Head Start 2026 Annual Outcomes Report by LCCAA

LCCAA Head Start 2026 Annual Outcomes Report

Celebrate Small Wins Lorain County Community Action Agency Head Start has provided comprehensive services that empower children, strengthen families, and build healthier communities. What makes Head Start so special isn’t simply the services we provide, it’s how we provide them. Through collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to children and families, we continue to grow, evolve, and make a lasting difference together. During the 2025–2026 program year, our guiding theme was “One Vision, One Team.” It served as a reminder that while each member of our organization brings unique talents and perspectives, we are united by one shared purpose: ensuring every child has the opportunity to enter school healthy, confident, and ready to succeed, while supporting families as their child’s first and most important teacher. As we reflect on another successful year, we are incredibly proud of what we accomplished together. Every classroom interaction, home visit, health screening, family goal achieved, meal served, and partnership developed contributed to the success of the children and families we serve. These achievements belong to every member of our Head Start team.

As we begin the 2026–2027 program year, our focus shifts to “Progress Over Perfection: Celebrate the Small Wins.” Growth happens one step at a time, and meaningful progress is often found in the everyday moments: a child learning to write their name, a family reaching a personal goal, a teacher discovering a new strategy, or a community partner opening another door of opportunity. By recognizing these victories, both big and small, we continue building a culture of continuous improvement where every success moves us forward. This Outcomes Report offers a glimpse into our comprehensive service delivery model, the very foundation that makes Head Start unique. Education is only one piece of the story. Our integrated approach combines early learning, health, nutrition, family services, mental health, disability supports, community partnerships, and parent engagement to meet the whole child and the whole family where they are. As the needs of our community evolve, so does our program, continually adapting, improving, and expanding opportunities for those we serve. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our exceptional staff, the commitment of our Board of Directors and Policy

Stefanie L. Drew, MS Head Start Director Council, and the support of our many community partners. Together, you help create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom and strengthen families throughout Lorain County. Most importantly, thank you to the families who place their trust in us each day by choosing Head Start. It is an honor to be part of your child’s early learning journey and to partner with you in building a strong foundation for lifelong success. As you explore the pages that follow, we hope you see stories of resilience, growth, partnership, and possibility because we know that Head Start Works!

A Head Start Goes A Long Way After two years at Wellington Head Start, Brantley Dennis is ready to be a leader in his kindergarten class – and his family members are Head Start ambassadors for life.

of that,” said Site Administrator Kara Goodwin. “We all came together. Brantley’s teachers worked so hard and were consistent and his family members were so supportive.”

Brantley’s grandmother had heard about Head Start and suggested it. At first, his mother, Robyn Clark, was concerned it would be too big a change for him.

Knowing Brantley was well-cared for and supported took a weight off Robyn’s shoulders.

“The teachers persevered and really gave him the attention he needed,” Clark said. “The first year was tough but I could not have been more pleasantly surprised.” Social skills were the first thing Brantley mastered, said teacher Brenda Robbins who credits the classroom’s use of the Conscious Discipline tools. Brantley loved “Wish You Well” which is used in taking attendance (absent students are “wished well”) as well as the concept of a “school family” and classroom jobs. “Once he had relationships with us and the other kids, it really helped him feel integrated into a community,” Robbins said. Teachers conquered Brantley’s lack of interest in nap time by creating a personalized “toolkit” including a customized coloring book. Teachers, staff and family all worked together. “It takes a strong team working together to reach and exceed goals. This is a perfect example

“Just like all kids, even if they don’t seem like they do, they like structure and they need it,” Clark said. “On the weekends, he would beg to go to school.” By year two, Brantley had taken ownership of the classroom and enjoyed leading new students on tours. Soon all the others wanted to do want Brantley was doing. “When we would get new kids, he loved showing them around,” Robbins said. “He always knew who wasn’t there.” With Clark working full time, her parents, Sharon and Greg Clark, were often in attendance for special events in the classroom. Sharon noticed how much the teachers worked one-on-one with the students and how they transformed dramatic play areas to match the concepts they were exploring. She was impressed at every turn at how Head Start worked to “maximize curiosity.” “It was much more than I expected,” Sharon Clark said. “I just am totally impressed. Head Start will always have a place in my heart.”

Brantley will attend kindergarten at Westwood Elementary where his Head Start classroom is housed. Robbins said he ended the year using inventive spelling and sounding out words – two key literacy skills – with a great vocabulary and imagination. She plans to invite him back at the end of the year when the next group is preparing to transition to kindergarten. “Brantley is a delightful child,” Goodwin said. “He has a sense of humor that is beyond his actual years, and he likes to challenge himself.” “I definitely feel he will be successful in kindergarten,” Robbins added. “He is a true success story and he should be proud of it.”

What is Head Start? Head Start is a federally funded program focused on comprehensive child development. LCCAA is Lorain County’s only Head Start provider. We offer center-based, school-based and home-based options. Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5 and prepares them for kindergarten. LCCAA’s 2025 Community Needs Assessment showed that approximately a quarter of all children under five in Lorain County live at or below the poverty level. The Assessment found 5.4% of the population is under five with an estimated 12,654 children living in poverty. Current funding provides 580 slots in Head Start. LCCAA serves approximately five percent of those likely to be eligible for Head Start.

Loca t i o n s LCCAA Head Start meets children and families where they are by taking care to locate its centers and collaborative partners where needs are the greatest. Directly Operated LCCAA Head Start @ Central Plaza, 1949 Broadway Ave., Lorain 44052 LCCAA Head Start @ Elyria, 631 Griswold Road, Elyria 44035 LCCAA Head Start @ Firelands 10643 Vermilion Road, Oberlin 44074 LCCAA Head Start @ Hopkins-Locke, 1050 Reid Avenue, Lorain 44052 LCCAA Head Start @ Wellington 305 Union Street, Wellington 44090 LCCAA Head Start @ LaGrange 12079 LaGrange Road, LaGrange 44050 LCCAA Head Start @ South Elyria 107 Oberlin Road, Elyria 44035 Partners Horizon Educational Centers (1 site) Little Lighthouse Learning Center (1 site)

Elig ibility Criteria Head Start uses 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for priority placement. In addition, the program can serve 35% of families whose income is between 101 and 130%. Ten percent of families can exceed 130% of the FPL. New regulations allow programs to calculate housing expenses to reduce over-income calculations. Families in the following situations are automatically eligible: Receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) Receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income) Homeless, Foster Care or Kinship Care

Exceeding High Standards LCCAA Head Start follows exacting standards and best practices to prepare children for kindergarten.

Family Services

Families

The federal office of Head Start defines school readiness as children possessing the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for success in school and for later learning in life.

Total families

567

100

Two-parent families

149

Single-parent families

418

Families receiving TANF

We regularly measure outcomes to ensure children’s development and learning progress through the school year.

Families receiving SSI

Families receiving SNAP (food stamps)

182

Income below 100% FPL

264

Among the criteria we follow are:

Income above 101% FPL

110

Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: a comprehensively researched set of standards regarding what young children should know and be able to do.

Families experiencing homelessness

Homeless families who found housing

Father involvement

235

Emergency/crisis intervention such as meeting immediate needs for food, clothing or shelter

287

Housing assistance such as subsidies, utilities, repairs, etc.

Mental health services

176

English as a second language training

101

Adult education such as GED programs and college selection

132

Substance abuse prevention/treatment

Research Based Parenting Curriculum

494

Health and Nutrition education

541

Assistance to families of incarcerated

Parenting education/postpartum care

453

Relationship/marriage education

Asset building services

198

Children with an ongoing source of continuous and accessible health care

620

Children with continuous, accessible dental care provided by a dentist

600

Children who have a chronic medical condition or are receiving dental treatment

Children who received a physical exam

620

Children who received a dental exam

459

Ohio’s Early Learning and Development Standards: child development standards reflecting the rapid development of young children. Teacher Credentials: 54 percent of LCCAA employed teachers have a bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field. Screenings and Assessments: all students are evaluated within 45 days of enrollment so their unique needs can be met. Quarterly assessments monitor growth and progress. Environment: both classroom environments and teacher interaction with students are regularly evaluated using the seven-point Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS).

LCCAA Head Start continues to achieve the highest possible rating under the State of Ohio’s Step Up to Quality system. SUTQ recognizes and promotes early learning and development programs that meet quality standards over and above the minimum health and safety licensing requirements.

Successful Student Outcomes Staff are trained to assess children at different points throughout the year based on Widely Held Expectations. The tasks and skills children of a certain age are expected to know and be able to perform apply to all children in an age group regardless of their household income. Head Start students make tremendous progress over the course of the school year. Many preschoolers enter Head Start with little to no learning background. Students are assessed at regular intervals and all successes are celebrated. By the end of the year, the children make tremendous gains. During the 2025-2026 school year, the greatest gains were made in the areas of literacy and mathematics.

Learn in g Do m a in s Social Emotional Development: how children are learning to control their behavior and emotions, including getting along with other children.

Cognitive Development: lengthening attention spans, problem solving, connecting experiences, beginning to understand symbolic thought.

Physical Development: walking, running, healthy eating, gross and fine motor skills ranging from throwing a ball to holding a crayon.

Language Development: speaking and understanding words, following directions, using complete sentences, growing vocabulary.

Literacy: identifying letters and their sounds, some basic print concepts, story retelling and children learning to write their names.

Mathematics: counting, shapes, patterns and beginning measurement, scientific inquiry and, later, geography and social studies.

Head Start is Wild about Learning LCCAA Head Start families explored Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) at Wild About Events in March. Family fun and learning made for great memories and skill development while building community. Wild About events include dinner and door prizes along with lots of laughter.

Every Child, Every Need LCCAA Head Start is deeply committed to early intervention and supporting children’s mental health. Within 45 days of enrolling, each student – including our home-based children – receives both development and social emotional screenings. Responses fall into three categories: within development stage (typical for their age), follow-up (minor concerns, rescreen in three months), or referral (begin support services immediately).

8 18

When developmental concerns are found, the local school districts are connected. LCCAA also contracts with Meadow Speech to provide more timely help for one of the most common needs. In all in 2025-2026, 86 children received referrals resulting in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). IEP implementation responsibility is shared by Head Start and the local school district. Mental health or social emotional concerns can be handled swiftly thanks to the presence of Ohio Guidestone early childhood mental health consultants in our buildings. The consultants offer classroom assistance, one-on-one support and family assistance.

IEP Referral Reasons Developmental Disabilities Speech/Language Autism Other (includes multiple disabilities, brain inuries and more)

Early childhood mental health consultants assist teachers and staff in creating safe, nurturing environments. From day one, Conscious Discipline strategies are used and extended as needed when children need additional guidance. LCCAA Head Start continues to strengthen mental health supports creating new partnerships with Ohio Mentor Behavioral Health, Positive Education Program (PEP), Applewood Centers Inc., Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Pathway Caring for Children. As the needs of our students change, we are constantly looking to meet those needs. In all, during the 2025-2026 school year, 101 mental health referrals were made and appropriate support provided. Staff also receive training and ongoing guidance to support their own mental health needs. Each site now includes a staff wellness center and staff support each other as needed during school days.

Engaging Parents & Families Head Start is designed as a two-generational approach. In addition to invaluable support provided by Family Service Assistants with community resources, relationship building and goal achievement, parents are part of the governance of the program.

and siblings to our centers and parents are always welcome in our classrooms.

Parents are elected at individual centers’ parent meetings to serve on the Parent Policy Council. They’re also invited to join the Educational Advisory Committee, the Health Services Advisory Committee and the Recruitment Team.

The event included the 216 Stix drumline, speakers, lunch, door prizes and giveaways, community vendors and resources, family games and activities, a photo booth and face painting, and free family T-shirts - designed by a Head Start student.

In April, Head Start partnered with the LCCAA Pathways HUB and Passages to host “Fathers and Families: Rooted in Wellness.”

Policy Council, a federal requirement of Head Start, allows parents to help make decisions about the program. The president, elected from the members, also holds a full, voting seat on the LCCAA Board of Directors. Head Start’s fatherhood initiative, Men Making a Difference, meets monthly to provide peer support and general information to fathers and father figures. Special events draw parents, grandparents

Parent Policy Council 2025-2026 President Genesis Rodriguez Tiara Alston Eryn Bailey Vicki Butera

Yahaira Crispin Angelia Dean Anthony Donald Allyssa Earl Jessica Garcia Lexi Hinkle

Amaree Jackson Rebekah Johnson Alisia McCoy Jaylan Moore Michaela Purcell Ashley Ready

Amanda Reinhart Luis Rios Joe Sclimenti Natalie Taylor Mercedes Williams Tashia Williams

Head Start Creates Opportunities As a Policy Council member, Tashia Williams appreciated learning more about Head Start funding and details regarding the science behind the program. She looked deeper into the causes of some of her son’s behavior and applied what she learned to her career as a behavioral health specialist. Williams attended the Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children (OAEYC) annual conference in April and made a connection with a national speaker and author. Williams has been inspired to tell her story. While working on her master’s degree, she also hopes to grow into a public speaking career. “My dream is to inspire kids and speak to everybody,” Williams said.

Healthy Meals & More LCCAA Head Start’s Health and Nutrition Department supports students and families with healthy meals and much more. Our central kitchen in downtown Lorain supplies most classrooms with quality, balanced meals three times a day. The number of meals provided continues to increase as attendance increases. In 2025-2026, 104,365 meals were served for breakfast, lunch and snacks. Visit our website for menus and our recipe blog. In addition to meeting strict USDA standards and managing multiple food allergies, staff also provide special events. Try Days help expand children’s tastes while the growing Out of the Box program expands both skills and equipment in family kitchens. Both programs are now supported by a Grow Ohio Grant from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. Try Days are multi-sensory experiences that show children where their food comes from while giving them, and their parents, a chance to try new things.

LCCAA’s innovative collaboration with Pisanick Partners has broken even further “out of the box” thanks to a national presentation. Food Service Manager Melinda Gray and Dietician Marge Robison presented on the project at the National Child Nutrition Conference hosted by the National Child and Adult Care Food Program Association last spring. Approximately 80 people attended the workshop. Out of the Box is held twice a year for LCCAA Head Start families. Regular attendees can “build their kitchens” with equipment such as stock pots and pizza pans that are part of the kits. They also learn economical and easy recipes they can recreate with their children.

Out of the Box features video recipe demonstrations conducted by Chef Luis Aguilar and Dietician Marge Robison. Families who register and attend the demonstrations will receive a box of ingredients and sometimes equipment to recreate the recipe at home. Last year, the department took a larger role in a Wild About Health Event which included lots of local information, exercise, and teeth brushing demonstrations. Health and Nutrition also facilitates annual screenings for each child including: dental, hemoglobin, lead and more. Teeth brushing kits were sent home for Children’s Dental Health Month.

Innovative, Dedicated Staff LCCAA emphasizes professional development by supporting staff members as they seek credentials and degrees, offering tuition reimbursement and celebrating accomplishments. Head Start Performance Standards lay out the training and qualification requirements for all levels of staff and LCCAA staff typically exceed these requirements. When staff hit these milestones, we celebrate them! Griswold Head Start head teacher Alicia Rosa’s educational journey has brought growth and confidence along with the tools to make a difference in her classroom. With LCCAA since 2018, Alicia earned her Child Development Associate credential during the pandemic in 2020 and her associate’s degree in 2022. Her original goal was to become a lead teacher, a position she has held for the last two years. Now, continuing at the University of Cincinnati, she has earned her bachelor’s degree. “Completing this journey helps me better support Head Start families because it has given me a deeper understanding of child development, family dynamics, and the challenges many families face,” Alicia said. “I’ve learned how important it is to meet families where they are and to build strong, respectful relationships with them.” The Child Development Associate is considered the foundational credential for the early childhood education profession. The following staff members earned their CDA during the 2025-2026 school year (some declined recognition): Adora Bell, Assistant Teacher, Griswold Terrance Helm Morris, Assistant Teacher, Griswold Shayla Johnson, Early Childhood Service Worker, Hopkins-Locke Gloriana Quiles, Assistant Teacher, Hopkins-Locke Camilla Ortiz-Torres, Assistant Teacher, Hopkins-Locke

Head Start educators teach skills and instill confidence outside the classroom too. Raychel Buettner was named Instructor of the Year for 2025 at Bowen’s Martial Arts Academy in Grafton. She’s been teaching martial arts since 2018. “Through both participating in and teaching karate, I have developed strong patience and attention to detail,” she said. “Working at Head Start has also helped me strengthen my communication skills and better connect with children.”

Life-Long Learners 52% of LCCAA teachers have a bachelor’s degree or higher LCCAA Head Start provides multiple opportunities for training and guidance throughout the school year. We kick off both semesters with all-staff events and host day-long and other sessions as needed and appropriate. Staff members also have the chance to attend a variety of conferences hosted by the Ohio Head Start Association, the National Head Start Association and the Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children. Among the topics discussed during the 2025-2026 school year was a new approach to potty training. Conscious Discipline – used in our classrooms for several years – reframed the milestone as “potty mastery” focusing on shifting the ownership of this

skill to the child not the parents. Thinking about it as a developmental process helped staff better integrate toileting and body awareness into the classroom rhythm. Other topics covered in Professional Development activities this year included: Time management Using play to make math meaningful Creative Curriculum updates Ages and Stages Questionnaires Head Start Performance Standards De-escalation Strategies Self-regulation and big emotions in children

Practice Based Coaching Helps Staff Grow LCCAA Head Start teachers are committed to intentionally learning and growing as a team. Throughout the year, staff members meet in small TLC (Together Learning and Collaborating) groups to collaborate and receive peer support. They share what works well and brainstorm new approaches to daily tasks and activities. Being prepared with a toolbox of practices leads to success. Practice Based Coaching (PBC) allows them to honestly

assess themselves and receive one-on-one coaching. Voluntary participation in groups and coaching is the most effective model of professional development. Teachers not only understand theory and demonstrate skills, but can effectively implement what they learn in their classrooms. Site Administrator Kara Goodwin, has coached nearly two dozen teachers in her eight years as a PBC (including Amanda Gonzalez pictured at right). Teachers

set goals for themselves and coaches observe and collect data to help them reach those goals. Site Administrator Alicia Risner completed the multi-day PBC training last June.

LCCAA Head Start 1949 Broadway Ave. Lorain, Ohio 44052 440-204-3100 www.lccaa.net