early head start newsleter (oct-dec 2012/13)

7/29/2019 Early Head Start Newsleter (Oct-Dec 2012/13)

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Our new school year at Early Head

Start began August 13th. New experi-

ences have been introduced to our chil-

dren. Our children are enjoying our

family style meals, Kindermusik and

the new mini computer lab. All initial

home visits, screenings and assessments

have been done. Parents have spent

quality time with their family special-

ists, classroom teachers and family

advocates during parent-teacher confer-

ences and have participated in individu-

alizing goals for the children and them-selves. Parents and staff are also focus-

ing on our School Readiness goals for

the year. We are enjoying a great start

to a new school year!

This year, our Early Head Start program

will be visited by a monitoring team for

our federal tri-annual review. Training,

in preparation for the review, will be held

for staff, parents, policy council and

governing board. We will keep you

posted regarding dates.

Our 2012-2013 Policy Council met on

October 17th and November 28th. Offic-

ers for this year are Samantha White,

President; Michelle Palmer, Vice Presi-

dent; and April Brown, Secretary. Other

Policy Council parent members are:

Courtney Davis, Hattie Pugh and

Jackqalyn McErvin. Alternate Policy

Council parent members are: Varquita

Whitehurst, Aaerone Moore and Myrna

Franklin. Our community members are:

Shannon Thomas from Wallace Commu-

nity College; Jerrynetta Evans from DCS

Head Start; Tamaria Harris from Dothan

Housing Authority; Sandi Prestage from

Family Guidance; Summers Bell fromDepartment of Human Resources; and

Michelle Dandridge from Dandridge

Dental Clinic. We are looking forward to

working with this group and having one

Welcome to a new year at Early HeadStart!! We have

been very busy

so far and the

children arelearning and

developing very

quickly. This

year, we arefocused onSchool Readiness

Goals. Please

take a look at our

School Readi-ness Begins at Birth bulletin board in

the hallway. We have posted all of ourgoals, as well as pictures, to show you

what great activities your children are

involved in here. The goals we have

developed are centered on 5 domains,which are social/emotional develop-

ment, cognitive and general knowledge,

physical development and health, lan-guage and literacy and approaches to

learning. We write weekly lesson plans

with activities for each domain. Your

teacher will give you a copy with theactivities attached. Please take the time

to look at them and do the activities at

home. Parents are the best teachers!

We have also implemented a new curric-ulum called Kindermusik. This curricu-

lum is all about music and movement.

The children get the opportunity to listen

to interactive music which enables themto learn school readiness skills through

movement. We have 9 units the teacherswill be implementing this year with lots

of fun activities in store. We hope you

have taken advantage of the home kits

we have sent home so far. This is aresearch-based program that has proven

the most effective forms of parent in-

volvement are those which engage par-ents in working directly with their chil-

dren on learning activities at home.

Also new this year is the computer laband library. This computer lab will give

your children the opportunity to work on

the computer, which has books and learn-

ing games in 5 different Languages.Your child also visits the library andreads fun books with their teacher.

Thank you for allowing us to care for

your children and be a part of their edu-cational journey. We appreciate all you

do for them and your support of us hereat Early Head Start. If you ever have a

concern or just need to ask a question, I

would be happy to talk with you at any

time.

Rena Miller, Education Coordinator

From The Desk of Rena Miller

From the Executive/Project Director

April-June, 2007

Volume 1, Issue 1

Oct-Dec, 2012

EARLY HEAD STARTAlfred Saliba Family Services Center

Dates To Remember:

Oct 10Parent CommitteeMeeting 2:30

Oct 17Policy Council Meet-ing 3:00

Nov 14Parent CommitteeMeeting 2:30

Nov 12Veterans Day(Center Closed)

Nov 28Policy Council Meet-ing 3:00

Nov 21-23ThanksgivingHoliday (Center Closed)

Dec 12Parent CommitteeMeeting 2:30

Dec 17-Jan 1ChristmasHoliday Break (Center Closed)

Perfect Attendance

OctoberMaKeriah GambleJayden Mills

NovemberColson Bell

Kaisyn Bradley

Isaiah Courthan

Chyna DavisAnyah Doss

Tariyah Lindsey

Jayden Mills

Taishonda TillmanSymaria Washington

Dothan Police Department visits EHS

during Community Helpers Month

of the best ever years here at Early Head

Start.

We would like to invite all parents to

become involved in Early Head Start byparticipating in all Parent Committee

meetings, attending all workshops and

EHS events and volunteering in the

classrooms. Your help and interest iswelcomed and needed.

- - Linda OConnell

If you want your children to im-

prove, let them overhear the nice

things you say about them to oth-

ers.

Haim Ginott

Rena Miller

Education Coordinator

Linda OConnell

ASFSC Executive/Project Director


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Welcome to another excit-

ing year at Early Head

Start. We thank all of the

parents for attending our

parent meetings and vol-

unteering in so many areas

in the Early Head Start

Program. Routines are

established with your child

and your family quicker

and we are better able to

serve you when your child

attends daily in the center-

based program and you are present for your

home visits in the home-based program. Home-

based parents, please make every effort for you

and your child to attend Family Day activities

because this is your time to meet other people in

the home-based program.

We had vision screenings for our children on

November 2, 2012. Forty-seven children were

screened. You will be receiving a letter from

me explaining your childs results. We would

like to thank Focus First for doing our vision

screenings again this year. We also had dental

screenings on October 16, 2012. Forty-four

children were screened and each parent should

have already received his/her childs results.

We would like to thank Dr. Michelle Dandridge

and her staff from Dandridge Dental for doing

our dental screenings.

Each parent will also receive a letter stating that

his/her child is due for immunizations, well

baby, dental exam and other health services at

the appropriate time. Please remember to call

your childs pediatrician, dentist or other health

provider to schedule an appointment when you

receive your notice. Both pediatrician offices

now have electronic forms. Please ask for the

electronic copy of your childs well baby exam

during the appointment. They will print you a

copy while you are there and you can bring it to

the Early Head Start office. Dothan Pediatrics

will mail a copy of the blue slip to our Early

Well Baby & Dental Exams

All children enrolled in the Early Head

Start Program must meet the EPSDT

(Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis &

Treatment) requirement, which includes

periodic well baby exams, lead screenings

and dental screenings/exams. Parents

will receive letters reminding them of the

due dates of any screenings and exams.

Immunizations

Alabama State Law re-

quires all children tohave up-to-date immun-

izations. Parents will be

notified within 2 weeks

of the expiration of im-

munizations. If a childs

blue slip expires, that child will not be

allowed to return to the classroom until

the blue slip has been updated.

Emergency Contact Numbers

Up-to-date emergency contact phone

numbers must be provided for everychild enrolled in the Early Head Start

program. It is very important that par-

ents notify EHS office personnel, or oth-

er staff, of any changes in home, work or

contact phone numbers.

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Health Reminders: by Misty Ellison

EARLY HEAD START

From The Desk of Sherri Williams

activities.

We want your input on

Family Day activities, so

please let us know if there is

anywhere you would like to

go in the Dothan/Houston

County area.

As always, remember to

read to your children daily!

YOU are your childs first

and most important teacher!

God Bless,

Lisa and Racheal

EHS hours are 8:00 a.m.2:30 p.m., Monday-

Friday.

Each child must be signed in and out each day.

Each child should have an extra set of season-

appropriate clothing in the classroom each day.

Parents, it is very important that you meet withyour Family Specialist during your scheduled

time.

The EHS Menu is posted in the lobby so that

youll know what your child is eating each day.

Home-Based Early Head

Start is having a GREAT

2012! And, we hope to

have an even better 2013!

Turn-out at our Parent

Committee meetings and

Family Days has been won-

derful; we appreciate your

participation.

We have started using our

new Kindermusik pro-

gram in the homes and are getting great

responses from the families. We will contin-

ue using this curriculum throughout the year

in the homes and during our Family Day

From The Cars of Family Advocates

Lisa Thomley and Racheal Nixon

Head Start office, if you request this during your

appointment, and will give you a white copy ofthe immunizations given the day of the appoint-ment. Southeastern Pediatrics will give you a

blue slip for current immunizations and an elec-

tronic copy of your childs well baby examwhile you are at the office. Please ask for bothof these items at the time of your childs well

baby exam and bring them to Early Head Start.

If you need any assistance in getting yourchilds appointment, any questions regarding the

paperwork, or just need extra support, please do

not hesitate to talk to your Family Specialist,Family Advocate or the Program Services Coor-dinator, whose office is located in the HomeBase Program office space. Please continue to

attend the parent meetings, as there are manydecisions that are yours to make for the EarlyHead Start Program and many opportunities forgood information on services in the community.

Sherri Williams, LBSWProgram Services Coordinator

Sherri Williams

Program Services

Coordinator

Misty Ellison

File Maintenance

Specialist

Lisa ThomleyHome-Based

Family Advocate

Racheal NixonHome-Based

Family Advocate

Just a Reminder


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Program. The program

is income-based and

children between the

ages of 0 and 30

months are accepted,

provided the income

requirement is met.

Applications are ac-cepted daily and assistance in completing

applications is provided. All eligible appli-

cants are placed on a waiting list according

to a point system. Whenever a vacancy ex-

ists, the applicant with the highest number

of points is selected to fill the slot.

The Early Head Start Program is required to

maintain an 85% monthly

attendance average.

Therefore, it is very

important that all cen-

ter-based Early Head

Start children are in

attendance each day.

Many wonderful learn-ing experiences are

provided through planned activities, as well as

child-initiated activities. Thanks to each

of you for partnering with the Early Head

Start staff to ensure that your child receives

the best care and education.

Dorothy Harris, ERSEA Coordinator

school the next day and cozy up to read a bedtime

story together.2. Preschoolers need 10-12 hours of sleep. If well

rested, your child will be more cooperative and

enjoy his/her day more. Set the alarm clock for the

next morning.

3. Parents set the example for their child by gettingup when the alarm goes off. Wake your child and

make this time special and fun for the two of you!

4. Help your child dress and get ready for school

each morning.5. Your childs success begins with consistent

attendance.

Attending Early Head Start Each Day Matters

1. Your child will learn how to make friends.

Children who do attend preschool tend to get along

Your Childs Success in School Depends on You!

Formula for School Success

1. Bedtime routines are important to help your childwind down and get ready to sleep. Brush teeth, help

your child set out the clothes he/she will wear to

Volume 1, Issue 1

From the Desks of Family Specialists, Kristy and Erica

From the Desk of Dorothy Harris

EHS Activities and Events

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EHS Parent UpdatesThe Early Head Start program currently con-sists of 51 working parents (45 center-based

and 6 home-based).

Seven EHS parents currently attend WallaceCommunity College. These are: Yalonda

Thomas, Kierra Wade, Teqwonda Bryant,Aaerone Moore, Brittney Skipper, SamanthaWhite and Kiana Smith. Courtney Davis and

Angeliece Branch attend Troy University.Misty Ellison, Tamaria Lindsey, Annette Mal-lard, Kiara Buckley and Cavadica Ceasarattend University of Phoenix. Keisha Turner

and Jackqalyn McErvin attend Penn FosterCollege. Dana Bell attends Ashford Univer-sity. Kimberly Wilson attends Fortis College.Tamara Thrower attends Columbia SouthernUniversity. LaToya Stevens attends Ash-

worth College. Courtney Ramsey attendsDeVry University.

Two EHS parents are enrolled in GED class.

Linda OConnell visits with children

during Costume Day event.

better with other children than those who dont go to

preschool.2. Your child will learn that school is a safe place

and will become more comfortable being away from

home.

3. Your child will learn how to solve problems and

increase thinking and reasoning skills.4. Your child will receive nutritious meals each day

he/she is in school.

5. Your child will learn a great deal of how the

world works and have fun learning.6. Your child will experience activities and play

equipment that many families dont have time or

money to provide.

7. Consistent attendance in preschool will create the

habit of good attendance in later years.

Home-based children participate invision screenings, conducted by

Focus First.

Classroom 2 teacher and

children pose with vision

screening staff.

Hello, everyone!!

The beginning of the 2012-

2013 school year has been

great, and I believe that

the rest of the year will be

even greater. We are so

fortunate to have such won-derful group of staff mem-

bers. And, although each

year is unique in itself, each provides us the

opportunity to meet new children and their

families.

At the beginning of the year, in August, 35 new

children were enrolled in the Early Head Start

Home-based families attend

Family Feast luncheon at EHS.

EHS children receive dental

screenings from Dandridge Dental.

Home-based childrenenjoy the computer lab

on Family Day.Dorothy HarrisERSEA Coordinator

Erica BoydCenter-Based

Family Specialist

Kristy McGriffCenter-Based

Family Specialist


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Alfred Saliba Family Services Center

Early Head Start Program

Center Based Benefits

Free Child Care (Mon.-Fri.)Family Fun Activities

Trained Staff MembersA safe, loving child care environment

Assistance and Information on:

Nutrition

Child Development

Healthcare

Dental Care

Prenatal CareMental Health

And much more

Who Is Eligible?Pregnant Women

Children under 30 months of age by Septem-

ber 1

Cost

None, this program is Free

**We accept children with disabilities

**We accept homeless children

Applicants must meet eligibility criteria

Home-Based Benefits

Weekly Planned Activities in Your HomeFamily Fun Activities

Trained Staff Members

Assistance and Information on:

Nutrition

Child Development

Healthcare

Dental Care

Prenatal CareMental Health

And much more

Who Is Eligible?Pregnant Women

Children under 30 months of age by

September 1

Cost

None, this program is Free

If you are interested in signing up foryour child, or for more information,

call 334-794-4929.

Featured Recipe

Disposable Blocks

Make disposable blocks out of small milk

cartons..

Tape all of the ends together and cover the cartons

with contact paper.

Let your toddler decorate the blocks with crayons or stickers.

Play a stacking game with your toddler. Praise him each time he

stacks one block on top of another.

The most fun is to knock down the stacks.

The great thing about these blocks is that you can throw them away

when your child is no longer interested in playing with them.

Shoebox Train

Punch a hole in the ends of several cardboard shoe-boxes and tie them together, end to end, with string, to make a little

train.

Leave a string about ten inches (25 centimeters) long at the end of

the last box for the child to pull on.

Let the child fill the boxes with small toys and drag the train across

the floor.

Also, offer the lids to the boxes so the child can cover up what is inthe compartments.

Hawaiian Sausage and Rice Bake

Ingredients:

1/4 cup water2 tablespoons butter1 (6.2-oz) pkg. fast-cooking long-grain and wild

rice mix (with seasoning packet)1/2 cup pineapple preserves1 lb. cooked kielbasa, halved lengthwise, cut into 1-inch slices1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 3/4-inch pieces1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 3/4-inch pieces1 (8-oz) can pineapple chunks in unsweetened juice, drained

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375F. In small saucepan, bring water and butter to a

boil.

2. In ungreased 2 1/2-quart casserole, combine all ingredients including

contents of seasoning packet and boiling water; mix well. Cover

3. Bake at 375F for 40 to 45 minutes or until rice is tender. Let stand 10

minutes before serving.

How to Childproof Your Home

1. Install safety latches on all cabinets

and drawers.

2. Keep kitchenware and appliances out

of reach and away from the edge of

counters and tables

3. Cover unused electrical outlets

with outlet protectors or safety

caps.

4. Put corner and edge bumpers on

furniture and other items like a

fireplace hearth to protect

against injury.

5. Make sure window blinds do not

have looped cords.

Early Head Start

545 W. Main St. Ste. 404

Dothan, AL 36301

Phone: (334) 794-4929

Toddler Activities

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