Head Start Family News News from Lorain County Community Action Agency Head Start • December 2023
No Batteries Required Director with Open-Ended Toys Named
Acting CEO Dr. Shauna Matelski has been named Acting CEO for LCCAA, according to the agency’s Board of Directors.
Matelski has served as Head Start Director since October 2011. She Toy Insider’s 2023 top picks for preschoolers include toys that encourage has more than 30 years experience imaginative roles, pretend play and STEM (Science, Technology, Engi- with the agency and is considered neering and Math) exploration. Additional ideas include exploration with an expert in the early childhood music, arts, crafts and toys that foster active play to get kids outdoors and education field. exercising. Matelski will work closely with You can’t go wrong with any of the toys that develop these skills. Educa- departing CEO Jackie Boehnlein tors encourage parents to stay away from flashy electronic toys that run on whose last day with the agency will batteries and can only be used one way. be Dec. 15. Open-ended toys can be used dozens of different ways and provide infinite “LCCAA will be in capable hands,” possibilities for children’s imagination. Children never grow tired of Boehnlein said. “Shauna is a playing with open-ended toys and they spark brain boosting skills that will thoughtful leader who has a heart serve them well in school and throughout life. for service.” When exploring with open-ended materials, you never get the same result Matelski’s appointment will be twice. Therefore children are using their imagination, creativity, vision and effective Dec. 16. patience. And don’t forget their trial and error and problem-solving skills. “Jackie leaves big shoes to fill,” The most sought-after toy in our preschool classrooms is Magna Tiles! she said. “We have worked well Magna Tiles (such as the giant ones pictured above) are great for devel- together for a number of years and I oping fine-motor skills, coordination, cognitive skills and creativity. hope for a seamless transition as we For other gift ideas, don’t forget children’s books both classic and new continue to serve and empower the people of Lorain County.” Continued on page 2
Head Start Works! www.lccaa.net 1-888-245-2009
