GULF COAST COMMUNITY SERVICES ASSOCIATION Head Start/Early Head Start Support Services Monthly Narrative May 2026 LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES: ▪ Teacher Appreciation Week was celebrated this month, honoring the dedication and hard work of our teachers. Throughout the week, teachers were showered with gifts and tokens of appreciation in recognition of their commitment to the children and families we serve. The celebration began with a Teacher Appreciation Morning Kickoff “You are Sun-sational” featuring words of gratitude and encouragement from Interim CEO Debra Fisher, Head Start Director Tiamoiya Lee, and Assistant Director Kathy L. Johnson. Child Development Manager Naiomi Carrero and Special Services Manager Noelia Sanchez concluded the kickoff event by raffling prizes generously donated by our Special Services providers. The week was filled with appreciation activities, recognition, and opportunities to celebrate our teachers' valuable contributions. It was truly a fun and memorable week for our teachers and a wonderful way to acknowledge the positive impact they make every day. ▪
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Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) The April 2026 Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) claim was completed and submitted to the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) for reimbursement. In April there were 21 food service days for the month. There were 15 eligible sites and 1,385 eligible children. The number of meals provided: 5,943 breakfasts; 6,101 lunches and 22,682 PM snacks served. Expected reimbursement for the month is $73,124.51. Congratulations to the following Centers for no errors/no returns on the April 2026 CACFP Monthly Report submitted: Bastian – Gladys Moses; Codwell – Tina Auzenne; DeAnda – Marie Palau; Early Head Start – Kathleen Trousdale; Kelso – Mary Addison; Raul Yzaguirre Houston – Lorena Santos – Ramos; Reynolds – Jessica Taylor; Richey – Crystal Brown; Rucker – Glenda Velez; RYSS Pasadena – Yanitza Rosa and Thompson – Briani Liddell. Keep up the fantastic work.
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May Story Time – Ms. Ruthie Graves, Head Start & Early Head Start Child Development Specialist read to the children and staff, “Do not bring your Dragon to the last day of school” by Julie Grassman. Whether your brain buzzes around the room like a bee or tells you to be loud and roar like a lion, celebrate the many things it can be! This book takes you on a journey by way of a child's favorite animals to learn how your brain interacts with the world around you. This sensory-seeking celebration shines a light on sensory processing and neurodiversity in a fun and action-packed way for all children to enjoy.
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Family Literacy Event - The GCCSA Team hosted an exciting Family Literacy Event May 7 at the KBC Houston on Orem, bringing together children and their families for an evening focused on literacy, learning, and family engagement. A total of 260 families attended the event, making it a tremendous success.
Families were provided with a meal and enjoyed a variety of interactive literacy activities designed to promote a love of reading and learning. Parents and children participated together in engaging educational experiences that reinforced the importance of literacy in the home. In addition, families had the opportunity to capture special memories by taking family portraits during the event by the Family Literacy Photographers. This was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen family engagement, encourage early literacy development, and celebrate the important role families play in supporting their children's educational success. May 2026 Monthly Report
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