My Head Start Story: Belinda

Story submitted by: Belinda, Head Start Parent, and Staff

My son Robert was born very premature and was treated at Children’s Hospital in Oakland. I didn’t know about Head Start until the hospital told me about it when Robert was turning 3 in 1988. Since there was no classroom option at the time, he became a home-based student. I learned so much about his development that I wanted to get more involved, so I volunteered daily. His teacher noticed how great I was with children and encouraged me to go to school.

In 1990, I became a teacher assistant at Head Start, and later earned my AA Degree in 2003. I often talked to parents about how beneficial the program was for me and my family. When I had another child in 1994, I recognized early signs of ADHD and speech issues in him, thanks to what I’d learned from Head Start. His teachers and pediatrician confirmed it, and I knew how to help him through his education.

Head Start was a blessing in our lives. It helped my premature son thrive and taught me how to grow with him. Today, Robert is 39, a physical therapist, and a nutritional teacher. My youngest son, now 29, adapted to ADHD, graduated high school, and is now a wonderful father, teaching his daughter the value of self-esteem and kindness.

Over the past 31 years with Head Start, I’ve gone from a teacher assistant to a teacher and then a Site Supervisor for 12 years. When COVID hit, I became a Family Advocate to share my story and support other parents. I didn’t want the home-based program at first, but it was the best decision I ever made.

Enroll your child in the best program you’ll ever need. Not only does it educate your child, it educates you and supports the whole family! I LOVE HEAD START!