The American Rescue Plan (ARP) provides many sources of direct and indirect financial relief for low-income families. These payments and tax credits do not affect family income in determining eligibility for Head Start and Early Head Start programs or count towards adjusted gross income for tax filers. Encourage families to file 2020 taxes to receive available credits. (Source: Office of Head Start) Learn more about understanding and accessing available tax credits: EITCOutreach.orgFree tax preparation services may be available for eligible families at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in your area. Stimulus Checks Single adults earning up to $75,000 and head-of-household filers (e.g., single parents with children) earning up to $112,500 will receive a one-time payment of $1,400, plus $1,400 for each qualifying dependent.Married couples earning up to $150,000 will receive a one-time payment of $2,800, plus $1,400 for each qualifying dependent.This round of payments … [Read more...]
Starfish blog: Small Tool to Face Big Feelings
Childhood is one big roller coaster of emotions. Beginning with toddler tantrums, kids experience highs, lows, and myriad confusing feelings in between. As adults, we are able to at least identify our emotions. For a child, it's bewildering especially when they don't have the words to express how they're feeling. That bewilderment can lead to frustration, making it hard for children to listen, pay attention, and learn. What can we do to help them navigate challenging big feelings? (Feeling Faces information adapted from National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI) Express yourself: Feeling Faces Important tip! The best time to talk about feelings with your children is when they are not in the midst of an emotionally-charged moment. Create a calm space and try this activity where you and your little ones can explore and practice the language and skills to express emotions. Use pictures (like the Feeling Faces here) to talk about, identify, and describe different … [Read more...]
Starfish blog: #ThankATeacher A Year of Extraordinary Educators
"Through all the challenges we’ve faced this year, educators and families have stuck together to show students a bright path forward. This Teacher Appreciation Week, communities across the country will come together to appreciate educators and the lengths they will go to ensure every student, no matter who they are or where they live, has the tools to learn, grow, and thrive."---National Education Association President Becky Pringle At Starfish, we have over 200 educators who each play a crucial role in the lives of the children we serve. They are rock stars! They strive to provide the highest of quality care to those they serve daily. Without a doubt, we have the most caring, generous, flexible, and creative teachers in our organization. Throughout the pandemic, they showed they were extraordinary! Center Leaders, Coaches, and Preschool Behavioral Health Therapists (PBHTs) work together at a center level to support our teaching staff. This allows them to successfully teach and … [Read more...]
Starfish Statement: Journey towards justice
Message from Starfish CEO Ann Kalass As is true for so many of you, the anxiety and anticipation of the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial has dominated my head, my heart, and my hands. Upon hearing ‘guilty’ for all three counts, there was a sense of relief. Yet, reprieve faded quickly before focusing again on the work ahead to seek a just society in which all children, families, and communities have equitable opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive. This verdict was not justice and will not return George Floyd to his family. It was, however, a step towards accountability. For nearly 60 years, Starfish Family Services has been strengthening families to create brighter futures for children across metro Detroit. Our high-quality programs are focused on early childhood education, behavioral health services, and empowering families. We recognize that children are inherently connected to their families and communities, and that we must engage wholistically. Additionally, we … [Read more...]
Starfish Blog: African Heritage and Health Week
The first week of February is African Heritage and Health Week. It's an integral part of launching the February observance of Black History Month. What is the week all about? African Heritage and Health Week celebrates the healthy foods, distinct flavors, and cooking techniques/traditions of four regions of the African Diaspora—West and Central Africa, the American South, the Caribbean, and South America. How did it start? It’s an observance held by Oldways, a nonprofit organization that "develops resources and initiatives to promote the healthy foods and delicious eating traditions of African Heritage for good health and community." What can we learn? According to Oldways, “This is more than just about food. This is about shaping people’s identity and how they see themselves . . . how they see their culture as a part of their health solution.” The movement helps people rediscover and embrace healthy, sustainable joys … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- Next Page »