SAN DIEGO — Before entering the Head Start program, Yanina and her son DiMaggio were trying to get by. They needed resources to help their situation, especially regarding DiMaggio’s education. “My son was at daycare before he started the program,” Yanina said. “Little to nothing was about learning or education.” Luckily, after two years of non-nurturing childcare, Yanina’s family found their way to ECS Head Start. DiMaggio was a Head Start student for three years, and “once he started kindergarten, he was ready and always wanted to learn more,” his mother shared. Yanina expressed how Head Start “helped our son excel in his scholastics and gave him a strong foundation while making learning fun.” 

Now DiMaggio is leading a successful and fulfilling life. He landed scholarships, graduated magna cum laude, and is pursuing his CPA degree. His mother believes that Head Start set DiMaggio up for success and is proud of their participation in the program. One of Yanina’s granddaughters is currently attending Head Start, and she already sees how the program is giving her a strong foundation and setting her on a trajectory of success, just like it did for her uncle.

Head Start offers quality childcare, education, and wraparound services through Center-Based and Home-Based programs. Rosa Cabrera-Jaime, ECS’ Director of Early Education & Family Services, discussed the quality childcare that ECS provides. “Our classrooms are smaller in ratio, so we really connect and develop relationships,” Cabrera-Jaime stated, explaining how the teachers and staff ensure that “our children are ready, not just academically, but socially and emotionally.”

The program creates a trajectory of success for students and their families. “Head Start is known for removing barriers from families so they can return to the job force,” Cabrera-Jaime explained. One example of this success is Heidi Avent, a former Head Start parent, and the program’s current Family Engagement Specialist. Avent had two sons go through the program, and when they enrolled, she became a volunteer. Now, she’s been working with Head Start for nearly 30 years. “It feels like I haven’t worked a day in 26 years,” Avent said. “I feel like I’m going to my family. That’s what it’s been to me all these years.” Avent expressed her appreciation for how the program helped her learn to advocate for her kids and equip her with the necessary resources.

One of the most significant advantages of Head Start is the resources that assist families like Yanina’s and the Avents. Head Start cares for and educates its students, but the support offered by the program goes further than that. Many who qualify struggle with issues such as accessing healthcare, food, and shelter, finding services for children with disabilities, or combatting domestic violence. Head Start also has many clients receiving public assistance, in foster care, recently migrated, or first-generation U.S. citizens. Wraparound services such as family and community engagement programs, parenting education, child developmental screenings, services for children with disabilities and pregnant women, behavioral health services, and referrals help these difficult situations. 

Yanina shared how helpful these resources were for her. “I’m so grateful and glad I was part of the ECS family,” said Yanina. Heidi Avent certainly reciprocated the feeling. “[Head Start] benefited our whole household,” she said. “They equipped me with the tools to become a better person and parent.” Avent finished off her story by stating, “Head Start works. They broke the cycle of poverty in my family.” Now she is helping do the same for thousands of other families.

Head Start is free for qualifying families. Eligibility includes CalFresh/SNAP recipients, CalWORKs/TANF recipients, SSI recipients, Foster/Kinship families, families experiencing homelessness, and low-income families. The program is available to children ages 0-5, and additional services are offered to pregnant women. “As soon as the mom becomes pregnant, that’s when the education begins, and we work with those parents from prenatal to age five,” Cabrera-Jaime explained.

Head Start is one of several community-based programs offered by ECS. To learn more, visit ecscalifornia.org. 

*Caption date may not be exact.