Berry & Granola Parfait

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

WG Flatbread Round, WOWButter & Jelly

Local Apple WG Pretzel Bag

Banana, WG Goldfish Crackers

B

Winter Break Begins Dec. 20.

EHS Returns Dec. 27. Head Start Returns Jan. 3.

L S

28

B

WG Rice Chex Pineapple Tidbits

27

WG Blueberry Snack ‘n Waffle, Apple Slices

L

Egg Omelet, Maple Sweet Potatoes, Croissant, Baked Cinnamon Apples

Meatbull Sub, Assorted Veggies a/Ranch Dip, Diced Pears

BBQ Chicken Drumstick, Carrots & Green Beans, WG Cornbread, Tropical Fruit

WC Mac-n-Cheese, Steamed Broccoli, Sweet Mango Chunks

S

Turkey Stick WG Saltines

Danimal Yogurt Fresh Orange

WG Flatbread Round, WOWButter & Jelly

Local Apple WG Pretzel Bag

Purple Daze Smoothie WG Bunny Grahams

29

WG Cinn Toast Crunch Diced Peaches

30

31 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.

Dental Reminders Given Although we are not doing group tooth brushing due to COVID, the teachers promote dental health daily.

Sometimes the teachers will bring out the large teeth and talk about them and demonstrate tooth brushing. Dental health is also discussed at meal times.

The teachers review the importance of brushing and flossing along with what foods are good for your teeth.

The teachers also use books, they are placed strategically so they will be chosen for read-alouds.

Meal Breakfast (Portions & Servings)

Food Components Fluid Milk Fruit or Vegetable Breads, Cold Cereal, Granola Fluid Milk

Lunch (Portions & Servings)

Meat or Cheese Cooked/Dry Beans/Peas

Ages 3-5

1/2 cup

3/4 cup

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

1 oz.

1 1/2 oz.

1/4 cup

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

Meat or Cheese

1/2 oz.

1/2 oz.

Cooked/Dry Beans/Peas

1/8 cup

1/8 cup

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

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

Ages 1-2

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

Remember you can find great learning resources, classroom news and ask questions on ClassTag!

Upcoming Events at LCCAA Head Start Cascade Head Start *Dec. 6-10: Virtual Week Dec. 6: Conferences *Dec. 13: Virtual Trip to Cleveland Zoo, 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 13: 5-Day and EHS Closed for Conferences Dec. 17: Winterfest (see ClassTag for details) Dec. 20-Jan. 6: Winter Break

Wellington Head Start *Dec. 6-10: Virtual Week Dec. 6: Conferences *Dec. 13: Virtual Trip to Cleveland Zoo, 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 13: 5-Day and EHS Closed for Conferences Dec. 17: Winterfest (see ClassTag for details) Dec. 20-Jan. 6: Winter Break

Firelands Head Start Dec. 2: Picture Day Dec. 6: Conferences *Dec. 13: Virtual Trip to Cleveland Zoo, 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 13: 5-Day and EHS Closed for Conferences Dec. 17: Winterfest (see ClassTag for details) Dec. 20-Jan. 6: Winter Break

Early Head Start *Dec. 3: Socialization, 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 6: Conferences *Dec. 13: Virtual Trip to Cleveland Zoo, 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 13: 5-Day and EHS Closed for Conferences *Dec. 17: Socialization, 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 17: Winterfest (see ClassTag for details) Dec. 20-Dec. 24: Winter Break

Griswold Head Start Dec. 3: Picture Money Due *Dec. 6-10: Virtual Week Dec. 6: Conferences *Dec. 8: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m. *Dec. 13: Virtual Trip to Cleveland Zoo, 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 13: 5-Day and EHS Closed for Conferences Dec. 17: Winterfest (see ClassTag for details) Dec. 20-Jan. 6: Winter Break Hopkins-Locke Head Start *Dec. 6-10: Virtual Week Dec. 6: Conferences *Dec. 13: Virtual Trip to Cleveland Zoo, 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 13: 5-Day and EHS Closed for Conferences *Dec. 15: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.

Dec. 17: Winterfest (see ClassTag for details) Dec. 20-Jan. 6: Winter Break Head Start LaGrange Head Start *Dec. 6-10: Virtual Week Dec. 6: Conferences *Dec. 13: Virtual Trip to Cleveland Zoo, 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 13: 5-Day and EHS Closed for Conferences Dec. 17: Winterfest (see ClassTag for details) Dec. 20-Jan. 6: Winter Break

*Indicates a virtual event.

Home-Based Head Start Dec. 6: Conferences *Dec. 10: Socialization, 10:30 a.m. *Dec. 13: Virtual Trip to Cleveland Zoo, 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 13: 5-Day and EHS Closed for Conferences *Dec. 17: Socialization, 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 17: Winterfest (see ClassTag for details) Dec. 20-Jan. 6: Winter Break

Winterfest is Coming!

This is the time of year that classrooms are wrapping up for the holiday season and our winter break. Each classroom plans to have activities, music and dancing as we celebrate the end of the year.

Watch Class Tag for an invite to see what your classroom is doing. In addition to celebrating in the classroom, each child will receive an InstaSnow Kit along with the book The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats.