June 2012
3 posts
Shenandoah Valley HS Wins “I Can” Grant
Shenandoah Valley Head Start is one of 50 grantees nationwide to win an I CAN grant. I CAN is a health literacy initiative & sponsored by the Office of Head Start, Johnson and Johnson, and UCLA. This program works to enable parents to take a proactive role with their child’s health care needs. The expected outcomes of this program in the lives of...
National Center Pilots Project in Virginia
The National Center on Parent, Family and Community Engagement piloted its “Friends and Family” Professional Development System (PDS) in Virginia in late April.
The PDS Pilot Training took place in Williamsburg, VA on April 26-27, 2012. The training focused on individual and program practice change around family engagement. The training provided an...
New web portal resource for Head Start programs
The Office of Head Start (OHS) is pleased to announce the launch of the National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning (NCQTL) portal on the ECLKC. The new portal features many resources to support school readiness for children including:
The NCQTL House: A Framework for Effective Everyday Practice - Each of the five clickable sections of the...
May 2012
2 posts
Lawson named Virginia’s Head Start State Collaboration Office Director
After a competitive recruitment, the VDSS has selected Aleta Lawson for the position of Virginia’s Head Start State Collaboration Office Director, effective May 25, 2012. Aleta has a Bachelor’s degree in education from Radford University, a Master’s degree in child development from Virginia Tech and a Post-graduate...
Webinar: Bullying Prevention Starts in Early Childhood (Hosted by Wingspan, LLC)
There are increased concerns nationwide about young children displaying bullying behavior. Bullying and the peer rejection that often accompanies this antisocial behavior interfere with children’s developmental progress and learning and are two key risk factors for serious future problems such as violence,...
April 2012
4 posts
Make this Mother’s Day Smoke-free in your Community
With Mother’s Day a couple of weeks away, think about what you can do in your program to raise awareness about the impact of tobacco use on women and families in your community and to stimulate interest in and support for tobacco control activities. Think about identifying a woman in your community who is willing to speak to how she...
Kiwanis/Head Start Program Still Going Strong
Since February 2007, the Kiwanis Club of Marion, Virginia has been making sure that Head Start children in their community have access to healthy, nutritious snacks over the weekends. The Kiwanis Club spearheads the “Snack-in-a-Pack” program but has help from other community businesses and organizations: Wal-Mart, Smyth County Community Foundation,...
Senator Warner’s Staff Visits Head Start Program
Elizabeth Falcone and Marvin Figueroa from Senator Mark Warner’s Capitol Hill staff paid a visit last week to the Orange County Early Head Start/Head Start program. Falcone and Figueroa work on health and education issues for the Senator. They took part of the Congressional “recess” to get out into the field to experience some of the issues they...
March 2012
2 posts
Janney-Schultz to receive Outstanding Service to Children Award
Congratulations to our own Ann Janney-Schultz who is being honored at the 2012 VAECE Conference. Ann will receive the Outstanding Service to Children Award, given annually by VAECE. The program says she has been a part of VAECE for 40 years, so clearly she joined in middle school! Ann’s service to children reaches far beyond Head...
Bring a little love to the conference for our troops
Our annual training conference — and all others — are made possible through the generosity of many people. One of the persons making this one possible is Germaine Broussard, founder and president of Troop Treats. Germaine made a financial contribution to make it possible for us to offer the Wolf Trap workshops. Thank you, Germaine!
...
February 2012
5 posts
We Are Open for Business! Our Business is Early Head Start!
In 2009, Higher Horizons Day Care Center applied and received a grant for Early Head Start and was awarded funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus Funds). Federal funding supported the complete renovation of the former Bank of America facility at the 6201 Leesburg Pike site. The newly renovated facility...
Glazer Named New President of VECF
The Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF) has announced that Kathy Glazer, a longtime advocate for policies benefiting young children and families in Virginia, will become the organization’s new president effective January 16, 2012.
Read the press release. (PDF)
Let’s Move! Child Care State Challenge
To reach more child care providers and encourage state participation in the LMCC Initiative, NACCRRA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care have launched a nationwide competition, Let’s Move! Child Care State Challenge. States have the opportunity to be recognized in ...
Family FUNdamentals Calendar 2012-13 — Children’s Artwork — Call for Entries!
The Virginia Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Student Services is seeking entries of children’s artwork for the 2012-2013 edition of the Family FUNdamentals Calendar. The year’s theme is male authors. Early childhood educators are invited to submit their students’ artwork for the...
February is National Dental Health Month
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. What a great time to focus on oral health in the classroom with the children.
Here is a list of children’s dental health books that are appropriate for pre-school children.
A Visit to the Dentist by Eleanor Fremont
Brush Your Teeth Please (pop-up) by Leslie McGuire
How Many Teeth? by Paul...
January 2012
1 post
January 2012 is National Birth Defects Prevention Month!
The theme is “And the Beat Goes On … Looking to the Future for Healthy Hearts” which focuses on congenital heart defects, the most common type of birth defect.
Whether or not you are planning a pregnancy, now is the time to prevent birth defects.
Take a vitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
Don’t smoke...
December 2011
1 post
December: Safe Toys & Gifts Month
With the holiday season approaching, thoughts turn to shopping for toys and gifts. Before you make those purchases remember to consider the safety and age-range of the toys. Millions of toys worldwide are recalled because of safety concerns such as lead paint and small magnets.
To prevent injuries, choose toys that are safe for the age of the child. Look for...
October 2011
3 posts
Head Start Teachers Go WILD!
Thanks to a partnership with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, over 200 Virginia Head Start teachers have been trained in the outdoor curriculum Growing Up Wild. The Department launched this early childhood initiative designed to interest young audiences in nature and the outdoors. In the past year workshops have been offered from Lee County to...
Annual Baby Shower at Stafford Head Start
For the past 13 years Stafford Head Start has provided a Baby Shower for Head Start moms who are pregnant or recently delivered, as part of our effort to meet federal performance standards for services to pregnant women. Twenty to thirty families attend this annual event, designed to connect the moms with maternity and pediatric services in the community...
October is National Head Start Awareness Month
October is National Head Start Awareness Month. This is a great time to invite people from your community to visit, put photos/articles in your local newspapers, get an announcement or interview on the local cable company, have a “parade” in the neighborhood. Let’s make it a big deal in Virginia! Share your ideas on Facebook.
Looking for other...
August 2011
5 posts
The Television Tussle
In her book, The Top Ten Preschool Parenting Problems, Roslyn Duffy observes that one of the hardest challenges parents face is limiting the impact of television on their children’s development. Duffy cited research showing that children imitate aggressive behavior they observe on television, and that children who engage in heavy television watching are less...
2011 Kids Count Data Book
Families with children were hit especially hard as the United States experienced a devastating economic recession. In addition to its 10 key indicators of child well-being, the 2011 KIDS COUNT Data Book also examines the specific impact of the recession using two additional indicators of children impacted by unemployment and foreclosure.
The 2011 KIDS COUNT Data Book...
Head Start Grantee for Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and surrounding area needed
The Office of Head Start has published a replacement grant announcement for Southampton County, Isle of Wight County, and the cities of Franklin, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Suffolk, Virginia. Pre-application materials will be available to applicants August 23, 2011 at www.headstartgrants.org.
...
FEMA Encourages Americans to Participate in September’s National Preparedness Month
WASHINGTON - The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign, in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Ad Council, today announced the launch of new web tools that will make it easier for individuals and organizations throughout the nation to join the 2011 National Preparedness Month (NPM)...
PCDC welcomes new staff
The Parent-Child Development Corporation (PCDC) welcomed Verlane Mack as its new Executive Director, July 15. Celebrating its fortieth year of service in September, PCDC operates an early learning center in West Point and is grantee for the Bridges Head Start program, with twelve centers that stretch from Charles City to Mathews counties. Pictured (L-R) are Sonia...
July 2011
6 posts
Association Awards Mini-Grants
Eight lucky programs were tapped to receive $2000 VAHSA mini-grants to assist them in achieving specific goals. The awards were presented by President Chris Austin at the June 2011 Directors and Board of Directors meeting.
Two programs in each of the four regions received the grants. The winners are:
Southeast:
Office of Human Affairs Head Start: OHA will use...
2011 NACo Award: Working Collaboratively to Address the Needs of all Preschool Children in the County of York
The innovative collaborative agreement between the York County Division of Children and Families Services/Head Start and the York County Public Schools exemplifies the cooperation of two distinctly differing government agencies. The staff of both divisions came together to problem solve...
July is National Parks and Recreation Month
Early morning visits to the park this July give children a wonderful opportunity to explore nature, exercise and socialize … and beat the heat!
Learn more about parks and recreation.
2011 Infant & Toddler Summit
Registration is now open for this event, to be held in Staunton August 9 & 10. See the flyer. Online registration required. Register now.
Free meals for kids this summer
spread the word in your community. No children in Virginia should go hungry this summer. Read more.
Elmore Scholarship recipients announced
Kristen Jenkins and Brandy Ferguson, both of the STEP, Inc. Head Start program, were the first recipients of the Nancy Elmore Scholarships, awarded June 20, 2011 in Virginia Beach. Read more.
June 2011
1 post
June is National Safety Month …
Throughout June, National Safety Month activities will address the most significant reasons for unintentional injuries and deaths in the American workplace, on the road and in the home and community.
For general safety information, visit:
National Safety Month sponsor, the National Safety Council
Head Start Resources:
Health and Safety Checklist —...
May 2011
3 posts
Wittman reads to children in West Point
United States Congressman Rob Wittman, of Virginia’s First Congressional District, visited the Parent-Child Development Corporation’s West Point center on Monday, May 16. Mr. Wittman read a story to the children and fielded their questions about his role in the U.S. House of Representatives. The congressman’s visit was arranged by Health and Family Services...
Mini-Grant Funding Opportunities
Prevention Connections, a 501(c)(3) organization, is offering mini-grant funding to raise awareness and provide resources to assist schools in making small changes to impact the epidemic of childhood obesity.
The Safe Routes to School Program is accepting applications for $2,000 mini-grants to support a walk and bike to school event — deadline, Sept. 30,...
May is National Foster Care Month
May is National Foster Care Month, a time to salute the compassionate people who make a difference by serving as foster parents, relative caregivers, mentors, advocates, social workers, and volunteers.
All children deserve a safe, happy life — including the 496,000 American children and youth in foster care.
Learn how you can help:
FosterCareMonth.org
...
Success Story: A community works together after weather devastation
On April 27 and 28, 2011, Washington County, Virginia suffered much destruction from the tornadoes and hail storms that passed through the region. Especially hard hit was Benhams Child Development Center near Bristol, Virginia. Read how a community worked together for their children.
April 2011
3 posts
Letter to the Editor on Head Start, by Voices for Virginia’s Children
Please read Ann Rasmussen’s thoughtful letter to the editor to the Richmond Times Dispatch.
Voices for Virginia’s Children fully supports efforts by the Department of Health and Human Services to improve quality of Head Start, but finds that some recent criticism portrays a one-sided view of the federal program...
Recent Revalations about ADHD
A recent book by Thomas Armstrong, Neurodiversity: Discovering the Extraordinary Gifts or Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and other Brain Differences (New York: Da Capo Press, 2010), observes that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are labeled as having a disability even though they excel in creative learning environments and a range of professions...
March 2011
6 posts
New Report: Military Families with Young Children Seek Greater Access to Child Care and State Pre-K
Military parents with young children report that the need for early care and education services, including high-quality pre-kindergarten, tops their list of day-to-day needs. Frequent relocations and the cycle of deployment — preparation, separation and reunification — all cause...
QuickStart Head Start! at Clark Elementary Site
Quick Start of Central Virginia (QCV) recently visited the Clark Elementary Head Start site of the Monticello Area Community Action Agency (MACAA) to deliver QuickStart Tennis equipment, train the Head Start instructors and play tennis with the kids. Lynda Harrill, QCV’s QuickStart Tennis Coordinator, was accompanied by Alanna Broderick, Community...
Rainbow Puppet Show a success in York County
On Tuesday, March 29, 2011, the York County Head Start families enjoyed an evening of puppet animals and fairy tales provided by the locally based puppet company “Rainbow Puppet Productions.” Over 70 families enjoyed pizza and a show. This event is held annually to promote literacy growth of the Head Start children.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month!
Strengthening Families and Communities The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, its Child Welfare Information Gateway, and the FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention created this resource guide targeted specifically for service providers who...
2011 Virginia General Assembly Update
Children were protected in the 2011 General Assembly session, in large part due to the efforts of Voices for Virginia’s Children and its partners, of which VaHSA is one.
Here are highlights from their overview of the session:
Foster Care: A senate bill, sponsored by Senator Barker, D-Alexandria, and supported by Governor McDonnell, eliminates the goal of...
March is Nutrition Month …
… but any month is the month to promote well-balanced and healthy eating.
For more information on nutrition, visit:
American Dietetic Association
Choosy Kids: Be Choosy, Be Healthy
Natl. Network for Child Care Nutrition for the Preschool Child
Preschool Education: Teaching Nutrition
Preschool Rock: Preschool Nutrition
January 2011
4 posts
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month
What a great time to focus on oral health in the classroom with the children.
Books
Here is a list of children’s dental health books that are appropriate for pre-school children.
A Visit to the Dentist by Eleanor Fremont
Brush Your Teeth Please (pop-up) by Leslie McGuire
How Many Teeth? by Paul Showers
Barney Goes to the...
Resources to Support the Use of Early Learning Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers
The ZERO TO THREE Policy Center has published a new paper, Putting Standards into Practice: States’ Use of Early Learning Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers (2010, PDF), which describes the status of implementing Early Learning Guidelines (ELGs) for infants and toddlers in eight states. It includes...
Executive Director Attends Advanced Management Institute
Maxine McKinney, VAHSA Executive Director, recently attended the Johnson & Johnson – UCLA Management Fellows Advanced Management Institute. Twenty years ago, J&J and the Anderson School of Business at UCLA teamed up to deliver high level strategic training to Head Start leaders. Each summer, the program brings another class of Head...
January is Birth Defects Prevention Month …
… but any month is the month to prevent birth defects. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy:
Take a vitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
Wash your hands often with soap and water to prevent infections.
See your health care professional regularly.
For more information on...
December 2010
8 posts
Campaign for Children’s Mental Health
The Campaign for Children’s Mental Health has released Virginians Speak Out — a report which analyzes the feedback from 400 citizens, both parents and professionals, involved in child-serving systems. Learn more at the website, 1in5kids.org