Coolspring Head Start class learns about feelings

Helping children learn to express what they feel was key to a celebration of  Children's Mental Health Awareness Week May 5-11 at the Coolspring Head Start Center.

During a may 7 visit, Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, visited the center to talk to children about emotions. Lopez read "Glad, Sad, Silly, Mad ... I Have Feelings Too" to a class of 3-5-year-olds who attend preschool and daycare classes at the Coolspring center.

Instructors use stories and other tools to help children learn words that fit their emotions so they can express what they are feeling, said Cara Melendez, center director.

"We try to teach the kids self-regulation," Melendez said.

"Our goal is to improve families as well as children," Melendez said. "Here we connect the families with resources to help them better their situations."

Lopez also recognized Coolspring Head Start teachers for their work in improving mental health awareness among the students.

In addition to regular classes in Coolspring, the center will offer summer daycare for children ages 3 to 10 years old. The daycare is open 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eligibility guidelines are available by calling the center at 302-684-3235.

In Delaware, Head Start is operated by the Telamon Corporation.