Head Start Family News February 2022

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

February is Heart Health, Black History Month Greetings Head Start Parents,

Thank you, thank you, and thank you again! Parents, you have been amazing throughout this year and incredibly patient.

We are grateful for your understanding as difficult decisions have been made concerning opening and closing classrooms due to the rise in COVID cases. Please know that we will continue to work toward keeping classrooms and centers open for as long as we can, always keeping safety at the forefront.

During the month of February, we work to raise awareness of heart health issues and acknowledge Black History Month.

member to set goals that will lead to healthy living. Valentine’s Day is a great day to do this as you celebrate with your loved ones!

influence us as a nation, and for all people. His “I Have a Dream” speech is an important foundation for our nation and in our communities.

Since health is one of the daily components we focus on with children and families, take some time with your family this month to discuss the importance of heart health.

Black history brings to mind so many names of great leaders, inventors and entrepreneurs. Over the next few weeks take some time to look up one of these historical figures to discuss with your child.

I am reminded that our Head Start children play and learn together every day. We can do the same as a community, together. Let us reflect this month on his dream!

Exercise, nutrition and diet are We celebrated Martin Luther King essential for a healthy heart! Make Jr., Day in January. The great civil a plan that will help each family rights leader’s work continues to

Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. Head Start Director

Learn more about heart health at www.heart.org.

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

Preschoolers Benefit from Pet Ownership A common topic of conversation with a preschooler is pets. It’s one of the reasons our curriculum, Creative Curriculum, developed a long-term study about them.

Children who have pets love to talk about them and children who don’t like to discuss which kind they would like to get.

Pretending to have pets or even being the pet are play scenarios that we see often. In short, the subject of pets is a popular one in preschool classrooms.

But what about the act of actually owning a pet? Not children who care for them. surprisingly, the benefits are plentiful and include gains in social-emotional, physical and cognitive X They provide a connection to nature. development. According to the American Academy of X They can teach respect for other living things.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, pets can serve the Though the benefits are numerous, pet ownership following purposes for children: should not be taken lightly. Young children should X They can be safe recipients of secrets and private always be monitored around pets to keep from being thoughts. Children often talk to their pets, like they overly rough or aggressive. They cannot take on a lot do to their stuffed animals. of the responsibility, but can take on small jobs to help X They provide lessons about life, including with the care and feeding. reproduction, birth, illnesses, accidents, death and As long as parents are serving as responsible role bereavement. models, children will gain invaluable skills by having a X They can help develop responsible behavior in the pet in the house.

Spirit Week Features Seuss Activities

LCCAA Head Start’s Dr. Seuss Spirit Week begins March 1 with a series of events and fun activities.

On Tuesday, classes will read Fox in Socks and students are encouraged to wear crazy or mismatched socks.

Wednesday is Dr. Seuss’ birthday and Read Across America Day. Students are encouraged to wear their shirts backwards or create crazy hairstyles and will enjoy the book Wacky Wednesday.

Students will explore future careers on Thursday by dressing for the jobs they hope to have. Classes will read Oh, The Places You’ll Go. Green Eggs and Ham is both a favorite book and a fun food.

The book helps students practice rhyming words and learn that trying new foods can be fun. Students are encouraged to wear green and will be offered green eggs and ham at lunch.

Book of the Month: The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss February is Dental Health Month and Head Start is WILD about good dental health!

Students learn about how to property brush all the surfaces of their teeth using an oversized mouth model and have dental books and activities in the classroom available during free choice time.

Dr. Seuss’ The Tooth Book is a silly book that shows that people and animals have - or do NOT have - teeth and why they are so important.

Building Confidence in Your Preschoolers Right from birth, your child is learning new skills like making eye contact with you or learning to use his or her voice to cry.

Not only is skill-building essential to move through developmental milestones, so is confidence building.

your child’s confidence at a young age:

X Model confidence in yourself. Take on a new task, be positive, and acknowledge your own anxiety.

X Don’t get upset about mistakes.

Children To thrive, children need are just learning. books, etc.? your child can do to trust in their own Remember the process like setting the table, X Celebrate their capabilities, while at over end product is putting away their effort with detailed the same time knowing important. clothes, feeding the and specific praise. they can handle not pet, etc.

Example: “Susie, being successful at a X Allow your child to fail & embrace I loved how you X Show them they are skill, challenge or task. imperfections.No one followed directions, loved no matter the It’s through practice and is perfect.

Trial and picked up your toys outcome. mastery of a skill and error is how children and put them in the rebounding from failure X Set them up for learn best. baskets. That was so that children build healthy success. Be prepared helpful!”

X Assist your child in confidence. and organized and finding their passion X Expect them to want give them something Here are some helpful and interest. Do they to pitch in and help. you know they will be and healthy ways to build like music, sports, Assign simple chores successful at doing.

How to Preserve Your Child’s Mental Health People are like batteries. Sometimes we just need a good charge to help us continue through the day! That “charge” helps us all bounce back from stress.

To help kids be resilient, think about the word PARKING. P – Play + Laughter + Smiles + Eye Contact = CONNECTION! • Short term side effects of connection = Brain shuts down stress.

• Long term side effect of connections= Bond builds and increases cooperation!

A - Ask about your child’s interests.

• Balance doing things they think are fun and interesting to spark the JOY! R - Relax.

• Teach, model and practice breathing skills for calming down.

K - Kids are kids.

• Let them feel and share their feelings.

• Labeling the feelings you see. “I see you’re sad,

you don’t have a smile on your face.”

• Problem solving can occur later.

I - Include them, so they feel needed and wanted.

N - Notice your child’s emotions.

• Notice the good things your child is doing. It make them experience positivity, pride and want to continue that feeling.

G - Go Play together!!

• A 2 minute dance party or game of Freeze can change the brain state and positively impacts a child and adults mental health.

• Uninterrupted play can disrupt stress, and add joyful, playful moments to the day.

This PARKING starts with play and ends with play. It only takes minutes to recharge and provide that extra juice can help adults and kids bounce back stronger.

If you are ever concerned about your child’s mental health, please reach out to LCCAA Head Start’s Mental Health Consultant Donna Jezewski at Donna.

Jezewski@ohioguidestone.org for ideas, tips and strategies.

Managing the Many Screens in Children’s Lives

limiting screen time for children 2 and older to no more than 1 to 2 hours per day.

Is screen time helpful or harmful to my child’s brain development?

In order to thrive, your child needs healthy food, shelter, and plenty of positive interactions with the people who love them. Your child will benefit from being talked to, read to and played with.

Your child will learn best from hands-on, creative play, exploring their environment and outdoor experiences.

These early experiences build important life skills like creativity, compassion, curiosity and constructive problem solving.

Look around at any restaurant, store, or pretty much If you are using technology with your child, here are anywhere, and it’s easy to see: adults are always some helpful suggestions to keep in mind: connected to their mobile devices. But, as technology becomes even more entrenched in our lives, what can X Make sure that your child has plenty of time for hands-on, creative and active play. It’s all about the we expect from our children? balance!

The ever-changing field of technology offers both possibilities and challenges for many families. X If you choose to use technology with your child, set rules early on about when, where, what and how Technology is one of the 21st century learning skills much. Screen activities with obvious end-points we want to ensure our children have, but at what age can help a lot with time limits. should it begin?

When should my child be introduced to technology? X Remove televisions and other devices from children’s bedrooms. Don’t use during mealtime.

The Academy of Pediatrics recommends not until over the age of 2, unless video chatting (examples: a parent X Turn off screens/technology when they are not in use. Parents talk less to children when background is out of town or grandparents live out of state). television is on and it interrupts the kind of play How much time should my child spend with screen essential for learning. time/technology?

X Take note of your own personal screen time (social The American Academy of Pediatrics, recommends media, games, apps) and remember that you are avoiding screen time for children under 2 and suggests your child’s most powerful role model.

Guidestone Series on Parenting Tools Continues Ohio Guidestone’s Toolbox Series for Parents continues with a second session on Feb. 17.

This four-part series offers tools to deal with challenging behaviors and create a compassionate learning environment both at home and at school. It’s presented by Donna Jezewski, M.Ed., LSW who is both a therapist and mental health consultant for LCCAA Head Start.

February’s session will discuss the skills of encouragement and choices will be discussed. On Thursday, March 17, the discussion will be about the skills of empathy and positive intent.

The series will be held by Zoom and recorded for parents who have scheduling conflicts. All participants will receive a free “Sophie” book.

Finally, the skill of consequence will be discussed on Thursday, April 14.

For log in credentials, check ClassTag or speak to your teacher, family All sessions will be held a 12:30 p.m. service worker or home visitor.

Dad Talk Set for Feb. 23

Enjoy Tasty No Bake Treats

Fathers, you can help in building a strong family. Head Start wants to offer support to fathers and families.

We have scheduled quarterly talks that will focus on father issues which may also be family issues.

Everyone is important in the family so moms are welcome too.

Join us on Zoom at 2 p.m. Feb. 23 for a discussion on health. Get the login on ClassTag or from your child’s teacher, family service worker or home visitor

In a bowl, melt 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey) and 1/4 cup peanut butter in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds, until smooth. Add 3/4 cup Honey Nut Cheerios (or another lightly sweetened whole grain cereal) to the bowl and toss to coat. Dollop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Set aside to harden, about 10 minutes.

Helping Your Kids Eat Heart Healthy Diets February is Heart Health Month and LCCAA Head Start knows that early habits last a lifetime. Experts tell us that a heart healthy diet is low in saturated fat, low in sugar and high in fiber.

Saturated fat contributes to high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease. Consider lower fat dairy products and be sure to cook with lean meats. Serve fish when you can.

kids will eat them!

Fiber naturally helps remove unhealthy cholesterol from the body.

Serve more fruits and vegetables and keep them on hand for snacks.

Experts recommend five servings What does that mean for you and Sugar affects the body’s metabolism, every day. your kids? contributing to fat storage and Choose whole grains and buy “You want to have food on hand weight gain which can impact heart cereal with at least 3 grams of fiber that’s good for your kids and health. per serving (and little or no added prepare meals that are both tasty and Serve water instead of juice. Juice sugar). Include beans with meals appealing to look at,” said Elizabeth has almost as much sugar as soda. when you can.

Wright, a Clinical Dietician at When you do serve juice, dilute it For more tips, visit https://www.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. with water and limit portions. Don’t c h o p . e d u / c e n t e r s - p r o g r a m s / “Over time, you’re kids will grow keep sugary cereals or snacks in clinical-nutrition/health-resources to prefer the healthy options.” your home. If you do, you and your

February is Children’s Dental Health Month Smile! February is National Children’s Dental Health Keeping up with daily oral care and visiting the dentist Month (NCDHM) - a great opportunity to promote the at least twice a year for an oral examination and benefits of good oral health. professional cleanings are steps you can take towards Developing good dental health habits, including a happier and healthier mouth! Setting the foundation scheduling regular dental visits, helps children get a for your child earlier in life will set your child up for success in the future. good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Children need healthy teeth to help them to chew and For more tips, visit www.mchoralhealth.org. to speak clearly. Baby teeth also make space for adult If you need to connect with a local dentist, contact your teeth. family service worker.

Help Now Available for Water/Sewer Bills LIH-WAP, the LowIncome Household Water Assistance Program will provide this help to income eligible Lorain County residents.

Assistance (LIHWAP).” X A list of all household Visit www.lccaa.net/ members and proof of about_us/contact_us. income for the last 30 days or 12 months for Clients will need to each member; provide copies of the

following documents to X Proof of U.S. Households must be living receive benefits, which citizenship or legal at or below 175% of the will be paid directly residency for all Federal Poverty Level. to their water and/or household members; Apply by sending an wastewater company: X Proof of disability (if email through LCCAA’s X Copies of their applicable).

Contact Us form. Direct most recent water/ You can also apply at your email to “Water wastewater bills; energyhelp.ohio.gov.

BYCar Partnership Adds Insurance Help BYCar participants in 2022 will benefit from a new partnership between LCCAA and Ohio Means Jobs Lorain County.

time financial literacy course as well cannot help them purchase their as review costs of owning a vehicle car until they have insurance. This and the value of continued savings. partnership removes another barrier The partnership with OMJ will for low-income people in Lorain BYCar helps income-eligible fund cars for 10 participants and County.” clients to purchase a used vehicle include funding of their first year of Income can be earned from while learning savings strategies automobile insurance. employment, self-employment or a and vehicle care. Eligible clients “Every dollar counts for BYCar combination. Residents interested use their earned income toward a participants,” said Planning and in participating can learn more at vehicle purchase.

Community Services Director www.lccaa.net/programs/bycar or The program matches participants Bobby Taylor. “Saving for a car can contact Client Services Specialist funds 3 to 1 (match ceiling is be difficult for them. The State of Amy Steele at 440-204-3121 or $3,999). Participants attend a one- Ohio requires car insurance so we asteele@lccaa.net.

Rent, Heat Assistance Remain Available

LCCAA continues to offer help with past due rent programs through LCCAA. payments as well as keeping homes heated this winter. LCCAA’s Winter Crisis Program will help you if your Rent assistance is available and can be paid as far back primary heating source is disconnected, a disconnection as March 2020. Residents must live at or below 80% of notice has been received, or you have less than a 10-day the Area Median Income ($62,900 for a family of four). supply of bulk fuel.

LCCAA will also be working directly with eviction courts to serve high risk populations. New partnerships have been formed with Lorain County Urban League and El Centro des Services Sociales to better serve vulnerable communities.

If you have heat but are struggling to pay your bill, you may qualify for HEAP or fuel funds from Columbia Gas.

You do not need an appointment to apply for the annual HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) benefit or to Applications must be made online at www.lccaa.net/ reverify your income for PIPP (Percentage of Income programs/rent_assistance. No phone calls are being Payment Plan). accepted.

For more details on all these programs, please visit Winter heating assistance is available from a variety of www.lccaa.net/programs/energyservices

LCCAA Head Start Menu for February 2022 Monday

Wednesday

Tuesday 7

8

WG Blueberry Snack ‘n Waffle, Apple Slices

Thursday 9

Friday 10

11

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

B

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

21

B L

14

President’s Day No School

S 28

WG Banana Bread Apple Slices

WG Blueberry Snack ‘n Waffle, Apple Slices

Berry Patch Smoothie, WG Bunny Grahams

15

16

WG Mini Wheats Seasonal Melon

22

23

Berry Patch Smoothie WG Bunny Grahams

WG Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Diced Peaches

Yogurt Berry & Granola Parfait

B

Banana WG Goldfish Crackers

18

17

WG Strawberry Mini Bagel, Applesauce

No School for Children

24

WG Cinn Toast Crunch Diced Peaches

Yogurt, Berry & Granola Parfait

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

Orange Chicken, Brown Rice Stir Fry Veggies Seasonal Melon

Danimal® Yogurt Fresh Orange

WG Flatbread Round, WOWButter® & Jelly

Local Apple WG Heartzel Pretzel Bag

Banana WG Goldfish Crackers

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

1

WG Blueberry Snack ‘n Waffle, Apple Slices

8

2

3

WG Strawberry Mini Bagel, Applesauce

Yogurt, Peach & Granola Parfait

B

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

7

WG Mini Wheats Seasonal Melon

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 Berry Patch Smoothie, WG Bunny Grahams

9

4

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

10

WG Cinn Toast Crunch, Diced Peaches

25

Yogurt Berry & Granola Parfait

11

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.

LCCAA Head Start’s Nutrition Program has begun experiencing supply chain issues with some menu items.

Our menus are always subject to change. If you need or want to know precisely what will be served on any given day, please contact your child’s center.

Meal

Food Components

Ages 1-2

Ages 3-5

Lunch (Portions & Servings)

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

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

1/4 cup 2T 1/2 oz.

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

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 3T 3/4 oz.

3/4 cup 1/4 cup each 1/2 serving, 1/4 cup

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

Fluid Milk Vegetable Fruit Meat or Cheese Cooked/Dry Beans/Peas Peanut Butter, Nut/Seed Butters Nut and/or Seeds Yogurt Breads/Grains, Pasta

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

1/8 cup 1T 1/2 oz.

1/4 cup 1/2 serving, 1/4 cup

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

1/8 cup 1T 1/2 oz.

1/4 cup 1/2 serving, 1/4 cup

Breakfast (Portions & Servings)

Fluid Milk Fruit or Vegetable Breads, Cold Cereal, Granola

Upcoming Events at LCCAA Head Start *Feb. 4: *Feb. 7: *Feb. 11: *Feb. 16: *Feb. 16: *Feb. 16: *Feb. 16: *Feb. 17: *Feb. 17: *Feb. 17: Feb. 18: *Feb. 18: Feb. 21: *Feb. 23: *Feb. 25: Feb. 28: *Feb. 28: March 1: March 2: March 2: March 3: *March 4: March 4: March 7: *March 10: *March 11:

Early Head Start Socialization, 10:30 a.m.

Virtual Dad and Child Reading Night, 7 p.m.

Home Based Socialization, 10:30 a.m.

Hopkins-Locke Parent Meeting, 9 a.m.

LaGrange Parent Meeting, 9 a.m.

Wellington Parent Meeting, 9 a.m.

Griswold Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.

Health Service Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.

Toolbox Series, 12:30 p.m.

Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.

Records Day, No School Scavenger Hunt, 11 a.m.

Presidents’ Day, No School Dad Talk on Health Home Based Socialization, 10:30 a.m.

Conferences, 5-day classrooms closed Winter Fun BINGO, 1:30 p.m.

Crazy Socks Day Read Across America, Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss Crazy Hair and Backwards Day Career Day Early Head Start Socialization Green Eggs and Ham for Lunch Evening Conferences, 5-Day Classrooms Closed Firelands Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.

Home Based Head Start Socialization *Indicates a virtual event.

Save the Date for a Dance Party!

Join LCCAA Head Start families and staff for a fun night of music!

Log onto Zoom at 5:30 p.m. March 30 for a fun virtual dance party!

Watch ClassTag for details.