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Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: OlgaStory submitted by: Olga, Head Start parent and staff
As I began my education career at Woodland Community College, one of my electives was Early Childhood Development, and one of the requirements was to observe a childcare center. I went into a Head Start center and signed up to volunteer. I was very nervous, but the moment I saw the classroom, I had the best feeling. I knew I was in the right place and wanted to pursue this career. -
Head Start Stories
Head Start Cuento de JulianaStory submitted by: Juliana, Head Start parent
El programa está ayudando a mi hijo a ser más independiente de mamá; él busca realizar las cosas por sí solo. Esto se debe a la enseñanza de las maestras del programa. A mí también me ha ayudado a tener tiempo para realizar todas las tareas pendientes del hogar y, además, a tener la oportunidad de buscar un empleo, ya que ya no estoy preocupada por quién cuide a mi hijo. -
Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: RandiStory submitted by: Randi Head Start alumni, parent and staff
I am Head Start!
I started in Head Start as a young child back in 1980! I remember it vividly as we had actual nails, hammer and wood to practice with outside. As I got older, I did not have any interest in school, as I was a child of a depressed, drug-addicted mom. I struggled in school and only went because it was the only place I could receive a free hot meal. -
Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: JoyceStory submitted by: Joyce, Head Start parent and staff
Back in 1987, I lived in a small community called Orange Cove, California, located southeast of Fresno near the foothills. It was mostly made up of farm workers, and I was one of them, picking oranges in the fields. To be able to work, I needed to enroll my son in preschool, so I signed him up for the Orange Cove Head Start EOC Program. -
Advocacy and Policy News
AB 1930 Lifts 10-Year Limit on Associate Teacher PermitsGovernor Newsom on September 27 signed into law AB 1930, which will remove the 10-year limit on Associate Teacher Permits. The bill will go into effect no later than April 30, 2025, at which point Associate Teacher Permit holders will be able to renew their permits every five years upon completion of 105 hours of professional development. In the meantime, our team is working with the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to clarify the reinstatement process for those associate teachers who have recently lost their permits or will lose them between now and April 30.
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Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: AdrianaStory submitted by: Adriana, Head Start parent and staff
When I separated from my partner and became a single mother of three, I needed a job to support my family. Fortunately, I found support for my daughter through the Head Start Home-Based program. Eventually I transitioned her to a center-based program. While she was enrolled, I was encouraged to join the Policy Council, which later led to a role on the Board of Directors as the Policy Council Representative. -
Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: JoyStory submitted by: Joy, Head Start Parent, and Staff
I live in a small community, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving three generations of children from many families. I know I’m making a difference, and I truly love what I do. My journey with the program began in 1984 when I was a parent. A teacher visited my home and helped both my child and me develop positive skills. My son had special needs at the time, -
Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: BelindaStory 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. -
Advocacy and Policy News
Pausing the Fire Marshal’s Unjustified Class Size Limitation
Written by: Melanee Cottrill, Executive Director, Head Start California
We did it! Our request to pause the State Fire Marshal’s new class size limit of five has been included in a budget trailer bill. The bill was passed by the legislature and we expect the Governor to sign it in September. Thank you to everyone who made this possible by signing letters, completing our survey, and making licensing aware of your challenges. -
Head Start California Updates
Introducing Gricelda Ocegueda: HSC’s New Engagement CoordinatorHead Start California is thrilled to welcome its newest team member, Gricelda Ocegueda, who joins us as the Engagement Coordinator. In this vital role, Gricelda will spearhead the support for HSC’s five signature conferences and a range of other learning opportunities. Her responsibilities will encompass program coordination, registration management, speaker coordination, and on-site support. Additionally, she will actively engage with members at cluster meetings and contribute to the association’s social media, advocacy, and outreach efforts.
Gricelda brings a wealth of experience in event support,
