The Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan is a large, multifaceted organization that creates permanent, positive change in Southeast Michigan through thoughtful philanthropy. This is especially true when it comes to health. The Community Foundation has a long history of partnering with other foundations, nonprofits, and donors to create solutions that support healthy lives – and this includes Head Start! We were excited to see Head Start was featured in their monthly newsletter highlighting how programs are spending grant funds to improve our CLASS scores.
Our very own Cristal Claussen – Program Director of Matrix Head Start – was featured in the newsletter:
“Matrix Human Services’ Head Start has increased the number of coaching staff and center managers trained to support teachers in faithfully implementing teaching strategies and improving CLASS scores, particularly within the organizational domain.”
We have more staff who know about CLASS assessments and how various practices support each domain,” said Cristal Claussen, Head Start program director at Matrix. “Every teacher and center manager—about 350 people total—have completed the CLASS primer with Teachstone.
Teachers told us they were impressed with the training,” Claussen added. “Overall, it reduced teachers’ anxiety about being assessed because they have a better overall understanding of CLASS. Their lesson plans are built with the knowledge of how to effectively deliver the HighScope curriculum and address the different CLASS domains.”
Matrix has increased coaching capacity to reach more staff and relieve anxiety, and we are grateful to be recognized by the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan for this effort.
