Head Start Family News News from Lorain County Community Action Agency Head Start • January 2026
Parents Visit Classrooms for Winterfest Winterfest celebrations were filled with joyful voices, tasty treats, big imagination and big fun!
Parents joined students in classrooms for the events that warmed hearts and brought laughter and connections. Some centers had extra special visitors from the North Pole! Seasonal crafts involved teamwork and other hands-on activities made for wonderful memories. We loved welcoming families into our classrooms. Your presence and participation mean so much to our students — and to us! Your energy, excitement and support help make these warm and joyful celebrations unforgettable.
Head Start Works! www.lccaa.net 1-888-245-2009
Seasons Provide Learning Opportunities LCCAA Head Start teachers take advantage of seasonal changes and holiday celebrations to create engaging lessons that reinforce key skills. South Elyria students worked on A-B patterns with red and white beads. Making candy cane ornaments for the holidays was a great way to practice this early math skill. Plus, threading the beads helped with fine motor work too. Griswold students also worked on their fine motor skills by making jingle bell bracelets after singing the famous song. Singing together is a fun way to socialize – another key preschool skill. At Central Plaza, teachers took advantage of the December weather and brought real snow into the classroom. Using watercolors and droppers, the students “colored” the snow. Using droppers of varying sizes helps children work on the pincer movement. This movement builds the small muscles in their hands and prepares them for holding pencils and writing. Have questions about how to reinforce skills at home? Ask your child’s teachers!
Staff Spotlight:
Current Site:
Leigh Ann Neiter
Hopkins-Locke
Current Position:
Floater
Years with LCCAA:
28 years
Years in Current Position: 3 years
Leigh Ann Neiter is in her 28th year with LCCAA Head Start. She began as a home visitor and has also worked as an assistant teacher, head teacher and collaborative educator.
you most proud of?
I’ve watched children walk through our doors shy, uncertain or facing challenges far bigger than their years and leave confident, curious and ready to learn. Being a part of that transformation is something that I love.
Something people may not know about me is that I remember many of my former babies by name and or face and their families long after they leave us. (Yes, they will always be my babies.)
I am most proud of the fact that no matter what challenges life has thrown at me, I come to work What makes Head Start special? every day with a smile on my face, What makes Head Start truly special is that we meet open arms and ready to love the families where they are. Our staff offers compassion, children who count on us. stability, opportunity and love, often at moments when What’s something most people families need it most. don’t know about you?
What personal or professional accomplishment are
I also get so happy when I see my now grown babies walking through our doors with their babies.
Bilingual Classrooms Serve Families LCCAA Head Start offers bilingual classrooms in our two biggest centers, Griswold and Hopkins Locke. Head Start prides itself on meeting the children at their level. One way we do this is by celebrating children and families from other cultures. Sometimes, English is not the primary language in the home. Native Spanish speaking children and parents are often learning English through the classroom. In these classrooms, there is an extra level of learning added for our students. Students and teachers can communicate in Spanish while enhancing their understanding and language skills in English. The non-Spanish speaking children in the classroom are exposed
to another language. Students are learning to value and respect other cultures while having the opportunity to strengthen and connect to their own heritage. In these classrooms, at least one of the teachers speaks Spanish fluently. Teachers label the materials in the classroom in both English and
Families Invited for Game Nights
Head Start families are invited to two Game Night events in January. Come play games — get competitive if you want — enjoy pizza and door prizes. We will have board games, card games, puzzles and more! Griswold will host Game Night on January 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. Hopkins-Locke will host on January 30 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Spanish. Many books in the classroom are bilingual. During daily read aloud sessions, teachers read in both English and Spanish to enhance comprehension and literacy skills. In addition to literacy, math skills and cognitive skills are enhanced through bilingual communications.
Upcoming Screenings X Jan. 12-16: Health Screenings X March 9-13: Lead Screenings X March 19: Day
Lead Make Up
Parent & Committee Meetings X Jan. 14:
Men Making a Difference, 8:45 a.m.
X Jan. 21:
Firelands Parent Meeting, 9 a.m.
X Jan. 15:
Griswold Parent Meeting, 8:45 a.m.
X Jan. 15:
Central Plaza Parent Meeting, 8:45 a.m.
X Jan. 21:
Parent Recruitment Committee, 1 p.m., Central Plaza or Teams
X Jan. 15:
Wellington Parent Meeting, 10 a.m., Wellington Library
X Jan. 21:
Hopkins-Locke Parent Meeting, 3 p.m.
X Jan. 22:
Policy Council, Central Plaza, 5 p.m.
X Jan. 16:
South Elyria Parent Meeting, 8:45 a.m.
X Jan. 29:
Education Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.
X Jan. 16:
LaGrange Parent Meeting, 3 p.m.
X Feb. 19:
Health Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.
Read for the Record’s Big Event Set for Feb. 26 LCCAA Head Start joins Jumpstart in celebrating two decades of reading aloud together. On February 26, our students will join millions around the world reading See Marcus Grow by Marcus Bridgewater, also known as the social media sensation “Garden Marcus.”
Read for the Record has expanded into a year-long celebration.
The vibrant picture book introduces young readers to the wonders of gardening while exploring themes of curiosity, discovery, nurturing and growth. Each Head Start family will receive a copy of the book which is illustrated by Reggie Brown. Jumpstart’s Read for the Record is the world’s largest shared reading experience, celebrating early literacy and supporting children’s early language development. More than 30 million people have participated over the last 20 years and millions of high-quality books have been distributed to children around the world.
Previous books are being revisited in the lead up to Read for the Record Day on February 26. Books to share with your child over the winter months include: X Jan. 5:
Maybe Something Beautiful
X Jan. 12:
Thank You, Omu!
X Jan. 19:
Evelyn Del Ray is Moving Away
X Jan. 26:
Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon
X Feb. 2:
Nigel and the Moon
X Feb. 9:
With Lots of Love
X Feb. 16:
Piper Chen Sings
Head Start Classes Will Read Across America
Read Across America started in 1998 to encourage and celebrate the love of reading. Each year thousands celebrate reading during the same week as Dr. Seuss’s birthday – March
2 through 6.
books by Dr. Seuss, and we will even While this event is mostly celebrated have Green Eggs and Ham for lunch in the classroom, LCCAA Head one day! Start encourages you to continue Watch for a flyer to come home the reading fun at home. outlining Spirit Week. There will Through School Status Connect, be days for wacky socks, backwards you can share pictures of you and day, green day and a few more. your child reading. Tell us about your child’s favorite book!
We invite you to come in and read a story in your child’s classroom. At school, we will celebrate a fun Please see your child’s teacher for spirit week highlighting the many more information.
Head Start Works! Help Us Share its Success
LCCAA Head Start wants parents at a festival, fair or community to assist with enrollment by event? joining our Recruitment Team. Contact Head Start Policy Do you belong to a church, team Council President Genesis or organization that may want to Rodriguez at 440-670-5642 or know more about the Head Start gguevara@gmail.com or Recruitprogram? Would you like to help ment/Family Service Manager distribute Head Start information Deanna Gregg at 440-457-0348
or dgregg@lccaa.net. The committee’s next meeting is Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. either at Central Plaza or online via Teams. We look forward to your help and ideas!
Holiday Salad Recipe Shared at Meetings Head Start parents across the program enjoyed a demonstration from Dietician Marge Robison with Pisanick Partners. During December parent meetings, they discussed healthier holiday eating options and made a healthy holiday salad.
Barley Try Day Will Feature Salad, Lobby Tastings Head Start students will sample barley for the program’s next Try Day supported by the Grow Ohio Grant.
Students will try a Veggie Barley Salad with Orange Honey Vinaigrette on January 23.
Try Days are multi-sensory experiences. Classes receive the food in raw form and learn about it before it is served at lunch or as a snack.
Lobby tastings are planned – so parents can enjoy it too – at Griswold on Jan. 20, Central Plaza on Jan. 22 and HopkinsLocke on Jan. 23.
Next Cooking Demos Planned for February online beginning with the Ham and Potato Casserole at 1:30 p.m. on February 4. An Easy Apple Crisp will be demonstrated at 7 p.m. on February 11.
ment of Education and Workforce. Watch for the registration link coming soon from your child’s teacher or on our website.
The video demonstrations feature Head Start Chef Luis Aguilar and Dietician Marge Robison from our partner Pisanick Partners. LCCAA Head Start Nutrition Staff ’s next Out of the Box cooking demonstration series will feature a tasty casserole and a classic dessert. The demonstrations will be shared
Scan this code to see the latest menu for most of our Head Start Centers.
Families who register and attend the demonstrations will receive a box of ingredients and equipment to recreate the recipe at home. These events are supported by a Grow Ohio Grant from the Ohio Depart-
Scan this code to view all these recipes on our Head Start recipe blog.
Firelands Head Start Supported by District
One benefit to LCCAA’s school-based classrooms is the “We are so grateful for their hard work, dedication, proximity to older children. and annual gifts to our students,” said teacher Shannon Smith. “Early Literacy is a major gift to our young Firelands Head Start received December visits from learners!” both high school and middle school students. (The small A few days later, the 7th Grade Middle School Choir district’s school buildings are located close together.) visited the class and sang Christmas songs. This year, Students gratefully received literacy kits from the Fire- the choir includes Family Service Assistant Tina Showlands High School National Honor Society chapter. alter’s daughter, Enieceyah.
STEM Actvities Featured in Latest Wild About Head Start families are invited to get Wild All Head Start families are welcome at About Science, Technology, Engineering, either event. Gather at Hopkins Locke and Math (STEM) at two events in March. from 5 to 7 p.m. March 24 or at Griswold The signature Wild About evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. March 26.
include a healthy and tasty dinner, door Watch for additional details from your prizes, community resources and activi- child’s teacher and on our website and ties centered around the theme. social media.
Join us for Dads and Donuts! Feb. 26, 8 a.m.
Home-Based Events
Upcoming Days Off X Jan. 19:
No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
X Feb. 16:
No School, Presidents’ Day
X Feb. 20:
No School, Professional Development
X Feb. 23:
No School, Conferences/Home Visits
X March 2:
No School, Conferences/Home Visits
X Jan. 16: Socialization, Hopkins-Locke, 10 a.m. X Jan. 30: Socialization, Hopkins-Locke, 10 a.m. X Feb. 13: Socialization, Hopkins-Locke, 10 a.m. X Feb. 27: Socialization, Hopkins-Locke, 10 a.m. X Mar. 13: Socialization, Hopkins-Locke, 10 a.m.
X March 16: No School, Professional Development
Winter Crisis Help Offered Throughout County LCCAA Energy Services staff offer Winter Crisis assistance four ways this season.
cates are available at 105 Maple St. on Fridays from 8 to 11 a.m. and from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Call 440-7312640 to make your appointment.
1. Make an appointment, which will be conducted over the phone, by visiting our website: lccaa.net/ 4. Call 440-752-2051 to make an appointment at the winter-crisis/ El Centro Opportunity Center, 1825 E. 28th St., Lorain. Appointments are held on Fridays between 2. If you are 60 or older, walk in at the Lorain County 8 and 11 a.m. and from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Office on Aging, 534 Abbe Road South, Elyria. An
advocate is available Monday through Friday from 8 Winter Crisis is for residents who are without heat or to 11 a.m. and from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. who have received a disconnect notice. If you make 3. Make an appointment to visit the Lorain County an appointment, LCCAA will work with your utility Office on Aging’s Wellington office in person. Advo- company to stop the disconnection until your eligibility can be determined. If you are not in crisis, you may still qualify for the Home Energy Assistance Program or the Percentage of Income Payment Plan. Appointments are not needed for non-crisis programs. You can apply online at energyhelp.ohio.gov. Online applications can be tracked and can take up to eight weeks. If you download and mail your application, it can take up to 12 weeks. You must be living at or below 175% of the federal poverty level to qualify for Energy Services programs. Learn more on our website.
Positive Test? Contact LCPHUB Right Away LCCAA’s Lorain County Pathways HUB encourages women to seek quality prenatal care as soon as they know they are pregnant. Registering with the HUB gives you access to a local Community Health Worker (CHW) who will support you through your child’s first birthday. The HUB is a free program working to make sure more Lorain County babies celebrate their first birthdays and to improve the health of at-risk mothers. The HUB addresses key health or social issues using 21 Core Pathways identified by the Ohio Commission on Minority Health. CHWs provide outreach, health education, care coordination and advocacy. CHWs can help mothers with: X Food and basic needs X Transportation X Updating skills and finding employment X Finding secure, affordable housing
X Assisting with immunizations X Assisting with medications X Helping with substance use issues X Obtaining baby items If you or someone you know is pregnant, visit our website to complete our referral form today!
Via LC Expanding
Lorain County’s successful micro transit program, Via LC, is expanding thanks to a $2.7 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration.
The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) grant will extend both the hours and reach of the Via LC program providing access to more employers and options for shift workers who need transportation. Weekend service will also create options for retail workers at employment hubs like Lorain Plaza Shopping Center and others. Via LC is an on-demand, tech-powered transit service that is designed to fill the gaps fixed-route buses can’t efficiently reach. Via’s intelligent algorithms match multiple Via LC riders headed in the same direction into one vehicle. Riders are then directed to a nearby corner for pickup and drop-off. The result is a highly efficient service that minimizes lengthy detours while providing near-universal transit coverage in areas of the county that are not served by traditional transit. LCCAA currently has vouchers available for Via LC. Visit the office at 936 Broadway Ave. to receive one. Learn more about Via LC at city.ridewithvia.com/lorain.
Agency Annual Report Available LCCAA has released its Annual Report highlighting how the agency served the community in 2025. Highlights of the report include: X The Pathways HUB achieving certification and launching doula services X 347 packs of diapers distributed X 115,065 meals served to Head Start children X 1,706 Winter Crisis clients served X 575 Summer Crisis clients served X 154 Via LC Vouchers distributed X 1,650 Community distributed
Resource
Directories
X 26 appliances replaced through Community Connections X 2,988 produce boxes distributed by the Produce Center Read the full report on our website.
Take Advantage of Agency Produce Center 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 ($60,000 annually for a family of four) are eligible to order from the the online system and honoring center. appointments is critical. Ordering windows are open from 8 a.m. Monday to 11 p.m. Those picking up are also asked to Sunday or until all appointments approach the Produce Center using are full. Pickups are the following Reid Avenue and West 10th Street and not cut through the parking lot Wednesday and Thursday. at 936 Broadway Ave. Please follow Appointments must be made via all signs and staff instructions. Staff
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 center has also benefited from extra produce grown in Lorain by Solidarity Farms. The Produce Center is staffed by youth assigned to LCCAA’s Youth Services program. Visit our website for more information or to place your order. Contact Center Manager Deirdre Paynter at 440-457-0327.