Head Start Family News
Head Start is Wild About STEAM!
LCCAA Head Start families explored Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) at two events last month.
Family fun and learning made for great memories and skill development. Families also enjoyed a delicious dinner and great door prizes. Stomper from the Lake Erie Crushers also joined us!
“Everything was well put together and a perfect family outing,” one parent commented.
Activities at the events included:
X Colorful Coffee Filters
X Marble & Play-Doh Challenge
X Building Challenge
X Egg Submarines
X Linking Tubes
X Sensory Bottles
X Painting with Magnets
X Shape Scavenger Hunt
X Tower Challenge
X Help the Astronaut Get to the Moon
X Marshmallow Skewers
X Fizzing Colors
X Jenga
“The event was amazing,” said another parent. “My family had so much fun.”
For details on how to recreate these activities at home, talk to your child’s teacher.
LCCAA Head Start Now Enrolling for Fall
It’s time to register for Head Start for the 2026-2027 school year!
If your Head Start student will be returning this fall, contact your family service assistant or home visitor to update your paperwork and reserve your child’s space. If a younger sibling will be joining us, your family service assistant or home visitor can help with that too.
Share your Head Start story with friends and neighbors. Make sure they know Head Start Works!
Join Our Recruitment Committee
Parents are invited to assist with enrollment by joining our recruitment team.
Do you belong to a church, team or organization that may want to know more about Head Start? Would you like to help distribute Head Start information at a festival, fair or community event?
The next Recruitment Comittee meeting is May 13 at 1 p.m. Join us at Central Plaza or online via Teams. Contact Deanna Gregg at dgregg@lccaa.net if you have questions.
Head Start families must live at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Families receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families), or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) are automatically eligible. Homeless children and children in foster or kinship (grandparents) care are also automatically eligible.
Head Start also serves children with disabilities.
Registration can be started online at www.lccaaforms. net. Packets are also available at all of our centers.
Staff Spotlight: Alica Wilson
What makes Head Start special?
Head Start is special because it is more than just education. It provides a place where parents and children form lasting relationships and memories. Head Start surpasses the standards and provides parents, grandparents, relatives or caregivers access to services and experiences that they may not otherwise have access to. Lastly, Head Start gives parents and families a voice,through policy council, parent meetings and events that focus on fathers, to name a few. What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I’m a mother of two amazing sons, two adorable grandsons and a dog mom to my fur baby Ace. I’m currently taking college courses in art therapy. Through art therapy, I’m learning how to develop unique forms of creative expression when dealing with life’s ups and downs and how to facilitate these methods in both
Current Site: Home-Based
Current Position: Home Visitor Years with LCCAA: 25 years Years in Current Position: 12 years
personal and professional environments. When I have completed my coursework, I will be certified as an Art Therapy Facilitator. It is so rewarding to be able to combine my love of art with my passion for helping the families I serve, the people around me, and myself in ways that can strengthen mental health and achieve personal growth.
What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
A professional accomplishment is that this year I will be celebrating 25 years of service with LCCAA. Another accomplishment I’m proud of is that this past March, my artwork was displayed in an Ursuline Art Exhibition at Tri-C.
Fostering Independence in Preschoolers
Head Start’s educational philosophy promotes independence. Thoughtfully designed classrooms encourage kids to reflect, try new things and take charge of their education.
A key developmental step, fostering independence builds confidence and creates self-help skills that prepare children for future challenges. This journey doesn’t begin – or end – at school. Many techniques can help parents and caregivers foster independence at home. Unfortunately, some habits at home can also hinder independence.
What Not to Do
Over-Helping: Constantly intervening in tasks, such as dressing or feeding, can prevent children from learning self-help skills.
Micromanaging: Overly directing play or activities can stifle creativity and decision-making. Allow children to explore and make choices.
Providing too much assistance: Doing tasks for children instead of encouraging them to try on their own can lead to dependency.
Avoiding risk: Preventing children from facing minor challenges or risks can limit their confidence and problem-solving abilities. Allowing safe risks helps build resilience.
What To Do
Praise your child’s effort by using phrases such as: “You worked hard on that!” “You kept trying until you got it!” These praise your child’s efforts rather than praising only outcomes or intelligence.
Encourage Independence: Allow preschoolers to do things on their own, such as dressing themselves, putting away toys, or choosing their outfit.
Offer Meaningful Choices: When completing tasks, give two choices relevant to the task. Use phrases such as: “Do you want to wear the green shirt or the blue shirt?” “Would you like to ride your bike or walk?”
Assign Simple Chores: You would be amazed at the classroom jobs that the children love. Some of these jobs include watering plants, setting tables for meals, turning lights
on and off, cleaning tables, and sweeping the floor. Many of these can be done at home with minimal assistance.
Encourage Risk Taking: Encourage them to try again if they struggle and provide support, rather than immediately fixing the problem for them.
Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge their emotions — even negative ones — to teach them to trust themselves.
Celebrate Growth: Remind them of things they can do now that they couldn’t do before.
Create a Secure Base: Unconditional love and attention — like cuddles and listening — give children the emotional security to explore and take risks.
Letting go may be difficult at first, but it’s essential to your child’s growth and development. By allowing children to explore, make choices and solve problems, they build resilience and lower anxiety as they prepare for their next step.
Week of the Young Child Celebrated
The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world’s largest early childhood education association.
Tasty Tuesday became a Try Day experience thanks to LCCAA Nutrition Staff. Students tried asparagus and took home a MyPlate. For Work Together Wednesdays, groups collaborated on fun giant floor puzzles and Artsy Thursday saw them making self-portraits.
For Family Friday the preschoolers took home a backyard scavenger hunt and DIY binoculars. Thanks to all who participated!
What to Expect at Class Bridging
LCCAA Head Start’s traditional bridging ceremonies are planned for the week of May 18.
The last day for children is May 20 followed by Family Fun Day on May 21 at most centers.
Each center will host its own ceremony with a theme chosen by the families.
Every child is celebrated during the ceremony. Please contact your child’s teacher or your family service associate for exact details not listed below.
Central Plaza
Each room will have its
own ceremony on May 20: Room 224 at 9:15 a.m., Room 201 at 10:15 a.m., Room 216 at 11:15 a.m.
Firelands
Firelands Head Start students will bridge on May 20 at 1 p.m. Family Fun Day will be held on May 21.
Griswold
Griswold classes will bridge over three days: May 18, 19 and 20. Please see your child’s teacher for the specific time for your class.
Home Based
Home Based students will have a bridging ceremony
and socialization on May 15 beginning at 10 a.m.
Hopkins-Locke
Hopkins-Locke classrooms will bridge over three days: May 18, 19 and 20. Please see your child’s teacher for the specific time for your class.
LaGrange
The LaGrange classroom will share its bridging ceremony with Wellington classes on May 21.
South Elyria
Each room will have its own ceremony on May 19. Room A will bridge at 3 p.m. and Room B at 4 p.m. Family Fun Day will
Events
be held May 21 at the site.
Wellington
Wellington classes will share their bridging ceremony with LaGrange students on May 21.
Parents Wanted for Health Services Committee
LCCAA Head Start parents are invited to join our Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC).
The HSAC meets throughout the year to discuss the health, nutrition, and mental health needs of children in our program.
The committee includes: Head Start parents, Head Start staff, and local health professionals.
Join us on May 14 at 9 a.m. at Central Plaza Head Start, 1949 Broadway Ave., Lorain.
If you have questions, reach out to Rebecca Rodriguez, Health and Nutrition Services Specialist at rrodriguez@ lccaa.net or 440-520-1027.
Your voice matters! As a member, you can share your ideas and feedback, help guide program policies, support planning for health and wellness events and make a positive impact on children and families.
Rocking for a Friend
LaGrange Head Start students rocked their socks for World Down Syndrome Day on March 21.
Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes – 46 in total. The date of “3/21” was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which is Down syndrome.
Around one in every 800 babies will be born with Down syndrome. Down syndrome occurs naturally and there is no known cause.
LaGrange friend Jalil and his parents donated some extra fun socks to the classroom so they could ROCK their SOCKS to show support and celebrate him!
Learn more about World Down Syndrome Day at www. worlddownsyndromeday.org.
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Book of the Month: The Queen of Kindergarten
In “The Queen of Kindergarten” (written by
Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton), M.J.’s mom gives her a tiara to wear on her first day of kindergarten and tells her that it is the same one she wore on her first day of kindergarten.
The tiara isn’t just for show, however; it reminds
M.J. of all the good things she brings to her classroom: kindness, friendliness and impressive soccer skills. She gets through the whole royal day, making friends, doing a class job and learning new things.
She makes her parents proud and at the end of the
day, her mom tells her that since she is a queen, she can keep the tiara! Kids will be able to relate to all the new things they will learn when they start kindergarten too.
Look for the book and its twin, “The King of Kindergarten,” at your local library.
Wellness Cafe, Fair Hosted for Families
Families came together for a community wide event designed to support fathers, families, and children through health education, connection, and fun.
To mark Minority Health Month, LCCAA’s Head Start and Pathways HUB programs partnered with Passages to host Fathers and Families: Rooted in Wellness. The event included lunch, door prizes and giveaways, community vendors and resources, family games and activities, a photo booth and face painting, and free family T-shirts.
“Fathers and families build our community,” said Pathways HUB Director Melissa Carroll. “The more we can do to bring our community together, the more we can do to strengthen families, the better we all will be.”
Speakers at the event included Ray Southard, new executive director of the Harrison Cultural and Community Center and Coach Lawrence Chin-Albert, founder of FitSpirit and the Ohio Movement Institute.
The event also featured an appearance by 216 Stix which includes Central Plaza Head Start Teacher Steve Ortiz.
All attendees also received a free T-shirt designed by Head Start student Jacob Galdamez.
Real Talk
During the same week, the HUB hosted a Wellness Café for pregnant and postpartum moms.
Attendees included the HUB’s Community Health Workers and doulas as well as lactation consultants, midwives, health professionals and more.
Angela Dawson, director of the Ohio Commission on Minority Health which funds the HUB, spoke to the group.
“Motherhood does not mean you don’t take care of yourself,” she said. “My hope is that through the education you receive tonight, you will center yourself in the reality that you are enough.”
Learn more about the HUB and Head Start and view a full list of the resources presented at these events by visiting our website. For more photos, visit Facebook.
Upcoming Events
X May 8: Moms and Muffins, times vary
X May 11: No School, Home Visits
X May 13: Recruitment Committee Meeting, 1 p.m.., Central Plaza or on Teams
X May 14: Health Services Advisory Committee, 9 a.m., Central Plaza
X May 15: Head Start Men Making a Difference Meeting, 9 a.m., Griswold
X May 18: Policy Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Central Plaza
X May 20: Last Day for Children
X May 21: Family Fun Day, 9 to 11 a.m.
X May 25: Memorial Day, Agency Closed
X May 28: Head Start Night at Lake Erie Crushers
HEAP Deadline is May 31
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a once per season benefit to help with winter heating bills. If you need help with this past winter’s bills, you have until May 31 to apply.
You don’t need an appointment to apply for HEAP. Visit energyhelpohio. gov to start your trackable application.
Online applications can take up to eight weeks to process. You can also download an application from our website and mail it in. However, mailed applications can take up to 12 weeks and cannot be tracked. Paper applications dropped off to LCCAA will be forwarded to the State of Ohio but this may cause additional delays.
Processing is on a first come, first served basis. HEAP benefits are paid directly to your utility company.
If you are locked out of the state’s website, call 440-245-1870 and ask for help. Energy Services staff will submit a request for assistance to the state on your behalf.
LCCAA’s Summer Crisis Program will begin July 1. Summer Crisis helps keep homes cool for seniors and those with medical conditions. Watch our website for announcements about making your appointment.
Produce Center Will Be Open All Summer
Residents throughout Lorain County can take advantage of the LCCAA Produce Center every week.
Households living at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level ($64,300 annually for a family of four) are eligible to order from the center.
Ordering windows are open from 8 a.m. Monday to 11 p.m. Sunday or until all appointments are full. Pickups are the following Wednesday and Thursday.
Appointments must be made via
the online system and honoring appointments is critical.
Those picking up are also asked to approach the Produce Center using Reid Avenue and West 10th Street and not cut through the parking lot at 936 Broadway Ave. Please follow
all signs and staff instructions. Staff or volunteers will bring food orders to your car.
LCCAA operates the Produce Center in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio and Food Forward Lorain.
The Produce Center is staffed by youth assigned to LCCAA’s Youth Services program and volunteers.
Visit our website for more information or to place your order. Contact Center Manager Deirdre Paynter at 440-457-0327.
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4 through 8.
Show your appreciation with a short note or quick word. Smiles and hugs are timeless gifts that don’t cost a thing!
May is Community Action Month
Lorain County Community Action Agency (LCCAA) proudly serves the community as part of a robust, national Community Action Network.
In communities across the county, Community Action Agencies empower hardworking families to achieve economic independence rather than keeping them reliant on government assistance. There are nearly 1,000 agencies across the country working every day to create economic opportunity, strengthen local communities, and help families find pathways to prosperity.
Across the county, more than 15 million people are helped every year with services like job training, financial education, and small business support, helping families build skills to achieve long-term financial freedom.
Community Action Agencies ensure that hard-working American families have access to the opportunities they
need to thrive, while also promoting local economic growth and reducing government dependency.
All agencies are locally controlled with boards of directors composed of local elected officials, private and public sector representatives, and engaged community residents.
