Author: Kathy Mills

 

 

 

 

Head Start: Celebrating 60 Years!!!

My name is Jennifer Akin, and I’m excited to be the new Head Start Director. I’m passionate about early childhood education, and I want to remind you why Head Start is so important for young children and families.

Head Start is a program that helps children get a strong start in life. We offer children from age two to five the support they need to do well in school and beyond. Since it started in 1965, Head Start has been helping children by providing not only education but also health care, family support, and social-emotional development.

The first few years of a child’s life are critical for learning and development. When children are given a positive, supportive environment during this time, it prepares them for future challenges and success. Research shows that children in Head Start programs are more likely to perform well academically, build strong relationships, and thrive as they grow older.

For many families, Head Start offers an opportunity for a brighter future. It’s not just about academics—it’s about creating pathways to a better life and breaking the cycle of poverty.

There are many ways to support Head Start in our communities. You can volunteer, work for or simply share information about the program with others. If you know a family who could benefit from Head Start, reach out to us. We are currently accepting applications for the upcoming year.

Together, we can help every child get the strong start they deserve.

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded non-profit program that promotes healthy eating using USDA guidelines for meals being served in Family Day Care Homes, Childcare Centers, and Adult and Special Need Centers. It is administered by the Kentucky Department of Education using Federal Funding. Central Kentucky Community Action, Inc (CKCAC) currently serves in 18 counties as a CACFP Sponsor for 25 Family Child Care Homes, 22 Childcare Centers (with 2 additional centers in the application process) and 1 Emergency Shelter.

CACFP monthly reimbursements are based on the number of creditable meals served and the eligibility of the children being served. Participants in the Food Program may be Infants up to 12-year-olds in Family Day Care Homes and/or Centers, and up to 18-year-olds for Emergency Shelters. Up to 3 meals per child may be claimed each day in the CACFP, which is generally Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon (PM) Snack.

CACFP helps providers serve healthy meals; keep tuition low, making childcare affordable for parents; and provides access to nutrition education. If you have a Family Child Care Home or a Center, or know of someone who does, please contact CKCAC’s Food Program Director Kathy Hagan at kathy.hagan@ckcac.org or 270-692-2136 X501 for more information about the CACFP.

March is an important month for CKCAC. Spring brings new opportunities for growth as the flowers and trees begin their growth.

This month, our new CSBG Director joins us. Her name is Katrina Wilbanks and she is going to be a great asset to our agency. If you are a community partner who works with our CSBG office, please be on the lookout for Katrina and introduce yourself.

LIHEAP Crisis funding has been extended through the end of March. If you have community members at risk of having their gas or electricity shut off due to past due balances, please have them contact our local CSBG offices.

Our previous Executive Director, Hal B. Goode, has rejoined CKCAC as a consultant to help explore housing needs in our area. Hal is also helping strengthen our marketing and social media efforts to share the wonderful news of CKCAC. Hal will be reaching out to community partners for advice on both of these things, so be sure to give Hal your input!

CKCAC is continuing to monitor policy changes at the federal and state levels. I am in constant contact with our Congressional and General Assembly delegations and will continue to work across the Community Action network to identify areas of growth. I want to ensure the longevity and success of CKCAC and appreciate any support you can provide on this journey. We are all in this together!

Thank you for all you do.

Spring is here and the Community Collaboration for Children is busy planning April Child Abuse Awareness Month. We have pinwheels and signs that will be distributed among our 8 counties. We are having a Caregivers conference at the Nelson County Civic Center on April 16^th 8:30-1:00. Contact Ronda Bertrand to register ronda.bertrand@ckcac.org.

Parent Engagement Meeting Program helping to prevent truancy in Washington, Elizabethtown City and Hardin County Elementary schools. Currently, we are serving Radcliff and Creekside with plans to expand into all of Hardin County Elementary schools.

Trail of Hope Regional Networks Build A Bed program has been extremely busy already making sure 127 children have a bed. We are working on sponsorships to purchase bed frames, mattresses, bedding, and pillows. Trail of Hope Regional Network will meet in person at Hardin County Extension Office in Elizabethtown at 10:00 AM on March 11^th and our last meeting will be May 20^th. If you are interested in being a network member please reach out to Ronda Bertrand, CCC Network Coordinator at 270-692-7553.

Wow!! Cakes 4 Kids volunteers have been busy the past several months. CCC has delivered 6 cakes to our families.

The Senior Companion Program (SCP) is actively looking for volunteers and our numbers are growing!