Spring is in the air! It is springtime in WI and you never know what that might bring but, the snow is starting to melt and we are keeping hope alive that green grass is coming soon. The transition from one season to the next is exciting and challenging. Things are changing and sometimes it feels like we take 1 step forward and 3 steps back.
 

That can be true in many different times of transition. CESA 11 Head Start & Early Head Start is preparing to transition leadership roles as Beth retires, Ashley takes over the director position, and a new assistant director is added to the team.
 

“Change has a bad reputation in our society. But it isn’t all bad – not by any means. In fact, change is necessary in life – to keep us moving, to keep us growing, to keep us interested. Imagine life without change. It will be static, boring, dull.”

– Dr. Dennis O’Grady

While there will be new leadership, the quality and commitment to maintain that quality, will remain steadfast. Staff are the heart of the program and the program will continue the philosophy that Head Start is Heart Work.

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- Beth and Ashley

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Welcome back to the beginning of our 2023-24 program year! It’s a busy but exciting time as we prepare to welcome new and returning students and families. We know they are in good hands to learn and grow under your care and support.

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We want to thank all of the enrollment staff for their outstanding achievements to ensure we are able to offer our program to families in our communities. They have a hugely important role and are often the first contacts at the center. Our program would not be able to exist without your efforts and for that we applaud you!

 

Welcome back to education staff as they begin home visits, classroom set up, and lesson plan odor an engaging back-to-school experience.

 

A special thank you to our Early Head Start Staff who have been total rock stars this summer and creating fun socializations and lasting memories!

 

Everyone one of you plays a profound role in uplifting and impacting the future of our youngest generation. We want to wish you well as we kick off the school year!

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- Ashley and Melanie

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Hello and happy fall Y’all!

 

It seems like we opened doors for Jamboree, blinked, and then suddenly here we are! It’s that magical time of year when we can begin to see classroom routines taking hold, feel the connections building with families, and of course enjoying outing's to orchards and sensory tables brimming with pumpkins!

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We were so happy that the agency was able to support the retention stipend this year and hope that you are able to use it in the best way for you! We are thankful for each staff member that contributes to the quality of services to children and families.

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While we are still awaiting the official approval of our next grant cycle, the Office of Head Start has announced that even with the government shutdown continuing resolution in place through November 17th, December grantees (that’s us!) will still be funded. We are planning on zero disruption of services to our programming.

 

The implementation of the corrective action plan has been a testament to the dedication to safety and supervision across the entire agency. We were able to share the evidence of this work with our Program Specialist and the Office of Head Start. They have reviewed the corrective action plan and marked it as completed. They commended the efforts put into the supervision plans, tracking systems, integration of training, and success of the entire team. Congratulations to all!

 

In more good news, Governor Tony Evers has added funding to the Child Care Counts Payment Program which will extend the timeline through June 2025. We are not sure what the exact monthly amounts will be, but glad that these payments will be extended!

 

Every day we are grateful that we are able to work not only for a program with such a powerful, positive purpose, but that we get to share it with a team of unique, talented individuals that bring its mission alive.

 

Be well,

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Ashley and Melanie

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Coming to you soon...

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