In keeping with its tradition of celebrating children’s first teachers and those who help create an effective learning environment, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start/Early Head Start held its 36th Annual Parent Training and Recognition Luncheon on Friday, April 12, at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville. This year’s theme was “Building an Effective Wellness Program for Nurturing and Supporting Parents.”
“We couldn’t do the wonderful, powerful work we do at SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start, without your help,” Program Director G. Lynnie Bailey told the banquet room full of parents, grandparents, guardians, partners and supporters. “We are indeed a large village, and everyone here plays a vital part. This luncheon is a celebration of you! So, sit back and relax. Learn at least one new thing, share a smile, enjoy the food, and experience how much we appreciate each of you!”
During her presentation, “Nurturing and Supporting Your Garden,” luncheon speaker Shameka Brown, Belleville Head Start Center manager, encouraged parents and Head Start/Early Head Start supporters to take better care of themselves, in order to be of good use to the children in their lives.
“Take time to care for your body and mind,” said Brown, the mother of three. “We need to plant dreams into ourselves, as well. Then pluck up the weeds. As you pull up the toxic things in your life, you will feel better.”
Brown offered the crowd several self-care tips that included:
- Establish a morning self-care routine
- Reward yourself
- Schedule a day off
- Get off the grid
- Move your body
- Speak positive things to yourself
The awards portion of the program included recognition in the five categories of Success Families, Male Involvement, Education/Training, Perfect Attendance and Volunteers.
“It’s joyful to be here, and my child has learned so much,” said Bluffview Head Start parent Parthenia Parker, of her four-year-old daughter, Meghan. Parker won an award of Perfect Attendance for Meghan’s routine presence. “She helps the teacher, and she’s learning leadership skills.”
Twenty-five-year-old Demetrius Pawnell Sr. said he is a constant presence at the Jackie Joyner Kersee Head Start Center because of his three-year-old son, Demetrius Pawnell Jr. “My father wasn’t as involved in my education as I would have liked. I want to give my son something I never had.”
Pawnell, who won a Volunteer award, has assisted in various ways at the center. “I helped make ginger bread houses. I helped make Christmas stockings. I dressed up as Santa Claus,” he added. “I take them to the gym for exercise. I also read to them sometimes.”
“Everybody makes time for the things they want,” Pawnell pointed out. “You don’t try to do it. You just do it. There’s nothing more important than our children.”
The SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start program serves more than 1,300 families and youth from birth to age five (including children with special needs) in St. Clair County. The program includes 14 early childhood education centers, seven managed directly and seven collaborations. Services include a rigorous school readiness comprehensive program that includes educational programs for family members, and health and dental screenings.
Photos:
SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program Director G. Lynnie Bailey (center), welcomes luncheon speaker and Belleville Head Start Center Manager Shameka Brown (right) and 2019 Illinois Head Start Parent of the Year Lateyka Vaughan (left).
(L-R): Michael Thigpen, SIUE Head Start/ Early Head Start family engagement associate and parent; Demetrius Pawnell Sr., Jackie Joyner Kersee Head Start Center parent; George Lemer III, Belleville Head Start Center parent; Tarus Moore, Belleville Head Start Center parent; James Green, Home Based parent; and Anthony Brown, Belleville Head Start parent.
Taking note of the Belleville Head Start Center poster board are (L-R): Katrina Lampley, Cindy Harvey and Sherl Sattlefield, all Jackie Joyner Kersee Head Start Center parents.