the quality childcare that ECS provides . “ Our classrooms are smaller in ratio , so we really connect and develop relationships ,” Cabrera-Jaime shared , explaining how the teachers and staff ensure that “ our children are ready , not just academically , but socially and emotionally .”
Heidi Avent ( third from left ), Family Engagement Specialist ; Rosa Cabrera-Jaime ( fourth from left ), Director of Early Education & Family Services enjoy themselves with the other Head Start staff members .
The program creates a trajectory of success for students and their families . “ Head Start is known for removing barriers from families so they can return to the job force ,” Cabrera-Jaime explained . One example of this success is Heidi Avent , a former Head Start parent , and the program ’ s current Family Engagement Specialist . Avent had two sons go through the program , and when they enrolled , she became a volunteer . Now , she has been working with Head Start for nearly 30 years . “ It feels like I haven ’ t worked a day in 26 years ,” Avent said . “ I feel like I ’ m going to my family . That ’ s what it ’ s been to me all these years .” Avent expressed her appreciation for how the program helped her learn to advocate for her kids and equip her with the necessary resources .
Head Start cares for and educates its students , but the
support goes further than that . Many who qualify struggle with issues such as gaining access to healthcare , food , and shelter , finding services for children with disabilities , or combatting domestic violence . Head Start also has many clients on welfare , in foster care , recently migrated , or first-generation U . S . citizens . Wraparound services such as family and community engagement programs , parenting education , child developmental screenings , services for children with disabilities and pregnant women , behavioral health services , and referrals help these difficult situations .
Head Start is free for qualifying families . Eligibility includes CalFresh / SNAP recipients , CalWORKs / TANF recipients , SSI recipients , Foster / Kinship families , families experiencing homelessness , and lowincome families . The program is available to children ages 0-5 , and additional services are offered to pregnant women .
DiMaggio Cazares , former Head Start student , receives his diploma from Wagner College .
Head Start is one of several community-based programs offered by ECS . To learn more , visit www . ecscalifornia . org .
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