Greetings to Our Families, Staff, and Friends,

I write to you as we navigate difficult times for programs and services for those who

have the least in our nation that are supported by our Federal Government. We have all heard

the term “Sequestration” used in the news lately. Sequestration became the law on March 1st,

that was bad news for Head Start-Early Head Start, and also for most of our other programs and

services. For Head Start and Early Head Start, Sequestration means that our funding for this year

is being cut by 5%. Since our funding year began in January, and we don’t want to close class-

rooms and nurseries for any of the children we serve now, we will have to cut classrooms and

children by 10% in September, and also make cuts in pay, supplies, and all other costs right

away in order to cut this year’s budget by 5%. All because of Sequestration. Nearly 200 chil-

dren with no Head Start or Early Head Start because of Sequestration. And if Sequestration

stays in place, this reduction will continue for the next ten years.

So what can we do? If we care about the children and families who won’t have

Head Start, we can raise our voices. We can pick up our phones, and call the people who

represent us in Congress, and let them know how much harm Sequestration will do in Jef-

ferson County, Alabama. We can visit their offices and shake their hands and let them and

their staff members know how much good Head Start does. Call them. Visit them. They

represent us. They need to know how important Head Start is to our children. They need

to know how important Head Start is to our community. They need to know how impor-

tant Head Start is to our nation, and how much damage Sequestration will do.

Jefferson County Committee For Economic Opportunity

Child Development Services Division

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

Volume 9912, Issue 3 March 2013

From the Director…

Gayle Cunningham Executive Director

JCCEO Mission Statement

JCCEO provides comprehensive social and child development services to the low income citizens of Jefferson

County, Alabama. 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.

JCCEO

Head Start Is

Now Taking

Applications

For Program

Year 2013-14.

Call 327-7593

For More

Information!

Page 2

Free Income Tax Prep: Fast electronic filing for households earning less than $50,000/yr with one or more chil-

dren or $20,000/yr with no children. Sponsored by Youth First, SaveFirst, and Regions Bank.

Call 1-888-99-TAX-AL to make appointment.

Special Needs Assistance: For children with special health care and developmental needs. Small Wonders Pro-

gram. 205-945-6000.

Bilingual Counseling Services: Inexpensive counseling for individuals or families. Action Counseling and Con-

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

Ex-offender Re-entry: Support for former prisoners and families. Beginning Bridges Ministry.

205-966-2194, bbcdc2009@yahoo.com.

Employment Opportunities: Open an account with Alabama Local JobNetwork to get listings of jobs you qualify

for. Job openings will be sent directly to your email address as new openings are announced. To set up your personal

account, call 877-343-8181 or go to www.metrobirminghamjobs.com for more information.

Family Services Resources for You

Michelle McAlpine, M.Ed., LPC, Parent Involvement Coordinator

G reetings Parents,

Winter is almost over and spring is at hand. Parent Engagement continues to present various opportunities

for you to be engaged in the Head Start experience with your children. Your commitment and active en-

gagement in your child’s school life has a significant impact on their life in general. Sharing the Head Start

experience with your children increases their self-esteem and improves their academic and social experiences. Your

participation also adds to our matching contribution for our federal dollars. Please continue to make every effort to

attend events as well as volunteer at your child’s center and classroom.

Over the past couple of months we have hosted several events. For dads, we hosted “An Evening Out with Dad”. Chil-

dren and fathers or father figures came out to play and socialize with other dads and children. From all reports, every-

one had a ball.

In February we celebrated Marriage Week with a Parent Café on “Relationships”. In a relaxed café style setting, over

dinner, parents had casual discussions on relationships at home and in the community. Childcare was also provided.

Also in February, Parent Engagement held Leadership Training for parent officers. Officers from different sites net-

worked together and discussed their leadership experiences. If you weren’t there, you missed a great experience.

Monthly, we have our Grandparent Support Group on every 2nd Thursday. The February meeting was a spirited one.

Grandparents shared their “love stories” and their opinions on dating and other interesting topics. We had a wonder-

ful, fun time!

In April we will host the Annual Health Fair; it will be held at the Head Start Festival Center. Grandparent Support

Group will be April 11th at the Headquarters Auditorium. We also plan on having another Healthy Marriage/Healthy

Relationship event in April. You don’t have to be married to attend.

You see, there is something for everyone. If you have ideas for parent engagement events please give me a call. The

next time you see a Parent Engagement flyer posted, ask the teacher, family service worker, or your center manager

about it. We need to see you there!

Page 3

Jacques Curry, Kemari Love’s mother (Festival), who

earned a promotion to Office Manager at Infinity Insur-

ance Agency.

Gloria Ellis, Alexander and Arianna’s mom (Sherman

Heights), who has a new job as a caregiver at Home

Instead Agency.

Chaka Gosha, Breya and Brionna Robbins’ mom

(Sherman Heights), who got a job as a teacher at Pep-

permint Patty Daycare Center.

Denise Rivers, Zemahr’s mom (Festival), who began a

new job as a LPN at Crothall Healthcare.

Tiffany Jackson, Martez and Jakari Williams’ mom,

(Sherman Heights), who got a job in customer service

at T-Mobile Communications.

Mareo McKinney, Sr., Mareo, Jr.’s dad (Festival), who

got a job as stockman at Lowe’s Home Improvement

Center.

Brittany Williams, Joycelyn Austin’s mother (Center

Point), has a new job as a teacher at Guiding light

Daycare Center.

Tiffany Barnes, the mother of Kimari Williams

(Festival), enrolled in Virginia College to earn a

degree in Cosmetology.

Lakita Cherry, Ivory’s mom (Festival), enrolled

at Virginia College to study accounting, and be-

gan a new job as a stocker at Loreal Warehouse.

Stephanie Lark, mother of Rhazaeliya Burgess

(Calloway), earned a BS degree in Human Re-

ource Management from Phoenix University this

winter.

Danita Jones, India Moore’s mother, and Na-

kosha Sparks, mother of Dominique Rancher

(Calloway), are each studying for the GED high

school equivalency certificate.

Tamika Long, mother of De’Mareyia Jones (St.

Francis), is attending nursing school at Lawson

State Community College.

Keisha Taylor, mother of Malik James (St.

Francis), is a recent graduate of the Virginia Col-

lege medical assistant program.

The JCCEO Head Start-Early Head Start Program takes this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all of our

parents for the volunteer work you do. Included are LeShawn Cooper at Hard Center; Festival Center par-

ents, LaTesha McKinney, Morgan’s mom, who did a painting activity with the class; Kylan’s mom,

Shremetria Johnson, and dad, Jermaine Gowdy, who played dominoes to strengthen children’s skills in

the math center; parents at Calloway Center Nakasha Sparks (Dominique), Early Hudson (Makayla), Pau-

letta Harris (Charity), and Sonya Brown (Antonio), who helped with Black History Month activities by read-

ing to the classes and decorating the gym for the program. You all get a gold star. Keep up the great work!

JCCEO HOMEOWNERSHIPWORKSHOP

AND

FORECLOSURE PREVENTION INFORMATION

TO LEARN WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A SUCCESSFUL

HOMEOWNER, ATTEND THIS CLASS

FREE!!!

MARCH 16TH

KINGSTON CENTER

10 A.M.—3P.M.

201-7555, EXT. 6313 TO REGISTER

CALL NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!!!

Eunice Ambriz, David’s mom at Sun Valley Center decorated the class-

room door to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday for Read Across America

Page 4

Kingston Cluster

Eastern Cluster

Art Show: January was Art Appreciation Month at

the Center Point Center. The children in Ms. Brad-

ley’s and Ms. Bolden’s classes created the Center Point

Art Gallery. Children and parents created wonderful

masterpieces together as take-home activities, and

brought them to display in the gallery.

Tasty Play: Children at Sherman Heights

acted out the book of the month, The Little

Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the BIG

HUNGRY BEAR. Each child received a straw-

berry to eat while performing the story. Yum

Yum!!

Field Trip!: The Roaring

Lions in Ms. Harville,

Hatcher, and Mor-

risette’s class and the

Adorable Butterflies in

Ms. Waites, Penick, and

Cotton’s class at King-

ston Center went on a

field trip to the Avon-

dale Public Library on

February 21. The boys

and girls enjoyed listen-

ing to stories read to

The Productive Penguins of Ms. Hicks and Meadows

class celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday by reading the

story, The Tooth Book. Afterwards they visited

the art center where each child created their own

Dr. Seuss hat. See more activities on page 6!

Allison, Miracle, Amilyah, Lanai, and Melicent at Kingston

At Fes-

tival

Center

chil-

dren in

Ms.

Henry

(standing in picture) and McCann’s class had a lot of fun-

filled activities in February . Here Parent Committee Presi-

dent, A.C. Chambers, III, and Vice-President Bryonda Wil-

liams, participated in the Valentine’s Day Party and

brought treats for the children.

Festival Cluster

them, including Going

West and Our Tree

Named Steve.

Field Trip, Too!: The

Exploring Butterflies in

Ms. Maiden and Peebles’

class took a field trip to

the Birmingham Chil-

dren’s Theater to see

the play The Little Kit-

tens. After seeing the

play, the children acted

out the characters dur-

ing small group reading

time.

EHS-Sherman Heights

Page 5

St. Francis Cluster

Partner’s Pets: Children in Ms. Watts, Taylor, and

Mays’ class are very happy today. Their teacher aide

Ms. Mays’ husband had his company, Nucor Steel, to

sponsor the class with educational gifts for each child.

Thank you Nucor Steel and Mr. Mays! (picture below)

Faithful Kiwanis: More thanks from Calloway Cen-

ter to local Kiwanian Luther Jarman, Jr. for volunteer-

ing to read to the children. He read several books to

the children including “Who Sank the Boat, “Whose

Mouse

Are You?”

and “I

Went

Walking.”

Each child

was given

a book of

their

choice to

add to

their li-

brary at

home.

A Hundred: 100 Days of School was a fun event. 100

pieces of artwork were on display...100 photos of chil-

dren at work were posted...each class learned to count

a sequence of numbers between 1 and 100… A party

was held on February14 to celebrate. Hooray we did it!

Foodie Fun: During a

recent lesson on food

and nutrition, our pre-

schoolers in Ms. Pat-

ton and Sales’ class at

Hard Center learned

that many people help

grow and prepare the

foods we eat. One of

our science activities

involved the children

planting their own

vegetables. They

planted carrots and

corn. They observed

the plants growth over

several days. The

class also discussed

St. Joseph’s Cluster

Flower Power: St. Joseph’s Center children in Ms.

Smith and Long’s class enjoyed a day at the McWane

Science Center filled with lots of fun learning activities

to help children better understand plants. The children

participated in an activity to help them understand how

a flower grows.

Calloway

Center

Teacher aide

Mr. Johnson,

shows

Johnny and

Gabriella

how to eat

shrimp with

chopsticks.

Easy does it!

Aalyah, Ahlayiah, Brandi, Ozaria, M’I’Kaylah, with

Lori Brazeal from the McWane Center

how each plant needs

sunlight and water to

survive.

Thank You, Dr. Anne-

Turner Henson!: Be-

cause of her North

Pole connections, Se-

cret Santa paid a visit

to the St. Francis Cen-

ter before the winter

holiday and brought

books for all the chil-

dren in the cluster.

Dr. Turner-Henson is

the Nurse Consultant

for the JCCEO Head

Start program.

Calloway Cluster

Page 6

A tribute to Rosa Parks at

the Festival Center.

Black History at Arrington

Center featured a

„Wonderful World‟ of music

and movement, singing and

speeches by children dressed

up like their famous person.

At the Festival Center chil-

dren and staff celebrated

African Day by dressing as

famous inventors, scientist,

athletes, leaders, and more.

At the Center Point Center

there was standing room only

for the Black History program.

Children performed a medley

of African inspired dances,

and sang songs including a trib-

ute to James Brown.

In honor of Black History Month

Avondale Public Library staff

read “Almost to Freedom” to

the children at Kingston Cen-

ter.

EDUCATION SERVICES See more pic-tures at www.jcceo.org

On February 28, the St. Joseph’s Center held a Black His-

tory Program. Each class prepared a poem, song, or skit to

celebrate their heritage. Family Services Worker Regina

Fuller decorated the cafeteria for the program, and worked

tirelessly to get donations, posters, and artifacts important

to the African-American community. She was the Mistress of

Ceremonies for the program, and gave the audience a mini

history lesson before each class performed. Reporter,

Amanda Cargo, Education Specialist

At the Calloway Center Head Start teacher Gloria Michael portrayed Dr. Seuss as part of his birthday celebration on Read Across America Day, March 1.

Lenora Burroughs’ class at Sun Valley Center made their

special hats to honor Dr. Seuss.

Here are 4 ways to get your kids to like (or at least try!) healthy foods. These tricks really work -- even with super

picky eaters:

Make it fun. You've seen the cute pics: pancakes topped with smiley fruit faces, grilled cheese served in cookie-

cutter shapes. Taking the time now and then to make healthy foods kid-friendly – even just adding ketchup or making

up a clever name ("magic beans," "power peas") -- is always a winner. So is anything dunkable: Offer a little warmed,

oozy peanut butter or yogurt to dip their fruit into, or some ranch dressing to go with steamed vegetables.

Work with them. Incorporate the healthy stuff into dishes you know your child likes. If she/he loves pizza, try add-

ing pineapple. Got a muffin fan? Make a batch with blueberries or grated zucchini or carrots. Chicken-nugget

chomper? Bake them with whole-grain bread crumbs.

Talk it up. A kid couldn't care less about cholesterol or heart disease, but he will take notice if you tell him that

doughnut won't give him enough energy to climb the jungle gym or keep up with his friend in the swimming pool.

Eat it yourself. If you won't touch anything green, why should they? But if they see you enjoying a big salad or a fish

dish, they just may come around (well, eventually). (excerpt from Shaun Dreisbach, www.parenting.com)

Page 7

Better Bodies

Nutrition News

Submitted by Johnna Rembert, Nutrition Specialist

Diabetes is a condition in which a

person’s blood glucose (sugar) is

too high. More than 25 million

people, 8% of the population in

the U.S., have the disease.

And the numbers are grow-

ing for children aged 19 and

younger. Important symp-

toms include thirst, frequent

urination, and unexplained

weight loss. Diabetes runs in

families, but is also associ-

ated with excess weight or

obesity. A big part of diabe-

tes control and prevention in-

volves watching what you eat and becoming physically active. Diabetes is a serious disease

that can be deadly. Those with the condition should have regular medical check-ups and fol-

low their doctor’s instructions for medication, exercise, and food intake.

(excerpts from www.healthpowerforminorities.com)

Word List

Sugar

Pancreas

Calories

Insulin

Fat

Gestational

Exercise

Sugar

Across

4. Type that occurs during pregnancy

6. Diet plan partner to control dia-

betes

8. Sweet

Down

1. Limit the among of this you eat

2. Weight control concern

3. Body organ produces insulin

5. Hormone that controls blood

glucose

7. Common name for diabetes

March Is National Nutrition Month...Eat Right for Good Health!

Page 8

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION TRAINING, presentations,

balloon release, and more, April 8, 10-11a.m., Center for Families

945-6000 for more information.

Children’s Gospel Music Network, family friendly activities, mu-

sic and bands at Brookwood Village, UAB and Better Basics, Inc.

April 20, www.50yearsforward.com

The Promise of Community Action

Community Action changes people’s lives, em-bodies the spirit of hope, improves communi-ties, 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.

Jakiria Jordan is a volunteer through the JCCEO ACHIEVE PRO-

JECT. The project is designed to encourage young people to pursue

careers in early childhood education. She is receiving valuable ex-

perience volunteering in our Head Start classrooms that she can use

to become a certified Child Development Associate.

Jakeria is a former student of the International Culinary School in

Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to her interest in teaching young chil-

dren, she is planning to continue her studies in culinary art. Her

dream is to one day open her own restaurant or culinary school.

Jakiria is a volunteer in Veronica Minor’s class at the Calloway

Center. The Achieve Project is housed in the Community Services

Division of JCCEO under the direction of Andre Taylor.

Reporter, Blanche Townsend, Teacher Aide

Ms. Jordan tells the class about her experiences as a culinary student. She talks about the tools of

her trade and demonstrates their purpose.

Girl Scouts Gather Together

JCCEO Head Start Daisy Scout participants attended the Women of Dis-

tinction Luncheon in March. The luncheon is an annual event sponsored

by the Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama to honor Girl Scout achievers ,

as well as, women who have made

outstanding contributions to the

community. The lucky Daisy

Scouts and their parents were

joined by Center Manager Linda

Williams and troop leaders and

JCCEO teaching staff Jannesha

Williams, Monica Thomas, and Car-

mesha Thedford. There are more

than 340 Head Start girls partici-

pating in Daisy Scouts at JCCEO.

Commute Smart

CommuteSmart Birmingham provides

free assistance to anyone searching for

an alternative way to commute to

work and save a little cash. Com-

muteSmart will pay commuters incen-

tives if they carpool with someone,

take public transit, bicycle, telework,

or walk to and from work at least 20

times in a 90-day period. For anyone

who logs a clean commute on their

CommuteSmart website profile, Com-

muteSmart will pay each commuter $1

per day for the first 90 days, up to

$70, and will give a $25 gift card to

each commuter every 90 days follow-

ing that with continued participation.

CommuteSmart provides a free ride-

matching system to encourage finding a

carpool partner or bike buddy with

similar preferences. To learn more

about getting paid to commute to

work, visit www.commutesmart.org or

call 1-87-RIDEMATCH to register for

free. Jeniese Hosey, Outreach Coordina-

tor

Daisy Scouts Na’Ryah (Midfield) and Liliana (West

Center Street) and their parents at the luncheon.

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