Great Start News
September 2020
Our Children, Our Community, Our Future
Calling All Preschoolers!
The Head Start and Great Start Readiness (GSRP) preschool programs are currently collecting interest forms for eligible children for the 2020-2021 school year. Head Start and GSRP programs are free to families who qualify and are located throughout Jackson County. Please visit our Preschool Partnership page to view the income eligibility chart, map of both Head Start and GSRP locations, and the list of income documents to bring with you when completing your application.
To begin the process of applying, please complete the interest form or call (517) 768-5130 to apply over the phone. After completing the interest form, you will begin receiving robocalls and text messages on how to complete your application.
The First Years of School
During this time, children:
- May feel a lot of stress - kids may be troubled by things such as conflicts with friends or teachers, or by tensions at home.
- Have feelings of anger, frustration, and anxiety as they try to master new skills. You can help children express those feelings properly.
- May develop nervous habits, such as fidgeting or nail-biting, as they try to adjust to sitting in class for long periods of time.
- Form opinions and attitudes toward school. By showing an active interest in your child's schoolwork, you can help him or her enjoy learning.
If you have concerns about your child's behavior, please contact their pediatrician or family doctor. For additional resources, please visit our website.
Family Support Program
The Family Support Program (FSP) provides child care scholarships for families who need help paying for child care. Through these scholarships, children access safe and nurturing high-quality early learning programs that prepare them for success in kindergarten and beyond. These scholarships also lessen the financial burden associated with the cost of child care, so that parents are able to achieve stability while working toward financial independence.
The Family Support Program may provide scholarship assistance to children ages 0-14 who are in need of early learning and care programs, before and after school care and care throughout the summer months.
For more information contact: Brittany Wright, Family Support Specialist bwright@childcarenetwork.org
Email: bwright@childcarenetwork.org
Website: https://childcarenetwork.org/
Phone: 517-817-0820
StoryWalk: A Parade of Elephants
This program is perfect for families to drop by at their leisure. Simply follow the story signs that will be present at each location. The Parade will run until October 2nd. Call your local library branch for more information.
Bye Bye, Sippy
Sometime during a child's second year, it will be time to say goodbye to the sippy cup and hello to a regular cup. Your child's fine motor skills are ready to practice, spills, and all.
Water is the best way to satisfy your child's thirst. Milk is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. But limit milk to about 16 ounces a day so your child has room for food. A bit of 100% juice (4-6 ounces) is OK, but skip fruit-flavored drinks and soft drinks. They add empty calories and can lead to tooth decay and other health problems.
Visit here to learn more.
Using Art to Express Feelings
Children feel all of the same feelings that we adults do, but are learning how to verbally express these feelings. When things get difficult, a great way to help children express their emotions is through art. PBS shares amazing resources for families, including this great printout that will help your child express how they are feeling today.
For more fun ways to help children learn about feelings, you can find several games with friends like Arthur, Elmo, and Daniel Tiger at PBS Kids.
Great Start Families
A great big THANK YOU to all of you who were able to lend your voice and help provide valuable family experiences to the recent "Home Visitation Needs Assessment" and interviews, as well as the social-emotional questions around virtual learning in June. Your feedback is important so we can focus on funding and resources that families really need both locally and statewide!
Our Great Start Collaborative Trusted Advisors are also available to help guide you during this time. To find out more about the Trusted Advisors, and to find other resources that may be of help to you and your family during this time, please visit our Great Start Collaborative website.
Science Craft: Make a Hurricane
September is hurricane season for the eastern United States and your children may wonder what a hurricane is and how they are formed. What better way to teach them than by helping them make their own?
You will need:
Large glass bowl
Spoon
Food Coloring
Instructions:
- Fill the bowl with water.
- Stir the water at a medium to fast pace.
- Quickly drop one droplet of food coloring into the center of the bowl.
- Watch your hurricane!
After your child examines their hurricane, ask them questions such as: How do you think the hurricane formed? Which way is the water turning? If your child shows an interest in the weather, here is a great list of books that they will be sure to love.
Family Dance Party
Not sure what music to play? Here is a great song to get you started. Have fun!
Drive-In Movie: Sonic the Hedgehog
Stop by Encounter Church in Jackson on Friday, September 11th for a drive-in movie and free prepackaged snacks. Social distancing will be in effect. This event is free!
Location: 620 Robinson Road, Jackson, MI, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/604899043787714/
Create Your Own Rainstick
paper towel tube
aluminum foil
rubber bands
dry rice, dry beans, or popcorn kernels
optional - stickers, markers, feathers, etc.
Directions:
- Cut two, six-inch-wide pieces of aluminum foil.
- Crunch the pieces together to form two long, thick snake-like shapes.
- Twist each piece to make a coil-shape.
- Put the aluminum foil coils into the paper towel tube.
- Use the aluminum foil to cover the end of the paper towel tube and use a rubber band to hold in place.
- Pour 1/4 cup of rice, beans, or popcorn kernels into the tube.
- Cover the other end with foil and rubberband in place.
- Tip the paper towel tube back and forth to "hear" the rain.
- Decorate your rainstick, if you wish.
- Experiment with different amounts and different types of seeds and beans to change the sound.
Did you know that real rainsticks were made of dry cactus? To learn about the history and origins of rainsticks, please visit here.
Support is Available
One option is infant mental health, supporting children from birth to three years old, focusing on social-emotional development, and working through the bond of the parent.
For more information, please call Jessica Hendricks at (517) 780-3337 or jhendricks@integroservices.net
Website: http://integroservicesmi.com/
Upside Down Chin People
Contact Us
Chrissy Blackwell: Great Start Co-Coordinator christina.blackwell@jcisd.org
Jennifer Ganzel: Great Start Families Parent Liasion greatstart.parents@jcisd.org
Kelly Friedland: Early Childhood Grant Support and Data Specialist kelly.friedland@jcisd.org
Resha Willis: Great Start Playgroups Coordinator jacksonplaygroups@gmail.com