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Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: DeisyStory Submitted by: Deisy, Head Start Alumni, Parent, and Staff
I walked into my first Head Start classroom in 1986. As the first child of immigrant parents, my parents wanted me to have the right tools to start my education. In that classroom, we felt safe, cared for, and truly at home. Over the years, I developed a love for teaching, and from the wonderful experience I had in Head Start, I knew I wanted to work with young children one day. -
Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: CharleneStory Submitted By: Charlene, Head Start Parent
From the very beginning, my son had challenges with his speech and other developmental areas. Head Start was the perfect place for him — the environment was amazing, and all the staff members were so kind and welcoming. He attended school for about two to three months in 2024 before the fires happened and completely destroyed our home. We lost everything that day — things that were truly special to us,
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Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: Joe MoyeStory Submitted by: Joe, Head Start staff
I am a Navy veteran, and I learned how to maintain and repair weapons systems. When I entered the workforce after the military, I stayed in the industrial field, where I eventually ended up working on gold dredges in Northern California.
Unfortunately, I injured my back and went on disability. During my rehab, I began volunteering at my son’s preschool. This was a turning point in my life and career. -
Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: Maria LuzStory 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. -
Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: Stephanie
Story submitted by: Stephanie, Head Start parent & Staff
I was a fos-adopt resource parent in 2005 and cared for medically challenged babies and children. At the time, I worked for Salida School District as a Health Tech. My special-needs preemie daughter was enrolled in Early Head Start (EHS) to track her development. The staff were amazing in working with our child, who faced many challenges, and they fully included me as a hands-on parent. -
Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: Cynthia
Story Submitted By: Cynthia, Head Start staff
Before joining Head Start, I was a young immigrant woman from Belize working at Carl’s Jr., studying early childhood education while trying to make ends meet. I carried the emotional weight of a difficult childhood and a strong desire to protect children from the kinds of challenges I endured growing up. When a friend told me about a job opening at the Los Angeles Urban League Head Start program in 1998, -
Head Start California Updates
Media Release: Head Start California Celebrates Approval of New Law Adding Early Childhood Ed Representation to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SACRAMENTO, CA –Head Start California today applauded Governor Newsom for signing AB 1123, a new law that will modify the composition of the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to include members with early childhood education (ECE) experience and expertise.
“We applaud Governor Newsom for signing this bill, and we appreciate the leadership of Assemblymember Muratsuchi for authoring this measure,” said Melanee Cottrill, Executive Director, Head Start California. -
Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: GladysStory submitted by: Gladys, Head Start parent & Staff
In 1991, I moved to a small town with my family, hoping to leave behind the chaos of the big city. We built our home, started our life together, and dreamed of giving our children a better future. When my middle child turned four, I first heard about Head Start. Around that same time, my youngest daughter became very sick and had to be hospitalized. -
Head Start California Updates
Media Release: Assembly Resolution Honoring 60 Years of Head Start is Chaptered into LawFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Secretary of State has officially chaptered Assembly Joint Resolution 12 (AJR-12), honoring the 60th anniversary of Head Start and its legacy of services. The resolution affirms the Head Start’s foundational role in California’s early learning and family support systems and calls on Congress and the President of the United States to protect and increase funding for Head Start.
Authored by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (D-Silicon Valley) coauthored by Assemblymember Heather Hadwick (R-Redding), -
Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: RochelleStory submitted by: Rochelle, Head Start parent & Staff
My connection to Head Start began in 1999, when I enrolled my daughter in the Berkeley-Albany YMCA program while I pursued my Bachelor’s degree at UC Berkeley. As a young mother determined to complete my education, I relied on the care, stability, and support provided by Head Start. Without this foundation, I would not have been able to successfully finish my studies and achieve my degree.
