By Dr. Jasmine Moses Anti-Bias and Anti-Racist Early Childhood Educator Across the nation, conversations about food insecurity have grown as families and communities face potential cuts to SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Did you know that more than 1.4 million people in Ohio rely on SNAP to put food on their tables?
For children, SNAP means access to the food their bodies and brains need to grow and thrive. For caregivers, it means being able to buy groceries without falling behind on rent, utilities, or medicine. For communities, it means stability and a stronger local economy when families can meet their basic needs. SNAP is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce child poverty and hunger. It keeps food on the table, supports family stability, and circulates money back into local businesses, grocers, and farms. When these benefits are threatened, the impact is immediate. Here in Ohio, 1 in 9 households benefits from SNAP. 62% of those households include children. 43% include older adults or people with disabilities, and 35% are working families. These numbers remind us that food insecurity is not someone else’s problem and can affect people right in our own communities. (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 2024) It is also not just about SNAP. With the current government shutdown, even more families could be experiencing food insecurity. Most families are only a few missed paychecks away from it themselves. This is a shared issue that affects all of us. Children can and should be part of this conversation. Talking about food insecurity helps children build empathy, understand fairness, and learn what it means to care for others. When we give them space to ask questions and talk about how communities support one another, we are teaching them what it looks like to take care of each other during hard times. It is also important for us, as adults, to reflect on the biases we may hold about people who are experiencing food insecurity. Anyone can find themselves in this position, and when we lead with empathy, we model care and community for our children. Talking With Children about Food Insecurity: Step one: Tell the truth in simple, concrete ways. You might say, “Food is grown, sold, and shared by people. Everyone needs it, but not everyone gets it. When we see that, we can help by making sure our community takes care of everyone.” Clear, calm language helps children understand that this is a real issue affecting many families and that we all have a role in caring for our neighbors. Step two: Reassure them. If your child asks questions, remind them that there are helpers. You could say, “Our community works together to make sure everyone has food.” This helps children feel safe and connected while reinforcing the importance of collective care. Step three: Connect it to fairness. You could explain, “Everyone deserves to have enough to eat. When that does not happen, there are ways we can help.” Relating fairness to familiar experiences, like sharing snacks or taking turns, helps children see how fairness shows up in everyday life. Step four: Involve them in small actions. Children learn through doing. Invite them to pick out an item to donate, help pack a meal kit, or draw a picture for families visiting a pantry. These actions show that they are part of a caring community that looks out for one another. Step five: Keep the conversation going. If your child asks, “Why do some people not have enough food?” you could respond, “Because some of the people who make the rules have not made fair choices. But we can keep helping and speaking up so everyone has enough.” Returning to these conversations over time helps children understand that fairness and care are things we work toward together. Introducing the Community Care Pantry: To support our neighbors and meet the growing need close to home, we are launching The Community Care Pantry, a Little Free Pantry project located in front of our school, offering a meaningful way for our community to take action together. The Community Care Pantry will provide free meal kits with recipe cards that include everything families and community members need to make a complete meal for themselves or their families. Instead of random pantry items that do not fit together, neighbors will find thoughtfully prepared bags filled with shelf-stable ingredients that can be turned into meals costing under ten dollars, using items you can find at your local dollar store. Each kit includes a recipe card with simple steps and ideas for stretching meals into leftovers. The goal is to make giving and receiving intentional, supportive, and sustainable. By focusing on complete meal kits, we aim to reduce waste and ensure that every family who stops by leaves with something that truly meets their needs. The pantry will also include resources, such as information on nearby food pantries and distribution sites, zines to guide these conversations, and additional materials for children and caregivers. We are leaning into this being a collective effort. If you would like to learn more about donating, volunteering, or supporting The Community Care Pantry, please reach out to Mx. Taryn or me or visit our Instagram page for updates. Supporting Book List: If you are looking for ways to continue the conversation with your children, I love using children’s books to support these conversations. Here are a few of my favorites that pair well with this topic. Food Insecurity:
These books are fantastic conversation starters for helping children understand what it means to care and to make sure everyone in the community has enough. Community Resources:
I’m grateful to be part of the Heights community and to do this work with people who understand that we get through hard times together. Community is how we make it through. -Dr. Jasmine Moses Anti-Bias and Anti-Racist Early Childhood Educator @theantibiasece on Instagram References: Nchako, C. (2024). A Closer Look at Who Benefits from SNAP: State-by-State Fact Sheets. https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/snap-state-by-state-data-fact-sheets-and-resources
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Confident, Capable, and Ready: Supporting Potty Training Success at Heights Cooperative Preschool7/22/2025 by Taryn KaplanTaryn is the Director of Heights Cooperative Preschool, as well as the Early Learners and Pre-K lead teacher. They are also a proud TT of 6 nephews and 2 nieces, ranging from ages 3-8 and a former au pair and teacher to many now-successfully potty-trained humans. With years of experience in both a school and home setting guiding small children (and their grown-ups) through life’s big milestones, like the all-important art of wiping. Taryn approaches this messy, yet empowering stage with equal parts humor, patience, and practical advice. As we prepare to welcome a new group of children this fall, we know many families are actively helping their children reach one of the most important milestones of early childhood: potty training. At Heights Cooperative Preschool, we believe that building independence in toileting is not only a practical skill but also an important step in helping children feel confident, capable, and ready for preschool success.
Potty training can feel overwhelming at times, but it is a process that becomes much more manageable with support, consistency, and clear expectations. This blog post is designed to offer encouragement and practical resources to help your child master toileting independence and start the school year feeling proud of their abilities. Our School’s Potty Training Expectations At Heights Cooperative Preschool, all children must be fully potty trained prior to starting school. This means your child should be able to:
To help children succeed, our classes take frequent bathroom breaks throughout the day and children may also request to use the bathroom at any time. These scheduled opportunities help children build routine and stay attuned to their bodily cues. However, even with these breaks, children must be able to manage their own toileting needs during these times. Helping Children Master Wiping: Practical Tools and Playful Strategies We understand that wiping can often be the most challenging part of potty independence. It requires coordination, flexibility, and body awareness. Skills that young children need time and practice to develop. Here are two playful, effective techniques to help build confidence and competence. 1. The Sticker Trick (Over Pants Practice) This activity helps children learn the motion and reach required for effective wiping.
2. The Balloon and Wet Wipe Trick This hands-on activity offers immediate feedback on technique and thoroughness.
Occupational therapists and early childhood experts recommend activities like this because they support coordination, reach, and awareness through hands-on, playful learning. Using the Right Words: Building Confidence, Safety, and Clear Communication At Heights Cooperative Preschool, we encourage families to help their children build confidence and body autonomy by using correct biological terms for body parts; words like penis, vulva, and anus (butt or bottom). These words help children communicate clearly and confidently about their bodies with trusted adults, including teachers and healthcare providers. Using the proper terms for your child's anatomy supports body awareness, healthy boundaries, and clear communication. It helps reduce confusion and ensures teachers and caregivers understand your child when they talk about their body. While some families may use nicknames at home, it’s important to know that your child’s teacher may not recognize or understand those nicknames. At school, the words we use consistently across all classrooms are:
We are intentional in distinguishing between vulva and vagina to help children understand their bodies with accuracy: the vulva refers to external anatomy, while the vagina refers to internal anatomy. This clarity becomes especially important when children are learning how to wipe properly or when they need to communicate with a teacher about discomfort, pain, or bodily functions. When children have the language to describe what they are feeling; for example, "My butt feels sore after I go potty” or “My vulva hurts when I wipe", teachers are better able to understand their needs and respond appropriately. Having clear, accurate words empowers children to communicate confidently about their bodies and helps ensure they receive the care and support they need without confusion. Additionally, research shows that children who are taught the correct anatomical terms for their bodies are better equipped to clearly report if something inappropriate happens to them. Accurate language supports children’s safety, strengthens their ability to communicate clearly, and provides a foundation for healthy boundaries and body autonomy. Helpful Resources for Families Here are some resources to guide and support you through this important milestone:
You Are Not Alone, We’re Here to Support You Every child approaches potty training on their own timeline. Some master it quickly, while others need more time, practice, and encouragement. Both paths are completely normal. At Heights Cooperative Preschool, we are committed to helping families build confidence, independence, and healthy routines. We also want families to know that we recognize accidents can still happen even for children who are fully potty trained. This is why we require all children to have a full change of clothes that stays in their cubby at school at all times. Having these extra clothes on hand helps ensure that your child can comfortably and confidently get back to their day without added stress or embarrassment. If your child ever needs assistance with changing clothes due to an accident, they will be helped by Mx. Taryn or Ms. Margie. We approach these situations with kindness, patience, and respect for each child’s dignity and comfort. We also understand that every family’s potty training journey looks different. Medical exceptions or accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis in partnership with families and healthcare providers. If you anticipate your child needing support beyond our general policy, we invite you to reach out so we can collaborate on a plan that sets them up for success. At Heights Cooperative Preschool, we see toileting independence as a big step on your child’s journey toward confidence and belonging in our school community. I’m always happy to chat with families about strategies, resources, or simply to remind you that you’re doing a great job. If you have questions, need guidance, or would like to talk through strategies, please reach out. We are happy to support you through this important milestone and help ensure your child starts the school year feeling proud, capable, and ready for success. Here’s to all the big (and small) milestones ahead! Graduation always arrives with a bittersweet mix of emotions: pride, joy, nostalgia, and hope. This year was no different. As I looked out at our graduates and their families, I found myself overwhelmed by just how much love, learning, and care has been shared within our school walls. Several families have reached out since graduation, asking for a copy of the speech I gave. It’s my honor to share it with all of you here, not just as words spoken on a single day, but as a reflection of what we’ve built together this year, and a reminder of what truly matters in early childhood education. Below you’ll find my graduation remarks in full, along with some snapshots from our special day. I hope these words and images serve as a keepsake; a way to hold onto this moment and the incredible growth we’ve witnessed. Graduation Speech, 2025 (As delivered on Graduation Day) Good afternoon, families, friends, and most importantly, graduates. Welcome. I’m so glad we are here together. As we gather here today, I want to take a moment to breathe this in; to feel the joy, the bittersweetness, and the pride that fills this space. Look around. This is a space full of love, growth, and possibility. Today we’re celebrating more than the end of a school year. We’re celebrating growth. The kind that happens in block corners, in brave playground moments, and in every deep breath before trying again. At Heights Cooperative Preschool, we believe learning isn’t just about letters or numbers. It’s about relationships. About noticing. About care. What we’ve done together this year goes beyond kindergarten readiness. We’ve helped shape who these children are becoming in the world. This year, our world has continued to feel unpredictable. The world around us can often feel heavy and uncertain. And yet inside these classroom walls, something beautiful was built. A space where children are taught that every voice matters. That bodies are different and beautiful. That families come in all shapes and constellations. That feelings are okay to have, and mistakes are okay to make. We’ve built classrooms where it’s normal to ask someone’s pronouns, where imagination is celebrated, and where neurodiversity is supported with tools, not shame. A place where every voice matters, and where kindness, creativity, and authenticity guide our days. These are not small things. These are radical things. They’ve learned how to care for living creatures. How to make group decisions with fairness. How to speak up when something doesn’t feel right and how to care for the Earth that holds us all. They’ve practiced patience, taken turns, and stepped forward with confidence when it was their time to lead. And now, I want to take a moment to celebrate each of our graduates, not just for what they’ve learned, but for who they are and the unique light they bring to the world. Eliza, whose joy is so big it often shakes through her body and radiates from her. She taught us how to laugh loudly, love deeply, and lead with empathy. Her nurturing spirit and playful heart brought so much light into our classroom. Grace, whose confidence and creativity blossomed this year, brought vibrant imagination into every project. Her bond with Cooper grew into something extraordinary, transforming her from a child who was comfort-seeking to one of Cooper’s most caring and dedicated trainers. Jason grew in confidence and voice. He reminded us of the power of persistence, imagination, and joyful expression. His love for music and storytelling brought rhythm and life to our days. He learned how to be a good friend to others and advocate for himself with kindness. Laurence, equal parts silliness and sensitivity, kept us smiling and grounded. His clever humor, kind heart, and playful creativity brought energy and warmth to every corner of our classroom and especially to the close friendships that he made. Logan, who I have had the pleasure of having with me for two years, touched us all with his emotional insight, deep curiosity about animals, and beautiful singing voice. He has shown us how powerful joyful energy and heartfelt awareness can be. His love for Cooper is something truly special. Their bond is one of trust, comfort, and deep friendship. He is a thoughtful friend, a gentle leader, and a child who consistently teaches us the value of compassion and wonder. Ruthie, with her big imagination and strong sense of fairness, reminded us how to lead with both creativity and heart. She dreams up entire worlds in her play and stands confidently for what she believes is right, never afraid to ask questions or speak up. Tuve, who speaks through her stunning and soulful art, taught us about courage, creativity, and the deep connections that transcend words. Her work always came from the heart and amazed us with its beauty and intention. Vivian, whose steady leadership and quiet wisdom helped anchor our classroom, reminded us how powerful it is to lead by example. Her kindness and confidence uplifted others, and she showed us what thoughtful leadership truly looks like. And our Danger twins, Atticus and Lincoln, who each brought something uniquely their own, reminded us to be present, notice the small things, and celebrate every step of communication and expression. Atticus brought energy, adventure, and joyful inclusion. Lincoln brought quiet observation, kindness, and artistic brilliance. Together and individually, they showed us the beauty of growth and connection. To our graduates: You are brave. You are kind. You are the proof that when we pause and truly listen to children, we build something better. You have taught us just as much as we’ve taught you. You’ve shown us how many ways there are to speak, to learn, and to lead. To our families: Thank you for being co-creators in this journey. Your presence, participation, and trust have helped shape this community into something truly special. Thank you for reading stories as surprise guests, for helping us bring our classroom themes to life with costumes, materials, and your time. For volunteering behind the scenes, supporting school events, cleaning paint-splattered tables, and showing up even on the hard days. You’ve modeled what it means to be present, engaged, and all-in. You’ve shown our children what community really looks like. And to my colleagues, the educators who bring this vision to life every day. Your work is tender. And powerful. You are shaping the future one interaction at a time. A special thank you to Ms. Sophia, our full-time classroom aide, whose love, nurturing, humor, and artistic gifts have added so much to our days. She has a remarkable gift for seeing each child for who they truly are, and her thoughtful care has helped our classroom grow into a more joyful and nurturing space. Thank you also to Ms. Sam and Ms. Margie, who helped prepare many of our graduates in their earlier classrooms and who continue to support them each day with unwavering care and connection. Thank you for the love, the patience, the teamwork, and the integrity you bring into this space. And to Cooper, Glitter, Mango, and Kiwi. Thank you for showing us how to care for others with gentleness, how to notice the small wonders of the world, and how to stay grounded in the moment. Our classroom is more alive, more regulated, and more joyful because of you. Let us remember that what we do in early childhood is not preparation for "real life." It is real life. And it ripples outward. May the lessons we’ve lived here ripple with you, wherever you go. Let’s keep building a world where children are safe to be curious, where adults are humble enough to keep learning, and where love not fear is what guides us. Congratulations, Heights graduates. You are ready. And we are so, so proud of you. A Look Back at Graduation Day Below are portraits of each of our graduates on their special day, along with our final class photo together. These faces represent not just a milestone, but the future; bright, brave, and full of possibility. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary year. For more than 50 years, Heights Cooperative Preschool has been woven into the fabric of the Cleveland Heights community. While our name, leadership, and location have changed, our commitment has remained the same: to nurture young children through play, curiosity, and connection. We’ve grown alongside the families we serve, evolving to meet the needs of each new generation. And over the past three years, a new chapter has taken shape, led by our Director, Taryn Kaplan (they/them), known as Mx. Taryn to students and their families. Their vision, supported by a dedicated teaching team, engaged board members, and a growing community of families, has brought intentional, inclusive learning spaces to life. Classrooms Rooted in Belonging and Representation When you enter one of our classrooms, you’ll feel the care in every detail. Designed to support development and foster belonging, our learning environments reflect the beautiful diversity of our school community. Inclusivity is not just a value, it’s a practice. It’s reflected in everything from the books on our shelves to the stories we tell, the materials we offer, and the way we plan our lessons. Classroom spaces feature soft, calming colors and cozy areas for quiet moments. We use open-ended, screen and electronic-free materials that invite children to build, imagine, and explore. Our curriculum is responsive and child-centered, honoring the identities, cultures, and experiences each student brings with them. We believe children learn best when they feel seen, safe, and celebrated, and our classrooms are built with that belief at their core. From Parking Lot to Playscape: A Community-Built Transformation One of the most remarkable changes in recent years has been the transformation of our outdoor space. What was once a simple parking lot has become a dynamic and imaginative play and learning environment, shaped not just by our educators, but by our entire school community. Under the leadership of Mx. Taryn, the project has grown through collaboration with local artists, carpenters, engineers, and the children themselves. Every new space has been developed in response to the interests and needs of the children using it. Our gentle nature-loving PreK Class of 2023 helped create the garden beds, and their little painted handprints can still be seen on one of the wooden frames. The play food truck was added to spark dramatic play and bring bright color and big imagination to our yard. In 2024, a rock box was introduced to support a class full of enthusiastic builders and diggers. Most recently, we expanded imaginative play by adding a child-sized marketplace and built an irrigation system to support our garden beds. The irrigation project was created in partnership with the children as part of our construction theme. The children helped construct the layout, and their original drawings can be seen decorating the pipes. Children now enjoy:
And the work continues! This year’s contribution will be a collaborative mural on our fence, bringing even more color and creativity to our shared space. Stay tuned! Pets as Part of the Learning Experience At Heights, our commitment to nurturing the whole child includes building relationships with the world around us, including our animal companions. Pets are a beloved and meaningful part of our school community, bringing comfort, joy, and countless learning opportunities into our classrooms. Adopted at the end of the 2023 school year, Cooper, is more than a friendly face, she’s a certified therapy dog. Her training was tailored specifically for working with young children in a classroom setting, and the process itself became a valuable learning experience for our students. Trainers visited the classroom regularly, working not only with Cooper but also with the children. Together, they learned how to build trust, show empathy, and communicate respectfully. Cooper now plays a special role in our school: supporting emotional regulation, modeling gentle behavior, and helping children feel safe and grounded throughout the day. Her presence offers comfort, consistency, and a calming influence that is deeply valued by both students and staff. In the PreK classroom, Glitter the tortoise and Kiwi and Mango, our gentle guinea pigs, teach children about empathy, routine, and care through daily interactions. In the 3/4s classroom, Gingersnap the hamster is often seen snoozing in her bedding or peeking out to greet curious little faces. And in our Threes classroom, students recently welcomed a new kind of living guest: a terrarium filled with isopods. This tiny, thriving ecosystem has become a living science station that offers daily opportunities to observe natural cycles, ask questions, and practice gentle stewardship. It’s a powerful reminder that even the smallest creatures can inspire big wonder. Whether it's feeding, observing, or simply sitting quietly nearby, our classroom pets offer powerful, hands-on lessons in responsibility, compassion, and respect for all living things. A Cooperative School Built on Community At Heights Cooperative Preschool, community isn’t just something we value, it’s something we live, every day. Our families come from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities, and together they form a vibrant, supportive, and deeply connected school community. As a cooperative preschool, every family plays an essential role in shaping the daily life of our school. From serving on committees and helping plan events, to pitching in on projects or offering support behind the scenes, our families are not just participants; they’re partners. This shared investment strengthens our relationships and helps create a school environment built on trust, respect, and shared purpose. The diversity of our families brings richness to our conversations, creativity to our classrooms, and a true spirit of collaboration to everything we do. By learning, growing, and leading together, our cooperative model ensures that every voice matters and every contribution counts. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we’re even more excited for what’s ahead. Whether you're just discovering us or have been part of the Heights family for years, we hope you'll come see what we’ve created together. Come grow with us. Want to see more? Check out our virtual tour and photo gallery below to experience the magic of Heights Cooperative Preschool. |
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