Kids Care Family News
Kids Care Elementary - Week of January 31 - February 4
Principal's Perspective
Hello KCE Families,
The State of Ohio has a myriad of tests that are required throughout the year. While these tests can be long and mentally draining for our scholars, they also inform us how well we are doing in educating your child and how well your child is adapting to new concepts.
As I have walked around and observed the process in action, I see young scholars and future leaders building their foundation for the successes that are certain to come. Even though it is still early in the process, the team and I am very please by what we are seeing in the way of scores or results from these tests! We are all very encouraged!
One of the things that is important in life is to determine your motivation for what you are doing and is is what you are meant to do? The way we describe this in education is what is your "WHY?" There have been challenging days in the field of education, but seeing your children (our scholars) give their all to do their best reminds us all of our WHY!
I can not say enough how much we appreciate and love you and your family. Thank you for the privilege of partnering with you to educate and impact your child...
Yours in Education,
Howard Lipkin
Principal
Kids Care Elementary
2021 Income Tax Credits
Below is information to help families access 2021 tax credits and stimulus payments. Please share this information with your families. A Spanish version will be available on Feb. 3, 2022.
Helping Families Access 2021 Tax Credits and Stimulus Payments
Many families continue to struggle financially due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit are among the largest Internal Revenue Service (IRS) public benefits for low-income households. The Office of Child Care (OCC) wants to ensure that families are informed about all available tax credits.
Use the resources below to help families understand the tax credits and special rules around the third Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks) issued in March 2021. Learn about eligibility requirements and ways to access these benefits. Review information to help families find free tax preparation services for which they may be eligible.
American Rescue Plan Act’s Impact on 2021 Taxes
The American Rescue Plan Act for 2021 allows taxpayers to use their earned income from tax year 2019 or 2020, if it was higher than their 2021 income, to determine the amount of benefits they will receive from the EITC and the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit in the 2021 tax year. This special rule will help families who experienced lower wages this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic get a larger refund that is consistent with their earnings from prior filing years.
Earned Income Tax Credit
EITC is a benefit for workers with a low to moderate income. To qualify, an individual must meet specific requirements and must file a tax return. If a family owes taxes, EITC can reduce the amount they owe. In other instances, EITC may provide a refund. Individuals must file a tax return and claim the tax credit to receive it.
January 28th Is EITC Awareness Day!
Join a national effort to increase awareness about refundable credits. Find marketing and communication materials you can use to spread the word so that families don’t miss out on eligible benefits.
Maximum Qualifying Income by Filing Status and Number of Qualifying Children Claimed (2021 Tax Year)
Filing Status Qualifying Children Claimed
One Two Three or More
Single, Head of Household, or Surviving Spouse $42,158 $47,915 $51,464
Married Filing Jointly $48,108 $53,865 $57,414
The maximum amount of credit an individual can receive for tax year 2021 is:
- $6,728 with three or more qualifying children
- $5,980 with two qualifying children
- $3,618 with one qualifying child.
Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents
The refundable Child Tax Credit may reduce a family’s taxes by as much as $3,600 for each qualifying child. Families can receive the entire tax credit for each qualifying child as the Additional Child Tax Credit even if they aren’t required to file a tax return or they don’t owe any tax. A refundable tax credit may give a family a refund even if they don’t owe any tax. Many families received half of their Child Tax Credits via monthly payments from July through December 2021. Families who did not get the monthly payments can claim them on their tax return. All families can get the remaining half of the Child Tax Credit that they are owed by filing their 2021 taxes.
Families with dependents who don’t qualify for the Child Tax Credit may be able to claim the Credit for Other Dependents. The maximum credit amount is $500 for each dependent who meets certain conditions.
Economic Impact Payments (Stimulus Checks)
Let families know that the stimulus money received in 2021 is not considered taxable income. Families can learn more about stimulus payments and ways to reconcile their 2021 tax return on the IRS website. Families can also visit the IRS website to learn more about Economic Impact Payments or to track their payments.
Recovery Rebate Credit
The Recovery Rebate Credit is a tax credit authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the COVID-19-related Tax Relief Act. Individuals are eligible if they did not receive the full amount of the third stimulus payment in March 2021. An individual’s 2021 income tax is used to determine the amount of the Recovery Rebate Credit. If eligible, this credit can increase a tax refund or decrease the amount of tax owed. Visit the IRS website to learn more about eligibility requirements.
Free Tax Services
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who make $57,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their tax returns. Families can usually find VITA sites in community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many VITA sites are closed or have switched to virtual tax return preparation for an undetermined period. To locate an open site near you, use the VITA Locator Tool or call (888) 227-7669 (toll-free).
The IRS Free File offers many online resources and tax help. Find tax forms, instructions and publications, online payment options, and more. Individuals can even prepare and file their Federal income tax online for free.
Related Resources
Explore related resources on the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center website to learn more.
- Earned Income Tax Credit and Other Refundable Tax Credits
- Child Tax and Child and Dependent Care Credits FAQs
- Child Tax Credit Awareness Campaign and Social Media Toolkit
Upcoming EITC Events
Join us for the next Chatathon in the Chatathon Live Series.
- Thursday, January 27, 2022, from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time [EST]): Earned Income Tax Credits, Other Refundable Credits, and Free Tax Help
- Thursday, February 3, 2022, from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. (EST): Earned Income Tax Credits, Other Refundable Credits, and Free Tax Help (Spanish)
Stay Informed
Please share this message with colleagues who may be interested in this topic. Did someone forward you this announcement? You can subscribe to receive OCC announcements via this OCC webpage.
We Want To Hear From You!
Send your questions and comments to the National Center on Parent, Family, and Community Engagement via email at pfce@ecetta.info or phone at (855) 208-0909 (toll-free).
A Note about Calamity Days
Dear Kids Care Elementary Families,
We hope this note finds you and all of our scholars safe and well. We announced school closure last week, Friday, January 18, 2022 in alignment with Columbus City Schools. As a reminder, our bus services are provided by Columbus City Schools. We follow Columbus City Schools’ closures regarding transportation, inclement weather, or issued public health and safety advisories. Therefore, when Columbus City Schools close, we close as well.
We recognize the hardship caused today by the late release of information regarding transportation. We are actively working with the Columbus City School Transportation Department to improve communications and the timeliness of these notifications. We are committed to providing information to our families and staff about school closures due to inclement weather or transportation issues as soon as humanly possible so that you can make the necessary adjustments. We will always do our best to minimize disruptions for scholars, families, and staff.
To help support this effort, we need you to ensure that your campus has the most updated contact information (i.e., phone number, email address, emergency contact). We actively send notifications through Class Dojo, Kickboard, our weekly SMORE newsletters, Bright Arrow messages, our website, and Facebook. Families are encouraged to check the website and follow the school’s Facebook page for school news and updates.
Thank you for giving us grace as we work through this challenge, and know that we are not alone as our neighboring districts are facing very similar circumstances. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during these very difficult times.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Principal Lipkin - hlipkin@kidscareelementary.org or call the Kids Care Elementary campus at 614- 498-0220.
Please continue to stay safe, and reach out to us if we can support you in any way. Our doors are always open to you. Please reach out if you need us.
All the Best,
CaLeathiea Cornelius M.Ed, Regional Director
Phalen Leadership Academies
SY 2022-2023 RE-ENROLLMENT
Thank you for being a part of the school this past year! The time has come to let us know if you are planning on joining us next year as well. We appreciate you taking the time and completing the questions contained in the link below to indicate your intention to return your scholar to Kids Care Elementary for the 2022-2023 School Year.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFu06kUxOx5LmXbJKQsW6NGljIVJgQWoyUGEmRgQWsKC_Acw/viewform
Academic Achievement
We look forward to sharing all the test results with families during parent teacher conference on February 18!
Ms. Glover's Language Class
We Love to Read
Ms. Brandon's Bobcats
Project Based Learning Corner
Ms. Virgei's class has adopted their own trees in the woods on campus. They will be observing, tracking and recording their observations as the school year continues. Some scholars chose deciduous trees and some opted for coniferous, evergreen trees. They are interested in figuring out exactly what type of tree they chose as the seasons change and they are able to see the buds, leaves and flowers on the trees. They are also hoping to tap the maple trees and make syrup from the sap! Stay tuned!
Upcoming Important Dates
Thursday, February 10- Family Night and Progress Reports go home
Friday, February 18 - Parent Teacher Conference Day, No School
Monday, February 21- President's Day, No School
TOPS
Black, white, or maroon polos with collars; short/long-sleeved
BOTTOMS
Khakis or Navy; Skirts/skorts must be knee-length
SHOES
Any color; close-toed and rubber bottoms
Scholar shirts do NOT need to have the KCE embroidered logo. However, families that are interested in purchasing shirts with the logo can order them from the school.
- Please check your scholar's book-bags for order forms. The form can also be found by in this newsletter.
- Orders typically take 8-12 days and will be delivered to the school.
- Families will be notified once they are delivered.
1. COVID Guidelines: All scholars and staff must wear masks in the building except for breakfast and lunch. Please make sure your child has their own mask.
Visitors will not be allowed in the building during school hours. This is for the health and safety of all scholars and staff. This includes parents/guardians. If you have a specific need we will meet you at Door #9 to best serve you.
Please send your scholar with a refillable water bottle to school since our water fountains are shut-down due to COVID-19 safety protocols.
2. Transportation: Thank you for your patience as transportation continues to work to route all scholars. As much as we would like to help you with every need, the best way for you to get the information you need is to call 614-365-5074. Please communicate to us anything you learn so we can best support you and other families.
3. Cell Phones - Scholar's cell phones must be put away during school hours. KCE's cell phone policy will be sent home with scholars.
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Have Questions? Contact Us!
Email: hlipkin@kidscareelementary.org
Website: www.kidscareelementary.org
Location: 3400 Kohr Blvd, Columbus, OH 43224, USA
Phone: (614)498-0220
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KidsCareElementary/
Twitter: @kce_elementary