Client names have been changed for privacy purposes.

Jeanette, a dedicated mother from Ensenada, Baja California, shares her transformative experience with the ECS Head Start program. After relocating to the United States for better opportunities, Jeanette faced language barriers and was unfamiliar with the community. The Head Start program provided educational support for her daughter and helped Jeanette access essential resources, such as medical services, WIC, and food pantries. The program's focus on parental involvement, children's well-being, and holistic development helped Jeanette's daughter flourish socioemotionally while simultaneously empowering Jeanette to set and achieve short and long-term goals for her family.

As Jeanette became more engaged with the Head Start program, she took advantage of the various initiatives offered, including Rady's Children's programs, savings programs, and workshops on injury prevention and lead exposure. With guidance from caring educators like Ms. Imelda, Ms. Lorena, and Mr. Sotomayor, Jeanette found a supportive community and discovered her passion for working with preschool children. Through her participation in the program, she has become a substitute teacher in the district and is working towards a long-term contract. Additionally, Jeanette is a member of the ECS Head Start policy committee, which directly impacts the program by providing valuable parental insight.

As Jeanette's family continues to thrive, her story highlights the life-changing impact the ECS Head Start program has on both children and parents, laying the groundwork for a brighter future.