Story submitted by: Maria Luz, Head Start parent & Staff

I came to this country 32 years ago, as a young person who didn’t speak any English. After a year of being here, I got married and had my first child; two years later, my second child was born. One day, I saw a flyer about Head Start at my doctor’s office. I called and enrolled my firstborn in the program and that’s when everything started to change. My home-based Family Educator helped me enroll in college classes and encouraged me to continue my education. She taught my family and me about child development and the importance of being involved in our children’s education. She also supported me in setting goals for myself and my family and encouraged me to participate as a Policy Council Representative. That experience helped me realize just how important a parent’s voice is in their child’s education.

After a year in the program, my English began to improve, and I could understand more each day. When my child transitioned from the home-based program to a center-based classroom, he began learning English and preparing for kindergarten. The teachers supported both my child and my family, involving us in every school activity and making us feel welcome. By that time, I had completed nearly nine units in Child Development through my local college. Soon after, Head Start hired me as a substitute teacher, and when a Teacher Aide position opened, I applied and was hired in 2002. All thanks to the encouragement and support of the Head Start staff.

Head Start even helped me pay for my college books. After five years with the program, I graduated from the local community college with an AA in Child Development and later applied for a teaching position. I was hired as a Master Teacher, but new challenges arose when the Office of Head Start required that 50% of teaching staff hold a BA degree. Once again, with the financial and career support of Head Start, I earned my BA in Child Development in 2013.

I work for Head Start because it is not just my job; Head Start is my lifestyle. Thanks to them, I have overcome all the barriers presented to me since I moved to this country. I am blessed to have raised my children, two upstanding citizens serving this country. My son has served this country in the United States Air Force for the past ten years, serving and respecting it. My daughter works as a nurse at a hospital, serving others. Without Head Start, my husband and I wouldn’t have been able to guide our children the way we did, and I wouldn’t have the opportunities I have today. In 2015, I had the chance to apply for the Education Services Manager position, and I was granted it. I have been in this position for the last 10 years, and I serve families and children with the same, if not more, love and passion than I was shown as a parent. Head Start is more than a program; it is an opportunity for those who see no hope when there is one. I can’t change the world, but I can change one’s family life the way that Head Start changed my life one day!