#head start program

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A behind-the-scenes look at some tiny turtles

Scientists are trying to increase the number of Northern red-bellied cooters. The Aquarium is helping. See how they've grown this fall!

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Head Start Traditional Foods Preschool Curriculum

Octopus, Seal Garnish Alaska Native Head Start Nutrition Lesson Plan 

Published September 6, 2017

Nonprofit creates nutrition curriculum reclaiming and revitalizing Unangan & Unangas culture through education to achieve healthier outcomes for children

ANCHORAGE – On St. George Island about 800 air miles from Anchorage, an abundance of birds, crabs, reindeer, halibut, sea lion and wild plants in the past provided nutritious, hearty meals for the Aleut or Unangan people living here.

Though some of the 13 Alaska Native tribes of the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands like the tribe here still rely on subsistence hunting, modern conveniences such as packaged foods have crept into the Unangan and Unangas diets resulting in unhealthy dietary habits. Rates of diabetes have soared over the years and nearly 40 percent of residents in the region are obese.

The Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, Inc.(APIA) Head Start Program is addressing this health concern among families through its new Qaqamii}u{: Head Start Traditional Foods Preschool Curriculum, with lessons focusing on healthy eating and sparking interest in traditional foods.

“I’m hoping that this will bring awareness to our communities about how traditional foods have all the necessary nutrients to keep us sustained, and that tradition and our culture are very, very important. It’s vital to who we are as Aleut people or Unangan people in our region,” said Bonnie Kashevarof Mierzejek, APIA Head Start program director, who grew up on St. George eating off the island. APIA is an Anchorage-based nonprofit that assists in meeting the health and safety of the Unangan and Unangas in the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Region.

The remote rural region is home to some of the most unique and nutritious foods in the world. The curriculum, which will be taught in four communities beginning in September, includes nutrition information on such foods as fish, kelp, marine mammals, reindeer, wild birds, and berries. Recipes include fish spread, seal pot roast, salmonberry cobbler, sea lion meatballs and kelp chips. A nutrition graphic compares the iron content in three ounces of seal meat to the same iron found in pounds of hot dogs or chicken nuggets.

“We wanted to highlight the local foods and their highly nutritious qualities, and communicate this to our younger children in a meaningful and culturally-relevant way,” said Suanne Unger, curriculum co-creator and APIA Wellness Program Coordinator.

Unger said the basis for the curriculum was to fill the gap of relevant, cultural information and highlight recipes and nutritional information about the local foods while incorporating the Unangam tunuulanguage. Podcasts of the pronunciations of the traditional foods are available on APIA’s website.

While current national Head Start nutrition curricula may be applicable in Chicago or even the Navajo Nation, those in the Aleutian and Pribilof region realized that discussions on foods such as cantaloupe and broccoli weren’t quite applicable in their lessons plans since the foods weren’t grown in the region or even available in stores.

Accompanying culturally-relevant nutrition information are activities, such as coloring a salmon, seagull or puffin, or asking a community member to talk about how animal skins were used to create kayaks and boats. Several lessons encourage asking a parent or community member to share a hunting story. The curriculum includes sample teacher letters to families discussing the next lesson and a request for donations of plants or animals to use in recipes prepared in the classroom. Parent letters also encourage participation in the classroom in activities such as teaching a traditional song or dance or helping prepare the foods.

These discussions for preschoolers and their families are vital as contemporary lifestyles and conveniences have impacted traditional ways of life. Access to affordable, fresh, nutritious, and high-quality store foods are limited while traditional local foods are right outside people’s doors.

Traditional foods have such a high nutritional value, Unger said, ‘”and because of the potential for food insecurity in the region it’s vital that people understand the importance of their local traditional foods.”

In addition to eating off the island, Kashevarof Mierzejek remembers constantly being outside growing up even in inclement weather. No TV existed so people gathered at the local movie hall for entertainment and socialization.

“Our 3- to 5-year-olds are being exposed to modern technology like video games and they stay home in front of these games, so it’s hard to get them outside. And they’re sitting there eating junk food—that certainly contributes to obesity as well,” she said. “My hope is that this book will be able to bring awareness and our children will be healthier than they ever were in the last 20 years.”

The curriculum, which was created with a one-year, $40,000 grant from the Notah Begay III Foundation, is an adaptation of a book, Qaqamii}u{: Traditional Foods and Recipes from the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands, written by Unger in 2014 compiled after she searched for a single resource guide on harvesting and cooking methods of traditional foods in the region but discovered none. The NB3 Foundation also awarded the organization an additional $5,000 for digital storytelling.

Olivia Roanhorse, NB3 Vice President of Programming, said the foundation is proud to support this Head Start curriculum as it addresses the traditional and cultural needs unique to the Unangan and Unangas.

“We know when Native American communities take ownership of what works for them, in this case instilling healthier eating habits and lifestyles based on their values and beliefs, healthier outcomes can be achieved,” she said. “By instilling these habits and lifestyles early, APIA and their partners are creating a healthy foundation.”

For more information about the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Association, Inc., or to view and download the free curriculum and videos on the project, go towww.apiai.org. For more information about the NB3 Foundation, go to www.nb3foundation.org.

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Swim-up Salad Bar: The red-bellied cooters growing up behind the scenes munching on lettuce 

Learn more about the headstart program helping this species.

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It’s GO TIME!An April 16 Washington Post article reveals that the White House’s budget proposal would eliminate funding for Head Start.WE CA

The National Head Start Program is in jeopardy. Young kids and their families rely on these schools and shutting them down would be horrific for our communities. Not to mention all the jobs that would be lost. My mom is a teacher at our local Head Start. Please at least consider clicking the link and sending an automated message to your representatives in congress.

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5 Benefits of Pre-K Programs /

The Benefits of Tutoring for Your Young Child /

Why Young Children Should Have a Tutor /

Why You Should Consider Getting a Tutor for Your Young Child

  Learning starts at home. Studies have shown that the family unit is where a child learns most of what he carries to adulthood – including values such as respect, academic learning, and worldviews. This is because the brain is built through the course of time, from zero to hero. It’s science!

  As a parent of a young child, it is your responsibility to do everything in your power to ensure that your child is equipped with the weapons and armor he needs to succeed in life. You probably have the values and worldviews covered. But what about the academic aspect?

 You might not have the time and resources to spend on your child’s early education yourself. There is work – on top of all the responsibilities associated with raising children.

 This is where Pre-K programs and other early education programs slot in.

 What are Pre-K Programs?

Kindergarten is usually the first step in the educational system, with students normally at age 5. In 1965, President Johnson initiated the Head Start program, which was a half-day event for children of underprivileged families. While it still exists today, the programs and their offerings vary widely depending on the state.

 The good news is that private institutions offering Pre-K programs are prevalent. These programs employ learning and teaching practices specifically developed for children as young as 1 to around age 4 or 5.

 Benefits of Pre-K Programs

 But why should you invest in a Pre-K program? You’re already facing a life’s worth of education expenses, why add to the cost?

 Can you really put a price on education, though?

 Cost aside, it really is worth looking into the benefits of Pre-K programs or early childhood education in general. Here are some reasons if you need convincing.

 1. Children get a head start in develop literacy and numeracy skills

Let’s go into the juicy details for those of you who like numbers. Research has shown that children who go to childcare for at least three years do much better in their year 4 literacy and numeracy tests.

 Here’s something even better: Compared to six years of primary school, 18 months of preschool have a stronger, positive effect on literacy and numeracy skills at age 11! (Okay, this was an Australian study, but it is no less true!)

 Aside from a Pre-K institution, you can give your child additional support by engaging the services of a Math tutor. After all, numeracy skills rank high in the list of desirables.

 If you want your child to do well academically, give him a head start.

 2. Socialization

It’s not all about academics, though. When your child attends Pre-K programs, they are exposed to a world outside of the home. They get to interact with other people – teachers and classmates. They learn how to socialize with individuals other than their parents and siblings. Furthermore, they are exposed to diversity, which is key to developing into a well-rounded adult.

 3. Build good habits

Socialization has its own benefits. Children who are exposed to a structured learning environment – as relaxed as it may be in Pre-K – develop good habits and values.

 They learn to respect their elders, authority figures, and their peers. They are taught the value of teamwork. They learn how to focus and concentrate on tasks. These habits, which they will carry with them through their lives, will help them navigate the meandering river called life.

 4. Set them up for success

As we established earlier, children learn more during their early years; and what they learn will set them down their path to adulthood. Beyond literacy and numeracy skills, a person needs life skills to succeed.

 Arguably, success is a relative concept. It is measured using different metrics depending on the person.

 To support this point, however, let’s look at the findings of a 25-year study on the effects of early childhood education. The study looked at more than 1,000 children in inner-city Chicago. Its findings? Children who received preschool education and follow-up services:

 ·         Attained more (higher) education

·         Belonged to higher income brackets

·         Were more likely to have health care

·         Were less likely to have criminal records

 Another study – THE study – shows compelling results as well. The Perry Preschool Project was done in 1962-1967 and monitored the individuals till age 40. The findings all lean towards those who participated in preschool programs. They:

 ·         Had fewer teenage pregnancies

·         Were more likely to have graduated from high school

·         Were more likely to hold a job and have higher earnings

·         Committed fewer crimes

·         Owned their own home and car

 Source

 Hard to argue with these findings, isn’t it?

 5. Create lifelong learners

Life is a never-ending cycle of learning, isn’t it? And learning doesn’t just happen within the four walls of a classroom. But, the love for learning starts at an early age. It’s one of those habits we talked about earlier.

 A person who loves learning will not stop once he gets his high school diploma. He won’t stop when he gets a college degree. He might not go on to get a Master’s or a PhD, but his life will be one which welcomes every little bit of knowledge that he comes across. This only makes his life much richer. Isn’t this what every parent wants for his child?

 Start ‘em young!

You probably hear this saying in different contexts, but it is exactly what Pre-K programs and early childhood tutoring do. They give your child an early access pass to a rich and meaningful life that lies ahead of them.

 Interested in early childhood tutors and programs? We’re here to provide you with expert guidance. Private Las Vegas Tutors provides the encouragement and nurturing that will give young children the boost they need as they go on to the next levels of their schooling. We will pair you up with a tutor in Las Vegas best suited to your needs and preferences. With our setup, your child will have a level of support they can’t find elsewhere.

 That’s an offer you can’t resist.

 Give us a call, and we’ll help you start ‘em young!

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Why America Should Have Universal Early Education for Young Children

Many Americans with young children want to prioritize both their family and their work. But childcare and preschool can be expensive. For families with incomes below $18,000 who pay for out-of-home care, the average cost amounts to 40% of their household income. For those with incomes between $18,000 and $36,000, the average is 20% of […]

https://swhelper.org/2020/08/30/why-america-should-have-universal-early-education-for-young-children/?SWHELPER

shared via SWHELPER

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Florida Head Start Program by Seed Consultation

Seed Consultations, head start consultancy provide head start program in Boynton Beach to promote education, health, nutrition, and family well-being programs for children from low-income families.

Intent & Spirit of Head Start- A Holistic & School Readiness Approach, This workshop informs participants about Head Start's approach to family service, school readiness, child development, and early teaming framework.

Home Based Option- This capacity building workshop empowers participants by describing the Home Based Program Option for EHS, examining the revised Head Start Program Performance Standards, summarizing the Federal Regulations for the Head Start Home-Based Program Option, discussing the purpose of Socializations, and Home Visitor Duties and Responsibilities. Website: https://seedconsultation.com/head-start/ Boynton Beach, FL, USA Email: [email protected] Phone: [phone]

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The world today is complicated one. We are connected and yet we stand alone disconnected at the same time. When adults have such a hard…

Seed Consultation Services or S.C.S. is an organization who wants to makes the world a better place one neighborhood at a time. Their Head Start Consultants continuously work with social service agencies and government agencies alike to help poor neighborhoods bridge the gap between themselves and their privileged counterparts.