Head Start Family News News from Lorain County Community Action Agency Head Start • Nov. 2021 Director’s Corner
Many Dates to Remember This Fall Greetings Head Start Parents!
to get their vaccines.
The beautiful colors and the crisp cool There are several dates to remember for classroom air bring the changing of the season. I closure: am so grateful for the beauty it displays. November 1 through 5: Virtual Learning, Centers It is a wonderful time of year to engage Closed for Staff Vaccinations in learning experiences with your child. November 8 – Professional Development Day, No Nature walks and outdoor exploring are great activities School to help your child in language, math, science and November 11 – Veterans’ Day, No School physical activity. We continue to make our way through the pandemic November 25 and 26: Thanksgiving Holiday, No School crisis. We apologize for any inconvenience or disruption that the closing of classrooms may cause you; however, we are committed to ensuring children, staff and parent safety.
December 6 through 10: Virtual Learning, Centers Closed for Staff Vaccinations
As you can see, there are a lot of dates to remember but all events are very necessary. Give thanks for all you The federal Office of Head Start is requiring all Head have this day, and have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Start employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. LCCAA Head Start must meet this requirement and Head Start Director will have two virtual weeks of school to give staff time
What Virtual Learning Will Look Like During the weeks of November 1st and December 6th, many of our Head Start sites will employ virtual learning. Our centers will be closed so that staff members who need it can take the time to get their COVID-19 vaccine. The federal Office of Head Start has mandated the vaccine and LCCAA must comply. In our efforts to build upon all of our learning so far, we will use ClassTag and Zoom to offer the following: • Live group meetings
• Question of the day • Daily read-alouds • Daily Heggerty Phonemic/ Literacy Lessons • Program enhancement videos, such as music and/or Viva Spanish • Daily activity guides
You will also have access to Hatch Ignite, which will send documentation right to your teachers as your child plays fun and
Head Start Works! www.lccaa.net 1-888-245-2009
educational games. If you have not accepted your invitation, do so as soon as possible! We hope you will keep the momentum of our year going by participating as much as possible. Remember to take a moment to comment so the teachers can use that feedback to assess learning. If you need technological assistance with accessing any of our platforms, let us know so we can find a solution for you.
Program Enhancements Round Out Lessons LCCAA Head Start offers comprehensive services to children and families. In addition to the quality instruction our highly trained staff delivers, we offer a variety of program enhancements to supplement our curriculum.
Together, all these activities strengthen learning and development while building kindergarten readiness. Program enhancements vary by site but may include the following: XX Tae Kwon Do by Vanyo Martial Arts- Provides physical activity, enhances self-regulation skills, builds confidence, and improves concentration and focus.
XX Local Library ProgrammingEstablishes early language and literacy skills, exposure to books, establishes library cards, enhances communication skills, builds comprehension, etc. XX Incredible Years by Ohio GuidestoneTeaches the understanding and communication of feelings, using effective problemsolving strategies, managing anger, practicing friendships, building conversational skills, and modeling appropriate behaviors in the classroom.
XX Other Opportunities- walking field trips to the fire station, greenhouse, apple orchard, Lorain Historical Society, visits from the Bubble Lady, and so much more.
XX Kindermusik- Provides opportunity for selfexpression, movement, creativity, following PLAY is a child’s work! Providing our students new directions, sound exploration and FUN! experiences and opportunities to learn and explore XX Viva Spanish- Provides exposure to new language, through program enhancements not only builds school readiness skills, learning numbers, colors,and memories but also lays the foundation for further educational success. simple phrases such as greetings.
LCCAA Uses Ignite by Hatch to Track Progress LCCAA Head Start knows the value of technology for young learners and, to ensure learning is developmentally appropriate, we have chosen Ignite by Hatch this school year. Ignite by Hatch is a comprehensive digital learning platform that engages, assesses and instructs children between the ages of 3 and 6.
monitor your child’s progress accurately and will muddle your child’s data.
As your child engages with play-based learning experiences delivered through technology, Ignite shares XX Children should only play for 10 minutes or less real-time data with your child’s teacher. each day at home. Ignite by Hatch can be played at home and at school. XX On the parent dashboard, you will be able to see Your child’s teacher will invite you to join and you will your child’s progress, child’s gallery of pictures and receive an e-mail from Ignite by Hatch. much more. Please read the e-mail, follow the steps to download the If you need further assistance on setting up at home, app, and log in with your temporary password. please see your child’s teacher or site administrator. Helpful tips: This is one of many ways we are able to build the school XX Only allow your enrolled Head Start child to play to home connection and support your child’s learning on the HATCH app. If older siblings play, it will not and development.
Action Plan Key to Toilet Training OHSAI Leader Start teachers and the parents will also develop an Action Plan for Retires at 88
Barbara Haxton, founding Executive How does this work? The teachers, Director of the Ohio Head Start parents and family service worker Association, Inc. (OHSAI) retired will set up a time to meet, at this from the organization after leading meeting the teachers will present it for 45 years. the LCCAA Toileting Action Plan. Haxton, 88, is beloved and The plan will contain the child’s recognized nationally as an name and the goal. For example, exemplary Head Start leader and a goal may be “toilet trained by advocate. Her tireless efforts and bold leadership have benefitted December.” The teachers, parents and family countless children and families, service worker will then decide what inspired others to lead with passion will be done while the child is at and conviction and solidified Head school (teacher responsibilities) and Start as the gold standard of early Whether you are the parent of a what will be done at home (parent care and education. toddler who may be ready for toilet responsibilities). These actions will “I have learned so much from you training or a preschooler who has be recorded on the plan. All parties and I just thank you,” LCCAA Head yet to master toilet training, Early will sign and receive a copy of the Start Director Shauna Matelski said Head Start and Head Start will work plan. to Haxton in a farewell message., with you. Some things that may be on the plan noting she has known Haxton for 30 years. Early Head Start teachers and include: toilet training.
parents will discuss and agree upon XX Frequency of taking child to “I also know your heart is always the readiness of the toddler. with Head Start. You will always be toilet a part of us.” Can he/she pull up and down their XX How to celebrate successes clothing without help? Can he/she answer simple yes-no questions? XX Type of clothing to be worn during toilet training Does the child stay dry for periods of at least two hours? XX Sharing of books about using the toilet If the answer to these questions is yes, the team will develop an Action XX When to meet again to review/ Plan for toilet training. revise plans There may be times when a young Time, patience and teamwork will preschooler may not be toilet help each child to become successful trained, in these cases the Head at using the bathroom.
Book of the Month: If You Give a Moose a Muffin
Children love all the books in this series by Laura Joffee Numeroff and Felicia Bond that includes If You Give a Moose a Muffin. They are so silly and one thing always leads to another. The cliffhanger at the end leaves you thinking that the whole series of events will start again! Children can begin to retell the story themselves by looking at the pictures because it has a predictable series of events. Visit the public library to find If You Give… a Pig a Pancake, Dog a Donut, or Cat a Cupcake and even more.
Don’t Overeat This Holiday Season
Special treats often come around only at this time of year treats for what matters the most to you. but they don’t have to completely derail your efforts to XX Watch what you drink. Alcohol has more calories eat healthy. With a little planning and thought, you can than most people realize and also may make you maintain a healthy diet while enjoying the holidays. hungrier. Soda may be convenient but the sugar and XX With kids especially, maintain a routine. If they chemicals it carries aren’t good for anyone at any usually get dinner at 5 p.m and Grandma is serving age. Try to stick to water - with low or no sugar turkey at 7, feed them a snack before you go. flavorings if you prefer. XX Speaking of snacks, keep healthy ones handy in XX Look for healthy swaps for holiday favorites. For your home and on the go. example, try fresh green beans or roasted asparagus XX Eat a healthy snack before you go to parties to instead of green bean casserole. prevent over indulging in what’s offered. And don’t XX Keep moving! You’ll feel less guilt about Aunt shop for groceries on an empty stomach either! Mary’s pie if you join the cousins in a game of XX Don’t deprive yourself. If Aunt Mary’s pumpkin touch football after dinner. pie is your favorite food, enjoy a slice! Save those
Health Screenings Continue LCCAA Head Start conducts a variety of health screenings to better serve our children and families. Early intervention is important for many treatable issues. Screenings are done on eyesight, hemoglobin, lead levels, height and weight. Dental screenings are done at our centers as well by our partners from Case Western University.
Students Crunch with the Country
Family Service Workers can perform many of the other screenings, such as Zaeden Davenport’s hearing test conducted at LaGrange Head Start by FSW Terri Arnold recently.
Community Garden Open
LCCAA’s Community Garden next to the Elyria Public Library’s South Branch is open for picking. Community members are welcome to pick fresh vegetables at any time at no cost. The garden is located at 340 15th St. in Elyria. Thanks to our partners Our F.A.M.I.L.Y, Hope for Futures and the Elyria Public Library crops include a variety of greens, squash, peppers and more. The installation of hoop houses will extend the growing season, so check back for fresh crops.
Head Start students participated in Virtual Great Apple Crunch Oct. 14 by enjoying locally grown apples. The Crunch promotes healthy eating and supports local farmers.
Parent Spotlight: Policy Council Officers LCCAA Head Start’s 2021-2022 Parent Policy Council has elected officers for the school year.
being a leader. She is definitely an encourager because of her positive attitude.”
Margaret Hartman will be serving as the Council’s President which also means she will have a full voting seat on the LCCAA Board of Directors. Hartman’s daughter Daphine Jackson will serve as the attends Hopkins-Locke Head Start. Council’s Secretary. She also has a “After recently losing my mother in daughter in Head Start at HopkinsAugust, I have come to realize how Locke. important and impacting a mother’s Jackson chose Head Start because role can be in her children’s lives,” it is highly rated and she likes the Hartman said. “I want to be able to curriculum. She believes Head Start be a strong representative. I believe will prepare her daughter to attend I can make a difference.” kindergarten next year. Hartman is a graduate of Clearview “She portrays strength, concern High School. In addition to her and interest in our program,” said 4-year-old Head Start student, Jackson’s Family Service Worker Hartman has a 7-year-old and a Jackie Watkins. “She is a connector 1-year-old. which is important when it comes to
LCCAA Head Start thanks both of these mothers for being active supporters of our program. Parents are elected by their centers to serve on Policy Council. Policy Council members review budgets, human resources needs and curriculum. They also have an opportunity to share any successes or concerns from the center they represent. Policy Council members also have an opportunity to attend trainings and conferences locally, statewide and nationally. Policy Council meets once a month, right now via Zoom, but hopefully in person again soon with food and child care.
Nutrition Series Hosted by OSU Extension SNAP-Ed and LCCAA Head Start are partnering to offer Nourishing Minds and Bodies, a four-week nutrition series offered over Zoom.
link posted on ClassTag.
Attending the classes makes you eligible for free recipes and ingredients each week as well as The classes, sponsored by the OSU giveaways of kitchen gear. Extension Office in Lorain County, For more information, call Diana are offered at two different times on Good, SNAP-Ed Coordinator at Tuesdays in November. Choose 10 440-406-5252 or goode.89@osu. a.m. or 1 p.m. Sign up via the Zoom edu.
Family Tech Talk To Offer Security Advice
LCCAA Head Start will host a free help their kids be on the internet in contact your child’s teacher or your Family Tech Talk Night Nov. 17 at safe and healthy ways, including family service worker for access 7 p.m. tips and exercises they can use. information. In partnership with PTO Today and Trend Micro, the Internet Safety for Kids and Families Program is an engaging presentation with a question and answer session.
PTO Today and Trend Micro have helped thousands across the country host engaging Family Tech Talk Night events for more than five years. Learn more at https://www. Topics covered include everything ptotoday.com/techtalknight. from social media to online gaming. Log in credentials for the event will Parents will learn best practices to be posted on ClassTag. You can also
Stay Warm at Home This Winter Season LCCAA and the State of Ohio have multiple programs to help you heat your home this coming winter. Each program has a slightly different set of requirements and procedures. Here’s what you need to know. Emergencies only. Appointment required.
appointment for at least 48 hours before your scheduled disconnection AND you enter your utility account number, the utility will put a hold on the disconnect while you are waiting for your appointment. If you miss or reschedule your appointment, the hold is removed and you may lose service.
Beginning Nov. 1, the Winter Crisis Program will help you if your primary heating source is disconnected, Winter Crisis will operate through March 31, 2022 a disconnection notice has been received, or you have Apply online. No appointment needed. less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel. HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) helps you Appointments for Winter Crisis can be made only pay to heat your home during the winter. Even if you online beginning Oct. 18. Due to ongoing COVID-19 have received this benefit before, you still have to apply concerns, all appointments will be conducted over the every year. These benefits are applied after Jan. 1 but phone. may be applied for as early as July 1 before the winter If you receive a disconnect notice during the crisis season or as late as May 31 after the winter season.
period, make an appointment right away. If you make an PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) reduces your utility bills to a percentage of your income. You must pay on time and in full each month and you must verify your eligibility once a year. This program is available year round. Apply for these programs, or verify your income for PIPP, online at energyhelp.ohio.gov. Allow at least 8 weeks. For more details on all these programs, please visit www.lccaa.net/programs/energyservices
Rent Help Available
LCCAA is Hiring!
LCCAA wants you to come make a difference with us! The agency is hiring for a variety of positions including Head Start classroom teachers and aides, food service workers and energy services advocates. Help is available for renters and homeowners in Lorain County to avoid eviction and foreclosure. Rent assistance is available and can be paid as far back as March 2020. Residents must live at or below 80% of the Area Median Income ($60,800 for a family of four). Applications must be made online at www.lccaa.net. No phone calls are being accepted. LCCAA will also be working directly with eviction courts to serve high risk populations.
Full and part time positions are available as well as full and part year positions. Visit www.lccaa. net to apply.
LCCAA Head Start Menu for November 2021 Monday 8
B L
L S
9
WG Banana Bread, Apple Slices
Friday
10
WG Mini Wheats Seasonal Melon
11
Yogurt, Peach & Granola Parfait
12
Teriyaki Beef Dippers, Sweet/ Sour Dip, WG Fried Rice, Edemame & Corn Salad; Pineapple Diced Pear Cup, WG Educational Crackers
15
WG Blueberry Snack’n Waffle 16 Apple Slices
Purple Daze Smoothie WG Bunny Grahams
General Tso Beef, WG Brown Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Diced Pears
Build Your Own Tortilla: WG Tortilla, Seasoned Chicken, Cheese, Lettuce, Salsa; Mango Chunks
BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Cole Slaw Mandarin Oranges
WG Spaghetti w/Meatballs, Califorinia Veggies, WG Breadstick, Fresh Fruit Salad
Turkey w/Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, WG Dinner Roll, Seasonal Melon
Turkey Stick WG Saltines
Danimals® Yogurt, Fresh Orange
WG Flatbread Round WOWBUTTER® and Jelly
Local Apple, WG Heartzel Pretzel Bag
Banana, WG Goldfish Crackers
WG Rice Chex Pineapple Tidbits
22
WG Banana Bread, Apple Slices
23
B
WG Cheerios Cereal Pineapple Tidbits
L
General Tso Beef, WG Brown Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Diced Pears
Build Your Own Tortilla: WG Tortilla, Seasoned Chicken, Cheese, Lettuce, Salsa; Mango Chunks
BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Cole Slaw Mandarin Oranges
S
Mango Peach Applesauce, WG Cheez Its
WG Graham Crackers Sun Splash Veggie Juice
Diced Pear Cup, WG Educational Crackers
B
WG Rice Chex Pineapple Tidbits
L
Egg Omelet, Maple Sweet Potatoes, Croissant, Baked Cinnamon Apples
S
Thursday
Build Your Own Nachos: WG Tortilla Chips, Seasoned Beef, Black Beans, Salsa, Shredded Cheese; Clementine WG Graham Crackers Sun Splash Veggie Juice
No School
S B
Wednesday
Tuesday
Turkey Stick WG Saltines
29
WG Blueberry Snack ‘n Waffle, Apple Slices
30
Sloppy Joe on WG Bun; Maple Cinnamon Carrots, Diced Pears
No School
Banana, WG Goldfish Crackers
17
WG Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Diced Peaches
24
Purple Daze Smoothie, WG Bunny Grahams
18
Yogurt, Berry & Granola Parfait
25
26 No School
No School
1
Purple Daze Smoothie WG Bunny Grahams
19
WG Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Diced Peaches
2
Yogurt, Berry & Granola Parfait
Meatball Sub, Asst. Veggies w/ Ranch, Diced Pears
BBQ Chicken Drumstick, Carrots and Green Beans, WG Corn Bread, Tropical Fruit
WG Mac N Cheese, Steamed Broccoli, Sweet Mango Chunks
Orange Chicken, Brown Rice Stir Fry Veggies Seasonal Melon
Danimals® Yogurt, Fresh Orange
WG Flatbread Round WOWBUTTER® and Jelly
Local Apple, WG Heartzel Pretzel Bag
Banana, WG Goldfish Crackers
3
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.
Free Book Program
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book-gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school, no matter their family’s income. Reading to your child is so important at an early age. Children from lower income homes may hear 30 million fewer words by age three. Together we can close the vocabulary gap and foster the love of reading! Please see your family service worker to get your children signed up.
Meal Breakfast (Portions & Servings)
Food Components
Ages 1-2
Ages 3-5
Fluid Milk
1/2 cup
3/4 cup
Fruit or Vegetable
1/4 cup
1/2 cup
1/2 serving, 1/2 cup, 1/8 cup
1/2 serving, 1/2 cup, 1/8 cup
Breads, Cold Cereal, Granola Fluid Milk
Lunch (Portions & Servings)
Meat or Cheese Cooked/Dry Beans/Peas
3/4 cup
1 oz.
1 1/2 oz.
1/4 cup
3/8 cup
2T
3T
1/2 oz.
3/4 oz.
1/2 cup 1/8 cup each
3/4 cup 1/4 cup each
1/2 serving, 1/4 cup
1/2 serving, 1/4 cup
Fluid Milk
1/2 cup
1/2 cup
Vegetable
1/2 cup
1/2 cup
Fruit
1/2 cup
1/2 cup
Meat or Cheese
1/2 oz.
1/2 oz.
Cooked/Dry Beans/Peas
1/8 cup
1/8 cup
Peanut Butter, Nut/Seed Butters Nut and/or Seeds Yogurt Vegetables and Fruits (1 each) Breads/Grains, Pasta
Snack (Portions & Servings) Must Select Two Different Protein Components
1/2 cup
Peanut Butter, Nut/Seed Butters Nut and/or Seeds Yogurt Breads/Grains, Pasta
1T
1T
1/2 oz.
1/2 oz.
1/4 cup 1/2 serving, 1/4 cup
1/4 cup 1/2 serving, 1/4 cup
Upcoming Events at LCCAA Head Start Cascade Head Start *Nov. 2: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. *Nov. 4: Scavenger Hunt, 11 a.m. Nov. 8: No School, Professional Development Day Nov. 11: No School, Veterans Day Nov. 12: Lead & Hemoglobin Screenings *Nov. 16: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. *Nov. 17: Parent Meeting, 1:30 p.m. *Nov. 17: Family Tech Talk, 7 p.m. *Nov. 18: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m. Nov. 18: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. *Nov. 23: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Nov. 25-26: Thanksgiving Break *Nov. 29: Virtual Trip to Cleveland Zoo, 1:30 p.m. *Nov. 30: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Firelands Head Start *Nov. 2: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. *Nov. 4: Scavenger Hunt, 11 a.m. *Nov. 12: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m. *Nov. 16: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. *Nov. 17: Family Tech Talk, 7 p.m. *Nov. 18: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m. Nov. 18: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19: Picture Day *Nov. 23: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Nov. 25-26: Thanksgiving Break *Nov. 29: Virtual Trip to Cleveland Zoo, 1:30 p.m. *Nov. 30: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Griswold Head Start *Nov. 1: Safety Meeting, 8:30 a.m. *Nov. 2: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. *Nov. 4: Scavenger Hunt, 11 a.m. Nov. 8: No School, Professional Development Day Nov. 9: Lead & Hemoglobin Screenings *Nov. 10: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m. Nov. 11: No School, Veterans Day *Nov. 16: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. *Nov. 17: Family Tech Talk, 7 p.m. *Nov. 18: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m. Nov. 18: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. *Nov. 23: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Nov. 25-26: Thanksgiving Break *Nov. 29: Virtual Trip to Cleveland Zoo, 1:30 p.m. Nov. 30: Picture Day *Nov. 30: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Hopkins-Locke Head Start *Nov. 1: Safety Meeting, 10:30 a.m. *Nov. 2: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. *Nov. 4: Scavenger Hunt, 11 a.m. Nov. 8: No School, Professional Development Day Nov. 10: Lead & Hemoglobin Screenings Nov. 11: No School, Veterans Day *Nov. 16: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Nov. 17-18: Picture Days *Nov. 17: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m. *Nov. 17: Family Tech Talk, 7 p.m. *Nov. 18: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m. Nov. 18: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. *Nov. 23: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Nov. 25-26: Thanksgiving Break *Nov. 29: Virtual Trip to Cleveland Zoo, 1:30 p.m. *Nov. 30: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. LaGrange Head Start *Nov. 2: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. *Nov. 4: Scavenger Hunt, 11 a.m. Nov. 12: Lead & Hemoglobin Screenings *Nov. 16: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. *Nov. 17: Parent Meeting, 1 p.m. *Nov. 17: Family Tech Talk, 7 p.m. *Nov. 18: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m. Nov. 18: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. *Nov. 23: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Nov. 25-26: Thanksgiving Break *Nov. 29: Virtual Trip to Cleveland Zoo, 1:30 p.m. *Nov. 30: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Wellington Head Start *Nov. 2: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. *Nov. 4: Scavenger Hunt, 11 a.m. *Nov. 16: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. *Nov. 17: Parent Meeting, 1 p.m. *Nov. 17: Family Tech Talk, 7 p.m. *Nov. 18: Health Services Advisory, 9 a.m. Nov. 18: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. *Nov. 23: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Nov. 25-26: Thanksgiving Break *Nov. 29: Virtual Trip to Cleveland Zoo, 1:30 p.m. *Nov. 30: OSU Nutrition Class, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. *Indicates a virtual event.
