Head Start Family Newsletter Dec. 2022

Director’s Corner

Take Time to Make Holiday Memories

Hello Head Start Families!

Tis the Season! We are soooooo busy here at Head Start! We have many fun activities and learning experiences planned this month for our children and families. Please make sure you stay in touch through ClassTag and Ready Rosie as these are great venues for communication and engagement.

The last day of school before winter break is Friday, December 16, 2022.

It is my hope that you are preparing to have some much needed “you” time and time with your family over this holiday season. Take care of yourselves as you gather together, understanding COVID and other flu bugs are still going around. Here are some great activities to do over the holidays with your child, and as a family: Bake Cookies – allow your child to use different sized measuring utensils and cups.

Ginger Bread Houses – use graham

crackers, frosting and edible decorations. Encourage your child to describe their house. Help them to use descriptive words and introduce new language.

Read a Favorite Book – let your child use the illustrations in the book to tell the story as well. Point out interesting and creative words.

Craft Time – reach out to your child’s teacher as there are so many neat craft ideas for children.

Outdoors – it is healthy for children to get outside in all types of weather!

It is our hope that you have a warm, wonderful Holiday Season and, as always, we thank you for choosing Head Start!

Matelski, Ed.D. Head Start Director

Shauna

Head Start Works to Respect All Traditions

Celebrating holidays in schools is familiar to many parents. They may have their own fond memories of decorations, crafts, songs and classroom parties that they want their own children to experience.

At LCCAA Head Start, we must remember our school families can be very diverse, with different beliefs and traditions. Even families who do celebrate the same holidays can do so in very different ways. This poses a challenge to our teachers who work to ensure that all children are respected and represented.

To keep from alienating families or children, teachers must think of holidays as a time to learn and share, rather than participate. Teachers can have children share stories and photos, and families can participate in recipe exchanges. Dramatic play centers can be stocked with food boxes and spice tins that are used by families. Different types of music can be played during class. In these ways, children can share with their teachers and friends the things that are meaningful to their families.

Teachers can also create unique celebrations during

traditional holiday seasons. For instance, the Head Start classrooms will all be celebrating Winterfest before the children leave for winter break. Some may have a pajama or other type of dress-up day, others may put on a mini concert or create crafts.

While these celebrations will vary in content, they will all have one thing in common: all children will have meaningful roles that leave them feeling both represented and respected.

Winterfest Celebrations to be Shared by Video

Winterfest Celebrations will be held on December 16 at all LCCAA Head Start sites.

Due to COVID, we are still not allowing parents in the buildings so teachers will post videos for the families.

Firelands students will be making birdfeeders and snowflakes. A video will be posted on ClassTag.

Griswold students will have a pajama day and perform a few songs in front of a winter scene in the gym. The performance will be recorded and posted for families. Hopkins-Locke students will also have a pajama day. Some classrooms plan live viewing events on ClassTag; others will post videos. LaGrange and Wellington will also have pajama day and will post

videos. LaGrange will release early at 2:30 p.m. All others release at 3 p.m.

Early Head Start and Head Start students in the Home Based program will have a joint socialization. Registered Dietician Marge Robison from Pisanick Partners will be the speaker and lead a demonstration of a three ingredient sugar cookie.

Book of the Month: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed the ABCs

There are so many ABC books at the library, which all help with letter identification and beginning sounds of objects. We love There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed the ABCs by Lucille Colandro.

The Old Lady Who Swallowed series is loved by children and there is a book for every season and holiday! If you have a child you would like to encourage to read more, choose fun books in topics they are interested in. When buying gifts for your child, don’t forget to add some exciting books.

Choose Gifts that Foster Imagination

At the top of Toy Insider’s 2022 picks for preschoolers list, you will see toys that encourage imaginative roles and pretend play. Additional ideas include exploration with music, arts, crafts and toys that foster active play to get kids outdoors and exercising.

You can’t go wrong with any of the toys that develop these skills. It is encouraged for parents to stay away from the flashy electronic toys that run on batteries and can only be used one way. Instead find toys that are open-ended, children’s books or non-toy gift experiences to create those life-long memories.

What are open ended toys?

Open-ended toys are those that have multiple uses and infinite possibilities.

Children never grow tired of playing with open-ended toys and they build brain-boosting skills that will serve them well in school and throughout life. When exploring with open-ended materials, you never get the same result twice, therefore children are using their imagination, creativity, vision and patience. Don’t forget their trial and error and problem solving skills.

Tips for Managing Stress during the Holidays

The holidays are a time of celebration, filled with family gatherings, gift giving and good cheer, but for many people, they also are a time of stress and seemingly never-ending to-do lists.

According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 38 percent of people said their stress level increases during the holidays.

To help ward off the stress of the season, here are some tips for how to slow down and focus on being present, not perfect.

1. Avoid comparing yourself to others. Instead, measure yourself against your own progress.

2. Emphasize presence over presents. Don’t underestimate the importance of forming simple,

yet meaningful connections.

3. Recognize your mental health needs, especially if you are grieving.

4. Ask for help.

5. Practice self compassion. We are often our own worst critics. This holiday season, make sure to embrace self-compassion.

Out of the Box Cooking Series A Hit

In addition to preparing more than 7,000 meals each month, Head Start Nutrition Staff work to introduce new foods to students and their families.

The Out of the Box Recipe Series on soup and salad was well-attended and well-received.

Recipe demonstrations and tips were shared with families via Zoom and pre-recorded videos. Each registered family then received a box of ingredients and tools to recreate the recipe at home. The Zoom meeting gave families a chance to ask Regis-

Autumn Pear Salad

X Prep Time: 15 minutes

X Ready In: 15 minutes

X Yield: 5 servings

This flavorful Pear Salad will easily become a favorite fall recipe! It’s layered with tender spring greens, sweet juicy pears, crunchy walnuts, salty rich parmesan and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. A highlight of any meal!

INGREDIENTS- Balsamic Viniagrette

X 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

X 2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

X 1 tablespoon honey

X 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

X 1 1/2 tablespoons finely diced shallot

X Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. To a blender add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, diced shallot and season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Blend mixture until well emulsified, about 20 seconds. You can also add ingredients to a jar and shake vigorously. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to serve.

3. In a medium skillet, melt butter along with brown sugar over

tered Dietician Marge Robison questions about substitutions or tips for picky eaters.

Robison’s advice included pairing new foods with preferred foods and continuing to “present, present, present.”

The fall series featured a Classic Minestrone Soup and an Autumn Pear Salad (recipe below). A two-part series on healthy snacks is planned for next spring.

Recipes and links to the videos have been shared on ClassTag and are also available on www.lccaa.net.

INGREDIENTS-Salad

X 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

X 1 tablespoon salted butter

X 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar

X 7 ounces spring salad & spinach blend

X 2 ounces parmesan cheese, shaved

X 2 pears, sliced thin (Bartlett or Anjou are great)

X 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries

medium heat. Once mixture has melted, add walnuts and cook, stirring constantly until carmelized, about 2 minutes. Transfer to plate in a single layer to cool.

4. Layer lettuce and pears in a large bowl and toss with dressing then top with parmesan, dried cranberries and candied walnuts and serve (alternately just layer all the salad ingredients then drizzle with dressing).

Note: Top this salad with dressing just before serving as it will wilt the lettuce after a while.

Be on the Lookout for RSV This Winter

You may have heard a lot about RSV in the news and among your friends as winter begins to set in.There are steps you can take to help prevent the spread.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. If you have cold-like symptoms you should:

X Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands.

X Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

X Avoid close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils, with others.

X Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices.

Ideally, people with cold-like symptoms should not interact with children at high risk for severe RSV disease. Higher risk children include premature infants, children younger than two who have chronic lung or heart conditions, children with weakened immune systems, or children with neuromuscular disorders.

If it’s not possible for a symptomatic person to avoid at risk children, they should carefully follow the prevention steps mentioned above and wash their hands before interacting with such children. They should also refrain from kissing high-risk children while they have coldlike symptoms.

Parents of children at high risk for developing severe RSV disease should help their child, when possible, do the following:

X Avoid close contact with sick people.

X Wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

X Avoid touching their face with unwashed hands.

X Limit the time they spend in childcare centers or other potentially contagious settings during periods of high RSV activity. This may help prevent infection and spread of the virus during the RSV season.

Researchers are working to develop RSV vaccines, but none are available yet. A drug called palivizumab (pah-lih-VIH-zu-mahb) is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and children who are at high risk for severe disease.

The drug can help prevent serious RSV disease, but it cannot help cure or treat children already suffering from serious RSV disease, and it cannot prevent infection with RSV. If your child is at high risk for severe RSV disease, talk to your healthcare provider to see if palivizumab can be used as a preventive measure

Doctors Recommend Flu Shots at 6 Months

Doctors recommend that your child get a flu vaccine starting when he or she is six months old.

Some children six months through eight years may need two doses for best protection, especially if it is the child’s first time being vaccinated for the flu.

The CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine by the end of October, before flu begins spreading in the community. However, you and your child can receive the shot anytime during flu season.

A nasal spray vaccine is available for some people ages 2 through 49. Your child’s doctor will know which

vaccines are right for your child.

The CDC also recommends pregnant women get a yearly seasonal flu shot. You can be vaccinated during any time in your pregnancy. The vaccination can also help protect your baby from the flu after birth.

Talk to your doctor about flu shots for your family. Or try these resources: www.cdc.gov or www.loraincountyhealth.com.

Children’s Champion Retires from Board

Nancy Sabath’s exemplary career focused on improving the lives of young children. Sabath retired from the LCCAA Board of Directors earlier this fall after 10 years of service, including chairing the Head Start Committee. She knew the program well. “Having board members who push in, stand up, speak out, fall graciously into supporting roles and celebrate the contributions of their peers is a gift,” said President and CEO Jackie Boehnlein. “Nancy was all of that while making it look effortless.”

Sabath’s career included several years working in LCCAA’s Head

Start program in the 1990s. She served as the Early Childhood Services Coordinator from 1994 to 1997. She was Executive Director of the Oberlin Early Childhood Center from 1998 to 2006. From 2007 to approximately 2019, she was a preschool licensing coordinator with the Ohio Department of Education. She was appointed to the LCCAA board in October 2012.

Sabath earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Kent State University and a master’s degree in preschool administration and curriculum from Cleveland State University.

“Words cannot express my appreciation for all Nancy has done for

us,” said Head Start Director Shauna Matelski. “She has been a champion for young children and an advocate for the Head Start program for over three decades.”

Boehnlein praised Sabath’s deep commitment to young children, calling her service “exemplary.”

“She probably doesn’t hear it often enough, but Nancy is a very special person,” Boehnlein added.

“Thank you Nancy, for your steadfast leadership,” Matelski said. “You will be sorely missed.”

Winter Crisis Help Available through March

LCCAA’s Winter Crisis Program began November 1 and all appointments will be conducted over the phone.

Winter Crisis applicants must be living at or below 175% of the federal poverty line. Crisis appointments can be scheduled at lccaa.secure.force.com/appointments for the following reasons:

X Heat has been disconnected;

X A disconnection notice has been received;

X You need to establish new service;

X You need to pay to transfer service;

X Bulk fuel users have less than a 10-day supply of wood, coal, pellets, propane or oil;

X Defaulted on PIPP payments.

These emergency situations qualify for an appointment with LCCAA staff, which will be conducted over the phone.

Those with a pending disconnection notice must provide an account number during appointment scheduling to place a hold on the disconnection.

The appointment must be at least 48 hours before the scheduled disconnection.

Maximum benefits for Winter Crisis are:

X $175 for regulated gas and electric utilities

X $750 for unregulated gas and electric utilities

X $900 for bulk fuel, propane, heating oil or kerosene

X $550 for coal or wood

The program can also fund up to $500 in heating unit repairs or replacements.

For complete details and to schedule your appointment, please visit our website. Winter Crisis will operate through March 31, 2023.

LCCAA Head Start Menu for December 2022

WG Banana Bread, Apple Slices

WG Mini Wheats Honeydew

No School

Build Your Own Tortilla: WG Tortilla, Seasoned Chicken, Cheese, Lettuce, Salsa; Clementine

WG Graham Crackers Sun Splash Veggie Juice

WG Blueberry Waffle Apple Slices

Teriyaki Beef Dippers, Sweet/Sour Dip, WG Fried Rice, Peas, PineappleTidbits Bell Peppers with Ranch Cheese Stick

Purple Daze Smoothie WG Bunny Grahams

WG Mini Bagel w/ Strawberry Cream Cheese, Applesauce Bosco® with Marinara, Tossed Salad with Toppings: Cheese, Croutons, French or Ranch Dressing, Tropical Fruit Diced Pear WG Educational Crackers

WG Banana Muffin Diced Peaches

Yogurt, Strawberry & Granola Parfait

Orange Chicken, Brown Rice, Stir Fry Veggies, Watermelon

WG Tortilla Chips, Salsa

Yogurt, Blueberry and Granola Parfait

No School

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

Danimals® Yogurt, Fresh Orange

BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Cole Slaw Mandarin Oranges

WG Flatbread Round WOWBUTTER® and Jelly

No School

No School

WG Blueberry Waffle Apple Slices

No School

Chili w/Cheese WG Cornbread Diced Pears

Danimals® Yogurt, Mandarin Oranges

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

Apple Slices, WG Pretzels

Turkey w/Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, WG Dinner Roll, Cantaloupe

Banana, WG Goldfish Crackers

No School No School

Purple Daze Smoothie, WG Bunny Grahams

Chicken Nuggets, Ketchup, California Veggies Pineapples

No School

WG Banana Muffin Diced Peaches

Homemade WG Mac-n-Cheese Steamed Broccoli Mango Chunks

Yogurt, Blueberry and Granola Parfait

Apple Slices WG Pretzels

BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Prince Charles Veggies Fresh Fruit Salad Banana WG Goldfish Crackers

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.

Whole grains are healthy grains. You can find whole grain versions of all popular grain-based snacks:

whole wheat bread

whole grain tortillas or chips

whole grain crackers

whole grain dry cereals

whole grain pitas and bagels

Choose air-popped popcorn or rice cakes as a crunchy, health grain-based snack.

WG Flatbread Round, WOWBUTTER® and Jelly Meal

Breakfast (Portions & Servings)

Lunch (Portions & Servings)

Food Components

Fluid Milk

Fruit or Vegetable Breads, Cold Cereal, Granola

Fluid Milk Meat or Cheese Cooked/Dry Beans/Peas

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

Vegetables and Fruits (1 each)

Breads/Grains, Pasta

Fluid Milk

Vegetable

Snack (Portions & Servings)

Must Select Two Different Protein Components

Fruit Meat or Cheese

Cooked/Dry Beans/Peas

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

Ages 1-2

1/2 cup 1/4 cup 1/2 serving, 1/2 cup, 1/8 cup 1/2 cup 1 oz. 1/4 cup 1/8 cup each

2 T 1/2 oz. 1/2 cup 1/2 serving, 1/4 cup

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

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

Ages 3-5

3/4 cup 1/2 cup 1/2 serving, 1/2 cup, 1/8 cup 3/4 cup 1 1/2 oz. 3/8 cup 1/4 cup each

3 T 3/4 oz. 3/4 cup 1/2 serving, 1/4 cup

1/2 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

Dec. 5: Conference Day, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 5: Prehistory Life Activity with the Natural History Museum, 2 p.m.* Dec. 7: Dad Talk Series, Finances, 2 p.m.* Dec. 12: Conference Day Dec. 16: Winterfest

Dec. 16: Early Dismissal, 3 p.m. Dec. 19 to Jan. 2: Winter Break Jan. 5: Children Return Jan. 12: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.*

LCCAA Head Start @ Griswold

Dec. 5: Conference Day, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 5: Prehistory Life Activity with the Natural History Museum, 2 p.m.* Dec. 7: Dad Talk Series, Finances, 2 p.m.* Dec. 9: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.* Dec. 12: Conference Day Dec. 16: Winterfest Dec. 16: Early Dismissal, 3 p.m. Dec. 19 to Jan. 2: Winter Break Jan. 5: Children Return Jan. 17: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.*

LCCAA Head Start @ Hopkins-Locke

Dec. 5: Conference Day, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 5: Prehistory Life Activity with the Natural History Museum, 2 p.m.* Dec. 7: Dad Talk Series, Finances, 2 p.m.* Dec. 8: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.* Dec. 12: Conference Day Dec. 16: Winterfest Dec. 16: Early Dismissal, 3 p.m. Dec. 19 to Jan. 2: Winter Break Jan. 5: Children Return Jan. 14: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.*

LCCAA Head Start @ LaGrange Dec. 5: Conference Day, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 5: Prehistory Life Activity with the Natural History Museum, 2 p.m.* Dec. 7: Dad Talk Series, Finances, 2 p.m.* Dec. 9: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.* Dec. 12: Conference Day Dec. 16: Winterfest Dec. 16: Early Dismissal, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 19 to Jan. 2: Winter Break Jan. 5: Children Return Jan. 17: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.*

LCCAA Head Start @ Wellington Dec. 5: Conference Day, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 5: Prehistory Life Activity with the Natural History Museum, 2 p.m.* Dec. 7: Dad Talk Series, Finances, 2 p.m.* Dec. 9: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.* Dec. 12: Conference Day Dec. 16: Winterfest Dec. 16: Early Dismissal, 3 p.m. Dec. 19 to Jan. 2: Winter Break Jan. 5: Children Return Jan. 17: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.*

LCCAA Early Head Start Dec. 2: Socialization, 10:30 a.m.* Dec. 5: Prehistory Life Activity with the Natural History Museum, 2 p.m.* Dec. 7: Dad Talk Series, Finances, 2 p.m.* Dec. 16: Winterfest Socialization, 10:30 a.m.* Dec. 19 to 26: Winter Break Dec. 27: EHS Closed, Professional Development Day Jan. 1: EHS Closed Jan. 6: Socialization, 10:30 a.m.*

LCCAA Home Based Head Start Dec. 5: Prehistory Life Activity with the Natural History Museum, 2 p.m.* Dec. 7: Dad Talk Series, Finances, 2 p.m.* Dec. 9: Socialization, 10:30 a.m.* Dec. 16: Socialization/Winterfest, 10:30 a.m.* Dec. 19 to Jan. 2: Winter Break Jan. 13: Socialization, 10:30 a.m.* *Indicates a virtual event.