Attachment D - August Program Information.pdf

Attachment D 
 
Program Information Summaries 
 
Connecting Families with Services 
A family participating in the Early Head Start Home-Based program recently immigrated 
to the United States from Romania. The Head Start mother wanted to obtain her driver’s 
license but was not familiar with the process. The caseworker she was working with was 
able to guide her through the process over the phone. Thanks to the assistance from 
the caseworker, the mother obtained her Arizona driver’s license on August 13 and is 
now able to access resources and establishments within her community easier. 
 
First 1,000 Days Conference 
From August 10 through 12, Region IX Head Start Association virtually hosted the 
second annual First 1,000 Days Conference. The focus of this conference is on children 
birth to three years old and their families. The theme this year was “Staying Connected.” 
Session topics included the impact of COVID-19 on children, families, and staff, 
Trauma-Informed Care, and Racial and Ethnic Equity. The 26 staff from the Head Start 
Birth to Five program who attended will use this information when working with families, 
understanding staff’s emotional fatigue, and to reflect on equity within the program’s 
processes and practices. 
 
Imagination Yoga Training 
On August 10, 14 Head Start Birth to Five staff took part in the Region IX Head Start 
Association virtual training on “Imagination Yoga-Inspiring Movement, Resilience, and 
Self Care.” This training encouraged teachers and staff who provide direct services to 
children and families to become more physically, mentally, and emotionally fit and to 
effectively teach children and families the same skills. Imagination Yoga’s Kindness, 
Calm, and Concentration Curriculums can provide our teachers and staff tools to keep 
their physical, mental, and emotional skills in balance.  
 
Early Childhood Innovation 2020 Summit 
On August 20, the Head Start Birth to Five Education Specialist participated in the fifth 
annual Early Childhood Innovation Summit. The theme of the conference was “Learn, 
Innovate and Lead.” Session topics included teaching children computer science, 
engaging digital audiences, and the benefits of gardening in the early childhood setting 
for staff and children’s wellness. The information gained from the summit will be used to 
support teaching staff as they engage children and families in digital learning and the 
impact of gardening on wellness. 
 
Phoenix Families First Partnership Training 
From August 24 through 28, Head Start Birth to Five staff partnered with Phoenix 
Families First staff to create a virtual parent workshop. The presentation introduced 
families to the concept of school readiness and the importance it plays in preparing 
children and their families for the first years of school. School readiness strategies will 
be provided to implement within their home to support their child’s development. The 
workshop aired on September 9.