Head Start Family Newsletter - February 2023

February Full of Things to Celebrate

Hello Head Start Families!

Here we are in February 2023! This month we celebrate several observances:

X Black History Month – Take time to research the leaders and “difference makers” this month.

X Heart Health – Diet, exercise and regular checkups are key!

X Groundhog’s Day – Will he see his shadow???

X Valentine’s Day - Share love, joy and peace with those around you.

X Presidents Day – Agency Closed

X Snowy Days – Take advantage of any snow and build that snowman!

Parents, there are many things planned for you and your children as we go through the month of February. Please stay current with the calendar and review all activities.

ClassTag is our communication source which keeps you updated concerning school and parent engagement activities.

So far, weather has not been an issue; however, something tells me it is still coming! Please note that when inclement weather occurs, notifications will be sent out through ClassTag to keep you informed of school closings. Most of our centers will remain open during cumulative snow fall, as we do not have the transportation issues of public schools. We will follow the instructions concerning any county level emergencies. It is likely we would close if sub-zero temperatures and wind chills become dangerous.

Have a great month and thank you for choosing HEAD START!

Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. Head Start Director

Head Start Celebrates Black History

In February, Black History month is celebrated to recognize achievements and contributions throughout history. Children are never too young to learn about the beauty of humanity.

Within Head Start we can support this learning through implementation of an anti-bias curriculum. Anti-bias education in early childhood is shaped by a deep-seated belief in the importance of justice, the dream of each child being able

to achieve all he or she is capable of, and the knowledge that together human beings can make a difference.

Anti-bias curriculum topics often come from the children, families and teachers, as well as from historical or current events. Anti-bias education happens in both planned curriculum and natural teachable moments based on children’s conversations and play.

Continued on page 2

Avocados Sent Home for Try Day Recipe

Head Start classes tried avocados for the latest Try Day.

Classes received whole avocados to share with students. Try Day is tradtionally a multi-sensory experience where students get to see, smell and touch the food as well as taste it.

Some classes used the avocado as a stamp to create unique artwork. Guacamole was served as part of the classes snack. A kit with avocados, garlic and limes was sent home so students could make guacamole with their families. Several families shared photos on ClassTag.

Foods that are received well on Try Day may become part of the regular menu. See our Facebook page for more photos and reactions.

Black History continued from page 1...

As part of an anti-bias curriculum, teachers design experiences with diversity (race, culture, language, gender, family structure, social class, religion, age and abilities) in mind, especially the diversity represented by the students in their classrooms.

While preschoolers can certainly notice physical differences in people (such as skin color), the concept of a month dedicated to Black History is still a bit out of reach. While you may not see that, you will see the following in our Head Start classrooms:

X Activities created that allow children to celebrate their identity.

X Addressing and preventing prejudices through role-

plays.

X Diverse materials such as photos, books and toys that represent different cultures, races, ages, abilities and more.

X Fostering children’s self-esteem to strengthen their identities as capable and empowered human beings.

X Encouraging critical thinking and problem solving skills to develop a fuller understanding of themselves and their place in the bigger world.

Share with your child’s teachers if you have something related to a specific culture that you would love for teachers to discuss in the classroom or children to experience.

Give Kids a Head Start on Dental Health

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions children in the United States face. Untreated cavities can cause severe pain and lead to infections that can cause problems with eating, speaking, playing and learning.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and the perfect time to develop habits that will last a lifetime.

Did You Know? Children who have their first dental visit early in life are more likely to:

X Get more preventive care

X Have fewer fillings and emergency dental visits

X Have regular dental visits

Why Regular Dental Visits Are Important

Promoting good oral health: During dental visits, oral health providers ask questions to learn about a child’s or pregnant woman’s oral health practices. Answers to questions about the use of fluoride toothpaste, eating and feeding practices, and whether the pregnant woman or the child drinks fluoridated tap water can help providers deliver tailored care and education to promote oral health.

Teaching the value of good oral health: Early dental visits teach a child that oral health is important. A child who is taken for dental visits early in life is likely to

Book of the Month: How to Catch the Tooth Fairy

February is Dental Health Month and Head Start is WILD about good dental health!

Students learn about how to properly 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.

How to Catch the Tooth Fairy by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton is a silly book about the tooth fairy, but it can start a discussion of why it’s so important to keep teeth healthy.

have a positive experience and a good attitude about dental visits. Pregnant women who get oral health care are more likely to take their child to get oral health care. Finding oral health problems early:One goal of dental visits is to find and treat little problems before they become big ones. Tooth decay can be stopped or managed if it is caught early.

Treating problems early keeps oral disease from getting worse and costs less than treatment would later. Treating tooth decay in pregnant women is also important because the bacteria that causes tooth decay can be passed from mother to baby after the baby is born.

HSAC Needs Parents

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.

Do you know a parent or guardian that has an interest in health programming and would like to give input? If you do, please have them reach out to Rebecca Rodriguez, Health & Nutrition Specialist, via email at rrodriguez@lccaa.net.

Every Child Develops at Different Rate

Gross motor development refers to a child’s ability to control his or her bigger muscles, such as those in the arms and legs, for large movements. This development begins in infancy with head, neck and torso control. This control will eventually lead to sitting and standing, and the much-anticipated skill of walking.

Though there are average ages for the acquisition of gross motor skills, children develop at their own pace. For instance, though the average age for children beginning to walk is 12 months, Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Michelle Marshall reminds us that walking as early as nine months or as late as 18 months are all within the normal range.

But what if your child’s skills are outside the range of “normal”?

Your Early Head Start and Head Start teachers and home visitors are equipped to identify developmental delays through the use of a researchbased questionnaire. This screening

tool, for children aged 1 month to 5 ½ years, assesses several basic skills. Early intervention is key if any issues are found.

If an issue is found, teachers will provide children with activities designed to strengthen lagging skills and then reassess approximately three months later.

Your Head Start staff is here to support you in all phases of your child’s growth and development, but we also recommend seeing your pediatrician with any concerns you may have.

Assessing your child’s development early and often gives the greatest chance of his or her full potential being reached.

Toilet Training Support Provided in Head Start

Whether you are the parent of a toddler who may be ready for toilet training or a preschooler who has yet to master toilet training, Early Head Start and Head Start will work with you!

Early Head Start teachers and parents will discuss and agree upon the readiness of the toddler. Can she pull their clothing up and down without help? Can he answer simple yes or no questions? Does the child stay dry for periods of at least two hours? If the answer to these questions is yes, the team will develop an Action Plan for toilet training.

There may be times when a young preschooler may not be toilet trained, in these cases the Head Start teachers and the parent will also develop an Action Plan for toilet training.

The teachers, parents and family service assistant will meet to discuss the Action Plan. The plan will contain the child’s name and the goal, for example a goal may be “toilet trained by March.”

The teachers, parents and family service assistant will then decide what will be done while the child is at school (teacher responsibilities) and what will be done at home (parent responsibilities). These actions will be recorded on the plan. All parties will sign and receive a

copy of the plan.

Some things that may be on the plan would be:

X Frequency of taking child to toilet

X How to celebrate successes

X Type of clothing to be worn during toilet training

X Sharing of books about using the toilet

X When to meet again to review/revise plans

X Resources: silly songs, helpful tips, etc.

Time, patience and teamwork will help each child become successful at using the bathroom. Toilet training is one step toward school readiness.

Dads Invited to Read to Classes Feb. 17

LCCAA Head Start dads - and father figures - are invited to participate in Dads and Donuts on Feb. 17. As health concerns continue, we invite you to sign up to read to your child’s class via Zoom. You can also prerecord a story and teachers will play it for the class. Donuts will be sent home with your child to share. Learn more from your child’s teacher.

Spirit Week Again Features Seuss Books

LCCAA Head Start’s Dr. Seuss

Spirit Week begins Tuesday, Feb. 28 with a series of events and fun activities.

Start at home on Monday, Feb. 27 by grabbing your hat and reading with the Cat! Read your favorite book at home.

On Tuesday, classes will read My Many Colored Days and students are

encouraged to wear their favorite color to school.

On Wednesday, classes will read

Bartholomew and the Oobleck and make oobleck (a simple, but messy experiment) at school.

Thursday is Dr. Seuss’ birthday and Read Across America Day. Students will read Green Eggs and Ham and enjoy them for lunch as well.

Friday is pajama day and classes will read The Sleep Book. (Please wear regular shoes, not slippers!)

NHSA Offers Mental Health Tool for Families

The National Head Start Association offers a free tool for Head Start students, families and staff.

The Starling Minds’ Mental Fitness tool is available through LCCAA’s membership in NHSA.

Using the program’s goal -setting tool helps you break goals into smaller, more achievable pieces and so increase your chance of keeping resolutions.

The self-guided digital program is available 24/7 and is immediate, private and tailored for Head Start families.

In three simple steps a day, you can proactively build daily habits that will help you better manage stress, anxiety, burnout

or depression and take control of your life and well being.

The Starling Mental Fitness tool is peer supported and also available in Spanish. Learn more at nhsa. org/resource/starling -minds-mental-fitness.

Head Start Manages Chronic Illnesses

Children with chronic medical conditions are welcome and well cared for at LCCAA Head Start.

By using Individualized Health Plans (IHPs), children who need medication or adaptation to daily activities can enjoy all the benefits of Head Start with no risk to their health.

Plans are developed with families, medical staff, classroom staff and, if needed, members of Head Start management. Plans include items such as how the condition will be accommodated in daily programming.

If medication is to be given or procedures performed, details will be listed in the plan.

Plans also include what to do in the event of a medical emergency. However, by monitoring conditions, emergencies can be avoided.

It’s important to remember that anticipating and planning for a situation doesn’t mean it will happen. Making plans and maintaining communication will help children with chronic conditions remain their healthiest.

Changes Coming to SNAP Benefits

More than 17,000 Lorain County households will see a reduction in their food stamp benefits beginning in March thanks to a rollback of emergency supports put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some states have already ended the Emergency Allotment which added dollars to most recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as food stamps). The change was made by the U.S. Congress within the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 which President Biden signed into law on Dec. 29, 2022.

Emergency allotments allowed households to receive an additional payment of $95 or more, typically loaded onto their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Size of household and household income determined each

Don’t

household’s emergency allotment.

Ohio requested and received an extension in the amount of $126M for January and February as final Emergency Allotment payments which will assist 673,063 Ohio households. Beginning in March, Ohioans will receive only their one, normal monthly SNAP benefit amount. Area food pantries have been preparing for the end of emergency allotments and the anticipated spike in local demand.

Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio maintains a reliable, up-to-date list of area food pantries and distribution sites. Visit secondharvestfoodbank.org.

To monitor your benefits locally, contact the Lorain County Department of Job and Family Services or visit www.lcdjfs.com.

Pay to Get the Refund You Deserve

Don’t pay to get the tax refund you deserve!

The Lorain County Free Tax Prep Coalition is gearing up for another season of preparing returns at no cost.

Spearheaded by United Way of Greater Lorain County, the coali-

tion offers an online portal where residents can do their own taxes for free.

In person appointments are also available at the United Way office in downtown Lorain, at OhioMeansJobs Lorain County and at both the Lorain and Elyria public libraries.

Call 2-1-1 to make your appointment. Learn more at loraincountyfreetaxprep.org.

Help Available for Heat and Water Bills

If you are struggling to pay your bills, LCCAA may be able to help. Talk to your child’s teacher or family service assistant about a referral to one of these programs.

Heating Help

Winter heating assistance is available from a variety of programs through LCCAA.

X Through March 31, Winter Crisis will help if your heat is disconnected or you’ve received a disconnect notice.

X You must have an appointment for Winter Crisis. Make one at www.lccaa.net.

X You can apply for HEAP online at energyhelp.ohio.gov.

X Get on PIPP to control your bills, also at energyhelp.ohio.gov.

Water Assistance

LIH-WAP, the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, will provide help to income eligible Lorain County residents.

X Households must be living at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Level.

X Apply by sending an email through LCCAA’s Contact Us form. You can also apply at energyhelp. ohio.gov.

LCCAA has partners throughout the county. If you are in need of help with any household expense or issue, please ask your family service assistant for information.

LCCAA Head Start Menu for February 2023

WG Cinn Chex or WG Cinn

Toast Crunch, Pineapple Tidbits

Egg Omelet

Maple Sweet Potatoes

Croissant

Baked Cinnamon Apples

Turkey Stick

WG Crackers

WG Blueberry Waffle Apple Slices

Meatball Sub Broccoli & Cauliflower w/Ranch Diced Pears

Danimals® Yogurt, Fresh Orange

WG Banana Bread Apple Slices

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 Mini Wheats Cantaloupe

WG Banana Muffin Diced Peaches

Homemade WG Mac-n-Cheese

Steamed Broccoli Mango Chunks

Local Apple, WG Pretzels

WG Mini Bagel w/Strawberry Cream Cheese, Applesauce

Yogurt, Strawberry and Granola Parfait

School

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

WG Graham Crackers Sun Splash Veggie Juice

WG Blueberry Waffle Apple Slices

Teriyaki Beef Dippers, Teriyaki or Sweet/Sour Dip, Fried Rice, Peas, Pineapple Tidbits

Carrots w/Ranch Cheese Stick

Purple Daze Smoothie, WG Bunny Grahams

Bosco® w/Marinara, Tossed Salad w/toppings: cheese, croutons; French or Ranch Dressing, Tropical Fruit

Diced Pear

WG Educational Crackers

WG Banana Muffin Diced Peaches

Homemade Sloppy Joe Maple Cinnamon Carrots Diced Pears

WG Tortilla Chips, Salsa

Yogurt, Blueberry and Granola Parfait

School

WG Cheerios

Pineapple Tidbits

WG French Toast Sticks, Sugar free syrup, Chicken Sausage Patty, Tater Tots, Tangerine

Mango Peach Applesauce

WG Cheez Its

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

Danimals® Yogurt, Fresh Orange

WG Banana Bread Apple Slices

Build a Burger: WG Bun, Cheese, Pickle Chips, Ketchup; Baked Beans, Apricots

WG Graham Crackers Sun Splash Veggie Juice

BBQ Chicken Sandwich Cole Slaw Mandarin Oranges

WG Flatbread Round, WOWBUTTER® and Jelly

WG Mini Wheats Honeydew

Braised Chicken Thigh, Maple Cinnamon Carrots, WG Cornbread, Clementine

Cauliflower and Broccoli w/Ranch Cheese Stick

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

Local Apple WG Pretzels

WG Mini Bagel w/Strawberry Cream Cheese, Applesauce

Dr. Seuss’ Birthday: Green Eggs & Turkey Ham, Tater Tots, Dinner Roll, Diced Peaches

Diced Pear WG Educational Crackers

Turkey w/Gravy

Mashed Potatoes

WG Dinner Roll, Watermelon

Banana WG Goldfish Crackers

Yogurt, Strawberry & Granola Parfait

WG Ravioli, Steamed Green Beans, Diced Pears

WG Tortilla Chips, Salsa

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.

Recall Reminder

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Fisher-Price have initiated another recall of the once-popular Rock ‘n Play Sleepers. Almost 5 million sleepers were sold before initially being pulled off of store shelves in April 2019.

The CPSC states that approximately 100 deaths have reportedly occurred while infants were in the product, with some of these fatalities having taken place since the initial recall.

Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact Fisher-Price for a refund or voucher. It is illegal to sell, resell or distribute the Rock ‘n Play item. Learn more at www.cpsc.gov/recalls.

Meal Food Components Ages 1-2

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

Peanut Butter, Nut/Seed Butters

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

Fluid Milk Vegetable

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 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

Feb. 10: No School, Records Day

Feb. 13: No School, Conferences 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Feb. 13: Virtual Field Trip, Cleveland Aquarium, 11 a.m.*

Feb. 16: Health Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.*

Feb. 16: Policy Council, Central Plaza, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 17: Dads and Donuts*

Feb. 20: No School, Presidents’ Day, Agency Closed

Feb. 27: Conference Day, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 28-March 3: Spirit Week

LCCAA Head Start @ Griswold

Feb. 10: No School, Records Day

Feb. 13: No School, Conferences 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Feb. 13: Virtual Field Trip, Cleveland Aquarium, 11 a.m.*

Feb. 14: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.*

Feb. 16: Health Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.*

Feb. 16: Policy Council, Central Plaza, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 17: Dads and Donuts*

Feb. 20: No School, Presidents’ Day, Agency Closed

Feb. 27: Conference Day, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 27: Virtual Field Trip, Natural History Museum, 1 p.m.*

Feb. 28-March 3: Spirit Week

LCCAA Head Start @ Hopkins-Locke

Feb. 10: No School, Records Day

Feb. 13: No School, Conferences 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Feb. 13: Virtual Field Trip, Cleveland Aquarium, 11 a.m.*

Feb. 14: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.*

Feb. 16: Health Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.*

Feb. 16: Policy Council, Central Plaza, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 17: Dads and Donuts*

Feb. 20: No School, Presidents’ Day, Agency Closed

Feb. 27: Conference Day, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 27: Virtual Field Trip, Natural History Museum, 1 p.m.*

Feb. 28-March 3: Spirit Week

LCCAA Head Start @ LaGrange

Feb. 10: No School, Records Day

Feb. 13: No School, Conferences 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Feb. 13: Virtual Field Trip, Cleveland Aquarium, 11 a.m.*

Feb. 16: Health Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.*

Feb. 16: Policy Council, Central Plaza, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 17: Dads and Donuts*

Feb. 20: No School, Presidents’ Day, Agency Closed

Feb. 27: Conference Day, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 27: Virtual Field Trip, Natural History Museum, 1 p.m.*

Feb. 28-March 3: Spirit Week

LCCAA Head Start @ Wellington

Feb. 10: No School, Records Day

Feb. 13: No School, Conferences 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Feb. 13: Virtual Field Trip, Cleveland Aquarium, 11 a.m.*

Feb. 16: Health Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.*

Feb. 16: Policy Council, Central Plaza, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 17: Dads and Donuts*

Feb. 20: No School, Presidents’ Day, Agency Closed

Feb. 27: Conference Day, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 27: Virtual Field Trip, Natural History Museum, 1 p.m.*

Feb. 28-March 3: Spirit Week

LCCAA Early Head Start

Feb. 3: Socialization, 10:30 a.m.*

Feb. 13: No School, Conferences 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Feb. 13: Virtual Field Trip, Cleveland Aquarium, 11 a.m.*

Feb. 16: Health Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.*

Feb. 16: Policy Council, Central Plaza, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 17: Dads and Donuts*

Feb. 20: No School, Presidents’ Day, Agency Closed

Feb. 24: Socialization, 10:30 a.m.*

Feb. 27: Conference Day, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 27: Virtual Field Trip, Natural History Museum, 1 p.m.*

Feb. 28-March 3: Spirit Week

LCCAA Home Based Head Start

Feb. 13: Conferences 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Feb. 13: Virtual Field Trip, Cleveland Aquarium, 11 a.m.*

Feb. 16: Health Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.*

Feb. 16: Policy Council, Central Plaza, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 17: Socialization, 10:30 a.m.*

Feb. 17: Dads and Donuts*

Feb. 20: Presidents’ Day, Agency Closed

Feb. 27: Conference Day, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 27: Virtual Field Trip, Natural History Museum, 1 p.m.*

Feb. 28-March 3: Spirit Week

*Indicates a virtual event.