February 2012
4 posts
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
Head Start Works
Article by Yasmina Vinci, Executive Director, National Head Start Association A few active Head Start opponents have inaccurately portrayed the recent Head Start Impact Study as being negative to Head Start, and by doing so have unfairly misled a number of fair-minded observers. In actuality, the Study was yet another affirmation of the decades of rigorous peer-reviewed...
Health Institute for Early Childhood Professionals
January 25-26, 2011 at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel, Staunton, VA A Healthy Start: the Right Start will focus on health issues relevant to early childhood professionals. Target audience: Head Start health coordinators and other health workers; day care and pre-schools directors, VPI managers. Register now!
Outcomes Report 2008-2009 is available
Ten copies are being sent to each Head Start program. If you would like more, please contact Julia Beglane at beglane2@gmail.com. Download Outcome Report (PDF, 2.1 mb)
Danville Head Start celebrates new building
Danville Head Start and city officials celebrated the realization of a dream Friday morning — bringing all eight Head Start operations under one roof. Read article.
Getting a Head Start with Tennis
In November 2010, QuickStart Central VA worked with Head Start instructors at the Rockfish River Head Start to show them how to teach 3 and 4 year olds to play QuickStart Tennis. Read more.
Getting the Word Out on The Resource Directory
Two non-profit organizations, the Soho Center and the Virginia Head Start Association, are working together to help 16,000 young children across Virginia.
They’re making sure that every Head Start program in Virginia gets copies of the newest edition of the Soho Center’s National Child Care Resource Directory. And thanks to a UPS...
Buy Safe Gifts this Holiday Season
During this holiday season, it’s important for parents and caregivers alike to buy safe gifts. Explore the links below to stay abreast of the latest in toy safety.
Shop CPSC Toy Safety Tips Before Shopping for Holiday Gifts – U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
It’s Holiday Time and Time to Keep your Family Safe – Safe Kids USA
Annual Report...
November 2010
3 posts
Jule Sugarman, 1927 - 2010
Nov. 12, 2010: Jule Sugarman, a public administrator whose skill at navigating the federal bureaucracy made him a key figure in founding the Head Start early education program for poor children, died of cancer November 2 at his home in Seattle. He was 83.
A behind-the-scenes liberal stalwart, Mr. Sugarman had a distinguished career as an administrator in New York...
Virginia’s Governor Highlights Parent Involvement 101
“Parent Involvement 101” (New Guide) - Visit the Sucessful Innovations website for more information and to download an order form.
Focus on SpecialQuest and Young Children with Disabilities
SpecialQuest Birth to Five is a national effort designed to touch the “head, heart, and hands” of families and professionals working together to create inclusive communities for young children with disabilities. This relationship and team-based approach enhances and sustains inclusive services, family leadership skills, and...
September 2010
3 posts
NHSA awards dinner and a note on Shaq …
On September 22, the National Head Start Association held an awards dinner, “The Dream Lives On,” which celebrated the 45th anniversary of Head Start. At the dinner tribute was made to pioneers of Head Start such as Edward Zigler, Urie Bronfenbrenner, Marian Wright Edelman, and Ted Kennedy. In addition, the Sargent Shriver Award for Excellence...
The recession’s toll on children
Low-income children are more likely to develop cognitive deficits, undermining their chances for successful lives. New psychological interventions could help protect them. Read the cover article in the September issue of Monitor on Psychology, the journal of the American Psychological Association.