Head Start Family News News from Lorain County Community Action Agency Head Start • May 2022 Director’s Corner
Celebrating What We’ve Overcome Hello Parents,
It is my hope that everyone is having a wonderful spring and that you enjoyed some time together as families over the Easter holiday. Can you believe that we are in the month of May 2022? When I began to write this, my mind just couldn’t comprehend how quickly this year has gone by. This will be the last newsletter for this program year, so I have decided that this is going to be a celebratory piece! We are, hopefully, moving toward the end of the pandemic and I want us to celebrate the accomplishments made during a very difficult couple of years for all of us. Below I have listed some things that I think are worth celebrating given all of the restrictions the pandemic brought. Let’s celebrate that: X We were able to keep staff, children and families X COVID-relief funding allowed our agency to safe. We did this through the implementation of provide extended services in all programming. It PPE equipment and sanitization practices. We used also helped us to get new equipment, vehicles and some COVID-relief funding to purchase sanitizing space. We will be opening the Central Plaza building machines such as the one pictured above. soon as well as our new kitchen on 8th Street. X We didn’t have to shut down permanently. Many These are just a few examples. I can think of many child care centers and businesses did, and we wish more. I am so grateful to the best staff and managers them all well and hope they get back up and running. any program could ever have. It was their hard work X We, along with your help, were able to keep that allowed us to persevere through such a challenging children active and learning, through both virtual time. and in-person programming. According to our child We are extending the school year again through June 9. assessment data, children grew in their knowledge. I pray that you all have a wonderful and safe summer. X Workforce issues have been challenging but we are Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. now seeing an increase in hiring. Head Start Director
Head Start Works! www.lccaa.net 1-888-245-2009
Summer Kits Will Keep Learning Going Children need ongoing opportunities to learn and practice essential skills. This is especially true during the summer months.
important teacher. Your home is your child’s first and continual learning environment. As parents, you decide the family’s daily Did you know that children can lose routines: when to get up, eat, play, up to 2 months of knowledge and do chores, visit friends, and go to skills that were learned throughout bed. the school year if they don’t practice The way you talk with your children them over the summer? makes a tremendous difference in You are your child’s first and most how they think, how they feel about themselves, the language they learn, and the kind of people they will become.
X Assorted foam letters & numbers X Plastic scissors X Bottle of school glue X One spiral-bound journal X Magnifying glass X Three colorful scarves X 100 linking cubes in 10 colors X Three hand storytelling
puppets
for
X Parent activity cards covering all domains of development (math, science, literacy, art, etc.) In order to help reduce summer learning loss and to encourage X Pack of white paper parent engagement, your Head Start We encourage families to take child will be coming home with the time to continue to work on a backpack filled with hands-on kindergarten readiness skills to learning manipulatives and easy to reduce summer learning loss and follow instruction cards for parents. have fun with your child this Each bag will include the following: summer! X A picture/story white board, Remember….PLAY is children’s eraser and dry erase marker work! X Box of 8 Colorations crayons Bags will be distributed during the last week of school. X Rhyming cards
Books of the Month for May and June The first week of May is Teacher Appreciation Week so what better time to read a book like Todd Parr’s Teachers Rock!
encourage children to make up their own story.
You can also have your child draw a picture of their favorite thing they do each day at school. But you can do that anytime!
out what animals come out when the sun goes down.
They are also a good way to encourage kids to “read” a book Kids love the simple, but colorful when they say “I don’t know how illustrations and text in books by to read!” this author. Teacher Appreciation The light and dark, black and white Week is the perfect time to write a illustrations will encourage children letter to your child’s teacher to say to think about exploring with a thank you. flashlight themselves and finding
Letting your child experiment with light encourages scientific thinking The wordless book Flashlight skills and can be lots of fun indoors by Lizi Boyd will fascinate you or outdoors during warm June and your child. Wordless books evenings.
Week of the Young Child Fun
LCCAA Head Start students celebrated the Week of the Young Child in early April with smiles, puzzles and a lot of paint! Families enjoyed a virtual field trip to see sound dance at the Great Lakes Science Center for Music Monday and some yummy treats on Tasty Tuesday. For Work Together Wednesday, students in Wellington built a bridge out of classroom materials and reenacted The Three Billy Goats Gruff. For Artsy Thursday, students in LaGrange used a giant box to create a Jackson Pollack style splatter booth. All students created masterpieces. For Family Friday, floor puzzles were sent home so students could share the fun with all family members. Thank you to all who sent in photos!
Health Coordinators Join Head Start Staff Navigating the world of health care became both more important and more intimidating in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. LCCAA Head Start has added two new positions to support families and staff in understanding how health and nutrition impact their youngsters.
about the agency.
“There is a lot that goes in to a Head Start program,” Cannon said. “I hope to be a resource to family service assistants and families to better explain how Head Start can be of assistance.”
Cannon is currently based at LCCAA’s Griswold Taylor Cannon and Head Start site and will Melissa Jarvis began also work with staff and serving as the program’s families at Cascade Head first School Health Coordinators at the end of February. Start and some of the agencies collaborative sites. She They are working to bolster the health-related systems was born and raised in Elyria. in place for Head Start families including the variety Lorain Proud! of screenings offered, the need to manage chronic conditions and the ongoing requirements related to the Jarvis spent almost two decades working with adults with disabilities through the Lorain County MRDD pandemic. board. She was born and raised in Lorain and lives “These ladies have been a real blessing,” said Health downtown near where she grew up and where many of and Nutrition Specialist Rebecca Rodriguez. “They are her neighbors have been LCCAA clients, she said. going to help us really expand the health literacy of our families and alleviate some concerns and frustration “The impact this organization has on the community is mind-blowing,” Jarvis said. “It really means a lot to me that are common among parents of young children.” to help people in my community.” Deeper Questions for Deeper Service After leaving her work with the adults she cared for, Head Start students get physicals and parents are Jarvis began working toward her Medical Assistant encouraged to keep up to date with wellness checks. certification at Ohio Business College. She was part of a They are also offered a variety of screenings at their group of OBC students who worked with LCCAA Head centers including vision, dental and lead contamination. Start on some of the screenings offered to families. She Cannon and Jarvis will help with updating forms and is based at Hopkins-Locke Head Start and also works systems to make these processes easier for parents and with staff and families at the Wellington and LaGrange staff. sites. “Coming from a medical background gives both ladies Both coordinators have been part of on-site wellness a different perspective,” Rodriguez said. “They will ask checks for students at morning drop off and are working deeper questions and provide better information to staff to get to know staff and families. Over the summer they while also helping parents learn how to advocate for will work on processes and in the fall plan to add items their children’s health.” such as managing an asthmatic child to their support of From Temp to Permanent
staff.
Cannon has worked as a pediatric medical assistant for seven years, including some experience with lowincome children in Cleveland. She earned her bachelor’s degree in health sciences last May from Cleveland State University and is a Certified Medical Assistant. She worked briefly as a temp in LCCAA’s Energy Services Department last fall, but said she previously knew little
The program also has received some new equipment for conducting screenings. Cannon and Jarvis will be providing training for staff this fall on needleless hemoglobin testers and new, less-invasive devices for hearing screenings. “It’s going to be very beneficial for everyone,” Rodriguez said.
Mayor Visits Griswold Head Start Center Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield stopped by Griswold Head Start to help celebrate the Week of the Young Child in early April. He stopped by Room 105 to read Rumble in the Jungle to the students and join them in playing maracas. In Room 107, he read The Pigeon Needs a Bath in both English and Spanish for the bilingual students. He also joined them in some drumming. Thank you, Mr. Mayor!
Bridging from Head Start to Kindergarten
Bridging celebrations will be planned at each site during 5 by August 1, 2022, but Elyria City Schools have the the last week of school to celebrate every family’s requirement of 5 on or before September 30. accomplishments this school year. Most schools will offer online registration, and some Due to COVID restrictions, we will not have assemblies. offer a mix of in-office or online. Regardless of how it is Additional information for each site will be shared on done, you can expect to need the following documents: ClassTag or sent home. X Parent Photo I.D. (driver’s license or state ID) Bridging dates at our collaborative centers are May 20, X Child’s Birth Certificate May 25 and May 26. Firelands Head Start bridges June X Immunization Records 1. All other LCCAA Head Start sites bridge June 9. By now you have probably begun the registration X Custody Papers, If applicable
process for your kindergarten-eligible child. If not, this X 2 Proofs of Residency (lease agreement, mortgage documents, recent utility bills, etc.) is something you want to start soon. Your timeliness ensures that all screenings will be completed and your X Emergency Contact List (Usually two individuals child will have a smooth start to the next school year. listed) Before you register, be sure to verify your child’s Please reach out to LCCAA Head Start family service eligibility because age cut-offs vary by district. For assistants or home visitors if you need any assistance instance, Lorain City Schools requires students to be with the transition to kindergarten.
Open House at Central Plaza set for June Rain damage at the Central Plaza building at 1949 Broadway Ave. in Lorain has delayed the move of Head Start offices and classrooms.
Building owner Jon Veard of United Properties, Inc., decided to replace the roof rather than repair it. The new roof will be installed within the next Wind, snow and rain during the month and staff are now scheduled last month caused minor roof to move the first week of June. damage which also brought down A ribbon cutting and open house new ceiling tiles in the completely planned for May 12 will now be remodeled former bank. held June 30.
The Central Plaza building will house three classrooms serving up to 60 children in addition to serving as a base for the eight home visitors that serve families in LCCAA’s Home-Based Head Start Program. Administrative offices, including the director and assistant director, will also be located in the building.
By Car Partnership Water Help Ongoing Adds Benefits LCCAA’s By Car program has partnered with OhioMeansJobs Lorain County to increase the maximum match and provide funds for insurance.
OMJ matches participatns funds 3 to 1 (match ceiling is $6,000). Participants attend a one-time financial literacy course as well as review the costs of owning a vehicle and the value of continued savings.
LIH-WAP, the Low-Income Household Water Income can be earned from employment, selfAssistance Program, can provide up to $1,500 to employment or a combination. income eligible Lorain County residents who need help To participate in the OMJ program, you must: paying their water bills. X Register by calling 440-324-5244. Households must be living at or below 175% of the X Schedule and complete orientation.
X Complete Work Keys and be engaged in the workshops the OMJ provide. X Be assigned an employment specialist.
Federal Poverty Level or actively receiving assistance from TANF, SNAP, or SSI.
You must also have a residential account and either be in arrears or disconnected. If you are disconnected, the program can also help with reconnect fees.
Once this is completed and the employment specialist approves you, OMJ will submit the voucher to LCCAA. Your municipality or water company must agree to participate. Payment is made directly to them. The next steps will be: X Save $2,000 to put down on a car. X Complete the Financial Literacy Class at LCCAA. X OMJ will match $3 for every $1 you save to a max of $6,000. You will be able to purchase an $8,000 car. X Participants completing their purchase also receive one year of car insurance paid, up to $2,500.
You can apply through energyhelp.ohio.gov or the LCCAA website.
Summer Crisis Help Will Begin July 1
LCCAA’s Energy Services Department anticipates that The income eligibility requirements are based on the annual Summer Crisis program will begin as usual family size and total family income. Participants must on July 1, 2022. be living at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Summer Crisis offers help staying cool for low-income Line ($55,500 for a family of four in 2022). residents who also meet one of the other eligibility Other program requirements: X Be employed, or X Be enrolled in a certified training or full-time college education program. X Complete a financial literacy class.
requirements. The primary qualification for the program is a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Line ($48,563 for a family of four in 2022).
X Agree to abide by the program requirements.
Qualifications and benefits have both been expanded in the past two years as Ohioans navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. Typical benefits include help paying electric bills, a free window air conditioner unit or a free box fan.
For more information, contact Bobby Taylor, Planning and Community Services Director, at btaylor@lccaa. net.
Details of the program are finalized in early June with appointments opening June 17. Watch our Facebook page for more announcements.
X Agree to open a savings account. X Commit to owning the vehicle for no less than six months.
LCCAA Head Start Menu for May/June 2022 Monday
Wednesday
Tuesday 2
3
Thursday 5
Friday 6
7
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
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
9
WG Blueberry Snack ‘n Waffle, Apple Slices
WG Banana Bread Apple Slices
10
Berry Patch Smoothie, WG Bunny Grahams
11
WG Mini Wheats Seasonal Melon
WG Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Diced Peaches
WG Strawberry Mini Bagel, Applesauce
Yogurt Berry & Granola Parfait
Banana WG Goldfish Crackers
13
12
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, Parmesan Roasted Asparagus, 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
B
WG Rice Chex Pineapple Tidbits
16
WG Blueberry Snack ‘n Waffle, Apple Slices
L
Egg Omelet, Maple Sweet Potatoes, Croissant, Baked Cinnamon Apples
Meatball Sub, Assorted Veggies w/ Ranch Dip, Diced Pears
BBQ Chicken Drumstick, Carrots & Green Beans, WG Cornbread, Tropical Fruit
WG Mac N Cheese, Steamed Broccoli, Sweet Mango Chunks
Orange Chicken, Brown Rice, Stir Fry Veggies, 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
B
WG Cheerios Cereal Pineapple Tidbits
L
Veggie Chili w/Cheese, WG Cornbread Apricots
S
Mango Peach Applesauce WG Cheez Its
WG Banana Bread Apple Slices
24
Build Your Own Nachos: WG Tortilla Chips, Seasoned Beef, Black Beans, Salsa, Shredded Cheese; Clementine WG Graham Crackers Sun Splash Veggie Juice
30
B L
23
17
Memorial Day No School
S 6
WG Blueberry Snack ‘n Waffle, Apple Slices
Berry Patch Smoothie, WG Bunny Grahams
WG Mini Wheats Seasonal Melon
18
25
Diced Pear Cup, WG Educational Crackers Berry Patch Smoothie, WG Bunny Grahams
19
WG Strawberry Mini Bagel, Applesauce
26
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
31
WG Cinn Toast Crunch, Diced Peaches
No School
1
WG Cinn Toast Crunch, Diced Peaches
Yogurt Berry & Granola Parfait
Yogurt, Peach & Granola Parfait
WG Tortilla Chips, Salsa
2
Yogurt Berry & Granola Parfait
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
Danimals Yogurt®, Fresh Orange
WG Flatbread Round, WOWBUTTER® & Jelly
Local Apple, WG Heartzel Pretzel Bag
Banana, WG Goldfish Crackers
WG Banana Bread Apple Slices
7
WG Cereal Seasonal Melon
8
WG Cereal Tropical Fruit
WG Cheerios Pineapple Tidbits
L
WG Lasagna Roll-up Steamed Green Beans Pears
Build Your Own Burger: WG Bun, Cheese, Pickle Chips, Ketchup, Baked Beans, Apricots
WG Soy Jammer Sandwich Cheese Stick, Diced Pears SunSplash Veggi Juice
Turkey/Cheese Croissant Danimals Yogurt®, Applesauce Paradise Punch Veggi Juice
S
Mango Peach Applesauce WG Cheez-Its
WG Elf Grahams Veggie Juice
WG Cheez-Its Mandarin Oranges
WG Educational Crackers, Diced Peach Cup
27
Homemade Sloppy Joe, Maple Cinnamon Carrots, Diced Pears
Build Your Own Tortilla: WG Tortilla, Seasoned Chicken, Cheese, Lettuce, Salsa; Sweet Mango Chunks
B
20
9
3
10 No School
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.
Rent Assistance Still Available
Rent assistance is available and can be X Priority for those facing eviction. paid as far back as March 2020. LCCAA has partners throughout the X Must live at or below 80% of the county. Area Median Income ($62,900 for If you are in need of help with any a family of four in 2022). household expense or issue, please X Must apply online at www. covidhelp.lccaa.net.
ask your Family Service Worker for information.
Scan below for Nutrition Information
Upcoming Events at LCCAA Head Start Cascade Head Start May 13: No School, Records Day May 13: Virtual Zoo Trip, 1:30 p.m. May 16: Home Visit Day, 5-day classrooms closed *May 17: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m. *May 19: Health Advisory Committee, 9 a.m. *May 19: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. May 23: Home Visit Day, 5-day classrooms closed May 30: Memorial Day, No School June 1: Dads and Donuts *June 1: Dad Talks, 2 p.m. June 9: Bridging/End of Year Parade June 30: Ribbon Cutting at Central Plaza, 4 to 6 p.m. Firelands Head Start May 13: No School, Records Day May 13: Virtual Zoo Trip, 1:30 p.m. May 16: Home Visit Day, 5-day classrooms closed *May 19: Health Advisory Committee, 9 a.m. *May 19: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. May 23: Home Visit Day, 5-day classrooms closed May 30: Memorial Day, No School June 1: Dads and Donuts June 1: Last Day for Children *June 1: Dad Talks, 2 p.m. June 30: Ribbon Cutting at Central Plaza, 4 to 6 p.m. Griswold Head Start *May 10: Parent Meeting, 12 p.m. May 13: No School, Records Day May 13: Virtual Zoo Trip, 1:30 p.m. May 16: Home Visit Day, 5-day classrooms closed *May 19: Health Advisory Committee, 9 a.m. *May 19: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. May 23: Home Visit Day, 5-day classrooms closed May 30: Memorial Day, No School June 1: Dads and Donuts *June 1: Dad Talks, 2 p.m. June 9: Bridging/End of Year Parade June 30: Ribbon Cutting at Central Plaza, 4 to 6 p.m. Hopkins-Locke Head Start May 13: No School, Records Day May 13: Virtual Zoo Trip, 1:30 p.m. May 16: Home Visit Day, 5-day classrooms closed *May 18: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m. *May 19: Health Advisory Committee, 9 a.m. *May 19: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. May 23: Home Visit Day, 5-day classrooms closed May 30: Memorial Day, No School
June 1: Dads and Donuts *June 1: Dad Talks, 2 p.m. June 9: Bridging/End of Year Parade June 30: Ribbon Cutting at Central Plaza, 4 to 6 p.m. LaGrange Head Start May 13: No School, Records Day May 13: Virtual Zoo Trip, 1:30 p.m. May 16: Home Visit Day, 5-day classrooms closed *May 18: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m. *May 19: Health Advisory Committee, 9 a.m. *May 19: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. May 23: Home Visit Day, 5-day classrooms closed May 30: Memorial Day, No School June 1: Dads and Donuts *June 1: Dad Talks, 2 p.m. June 9: Bridging/End of Year Parade June 30: Ribbon Cutting at Central Plaza, 4 to 6 p.m. Wellington Head Start May 13: No School, Records Day May 13: Virtual Zoo Trip, 1:30 p.m. May 16: Home Visit Day, 5-day classrooms closed *May 18: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m. *May 19: Health Advisory Committee, 9 a.m. *May 19: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. May 23: Home Visit Day, 5-day classrooms closed May 30: Memorial Day, No School June 1: Dads and Donuts *June 1: Dad Talks, 2 p.m. June 9: Bridging/End of Year Parade June 30: Ribbon Cutting at Central Plaza, 4 to 6 p.m. Early Head Start *May 6: Socialization, 10:30 a.m. *May 20: Socialization, 10:30 a.m. *June 3: Socialization, 10:30 a.m. *June 17: Socialization, 10:30 a.m. Home-Based Head Start *May 13: Socialization, 10:30 a.m. *May 27: Socialization, 10:30 a.m.
*Indicates a virtual event.
