Dear Head Start Family Parents and Staff:

As this year draws to a close, let‘s give thanks that

JCCEO and the Head Start-Early Head Start Program is

alive and well – that we continue to strive to provide the

best possible services within our power to those in need in

Jefferson County. Our children are our future – let us

work toward giving them the best head start to be happy

and productive citizens.

Wishing each of you a wonderful and safe……….

Holiday Season and a

Happy and Prosperous

New Year

Patricia A. Schmidt

Interim Director

Strong Start for America’s

Children Act of 2013

A bi-partisan bill is moving

through Congress to improve

services for children from birth-

to-five. It will provide more

opportunities for families to

receive quality services like

the ones you enjoy at JCCEO.

The bill will give Early Head

Start programs the ability to

reach more eligible children;

provide more funding for Pre-

K; expand home-based ser-

vices, and improve the overall

quality of early child care. If

passed, this Act will represent

a major investment in our

youngest children and a

stronger commitment to their

future success in school and

life. Read more about the

legislation at

www.rally4babies.org, and if

you agree, contact your Con-

gressman to voice your sup-

port.

JCCEO Mission Statement

JCCEO provides comprehensive social and child development

services to the low income citizens of Jefferson County, Ala-

bama. Our goal is to reduce poverty by assisting families

and individuals to meet current needs and become self-

sufficient through the effective, flexible, and innovative use of

all available resources.

Jefferson County Committee For Economic OpportunityJefferson County Committee For Economic OpportunityJefferson County Committee For Economic Opportunity

Child Development Services DivisionChild Development Services DivisionChild Development Services Division

Newsletter For and About the JCCEO Head StartNewsletter For and About the JCCEO Head StartNewsletter For and About the JCCEO Head Start---Early Head Start Program and Its FamiliesEarly Head Start Program and Its FamiliesEarly Head Start Program and Its Families

Volume 9913, Issue 2Volume 9913, Issue 2Volume 9913, Issue 2 December 2013December 2013December 2013

From the DirectorFrom the DirectorFrom the Director

Page 2

Ms. McAlpine addresses the Policy Council at orientation.

Season’s Greetings Parents,

The Family Services and Engagement staff wishes all of you a happy and safe holiday season. This has been a

wonderful and exciting year so far. There is more to come! We kicked off our Male Involvement program on the

first Saturday in November with a delicious breakfast for dads, uncles, other male caregivers, and their children.

Mr. Cupid Seymour was the speaker. He drew a clear picture about the challenges children face when dads are

not involved in their children‘s lives as well as the benefits when they are involved.

In January we will have ―An Evening Out with Dad‖; a fun evening with games and snacks for dads and their

Head Start children.

Congratulations to our parent officers who serve on the Pol-

icy Council and the Center Committees. They all attended

training in October to prepare them for their new roles.

Good luck to all of you, I know you are doing a fantastic job.

We have added a Grandparent‘s Corner to our newsletter

called “Words of Wisdom”. We can all use a word from our

elders. More and more frequently, grandparents are raising

their grandchildren or helping to raise them, we need them

and they need us to show our appreciation. Hats off to you

grandparents!

We know the holidays can be a challenging time for many of

us. Don‘t get the holiday blues, share a laugh with a friend, or put forth the effort to make a friend. Help where

you can and allow others to help you. Smiles are still free!

In upcoming issues of the

Connections newsletter, look for en-

tries from our dads; information on

school readiness; and the Parent

Family Community Engagement

Framework. There‘s a lot to learn and

share. We strive to inform you and

empower you to advocate for your

children and your family as well as

fulfill your role as your child‘s first

teacher.

Happy Holidays

By Michelle McAlpine, M.Ed., L.P.C., Parent Engagement Coordinator—327-7570

“Children are like sponges they soak up every-

thing. Watch what you say and do around your

child. Respect your elders for your days will be

shortened if you don‟t.” Patrice Smith, Head Start

Program Secretary

“Children need to be hugged, nurtured and loved.

Spend time around the dinner table communicat-

ing with your child about his or her day. Always

be a good listener for your child. Listen to what

your child is asking or saying. Allow your child to

e x p r e s s their feelings and emotions. “ Sherrell Watkins, Family Engagement Spe-

cialist

“Be a good role model for your child. Practice what you preach. Never talk down to your

child.” Dollgenean Turner, Head Start Program Secretary.

Grandparents’ Support Group Meeting

Every Second Thursday, 10:00 a.m.,

JCCEO Headquarters. Come & Join Us!!!

Male Involvement Kick-off event at Festival Center. Participants

did an activity led by Ted Debro (standing), JCCEO Deputy

Director for Community Services.

Page 3

The JCCEO Head Start-Early Head Start Program takes this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all of our parents for the volunteer work they

do. Included are Calloway Center parents Elaine Norris (Ethan), who helps direct traffic using her stop sign and wearing her reflective vest to

prevent accidents in the parking lot; Ashley Mason (Andrew and Arionna), Tatanisha Moorer (Jordan), Stephanie Lark (Rhazaeliya),

Kayla Freeze (Ziya), Sulena Coleman (Vernell and Kenya), Kiela Tarter (Marcus, Jr.), and Danielle Harris (Kaliq); Festival Center parents

Shanice King and Jananda Houser; and St. Francis Center mom and nana Meredith Weaver and Wanda Weaver (Alana), who made Christ-

mas ornaments with the children in Ms. Anderson‟s class. You all get a gold star.

Shanna McKinney, Nicole‟s mom (Kingston),

who is studying to become a nursing assistant

at Brown-Mackie College.

Jennifer Holt, Jalen‟s mother (Sherman

Heights), made the dean‟s list at Tri-State

College with a 4.0 GPA.

D’Netra Manual, parent of Tamekia and

Talvin (St. Francis), who completed her GED.

Fairmont Cluster hosted a Domestic Violence Workshop

with presenters from the Birmingham Police Department

Project S.A.F.E. Survivor, Mary Wright also shared her

story and read a poem she wrote to help others in do-

mestic violence situations. Parents received gun lock

kits courtesy of the Hoover Police Dept.

Yacina Ross, Michael‟s mom (Kingston), who was hired as a cook

at JCCEO.

Erica Jones, mother of Elijah and Nathan, Jr. (Kingston), who has

started a new job as a teller at Wells Fargo Bank.

Antoinette Daniel, Rymiah‟s mom (Kingston), who started two new

jobs as a cashier at Food Giant grocery store and Church‟s Chicken

restaurant.

Tia Sanders, Kamayia‟s mom (St. Francis), who has a new job as

a cashier at the Wal-Mart McDonald‟s restaurant on Hwy 280.

Keoshia Johnson, mother of Azariah, Amarius, and Aniyah

(Kingston), who is a new cashier at McDonald‟s restaurant.

Bianca Pruitt, Da‟Rell and Justin, Jr.‟s mom (Kingston), who

started a new job as a phlebotomist at Grifols Plasma Care.

Lakeitha Hicks, Madison‟s mom (Calloway), who was hired as a

clerk at Hibbett‟s Warehouse.

Christina Postlewaite, Tony and Antonio‟s mother (Calloway), was

recently hired as an inventory clerk at Target

Shanita Brown, Roger‟s mom (Calloway), who was hired as a

youth aide at the Salvation Army.

Mario McKinney, Sr., Mario, Jr.‟s dad (Festival), who is a new

barber at JP‟s Creative Cuts.

Barbara Hawkins, JaMiya‟s mother, (Festival), who has started a

new job as a cashier at Steak n Shake restaurant.

Kenyan Patterson, Sr., father of Kenyan, Jr. (Sherman Heights),

obtained a new job as a warehouse laborer at Obis Logistics.

Linda Bynum, Sa‟Mya‟s mom (Sherman Heights), who is a new

processor at Wells Fargo Bank.

Tiffany Smith, Cayden and Charisma‟s mom (Sherman Heights),

who is a new cashier at Popeye‟s restaurant.

Michaela Toney and her mom

Dominique were the winners of

the Walk to School art contest at

St. Francis Center. They made a

3-D map of their route from home

to school. Michaela spends a lot

of time in the art center and was

thrilled at the opportunity to have

her mom assist her at home with

her latest art project.

Page 4

Fairmont Cluster

St. Francis Cluster

Ms. Williams and Shepherd‟s class

says a big „Thank You‟ to Mr.Tirez

Allen who participated in the Dads for

Donuts project. He volunteered in the

classroom and read a story to the chil-

dren.

The children and families in

Ferlinda Braxton‟s class say congratu-

lations to her for completing her bache-

lors degree with honors this month.

She was selected Academic Gonfalon

to lead the procession for the School of

Education at the graduation exercise.

We are so proud of you!

Giving Back: Fairmont Cluster families and staff gener-

ously donated items to the families at the Ronald

McDonald House. The month of November was named

the „Month of Giving Thanks.‟ The project was coordi-

nated by teachers Earnestine Evans (Arrington) and

Tylishia Carpenter (Fairmont).

Spreading Good Cheer, Just Like the Pros: Children

at the Arrington Center visited the North Hill Nursing and

Rehabilitation Center to spend time with the residents.

They also took a field trip to Bass Pro Shop to experi-

ence the Winter Wonderland exhibit and take pictures

with Santa.

Play Date: The toddlers at Fairmont Center visited the

Birmingham Children‟s Theater to see the play “ Santa‟s

Adventures Merrywood Mega Mall.”

Sherman Heights

Thanksgiving

gatherings across

the program are

typically the most

attended events of

the year for chil-

dren and families

Lead Teacher Ms. Luster dressed up with

her class to go Trick-or Treating around

the center to celebrate Halloween.

Teacher Tylisha Carpenter delivers donations

from the Fairmont Cluster to Ronald McDon-

ald House employee.

Volunteer Bob Henson

brought coloring/activity

books for the children at

Fairmont Center. He is the

husband of health consultant

Anne Turner-Henson.

Thanks Mr. Henson, I mean,

Santa!

Kids on the Block puppeteers put on a play

about safety for children at Hard Center.

The program was presented by Think First

Alabama and SafeKids.

Burks‘ Family Child Care St. Francis Center Sherman Heights Center

Page 5

Calloway Cluster

St. Joseph’s Cluster

Kingston Cluster

Drive to Give: Our annual can goods and blanket drive was ex-

tended into December to allow more parents to participate. Parents

are bringing non-perishable items that will help homeless and needy

families in Birmingham have a Merry Christmas.

Seeing the Sights: Calloway children have taken several field trips

this fall to learn about our community. Ms. Minor and Ms. Wilson‟s

classes went to the Botanical Gardens. They also visited the public

library to see Santa Claus and his elf. Santa read a story to the

children and took pictures with them. Children in Ms. Watts and

Whitfield‟s class saw the big machines at Thompson Tractor Co. in

Pinson. They also visited the public library and toured the Publix

grocery store where they received gifts of cookies, a coloring book,

and crayons. All of the children visited the McWane Science Cen-

ter. Ms. Daniel and McNeal are grateful to the parents who went to

assist and enjoy the outing with the children.

Reporter, Blanche Townsend

Stanley Robinson

from the Birmingham

Parks and Recrea-

tion Board read to

the children during

Walk to School 2013

Pedestrian Safety

Campaign.

Rio shows off the

turkey he made in

Ms. Everson‘s class

at Kingston Center.

By Ms. Howard and Ms. Aigler, St. Joseph’s Center Teaching Team

This month the Busy Bees were busy learning about the various jobs found in our neighbor-

hoods and communities, such as fire fighter, police officer, waitress, cook, etc. They

learned about the different parts of the community and the importance of each job. We

provided play activities to enhance their knowl-

edge about the people who help us. The class

created several props for our dramatic play area

including our very own restaurant with a drive-

through window.

Calloway Center Kingston Center Ms. Frazier pins a leaf on the

Thankful Tree at Kingston Center

Luncheons are

filled with lots of

good food, fun

and fellowship.

One of our teaching strategies is to make learning fun. During a math activity Ms. Aigler is

using a game to enhance children‟s skill in counting sorting, geometry and measurement.

By the jubilant reaction of Taylor, you would think she won a trip to Disney World!

TaNiya and Quantarius at the ‗restaurant.‘

Page 6

EDUCATION SERVICES

The PNC Grow Up Great initiative in

Birmingham, Alabama, is in full

swing this year with Childcare Re-

sources, the Jefferson County Com-

mittee for Economic Opportunity,

and McWane Science Center.

Teachers from Calloway and West

Center Street centers have had their

second training this year. We are

continuing to learn more about the

inquiry science method in teaching

children, and science activities for

the classroom to promote inquiry

learning. Childcare Resources

leads the professional development

for teachers. Supplies will be

bought for many of these activities

so they can be done in class with

the children. Outside the class-

room, children are enjoying their

second field trip to the McWane

Science Center.

Take-home science experiments

have been distributed and children

have begun taking them home to

share with their parents. Teachers

are displaying parent-child experi-

ments in the classrooms. Based on

their responses to questions regard-

ing the experience, parents and

children are really enjoying the col-

laborative effort as we strive to en-

rich our children in the area of sci-

ence.

By Carol Montgomery,

PNC Project Coordinator,

327-7591

Teaching and support

staff participated in

Aftercare training this

fall. The professional

development experi-

ence was provided to

support the Learning for Life character education

curriculum JCCEO uses with children in the After-

care program. Teachers presented their favorite

activities. Trainers from Childcare Resources and

the Health Action Partnership of Jefferson Co.

shared strategies to integrate physical activity into

lessons, such as respect, responsibility, and cour-

age. Boy Scout representative Dr. Kevin Walsh

gave an update on local and national Learning for

Life projects. Thanks to Lakeshore, Inc. for prize

give-aways that teachers can use in the class-

room, such as the book that lead teacher

Ms. Toyer is holding above.

Thank You Kiwanis, Inc.! Carmelita Poindexter,

Education Coordinator

327-7582

Each child will receive 3 of the books

on the list below to add to or start

their home library. Kiwanians visit

our centers throughout the year to

participate in shared reading experi-

ences with the children. Books are

donated by the Jean Dean Reading is

Fundamental (RIF) program.

Jean Dean RIF Book List 2013

Pre-school Books

Freight Train

The House That Jack Built

Flower Garden

We Went On A Safari

Caps for Sale

Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?

Miss Mary Mack

Jump Frog Jump

Corduroy

The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Straw-

berry, and The Big Hungry Bear

Toddler -Age Books

Color By Penguins

Mommies and Babies

Monster Opposites

ABCD Eat

Shape Up Pup

Shared reading ―Jump Frog Jump‖ by Robert Kalan

Creative Lambs teacher, Ms. Henderson

Shared reading ―The House that Jack Built‖ by Diana Mayo

Brilliant Butterflies teacher, Ms. Pouncy

Apple Learners teacher, Ms. White

Shared reading ―Flower Garden‖ by Eve Bunting

Kiwanis

Volunteers

at Head

Start

Festival

Center

Shared reading ―We Went On a Safari‖ by Laurie Krebs

Brilliant Butterflies teacher, Ms. Pouncy

Apple Learners teacher, Ms. White

The Explorers teacher, Ms. Bearden

Shared reading ―Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?‖ by Nancy Carlstrom

decorations that are sharp or break-

able, keep trimmings with small re-

movable parts out of the reach of chil-

dren. Never use candles on or near

any tree.

Toys: Follow recommended age ranges on toy pack-

ages. Toys that are too advanced could be a safety

hazard for younger children. Read and follow all in-

structions before allowing a young child to play with

any new toy. Remove all gift wrap and accessories as

soon as packages are opened. Children under age

three can choke on small parts contained in toys or

games. Government regulations specify that toys for

children under age three cannot have parts less than

1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long. Chil-

dren under age 8 can choke or suffocate on deflated

or broken balloons. Remove strings and ribbons from

toys before giving them to young children. Watch for

pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in

length. They could be a strangulation hazard for ba-

bies. Source: http://www.examiner.com/article/holiday-safety-tips-

for-young-children

Page 7

Better Bodies

Nutrition News By Kelly Grantham, Nutrition Coordinator 327 –7500

Trees: Purchase an artificial

tree with a ―fire resistant‖ label.

If using a real tree, purchase a

fresh one and keep it well wa-

tered in an approved stand.

Place it away from fireplaces,

radiators or portable heaters

and away from doorways and

high traffic areas.

Decorations: Use only non-

combustible or flame-resistant

materials to trim a tree. Choose

tinsel or artificial icicles of plas-

tic or nonleaded metals. Avoid

using any decorations that a

baby or toddler might swallow.

Take special care to avoid

Tips for Having a Fun & Healthful Holiday Prepared by Willie Pearl Glass,

Health Specialist 327-7506

SECA

Learning to eat with chop sticks at Calloway Center are Jakayala Woods, Enoc Juarez Cristobal and Antonio Gipson

As 2014 approaches, form a plan to ―Grow Healthy‖ in the

New Year! Here are some tips to help you get started!

Get Motivated!

Have a Plan!

Make Goals!

Track What You Eat!

Use Reliable Resources!

Eat Breakfast Every Day!

Fill Up on Vegetables!

Exercise!

Take these off of your

gift list! Doodlebutt

Jelly BeadZ, Jumbo

BeadZ, and Magic

Growing Fruity Fun

toys-marble- sized

water absorbing balls

and fruit shapes can

absorb up to 500

times their weight in

water, and grow up to

8 times their original

size. Children can

mistake them for

candy. When swal-

lowed they can ex-

pand inside a child‟s

body and cause intes-

tinal obstructions. If

purchased, contact

Doodlebutt for a full

refund.

Page 8

JCCEO Head Start-Early Head Start-Pre-K Program

The Promise of Community Action

Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated

to helping people help themselves and each other.

Family Services

Resources for You

Bilingual Counseling Services: Inexpensive counseling for

individuals or families. Action Counseling and Consulting. John

Ocampo, Licensed Professional Counselor. 205-249-7475.

Small Wonders: Assists families of children who have

special needs, Brandi Chelette 205-945-6000.

Employment Opportunities: Open an account with Ala-

bama Local JobNetwork to get listings of jobs you qualify

for. Job openings will be sent directly to your email ad-

dress as new openings are announced. To set up your

personal account, call 877-343-8181 or go to

www.metrobirminghamjobs.com for more information.

GED Online: Adult education offered by Lawson State Com-

munity College and the Family Guidance Center‟s Center for

Families-Jefferson County. Call 929-6481 for more information.

Mother’s Hope. Substance abuse treatment program for preg-

nant and post partum mothers. Alethia House, 324-6502 Free

You can view available positions

and apply for jobs at JCCEO by

going on-line to www.jcceo.org.

Click on the Jobs icon.

To sign –up for the Affordable Care Act

insurance program, a.k.a.

Obamacare, for coverage to begin

January 1st.

Enrollment Blitz being hosted by AIDS

Alabama, 8am—6pm. Call 324-9822

for more information.

‘Tis the season to give and receive,

but with so many presents to buy for

family and friends, re-gifting items you

don‟t like or won‟t use is not such a

bad idea. Think recycling! Reduce air

pollution caused by dust build-up and

junk! Re-gifting can also help you

keep your budget in check. Here are

some do‟s and don‟ts.

DO:

Have good intentions. Give some-

thing you know they will appreciate.

Gift only new, unopened items in

excellent condition.

DO NOT:

Free promotional items are a no, no.

Re-gift an item that you don‟t re-

member the origin of.

If you are giving or getting a

new cell phone for Christmas,

consider donating your old one to

Verizon Wireless. The HopeLine project

collects old phones to support domestic

violence organizations. Recycle your old

phone to help a victim. Go to

www.verizonwireless to find out how.

JCCEO says a fond farewell to senior staffers

Sandra Green, Center Manager at Kingston

Center and Edsel Massey, Head Start Social

Services Coordinator who are retiring. Ms.

Green (above center) with grandparents at

Thanksgiving Luncheon.

Thanks Mr. Dixon!

Mr. Massey at surprise

Retirement Party