Read for the Record Planned Oct. 20
Head Start annually participates in a global reading experience designed to promote both early language and social-emotional development.
Jumpstart has organized the event for 17 years and more than 24 million people have participated. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of books have been distributed to children in underserved communities.
Head Start will read Nigel and the Moon on Oct. 20, a week before the global event on Oct. 27 for which
two million readers are estimated.
Nigel and the Moon was written by Antwan Eady and illustrated by Gracey Zhang. This is a heartwarming story about a boy who shares his big dreams for himself only by talking with the moon. As the story progresses, Nigel gains confidence and the ability to eventually share with others.
LCCAA has always invited guest readers for this event. Please contact your child’s teacher if you would like to pre-record yourself
reading this book or join in a live reading on zoom. Teachers can make arrangements to get a copy of the book to you.
Imagination Library Success Celebrated
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has grown rapidly in Ohio thanks to First Lady Fran DeWine.
Parton and DeWine were on hand for a statewide celebration last month and so was LCCAA Head Start Family Engagement Specialist Maria Vasquez.
DeWine also visited the Elyria Public Library when they celebrated the success of the program locally.
The Imagination Library program provides free books each month for children from birth through age five. Head Start families can ask their Family Service Assistants for help signing up.
Book of the Month: Stop, Drop and Roll
All LCCAA Head Start centers have regular fire and tornado drills. The drills can be scary for many preschoolers, especially the first few times.
Fire Safety Week, Oct. 9 to 15, is a great time to talk to your kids about fire safety. It’s important to regularly discuss 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.
This book by Margery Cuyler, illustrated by Arthur Howard is a great way to start conversations and practice Stop, Drop and Roll.
For more books and other Fire Safety Week ideas, visit: https://www.pre-kpages.com/firesafety-week-in-preschool/.
Gestational Diabetes Preventable, Manageable
Pregnancy is life-changing, filled with both joy and uncertainty. Pregnancy Support Services provides you with the information you need to keep both you and your baby healthy and safe.
LCCAA Head Start’s Pregnancy Support Services will support women at any stage of pregnancy with a goal of lowering the infant mortality rate in Lorain County, particularly among the Black population.
Premature delivery increases the chance that an infant’s health will be in danger. Gestational diabetes often results in early delivery, but it is preventable and man-
ageable.
Gestational Diabetes impacts between six and nine percent of pregnant women. The common condition results when there is too much sugar in a woman’s bloodstream. High blood sugar levels can lead to serious risks for both mother and baby. Gestational diabetes is usually discovered during a routine glucose screening performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Risk factors increasing a woman’s chances of developing gestational diabetes include:
X Being overweight.
X Lack of exercise.
X High blood pressure before or during pregnancy.
X Prediabetes before pregnancy.
X High stress levels (stress increases blood sugar).
X Race or ethnicity (e.g. Black and Hispanic women are at a higher risk).
Mothers can lower their risk and early pregnancy is the ideal time to begin making the best choices possible for having a healthy mom and healthy baby. These include seeing your healthcare provider regularly, maintaining a steady weight gain, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and limiting sugar intake.
If diagnosed, controlling blood sugar will be the primary focus of your care. This will be done through monitoring your blood sugar levels, diet and exercise. If needed, you will be put on medication to stabilize blood sugar levels.
For more information on Gestational Diabetes, contact Melissa Carroll through Pregnancy Support Services at 440-204-0187. Melissa has lots of tips including information on planning a healthy diet, physical activity during pregnancy, stress management, and how to talk to your physician.
Baby Signs Program Added to Early Head Start
LCCAA Early Head Start will begin using The Baby Signs Program this school year.
Even though some of our little ones can’t talk, babies six months and older have a sense of what they need, things they are interested in and remember. The inability to communicate these things with words results in frustration for children, parents and teachers.
Just as babies easily learn to wave “bye-bye” and shake their heads
“yes” or “no” they can learn to use simple signs to communicate with the important people in their lives before they know words.
Benefits of the program include:
1. Reduces tears & tantrums.
2. Reduces biting and other aggressive behaviors.
3. Builds trust between babies and caregivers.
4. Helps caregivers be more observant & responsive to what the child needs.
5. Promotes positive emotional
development.
6. Provides a “universal” language.
7. Jumpstarts intellectual development.
Recently, we sent home The Baby Signs that will be utilized in the classroom as well as illustrations on the hand motions. You will also see a weekly newsletter that will be sent home in your Early Head Start child’s communication folder and shared on ClassTag.
Help build the school to home connection, by using some of these signs at home and together foster your child’s communication and development.
Where to Look for Lead in Your Home
Even relatively low levels of lead exposure can impair a child’s cognitive development. The Lorain County area has an elevated risk for lead in its housing stock.
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 23 to 29. LCCAA Head Start offers blood tests for lead exposure annually and refers families for treatment as needed.
Children with higher blood lead levels can experience delayed growth and development, damage to the brain and nervous system, learning and behavior problems and other health-related problems.
In homes, lead can be found in old paint, water and soil. Lead in household paints was outlawed in 1978. When the paint peels or cracks, the chips or dust can be ingested by children. Some pipes, also in older homes, may contain lead that can get into drinking water.
Lead particles from exterior lead-based paint, leaded gasoline and other consumer products can settle in soil and last for years. Children can be exposed to lead in soil by swallowing or breathing in lead-contaminated soil while playing. This soil can also get on shoes and clothes and be brought into the home. Vegetables grown in contaminated soil may also contain traces of lead.
Lead can also be found in consumer products ranging from ceramics to toys. Other countries have different
regulations so imported products may have higher lead levels. Some jobs and hobbies may also involve lead exposure.
In addition to blood tests for your child, testing is available for your home. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/ nceh/lead/.
Great Apple Crunch Coming October 13
Crunching is coming to LCCAA Head Start classrooms on Oct. 13.
Once again, students and staff will participate in the Great Apple Crunch along with hundreds of students across the Great Lakes region. Last year, more than 1.2 million locally grown apples were crunched.
Anyone who wants to show support for local farmers and school food can join by registering for the crunch at https://cias.wisc.edu/ourevents/applecrunch/
Apple Crisp for One
Ingredients for the Filling:
1 medium tart apple, peeled, cored and diced into cubes
1 T sugar
1 tsp. flour
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1-2 T raisins or chopped nuts (optional)
Ingredients for the Struesel
Topping:
1 packet instant oatmeal
1 T flour
1 T softened butter or margarine
Procedure:
Mix all filling ingredients in a small bowl until fruit is coated. Pour into a 7-8 oz microwave safe ramekin, a small dish or coffee mug.
Combine all topping ingredients together in a small bowl until mixture is coarse and crumbly. Press on top of apples.
Bake in oven at 350 F for about 30 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes until apples are crisptender.
From the LCCAA Head Start Nutrition Staff
Home-Based Program Nurtures Family
LCCAA’s home-based Head Start program helped Oberlin native Rebekah Fields-Johnson take ownership of her children’s education and has made her a better mother.
Rebekah, her husband Mario, and their four children have all been touched by Head Start and her baby girl born in September will be also, she said. Her entire family has been empowered by Head Start.
“I love home-based. It’s so flexible for our schedule,” she said. “Being able to have them in their own environment is easier since there are so many of us. It’s a family thing; we’re all involved.”
The Johnson family has been part of Head Start for six years. Oldest son Xavier enrolled in home-based at age 3. Xavier is now 9. Daughters Xenieya, 7, and Xylahna, 5, are both graduates as well. Son Xemar just turned 3 and started receiving visits from Sabrina “Miss Ellen” Osborne. Daughter Xoie was already on Miss Ellen’s list before her birth.
“Every child is different,” Rebekah said. “So as we’ve been on this journey, she’s been able to get to know my kids.”
Xavier began Head Start with strong emotions. Miss Ellen introduced Conscious Discipline to help both mother and son. Rebekah now uses the program as a “staple for our household.” She’s grateful for the curriculum Growing Great Kids and Growing Great Families which have helped her “take the reins” as a parent.
“I have seen this parent go through so much through the years,” Miss
Ellen said. “She is very strong. I’ve watched her grow as a woman and as a parent.”
Rebekah appreciates the whole family approach of Head Start. Working with Miss Ellen has encouraged her to continue her education and improve skills such as time management. She worked as a STNA until COVID-19 closed her children’s schools. Now, while home-schooling daughter Xenieya as she recovers from surgery, Rebekah is taking classes at Lorain County Community College.
“I set goals with Miss Ellen for what I wanted to do as a parent and as an individual,” she said. “It goes beyond the kids. It really works on the whole family.”
Miss Ellen’s weekly, 90-minute visits include songs, activities, stories and more. While the visits have been conducted recently over
Head Start still has slots available:
Zoom or outside at a distance, the Fields children have been fully engaged and grown tremendously.
“It’s always child led,” Rebekah said. “My kids love to sing and dance, so she keeps them active and motivated. They look forward to her coming.”
When the older children are home, they’re included as well. Activities vary from practicing writing skills to taking nature walks in the Johnson’s’neighborhood. Miss Ellen brings materials or drops them off if the visit is virtual.
“Center-based isn’t for everyone. This approach gives you so much flexibility and involvement –with the help of someone who is educated,” Rebekah said. “I feel much more empowered as a parent and I’m able to not be so hard on myself as a mom. It nurtures our whole family and we cherish it.”
www.lccaaforms.net.
Mary Lee Tucker Program Applications Open
Applications are now being accepted for the Mary Lee Tucker Clothe-A-Child Fund, which has been helping children in need for 97 years.
The program provides new winter apparel for children ages 4 to 12. Applications are accepted through Oct. 14 and shopping occurs in November and December. The clothes are donated by readers and organizations.
Head Start families can pick up an application from their Family Service Assistant or Home Visitor. Applicants will not be approved if they received the service last year.
Applications must be accompanied by a photocopy of the parent’s photo ID and a copy of the child’s birth certificate. One of the following documents must also be submitted:
X Proof of SNAP (food stamps)
X Proof of Social Security benefits
X Benefit letter from Job and Family Services
X Copy of government-funded health care card
X 2021 1040 Federal Tax form for all household income
All completed applications must be postmarked by Oct. 14 and will be processed in the order that they are received. Emailed documents are not accepted.
Help Available for Lot Fees, Property Taxes
Lorain County homeowners can apply for help with non-mortgage expenses thanks to a program of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA).
Save the Dream Ohio – Utility Assistance Plus provides eligible Ohio homeowners with financial assistance to pay delinquent utility bills, property taxes, and other housing costs not included in the mortgage payment. This can include
lot fees for mobile homes.
To qualify, the home must be your primary residence and you must have experienced hardship or loss of income due to COVID-19. Income thresholds are high compared to other programs, according to Energy Services Coordinator Darnella Higginbotham.
A family of four cannot have an annual income exceeding $147,600.
To apply, bring proof of income, proof of homeownership and a statement regarding your hardship to LCCAA’s secure drop box at 936 Broadway Ave., Lorain.
Be sure to include your contact information and write “OHFA” on your envelope. A staff member will contact you regarding your eligibility. No appointments are needed.
Help Available to Keep Your Home Warm
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.
Beginning Nov. 1, the Winter Crisis Program will help you if your primary heating source is disconnected, a disconnection notice has been received, or you have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel.
Appointments for Winter Crisis can be made only online beginning Oct. 18. All appointments will be conducted over the phone.
If you receive a disconnect notice during the crisis period, make an appointment right away. If you make an
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.
Winter Crisis will operate through March 31, 2022
Apply online. No appointment needed.
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) helps you pay to heat your home during the winter.
PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) reduces your utility bills to a percentage of your income.
For more details on all these programs, please visit www.lccaa.net/programs/energyservices
LCCAA Head Start Menu for October 2022
WG Cinn Chex or Cinn Toast Crunch, Pineapple Tidbits
Egg Omelet,Maple Sweet Potatoes,Croissant, Baked Cinnamon Apples
Turkey Stick, WG Crackers
WG Cheerios Cereal, Pineapple Tidbits
WG Blueberry Waffle Apple Slices
Meatball Sub, Bell Peppers w/Ranch Diced Pears
Danimals® Yogurt, Fresh Orange
WG Banana Bread, Apple Slices
Purple Daze Smoothie, WG Bunny Grahams
BBQ Chicken Drumstick, Cheese Cubes, Carrots & Green Beans, WG Cornbread, Tropical Fruit
WG Flatbread Round, WOWBUTTER® and Jelly
WG Mini Wheats Honeydew
WG Banana Muffin Diced Peaches
Homemade WG Mac-n-Cheese Steamed Broccoli Mango Chunks
Apple, WG Pretzels
Yogurt, Blueberry & Granola Parfait
Orange Chicken, Brown Rice, Stir Fry Veggies, Watermelon
Banana, WG Goldfish Crackers
WG Cavatappi Mac-n-Cheese Broccoli
Mixed Fruit Salad
Mango-Peach Applesauce, WG Cheez-Its
Build a Tortilla: WG Tortilla, Seasoned Chicken, Cheese, Lettuce, Salsa; Clementine
WG Graham Crackers Sun Splash Veggie Juice
WG Blueberry Waffle Apple Slices
No School
Build Your Own Nachos: WG Tor tilla Chips, Seasoned Beef, Black Beans, Salsa, Cheese; Mango
Danimals® Yogurt, Fresh Orange
WG Blueberry Waffle Apple Slices
Teriyaki Beef Dippers, Teriyaki or Sweet/Sour Dip, WG Fried Rice, Peas, PineappleTidbits
WG Mini Bagel w/ Strawberry Cream Cheese, Applesauce Bosco® with Marinara, Tossed Salad with Toppings: Cheese, Croutons, French or Ranch Dressing, Tropical Fruit
No School
No School
Meatball Sub, Mini Carrots w/Ranch Diced Pears
Danimals® Yogurt, Fresh Orange
Cucumbers with Ranch Cheese Stick
Purple Daze Smoothie WG Bunny Grahams
BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Cole Slaw Mandarin Oranges
WG Flatbread Round WOWBUTTER® and Jelly
TRY DAY: Cranberry Smoothie WG Bunny Grahams
BBQ Chicken Drumstick, Cheese Cubes, Carrots & Green Beans, WG Cornbread, Tropical Fruit
B S L B S L B S L Apple Slices WG Pretzels
WG Flatbread Round, WOWBUTTER® and Jelly
Apple Crunch Day, Local Apple WG Educational Crackers
WG Banana Muffin Diced Peaches
WG Spaghetti w/Meatballs, Roasted Zuccini & Squash, WG Breadstick, Fresh Fruit Salad
Local Apple, WG Pretzels
WG Banana Muffin Diced Peaches
Yogurt, Strawberry & Granola Parfait
Turkey w/Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, WG Dinner Roll, Honeydew
Banana, WG Goldfish Crackers
Yogurt, Blueberry and Granola Parfait
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 3 5 1817 6 1110 4 31 1 19 1312 20 2 3 4 21 14 7 B S L Homemade WG Mac-n-Cheese Steamed Broccoli Mango Chunks
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.
Healthy Snack
Tips from LCCAA
While meals make up the majority of a child’s nutritional intake, most children eat at least one snack per day. You can use snack times as a way to increase fruit and vegetable intake. Most kids do not eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. Snack times offer a great opportunity to increase access and exposure to these nutrientdense foods.
Consider pairing them up with dairy products or dairy substitutes (such as grapes and cheese), lean proteins (such as celery and peanut butter), or wholegrain cereals and bread (such as banana sandwich on whole grain bread).
Meal Food Components Ages 1-2
Breakfast (Portions & Servings)
Lunch (Portions & Servings)
Fluid Milk
Fruit or Vegetable Breads, Cold Cereal, Granola
Fluid Milk
Meat or Cheese Cooked/Dry Beans/Peas
Peanut Butter, Nut/Seed Butters Nut and/or Seeds Yogurt
Vegetables and Fruits (1 each)
Breads/Grains, Pasta
Fluid Milk
Vegetable Fruit
Snack (Portions & Servings) Must Select Two Different Protein Components
Meat or Cheese
Cooked/Dry Beans/Peas
Peanut Butter, Nut/Seed Butters
Nut and/or Seeds
Yogurt
Breads/Grains, Pasta
1/2 cup 1/4 cup
1/2 serving, 1/2 cup, 1/8 cup
Ages 3-5
3/4 cup 1/2 cup
1/2 cup 1 oz. 1/4 cup 1/8 cup each
2 T 1/2 oz. 1/2 cup
1/2 serving, 1/4 cup
1/2 cup 1/2 cup 1/2 cup 1/2 oz.
1/8 cup 1 T 1/2 oz.
1/4 cup
1/2 serving, 1/2 cup, 1/8 cup 3/4 cup 1 1/2 oz. 3/8 cup 1/4 cup each
3 T 3/4 oz. 3/4 cup 1/2 serving, 1/4 cup
1/2 cup 1/2 cup 1/2 cup 1/2 oz.
1/8 cup 1 T 1/2 oz. 1/4 cup
1/2 serving, 1/4 cup 1/2 serving, 1/4 cup
Upcoming Events at LCCAA Head Start
Oct. 11: Griswold Parent Meeting, 10 a.m.*
Oct. 13: Great Apple Crunch Day
Oct. 13: Hopkins-Locke Parent Meeting, 9:30 a.m.*
Oct. 14: Records Day, No School
Oct. 17: Virtual Zoo Trip, 11 a.m.*
Oct. 20: Education Advisory Committee Meeting, 9 a.m.*
Oct. 20: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.*
Oct. 20: Read for the Record
Oct. 21: Home Based Socialization, 10:30 a.m.*
Oct. 24-28: Fall Break
Oct. 31: Home Visit Day, No School
Nov. 2: Try Day: Cranberry
Dad Talk Series Continues
Father absence has been labeled a pandemic affecting many areas in society. Fathers can help in building a strong family by increasing their engagement with their children.
Head Start wants to offer support to fathers and families. We have scheduled a series of talks that will focus on father issues which may also be family issues. Everyone is important in the family so moms are welcome too.
Head Start staff will lead the discussion over Zoom at 2 p.m. Links will be sent home and be posted on ClassTag before each event. Mark your calendars for the following dates:
X December 7 Finances
X March 1 Legal Issues
X May 17 Health
*Indicates a virtual event.
Cranberries to be Tried
Try Day continues in November with cranberries.
LCCAA Head Start Nutrition Staff created Try Day to introduce new foods to students and their families. Try Day is traditionally a multi-sensory experience with teachers capitalizing on kids’ curiosity to create lessons.
Whole cranberries will be given to teachers for a classroom experience. For breakfast Nov. 2, Cranberry Smoothies will be served. (Smoothies prepared for the students will not contain oats or sweetener.) This recipe is easy to make with frozen berries and only takes five minutes of prep time.
Cranberry Smoothie (for two)
Equipment
X Blender
Ingredients
X 2 cups orange juice OR water (use more for a thinner smoothie)
X 2 cups cranberries
X 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt or plain Greek yogurt
X ¼ to ½ cup rolled oats (use certified gluten free if necessary) (optional to make the smoothie creamier and more filling)
X Your favorite sweetener (honey, maple syrup, stevia, etc.) (optional for more sweetness)
Instructions
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Either serve straight away or store in a clean and well-covered container for up to a day.
