Head Start Family News News from Lorain County Community Action Agency Head Start • May 2021 Director’s Corner
Planning for Vaccines and Fall Classes Hello Head Start Families, Where, oh, where did the time go? It is May 2021 which would normally be the end of our school year; however, I am happy to announce that we are extending our school year through June 10. We want to ensure all transitioning children have additional classroom time. Your child will receive a very comprehensive transition packet, so that they can work on learning activities throughout the summer. It is my hope that we will be able to return to full classes in September, but it is too soon to make those decisions. As cases decline and vaccines increase, we continue to inch closer to “normal.” Have you made your plans to get vaccinated? Ohioans ages 16 and older are now eligible to receive the vaccine, so I would encourage all Head Start families to make your appointment to get vaccinated. Head Start staff and Community Action Agencies across Ohio and
around the country are working to promote vaccinations. Please see page 4 for local resources for scheduling your vaccine. As we work throughout the summer on plans for next school year, we will keep you informed. Please like us on Facebook and check our website at www.lccaa.net to see any announcements we make. Head Start management staff including myself - work throughout the summer. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance or have questions concerning your
child’s learning development over the summer. We look forward to the warmer weather and getting outside this summer. We thank you your for choosing Head Start during this strange year. We hope you will continue to recommend us to any of your friends or family who need Head Start services. Have a wonderful summer!
Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. Head Start Director
Enroll for Fall at www.lccaa.net! Head Start Works! www.lccaa.net 1-888-245-2009
Head Start Year Extended Three Weeks LCCAA Head Start has extended its school year to June 10 to provide additional instruction. “It’s so important for these children, especially those transitioning to kindergarten this fall, to get as much classroom instruction as we can give them,” said Head Start Director Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. LCCAA Head Start began the school year with smaller classes and in-person learning while offering a virtual option as well. In mid-November, most centers closed in favor of virtual learning due to increasing COVID-19 cases. Students returned two days a week in March with virtual learning continuing on the other two days. In April, classes increased from 8 to 12 students and days of instruction went up to four. “Having more children in our centers makes it feel like the pandemic will soon be behind us,” Matelski said. “Our staff has been incredibly creative in staying
engaged with our families. In person learning is what we all want and what these children need.” Parents will be contacted by their family service workers regarding the extension, which is optional for families. School will end on June 3 for Firelands Head Start and LaGrange Head Start due to the needs of our partners in those buildings. Students at Cascade, Griswold, Hopkins-Locke and Wellington will be in school Monday, June 7 with classes ending Thursday, June 10. Friday, June 11 will be a staff workday. Early Head Start continues as a home-based option through the summer with socializations scheduled for June 4 and 18 and for July 2 and 23. Enrollment for fall is also underway. Visit www.lccaa. net to complete an application.
June Bridging Events to be Drive-By As the world reopens, LCCAA Head Start works to reestablish key traditions while keeping everyone’s safety in mind. Traditional bridging ceremonies could not be held in 2020 due to COVID-19. Families were encouraged to hold ceremonies at home or over Zoom with relatives and send in photos. Certificates and T-shirts were mailed out and contributed photos were compiled into a video for all to enjoy. This year, centers will host driveby Bridging celebrations. Each center has a physical bridge set up and teachers will take photos of students.
In 2015, as part of the celebrations of LCCAA’s 50th Anniversary, Head Start Bridging was held at the Palace Theater in Lorain. grateful for the chance to mark this milestone for our students,” said Education and Disabilities Specialist Jennifer Bartlebaugh. “Every Head Start student has grown this year and it’s important that we recognize their accomplishments in a fun and safe way.”
bridging to kindergarten or bridging from one milestone to the next.
Due to the needs of our partners in the buildings at Firelands and LaGrange, drive-by bridging for these students will take place on June 3. All other centers will hold their drive-by events on June 10. All LCCAA Head Start students For specific times, please talk to “We look forward to the return receive recognition whether they are your child’s teachers. of our typical ceremonies, but are On the last day of school, parents will be invited to drive-by at specific times to accept congratulations, copies of the photo, completion certificates T-shirts, yard signs and summer learning kits.
Head Start Students Show Off Artistry LCCAA Head Start is known for its creative staff and the students are excellent at creating too!
After completing a study on art, Firelands Head Start students held an art show in their building that attracted 100 visitors throughout the day. The teachers wanted the children to see how art was appreciated. Visitors were asked to share their positive comments on a comment card for the students and that request netted an endorsement from Firelands Elementary School’s art teacher. “Wow! What a beautiful collection of art!” teacher Cara Proehl said. “So expressive! Can’t wait to have rolls since their planned nature walk was rained out. Hopkins-Locke students pictured are from Room 17, you in my art class.” The art kept flowing across the program during the taught by Ashley Spencer, Latoya Smith and Jai’Lyn national celebration of the Week of the Young Child. On Montague. Griswold students pictured are from Room Artsy Thursday, students did a Nature Chalk Painting 107, taught by Christina Villar and Amanda Dobbins. activity. Students at Hopkins-Locke had natural items to work with. Students at Griswold used toilet paper
Nature Chalk Painting
Gather small sticks, branches, bark or rocks on a nature walk.
Begin by rubbing dry chalk over the natural materials. Talk with your child about texture and what is happening to the chalk. Dip the chalk into water and have them repeat their rubbings and talk about how they are different. This activity helps with fine motor skills, identifying colors, vocabulary and getting outside!
Next Stop for Head Start Students: Kindergarten! By now you have probably begun the registration process for your kindergarten-eligible child. If not, this is something you want to do sooner than later. Your timeliness ensures that all screenings will get completed and your child will have a smooth start to the next school year. Before you register, be sure to verify your child’s eligibility because age cut-offs vary by district. For instance, Lorain City Schools require students to be 5 by August 1, 2021, but Elyria City Schools have the requirement of 5 on or before September 30th. Most schools will offer online registration, and some offer a mix of office or online. Regardless of how it is done, you can expect to need the following documents:
XX XX XX XX XX
Parent Photo ID (license or state ID) Child’s Birth Certificate Immunization Records Custody Papers, if applicable 2 Proofs of Residency (lease agreement, mortgage documents, recent utility bills, etc.) XX Emergency Contact List Your Head Start teachers and family service workers are your partners in preparing your child for this next big milestone. Kindergarten readiness is at the heart of everything we do, including extending our school year! Reach out if you need any assistance with the transition to kindergarten.
Stay Safe This Summer
Book of the Month
Enemy Pie sounds gross, but at the end of this story by Derek Munson it turns out to be a pie to turn an enemy into a friend. At Head Start we work daily to help children use language to resolve conflicts and make friends, which are two skills they will use Young children are more a child’s insides, just as sunblock throughout their school years. This book is entertaining, and vulnerable than adults in the protects the outside. Sometimes summer heat. Sunblock should be kids get busy playing and need to a good read for children who are applied about 30 minutes before be reminded to drink fluids, so it is learning these valuable social skills. going outside so it has time to be important to have water available absorbed so it can do its job. all day. Children’s skin is thinner so it gets Warning signs of dehydration sunburned easier. Using sunblock in a child include cracked lips, no now will protect skin even into tears when crying, low energy, and adulthood. Spray on sunscreen is infrequent urination. dangerous if it is inhaled accidently, Be safe this summer by taking so lotion is safer for kids. these simple precautions and you Choosing to be active as a family Drinking enough fluids protects can play all day without worry. is a great way to set a lifestyle of healthy habits. Here is a fun way to The COVID-19 vaccine is now available for Ohioans 16 and older. make your own bowling game at home, which can be utilized indoors Vaccinations are available throughout Lorain County and the region. LCCAA Head Start encourages you to learn more about the vaccine and and outdoors. make a plan to get vaccinated. Take any empty bottles and fill Lorain County Public Health offers links to sign up for appointments to be them with water (add food coloring vaccinated as well as many facts and answers to frequently asked questions. to the water). Put numbers on the You can also find recommendations for continuing to stay safe even after bottles, if you want to keep track you have been vaccinated. Visit them at www.loraincountyhealth.com. of points. Use any type of ball to United Way of Greater Lorain County is offering free rides to select knock down your pins. vaccine clinics. Call 2-1-1 to learn more or schedule. The State of Ohio is operating a large vaccination site at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center. It is free, includes free parking and operates 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sign up at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov or by calling 1-833-427-5634.
Where to Get Vaccinated
Build on Your Parenting Strengths
“Every parent comes to the job with certain things that make you a good parent.” Donna Jezewski of Ohio Guidestone started her discussion on ways to enhance parenting skills by affirming that parents are already good at many things. Jezewski made the presentations at LCCAA Head Start parent meetings in March. “I love trying to share strategies that make your job easier,” she said. “Because parenting is such a trial and error job, we are always trying new things.” She also pointed out that the average child will not do what their parent asks approximately one-third of the time. Testing limits is normal, she said. Routines are important and can be as simple as always saying goodbye the same way when you drop your child off at school. She pointed out that even bedtime is a separation from mom and dad. Having a bedtime
routine that offers lots of reassurance can help. Ignoring behaviors you are trying to change is necessary, but Jezewski recognizes how hard it is, too. “Whatever you pay attention to, you’re going to get more of,” she said. That means praising positive behavior, even if it’s not precisely what you want. For example, learning to control frustration is very difficult for young children. So, it’s important to say things like: “You didn’t throw the block even though you are frustrated.” This specific, labeled praise will encourage more of the same. Other tips included: XX Use clear commands. XX Give warnings and reminders. XX Give choices whenever possible. XX Teach and practice calming skills. Offer safe spaces and calming places. XX Use natural and logical consequences. XX Use redirection and distraction whenever possible. XX Allow child led play. XX Keep it simple and enjoyable. XX Smile, laugh and have fun! Learn more by visiting Ohio Guidestone at ohioguidestone.org. Conscious Discipline, used in our Head Start classrooms, is currently offering many free resources at consciousdiscipline.com. Other ideas can be found in the Joyful Together program available from the Institute of Family and Community Impact at www.familyandcommunityimpact.org.
No Contact Ways to Appreciate Teachers Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated during the first full week of May, which makes it May 3 through 7 this year. It is a wonderful time to let your child’s teacher know how grateful you are for all he or she does. Normally we would suggest things like volunteering in your child’s class or even a hearty handshake with a thank you, but these are still not possible this year. Here are some ideas of no contact/no cost ways to show your appreciation. Use a window marker or shoe
polish to write a special message on your car window for your teacher to see during drop-off or pick-up. Work with your child to write a letter about what he or she likes about the teacher. Many templates are available online so you can just fill in the blanks. Create a video to send to your teacher through ClassTag. Let your child talk about his or her favorite memories from this school year. Our teachers have done an Send a thank you note to school incredible job this year, both in class with your child, or even send a fun and online. We hope you will take a e-card. moment to acknowledge them!
Bike Shop Announces New Spring Hours LCCAA’s Bike Shop is gearing up for summer and offering regular shopping hours again. The Bike Shop at 204 W. 10th St. has been open by appointment during the COVID-19 crisis and while Youth Services participants have been working at Second Harvest Foodbank. The shop is now open: XXMondays, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. XXTuesdays, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. XXWednesdays, 10 to 3:30 XXSaturdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the summer, Saturday hours may vary as the youth help out in other areas of the community where events are beginning to
The shop offers used bikes for sale and also makes repairs and sells parts. Thanks to generous partners, each bike purchased comes with four free gifts: a helmet, bike lock, lights and a repair kit. The shop also accepts used bikes as donations to refurbish and sell. Youth Coordinator Josh Smith said participants will continue to assist Second Harvest at its monthly food distribution at General Johnnie Wilson Middle School. There are openings in the youth program right now! For more information on the Bike Shop, the youth program or if you’d like return. Watch our Facebook page to have the youth help at your for updates, or call ahead at 440- community event, contact Smith at 204-3190. jsmith@lccaa.net.
May is Community Action Month For nearly 60 years, a national network of Community Action Agencies has been helping American families and community overcome obstacles. Lorain County Community Action Agency is proud to be one of more than 1,000 agencies working every day to create opportunities and transform the lives of their neighbors making communities stronger and helping families across
the US thrive. “Each May, during Community Action Month, we reflect on the impact LCCAA and our network has had on families,” said President and CEO Jackie Boehnlein. “In this last difficult year, we have been a lifeline to hundreds of people and our dedicated staff is to be commended and celebrated along with our rich history.” Community Action Agencies serve 99% of all American counties with life-changing services to help families achieve financial stability. All agencies are locally controlled and represented by the private, public, and low-income sectors of the community. For more information on the history of Community Action and ways to celebrate, visit the National Community Action Partnership at www.communityactionpartnership. com.
Utility Help is now Energy Services Many services can be accessed without an appointment. If you still need to apply for your Annual HEAP benefit or enroll in PIPP Plus, go to energyhelp.ohio.gov. Local appointments are only needed for Crisis Services. Our next Crisis period is July 1 through Aug. 31. Watch our website for eligibility requirements which will be announced in June.
www.lccaa.net
LCCAA Head Start Menu for May/June 2021 Wednesday
Tuesday Breakfast
4
WG Banana Bread, Local Apple
Thursday 5
Frosted Mini Wheats Seasonal Melon
Friday 6
WG Bagel w/Cream Cheese; Applesauce
7
Yogurt, Peach and Granola Parfait
Lunch
Cheeseburger with choice to add Pickle Chips, Ketchup; Baked Beans, Apricots
WG Lasagna Roll Up, Green Beans, Clementine
Beef and Veggies w/Gravy Mashed Potatoes WG Garlic Toast, Diced Peaches
WG French Toast Sticks, Chicken Sausage Patty, Tater Tots, Tangerine
Snack
WG Graham Crackers, Juice
Diced Pear Cup, WG Granola Bar
Local Apple WG Pretzels
WG Tortilla Chips, Salsa
WG Blueberry Waffle, Applesauce
Breakfast Lunch Snack Breakfast
Snack
Berry Patch Smoothie, Annie’s Bunny Grahams
12
WG Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Diced Peaches
13
Yogurt, Berry & Granola Parfait
BBQ Glazed Chicken Drumstick, Carrots & Green Beans, WG Italian-Seasoned Pierogies, Tropical Fruit Salad
Homemade WG Mac-n-Cheese, Steamed Broccoli Sweet Mango
Orange Chicken Stir Fry, Brown Rice, Stir Fry Veg, Fresh Mango
Fruit Cup, WG Chocolate Chip Oat Bar
WG Graham Crackers, WOWBUTTER® and Jelly
WG Pretzels Cheese Dip Cup
Applesauce, WG Goldfish Crackers
18
Frosted Mini Wheats, Seasonal Melon
19
WG Bagel w/Cream Cheese, Applesauce
20
Yogurt, Peach and Granola Parfait
Beef Nachos topped with choice of Black Beans, Salsa, Cheese; Clementine
BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Cole Slaw Mandarin Oranges
WG Pepperoni Pizza, Tossed Salad w/ Cheese, Croutons, Dressing; Tropical Fruit Salad
Sloppy Joe, Maple Cinnamon Carrots, Diced Pears
WG Graham Crackers & Juice
Diced Pear Cup, WG Granola Bar
Local Apple, WG Pretzels
WG Tortilla Chips, Salsa
25
26
27
Breakfast
WG Blueberry Waffle, Applesauce
Berry Patch Smoothie, Annie’s Bunny Grahams
Lunch
Chicken Tortilla topped with choice of Cheese, Lettuce, Salsa; Mango Chunks
Chicken Grillbites, Ketchup, BBQ, Honey Mustard; WG Pasta Salad w/ Veg; Mandarin Oranges
WG Spaghetti w/Meatballs, WG Breadstick, California Veggie Blend, Fresh Fruit Salad
Turkey w/ Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, WG Dinner Roll, Fresh Melon
Fruit Cup, WG Chocolate Chip Oat Bar
WG Graham Crackers, WOWBUTTER® and Jelly
WG Pretzels, Cheese Dip Cup
TRY DAY: Black Eyed Pea Cowboy Salsa, WG Chips
Snack
WG Banana Bread, Local Apple
Breakfast Lunch Snack 7
Cereal, Fruit Cup
14
Meatball Sub, Assorted Raw Veggies w/ Ranch Dip, Diced Pears
WG Banana Bread & Locally Grown Apple
Lunch
11
1
Frosted Mini Wheats, Seasonal 2 Melon
Cheeseburger with choice to add pickle chips, ketchup; baked beans; apricots
WG Lasagna Roll-Up; Green Beans, Clementine
WG Graham Crackers, Juice
Diced Pear Cup, WG Granola Bar
WG Blueberry Waffle; Applesauce
8
Berry Patch Smoothie, Annie’s Bunny Grahams
9
WC Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Diced Peaches
3
Yogurt, Berry and Granola Parfait
WG Bagel w/Cream Cheese; Applesauce Beef & Veggies w/Gravy; Mashed Potatoes; WG Garlic Toast; Diced Peaches
Yogurt, Peach & Granola Parfait
Local Apple, WG Pretzels
WG Tortilla Chips, Salsa
WG Cinnamon Toast Crunch; Diced Peaches
BAG LUNCH: Turkey Cheese Croissant, Cheese Stick, Veggie Juice, Apple
BAG LUNCH: Soy Jammer, Yogurt, Veggie Juice, Mandarin Oranges
BAG LUNCH: Turkey Stick, Cheese Stick, WG Saltine Crackers, Veggie Juice, Diced Pears
Goldfish Crackers, Variety of Fruit
Fruit Cup; WG Choc Chip Oat Bar
WG Graham Crackers; WOWButter and Jelly
WG Pretzels; Cheese Dip Cup
28
4
WG French Toast Sticks; Chicken Sausage Patty; Tater Tots; Tangerine
10
BAG LUNCH: Soy Jammer, Graham Cracker WOWButter, Jelly; Applesauce; Juice Medley
21
11 NO SCHOOL
Milk is served daily at breakfast and 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 reveiwed and approved by M. Robison, MPH, RD, LD. Equal Opportunity Provider.
Ohio Preschoolers may be eligible for P-EBT benefit cards to purchase food. If you are on SNAP, contact Job and Family Services for more information on how you can receive this pandemic-related benefit. Learn more at jfs.ohio.gov.
Find food assistance near you at www.secondharvestfoodbank.org.
Upcoming Events at LCCAA Head Start Cascade Head Start May 3: Meal Distribution *May 3: Scavenger Hunt, 12 p.m. *May 6: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m. *May 6: Book Club, 4 p.m. May 17: Meal Distribution *May 20: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. May 24: Meal Distribution June 7: School in Session, Meal Distribution June 10: Bridging and Students’ Last Day Firelands Head Start May 3: Meal Distribution *May 3: Scavenger Hunt, 12 p.m. *May 6: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m. *May 6: Book Club, 4 p.m. May 17: Meal Distribution *May 20: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. June 3: Bridging and Students’ Last Day Griswold Head Start May 3: Meal Distribution *May 3: Scavenger Hunt, 12 p.m. *May 6: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m. *May 6: Book Club, 4 p.m. *May 10: Safety Meeting, 8:309 a.m. May 17: Meal Distribution *May 20: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. May 24: Meal Distribution June 7: School in Session, Meal Distribution June 10: Bridging and Students’ Last Day
Hopkins-Locke Head Start May 3: Meal Distribution *May 3: Scavenger Hunt, 12 p.m. *May 6: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m. *May 6: Book Club, 4 p.m. *May 10: Safety Meeting, 10 a.m. May 13 & 14: Lifetouch Pictures May 17: Meal Distribution *May 20: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. May 24: Meal Distribution June 7: School in Session, Meal Distribution June 10: Bridging and Students’ Last Day LaGrange Head Start May 3: Meal Distribution *May 3: Scavenger Hunt, 12 p.m. *May 6: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m. *May 6: Book Club, 4 p.m. May 17: Meal Distribution *May 20: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. May 24: Meal Distribution June 3: Bridging and Students’ Last Day Wellington Head Start *May 3: Scavenger Hunt, 12 p.m. *May 6: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m. *May 6: Book Club, 4 p.m. May 20: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. June 10: Bridging and Students’ Last Day
Home-Based Head Start *May 3: Scavenger Hunt, 12 p.m. *May 21: HS Socialization *May 6: Book Club, 4 p.m. *May 28: EHS Socialization *May 7: HS Socialization *June 4: EHS Socialization *May 14: EHS Socialization *June 18: EHS Socialization * Indicates a virtual event.
