Children are assessed on the 50 Creative Curriculum objectives three times per year – Fall, Winter, and Spring. Winter checkpoint assessment information is in and the updated goals can be accessed via the link below. The teaching staff and I would be happy to speak with you about the school readiness goals and how you can help your child achieve their potential! Just call us at 419-268-0301 and ask for your child’s teacher, or Michelle Self, Director of Early Childhood Services.
Is your child going to Kindergarten this Fall?
February 20, 2012 By
If so, here are some great books you can get from your local library to read to your child. Studies show that a child who is aware of what to expect will have less worry and anxiety about their first day. Check out this link:
Tips to help your child get ready for Kindergarten
As we discussed at the POPs Meeting, here are a list of books you can read to your child about his/her first day of Kindergarten. Spend some time this summer at the local Library and find some of these books! Your child will be more prepared for Kindergarten, and will enjoy sitting with a good book and loving adult!
Behavioral, Social, and Emotional Health in the Classroom
January 5, 2012 By
Ms. Roberta makes monthly visits to our classrooms at the Franklin Building. She talks with the children about her friend, Twiggle the Turtle. Twiggle has a difficult time sometimes and needs reminded of how to manage his feelings. Through the stories and activities that Ms. Roberta shares, Twiggle teaches the children about how to express their feelings in an appropriate way – feelings like anger, sadness, fear, happiness, etc.
Ms. Roberta has also taught the children how to do “the Turtle!” Ask your child about the Turtle. If they aren’t sure, email your child’s teacher ~ She can send you some information about what they’ve learned in the classroom regarding feelings and Twiggle the Turtle!
Ms. Roberta is scheduled to be in the classrooms on the following days. If you have questions for her as our Mental Health Consultant, please feel free to stop in during the day. She is willing to speak with parents about their child’s social and emotional health and behaviors.
January 17th
February 21st
March 20th
April 17th
May 15th
Roberta Donovan is a LISW-S (Licensed Independent Social Worker) and Counselor at Foundations Behavioral Health in Celina. She has extensive training in Play Based Therapy as well as the DECA-C (Devereux Early Childhood Assessment – Clinical). She has many children and families in her clientele. If you have questions about the possibility of having your child/family receiving services such as what Roberta Donovan can provide, please speak with your child’s teacher or your family advocate for referral information.
Gary Montgomery, Guest Speaker for area Early Childhood Staff
January 4, 2012 By
In December, Gary Montgomery (former sports broadcaster, speaker, and author) presented to the staff from Mercer County Head Start and Mercer County Education Service Center. During his presentation, he discussed how the staff could strive to be individuals who want to develop an “I Can Play” attitude for life, and the importance of being a part of a team within our organizations who want to be the best they can be.
He also shared ways we can encourage these same principles in the lives of the children who attend Mercer County Head Start and Mercer County Education Service Center as well as their families!
Mr. Montgomery made quite a big impression on all of the staff – we appreciate his personal approach to our staff, and the effort he made in connecting with our staff and community.
To view just a small bit of Mr. Montgomery’s presentation, click this link: www.icanplay.com
A BIG Thank You!
January 4, 2012 By
We would like to thank Rachel and Mallory’s Mom, Joy Fortman, for volunteering at Mercer County Head Start as the official photographer in our classrooms! Joy is attending the Art Institute of Pittsburgh to obtain her Associate in Web Design/Interactive Media. She is using her talents to add pictures and videos to the website! Joy recently completed a video featured on the front page of this website from Pajama Day in December!
Joy plans to join many of the special events this year as well as the fun, everyday-activities in the classrooms to capture with her camera! Again, thanks to Joy for adding to our agency website in this special way!
Mercer County Head Start School Readiness Goals
December 1, 2011 By
School Readiness Goals with Fall results and Winter Goals
School Readiness Goals have been established for the 2011-12 school year. The goals are created from the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework and align with Creative Curriculum Objectives. The goals also match parent-chosen goals for their children as well as essential skills as determined by the Elementary School District for Kindergarteners. The Fall Checkpoint is completed for each child. An Agency-wide analysis is available at the link above.
Please discuss any questions you have about your child’s progress with his/her teacher.
Head Start Body Start
October 25, 2011 By
Congratulations to Mercer County Head Start!
Recipient of the 2011 $5,000 Head Start Body Start grant!
Mercer County Head Start staff recently learned they have been chosen to receive a $5,000 grant to create more play space outdoors so children can remain active, increasing their moderate to vigorous physical movement.
Curious about what this means? Several staff members previously attended the I Am Moving, I Am Learning training. Take a look at how important it is to keep our kids moving!
Watch for more news on the Head Start Body Start Grant and what changes will be in store!
You will also receive monthly calendars to provide great movement ideas for you and your family!
Back to School Night
October 25, 2011 By
Back to school night at the Franklin Building was a huge success!! Take a look at this video and check it out for yourself:
Thanks to Mrs. Crites, from Wright State University – Lake Campus, for the great photos and the awesome video! Be sure your speakers on :)
2010-11 Child Assessment Results
May 26, 2011 By
Click the link below to view the Creative Curriculum results from the Fall, Winter, and Spring checkpoint results of the 2010-11 school year.
These results are utilized to determine:
- Staff professional development
- Materials and equipment purchases
- Agency, classroom, and indiviual school readiness goals
- Program quality
- Program improvement needs
Fall Winter Spring Growth 2010-11
The data charts were compiled from the Head Start Traditional classes and the Home Base class assessment results. To learn more about Creative Curriculum, check out the parent resource link.
Preschool Screening by the Mercer County Educational Service Center
January 25, 2011 By
A preschool screening for 3, 4, and 5 year olds will be conducted at the Cheryl Ann Building on Friday, May 6, 2011. We will be screening children in a variety of developmental areas. Possible screenings include vision and hearing acuity, fine motor coordination, speech and language development, visual and auditory memory/perception, and general knowledge.
If you are interested in having your child screened, please call Janice Diller at 419-586-6628, ext. 100, by April 29, 2011 to register.
This is a free service provided by your local school district in cooperation with the Mercer County Educational Service Center.
