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Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: BrendaStory submitted by: Brenda Poteete
Executive Director, Sierra Cascade Family Opportunities Head Start and Head Start Parent
When I became a Head Start parent of two young children in 1987, I was working fulltime in a retail job and raising two children with my husband. We were enrolled in a home-based program and I went from being the shy parent who sat at the back of the room for parent meetings to being the parent committee representative and then to the chairperson of the Policy Council. -
Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: ValeryStory submitted by: Valery
Head Start Alumni, Parent, and Staff
Our Head Start story began in 1995. My mother and father were working hard to lay a strong foundation for our little family. They were immigrants with two young daughters to raise in an unfamiliar country. When I was four, they enrolled me in a Head Start program.
At that time, my mother was working the graveyard shift at a local Target. This freed her days to volunteer in the classroom and attend the parent workshops. -
Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: SebastianStory submitted by: Sebastian
Head Start Alumni
I am an alumni of UCLA’s Early Head Start Program from 2005-2006. After attending those years, I was more than prepared to tackle pre-school. My academic work ethic stuck with me since then. I became the top student in elementary school and Valedictorian in middle and high school. Currently, I attend UC Berkeley studying Mechanical Engineering.
Besides my academic trajectory, I have been impacted by the amazing opportunities to help my community. -
Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: Daniela
Story submitted by: Daniela
Head Start Alumni and Parent
Dear Head Start,
I wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation for the tremendous impact your program has had on my life and the lives of my children. When my mother, sister and I immigrated from Mexico to San Diego in 1988, I enrolled in Head Start as a young child. The compassionate staff encouraged my mother to sign up for night school classes so that both of us could learn English, -
Head Start California Updates
Remembering Senator Dianne Feinstein: A Champion for Head Start
Head Start California is saddened by the passing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, a leader whose legacy will forever resonate across our nation, throughout California, and within the Head Start community. Senator Feinstein’s unwavering support for Head Start was a testament to her dedication to enriching the lives of at-risk children and families nationwide.
Among her most notable contributions to Head Start, Senator Feinstein introduced the bipartisan Loan Forgiveness for Head Start Teachers Act of 2007, -
Head Start Stories
Head Start Cuento: MarthaPresentado por Martha
Padre de Head Start
Cuando mi hijo tenía 3 años de edad, estaba buscando desesperadamente ayuda de cuidado de niños o inscribirlo en la “escuelita” ya que era una mama, desempleada, con depresión y apunto de ir a la banca rota. Por lo cual necesitaba ayuda para poder buscar un trabajo, o ir a la escuela, superarme y darle una mejor vida.
Head Start a sido una bendición en la vida de nuestra familia. -
Head Start California Updates
It’s Head Start Awareness Month: Celebrate with us
October has arrived, marking the beginning of Head Start Awareness Month—a wonderful opportunity for us to shine a light on Head Start! With looming threats to cut Head Start funding by $750 million in FY 24, now is an urgent time to impress upon our lawmakers the profound significance of Head Start.
Last month, we put out a call for story submissions and received a total of 24 stories, each a testament to the remarkable impact of Head Start. -
Advocacy and Policy News
HSC Joins 70 Head Start Advocates from California in Washington, D.C.Over 70 Head Start staff, parents, and even children in late September travelled to Washington, D.C. to send a clear message to Congress: now is the time to invest in Head Start, not cut it. It was my privilege to accompany them, hear and share their stories, and advocate with and for them and you. This vital work was made possible by your membership in and support for Head Start California – thank you!
The National Head Start Association kicked off the event with an inspirational keynote from the Revered Senator Raphael Warnock, -
Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: NaomiStory submitted by: Naomi Byrdo
Head Start Alumni
In the tapestry of my life’s journey, the vibrant threads of Head Start have woven a narrative that resonates deeply within me, shaping not just who I am, but also my unwavering commitment to the world of education. As we approach celebrate Head Start Awareness Month this October, I am compelled to share a heartfelt story that encapsulates the profound impact this program has had on my family, -
Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: AngelicaStory submitted by: Angelica
Head Start Alumni & Teacher
Attending Migrant Head Start was an experience that left a lasting impact on my life. As a child, I knew that attending Head Start enabled my parents to go to work, however, I didn’t realize the lifelong positive outcomes I would be receiving. As I think about my time at Migrant Head Start, several memories come to mind.
I remember my mom dropping me off when it was still dark and handing me over to smiling ladies,
