Mission Statement
"To Improve the Well-Being of Children, Empower Families, and Strengthen Communities."
October 2021 Parent Newsletter

Welcome to the Preschool Services Department Parent Newsletter.
Here you will find information, resources and PSD news!

We remain committed to both our Vision and Mission Statements and pride ourselves with providing quality education to our preschoolers as well as empowering their families by equipping them with the resources, job skills and education needed to not only strengthen the family unit but also the communities they work and reside in.
Announcing PSD Director
Jacqueline Greene
Preschool Services Department is proud to announce Jacquelyn Greene as Director of Preschool Services Department. Ms. Jacquie as we lovingly call her in the office holds a Master’s Degree (M.Ed.) in Child Development along with two Bachelors of Arts degrees in Public Administration and Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. She began her career with PSD in 1996 as a Head Start Teacher, in 2001, she became a Site Supervisor, in 2010, she promoted to Education Program Manager then in 2016, she became a Deputy Director. Jacquie continued to work her way up and prove that hard work does pay off. She has dedicated her career to assisting the children and families in San Bernardino County by demonstrating her passion and enthusiasm for providing a high quality preschool education and diversified program for the children and families we serve. In 2019, Jacquelyn Greene accepted the position of Assistant Director with Preschool Services where she has set a strong standard and work ethic creating a foundation that her staff can proudly follow. She is an inspiration to many with her charisma and zest for life, along with her education and experience, she has demonstrated what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication. As we announce her appointment as Director, we look forward to all the remarkable things the future holds for Ms. Jacquie and Preschool Services.

Congratulations Ms. Jacquie! 
WE MOVED!
We are proud to announce the relocation of:

Mill Child Development Center

Our new facility is located at
205 S. Allen St. San Bernardino, CA 92408

Opened July 2021!

EHS Expansion
Preschool Services Department is in the process of expanding our EHS program with 5 new sites!

The Early Head Start (EHS) program was established to assist pregnant women, infants and toddlers to age 3. EHS assists with:

  • Enhancing children's physical, social, emotional and intellectual development.
  • Assist pregnant women to access comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care.
  • Parent education on their child's development.
  • Support parent's effort to fulfill their parental roles and move towards self-sufficiency.

In addition, EHS services promotes healthy prenatal outcomes, enhances the development of infants and toddlers, and promotes healthy family functioning.

Sites coming soon to: San Bernardino, Ontario, Barstow and Victorville!
Fatherhood Fire Grant
Fatherhood-Family-focused, Interconnected, Resilient, and Essential (Fatherhood FIRE)

Through a Comprehensive Fatherhood Program, PSD aims to increase child and family well-being through a series of evidenced-based practices that address healthy relationships, improve parenting skills, and increase economic stability. Services will be provided through targeted recruitment practices of Head Start fathers; risk and needs assessments; goal-setting with measurable activities and milestones; intensive case management services with at least eight individual contacts per year; supportive services through referrals to community partners; availability of a Successful Pathways Apprenticeship Program and certified high school education program, and participation in The Nurturing Fathers Program curriculum workshop over a period of 13 weeks for a total of 32.5 hours of education. These curriculum workshops will be provided through learning cohorts that create peer mentoring and coaching opportunities for the fathers. 

More information to follow!
The Adventure Begins!
Children might be having a lot of different feelings at the start of the school year. You might have to remind them that those feelings are ok and that changes can also bring a sense of adventure. Together with your children, watch this video to see Alexa the astronaut go on a letter A adventure. She sees an acrobat swinging from an asteroid, an alien playing the accordion, and an alligator eating apricots! No matter what she encounters, Alexa keeps a positive attitude!
  • Before watching: Talk about the word adventure. Ask: What is an adventure? When have you gone on an adventure? What did you see, do, and learn?
  • While you watch: Notice all the interesting things Alexa sees. Point out how much she’s learning on her adventure.
  • After watching: Let children know that going back to school is an adventure, even as things change like wearing masks all day and not sharing toys at school. Discuss some things that might be new and exciting. Ask, “What are you looking forward to?”
Remind kids that it’s okay to feel uneasy, too. Adventuring requires courage! Let them know they can talk with you about their feelings, and you can try to solve problems together. Tell your child, “You’re not alone. We’re a team.” Adventures can be even more fun with good company.
Read the article below for more tips to help your family get ready to learn.
Learning Through Routines
Ordinary moments such as getting dressed, preparing meals, cleaning up, or bedtime offer opportunities to build math, language, and other skills that prepare kids for school. Morning, noon, or night, you can integrate learning into daily routines!
  
LEARN MORE ABOUT PROGRAMS PSD HAS TO OFFER
EARN YOUR HIGHSCHOOL DIPLOMA!
A customized program based on your career goals! Learn at your own pace from our state-certified instructors!
Academic coaches are available to help you! Receive a REAL high school diploma, NOT a GED!
Fatherhood Engagement
The Head Start Act Section 641(d)(2)(J) (vii) to extend outreach to fathers (including father figures), in appropriate cases, in order to strengthen the role of those fathers in families, in the education of young children, and in the Head Start program, by working directly with the fathers through activities.
Low Income First Time (LIFT) Mothers Program
The LIFT Program provides pregnant women
prenatal education, support and empowerment
to have the healthiest pregnancy possible.
What's your story?
One of many PSD success stories!
Hello, my name is Georgina De La Torre, I am a mother of 3 and a former Head Start parent. My journey began as a parent Apprentice for the Clerk position at Mill Center in 2008. Around the same time I began to attend San Bernardino Valley College to get my Associates in Child Development and also volunteered some hours at Mill Center to complete my work experience. In September 2009, I became part of the PSD family and was employed by Preschool Services Department as a Center Clerk. After completing all the requirements in August of 2014, I became a Teacher II. I moved on to receive my Bachelor's degree and in 2016, I became a Program Generalist! I work closely with families providing them resources, enrolling their children and giving them hope. It has been an honor of mine to be able to grow not only professionally but also personally with so many PSD staff that began their careers as parents. PSD has given me the opportunity to provide my family a better life. Take advantage of all that PSD has to offer, it is worth it!

Activities
Please Note: Preschoolers will enjoy learning with you. For safety reasons, you should be in the kitchen with them at all times, supervising and monitoring progress.
Mini Pumpkin Quesadillas
Materials Needed:
  • Two tortillas
  • Cheese
  • Knife/Scissors
  • Re-fried beans/ sour cream (optional toppings)
Fast, Fresh, and Fun  

A cookbook from First 5 California with healthy and easy recipes for the whole family. - See more at: http://first5california.com/

Resources
community action partnership of san bernardino county

Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County supports, advocates for, and empowers low-income residents to achieve self-sufficiency.

Read more
www.capsbc.org
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) > Family Resources



Read more
cms.sbcounty.gov
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program | SoCalGas

In addition to our energy assistance programs, you may qualify for assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a federally funded energy assistance program that may help you pay your utility bill if you're...

Read more
www.socalgas.com
662 South Tippecanoe Ave,
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0630
(909) 383 2078
1-888-KIDS-025