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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