Brenda and her daughter London at Brenda’s graduation. *July 2023.
SAN DIEGO – Meet Brenda and her daughter London. A mother-daughter duo whose lives have been challenged by unusual obstacles. London was born with hydrocephalus, a condition that causes fluid buildup in the brain, leading to visual impairment and partial epilepsy. “I had to stop work to be able to stay home and take care of her,” Brenda said, noting that most daycare centers wouldn’t accept London due to her special needs.
Brenda was recommended to ECS Head Start, an initiative that offers high-quality early childhood and family education at no cost to qualifying families. Although initially nervous, she soon found comfort with the Head Start team’s inclusive approach. “I was nervous at first,” said Brenda. “She had never been out of my sight.” Brenda explained that the team was very accommodating; “They allowed me to be a part of her plan, even letting me stay with her during her initial days at the center,” she said.
With the provision of necessary safety equipment and staff trained on a seizure plan, London began to thrive at Head Start. “She can be successful in a regular environment with regular children,” Brenda shared, full of pride. “It’s been wonderful to see how well she’s included, just like any other child.”
Head Start fostered London’s social skills and developmental progress and prepared her for the school district, where she continues to enjoy school and receive in-home instruction. Recounting the transformative impact of Head Start on London’s life, Brenda became emotional. “When London was born, the doctors didn’t have much hope for her. Now, she has exceeded all of our expectations and continues to grow. I’m glad she was a part of Head Start,” Brenda said. “Being in the program brought her so much joy.”
For Brenda, Head Start was also a game-changer. “It allowed me to go back to school, and as a mom, it helped me grow and know that it’s okay to let go of your children and know that there are people out there who will make sure that she’s safe and taken care of,” she said, adding that she wants families with children with similar needs to see that their kids can thrive in a regular classroom with the right tools and support.
ECS Head Start accepts children aged 0-5 and provides comprehensive wraparound services that benefit them and their families. For more about Head Start’s services, eligibility, or ECS in general, please visit www.ecscalifornia.org.
*Caption date may not be exact.
London enjoys story time with her Head Start classmates. *July 2023.
Special accommodations help London flourish in the classroom. *July 2023.