Higher Horizons Head Start & Early Head Start

07/06/2020

Will My Child Bounce Back From the Coronavirus Crisis? | Child Mind Institute

Will My Child Bounce Back From the Coronavirus Crisis? | Child Mind Institute

Can children be traumatized by the coronavirus crisis, and if they are, how will you know? Tips for parents to understand trauma and foster resilience.

07/06/2020

Racism and Violence: Using Your Power as a Parent to Support Children Aged Two to Five

Racism and Violence: Using Your Power as a Parent to Support Children Aged Two to Five

This resource provides thoughts and guidelines for talking about the complex issues of racism and equality in age-appropriate ways with children aged two to five years of age.

06/24/2020

06/24/2020

06/21/2020

National Head Start Association

National Head Start Association

Happy Father’s Day! Head Start is proud to partner with male caregivers in supporting their children on their path to success in school and in life.

06/21/2020

Happy Father's Day
feliz Día del Padre

Whether you are a father, or someone who stepped into a father's shoes, today we salute you! #HappyFathersDay

06/15/2020

Another successful Community Partnership at Higher Horizons Head Start and Early Head Start! Over 100 families received a hot meal and groceries at the Salvation Army’s food distribution on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at the Higher Horizons Bailey’s Crossroads location. This partnership is a small part of the Salvation Army’s initiative of focusing on improving the lives of children and families worldwide. Many thanks to the Salvation Army!

06/05/2020

Head Start

Parents: You are the most important person in your children's lives. Your children need to know that you are there for them and will do all you can to keep them safe. Explore these everyday gestures you can do for yourself and with your children for safety and healing: https://buff.ly/33KQaqP #HeadStartHeals

06/05/2020

Receive up to $9.25 off your phone or internet service

Reciba hasta $ 9.25 de descuento en su teléfono o servicio de internet

06/05/2020

Diapers to Early Head Start Families.

Higher Horizons Early Head Start staff distributed diapers and other supplies today for the infants and toddlers enrolled in the programs. Families from the Bailey’s Crossroads Location and the 7 Corners location received the needed supplies. This distribution will be one of several that will occur to support families who would be receiving the diapers and supplies if the sites were open. The EHS staff did a great job coordinating these efforts!!!

06/03/2020

05/22/2020

Yesterday, with the support of Walgreens, a new video was launched to help celebrate other frontline workers like EMTs, grocers, doctors and nurses, and pharmacists.
https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/health-emergencies/

Together, you might:
• Talk about what it means to help others and give children opportunities to show they care.
• Guide children’s play to help them learn about different important helpers like bus drivers and scientists.
• Take a moment to share appreciation with parents and caregivers.
You can also be a part of the Caring for Each Other initiative to support families by liking, sharing, and retweeting our Sesame Street in Communities social posts. We’ve even created a social media toolkit for you! Find graphics to share to say thank you to heroes and neighborhood helpers!


A couple of weeks ago we started rolling out some new resources to help children cope with challenges they may be facing during this unique time.

Feeling Worried
When children feel worried, grown-ups can help them feel safer, calmer, and more secure. Watch the video, practice belly-breathing together, and read the article for more ways to reassure children.
https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/health-emergencies/?activity=feeling-worried-bundle

Coping with Sickness
When a parent, caregiver, or other loved one becomes ill with COVID-19, the whole family struggles. But there are ways to comfort and reassure children, to offer clear, honest explanations, and to stay connected to the loved one who is sick.

Remember that challenges can make us stronger! And that even when we’re apart, we’re in this together. Show us how you’re spending your together time using #CaringForEachOther.

Stay safe and be well.

05/21/2020

05/18/2020

ChildPlus Software

Happy anniversary Head Start!!! 55 years ago today, President Lyndon B. Johnson created Head Start - a lifeline for millions of kids from low-income families.

05/15/2020

Fairfax County Office for Children

Fairfax County Public School has announced that eligible FCPS families will receive temporary food assistance from the Virginia Department of Social Services to cover the cost of meals missed while schools are closed. For families who receive free and reduced-price meals and also receive SNAP benefits, funds will be loaded onto EBT cards in the next two weeks. For families who receive free and reduced-price meals but do not receive SNAP benefits, families will be mailed an EBT card in the next 4-6 weeks. If families do not currently receive free and reduced-price meals but want to apply, applications must be submitted by June 11, 2020 to receive the temporary benefits. Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/y5umyzqj

To learn more, read the full press release: https://tinyurl.com/y86686yt

05/15/2020

Head Start

Help your community schools when their doors reopen and for the next 10 years by responding to the #2020Census now. You can answer online, by phone, or by mail. Visit 2020census.gov.

05/10/2020

Happy Mother's Day!
¡Feliz día de la madre!

Mothers are incredible! Don't forget to take the time this weekend to express appreciation of the value, daily sacrifice, and essential role that mothers play in the lives of our Head Start children and families. #MothersDay

05/05/2020

05/05/2020

Head Start

Your child's behavior may challenge you. It's OK. A change in routine can be stressful, and children show they are upset the only way they know how—through their behavior. Don't take it personally when they act out. Pause, breathe, and then respond.

05/04/2020

Teacher Appreciation Week! Thank a Teacher!

04/29/2020

In light of the current economic climate, many of us may have family, friends, or even employees who are experiencing a job loss or a reduction in income. Although we know the situation will get better, many people need help now during this time of uncertainty. If you, a loved one, or fellow employee, have experienced a job loss or reduction in income, then you may be eligible for no cost/low cost health insurance from the state of Virginia. In fact, Virginia’s Medicaid health insurance program actually raised its income limits for 2020. To see if you or a family member may qualify or if you have any questions, click on the link below:
https://www.chooseanthem.com/va/

A la luz del clima económico actual, muchos de nosotros podemos tener familiares, amigos o incluso empleados que están experimentando una pérdida de empleo o una reducción de ingresos. Aunque sabemos que la situación mejorará, muchas personas necesitan ayuda ahora durante este tiempo de incertidumbre. Si usted, un ser querido o un compañero de trabajo, ha experimentado una pérdida de trabajo o una reducción en los ingresos, entonces puede ser elegible para un seguro de salud sin costo / bajo costo del estado de Virginia. De hecho, el programa de seguro de salud Medicaid de Virginia en realidad aumentó sus límites de ingresos para 2020. Para ver si usted o un miembro de su familia pueden calificar o si tiene alguna pregunta, haga clic en el siguiente enlace:
https://www.chooseanthem.com/va/

04/22/2020

Spiritual Support by Phone Available for Older Adults

Fears about the coronavirus (COVID-19) can take an emotional toll on people. You may be feeling scared, overwhelmed and in need of comfort. To provide support during these unique times, the Fairfax County Spiritual Support Team is now offering spiritual support by telephone for adults aged 60 and over in our community.

If you would like to speak with a member of the team, call 703-324-5185 and leave your name and telephone number. Your personal information will be protected. A team member will return your call and speak with you for up to 30 minutes to hear your concerns and help you find peace and comfort in these challenging times. If there is a need for supports beyond spiritual comfort, you will be connected to county resources.

The program is available Monday – Friday, from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.

The Spiritual Response Team is comprised of members of the Fairfax County Community Chaplain Corps and ordained clergy and faith leaders from various religions throughout the county. These individuals work to provide care and spiritual support to community members during and after an emergency or disaster. They are sensitive to all faith traditions and provide appropriate and sensitive spiritual care to all persons in need, irrespective of their religious or nonreligious identity. They do not proselytize, and they do not provide mental health services.

Mental Health Resources
• Call 9-1-1 if a situation is immediately life-threatening and ask for a crisis intervention trained officer.
• For emergency mental health services 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week, call 703-573-5679, TTY 711. The Fairfax Detoxification Center can be also be reached 24/7 at 703-573-5679, TTY 711. Residents can also come directly to the Merrifield Center, 8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax.
• Take a brief confidential online mental health screening, which is also available in Spanish, for results, recommendations and key resources.
• If it is not an emergency situation, but you or someone you care about needs mental health services, call our Entry & Referral Services during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at 703-383-8500, TTY 711. Staff can take calls in English and Spanish and can access interpreters for other languages when needed.
• Youth and adults can also come in person, without prior appointment, to Entry & Referral Services at the CSB’s Merrifield Center Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to be screened for services.
• The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, in partnership with PRS CrisisLink, offers a suicide prevention text line in Fairfax. Anyone can text “CONNECT” to 855-11, and a PRS CrisisLink volunteer will respond within minutes. You can also call 703-527-4077 any time, 24/7.

04/16/2020

Do you need help? Comunidad and partners are delivering groceries to families in Falls Church.

People just need to fill out the Request Assistance Form at comunidadva.org

They are currently only taking Falls Church requests. They are only serving the following zip codes: 22040, 22041, 22042, 22043, 22044, and 22046.

¿Necesitas ayuda? Comunidad y socios están entregando víveres a las familias en Falls Church.

Las personas solo necesitan completar el Formulario de Solicitud de Asistencia en comunidadva.org

Actualmente solo están aceptando solicitudes de Falls Church. Los códigos postales incluyen: Sirven los siguientes códigos postales: 22040, 22041, 22042, 22043, 22044 y 22046.

04/14/2020

CDC

Wearing a cloth face covering CORRECTLY can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. When you go out on essential trips, follow these “do’s”.

If you have a child, remember those under age 2 should not wear a face covering. See: https://bit.ly/2R9av5m

04/13/2020

Real Food For Kids / Chefs Feeding Families is collaborating with Pizzeria Paradiso to distribute whole grain, veggie pizzas on Saturdays and Sundays in the Annandale area through June.

This program began this past weekend and will take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 pm each day until supplies last at:

• ACCA Child Development Center 7200 Columbia Pike #2, Annandale on Saturdays
• John Calvin Presbyterian Church 6531 Columbia Pike, Annandale on Sundays

Real Food For Kids / Chefs Feeding Families está colaborando con Pizzeria Paradiso para distribuir pizzas integrales y vegetales los sábados y domingos en el área de Annandale hasta junio.

Este programa comenzó el pasado fin de semana y tendrá lugar los sábados y domingos a las 2:30 p. M. Todos los días hasta agotar existencias en:

• Centro de Desarrollo Infantil ACCA 7200 Columbia Pike # 2, Annandale los sábados
• Iglesia presbiteriana John Calvin 6531 Columbia Pike, Annandale los domingos

04/13/2020

COVID-19 and Kids: The Problem with Playdates - Fairfax County Emergency Information

COVID-19 and Kids: The Problem with Playdates - Fairfax County Emergency Information

Posted at 9:30 a.m. On March 30, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued a stay at home order that asks all Virginians to do their part to stop the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by staying home other than to conduct a few excepted essential activities. This order also reinforces a ban on....

04/09/2020

Grab and Go Sites serves breakfast and lunch

New Distribution Site Oakview Gardens Apartments (next to the basketball courts)

Grab and Go Sites sirve desayuno y almuerzo.

Nuevo sitio de distribución Oakview Gardens Apartments (al lado de las canchas de baloncesto)

04/06/2020

Health Emergencies - Sesame Street in Communities

Health Emergencies - Sesame Street in Communities

A health emergency brings many changes and uncertainty for young children and families. But there are things we can do to face each day with optimism.

04/06/2020

Head Start

While there is no vaccine for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), the best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure. The following everyday actions can help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. Find more guidance about the Office of Head Start's COVID-19 prevention and response: https://buff.ly/38Ph57g

04/02/2020

When COVID-19 Shuts Everything Down, Head Start Steps Up

When COVID-19 Shuts Everything Down, Head Start Steps Up

Community-embedded, multi-generational model of support remains a beacon of hope for vulnerable families during crisis

03/31/2020

03/31/2020

Padres
Complete este formulario cuando haya completado actividades con su (s) hijo (s). Si se queda sin espacio en el formulario, puede enviar una foto a su defensor de participación familiar / visitante en el hogar, mostrándole la actividad en la que usted y su hijo participan. Cualquier pregunta sobre este formulario notifique a su defensor de participación familiar / visitante en el hogar y ellos puede ayudarlo a completar el formulario.

Lista de Actividades Recomendadas :
(Estas actividades son solo ideas de referencias. Usted puede elegir cualquier actividad que le interese a usted y a su niño/á).

Lenguaje y Lectura:

Leer libros en casa con los niños
Hora de contar historias
Expresarse con palabras o lenguaje de señas
Cantando canciones /Ritmo
Cuentos de familias o culturales
Señalar y nombrar

Cognitivo/matemáticas /ciencia:

Juegos
Rompecabeza
Contar
Comparando (más/menos, grande/chico, arriba/abajo, largo/corto, prender/apagar)
Llenar y vaciar

Destrezas Motrices:

Hora de juego en el patio
Caminar en la comunidad
Manejar Bicicleta o triciclo
Patear pelota
Jugar en la arena /agua
Colorear / dibujar/ escribir con crayola/marcadores
Jugar con plastilina
Bailar

Social-emocional:

Expresar tus sentimientos
Fotos de familia
Compartir con otros
Jugar con los padres y compañeros
Abrazos y toque suave
Estas bien

Habilidades de Autoayuda:

Recoger Juguetes
Ayudar a poner la mesa para comer
Servirse solo
Entrenamiento para ir al baño
Limpiarse las narices con toalla de papel
Lavarse las manos/ cepillarse los dientes
Vestirse solo (botones / cremalleras o zippers)

03/31/2020

Parents,
Fill out the attached form when you have completed activities with your child(ren). If you run out of room on the form, you can send a picture to your Home Visitor/Family Engagement Advocate showing them the activity you and your child are engaged in. Any questions about this form notify your Home Visitor/Family Engagement Advocate and they can help you complete the form. Save your completed forms to turn in at a later date.

Recommended Activity list:
(Those activities are just some ideas of references. You could pick any activities that you and your child are interested in.)

Language and Literacy:

Reading books with children at home
Story telling time
Expressing needs with words or sign language
Singing songs /rhythms
Family story and culture stories
Pointing and naming

Cognitive/math/science:

Matching games
Puzzle time
Sorting games
Counting
Comparing (more/less, big/small, up/down, long/short,on/off)
Fill and dump

Gross / Fine Motor:

Play ground playing time
Walking in the community
Riding bicycle/tricycle
Kicking balls
Exploring with sand/water
Coloring / drawing/ writing with crayons/markers
Play dough time
Dancing time

Social-emotional:

Telling your feelings
Family pictures
Sharing with others
Playing with parents and peers
Hug and gentle touch
Are you alright

Self Help Skills:

Clean up toys
Help set up dining table
Feed self
Potty training
Wipe noses with tissue
Washing hands/Brushing teeth
Dress self (buttons / zippers)

03/28/2020

Fairfax County’s Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) team provides access and referrals to both county and community-based resources for Fairfax County residents in need of
Assistance.

CSP specialists can help you find information and solutions for your emergent needs, such as emergency food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, employment, financial assistance and other essential needs.

When you contact CSP, a specialist will help you through an assessment to identify your needs and provide a connection to resources for which you are eligible. Our specialists can help find solutions to fit your circumstances.

Connect with CSP

Coordinated Services Planning is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at
703-222-0880, TTY 711.

• Press 1 for English and other languages
• Press 2 for Spanish

CSP assists callers in Amharic, Creole (English and French), Dari, Farsi, French, Hindi, Italian, Kannada, Korean, Pashto, Punjabi, Somali, Spanish, Swedish, Tamil, Tigrinya and Urdu.

Additional languages are available through an interpreter upon request.

El equipo de Planificación de Servicios Coordinados (CSP) del Condado de Fairfax proporciona acceso y referencias a recursos tanto del condado como de la comunidad para los residentes que lo necesiten.
Asistencia

Los especialistas de CSP pueden ayudarlo a encontrar información y soluciones para sus necesidades emergentes, como alimentos de emergencia, vivienda, ropa, atención médica, empleo, asistencia financiera y otras necesidades esenciales.

Cuando se comunique con CSP, un especialista lo ayudará a través de una evaluación para identificar sus necesidades y proporcionarle una conexión a los recursos para los cuales usted es elegible. Nuestros especialistas pueden ayudarlo a encontrar soluciones que se adapten a sus circunstancias.
Conectar con CSP

La planificación de servicios coordinados está disponible de lunes a viernes, de 8 a.m. a 4:30 p.m., a las
703-222-0880, TTY 711.
• Presione 1 para inglés y otros idiomas.
• Presione 2 para español
CSP ayuda a las personas que llaman en amárico, criollo (inglés y francés), dari, farsi, francés, hindi, italiano, kannada, coreano, pashto, punjabi, somalí, español, sueco, tamil, tigrinya y urdu. Idiomas adicionales están disponibles a través de un intérprete a pedido.