January 2018 The

Early Head Start Connection 338 1st St SE, Dickinson, ND – Phone 227- 3010 Ext. 1256 – Toll free 1-877-546-9420

Save the Date……… Greetings from the Director …… January 1 December Policy Council Meeting Summary EHS Center Closed The community representatives were seated at the December 14 January 16 Policy Council meeting. Policy Council Meeting January 18 2017-2018 Policy Council Community Representatives are: Family Night Renae Ekstrand, Dana Nagle, Paige Worley

January 19 The following were elected Policy Council officers for the 2017-2018 EHS Center Closed school year! I am very excited to work with the following

representatives: Policy Council Chairperson: Dana Nagle

Imagination Library at Policy Council Secretary: Paige Worley www.imaginationlibrary.com Policy Council Treasurer: Bridget Miller Ask Caroll or Carolyn or the EHS front office if you need Congratulations to those members and thank you for serving our help. Your child will get a free program! age appropriate book mailed to Jennifer, Head Start/EHS Director them at their home every month. Imagination Library was started by Dolly Parton. The Early Head Start Center will follow the Dickinson Public Schools school closings and early dismissals due to weather.

Storm Days Policy – Just a reminder that school closings and early dismissal announcements due to weather will be provided by 6 a.m. on KDIX AM 1260, KLTC AM 1460, KZRX FM 92.1 and KCAD FM 99.1 radio stations and TV station KQCD Channel 5. The Dickinson Head Start and Early Head Start

Centers, including home base, will be closed if the Dickinson Public School system is closed. Note: The Check out the EHS website: announcement will not specify Head Start or Early Head Start – listen for Dickinson Public Schools closing. www.dickinsonearlyheadstart.com

• Announcements • Reminders • Monthly Calendar The EHS Center will be Closed • Menus

• Newsletter Monday, January 1 & Friday, January 19.

Family Partnership News - Carolyn Morowski

Energy Assistance Program – Weatherization

Community Action Partnership of Dickinson, North Dakota provides energy conservation services to low-income households to make their home more energy efficient. Services include insulation, caulking, water heater jackets, pipe insulation, replacing broken windows and doors, and other measures to reduce energy consumption. Individuals are provided with information, techniques and materials on decreasing energy use, lowering energy bills, and increasing the level of comfort in their homes.

For more information, contact Community Action Partnership in Dickinson, at 701-227-0131.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP helps eligible low-income families with home heating costs. The program partially pays the cost of natural gas, electricity, propane, fuel, oil, coal, wood or other fuel sources.

Who Qualifies? Eligibility is based on a household’s income and assets to ensure help goes to those most in need. A household’s income must be at or below 60% of North Dakota’s median income and within these limits.

Household Size Income 1 $27,650 2 $36,158 3 $44,665 4 $53,173

Both homeowner and renter households are eligible for the program. Individual tribal LIHEAP programs serve tribal members living on reservations in the state.

How to Apply Contact the local Social Service Office in the county where you reside to apply or applications can be found online at http://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/financial help/energyassist.html. Applications are accepted between October 1 through May 31.

Approved applicants are eligible to receive Weatherization services also.

Income Tax Assistance

Community Action Partnership can help with free tax preparation services for low income individuals, individuals with a disability and the elderly. Returns are electronically filed. This is a basic tax service and it does not deal with complicated returns such as self-employment, business or complicated deductions. Please call 701-227-3010 to schedule an appointment.

Make a Budget

Now is a great time to start a budget or get your credit in order . . .Individuals and families have an opportunity to identify how they are spending money and receive assistance in planning and credit card companies in reducing interest rates and monthly payments as well. Please call 701-227-0131 to schedule an appointment with Community Action Partnership staff.

Angel 37 Kitchen

“Nourishing the Body and Soul” Angel 37 Kitchen is a “Soup Kitchen” serving our community. The Angel 37 “Soup Kitchen” is open every Tuesday from 6-7 pm. Angel 37 Kitchen is located in the Queen of Peace Community Room, 725 12th St West in Dickinson (north of Trinity). Everyone is welcome. For more information about donating your time or a dinner, contact Tana at 701-290-7559 or [email protected].

Mark your Calendar – January 18 Family Night for Center & Home Base Early Head Start Families

The January Family Night is scheduled on Thursday, January 18 from 5:30 – 7 pm. Early Head Start Home Base and Early Head Start Center families are invited. Carolyn Morowski, Family Partnership Coordinator, will be presenting a program on Car Seat Safety. Come and sign up for a FREE Car Seat drawing. Supper will be served at 5:30 pm, followed by the program. Please sign up at the front office by Monday, January 15 so we have a count for supper.

Dress Warm

With the cold season setting in, please remember to bring the appropriate outer clothing for your child. They will need a warm coat, gloves, and a hat on cold days. When there is snow, please provide a pair of snow boots, snow pants and a pair of inside shoes.

January Socialization Dates for Home Base Families

Socializations are a great way for your child(ren) to interact with others their age and for the adults to communicate as well! It’s a chance to get out of the house, enjoy a hot meal, play games, sing songs, and of course a little parental education is involved. Sign up with your home visitor (Jill, Kirsten, Leslie, or Trasa). We hope to see you there!

Dickinson Socializations Friday, January 12, 10:30-12 noon – at the Early Head Start Center Thursday, January 18, 5:30-7 pm – Family Night

Rhame Socializations The Rhame socializations are scheduled on Friday, January 12 & 26 from 10-1 pm at the Rhame School.

For more information about the Rhame Socializations, contact Kirsten, Home Visitor.

Health News – Sarah Haich

Winter Safety During these cold winter months we want to keep our little ones warm and cozy. But winter can be tricky time for keeping your child warm yet safe in their car seat. Here are some tips to keep your child safe while driving this winter:

 Dress your child in thin layers. You can dress your child starting with close- fitting layers on the bottom, like tights, leggings, and long-sleeved bodysuits. Then add pants and a warmer top, like a sweater or thermal-knit shirt. In very cold weather, long underwear is also a warm and safe layering option. As a general rule of thumb, infants should wear one more layer than adults. Don’t forget those hats, mittens, and socks or booties.

 Store the carrier portion of infant seats inside the house when not in use. Keeping the seat at room temperature will reduce the loss of the child's body heat when putting them into a cold car.

 Tighten the straps of the car seat harness. Even if your child looks snuggly bundled up in the car seat, multiple layers may make it difficult to tighten the harness enough. If you can pinch the straps of the car seat harness, then it needs to be tightened to fit snugly against your child's chest.

 Use a coat or blanket over the straps. Do not have your child’s coat or snowsuit on when buckled into the car seat. It may cause your child to be injured if you are in an accident. You can add a blanket over the top of the harness straps or put your child's winter coat on backwards after he or she is buckled up.

 Pack an emergency bag for your car. Keep extra blankets, dry clothing, hats and gloves, and non-perishable snacks and water in your car in case of an on-road emergency or your child gets wet on a winter outing.

 Get an early start. If you're planning to head out the door with your child on winter mornings, you need an early start. Your child may not be the most cooperative and you will need time to get them and yourself ready. Plus, driving in wintry weather conditions will require you to slow down and be extra cautious.

Article adapted from American Academy of Pediatrics of healthychildren.org

Submitted by Sarah Haich, Head Start/Early Head Start Coordinator