Head Start Family News September 2021

Head Start Family News News from Lorain County Community Action Agency Head Start • Sept. 2021 Director’s Corner

Parent Volunteers Needed for Head Start Welcome Head Start Families,

your center’s administrator if you are interested in this Thank you for choosing Head Start! We program option. are excited for this program year, and Parents, you are so needed. The Head Start model is we are ready to get started! built around the fact that we need your input, your ideas We will begin very similarly to how and your energy. Overall, we need your help with longwe ended this past school year in June term program planning.

concerning the ongoing pandemic. This means we will There are many opportunities for parent engagement. continue to take all safety precautions and measures to Whether it is participating in parent meetings or policy keep staff, children and families safe. council; or volunteering in school-wide events; or We will continue to follow CDC guidelines and keep serving on education, health, or safety committee you informed of any changes. The great news is we will meetings, your presence and voice are always needed and welcomed. Speak with your assigned family service be filling our classrooms to our normal capacities! worker or teacher to learn more. WE NEED YOU! This year, we are able to offer full-day, full-year services to eligible children and families. We are extending this Let’s have a great year!

Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. option to ensure children who will be transitioning to Head Start Director Kindergarten next fall are well equipped. Please contact

Safety Protocols Continue in New Year The new school year in LCCAA Head Start will begin much like the last one ended. LCCAA Head Start is requiring all students, staff and visitors to wear masks. Additional steps that remain in place include: XX Curbside drop off and pick up XX Temperature checks and health screenings for all children and adults, including staff.

XX Hand washing for children upon arrival and before departure.

XX Restricted access for visitors.

XX Regular cleaning and sanitizing of areas and materials.

Head Start Works! www.lccaa.net 1-888-245-2009

Head Start Offers Comprehensive Services On behalf of the staff at LCCAA EHS/Head Start Program, we are happy to welcome you to the 20212022 school year and honored you have chosen to have your child attend one of our 5-Star Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) rated programs.

We are looking forward to our partnership with you to ensure your child can achieve their fullest potential. We recognize that in order to be successful in EHS/Head Start, your child needs support from both the home and school.

We know strong partnerships with you will make a great difference in your child’s early childhood experience.

As partners, we share responsibility for your child’s XX Parent engagement opportunities by participating success and want you to know that we will do our very in parent meetings, volunteering, participating in best to carry out our responsibilities. policy council, school-wide events or attending education, health, or safety committee meetings.

By choosing Head Start, you and your child will receive the following comprehensive services: XX On-going monitoring of your child’s educational XX Opportunity to learn through play by engaging in hands-on learning experiences with qualified degreed teachers, who follow a researched-based curriculum.

XX XX Health screenings (vision, hearing, dental, lead, height and weight).

growth will be measured throughout the year with our child assessment and results will be shared with families at home visits and conferences.

A quality early childhood experience that will foster long-lasting relationships and your child’s love for learning.

XX A developmental & behavioral screening to assist XX Exposure to extra curriculum supports: Tae Kwon Do, Viva Spanish and a music and movement in identifying any potential developmental delays program from the Kindermusik. as early as possible.

XX On-going communication through this Head Start newsletter, bi-weeklies about what’s happening in your child’s classroom, parent meetings, ClassTag messages, to daily conversations with your family service worker or child’s teacher.

Your child’s early childhood years are very important.

We do encourage that your child attends school daily and arrives on time, as attendance does play a huge impact on your child’s learning experience.

Early experience last a lifetime, and we look forward to XX Healthy and nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack, working with you and your child to ensure a successful school year. which follows the USDA guidelines.

Dedicated Employee Promoted to Assistant Director Promotions over the summer will result in some changes to LCCAA Head Start’s organizational structure.

Head Start for 27 years starting as a family service worker and moving up in the management team.

Stefanie Drew, LCCAA Head Start’s Family, Health and Community Services Specialist, was named Assistant Head Start Director at the “I am ready for the challenge,” beginning of August.

Drew said. “And I know we will Drew has worked for LCCAA have another great year.”

Drew’s promotion means Health and Nutrition Manager Rebecca Rodriguez has been elevated to Specialist.

Collaborative Manager Maria Vasquez has been promoted to Family Engagement Specialist.

Additionally, Melinda Gray has been promoted to Food Service Manager.

Early Head Start Splashes, Socializes Early Head Start students received services through our home based program during the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19 concerns.

We were thrilled to welcome some of our babies and toddlers back into centers on June 1, 2021. And they were thrilled to see each other for a social event at the West Park Splash Pad in Elyria on July 23.

Early Head Start serves pregnant women and babies and toddlers up to age 3. Socialization is an important part of our home-based program.

Attendance and Getting to School on Time Matter

From the moment your child steps into his or her Preschool is a time for building the social, emotional, Head Start classroom, the day is carefully planned to cognitive, and language skills needed for school maximize learning. readiness. Many of these skills build on one another so A healthy meal and a class meeting are two ways the absent children may miss the foundational skills needed teachers prepare the students for the day ahead. Being for the next skill. on time and present for both of these important daily components is key to a successful day in school.

Additionally, following the predicable daily routine helps to build confident and eager learners.

Regular attendance is also critically important in our Help your child become a lifelong learner by getting quest to build lifelong learners. him or her to school each day, on time.

Book of the Month: The Pigeon Has to Go to School Some children will be excited and counting down the days until they start preschool, but not all, and that’s typical.

For all children, talk about things they will see and do at school and remind them of what you will be doing while they are at school. Talk to them about who will be picking them up each day.

For those nervous children, tell fun stories like what art supplies you liked best and your favorite picture book.

After a few days of school, those nerves just melt away when they see all the amazing things to do and play within our Head Start classrooms.

Community Garden Thriving

Cauliflower Up Next on Try Day

LCCAA Head Start has created a tradition of introducing new foods to students and families in fun ways.

Cauliflower is up next on our list of introductions with two fun ways to enjoy it planned.

In early August, more than a hundred families attended what one mother called “the most fabulous thing I’ve ever seen in Elyria.”

Fresh Fest was held at the Elyria Public Library South Branch where LCCAA has partnered to create a community garden. The garden and event were organized with our partners Our F.A.M.I.L.Y., Hope for Futures and Invest Elyria.

Families could pick fresh vegetables that were either ready for harvest from the garden or had been purchased from other local farmers and gardeners and donated by GO Fresh Brands. They harvested zucchini, squash, green peppers, banana peppers, radishes, lettuce and collard greens.

Library staff also opened their Maker Space which was used for taste testing some of the fresh vegetables prepared from the garden. Hope for Futures staff also provided tips for visitors to start their own home gardens.

On Tuesday, Sept. 28, students will be served cauliflower florets with ranch dip during their afternoon snack.

On Friday, Oct. 1, lunch will include fried cauliflower rice with turkey ham.

Parents will have a chance to try the cauliflower in samples sent home or by making the shared recipe.

Parents will also be asked to complete a survey with those who do being entered into a drawing.

The prize is a 10-piece single serve blender set.

Nutrition Vans Have Snazzy New Look Head Start is Wild About Health and Nutrition and the vehicles that deliver meals to our centers now reflect that.

Two vans for delivering prepared meals from our central kitchen to our centers have been “wrapped” by Pro Image Sign and Graphics with colorful designs promoting nutrition and LCCAA Head Start.

Look for these creatively designed vehicles throughout Lorain County.

Getting Involved in Your Child’s Class We all send our children to school with dreams of academic success.

We hope for inspiring teachers who will motivate and challenge.

parent/teacher conferences, you can increase this partnership in a Did you know that creating a variety of ways, partnership with these teachers can such as: enhance your child’s experience volunteering, completing activity even further? logs or learning links, attending Parent involvement in school has enrichment activities, attending been shown to result in improved monthly parent meetings, elected reading and math skills, as well as to policy council, or joining increased confidence and social our education, health or safety committees. skills.

This is why your Head Start community has many ways for you to be involved. Aside from your required home visits and

Please see your teacher or family service worker to find a way that you can be an integral part of your child’s school success!

Parent Meetings Cascade Sept. 16, 9:30 a.m.

Firelands Sept. 24, 10 a.m.

Griswold Sept. 17, 10 a.m.

Hopkins-Locke Sept. 15, 9 a.m.

LaGrange Sept. 15, 10 a.m.

Wellington Sept. 15, 10 a.m.

Policy Council Makes Critical Decisions Working with parents and supporting children and families along positive developmental pathways really does give families a good Head Start.

Head Start centers itself on strengthening parenting and supporting families so that children thrive and succeed.

Disabilities Specialist Jennifer Bartlebaugh.

Policy Council members also have an opportunity to attend trainings and conferences locally, statewide and nationally. Parents also typically accompany Head Start managers to advocate for the program in Washington D.C.

The support they receive as members of Policy Council often leads parents to make changes in their own lives.

Many members have gone on to work for LCCAA, open businesses or earn degrees. Most importantly, “We know that parents are their child’s first teachers,” they have learned how to advocate for their children as said Head Start Director Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. “It’s their school careers continue, said Assistant Head Start important to have a group of parents coming together to Director Stefanie Drew. make decisions for their child’s program.”

“The opportunity to work alongside the director, “It gives them an opportunity to help us make decisions that are going to be right for the program and for their child,” she added. “So Head Start has always placed an emphasis on the Parent Policy Council.”

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.

program staff and other parents allows them to say ‘I can do this!’ and ‘I can do other things,’” Drew added.

Once elected at parent meetings, Council members come together to elect their officers. The commitment for most parents is approximately two hours per month. For officers, slightly more time is required.

The President of Policy Council also has a full voting seat on the LCCAA Board of Directors where they can continue to advocate for the program.

“We want to make sure we’re meeting everyone’s For 2020-2021, Policy Council met by Zoom. When needs in Lorain County and this is an opportunity to in person meetings can be resumed safely, they will get feedback on a regular basis,” said Education and include a meal, child care and mileage reimbursement.

Don’t Lose Your Home! LCCAA Can Help 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. Mortgage assistance is available for those who have had a forbearance from their lenders.

In some cases, the mortgage help can also be applied to property taxes.

For both programs, residents must live at or below 80% of the Area Median Income ($60,800 for a family of four).

Applications for both programs 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.

Summer Crisis Program Open Through Sept. 30 Lorain County Community Action Agency’s Summer Crisis Program can help qualifying residents pay their electric bills as they keep cool in the summer heat. Air conditioners, fans and limited help with central air conditioning repairs are also available.

XX They have been diagnosed with coronavirus in 2020.

XX They are enrolling in PIPP Plus for the first time.

XX They are an existing PIPP customer in default.

Appointments are required for the emergency program and are only available to residents who meet one of the criteria. Appointments can only be made at the agency’s website. All appointments are being conducted over the phone.

As always, the primary qualification for the program is a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Line ($46,375 for a family of four in 2021).

Residents at that poverty level qualify for help if they also meet at In person services are being offered for seniors only in partnership with least one of the following criteria: the Lorain County Office on Aging.

XX They are age 60 or over.

XX They have a documented medical condition worsened by extreme heat.

XX Their electric service has been disconnected or they have received a disconnect notice.

Customers with questions about the program can call 440-245-1870 during regular business hours.

LCCAA also allows a limited number of people in its lobby to ask questions at the service window.

The program will run through Sept.

XX They are trying to establish new 30 this year. For additional details, service. please visit our website.

Tech Connect Back Sept. 27

Tech Connect is coming back!

LCCAA is again partnering with Ohio Means Jobs Lorain County to offer a basic computer training course.

Classes start Monday, Sept. 27 at 8:30 a.m. and are open to anyone over 18 who has completed orientation with OMJ. The course will cover Microsoft Office products, including how to create a resume using Word, how to apply for jobs online and how to set up and maintain an email address. PowerPoint and Excel are also discussed.

Other course dates are Sept. 28, 29 and 30 and October 4, 5, 6 and 7. All classes are three hours with an optional 30 minute open lab after each class.

For more information or to register, contact Client Services Coordinator Colette Park at cpark@lccaa.net or 440-2043151.

LCCAA Head Start Menu for September 2021 Monday 6

B L

Wednesday

Tuesday

No School

S 13

WG Blueberry Snack ‘n Waffle, Apple Slices

7

Thursday 8

Purple Daze Smoothie, WG Bunny Grahams

Friday 9

WG Cinn Toast Crunch, Diced Peaches

Yogurt, Berry & Granola Parfait

10

Meatball Sub, Asst. Veggies w/ Ranch, 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

Danimals® Yogurt, Fresh Orange

WG Flatbread Round, WOWBUTTER® and Jelly

Local Apple, WG Pretzel Bag

Banana, WG Goldfish Crackers

WG Banana Bread, Apple Slices

14

15

16

WG Strawberry Mini Bagel, Applesauce

Yogurt, Peach & Granola Parfait

17

B

WG Cheerios Cereal, Pineapple Tidbits

L

Veggie Chili w/Cheese WG Cornbread Apricots

Build Your Own Nachos: WG Tortilla Chips, Seasoned Beef, Black Beans, Salsa, Shredded Cheese;

Teriyaki Beef Dippers, Sweet/ Sour Dip, WG Fried Rice, Edemame & Corn Salad; Pineapple

WG Wild Mike Pizza Bites w/ Marinara; Tossed Salad w/Toppings; Cheese, Croutons, Asst. Dressing; Tropical Fruit

Homemade Sloppy Joe, Maple Cinnamon Carrots, Diced Pears

S

Mango-Peach Applesauce, WG Cheez-Its

WG Graham Crackers Sun Splash Veggie Juice

Diced Pear Cup, WG Educational Crackers

Asst. Raw Veggies, Ranch Dressing, Cheese Stick

WG Tortilla Chips, Salsa

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; Mango Chunks

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

S

Turkey Stick, WG Saltines

Danimals® Yogurt, Fresh Orange

WG Flatbread Round WOWBUTTER® and Jelly

Local Apple, WG Pretzel Bag

Banana, WG Goldfish Crackers

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, Maple Cinnamon Carrots, WG Cornbread, Clementine

Beef & Veggies w/Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Diced Peaches; WG Garlic Twist

TRY DAY: Cauliflower Fried Rice with Turkey Ham; Mandarin Oranges, Fortune Cookie

Mango-Peach Applesauce, WG Cheez-Its

TRY DAY: Cauliflower w/Ranch WG Graham Crackers

Diced Pears, WG Educational Crackers

Raw Veggies w/Ranch Dip, Cheese Stick

WG Tortilla Chips, Salsa

S

20

27

WG Blueberry Snack’n Waffle Apple Slices

WG Banana Bread Apple Slices

21

28

WG Mini Wheats Seasonal Melon

22

Purple Daze Smoothie WG Bunny Grahams

29

WG Mini Wheats Seasonal Melon

23

WG Cinn Toast Crunch Diced Peaches

WG Strawberry Mini Bagel, Applesauce

30

Yogurt, Berry & Granola Parfait

Yogurt, Peach & Granola Parfait

24

1

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.

Apple Crunch Returns Oct. 14

Head Start students will participate in Virtual Great Apple Crunch at noon Oct. 14 by enjoying locally grown apples. A kit for making applesauce will also be sent home.

The Crunch promotes healthy eating and supports farmers. Households as well as educational organizations are welcome to register this year at: cias.wisc.edu/ applecrunch/ In 2020, more than 800,000 participants crunched. This year’s goal is one million.

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 *Sept. 16: Parent Meeting, 9:30 a.m. *Sept. 27: National Family Day,

BINGO, 1:30 p.m. *Sept. 30: Dad Talk Series, 2 p.m.

Sept. 30: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.

LaGrange Head Start *Sept. 15: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m. *Sept. 27: National Family Day,

BINGO, 1:30 p.m. *Sept. 30: Dad Talk Series, 2 p.m.

Sept. 30: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.

Firelands Head Start *Sept. 24: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m. *Sept. 27: National Family Day,

BINGO, 1:30 p.m. *Sept. 30: Dad Talk Series, 2 p.m.

Sept. 30: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.

Wellington Head Start *Sept. 15: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m. *Sept. 27: National Family Day,

BINGO, 1:30 p.m. *Sept. 30: Dad Talk Series, 2 p.m.

Sept. 30: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.

Griswold Head Start *Sept. 17: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m. *Sept. 27: National Family Day,

BINGO, 1:30 p.m. *Sept. 30: Dad Talk Series, 2 p.m.

Sept. 30: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.

Home Based Head Start *Sept. 10: Socialization, 10 a.m. *Sept. 24: Socialization, 10 a.m. *Sept. 27: National Family Day, BINGO, 1:30 p.m. *Sept. 30: Dad Talk Series, 2 p.m.

Sept. 30: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.

Hopkins-Locke Head Start *Sept. 15: Parent Meeting, 10 a.m. *Sept. 27: National Family Day,

BINGO, 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 30: Dental Screenings *Sept. 30: Dad Talk Series, 2 p.m.

Sept. 30: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m. *Indicates a virtual event.

Early Head Start *Sept. 3: Socialization, 10 a.m. *Sept. 17: Socialization, 10 a.m. *Sept. 27: National Family Day,

BINGO, 1:30 p.m. *Sept. 30: Dad Talk Series, 2 p.m.

Sept. 30: Policy Council, 5:30 p.m.

LCCAA Presents the Dad Talk Series Father absence has been labeled a pandemic affecting many areas in society. How can fathers increase their engagement with their children? Fathers you can help in building a strong family. Head Start wants to offer support to fathers and families.We have scheduled quarterly talks that will focus on father issues which may also be family issues. Everyone is important in the family so moms are welcome too.

Join us on Zoom at 2 p.m.

Get the login on ClassTag! September 30 February 23 June 1

Paternity, Custody Health Issues Fatherhood Month