Head Start Family News-September 2020

Head Start Family News News from Lorain County Community Action Agency Head Start • September 2020 Director’s Corner

New Year Brings Lots of New Processes

Hello Head Start first, and really couldn’t believe it our families.

Families! was all happening.

As we embark into the 2020I cannot tell you We had to deliver the news to 2021 program year, we want you how good it feels all staff and to our families that to know that we have implemented to be back! It may we were shutting down. We didn’t new safety procedures concerning not be exactly the know for how long and there were COVID-19. We have worked very same right now, so many questions that we didn’t hard to ensure safety for our children but we are working have answers to. It was a very and families. You should have toward restoring our services, difficult time for all of us. noticed the difference right away and getting back to some kind of Well, you know the rest of the when you brought your child to normalcy. story, and here we are! I was so school on the first day. Remember, The Coronavirus (COVID-19), proud of our staff and parents as the changes we have made benefit brought us a year to remember. It you participated in our Facebook us all. If you have questions or has been the ultimate challenge pages during our closure. It was concerns, please contact your site for each and every one of us, and wonderful to see videos, pictures administrator for assistance. worldwide. Many of you will remember that on Friday March 13, 2020, I received news that we had to shut down our program and close our centers. I admit, I was shaken at

and messages from parents as We are glad to be back with you you worked with your children at again! home. Staff kept the momentum by providing learning activities, and Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. continuing communications with Head Start Director

COVID-19 Protocols

1. All staff are screened and have their temperature taken daily using the system pictured at right. They must wear masks.

2. Drop off and pick up will be outside.

3. Parents will be asked if anyone in their household has been exposed to or shows symptoms of COVID-19.

4. Anyone exposed or showing symptoms is asked to stay home for 72 hours or until they are symptom free.

5. Children will have their temperatures taken before they leave their vehicle.

6. If parents must enter the centers, they will be screened and must wear a mask.

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

COVID Means Center-Based Classes Much Smaller Normally, an LCCAA Head Start classroom is filled with 20 children, but this year we are starting off with just eight.

Due to added needs, protocols and stressors during this pandemic, we feel secure in our decision to start the year with a smaller class size.

Unfortunately, this also means that we may not be able to accommodate every family that wants their child in a physical, not virtual, classroom this fall.

Never fear, the smaller class size is temporary. But during this time, let’s look for the silver lining in this situation.

Despite the smaller class size, the staffing remains the same. Though the teachers will be balancing inclass students with online learners, during their six hours in the classroom they will be dedicating themselves to only those eight little learners.

This is particularly important when looking at the social-emotional concerns brought forth by this pandemic.

Children have had to experience social distancing and the wearing of masks. They may be seeing their own parents navigating job

loss, potential loss of home, or food insecurities. They may have had sick relatives or developed a fear of getting sick. All of this, and more, will result in our teachers working with more social-emotional concerns.

Working with a smaller class will ensure teachers have the time to address the needs of each child.

Additionally, small group time will be even smaller, with more opportunity for one-on-one attention while learning new skills.

Meal times will have one teacher at a table with no more than four students. This will result in longer and deeper conversations and more

time to encourage the pickiest of eaters. During free choice time, your child will have the benefit of longer play sessions with his or her teacher, which is when most of the learning happens in preschool.

Due to smaller class sizes, teachers have the opportunity to get to know every child in a more profound way than ever before.

Of course, we want to give every child the opportunity to attend Head Start, and we look forward to adding more students as soon as possible.

Until then, we will make the most of this time and prepare our little groups to welcome and mentor new friends as restrictions change.

New Cleaning and Sanitizing Processes LCCAA’s Head Start classrooms and centers will be sanitized at least twice everyday this fall.

Service Safety Specialist Tracy Hough (pictured right) has brought in new sanitizing equipment that can quickly kill germs and viruses on the variety of surfaces found in LCCAA offices and classrooms.

Additionally, some of LCCAA’s Head Start Centers are equipped with Zono cabinets. The cabinets can hold a large quantity of classroom materials ranging from wooden puzzles to stuffed animals.

The cabinets use ozone, made from pure oxygen, to disinfect and sanitize naturally.

No chemicals are used in the cabinets.

The sprayers use a mild, environmentally friendly solution delivered electrostatically. Spraying eliminates the possibility of cross-contamination that can occur when using wipes or towels.

Common areas will also be regularly sanitized and schedules created so groups do not share spaces at the same time.

We will do our best to encouarge social distancing among the children and keep everyone safe and healthy.

Virtual Learning Option Begins Sept. 14 Planning for the 2020-2021 school year has been very challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

LCCAA had to make some difficult decisions to maintain the highest quality and most comprehensive services available to our families.

Your child’s health and safety is our number one priority.

Since space is limited for our center-based services, LCCAA Head Start will offer a virtual learning experience where your child can still learn and thrive. Virtual learning using the platform ClassTag begins Sept. 14.

Virtual learning and support will be provided at home through interactive lessons by LCCAA teachers, educational programs and your child’s first teacher – YOU! When parents are partners in their child’s education, everyone wins.

This virtual learning option includes all the typical services children at LCCAA Head Start Centers receive

including an assigned Family Service Worker to assist with resources, referrals and forms.

Virtual students will also receive nutrition and health services including weekly food distributions. All the same screenings done at our centers will also be accomplished.

In addition to a weekly call or virtual meeting with a teacher, you will have access to daily read-alouds, daily literacy lessons, program enhancements (music, tae kwon do, etc.) and other virtual services you can use at your convenience. Each child will receive both an art kit and a music kit so they have access to supplies needed for activities.

If you know someone who wants to sign up for the virtual learning option, the first step is to visit our website and fill out the Quick Application: https:// www.lccaaforms.net/

Keeping a Routine During Uncertain Times We all know the importance of routines for children. For instance, developing a bedtime routine of tooth brushing followed by one story and a bedtime hug will make this time less challenging. When children know what to expect they are best equipped to handle even the things they don’t like to do.

Children do not do well when they lack information.

Don’t let routine disruptions get you down. Things are not always going to be perfect and predictable, but how you handle them can make a big difference in the lives of children. Do your best to keep your child informed of what is happening, if there are any changes, and what the new plan entails.

is to develop a picture schedule, since children are visual learners.

Find the times during your day that you find yourself repeating requests or instructions; save your voice and let the pictures do the talking! If bedtime is your struggle, put four or five pictures together showing the expected sequence. For example:

Keep your explanations simple and remember to always validate your child’s feelings. For example: “You are disappointed because you wanted me to pick you up from school today.” You don’t have to make big promises in an effort to But now we are in uncertain times, make it better; you just need to and even our own routines have validate the feeling. been disrupted. How can we create If you don’t already have routines something for our children that we for your children, now is the time to don’t even have? develop them. One of the best ways pajamas, toothbrush, bed, story.

Teach your child to consult the picture board for each step.

By having a life full of routines, your child will build a strong foundation of feeling safe, which will help him or her handle the inevitable disruptions.

Communications Tools Cover All Bases LCCAA Head Start teachers and staff have multiple channels to communicate with parents for the 20202021 school year.

Some tools will be familiar to returning families, others are new as we adapt to changes based on COVID-19 restrictions. Some communications are very specific to your child; others focus on your entire Head Start Center, the program as a whole or other LCCAA programs that might benefit you.

Here’s what to expect: Classroom Connector Folder: This commonly used folder sends physical papers home from our centerbased classes with pockets clearly marked for what needs to be returned.

Text Messages: Using the number you provide, your child’s teacher can text you center or classroom updates or open a line of communication specific to your child.

Bi-Weekly Update: This classroom specific newsletter will be sent home or emailed every other week. You will find book recommendations, suggestions for home learning and updates specific to your child’s class or virtual instructor.

Head Start Family Newsletter: This monthly publication discusses our entire program and includes updates on LCCAA programs outside of Head Start such as utility help, computer classes and more. It will be sent home or emailed.

Ready Rosie: This partner of our Creative Curriculum company provides videos that enhance your child’s learning. You will receive an invitation and then a weekly playlist of suggested lessons. Teachers will also use this to share videos specific to your classroom or even your child if they need assistance with a particular skill.

ClassTag: This electronic communication tool will allow us an easy and secure way to exchange

information and share resources specific to your child or his classroom. We can also share photos and videos with you this way.

Virtual learners will also use this platform to access their lessons and our program enhancements such as tae kwon do lessons. Invitations to virtual parent meetings and other events being held via Zoom will be sent through ClassTag. If you used our private groups on Facebook over the summer, you will find ClassTag very similar.

GSuite Email: New this year, every LCCAA Head Start family will be given an @lccaa.net email address.

You will be able to log in to it using Google’s Gmail application. Your teacher, Family Service Worker and other staff will use this to contact you.

You will receive log in information and be asked to check it regularly. Additionally, all addresses are automatically subscribed to our weekly newsletter Mission Moment which covers all programs offered by LCCAA, including Head Start.

Don’t forget to also visit our website at www.lccaa. net if you are looking for information and make sure to follow LCCAA on Facebook. If you still can’t find what you need, contact your Family Service Worker.

We are here to help!

Book of the Month: Back to School Rules

For some children entering Head Start, this may be their first time encountering formal rules. This is a great time to discuss the importance of following school rules with your child.

Laurie Friedman’s book Back to School Rules is a fun way to bring up the topic. When parents and teachers are working together toward the same goals, children are more successful.

LCCAA Head Start wants every family to have a successful year!

Join Us for a Bike and Trike A Thon Registration is now open for choose to seek their own sponsors LCCAA’s first Bike and Trike A and top fund-raisers will be rewarded.

Thon.

Sponsored by United Properties, Participants can register for a the Bike and Trike A Thon will donation of any amount, beginning include two live events designed at $10, by texting BIKEATHON to to minimize contact. On Sept. 19, 44321, or visiting www.lccaa.net. participants are invited to visit the The Bike and Trike A Thon will Elyria Bicycle Center to receive a run from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 free map of area bike trails. On Oct. with daily challenges or activities 3, the first 100 visitors to the LCCAA suggested. Participants can do as Bike Shop will receive a bell for their much or as little as they choose and bikes. are encouraged to share their photos Watch our Facebook page for via Facebook. Participants can also details.

Eviction Avoidance and Water Bill Help Offered LCCAA has received funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) to provide help for Lorain County residents living at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Line.

The funding must be used to address community needs related to COVID-19. LCCAA has been approved to use the funding to help local residents with basic needs such as eviction prevention, assistance with water bills, emergency food, and winter coats for children.

Partnering with the Lorain County Urban League, LCCAA will help approximately 100 residents who have fallen behind on their rent during the crisis. LCUL will mediate between tenants and landlords making sure tenants’ legal rights are protected. Rent assistance

may be part of the process.

To be eligible for the Eviction Avoidance Program, residents must have been current on their rent as of March 1, 2020. The resident must have a written lease and be able to document a recent loss in income. Funds are being distributed proportionally among all Lorain County ZIP codes. Contact the LCUL at 440-323-3364.

Water bill assistance is offered through LCCAA’s HEAP department. Again, residents must have been current on their bill as of March 1, 2020.

To apply for water bill assistance, make a contactless appointment with a HEAP advocate by calling 440538-6999. Income limits also apply to this program.

Learn more at www.lccaa.net.

Summer Crisis Extended Through Sept. 30

COVID-19 has changed many things about Lorain County Community Action Agency’s Summer Crisis Program, including who is eligible.

Residents can get help with their electric bills, receive an air conditioner or fan or have their central air system repaired. To be eligible, they must live at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Line AND meet one of the following criteria: • They are age 60 or older.

• They have a documented medical condition worsened by extreme

heat.

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

• They are trying to establish new service.

• They have been diagnosed with coronavirus in 2020.

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

• They are an existing PIPP customer in default.

COVID-19 has also changed the way LCCAA is conducting the program. All appointments are being done by phone with zero contact

between the LCCAA advocate and the client.

A secure drop box is available at 936 Broadway Ave., Lorain for required documents. Documents can also be faxed to 440-201-6483 or emailed to heapdocs@lccaa.net.

Appointments can be made by calling the new 24-hour number: 440-538-6999 or going online to https://app.capappointments.com/.

Federal Coronavirus stimulus checks do NOT count as income for this program.

The program will run through Sept. 30 this year.

COVID Weary? Mental Health Tips for Families So many changes, yet so many things are the same. The drop-offs are different, but the school is the same. The classroom is different, but the teachers are the same.

There’s a mask on that face, but it’s my teacher underneath it!

A few things we know for sure, we will continue to work together to connect and support learning in its many different forms. We have plans. We will share plans. And we will support you in making plans!

LCCAA Head Start’s Mental Health Consultant Donna Jezewski offers these tips for a calm start to the school year amid COVID concerns With Kids:

feelings.

• Create a visual schedule: Brush teeth, get dressed, go to school, dinner, bath, bedtime, etc.

• Practice calming and breathing with them.

For Parents:

• Be kind and gentle with yourself, and your kids.

• Remember everybody is adjusting, and still adjusting!

This is challenging.

• Have a balance between work and play.

• Take PLAY breaks with quick dance parties, balloon play, or just be creative!

• Talk about the changes. Prepare • Reach out for extra support if needed. them, and practice new routines with them.

Lastly, remember none of us are • Create good-bye and hello rituals. experts in COVID, but we all have • Provide reassurance. Name their expertise in being with kids.

Wellington Head Start teacher Jane Godby made a video of herself wearing a mask to ease children’s minds.

For more on how to talk to your child about COVID-19 including the story Mrs. Godby shared in this video, visit our Learning Resources page at www.lccaa.net/ head_start/learning_resources.

Healthy Habits Start Early with Active Play Good activity habits begin early in your child’s life. As early as infancy, you can help your child grow lifelong healthy play habits.

Your child learns from you, so while you help him be active, try to do the same activities!

For Your Infant Keep your baby active with tummy time and time spent out of the swing or bouncy chair.

This will give him plenty of chances to stretch, reach and kick so he can reach important milestones like crawling and sitting up.

Avoid putting a TV in your baby’s room. The more YOU talk to and play with your baby, the more likely

he is to be healthy as he grows.

day. Children who watch more than two hours of TV a day are more For Your Toddler likely to be overweight as they get Even very active toddlers need older. physical activity. Keep moving by dancing, jumping and walking For Yourself and Your Family together.

When you spend time being Try to limit screen time to two active, your child learns healthy hours or less a day. Children who habits from you. have lots of active play time outside Set playtime, mealtime and and indoors are more likely to stay bedtime routines to make daily life healthy and active as they grow up. easier to handle.

Talk with your child’s pediatrician, For Your Preschooler early care and education staff and Help your child stay active and other parents to get ideas for making learn at the same time by spending playtime active time. time outdoors.

Try to limit TV, video games and Source: National Center on Early Childhood computer time to two hours or less a Health and Wellness

LCCAA Head Start Menu for September 2020 Monday 7

B L

Labor Day No School

S 14

B L

No School

S 21

B L

No School

S 28

B L S

No School

Wednesday

Tuesday 8

WG Banana Bread & Locally grown apple

Thursday 9

Mini Wheats & Seasonal Melon

Friday 10

WG Bagel & Cream Cheese

Yogurt, Peach & Granola Parfait

Cheeseburger with choice to add pickle chips, ketchup; baked beans, apricots

WG Lasagna Roll-up, Green Beans, Clementine

Beef & Veg w/Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Diced Peaches, WG Garlic Toast

WG French Toast Sticks, Chicken Sausage Patty, Tater Tots, Tangerine

WG Graham Crackers & Juice

Diced pear cup & WG Granola bar

Local Apple & WG Pretzels

WG Tortilla Chips & Salsa

15

16

17

Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Diced Peaches

Yogurt, Berry & Granola Parfait

11

18

WG Blueberry Waffle, Applesauce

Berry Patch Smoothie; Annie’s Bunny Grahams

Meatball Sub; Assorted Raw Veggies with Ranch Dip; Diced Pears

BBQ Chicken Drumstick, Carrots & Green Beans, Italian-Seasoned Pierogies, Tropical Fruit Salad

WG Homemade Mac & Cheese, Steamed Broccoli, Sweet Mango

Orange Chicken Stir Fry, Brown Rice, Stir Fry Veg, Seasonal Melon

Danimals® Yogurt, Fresh Orange

WG Flatbread Round, WOWBUTTER®

Raw Veg. w/ Ranch Dip & Cheese Stick

Banana, WG Goldfish Crackers

22

23

24

Mini Wheats & Seasonal Melon

WG Bagel with Cream Cheese, Applesauce

Beef Nachos topped with choice of Black Beans, Salsa, Cheese; Clementine

BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Cole Slaw, Mandarin Oranges

WG Graham Crackers & Juice

Diced Pear Cup, WG Granola Bar

WG Pepperoni Pizza, Tossed Salad w/Toppings: Cheese, Croutons, Assorted Dressing: French, Ranch, Italian; Tropical Fruit Local Apple, WG Pretzels

WG Banana Bread & Locally grown apple

29

30

1

Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Diced Peaches

Yogurt, Peach & Granola Parfait

25

Sloppy Joe, Maple Cinnamon Carrots, Diced Pears WG Tortilla Chips & Salsa

2

WG Blueberry Waffle, Applesauce

Berry Patch Smoothie; Annie’s Bunny Grahams

Chicken Tortilla Topped with choice of Cheese, Lettuce, Salsa; Mango Chunks

Chicken Grillbites, Ketchup, BBQ, Honey Mustard; WG Pasta Salad w/ Veg; Mandarin Oranges

WG Spaghetti w/meatballs; California Veg; WG Breadstick; Fresh Fruit Salad

Turkey w/ Gravy; Mashed Potatoes; WG Dinner Roll; Seasonal Melon

Danimals® Yogurt, Fresh Orange

WG Flatbread Round, WOWBUTTER® & Jelly

Asst. Raw Veg. w/ Ranch Dip & Cheese Stick

Banana & WG Goldfish Crackers

Yogurt, Berry & Granola Parfait

Milk is served daily at breakfast and 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 reveiwed and approved by M. Robison, MPH, RD, LD. Equal Opportunity Provider.

Need help with food at home?

Meal Breakfast (Portions & Servings)

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 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

Yogurt Vegetables and Fruits (1 each) Breads/Grains, Pasta

Snack (Portions & Servings) Must Select Two Different Protein Components

1/2 cup

2T

Peanut Butter, Nut/Seed Butters Nut and/or Seeds

Check Second Harvest’s website for an open food pantry or mobile distribution near you. www.secondharvestfoodbank.org

Food Components

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

Parent Meetings, Socializations Virtual In keeping with the current guidelines surrounding COVID-19, all LCCAA Head Start parent meetings, socializations and other activities will be held virtually for the time being.

Parents are encouraged to get involved by participating at Parent Meetings (held monthly at larger centers and every other month at smaller centers) and other committees such as health and safety. Parents are also invited to attend and join our Parent Policy Council.

Parent meetings are also used to update families Griswold Head Start Parents gathered to make tutus during a parent meeting in 2019

Upcoming Parent Meetings

Cascade: Firelands: Griswold: Hopkins-Locke: LaGrange: Wellington:

Sept. 10, 10 a.m.

Sept. 16, 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 9, 10 a.m.

Sept. 9, 10 a.m.

Sept. 9, 11 a.m.

Sept. 10, 10 a.m.

If you have not received information on how to log in for your meeting, contact your Family Service Worker.

Home-based student socializations are Sept. 18 for Early Head Start and Sept. 11 and 16 for Head Start. All socializations are at 10:30 a.m.

on services available in the community or to share information on particular topics. Meetings also often include crafts or fun activities you can do with your child.

While we are not accepting parent volunteers in our centers at this time, there are tasks you can do at home to help your child’s teacher. If you are willing to help, just let your child’s teacher know.

Our home-based students typically have an in-person socialization event twice each month. For now, these will also be conducted virtually.

Invitations to all the virtual events will be sent through ClassTag. If you have questions or issues with connectivity, contact your Family Service Worker for help. We look forward to visiting with you in person again soon!

LCCAA Operates Five-Star Centers All of LCCAA’s directly operated Head Start centers have received the highest possible rating from Ohio’s Step Up to Quality program. The FiveStar ratings have been or are being renewed in 2020 for all six centers.

LCCAA classrooms, the Firelands and August. Cascade’s rating is expected Wellington centers had their ratings to be renewed this fall after on-site renewed. visits resume.

As LCCAA’s newest Head Start center, LaGrange Head Start had received a temporary Five-Star rating Since implementing the program, based on the strong track record of the LCCAA Head Start has consistently overall program. maintained the highest ratings, said In April, LCCAA was notified that Director Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. the LaGrange center had earned five “Thanks to the hard work and stars in its own right, said Education dedication of our wonderful staff, and Disabilities Specialist Jennifer we have maintained the program’s Bartlebaugh. integrity and quality,” she said.

Hopkins-Locke’s rating was Just before COVID-19 closed renewed in July and Griswold’s in

Ohio created its five-star rating system to recognize and promote early learning and development programs that meet quality standards over and above the minimum health and safety licensing requirements.

Higher ratings are given to programs employing teachers with more specialized training as well as enhanced parent, family and community engagement, among other criteria.