Early Head Start to Expand Next Fall LCCAA Head Start will serve more babies and toddlers next year and once again have a facility in South Elyria.
expansion will allow LCCAA to open a new facility at 107 Oberlin Ave. in Elyria, not far from the former Hamilton Elementary The agency has been awarded an School Head Start site. Early Head Start expansion grant “This is exciting news for families from the federal government that in Elyria,” said Head Start Director will create 16 new slots for children Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. “It is now aged 0 to 3 in Lorain County. The well-known how critical those first
few years are for child development and we are just thrilled to be able to serve more children.” The new center will have two classrooms and approximately six staff members. Construction will begin soon with an opening date expected in the fall of 2022, Matelski said.
Conscious Discipline Teaches Self Control LCCAA Head Start uses the Conscious Discipline curriculum to help children develop self-regulation. Rather than the warnings given in traditional discipline, teachers will begin by giving children two acceptable choices. Offering choices gives the child a feeling of control over their own lives. Conscious Discipline also offers children a “safe place” where they can go to be alone and calm down if needed. Conscious Discipline uses a “Brain State” model focusing on safety, connection and problem solving. When the child is feeling distress they are in the survival state, also known as the “fight or flight” state. If the child is not made to feel safe they will then escalate to the emotional or limbic state, often demonstrated by screaming, crying or yelling. Once a child reaches this state you will not be able to effectively communicate with them. Teachers need to remain calm and help the child de-escalate. A child who remains in the emotional state will not be able to move to the executive state, where they would be able to solve problems. When a child moves to the executive state they are able to display empathy, helpfulness, wisdom and learning.
Book of the Month: Pete the Cat: Firefighter Pete October 3 through 9 is Fire Safety Week.
All Head Start centers have regular fire and tornado drills and these can be very scary for many preschoolers, especially the first few times. It is important to regularly discuss fire safety with your children: what to do if there is a fire, where to go, who to call, etc. Talk to kids about never playing with lighters or using the stove unsupervised and practice Stop, Drop, and Roll. Pete the Cat: Firefighter Pete by James Dean is a great book to get the conversation started with a popular character kids are comfortable reading about.
