Head Start Forms REDI Team

posted 3/20/23 -- LCCAA Head Start is one of nine programs in Ohio to be selected to work with experts from Ohio State University on Racial, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI).

The partnership between OSU and the Ohio Head Start Association Inc. (OHSAI) meets requirements added by Head Start in 2018 to address equity, inclusiveness and cultural and linguistic responsiveness in the Parent, Family and Community Engagement framework. These are also goals under OHSAI’s strategic plan.

LCCAA’s Head Start REDI team includes Director Shauna Matelski, Ed.D., Assistant Director Stefanie Drew, Human Resources Director Carla E. Rodriguez, Family and Community Services Specialist Maria Vasquez and Griswold Site Administrator Diana Gifford.

“Relationships have a significant connection to the work that we do,” Drew said. “It is our expectation that by providing education, training and self-refection opportunities, that we can address any potential areas of inequity and foster a work environment of cultural understanding.”

Rodriguez, Gifford and Vasquez are also members of LCCAA’s Inclusion and Diversity Committee (IDC).

“The IDC is focused on celebrating workplace diversity and raising awareness on equity and inclusion. The REDI initiative supports the IDC’s efforts and vice versa,” Rodriguez said. “I’m excited about the meaningful work ahead of us.”

The LCCAA REDI team attended Racial, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion training facilitated by Ohio State University experts in February. The REDI team learned about the Equity Inventory Planning Process (EIPP) and discussed the LCCAA staff survey results. The team shared ideas on how to work alongside the IDC to address areas for improvement and development.

Click here to read the OHSAI Strategic Plan.