Year Ending and (finally) Pandemic too
Hello Parents,
It is my hope that everyone had a wonderful spring break and holiday week. Having some time off to be with family and friends is all we need sometimes.
As I reflect at the end of the program year, it has brought us so many wonderful activities and new opportunities. It finally feels like we are getting past the pandemic and are able to resume some of our normal processes.
Our pick up and drop off procedure is one example and, for the most part, it has gone quite well. I would like to take this opportunity and note some expectations that are in the Parent Handbook provided to you at enrollment and parent orientation.
We believe it is important to ensure a positive educational and safe environment for all children, parents and staff. Please review the “Parent Conduct” section. As always, we thank you for your cooperation.
This month as we close out the end of our program year, I want to thank you for choosing our program.
The Head Start model was born in 1965 and continues to be the most unique and affective child development program for early learning.
Its comprehensive, holistic approach to early learning and development, ensures each child and their family will have high quality services.
The National Head Start Association has some special events planned to celebrate the program’s birthday on May 18 (see our events page).
It has been an incredible year and if your child is transitioning to kindergarten, we wish you well! If you have a child coming back to our program, we will see you in the fall. Have a safe and wonderful summer season.
Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. Head Start Director
Community Action Month Celebrated in May
For nearly 60 years, a national network of Community Action Agencies has been helping American families and communities 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. “We know 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, visit the National Community Action Partnership at www.communityactionpartnership.com.
Bridging Celebrations will Include Parades
Bridging celebrations will be planned at each site during the last week of school (May 15 through 17) to celebrate you and your child’s accomplishments this school year. Due to our COVID restrictions, they will not occur like usual. Additional information for your specific sites will be shared through ClassTag or written information sent home through your child’s communication folder. Please be on the lookout!
Options for celebrating at our sites this year include parades with parents, videos and lots of photos. All children will receive a Head Start certificate. May 18 is students
last day of school and will be an early release day, with school dismissal at 12 p.m.
Your child will also go home with a summer learning kit to practice a variety of school readiness skills, reduce summer learning loss, continue to strengthen their skills, and have fun.
Additionally, each child will receive a book set appropriate for returning to Head Start or going on to kindergarten. Kits also contain paper, watercolors, dice, counters, a math board game and other activities. Free bowling passes are also being given out.
We hope that everyone has a safe and fun summer!
Head Start Offering Summer Child Care
LCCAA Head Start will offer Summer Child Care for preschoolers at its Central Plaza location this year. Teaching staff will provide educational services meeting all current Head Start standards for up to 60 preschoolers in the facility’s three brand new classrooms.
Families with childcare vouchers through Lorain
County Job and Family Services can use this service at no charge. If you are already approved for a voucher, just notify your caseworker to add LCCAA Head Start as a child care provider.
If you are not already approved, apply by downloading forms at www.lcdjfs.com/child-care/forms-clients or picking up the forms in the JFS office. Voucher qualifications are based on income.
Families can also privately pay for child care services at Central Plaza this summer. Cost is $175 a week with 50% off for a second child. Services begin June 7 and end August 4 with a summer break July 3 through 7. The hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To enroll or for more information, contact Sharon Harmon at 440-457-0364 or sharmon@lccaa.net.
Book of the Month: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse
Teachers can be a best friend or nemesis depending on the day. Lilly finds out which her teacher is when she brings her favorite things to school.
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes shows the complex relationship preschoolers sometimes have as they adjust to their teachers. Through it all, Head Start teachers keep everyone safe!
Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect time to write a letter to your child’s teacher to say thank you or have your child draw a picture of their favorite thing they do each day at school. Better yet, create an alliteration tongue twister, like all the P-P-Ps in the title!
Young Children Celebrated with WOYC
LCCAA Head Start celebrated the young children last month with fun activities designed to promote early learning skills.
Music Monday and Tasty Tuesday were big hits with virtual dance parties and a Try Day event featuring couscous.
Work Together Wednesday and Artsy Thursday featured parachutes and chalk. Families also received lots of take home activity ideas for Family Friday.
The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world’s largest early childhood education association.
For more photos, please visit our Facebook page.
How to Know When Kids are Ready for Sports
After a long winter, spring is finally in the air. Parents are eager to get their children outside and perhaps even registered for one of the many sports programs offered to children.
Before you head out to your local school district or recreation department to sign-up, you must first consider whether your child is truly ready to participate. Here are some of the questions you can ask yourself:
X Can your child separate from you easily?
X Is your child able to wait his or her turn?
X Does your child take direction and follow rules?
X How does your child react when things don’t go his or her way?
X Has your child expressed interest in playing a sport?
If you are convinced that your child is ready to
participate in sports, you may still want to look into an instructional class rather than a competitive league. Even if the younger teams don’t officially keep score, young children are often more aware than we think. The level of attention and the yelling/cheering may also prove to be too much. This is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that team sports are better suited to children aged six years and older.
No matter what you choose, remember that fitness and fun are the main components of sports for younger children. With this approach, you can help your child to develop a lifelong love of being active and healthy.
Guarding Your Child’s Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and even small children need mental health support. As a parent, you play a huge role in supporting your child’s mental well-being. Your child looks to you for love, learning and safety.
Try to spend as much quality time together as possible. Nurturing and loving care build a strong foundation, helping your child to develop the social and emotional skills they need to lead a life of good mental health.
As your child grows more independent and curious, they will want to explore the world outside and learn about the things around them. Encourage social interaction through play with other children.
X Invite them to help you with simple age-appropriate chores. Guide them through steps to solve simple problems.
X Set clear boundaries and realistic expectations. Follow up ‘No’ with alternatives for what you would prefer them to do instead.
X Provide them with clear choices that are easy for them to understand when making decisions on what to eat, wear or play.
What to Watch For
Young children are learning how to express themselves and manage big emotions. This can sometimes cause anger or stress when they cannot communicate their needs. When children feel stressed or overwhelmed, they need a loving adult to help reassure them and help them to navigate their feelings.
What to Avoid
Any form of violence, including shouting and hitting. When a child lives in a negative environment it can cause “toxic stress” – harming the child’s growth and development – as well as long term problems later in
life.
X Frequent arguments between parents and people around the child. Tension in the environment can be stressful for children – they may feel neglected, powerless and vulnerable.
X Any form of neglect. Children need consistent attention, love and care for their healthy growth and development.
Remember: Take Care of Yourself as Well
X Emotions include joy, frustration, fatigue and nervousness. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, take time to manage your own stress.
X Make sure you’ve got good social support around you. Try to have some alone time, so you can have some space for yourself.
X Remember to invest in enough sleep, healthy food and physical activity.
Some form of stress is something every new parent experiences, but don’t be afraid to ask for support, and take time to look after your own needs.
Moms Invited to Read, Enjoy Muffins
Head Start families are invited to participate in Muffins with Mom on May 12.
You can share a story with your child’s class during a live Zoom meeting or send a recording of yourself reading a story for the children.
The story is your choice, but Head
Start staff are happy to suggest or provide a book if needed.
If mom can’t read a story, we invite grandma or a favorite friend. Just a few minutes out of your day will make a lasting memory for your child.
Muffins will be sent home to share.
The Best Diet for New & Nursing Mothers
The postpartum recovery period can last anywhere from six weeks to six months after a woman gives birth. During this time many changes occur within a woman’s body. Yet, the demands of life make it challenging for new mothers to take the time that they need to fully recover. These added stresses can often extend recovery time and ultimately affect a woman’s overall health and well-being.
Women can help their bodies recover after birth with attention to their diets. Many cultures encourage postpartum moms to help rebuild their body by eating foods that are warming and easy to digest. Examples would include soups and stews filled with healthy proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are nutrient-dense, meaning they are high in vitamins and minerals.
Pregnancy Support Services recommends two different nutrition programs to serve as guides in choosing the best nutrients for pregnancy and the postpartum period. The USDA MyPlate is a great guide for understanding how much you should eat, especially in the balancing of carbs, proteins and fats. An additional resource is the Eat a Rainbow Project which is an excellent and simple program to
help families ensure they are getting a wide range of vitamins, minerals and other essential plant nutrients each day.
It is even more important for a woman who is breastfeeding to keep her body strong through the foods she is eating. Breastfeeding women need to consume an extra 500 calories a day to keep their milk supply up. Those added calories should come from a well-balanced diet filled with healthy food choices. If a woman is trying to increase her milk supply, there are a number of foods which contain important chemicals that are believed to promote breast milk production. Some of those include dark green leafy vegetables, oatmeal, legumes, as well as nuts and seeds.
If you would like more information or assistance with breastfeeding or postpartum support, please contact Melissa Carroll at 440-457-0187.
Postpartum Sweet
Potato and Kale Soup
1 large onion, diced
1 bell pepper (preferably red), diced
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1 medium zucchini, cut into ½ in pieces
3-5 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated; or 1 tsp dried ginger
1 tsp dried rosemary
½ tsp dried thyme
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup of brown rice or quinoa, rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
4 cups water
4 cups of kale, roughly chopped Salt and pepper, to taste
1. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and zucchini to a pot with 2 tablespoons of oil or water. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Add garlic, ginger, rosemary and thyme, then sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
2. Add rice or quinoa, sweet potato, chickpeas, vegetable broth and water. Stir and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium low heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Add chopped kale and cook an additional 5-10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Eat warm.
Register, Prepare for Kindergarten
By now you have probably begun the registration process for your kindergarten-eligible child. If not, this is something you want to do soon. 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 five by August 1, 2023, but Elyria City Schools have the requirement of five on or before September 30, 2023.
The majority of school registration is completed online through the district website. Regardless of how it is done, you can expect to need the following documents for kindergarten registration.
X Parent Photo I.D. (license or state ID)
X Child’s Birth Certificate
X Immunization Records
X Custody Papers, If applicable
X 2 Proofs of Residency (lease agreement, mortgage
documents, recent utility bills, tax documents, etc.)
X Emergency Contact List (Usually two individuals listed)
Your Head Start teachers and family service assistants are your partners in preparing your child for this next big milestone. Reach out if you need any assistance with the transition to kindergarten.
Some simple transition activities you can do with your child to ease the transition:
X Over the summer visit the school playground.
X Read books about going to kindergarten.
X Set a consistent bedtime routine two weeks before schools starts.
X Before summer, sign your child up for your city’s local Safety Town event.
If your child is not age eligible for kindergarten, your family service assistant will work with families on enrolling your child for the 20232024 Head Start school year. Thank you for choosing Head Start!
Summer Crisis Opens July 3
LCCAA will operate its annual Summer Crisis Program beginning Monday, July 3.
Summer Crisis helps residents pay their electric bills in order to keep air conditioning flowing in the hot summer months. Residents must be living at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. Other qualifications typically apply. Conditions for the 2023 program have not yet been released.
Appointments are required for crisis
Water Help Remains Available
programs and can only be made on LCCAA’s website. Residents can begin making appointments two weeks before the program opens. Historically, Summer Crisis operates only in July and August. However, during COVID, the program was extended into September. The timeline for 2023’s program has not yet been announced.
Watch for details as they are announced by following our Facebook page.
LIH-WAP, the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, can provide up to $1,500 to income eligible Lorain County residents who need help paying their water bills.
Households must be living at or below 175% of the 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.
Your municipality or water company must agree to participate. Payment is made directly to them.
You can apply through energyhelp.ohio.gov or the LCCAA website.
LCCAA Head Start Menu for May 2023
WG Banana Bread Apple Slices
WG Mini Wheats Honeydew
WG Mini Bagel w/Strawberry Cream Cheese, Applesauce
Yogurt, Strawberry and Granola Parfait
Home Visits No School
Build a Burger: WG Bun, Cheese, Pickle Chips, Ketchup, Baked Beans, Apricots
WG Graham Crackers, Sun Splash Veggie Juice
WG Blueberry Waffle Apple Slices
Braised Chicken Thigh, Maple Cinnamon Carrots, WG Cornbread, Clementine
Broccoli & Cauliflower w/Ranch Cheese Stick
Purple Daze Smoothie
WG Bunny Grahams
Beef & Veggies w/ Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Diced Peaches, WG Garlic Twist
Diced Pear WG Educational Crackers
WG Banana Muffin Diced Peaches
WG Ravioli Green Beans Diced Pears
WG Tortilla Chips, Salsa Cup
Yogurt, Blueberry & Granola Parfait
Home Visits No School
WG Cinn Toast Crunch or Cinn Chex, Pineapple Tidbits
BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Steamed Broccoli, Diced Peaches
Diced Pear WG Educational Crackers
Meatball Sub, Assorted Peppers, Diced Pears
Danimals® Yogurt Fresh Orange
WG Blueberry Waffle Apple Slices
Turkey/Cheese Sandwich, Sun Splash Juice, Yogurt, Applesauce
Mango Peach Applesauce WG Cheez Its
BBQ Glazed Chicken Drumstick Cheese Cubes, Carrots & Green Beans, WG Cornbread, Tropical Fruit
WG Flatbread Round WOWBUTTER® and Jelly
WG Banana Muffin, Tropical Fruit
Bean Dip, WG Corn Chips Applesauce Cherry Star Juice
WG Tortilla Chips Salsa Cup
Homemade WG Mac-n-Cheese Steamed Broccoli Mango Chunks
Local Apple, WG Pretzels
Rice Crisp Cereal Applesauce Cup
Red Pepper Hummus, Cheese Stick, Wheat Crackers, Applesauce Cup, Dragon Punch Juice
Dismissal is at noon today.
Orange Chicken, Brown Rice, Stir Fry Veggies, Cantaloupe
Banana WG Goldfish Crackers
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.
Swing Recalled
A popular kids swing for infants and toddlers has been recalled by the manufacturer. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Delta Enterprises announced that the swing seat restraint can break and pose a fall threat to young children.
The bucket swings are plastic with a three-point safety harness and high back with a silhouette of Paw Patrol, Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse. The swings were sold nationwide at Walmart and the company has received seven reports of straps breaking, however, no injuries have been reported. Learn more: https://www.cpsc.gov/ Recalls/2023/Delta-Enterprise-CorpRecalls-2-in-1-Outdoor-Kids-SwingsDue-to-Fall-Hazard.
Select Two Different Protein Components
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
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 @ Central Plaza
May 1 & 8: Home Visit Days, No School
May 11: Health Advisory Committee Meeting, 9 a.m.*
May 12: Moms and Muffins*
May 15: Policy Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
May 17: Virtual BINGO, 6:30 p.m.*
May 18: Education Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.*
May 18: Celebrate Head Start with the NHSA Zoo!, 2 p.m.*
LCCAA Head Start @ Firelands
May 1 & 8: Home Visit Days, No School
May 11: Health Advisory Committee Meeting, 9 a.m.*
May 12: Moms and Muffins*
May 15: Policy Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
May 17: Virtual BINGO, 6:30 p.m.*
May 18: Education Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.*
May 18: Celebrate Head Start with the NHSA Zoo!, 2 p.m.*
LCCAA Head Start @ Griswold
May 1 & 8: Home Visit Days, No School
May 11: Health Advisory Committee Meeting, 9 a.m.*
May 12: Moms and Muffins*
May 15: Policy Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
May 17: Virtual BINGO, 6:30 p.m.*
May 18: Education Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.*
May 18: Celebrate Head Start with the NHSA Zoo!, 2 p.m.*
LCCAA Head Start @ Hopkins-Locke
May 1 & 8: Home Visit Days, No School
May 11: Health Advisory Committee Meeting, 9 a.m.*
May 12: Moms and Muffins*
May 15: Policy Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
May 17: Virtual BINGO, 6:30 p.m.*
May 18: Education Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.*
May 18: Celebrate Head Start with the NHSA Zoo!, 2 p.m.*
LCCAA Head Start @ LaGrange
May 1 & 8: Home Visit Days, No School
May 11: Health Advisory Committee Meeting, 9 a.m.*
May 12: Moms and Muffins*
May 15: Policy Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
May 17: Virtual BINGO, 6:30 p.m.*
May 18: Education Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.*
May 18: Celebrate Head Start with the NHSA Zoo!, 2 p.m.*
LCCAA Head Start @ Wellington
May 1 & 8: Home Visit Days, No School
May 11: Health Advisory Committee Meeting, 9 a.m.*
May 12: Moms and Muffins*
May 15: Policy Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
May 17: Virtual BINGO, 6:30 p.m.*
May 18: Education Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.*
May 18: Celebrate Head Start with the NHSA Zoo!, 2 p.m.*
Early Head Start
May 5: Socialization, 10:30 a.m.*
May 11: Health Advisory Committee Meeting, 9 a.m.*
May 12: Moms and Muffins*
May 15: Policy Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
May 17: Virtual BINGO, 6:30 p.m.*
May 18: Education Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.*
May 18: Celebrate Head Start with the NHSA Zoo!, 2 p.m.*
May 19: Socialization, 10:30 a.m.*
Home Based Head Start
May 11: Health Advisory Committee Meeting, 9 a.m.*
May 12: Moms and Muffins*
May 15: Policy Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
May 17: Virtual BINGO, 6:30 p.m.*
May 18: Education Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.*
May 18: Celebrate Head Start with the NHSA Zoo!, 2 p.m.*
*Indicates a virtual event.
