Save the Children Head Start - St. Landry Parish Program

02/10/2026

Lebeau Head Start - The children explored different x-rays of animals. The study of the month is Pet Study.

02/10/2026

Lebeau Head Start - The children created their own customized mask for the Mardi Gras parade. Happy Mardi Gras from Mrs. Edwards and Ms. Tanner classroom!

02/10/2026

We are sending a special congratulations to the Lawtell Head Start Center and Port Barre Head Start Center on receiving EXCELLENT HONOR ROLL. Both center directors, Mrs. Tashia Guillory (Lawtell HS) and Angela Andrus (Port Barre HS) were presented with their banners to display at the centers.
Thank you to the children, parents, as well as staff members who attended the school district's board meeting to witness this presentation.

02/06/2026

Hello parents and happy February!! This month we are talking about tantrums!

🌬️ Big Feelings Need Calm Breathing 🌬️

Tantrums are a normal part of childhood—especially when little ones don’t yet have the words to say how they feel. When emotions get big, a child’s body goes into overdrive, making it hard for them to listen or calm down on their own. But in challenging moments, children can learn to handle their big feelings. Instead of letting their emotions out with difficult behavior, show them how to slow down, stay calm, and make a plan.
That’s where breathing comes in. And breathing is not just for our children. We as parents can breathe to help us stay calm, so we can then help our children regulate.
Slow, deep breaths help our bodies feel safe again. Breathing lowers stress, slows the heart rate, and helps the brain switch from “meltdown mode” to “calm mode.” Once calm, we can think of a plan to address what caused our upset in the first place! 🧠✨
Watch this resource from our good friends at Sesame Workshop on how to handle our response as caregivers to tantrums and address our children's meltdowns as well.
https://youtu.be/mvf_qokmMeU
Your children's teachers will pass out additional resources and worksheets where you can practice these skills at home.

Happy Breathing!

Your Mental Health Advisor,
Krystle J., LPC

Meltdowns happen… but they are somewhat predictable! As you try to handle them, curiosity and patience go a long way.  Share this video with children, in whi...

02/04/2026

Washington Head Start - Ms. Fontenot's class visited JS Clark's new campus to celebrate ending the Buildings study. The children safely visited the construction site. They were given a tour of the new campus and see live building demonstrations. The construction workers were so excited to see all the children.

02/04/2026

Port Barre EHS became 100 days cuter! The children enjoyed engaging 100 days of school activities with their teachers. They created art collages with 100 pieces of confetti.

01/30/2026

Leonville Head Start

The children are celebrating their 100th Day of School. Their theme is "100 Hands in learning."

01/28/2026

Leonville Head Start participated in their annual Unity Walk.

01/23/2026

We would like to inform all families that our centers will be closed Monday, January 26-27, 2026, due to inclement weather. If you have any questions or if you are in need of support during this winter/cold weather advisory, please contact your center support staff members.

01/20/2026

Washington Head Start - The children and staff member participated in the 2026 Unity Walk.

01/06/2026

🌟 Welcoming the New Year with Gratitude 🌟
As we begin a new year, we want to take a moment to say thank you—for trusting us with your children, for partnering with us, and for showing up every day for their growth and well-being. 💙
Practicing gratitude, even in small ways, plays a powerful role in children’s social-emotional development. When children learn to notice and name what they are thankful for, they build skills like empathy, emotional awareness, and positive relationships with others.
Using your senses to remember the things that you are thankful for is a good way to turn a rough day into a happy one.

Watch the following video from our friends at Sesame Workshop to learn ways to bring gratitude into your daily routines. In this video, Abby’s mother helps her to slow down and transform her bad day back to a good one–no magic wand required!

• Before watching: Explain that Abby was having a rough day; one thing after another was upsetting her. Has your child ever felt that way?
• While you watch: Observe aloud how Abby’s mom reminds Abby to take a deep breath. That helps her slow down and reset. Point out the “senses” strategy that helps Abby remember things she can feel grateful for.
• After watching: Ask your child to think about things he or she sees, hears, touches, smells, or even tastes that might make them feel better when times are hard.
Your center directors will be passing out two worksheets with more activities you can use at home to continue to practice gratitude.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ12FG574vk&t=122s
Thank you and happy New Year!
Your Mental Health Advisor,
Krystle Johnson, LPC

Easy strategies that help children focus on reasons to be grateful can really help them get through challenging times.Sesame Street in Communities brings fre...

12/10/2025

Looking for a simple way to support your child’s learning and connection during the holiday break? Try imitation play! 🎄✨
Imitation is one of the earliest and most powerful ways children learn. When you copy your child’s actions—stacking blocks like they do, stirring a pretend pot, dancing to their rhythm—you’re doing more than just playing. You’re helping them build:
🧠 Early brain development
💬 Communication and language skills
❤️ Social–emotional growth like confidence, connection, and turn-taking
🤸‍♀️ Problem-solving and creativity
This kind of back-and-forth play shows your child that you’re tuned in, that their ideas matter, and that learning can be joyful and shared. It’s a wonderful way to bond during the slower days of the holiday season.
Here’s a quick resource from our favorite folks at Sesame Workshop to help you get started Be on the lookout for additional resources! ⬇️
https://youtu.be/rSy5yXpLqOk
Give it a try—and enjoy the giggles, the connection, and the little moments that matter most. 🎁👶✨
Your Mental Health Advisor,
Krystle Johnson, LPC

Krystle Johnson MS, LPC, CCTP II
ADVISOR MENTAL HEALTH,
LOUISIANA HEAD START PROGRAMS- Red River, Jeff Davis, St. Landry & Evangeline

You can support children’s development by imitating— doing what they’re doing! This helps children feel important and helps you connect; it all starts with f...