Warren Head Start

Things are getting a little crazy again but there is some good news for our families! Take a look: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report highlighting Head Start’s effective response in managing the spread of COVID-19. The report detailed Head Start’s success in implementing CDC-recommended guidance and other mitigation strategies that could serve as a model for the early care and education system across the country. The study noted several fac...tors contributing to successful implementation of CDC-recommended guidelines that helped to prevent COVID-19 transmission among children and staff. National Head Start Association Executive Director Yasmina Vinci issued the following statement: Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Head Start has once again set the standard for delivering high-quality early care and education, taking every possible precaution to protect the health of Head Start children, families, and staff and the communities in which they live, said Vinci. Head Start programs have led the way in responding to COVID-19, successfully continuing services to families, and implementing guidance to reopen and remain open for in-person services. Head Start’s ability to be nimble, while simultaneously following research-based guidelines and maintaining its longstanding parent engagement practices, enabled programs to adjust rapidly to local circumstances and continue providing the high-quality services it is known for.

Mark your calendars for October 27th from 2-5!! First come, first served for the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box program. Please see the flyer below for more details :) The Warren Forest EOC is partnering with the First Lutheran Church to coordinate distribution of food boxes to any interested household in Warren. There is no income requirement but you will be asked to provide your zip code and the number of people in your household!

You can still sign up for this program through the Salvation Army of Warren through Friday!

A message from one of our Family Resource Assistants! Please read. Dear Families, Due to staff shortage this week, we will be sending home the Tuesday/Wednesday classroom children's meals with them today. If your child is absent today OR attends Thursday/Friday classes, the meals are available for you to pick up at your child's center from 12-3pm today and tomorrow. If you are not interested in these meals for your child, please let your Family Resource Assistant (FRA) know.... Any questions, call your Family Resource Assistant! Thank you.

The first day has finally arrived!! Do we have any first day of school pictures? Share in the comments :)The first day has finally arrived!! Do we have any first day of school pictures? Share in the comments :)

For our families - Some great information about the Economic Stimulus Payments available through the CARES Act. If you have questions or think you may be eligible contact information is provided on the flyer.

There are 20 available slots for next week's Produce Express pick up! Call Amy at 726-2400 x100 to sign up for a time!There are 20 available slots for next week's Produce Express pick up! Call Amy at 726-2400 x100 to sign up for a time!

Attention families! The WCSD has announced changes to the food program. Please see the images below for more information!

LIHEAP CARES is now available to eligible families. Find out more information on who is eligible and how to apply below!

Storytime with Head Start!

Please share! This has been updated with a direct line if you or someone you know is interested in applying for our wonderful program!! :)

Breaking news! The IRS has announced that individuals who receive Social security retirement and SSDI who did not file 2019 or 2019 taxes must act by tomorrow, Wednesday, April 22nd at noon, in order to receive additional payments for any eligible children under age 17. Individuals who receive SSI must take action by later this month. A specific deadline is not yet available, but we highly encourage SSI recipients to take action NOW. Both groups of individuals should fill... out the IRS' Non-filers tool to complete this action. More information about who is eligible for stimulus payments can be found at Community Legal Services' website. PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION

We know this is a crazy and likely, stressful time! Let us help! If you are or have already received a stimulus check and aren't sure the best way to utilize these funds to best help your family we can help! We have certified, HUD Housing Counselors that can provide FREE financial coaching to you over the phone. We can help look at your budget, assess your current needs, and work with you to determine best way to maximize the use of your stimulus funds. Email [email protected] and she can connect your with one of our amazing counselors. We are here for you! https://www.wfeoc.org/phfa-financial-education

In following guidance from federal and state government, Warren Head Start and Pre K Counts will remain closed until further notice to help slow down the spread of the Coronavirus. Before reopening, our staff will ensure that each of its centers are safe for children, parents, and staff. Head Start is encouraging families to reach out to us to see how we can help you through these times.

We hope everyone had a safe and happy Easter! Below is a great information sheet set up for 3-6 year olds to help explain the COVID virus.

Hi Families!! We understand that the last few weeks have been difficult for everyone. We want to encourage you to take this time to connect with your children. We want you to PLAY, have fun, read a book together , build a fort, match socks , build with legos, cook , look at photos and take new ones, and exercise. A child’s brain can’t learn under stress, therefore, we don’t want to cause more stress to the home by adding homeschooling. We are all under stress du...ring these times. In other words, have fun with your kids!! Just spend quality time together. We will continue to share learning resources with families but remember at this time in their lives PLAY is how they develop! We are here for all the families who need additional strategies, resources, or anything that will keep you safe and secure. Please reach out to a HS staff member if there is anything that you may need. Please stay healthy during this time! We miss you!!