I was a student at the Jefferson-Clarion Head Start program from 1987 to 1989 at the Knox Center. As the youngest of four I was the only one in my family to attend Head Start and during my time at Head Start my mother became a classroom aide and eventually the office manager at the Jefferson-Clarion Head Start main offices long after I completed the preschool program.

My mother divorced my father when I was very young after years of an abusive marriage and when I was three the opportunity for me to attend Head Start and for her to become an active volunteer presented itself and she seized the opportunity for both of us.

Head Start gave me the two years of pre school (now called pre-k) that I needed to succeed when I started elementary school and more than that it instilled a confidence in my mother that no one had ever seen before. I credit Head Start for putting us both where we are today.

Today, as a husband and a father to a 7 and 3 year old I understand the enormous value of early childhood education, not just for children, but for a child’s entire family.

As the first male in my family who has earned both a bachelors and masters degree I know this would have never been achieved without Head Start being the catalyst that pushed my Mother and I to gain confidence and break a generational cycle of abuse and missed opportunities and teach her and I that achieving our dreams were not out of reach.

Today my mother has four adult children all in our 40’s and 50’s, 8 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. My children, Elliana and Zane Maddox (pictured above) are both excelling academically and socially in no small part due to my wife Kristi and I’s ability to provide them with wonderful home and educational environments where they can be uniquely themselves with the love and support of the people around them.

In fact, all of my siblings, my nieces and nephews, and now a 3rd generation of children are all thriving and succeeding in large part to my mother and I’s experience in Head Start.

I’ve included a recent picture of my wife, children and I on vacation a few weeks ago. A lot of people ask me what my favorite thing is and I always respond very genuinely “being a dad”.

The best part of my day is driving my son to preschool and my daughter to elementary school and reminding them of three things: 1) Be Kind 2) Try your Hardest and 3) Have Fun. I remind them if they do those three things then they’ll have a pretty great day.

Some moments quietly change your whole path.

For me, it was three hours inside a Head Start classroom for a college course observation.

In just a few hours, I saw something different: children learning through play. Head Start didn’t just allow it—they celebrated it. That evening, I applied to be an Early Head Start home visitor and proudly held that role for the next five years.

In that role, I learned what matters most: the relationship with families. If we don’t take time to connect with a family, we can’t fully serve the child. The relationships I built were the most meaningful part of my work:

• The mother who called for help getting a protection from abuse order.

• The family headed to the hospital for early delivery who needed a hospital bag.

• The grandmother who relapsed but called to make sure Children & Youth could step in.

• The mom who handed me her two-day-old baby.

• The father who opened up about his mental health and started therapy.

• The dad who thought these services were “for moms,” and ended up having more to share than others.

• The mom who overcame her fear of birds and finally got her driver’s license—for the first time, she stepped outside and kept going.

• The mom who not only used parenting strategies at home, but shared them with her friends.

• The family who passed their citizenship test, celebrating their future together.

• And the parents who received the keys to their first home—at the exact same time I was purchasing my first home.

• We stood at different doorsteps, but we were both stepping into something new.

  
  

These families trusted me with their hardest moments—and showed me the power of Early Head Start not just as a program, but as possibly the only genuine relationship a caregiver may have.

Now, as Associate Director of the Pennsylvania Head Start Association, I’m honored every day to advocate for children and families—and to invest in the growth and development of the staff who make this work possible.

Because when families receive the trust, respect, and support they deserve—they thrive.

That’s why Head Start works.

And that’s why I’m here.

My name is Erica Peterson and I am the Planning & Development Specialist at Blair County Head Start at Child Advocates of Blair County, Inc. (Blair County, PA). This is my 22nd year working in the Head Start program, starting my career here as a new graduate of Penn State University.

I was hired as a Family Service Worker, where I collaborated closely with families to identify their strengths and needs, helping them set meaningful goals for both their children and the family as a whole. In this role, I connected families to vital community resources such as healthcare, nutrition programs, housing assistance, and mental health services.

Our work as FSWs created a strong link between home and school, empowering families to advocate for themselves and their children while fostering a supportive environment for growth and success.

Since 2005, I have worked closely with the Executive Director and program management team to ensure compliance with federal regulations in Program Design and Management. Some of my responsibilities include coordinating the submission of federal, state, and local grants, overseeing the publication of the program’s Annual Report, and coordinating the program’s Self-Assessment and Community Assessment processes.

In addition, I manage the program’s social media presence and collaborate with the Director and leadership team to raise community awareness of Head Start services, while supporting both client and staff recruitment efforts.

Being a part of both direct service and administrative work, I have been able to see firsthand the impacts of the Head Start program from start to finish. From collecting data to include in our grant applications and program reports, to seeing the accomplishments of a family who has endured and overcome the challenges of poverty, to seeing a child in the classroom grow and excel with the supports that the Head Start program provides -- I have been blessed to be able to see full circle how state and federal Head Start dollars are put to work and how vital they are to support the most vulnerable children in our communities.

It’s rare these days to find someone who has dedicated their entire career to one organization or program straight out of graduation, yet that’s exactly what I’ve done with the Head Start program. As I reflect on my journey, I realize how much I’ve grown, both personally and professionally, through the experiences, challenges, and accomplishments I’ve encountered.

Head Start has been more than just a workplace; it’s where I’ve “grown up.” Watching the successes of the children and families who pass through our doors, knowing that we’ve provided them with opportunities they may not have had otherwise, is incredibly rewarding.

The impact of Head Start extends far beyond the children—it touches the entire community and profoundly shapes the lives of those of us who have the privilege of doing this important work.

The practice of using the emotion wheel and doing “check-ins” has made the most noticeable impact on my day-to-day. When I engage myself with this process, I find it to be grounding and useful in a way that not only impacts myself but my spouse as well in a positive way.

This is because the act of simply identifying a current state of mind allows me to feel more in tune with my body. If I share that information with my spouse, she is then not trying to read my mind. The same goes for me checking in with her. The emotion wheel doesn’t always have an accurate description, so in those times, doing something like taking a walk can help find the words I was looking for.

I would also include the topic of brain connections and understanding behaviors as something that stuck with me and has been of great help. By learning the reasoning behind both pleasant and negative behaviors, I have grown more empathetic toward my children.

So when my kids are wreaking havoc inside the house, I try to remember that they are in an environment unnatural to their ancestral history. These negative behaviors are linked to an overabundance of right angles and a lack of fractal objects in their visual field. Then I think, better take them outside for a bit—compared to thinking, "Why won’t these kids just calm down?"

The difference I’ve noticed in my quality of life since implementing the stated practice and since more fluently understanding and labeling the brain connections has been night and day. I am confident that through mastering these, I am better equipped to build upon my toolkit in the role of fatherhood.

In 1975, my family suffered a great loss. My father was killed in an accident. This left my mother, 32 at the time, alone to raise 3 young children. At the same time, a Head Start classroom opened its doors in a very small rural community called Ringtown, located in Schuylkill County, Pa. It was the beginning of the Head Start Program in Schuylkill County.

In 1976, I was 3 years old, I attended that Head Start, in addition, Head Start provided a job to my mother. I am fifty-one years old now and I still have fond memories of my Head Start years, especially memories of feeling safe and loved.

Fast forward many years....In 2009, I became a Head Start teacher for the same program that had me as a child. The program had grown tremendously and had gained a very good reputation. My youngest son, Jeremy also attended the program.

When I first started, I had my Associate's Degree, but was capable of going back to school to obtain my Bachelor's Degree in 2015. This past August, I celebrated working for Child Development Inc. - Schuylkill County, Pa - 15 years!

In addition, my oldest son, J.T. works for the program as well. Upon graduating from high school in 2017, J.T. began working for the program in 2019. Through hard work and support from our program, he was able to obtain his CDA and along with me celebrating my 15 years, he celebrated his 5th year! The picture above is of me and J.T. with our awards.

So, what does Head Start mean to me? Everything! I was a student, a parent, and now a Teacher. The program has taught me so many important factors, has opened my eyes to many experiences, and continues to fill my heart everyday.

My Head Start story started in 2008 when I got a job with my local Head Start, not knowing much at all about the program. I slowly learned, and fell in love with, what my coworkers called “the Head Start way”.

In my words, the Head Start way means putting children and families first, seeing their potential, and helping them to see their potential. It means listening to what children and families are telling you, sometimes with their words and sometimes with their actions. Finally, it means truly valuing every single one of them, regardless of any past interactions you’ve had. Head Start is the best early childhood education program out there. I moved on from my first Head Start job to a job in a neighboring county, where I became the Executive Director of a Head Start and Child Care program. This is not a position that I ever could have imagined myself in, but it perfectly fits my journey. So, when my son arrived through the foster care system, I was excited to sign him up for Head Start. In some ways, I was lucky that his adoption was delayed so that he could go to a Head Start program... that same program where I started. The staff there were still amazing and my son’s teacher exceptional. His teacher saw him for who he truly was and helped to nurture him and teach him in a way that wouldn’t have been possible elsewhere. She loved him and valued his personality and helped teach him how to be successful in a school environment. When the unthinkable happened, the staff helped to pick me up. His teacher supported us in ways I didn’t know I needed. The staff understood when I didn’t feel safe sending my son to kindergarten and encouraged me to advocate. They prepared both of us in every possible way for his transition to kindergarten. After two years at Head Start, my son sailed through kindergarten transitions and was confident on his first day of school. In fact, the first half of the year was mostly review for him. He was adorably annoyed that he had to learn about letters, letter sounds, and numbers again when he’d already learned “the letters 37 times in Head Start” and “already know math because 1+1 is 2 and 2+2 is 4 and 10+10 is 20!” My journey with Head Start proves what we’ve always known: when we believe in children and families, there is no limit to what they can become.

In the late 1990s, I was a child enrolled in ALSM Bedford/ Fulton Head Start. Head Start started my journey of learning. Head Start empowered my mom to be active in my education.

My mom was active in the program, when I completed Head Start, my mom then became active in the PTO when I was in elementary school. My mom always mentions how Head Start empowered her to get her drivers license.

Head Start allowed me to socialize with other children my age. At Head Start, I made my first friend, which I am still friends with to this day. I am thankful for Head Start.

Like many things in my life, things came full circle. After completing my master’s degree in special education, I took a job with Bedford/ Fulton Head Start and Bedford Early Head Start as the Behavior intervention Specialist, then as a Head Start classroom teacher, and then as the Mental Health/ Disabilities Manager.

I am very grateful to work in the Head Start program that I attended as a child. I love that I am able to work to make a difference for children and their families like Head Start did for my family and me.

—Codie H. Delozier, M.Ed., LBS

Hi there, my name is Toscha Blalock. I grew up in the Mon Valley in Western PA in a multigenerational household with my mom, grandmother, step-grandfather, and my cousins - six siblings who lost their parents. As the 4-year old baby of the family (my cousins ranged from 6 to 12 years older than me), I was surrounded by fun, laughter and lots of love! I was mostly shielded from the difficulties of living in a house with 10 people, but my young mom weathered the struggles and was determined that I would have the educational opportunities that she never had. So she enrolled me in Head Start.

Going to Head Start was a respite of fun and learning for me within my busy home life. The love of learning was planted early by my wonderful Head Start teachers and I was reading books before I started Kindergarten. Not only did I have a true “head start”, but it had lasting impacts, leading me to become the first person in my family to graduate from college.

I’m so proud to be a Head Start graduate and I had an incredible opportunity to pay it forward by leading Maternity Care Coalition’s Early Head Start program in Philadelphia and Montgomery counties for six years during my career.

At present, it’s my honor to support the program nationally through the Ideal Learning Head Start Network which includes Head Start program leaders from across the country who provide unique curricular approaches (Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and many others!) to meet the needs of children and families in their communities.

I’ll always be a Head Start supporter, advocate and grateful beneficiary. And I am determined to do all I can to make sure that we continue to preserve and improve Head Start so that the next generations of children benefit from this important program!

I didn’t grow up in Head Start. My child didn’t attend Head Start. But I’ve lived Head Start—first as a teacher, and now as an intensive behavioral coach—and I can honestly say it changed the entire direction of my life.

Right out of college, I began teaching at BCHS, planning to work while earning my master’s degree. At the time, I was on track to become a principal. But the more time I spent at Head Start, the more I fell in love—with the program, the people, and the purpose. I saw firsthand just how supportive and resourceful this agency is—not only for children, but for families and staff as well. Everyone here truly cares, and that kind of care is powerful. It’s inspiring. It made me shift my graduate focus to family and community services—because I wanted to stay. I wanted to make a difference where it really mattered.

Over the years, I’ve worked in public schools, private schools, and daycares—but nothing compares to what Head Start offers. The curriculum, the enhancements, the trauma-informed and healing-centered practices—it’s all designed to give every child a strong start, no matter their story. As a teacher for six years, I poured my heart into the classroom. It’s not an easy job. It takes so much love, compassion, and strength to meet children and families where they are. But it’s also the most rewarding work you can do. The bonds formed, the impact made—those tearful goodbyes at the end of the year say it all.

Now, as a behavioral coach, I get to support all classrooms, helping them grow and thrive. I still see that magic happen every day—teachers going above and beyond, children building resilience, families being empowered, and classrooms full of warmth, safety, and love. Honestly, I wish my daughter could have attended Head Start. It’s that special.

Head Start works. I’m living proof. And I’ll never stop advocating for the life-changing work we do.

For me, Head Start began at the age of 2-ish, maybe 3, when my sister attended. My mother volunteered in the classroom, and myself… well, she couldn’t leave that baby at home! So I “attended” for about three years at the Everett location.

I remember the bus picking me up. It was a bit of a drive from Osterburg, PA, to Everett, PA. I’ll never forget the gingerbread man hunt and finding where he was hidden. They asked, “How did you find him?” and I replied, “I could smell him.”

Fast forward 20-some years. I have a beautiful boy named Ezra. He was super smart for a 3-year-old but needed social and emotional interaction with peers. Head Start came along, and I just happened to live in Everett, not even realizing it was the same building where I had attended Head Start.

During my son’s second year of Head Start, I was a single mother and heartbroken because my job was moving me to third shift after a layoff. The reality hit that I would only see my boy on the weekends, and my momma heart just couldn’t do it. So I decided to job search and applied at Head Start.

I attended a parent event with Head Start and had just been hired as a substitute teacher’s assistant in the classroom. During the event, my son’s teacher said they would need a bus attendant and encouraged me to apply for that position. I did immediately—and, with perfect timing, they were already going to call and offer it to me!

I got to be home every night, every weekend, every holiday and snow day, and all summer with my oldest. What beautiful time I was able to have with him.

I then moved into classroom work after attaining my CDA and worked as a teacher’s assistant at the New Paris location for two years during COVID. When a position in the office became available for the summer as the Secretary/Receptionist, I applied and accepted the job.

Almost three years later, I’ve become the Program Assistant. Since then, my family has grown, and I’m blessed with another beautiful boy named Daxter, who is enrolled in the Early Head Start Program with a home visitor. His eyes light up when his PCE comes. He truly enjoys his one-on-one time with his teacher.

I’ve got the Head Start heart.

My parents along with two of my siblings, Ana and Kiko, migrated from Mexico to the United States not knowing the language, no money, no vehicle, no housing, but in hope for a better life. Eventually, they had 6 children and during those years my mother discovered Head Start. Growing up, my family always emphasized the importance of education.

Even before kindergarten, my parents enrolled me and my five siblings in Head Start. Along with us, word-of-mouth allowed several of my cousins and family friends to also attended the program throughout the years. My father no longer had to jump from job to job and found something stable while also being able to provide for the whole family.

Eventually, my mother also played a significant role in Head Start, working as a kitchen manager for over 10 years. She ensured that all the children in the program received nutritious meals every day, understanding the importance of proper nutrition in a child's development.

Head Start was more than just a preschool for us; it was a place where were able to learn English and properly interact with other children, made friends, and built a foundation for our academic success. The teachers and staff at Head Start were dedicated individuals who nurtured our curiosity and encouraged us to explore the world around us. They taught us the basics while also instilled in us values like kindness, respect, and perseverance.

I was so inspired by the experience in Head Start that I wanted to give back and started my career as an assistant teacher myself. I always tried my best to help children discover their potential and develop a love for learning, just like our teachers did for us. Holly, my boss, saw my potential and gave me the opportunity to grow and gave me a chance to work for her team as Deputy of Direct Services Administrator. Two of my sisters are now also working for the Head Start program and giving back as well.

Head Start was not just a stepping stone for us; it was a supportive community that shaped us into the individuals we are today. The friendships we formed in Head Start are still strong to this day, and the lessons we learned continue to guide us through life's challenges. It was a place where we felt safe, valued, and empowered to reach our full potential.

Right now, my 3-year-old son is attending. My son has always had separation issues, and I made that known during his first home visit with his teacher, Miss Anna, so she knew from day one that he would need time to adjust.

She and her assistant, Miss Marie, have been AMAZING with him. They have helped him adjust to being away from home, go to school, make friends, and learn. Now he loves school!

I can’t thank them enough for being so amazing, loving, caring, and nurturing with my boy. I love the Greenwood Head Start staff, no doubt, and would recommend them to anyone and everyone.

Growing up with a physically and verbally abusive mother, Head Start was the only place my sister and I were guaranteed to get a hot meal.

It was the only safe place I had to go at 3, 4, and 5 years old. 280 Rivington Street, New York, NY 10002 was the address, I will never forget it because it was a safe place in my very young years.

Leo, I believe at that time was the Director, he was the person who contacted ACS and got my sister and I out of an abusive home. He saw the bruises, he saw the messy hair, the burns and bites, and he saw the long shirts in the middle of summer.

Leo never knew the impact he had on my life, I wish I would have gotten the chance to show him where my sister and I ended up, he would have been proud.
Head Start Alumni 1988-1990
Head Start Parent 2012-2014

Social Services was a constant in my young life. My mother was very abusive. Once Leo stepped in and got us out of there and into my father's home, we started doing better. We began thriving in school and learned how to not be afraid of my mother when she entered a room. As I got older, I wanted to be a part of some change in the world so, I got an Associates Degree in Human Services.

I remember moving to this area in 2010 from California and thinking, " I have to find a Head Start program for my daughter because it was so good for me." After some time, I did. My daughter's experience was great!

After my daughter was off to kindergarten, i was able to go to school and get my Human Services degree, for a while, I was interning here at CCDP Head Start

Currently, I hold an admin position with CCDP Head Start where I am able to work with all the service area managers. It's great to be a part of such an amazing team of people.

My journey in life has been a wild rollercoaster ride. Growing up, I did not have all the opportunities available to assist low-income families. We had 7 people (only 2 kids) living in a double-wide trailer for a several years of my childhood. It was hard to make ends meet for those of us in the lower income working class.

Thankfully, I did not need as much help in school, but my siblings would have benefited from early intervention. As I grew up, I realized how blessed I was to even have a family.

Once I started a family of my own, the future seemed much brighter. I met my husband of 6 years when he traveled to my state (Indiana) to meet up with our mutual friend. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Eventually I moved here to PA, we got married, and I was blessed with my bonus son.

When the adoption was finalized, I made every step I could to help him in life. By the time this happened, he was having to take Kindergarten for the second time. He was not given the opportunity of any early intervention services or Head Start. The situation he had to go through did not allow it, nor was there the right services in the area he lived in.

My son has struggled for YEARS because of his lack of resources in the years of his life that mattered the most. Socially and emotionally he did not fit in with a regular classroom. It took 2 1/2 years of specialized classes before he was able to be in a regular classroom full time. Had early head start and head start services been available in his area, he may not have had to retake Kindergarten or be in a specialized classroom for so long.

When our daughter came along, I was unaware of the services in my area. I struggled through my pregnancy and the first 2 years of her life trying to make ends meet, but when she was 2 I was introduced to Cenclear's Early Head Start Program. Our home visitor was an absolute blessing.

I was able to connect to the community. I volunteered for the preschool and also joined Policy Council. Being a part of the voice behind the school was an amazing experience. I gained a lot of knowledge and found my passion in life.

During my daughter's first year of Head Start, I was asked if I would like to apply for a position of a Family Service Worker at her center. In the beginning, I was unsure if I was going to be a good fit. I had done nothing but worked in food service and factories my whole work-life. The employees and my family & friends encouraged me to go for it anyways.

It has been a little over a year now that I have been employed for Cenclear. I have had the most amazing experiences. I also found my passion in life is helping children and people in general.

Starting this job encouraged me to go back to school. I am almost done with my associates in Psychology and will be going for my Bachelor's degree in the Fall. My coworkers are very supportive of me and my family.

Being able to help and empower the families on my caseload gives me the greatest feeling. I am beyond blessed to be able to also support the teachers. I absolutely LOVE volunteering in the classrooms, especially to paint with the kids.

Head start has been a blessing in helping me teach my daughter great social and emotional skills. Along the way, I have also learned how to regulate my own emotions and help my loved ones as well. I have been able to budget our income better and we are doing the best we have ever been.

Head start has been a huge blessing in my life and I could not imagine where I would be without it!

This is so much more than just a classroom door. It’s a testament to a year of growth.

They drew their families and then built their homes.

• -a kid drew actual figures and was able to express who they were in a strong confident voice when they started the year with scribbles and a whisper.

• -a kid who was hyper fixated on drawing the same thing for months drew their family and spelled out who they drew.

• -a kid sat for a small group and finished it successfully when they have a hard time following a schedule.

• -a kid managed their emotions and kept going when they messed up.

• -a kid heard the directions I gave but explained to me why they did their project different. They understood the objective but wanted to give their house a look that felt like their real house and felt comfortable doing what made the most sense to them and communicating that, because they know their different ideas are supported and welcomed.

• -a kid who couldn’t hold a pencil or sit in a chair in the beginning proudly sat tall and held their marker with the perfect grip.

• -compliments flowed as they looked at each others projects because they genuinely care about how they make each other feel.

• -they cheered each other on and shared materials when one messed up and had to rebuild their house because it didn’t work.

• -they talked confidently about what makes their families special to each other.

  
  

Each and every single one of them is walking out of that door this year with an amazing tale of growth. The new things they’ve learned, the prior knowledge they’ve expanded, the skills they’ve fine tuned, the friendships they’ve built, the relationships they’ve grown, the love they’ve felt, the love they’ve given and every little thing in between.

I know that if Head Start would cease to exist I could find another job in early childhood education. But it wouldn’t be the same, it wouldn’t be this. Head start has given me and these families such a unique opportunity to build together.

Head start has given them the tools they needed to be successful as a family and they’ve given me the tools I needed to grow as an educator that can help them grow and meet their goals. We’ve become a team and that is what we needed to be as successful as we have been this year.

Hello, this is my son, Lucas, he is 4 years old, it is his first year and I can say that I love HEAD START. My son loves his school and he is happy every day when he goes to class. CHURCHVIEW has a wonderful team all the staff is wonderful and I could not be more grateful.

My son has speech delay and also showed developmental delays. He could hardly communicate when his preschool began! I was so frustrated and depressed for not seeing changes or progress in him. We worked with therapists since he was 2 years old, but it was In this school year that I could notice significant changes great progress and progress in all aspects.

He's a totally new child!!! He can communicate, and he can already say complete sentences, his behavior has also had a 360-degree turn. He has become more independent and shows himself as a big child, I really feel so happy so much that he has achieved in a year.

I also want to highlight that I had tried everything to get him to leave the diaper, but I was unsuccessful, we always went back and I had a lot training him but I decided to talk about it with his teacher who worked with him from the same moment I expressed my concern and when I talked about it with his teacher CAITLYN, she started a great job with him.

She went with love and patience to motivate him to leave his diaper. At first I was so afraid of what it would be like, since he didn't speak, but it was the best decision of my life and I couldn't be more grateful.

Thank you HEAD START for such an incredible job. Thanks to the entire HEAD START team at CHURCHVIEW for all the love for every child. His teachers Caitlyn and Veronica. With words I can't say how grateful I am for everything they do every day.

I started my journey with Head Start when I was just an infant. My mom worked for a local Head Start program for 44 years, holding various titles through her career. As a working-single mom, she would need to bring me to many parent meetings, family events, and often times just a day in the office.

I grew up watching this program serve many families and children. I watched families reach their family goals and hear how the employees of Head Start helped them reach it! I knew by the time I was 10 years old, that I too would grow up and work for Head Start.

My official career with Head Start started in 2009 and I have not left. I started as an Early Head Start home visitor, then Head Start preschool teacher, and now I am a Head Start Education supervisor.

I love what I do. I love supporting my amazing team of teachers, the parents who enter our classrooms, and the students we serve. To see the smiles and joy from the students and families is what makes the hard days, worth it!

Head Start has helped many individuals over the years and is why it needs to be here to stay!

My Head Start journey began in 1991 in rural NY as a home visitor. Supporting families to engage with their children through play, reading, and nutrition. Transporting families to doctor, dental and WIC appointments and together times.

Since 2016 my current role is an Early Head Home Visitor and Head Start Family Service Worker. This work is intentional and purposeful. I support families with their goals, parenting, nutrition, health and safety. There is so much more in between.

A meaningful relationship is formed and grows in trust and strength from prenatal to school age.

The strength behind what I do every day is valued and acknowledged with our leadership, at the Lancaster Lebanon IU13. I feel recognized, heard and valued.

I am the Behavioral and Mental Health Coordinator for Early Head Start and Head Start in Somerset County, PA. My role is to provide support and assist pregnant women and children aged birth to 5 in obtaining mental and behavioral health evaluations and services.

I also oversee the Social-Emotional curriculum taught in our 13 classrooms, work to stop child abuse and neglect as a mandated reporter, and run a support group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

This is far more than a job to me, it is a blessing and opportunity to help change the course of children's lives by getting them the supportive services they need as early as possible; a proactive and preventative intervention.

Without Head Start, these children would simply fall through the cracks, struggling behind their peers academically, behaviorally and emotionally.

The growth and success I witness daily with our students and their families is amazing! I am grateful to be a part of the Head Start program, helping the most vulnerable members of our society, one child at a time!

These things begin with my children, and are extended to myself. I’m provided with resources that are not only goal orientated, but resources that have also helped me create a stable, and consistent home environment for my family.

My at home visitor, Linda, has always treated me with respect, and has also created a safe, and nonjudgmental space within my home.

I’m thankful for the continued knowledge, both during my pregnancies and the transition from a mom of one to three.

In 2012, after completing my teaching degree, I applied for and was hired by Head Start in Lancaster County. I served as a lead teacher for ten years.

My experience with Head Start provided me with foundational skills and values I utilize daily as an educator, including the importance of play, developmental-appropriate materials and lessons, best practices, and building trusting relationships and partnerships.

Early childhood education is my passion, and I believe these children represent our future. Head Start offers free early childhood education to families who may not otherwise afford it.

Without this program, I would not be the educator I am today.

This is my family and we all learned a lot from Head Start. All are hard workers since they started school with Head Start.

I am Christine Bowser from Tableland Services Inc. in Somerset PA. I started as a Head Start parent in 1996. I went to Saint Vincent Collage in PA. I graduated in 1990 with a BA in psychology and a minor in education.

My mother died when I was 18 before I left for collage. My Father was an alcoholic most of my life and at this time was a workaholic. My husband and I waited 6 years before we got married in 1990.

After we got married, I had 4 children all 2 years apart. Our first daughter was born in 1991. She had a brain hemorrhage at 2 months old. Our second daughter was born in 1993 and was accident prone. We spent a lot of time in the ER. Our 3rd daughter was born in 1995 and died of SIDS at 11 days old.

I had a tubal ligation done right after I had our 3rd daughter. Two years later, I was pregnant again. This child had a low heart rate so I spent a lot of time in the hospital for check ups. Our fourth child was a boy.

My first daughter started Head Start in 1996. My second daughter started Heat Start in 1998. Head Start had my second child evaluated for speech and she received speech at school.

When our second daughter was in Head Start I was able to attend parent meetings with our son with his monitor on him. For our son we had the Family Center come to the house to work with us at this time. Also at around this time my husband found out he had cancer.

I applied to be a substitute for Heat Start. I was eventually hired for a classroom support aid in the fall of 1998. While I did that, I also worked on my CDA and Head Start helped to pay for that. I got my CDA.

In 2003 I was finally hired as a teachers aid and a few years I was a lead teacher. I worked 10 years in a Head Start Classroom.

Then changes came in 2011. Centers were closed. Mine was one of them. I was offered the chance to start the Early Head Start in Somerset County PA. Another person and I started from scratch in 2011.

During this time my husband was diagnosed with a sarcoma on his leg and it was cancer. We made it through all the cancer while I worked. Then his kidneys started to fail and he went though dialysis and eventually got a kidney transplant.

Both of our grandchildren also went to Head Start. For our first grandchild the teacher asked to get him checked for his walking. He was then diagnosed with Duchene's Macular Dystrophy. Our granddaughter had a bowl issue and eventually was diagnosed with encopresis. Both were with the help of Head Start.

I have been with Early Head Start for 14 years and we provide services for 48 children now. I love my job. It has been a challenge with our own family issues. I have a great connection with my families that I work with because I started where they are at now.

I have been working for my company for 26 plus years because of substituting. All Head Start programs and other educational programs are important. If we can help them from the time they start their family the better. This includes any early pregnancy programs.

The earlier someone can help these families the better the outcomes.

I’m involved with the Early Head Start Program as a parent. My experience with the program has been an incredibly positive one.

My home visitor Brandie prided herself on educating parents on how to regulate their emotions, reactions, and give their children the best version of themselves.

A lot of the information they provide you with is not only informative but useful in your everyday life. They care so much about your child’s overall well being and health, mentally, physically and emotionally.

Head Start has influenced my role as a parent immensely, made me more aware of my emotions, and how I react to situations.

I have been apart of Head Start for over 4 years now. I have 5 kids and 4/5 of my kids have completed the program.

I have loved these ladies from the very start and somehow knew in my heart that these were my people. I am now an employee of child advocates and love it so much! I have created close bonds with all the ladies/gentleman from the Tyrone center.

I don't know where I'd be without them from teaching my children to supporting me in my most vulnerable moments specifically when my son was diagnosed with chiari malformation making me miss almost 2 weeks of work while he underwent a brain surgery.

These gals came together and made sure I knew I wasn't alone and no matter what they had my back.

What's better than having coworkers that make you feel like family? Or teachers who love your children like their own and always go above and beyond for them.

I am thankful for everyone who has been apart of our journey. I love you all!!!

Brandie and her very informative visits have helped every single member of my family. Her commitment and dedication are unmatched. I was so hesitant to have a home visitor in the beginning. I couldn’t see how this could possibly benefit my kids. Little did I know that not only would my kids thrive but also, my husband and I as parents. I can now confidently say it has been the light at the end of the tunnel in our household.

Most families can’t afford counseling; although it’s not all our sessions were about; I sure do feel like my mental health has tremendously improved. The fact that everything that I struggled with mentally had an explanation that Brandie helped me uncover with her handouts and thorough lessons, is a gift I could never repay.

In this house when someone is feeling stuck and can’t express how they feel we pull out our emotions wheel. Trust me when I say, something on that wheel will help said person explain. Here in this household, thanks to Brandie’s practices we believe in parental self-care because we now know if we’re not good our kids aren’t either.

We also learned and now understand how certain parts of our kid's brains are affected by our behavior. We understand that keeping a safety plan is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. We understand that filling our cups with negativity will lead to negative behavior so instead, we focus on the good, on the positive.

We have learned the red-light regulation practice! First, we regulate our kids because we now know their brain isn’t integrated yet and they don’t have control. Then, we relate to them to help our boys feel heard and understood. Lastly, we reason to help them make sense of how they are feeling. It’s an incredible technique that has helped us through countless tantrums.

We also started keeping journals to help us write what was hard to say. She helped us more than once to make a budget to help us financially. All these practices and so many more. It wasn’t just a quick lesson either, every single one had an activity to help us truly understand it. Plus, she helped keep us accountable by always checking in to see if it was helpful or not.

Our very complicated life has slowly become less hectic and more peaceful thanks to these trauma-informed practices.

I could go on and on! See why I said this would be difficult! I feel like I have an incredible bond with my husband and kids because of all the lessons we’ve learned. I used to feel so disconnected and now I don’t because I understand how my kids feel, how my husband feels, and most importantly I understand how I feel!

Thank you, Brandie!

Whatever family you help next will thrive, I have no doubt about that!!

I have been a Head Start parent for a little over two years now. My son, Jay'ceon, is 5 years old and autistic. I was worried about him starting school, but the teachers and staff at Head Start were absolutely amazing with him. He’s going to kindergarten this year, and my 3-year-old daughter is starting Head Start.

Jay'ceon has shown so much improvement with his social skills, speech, and occupational therapy. He’s learned how to control his emotions when he’s overwhelmed. He’s made so many connections while attending the Head Start program and has even met all of his milestones.

Renee is our intensive case manager, and she has been such an amazing person, from providing support to keeping us caught up on the goals we set and appointments. Goal setting has been my biggest improvement as a parent.

I participated in the Early Head Start program while I was pregnant, with Jamie Devan as my home visitor. Early Head Start helped me prepare for becoming a mother by giving me information, guidance, and support throughout my pregnancy.

Jamie was a fantastic resource and was always available to answer questions or help me better understand what to expect. The program also connected me with a health specialist who I could consult with about my health and pregnancy. Having that additional support gave me another place to turn with questions and helped me feel more informed and confident as I prepared for my son.

One of the things I valued most was that Early Head Start focused on me as well as my baby. During pregnancy, there is so much preparation for the baby, but a mother’s health and well-being are just as important. Early Head Start made sure I had support, information, and people checking in on how I was doing throughout that process.

The support I received helped me enter motherhood feeling more prepared and confident. Early Head Start influenced me to be the best mom I can possibly be, and the knowledge and support Jamie and the program provided benefited both my son and me.

CenClear started in 1980 with a vision to serve children and families through the Head Start program and its service model. Supporting children through supporting the family laid the groundwork for all that CenClear is now. CenClear is a nonprofit agency that now services over 6000 + people annually across 16+ counties and 20+ centers across central Pennsylvania. In addition to Head Start, Early Head Start, Pre-K Counts and Family Centers, CenClear has expanded its services to meet the mental health needs of the vast communities it serves.

For me, it all started on February 5, 2001 when I was hired by CenClear. Because of CenClear my journey for the past 24 years of been one of immense growth as a teacher and a parent. My professional roles have ranged from supervisor, bus aide, personal care aide, Integrated Special Needs Teacher to behavioral health technician, preschool teacher and now a Practice Based Coach. The experiences, knowledge, and support I have gained through serving the children and families have allowed me to navigate my life’s intense events.

In December of 2002, I became Mom to the sweetest child. He was not to be with his family for long, and I had no idea how I would go on or if I would ever be able to work with children again. CenClear co-workers, despite only knowing me for a short while, made sure I could find myself again within the agency when I was ready.

In the following years, the skills I learned from teaching and working with families helped me and my husband as our family grew by two more. Our children, who are now 19 and 20 benefitted from all that CenClear has taught me. Our mantra in CenClear’s Early Childhood division is “Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Respectful”. This phrase’s beautiful simplicity in form and meaning has proved invaluable for our family.

March 13, 2020: Little did I know that due to COVID, that day would be the last day I was teaching in my own preschool room. As we all stopped, paused and adapted in so many ways to a “new normal”, CenClear supported staff as we maneuvered through the uncharted waters.

I took on a new role as a teacher coach while balancing the role of teaching preschoolers virtually. My supervisors gave me the freedom to creatively reach out to my class in many ways. I wanted that link between child, family and teacher to remain strong.

After I signed off on the last day of class with my children, I stepped fully into my teacher coach position. Since then, I have challenged myself in new ways and truly enjoy what I do. It is the best of both worlds as I watch teachers grow in confidence, and still get to spend time within the classroom.

August 2023: After receiving the “mother of all surgeries” for a cancer diagnosis, CenClear was again there to support me. Supervisors, co-workers, and friends made it known I was not alone in my recovery, and as I regained my physical and emotional strength, I was able to come back stronger than ever. My appreciation for all that they did and continue to do for me knows no bounds.

Present day: I have started and restarted this heartfelt tribute to Head Start and CenClear many times and in many ways. Words cannot express the impact that Head Start has had on my life as a parent, teacher, co-worker, friend and community member.

I have been with CenClear for 24 years. I am working with peers who have an astounding understanding of what it means to connect with and support the family to help their child be ready for school and life with others. I have watched, learned and utilized so much.

My story and my family’s story is written as it should be and will go on only because of the influence that Head Start had on a small agency started 45 years ago. It all started with Head Start. And for that I am supremely thankful.

My experience with Head Start began at the age of 4 when I attended myself. I had just arrived at a new country where I spoke no English and the world around me was big and confusing. One of the aides who was there named Sandra worked with me every day and made sure I was always able to participate and understand what was going on.

My English has grown a lot since then and I am now a mother of 3. My son attended Head Start for 2 years where he had a wonderful teacher who always made sure we felt supported even when it was a confusing time where for half the year we only met through zoom classrooms.

Then began my journey with Early Head Start with my youngest two where my home visitor, Brandie came on a weekly basis. I’ve been able to grow as a mom through the knowledge and support that has been provided. I still use a lot of the parenting tools Brandie taught us and even continue to try to teach them to others I come across.

My current home visitor Brad has brought his own style of teaching and I’ve began to learn even more.

I’ve been supported by each of these people in many ways in different stages of my life and would not have been able to if it wasn’t for a program like this. I truly appreciate everything this program does.

My home visitor was Linda L'Orange and working with her has been great. She has taught me so much about myself and my kids that I've never noticed until she pointed them out.

I was sad when my youngest transitioned but we've built a bond and stay in contact with Linda.

Giving my kids a early start in their education is the greatest thing I've done for them. It's the best thing anyone can do for their kids.

There's so much resources out there to help and I appreciate having that opportunity to take advantage of it all.

I am part of Head Start Program as a parent.

I being in the program about 8 to 9 years now. When I started in the program I already have my oldest son. He was about 8 months old.

He loved every time his teacher came to the house to teach him new things. My home visitor is Mrs. Linda. She is one of the most dedicated teacher and extraordinary person I know. My kids love her and this program too.

In the past of the years my kids and I learn to communicate, and spend fun time together. That's the main key...spending time with your kids because they grow so fast.

I recommend the program one hundred percent. But not just the program; the people who work for the Head Program are amazing. They all are so kind and helpful.

I hope this program keep helping families for a long time.

I have worked at Blair County Head Start for 16 years, the last 14 of which have been as the Family Services Supervisor. As part of my job, I had the privilege of working with the parents on our Policy Council for several years.

In 2017, our FCP Division Assistant and I were gifted the experience of escorting three Blair County Head Start parents to Washington DC for the National Head Start Association's Leadership Conference and rally on Capitol Hill.

It was nothing short of amazing to be surrounded by such enthusiasm and support for Head Start and all that we do! I was beyond impressed with our parents, who worked incredibly hard researching what mattered to each of our senators and state representatives and preparing documents to detail specifically how Head Start fulfills the needs of the community on both on wide-scale and individual levels.

When we met with our first staffer, a young woman representing Pat Toomey, many parents from across Pennsylvania gave heartwarming personal accounts of how Head Start impacted their lives. Our Blair County parents talked about their individual experiences and were also prepared to back their stories with documented county-specific and state-wide data.

They were articulate, professional and passionate. And I was not the only one impressed by their efforts: upon completion of their portion of the presentation, the entire room applauded! And these three amazing women continued this trend throughout the afternoon during visits with three additional staff persons working under Robert Casey, Bill Shuster and Tim Murphy.

I found myself in tears countless times during the day, overwhelmed with the stories, the support, and the passion for Head Start, an organization which I hold so dear.

This was a concrete example of Head Start in action, empowered, prepared, confident parents speaking up for what matters to them, advocating for their children, their families and their community.

When we returned to Blair County, these three parents went on to provide trainings during a PHSA conference, and from 2018-2021 one of the parents and I were also honored to sit on the PHSA Board of Directors.

I've had so many wonderful experiences in my years at Head Start, but this one in particular is my icing on the cake. Whenever I hear someone wondering if Head Start works, I tell them this story of dedicated parents, leaning into the opportunities to be a part of their children's education, their community, and beyond... and all the while setting tremendous examples for their kids.

I am sincerely grateful to work for such an outstanding agency, to have had the opportunity to take part in this conference, and to be a part of the growth and development of our country's future.

My name is Imani Vaughn and I was once a Head Start student at Child Advocates of Blair County in Altoona, PA. I remember bits and pieces of when I attended, but I do think that by attending Head Start has made a lasting, positive impact.

I grew up in low-income housing with a younger mother for the first 5 years of my life which are crucial years during a child's development. I remember having a worker come by the apartment to drop off arts and crafts activities and to talk with my mom. Whoever my home visitor was must have done something to convince my mom to send me to Head Start at an early age.

I remember having so much fun when I went to school.

Fast forward to now, I will be 27 next month and I am a first-generation college student with a bachelor's degree from St. Francis University in Behavioral Science & minor in Social Work, I completed a year term of AmeriCorps service with United Way of the Southern Alleghenies & Family Resource Center of Blair County... and I got hired officially to work for that same United Way!

I now am working to give back to the community who once gave back to my family, and I am so grateful.

Thank you to this program for truly offering so many young learners a real Head Start to a brighter future.

I was introduced to Head Start here in Bradford/Tioga counties PA in 1984. When the program opened a new classroom located at Mansfield University, I was hired as a Family worker.

As a mom of 2 young children, with a BS in Sociology, I was thrilled to have a school year job. I learned so much about child development &positive parenting through my exposure to Head Start.

My youngest son was enrolled & received the best pre school experience possible!

I later was promoted to Family service supervisor & did that for the next 28 years!

Mrs. M was the mother of three children between the ages of 1 and 3. She spent most of her days at home, tending her children, and looking forward to the afternoon soaps. Mrs. M was also the wife of an abusive alcoholic. She often prayed that her husband would come home and pass out on the couch, but most of the time she would get a beating instead.

One afternoon, a Head Start representative came to visit. Mrs. M was embarrassed not only by her bruised and battered appearance, but also by the condition of her house. Dust and clutter were not the major problems; her house was literally falling apart. Mrs. M thought about the hole in her bathroom floor from which the basement below was clearly visible. Mrs. M pictured in her mind's eye several places in the walls that her husband had punched through and hoped that the visitor from Head Start would not ask to come in.

Thankfully, she didn't. They talked at the door instead. The woman introduced herself as Ruth Anne and mentioned that she knew there were young children in the home who might be eligible for Head Start. Mrs. M's eldest child would be 3 in November, so she was old enough to begin Head Start. If the child was enrolled, she would be picked up by bus three days a week and spend three hours a day in a preschool classroom. Mrs. M was delighted. This program promised to make her life a bit easier. After all, caring for two children would be easier than managing three. Mrs. M accepted Ruth Anne's invitation and consented to have her child begin the program. As the months went by, her eldest girl seemed really to enjoy going to school.

One afternoon, the phone rang, and the woman on the other end of line identified herself as Romaine, the parent involvement coordinator from Head Start. Romaine invited Mrs. M to come to the center the following Tuesday to meet with a group of parents who were planning a Christmas party for the children. Mrs. M. declined, saying she was far too busy that day. Then, after hanging up the telephone, the young mother returned to the sofa.

A month later, Romaine called again. She mentioned that the parent group still needed help with the Christmas party and offered to provide child care for the babies if Mrs. M would agree to participate. The meeting was to be held the following Tuesday in a local church basement.

Reluctantly, Mrs. M. attended. She observed briefly, and when it seemed as if little was being accomplished, Mrs. M offered some suggestions that sparked a productive conversation. Everyone appeared to relax with one another, and a successful party was planned.

Mrs. M felt pretty proud of herself. Not only had she spoken up, but the other parents had listened, and her opinion had been valued. She was glad she had come. Before the meeting ended, Romaine requested that this group of parents meet on a monthly basis to plan other activities for the children and to provide mutual support for the participants.

Romaine also suggested that the group elect a committee chairperson, and Mrs. M was elected. Mrs. M was elated, yet worried about what her husband would say. Would he let her participate? Despite her concerns, Mrs. M accepted the responsibility and resolved to do well.

After the meeting, the new committee chairperson was elected to the role of something called Policy Council representative. This was the decision-making board of the program, consisting of parents, the Head Start director, and community representatives. The thought was a bit overwhelming, but Romaine assured Mrs. M that she could simply observe the first few times. Romaine also expressed confidence that the young mother could handle the responsibility and excel in her new role.

As she considered all of this, Mrs. M decided simply to tell her husband about her plans. After all, he wasn't home during the day.

That evening, when she nervously brought up the subject and broke her big news, her husband was too drunk to take much notice. On the day of the Policy Council meeting, Mrs. M observed as planned, but not for long. Someone noticed that she had been busy writing notes all through the meeting, and with that, Mrs. M was selected as secretary for the group.

Although Mrs. M had always been a very quiet, introverted person, and her self-esteem had reached an all-time low of late, her personality began to change with her involvement in Head Start. Throughout the year, Mrs. M continued to serve as Policy Council representative and to work on several additional committees.

The following year, with her second child enrolled at Head Start, Mrs. M became even more involved. That year, the Policy Council elected Mrs. M state representative and Policy Council chairperson. This meant she would attend the state-level meetings and be responsible for sharing and obtaining information for Blair County Head Start. As Mrs. M met those new challenges, her confidence in herself continued to grow.

Another year passed by, and Mrs. M's youngest child was enrolled in Head Start. Mrs. M was again elected Policy Council chairperson, continued as the state representative, and became a national representative for Head Start. This meant a trip to a national conference in Colorado, an experience that proved to be an awakening for her.

While she was away from all of the stress of home for a week, with the children cared for by Grandma, Mrs. M realized she did not have to live in an abusive environment. She saw that she was worthwhile and valued. At the conference, she promised herself to make major changes for her children's sake as well as for her own.

On her return home, Mrs. M secretly planned to file for divorce but wanted to wait for the "right time." That time came all too soon, when one of her husband's episodes of violence lasted for hours. All the while, she held on, determined that this would be the last time she would ever endure this treatment.

She turned to Head Start for help, and Romaine arrived and guided Mrs. M and her children through every step, from hospital to lawyer to shelter. Her life as the wife of an abusive alcoholic had ended, but her life as a Head Start teacher had just begun.

In the fall, she enrolled at the Pennsylvania State University, where she received her undergraduate degree in early childhood education. She returned to Head Start as a teacher, hoping to repay a debt of gratitude by giving families the care and support her family had experienced from the moment that Ruth Ann, the Head Start representative, had first knocked at the door.

As a result of her firsthand experiences in Head Start, Mrs. M knew that the parent involvement practices of Head Start had much more to offer families. She had learned an important lesson; every successful parent involvement effort is built on sincerity, friendship, and a non-judgmental attitude.

Even when the parents of children in her class did not choose to be involved in Head Start in ways that she had hoped, Mrs. M did not assume lack of interest or laziness. Instead, she thought about how different her own life might have been if Head Start staff hadn't taken the time to draw her out and seek a variety of ways to include her. What a waste of human potential it would have been if the Head Start professionals hadn't searched for Mrs. M's subtle strengths, gradually nurtured her self-confidence, and helped to educate all three of her children!

In her interactions with parents, Mrs. M sought to keep in touch with the feelings she had experienced when first approached by Head Start personnel; embarrassment about her living conditions, fear of failure, a low self-concept, and anguish about her family's situation.

Over the years, Mrs. M grew to understand Head Start from both sides, first as a parent and later as a teacher. In the spring, she began working toward her master's degree in early childhood education so that she could continue to learn and develop as a professional.

Every detail of Mrs. M's life described in this Head Start's story is true. I know, because I am the former Mrs. M. (Zeak & Reneck-Jalongo, 1996)

Glenna Zeak, PhD

The home visitor means a lot in my life in general. She comes once a week. The time is spent with the children and the parents playing and doing activities.

We talked about child development. The home visitor is always ready to help.

The biggest goal of our home visitor has been to help us reach our goals.

The home visitor to me is a sister and a friend, someone I can talk to in confidence.

- Amal

المربية الزائرة تعني لي الكثير في حياتي بشكل عام. تأتي مرة واحدة في الأسبوع. يتم قضاء الوقت مع الأطفال والآباء في اللعب والقيام بالأنشطة.

تحدثنا عن نمو الطفل. المربية الزائرة دائمًا مستعدة للمساعدة.

كان الهدف الأكبر لمربيتنا الزائرة هو مساعدتنا في تحقيق أهدافنا.

المربية الزائرة بالنسبة لي أخت وصديقة، شخص يمكنني التحدث إليه بثقة.

In 1968 my mother was approached to enroll her 4 year old daughter into the local Head Start Program. I can remember the classroom but my fondest memory would be of sitting on the teacher's lap (probably consoling me).

Forward 21 years and I was hired as a Home Visitor for Head Start. I really enjoyed the program and the connections with the families. During this time I was a volunteer firefighter so I would bring in my gear and share fire safety days with my group.

As I realized this was my career, I was given the opportunity to attend ECE classes at our local college along with 14 of my fellow employees from various locations. The college experience gave me more confidence and an even deeper love for our program and the children impacted by all of us. I earned my Associates Degree in ECE.

In 2005, the ERSEA Position was created in our agency. I applied and was given the position as ERSEA Specialist. I was attending trainings and then training our staff. I was committed to growing in our program and also in my community.

In 2005, I ran for City Council and won. I served 8 years as a City Councilwoman. An experience I will always treasure. I am still community oriented, and still volunteering with my fire company.

I am now an ERSEA Manger for our program and I believe the years of years of experience of working in Head Start and my Director's confidence in me has propelled me to be a leader in my program and in my community.

Twenty-one years ago, I was introduced to the Head Start program and enrolled my oldest son. I was a single Dad fighting for custody of him and was out of work because of a car accident.

I started to volunteer at our program quite often during the day as a parent. It was amazing to see what the teaching staff and program offered the families and children. The program helped me with resources and support through one of the hardest times in my life.

Then I got offered the opportunity to start working with the program. I could proudly say now that I have been working as a Family Advocate for nineteen years with Head Start and enjoy being able to help the families succeed the way it helped me.

I now have a wonderful family, and I owe a lot to Head Start for the way my journey turned out.

This Program is so important to the families and children it helps every day, and I truly believe it is a program that needs to stay.

I was an immigrant kid, new to this country, after my parents fled a communist country.

Head Start welcomed me with open arms, gave me the nurturing care and education I needed, taught me English, and instilled in me a lifelong love of learning.

My parents took ESL classes and were able to work, saving enough money to eventually buy their own house.

I, and my family, would not be where I am today without Head Start.

Head Start has been such an amazing experience for her. She has learned to be more independent, responsible for her own belongings, her surroundings, what to expect when starting kindergarten, how to be a friend and how to act in a classroom around others different than her. Being a Covid baby she never got to experience some of those things before head start. Being in head start also made speech therapy possible for her and that has made her a much happier, more confident child!

From her being in school she has made friendships that extend outside of the school. She has learned empathy from her teachers towards her fellow classmates and that has made her want to be a doctor when she grows up, and what a great thing for her to aspire to. Before headstart she wanted to be a ballerina, also a fantastic choice, but headstart has shown her different options and I know she’ll get there. She’s ready for kindergarten and is 100% confident when thinking and talking about next school year.

Her little brother is to start head start in the fall and she’s so excited for him to have the same experiences that she had. He’s so excited to start in the fall and it will be an amazing experience for him as well. We NEED HeadtStart to stay!

When I had my daughter in 2013 I learned of Head Start.

We had a home visitor come to our house and gave us tips and guidance on the first years of my daughter’s life. Just on how to handle tough situations or how to do different activities with my daughter to help her growth and development.

When my daughter turned 3 she transitioned into a classroom setting where she got social skills, was taught many valuable skills. Self help skills and social emotional skills. She was lucky enough to be able to ride the bus because at the time I didn’t have transportation.

The teachers at Head start encouraged me as a first time mom. They loved and supported my daughter as well. Without Head Start my daughter would not have been able to attend preschool because I couldn't afford it at the time. Head Start was a god sent for my family!

After my daughter started in the classroom setting I was encouraged to get a job with Head Start. I applied and I got the job. The company I worked for paid for me to receive my CDA. I have been an assistant teacher for Head Start for 10 years now. I absolutely love my job!

As a teacher I can personally see the great growth and effectiveness the children receive from being in Head Start. They get social emotional skills which is super helpful when they enter kindergarten.

In Head Start we eat family style and we had a parent say that taught her so much. Her first “big” purchase when our family support advocate helped her get a job, was a kitchen table so she could eat dinner at the table with her kids because she saw how important that was. Just because she was in the classroom volunteering and that is what she saw.

The growth the children make through the school year is incredible. They feel like they are included and important because someone believes in them. Something they may not receive from home. Some of the children come from really tough home life and we are the support and love they need. To help them grow and bloom!

Head Start has a special place in my heart. Without Head start I think I would be less passionate and not have as much of an understanding on how important Head Start is.

It takes one person to be the change and have an impact on a child and we can be that change!! Children and families NEED HEAD START!

I want to take a moment to share how much the Head Start Home-Based Program has meant to our family. Both of our children have been a part of it, and it has truly been a gift—not just for them, but for me and my husband, too.

From the beginning, this program has felt like more than just early education. It’s been a support system, a source of encouragement, and a reminder that we’re not doing this parenting thing alone. Each week, our home visitor brings not just fun and educational activities for the kids, but warmth, understanding, and guidance that has helped all of us grow together.

One thing that’s really stood out is how much my husband has come to appreciate and enjoy the program, too.

Watching him get involved in the activities, asking questions, and seeing the value in everything our home visitor brings—it’s been really special. This program has brought us closer as a parenting team, helping us both feel more confident and connected with our kids’ learning and development.

Our children are blossoming—becoming more curious, expressive, and ready for the world ahead. And we, as parents, feel more empowered, supported, and proud of the environment we’re creating at home.

The Head Start Home-Based Program doesn’t just prepare kids for school—it strengthens families. It’s shown us that learning doesn’t have to start in a classroom; it starts with love, right at home.

To our amazing home visitor and the whole Head Start team: thank you for believing in us, encouraging us, and helping us grow—not just as parents, but as a family.

At the age of 9, mi mamá had the courage to begin a new chapter that changed the trajectory of my story. You see, mi papá, a permanent resident card holder since an early age, wanted to stay in Mexico despite the economic hardships our family was facing at the time. He would cross into the U.S. to work in the fields and return to Mexico almost every day. Mi mamá, helped keep us afloat by cleaning houses or sewing clothes in Mexico.

That story, one close to my heart, is for another time.

Let’s go back to those early years. I was just nine years old when my siblings and I arrived in the United States. This was a pivotal moment for all of us. We each held an unwritten book in our hands, with the opportunity to fill its pages with our own unique stories. Maybe one day they’ll feel inspired to write their own life stories — tienen mucho que contar, trust me. But for now, you’ll have to read about me. Prometo no decepcionarlos... I think.

Fast forward to my teenage years, all I can say is that I cherished education as something no one could ever take from me. Every new concept I learned in school felt like an imprint on my soul. I gave it my all and often earned straight A’s — even though math was always the villain in my story.

Pero la vida sucede, and I had my firstborn son at the age of 18. One thing that truly stayed with me was the promise to accomplish my bachelor's degree as a gift para mi mamá, who risked so much for her family. It took time, but I eventually completed my Associate's degree in Criminal Justice — a milestone that made the impossible feel possible. Then, la vida sucedió de nuevo, and my second son was born.

Mi mamá was by my side through those difficult seasons. Ella es y será siempre mi pilar de fortaleza — my strength.

Miraculously, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Wow, right?

By now, you’re probably wondering, “Wait, where’s the kids’ dad in all of this?” Don’t get too ahead of the story. Just like life, choices are made and paths are taken. And though I once questioned, ¿en qué fallé? — I now know that mi esposo, the father of my children, is the man God chose for me. He lived in Mexico. That’s another story — one that won’t disappoint — but not mine to tell.

Where was I again? Ah yes, the beginning of my career in criminal justice. I had always dreamed of being an advocate for juvenile offenders. I completed my internship hours at a juvenile detention center.

Now you might be asking, “Wait, where were the children?” Don’t worry — I discovered this amazing place called Head Start. I’ll tell you more about it later in my story.

Back to the detention center — I truly believed that juveniles could be rehabilitated and get back on the right path with just a little faith. But juveniles can also be very strong-willed. This is a great personality trait when it’s used to make the right choices, but not so great when they’re stuck, like gum, to the same poor decisions. This chapter of my life? I call it cambio de planes.

I thought, if only I can help rehabilitate adults, maybe less juveniles will end up in the criminal justice system. So I got a position as an adult surveillance officer. This part of my life is called, en que estaba pensando?

Adult offenders weren’t strong-willed like the juveniles. Many were simply skilled at manipulating the system. But don’t get me wrong, there were good people on my caseload, too.

So there I was, reflecting, asking myself: What should I call this chapter of my life? I decided to name it iluminación. After a very hard day at work, I went to pick up my children from Head Start and it hit me. If I really want to make a positive impact, I don’t need to rehabilitate. I can help plant the right seed early on, so when it came time to harvest, those children wouldn’t have to step into the criminal justice system at all.

Algo fuerte dentro de mí said: This is it. This is where I harvest, too.

Investing in early learning is never a bad idea. I’ve been part of the Head Start program for 19 years — three of those years as a parent, and the rest as a Family Advocate. Later, my youngest daughter also had the opportunity to be part of Head Start.

I’m deeply grateful that my children had a safe, nurturing environment while I was out trying to figure out where I could flourish in society.

You might be reading about the positive impact of Head Start through statistics — go ahead and place my name next to every single one of them.

I don’t know what Congress is thinking, or which direction they’re leaning, but this chapter of my life? I call it The Harvest Within You.

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that the harvest within me, and the seeds I’ve planted, have led me to where I am today, a place where I can advocate for the next generation and invest in their future. Head Start has been a crucial part of that investment, not only for my children, but for countless others who will one day have the chance to create their own stories.

To Congress and all those making decisions about the future of our children: remember, every seed you plant today will shape the world of tomorrow. When deciding whether or not to eliminate or defund Head Start, search for the harvest within yourself. And don’t tell me you never had that one teacher — the one who gave everything to help you achieve your dreams. Let’s choose to nurture, to believe in the power of early learning, and to honor the strength in every child. The harvest is within us all.

We have been apart of Head Start since my oldest was 3 she is now 15 and my son who is 5 is in his 2nd year he absolutely LOVES it and his amazing teachers next year my youngest who just turned 3 in March will also attend Head Start!

When I was in high-school I volunteered all 4 years in a Head Start class room it inspired me to go to school to get my early childhood development degree.

It has taught me and my children so much!

I started out as a parent of a head start child. Through my love and involvement of the program, I applied for a teacher aide position.

The following year, I accepted a full-time position as a teacher assistant until I pursed my associate's degree and have been in a Head Teacher role for 5 years. Overall, I have worked in our Head Start program for 11 years. Throughout these 11 years, all 4 of my children have gone through the program and were impacted just as I was.

I first heard about the program as a single mom of 3, just moving 16 hours away from everything I ever knew. Our center took me in at one of the most broken times in my life.

It was this program that gave me purpose, helped pick me back up, and be the best mom I could be to my children.

This program supported me in my education helping me earn my CDA and supported me throughout my journey of completing my associate's degree.

Through my experience of how this program impacted my life, I am able to share my story, support, and help families that experience similar situations while providing hope that greater things are to come for them and their families.

Head start families and children become part of your own family. The relationships that are built throughout this program is a huge piece of my heart that I will always carry with me!

Head Start has been a dream for my daughter, she has learned so much, she enjoys waking up each and every morning to go to school. It gives her something to look forward to each day.

Head Start is great to get all the kiddos getting ready for kindergarten as well.

Losing Head Start would be very sad because also I have a son who’s looking forward to going to school next year and it would be devastating if he won’t be able to attend and experience all the great things my daughter got to experience.

Don’t take this away from all the kids!!

The Head Start program has offered me a way to still feel connected to my mother in heaven.

I was adopted by my paternal grandparents at three months old. My grandmother was the best mother I could have asked for. She bought me all the fancy dresses, every birthday and holiday was a celebration recorded, memories at the beach every Summer and she even did fundraising activities for my school for me to win Queen Caterina. Until, sadly at just 50 years old and me at six she lost her battle with breast cancer.

The next 26 years of my life felt like a void, missing a mother's love. That was until some of that space was filled when I had my own daughter, Bella Rose, at 31 years old.

She is now 4 years old and in Head Start. I always wanted to be involved with school like my mother was. I have always said if I could be a fraction of the woman she was I would be winning at life. The council I was elected to serve was the policy council.

Sometimes random things serve to remind us the people in heaven are still with us. A couple months ago while going through memorabilia, I found a pin of my mother's that said 'Head Start Policy Council. Apparently my mother was on the very Council I serve today and tears spilled down my face.

I have spent my whole life feeling disconnected from my mother, which is the worst feeling for a young woman. Today I get to serve in her honor through Head Start and know I am making her proud while making a difference. I am beyond thankful!!

Growing up I lived in poverty, had parents who dealt with addiction, and was neglected in many aspects of my life. I had faced a lot of traumas as a young child. Although I didn't attend a Head Start program, my younger sister did.

The Head Start program was a foundation that could be built on for my sister. In a home full of uncertainty, neglect, and abuse on all levels Head Start provided stability, promoted resiliency, and was a safe haven for a couple of hours a day.

So many children live their lives similar to how my sisters, and I were raised. The program is a god send to children who just need one person to believe in them. One person to love them. And one person to advocate for them. Head Start program has these types of people all throughout their programs.

Through my years working in a Head Start program I have learned so much. The program helped me pay my tuition towards my associates degree and also just recently they supported me in obtaining my bachelor's degree in early childhood education. This support of obtaining my degree led me to a Head Teach position within the program.

The training the program provides helps me not only in my career, but also as a mother. I have learned how trauma affects children and families. I have learned what types of risk factors and protective factors children and families have in the face of trauma.

Child Development has taught me so much as a teacher, but also as a person. It has taught me patience, kindness, and vulnerability. The program is so essential to our country and counties. Without Head Start many children and families wouldn't have a chance to succeed because WE are their chance. Our program provides services that GIVES children and families a chance.

I have not only been a been a teacher within the Head Start program, but also a parent. my son, Ryan spent two years in the program, and he FLOURISHED!! he learned to write his name, counting, huis alphabet. All important things.

But the most important things Head Start taught my son was how to be kind, how to be respectful, how to be resilient, and how to be a good friend. Their program really emphasizes the importance of social/emotional development. This approach helps children not only with school readiness but teaches them how to be a good person and that's so important to me as a teacher and a parent!

Head Start has changed the trajectory of my life. I'm so grateful for this program and all it has done for me and taught me!!

At our centers, we are fortunate to be surrounded by a rich mix of cultures, which has been a source of inspiration and learning for me. Over the last three years, I’ve noticed a growing number of Brazilian families joining our programs.

I was often asked to translate for them because I speak Spanish, under the assumption that Spanish and Portuguese were similar enough to communicate effectively. However, I quickly realized that language was a significant barrier for these families, creating challenges in accessing services and fully participating in our programs.

Seeing their struggles touched me deeply. I wanted to do more to support them and bridge the gap in communication, so I made the decision to learn Portuguese. This journey has been incredibly meaningful, as it has allowed me to connect with these families on a deeper level and ensure they feel understood and welcomed.

Being able to communicate effectively with these families has been essential not only in promoting the school readiness of their children but also in empowering the families themselves.

The mission of the Head Start program is not only to enhance the social, emotional, and academic development of children but also to support families in building strong foundations for success. By breaking down language barriers, I can help families access resources, navigate challenges, and become active participants in their children’s education and overall growth.

This has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work and a constant reminder of the importance of inclusion and equitable opportunities for all.

I started my adventure with Head Start when my second born arrives. Three out of my five of my five children participate Head Start Program.

I started as an Early Head Start visitor, then volunteer and then a aid teacher part time. The more the years come I was getting more to used the program and learning about PBIS and the benefits children's was getting every single day.

After years working they offered me to do the CDA council to become a teacher assistant.

As a mom but also a teacher I love Head Start program is a great benefit for family, my daughters love the program become more socialize with other children's.

Thanks to the entire HEAD START team at Child Development Inc. all the love for every child.

My story with Head Start started in 2023 and it’s been a huge help helping my kids learn and grow.

My story still continues now 2025 with 2 of my kids attending and seeing them grow and flourish into smart little kids is the best outcome.

My story with Head Start still is continuing and I hope it keeps continuing for the sake of my kids and other kids and their future.

I'm not only the mother of two children who are transitioning through Head Start, I'm also a teacher, and I've seen the power of preparing for school, the achievements of getting into a private school, and the tests my students have had to pass to be accepted.

They've met and not only met, but exceeded the expectations of the people who evaluate them.

My children and my students are proof that these programs are wonderful. They open the door to learning and are a help for the teachers who are waiting for them in kindergarten.

I was in Head Start in Clymer, PA, part of the Indiana County Head Start system, around 1984. At the time, my mom had recently divorced an abusive spouse and was working hard to build an independent life for our family.

Head Start gave me the foundation I needed in the middle of a chaotic home environment. It provided stability, safety, and the support that helped me grow as a young child.

I will always be grateful that Head Start was there for me, and I hope its impact continues to expand for children and families who need it most.

Today, I’m a happily married father and a successful business owner. I can clearly trace a line from my time in Head Start to the life I live now.

Thank you for the life-changing work you do every day.

Fast forward to 2016 I began college and started going to school for my associates in early childhood. I needed to complete some observation hours and student teaching, so I had applied to the same Head Start I attended as a child and was hired on as an aide in 2018.

I immediately bumped up to assistant, and shortly after, lead teacher. Head Start has helped me in achieving my early education goals and helped to create meaningful relationships with children and their families.

It is so rewarding each and every day to help children reach their goals, provide a safe place for them and see their little smiles light up each morning they get to see Miss Jayda. It is rewarding to know the impact we have on children and their families.

Aside from my career, my step son went through Head Start and it taught him school readiness and important social emotional skills. It is my hopes that my daughter will also have the opportunity to attend Head Start, as it is such an important asset to our children, and our community.

I've been a teacher aide at my local Childhood Development center since April 2024, and in just this one year, I have seen such a positive impact on everyone around me, including myself.

When I first started my position, I was very new to childcare in a big group setting. I had only ever watched my younger family members. I was really nervous to start, but Child Development provided me with the tools necessary to run a safe and efficient classroom. Since then, I've grown and developed my teacher skills, and I'd say I'm really proud of how far I've come.

Growing up I felt unsafe at home. I was struggling to get out of bed often and function as a human being. I was fighting every day and it felt as if I had nobody to turn to for support. As I grew older, I realized I wanted to be that support for others to turn to, and I am thankful everyday for the opportunity to do that at Child Development.

As an early childhood educator, I teach children educational skills, but I also teach them social and emotional skills. Head Start programs provide children a safe environment to develop those skills. They also provide early childhood educators, like myself, the opportunity to grow and develop professionally.

I have seen so much change in the children now from the beginning of the year. I see goals being achieved every single day, by everyone influenced by Child Development. I've seen so much positivity, so much confidence, so much support, so much love, from everyone involved in and around the center.

It has been a blessing to be a part of the team, and I can see the positive impact it brings each and every day.

I always knew I wanted children. Little did I know that one day I would have 17 of them!

My story starts 15 years ago when I enrolled my first daughter in Head Start. I was a stay-at-home mom and knew the importance of socializing my children before they took the gigantic leap into kindergarten. My daughter flourished, and I was eager to provide the same experience for my two younger daughters.

By the time my youngest enrolled in the program, I was so impressed with how much my girls had learned. I decided to apply for a position as a teacher’s aide and fell in love with the job.

The program afforded me the opportunity to grow professionally by supporting me in obtaining my CDA and eventually my associate degree in early childhood education. I have worked for Head Start for over ten years now, three of those years as lead teacher.

I care for each and every child who walks through my door as if they were my own. We laugh together, cry together, and grow together. Watching my students get excited about learning and building their trust that school can be a positive, meaningful experience is why I choose this career over and over again.

Partnering with parents to provide resources, guidance, and support in times of need gives me purpose and fuels my desire to be the best teacher, caregiver, and advocate for children and their families that I can possibly be.

I will eternally be grateful for everything this program has taught me both personally and professionally. Head Start makes a difference!

It breaks my heart, all this situation. We as teachers have our hands tied. We love our kiddos and want to give them the opportunity to learn and grow. They need us and our support, all the Head Starts all around the 50 states.

Por favor, ayuden con esta situación, que cada día es y será más difícil para la comunidad y para cada maestro y maestra que tenemos nuestras responsabilidades en nuestros hogares.

Atentamente,
Wanda Franceschi
Una maestra dispuesta a regresar a mi lugar favorito: school / escuela.

My Head Start career began in 2003, straight out of college. I was young and inexperienced and had SO much to learn.

Over the next 13 years, I worked hard to hone my teaching skills and, more importantly, make connections with children and their families.

For the last 9 years, I have served as the Education/Disabilities Coordinator in the same program. Ensuring that children who need specialized services receive them has become one of my favorite parts of my job.

I also spend A LOT of time in classrooms mentoring teachers and still am able to make tons of connections with children and their families.

Head Start has shaped the person I have become over the last 24 years. I am so very proud to stand beside our wonderful staff in continuing to make sure that every child and their family knows that they are a lifelong member of our Head Start family.

Head Start works!

My Head Start journey began in 2017, when my daughter Amanda enrolled in the IU13 Head Start program. At that time, her teacher was Ms. Tamara Boop. When Ms. Boop retired, Ms. Linda Orange continued that same legacy of love, excellence, and dedication. Both of these incredible teachers left an unforgettable mark on our family.

As a mother, I found much more than an educational program. I found people who truly believed in the potential of children and their families. Amanda grew academically, socially, and emotionally because of the loving, patient, and committed environment they created. But the greatest impact was not only on my daughter... it was also on me.

The passion, dedication, and calling of Ms. Tamara Boop and Ms. Linda Orange awakened a dream in my heart that once seemed far away. They became a source of inspiration and motivation that encouraged me to take the step of opening my own family childcare business.

Today, I have the privilege of serving children and families in my community, and I often think about the example they set for me. They taught me that education goes far beyond teaching; it is about loving, believing, supporting, and transforming lives.

Now, in 2026, my youngest daughter, Emma, is part of the same IU13 Head Start program and has the privilege of being with Ms. Linda Orange. Seeing the excitement on Emma’s face when she sees Ms. Linda, hearing her speak with joy about her teacher, and watching everything she is learning fills my heart with deep gratitude. It confirms that we chose the best place for her growth and development.

Head Start has meant so much more than early education for our family. It has been a place where my daughters have been seen, loved, supported, and prepared for a bright future. It has also been a place where I have grown as a mother, a professional, and as a person.

Our story is proof that when a teacher believes in a child and supports a family, the impact can reach beyond generations. Because of Head Start, my daughters have received a strong foundation for their future. Because of the example of extraordinary teachers like Ms. Tamara Boop and Ms. Linda Orange, I found the courage to follow my purpose and dedicate my life to serving young children and families.

Thank you to IU13 Head Start for planting seeds of hope, strengthening families, and transforming lives. Our family will always carry in our hearts the incredible impact this program has had on our lives.

In August of 2024, my daughter started at Child Development in Pottsville, PA. Alongside her, I started my journey at this center as well.

Throughout this last year, I have realized from both a professional and personal level how ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY Head Start is for the children, especially our county in particular.

Unfortunately, Schuylkill County is a very struggling county in PA. This county depends on programs and government funding for many families to thrive, survive, and work. I know for certain, we would not be able to attend without the Head Start funding.

Our year at CD has been one full of learning! Both in school and at home! We have learned many new practices, such as BEEHIVES, toothbrushing, behavior, and coping skills.

As a parent, I am extremely thankful to know that my child is being taught the same skills that we were practicing at home! We were so thankful that the resources were sent home to teach us how to help them and teach them like they do in her class.

It's such a blessing that it also allows my family, along with SEVERAL others, the option to purchase child care at an affordable price so we can work and provide for our families. I know I would not have been able to return to work this year if this option was not available. Especially since many daycare/child centers have closed, have very long waitlists, or are, quite honestly, unaffordable.

I wish that every parent and child had the opportunity to go to the center, or one like ours, so their child can receive the same education to help them both prepare for Kindergarten and also improve their at-home skills and sanity with the same techniques used in the classroom.

Because of Head Start, my child tested above several of her other classmates and is ready to start Kindergarten with the confidence and knowledge that she needs.

I will forever be grateful to CD, the state, and funding programs for helping us with this transition and all we have learned this year. Without you, I am certain my child wouldn't be as prepared for school, and I would still not be working.

So thank you to our representatives, our teachers, our administrators, the school administrators, family advocates, and anyone else who made this possible for my family and many, many others. ❤

"Hello!" My name is Austin! I am eight years old! And my Dad's name is Andrew. He is thirty-eight years old.

And my Nanny's name is Andrea. And she is...well...I'm not going to say...because Nanny says that she "feels younger than her age and she has lots of energy!"

And she must...because my Nanny, who is called "Miss Andrea," is a Preschool/Head Start Teacher with sixteen children in her classroom! And they are three, four, and five-year-olds! She MUST have a lot of energy!

And she always tells me how much she loves teaching and how much she loves the children and their families. I sure do believe her because she has been doing it for twenty-five years!

And she loves the program that she works for! It's called CHILD DEVELOPMENT, INC. And her "Big Boss" is Mary Ann. And Mary Ann and all of my Nanny's "teacher friends" love Mr. Rogers! I do, too! That is why I dressed like him at school!

He was a really great person, and my Nanny reads his books. And he had great things to say about kindness, courage, feelings, love, inner discipline, relationships, individuality, honesty, respect, friendship, and being GOOD NEIGHBORS as citizens of the world!

Nanny said, "THAT IS WHAT IS TAUGHT AT HEAD START, too!" And, "that is why it is called HEAD START...because it is a HEAD START for a LIFETIME OF LEARNING!" I like that!

And my Dad went to Head Start in 1990! That is thirty-five years ago! My Nanny was a "Parent" then. And then she sent my Aunt Sarah, then Aunt Hannah, and then my Uncle Jake because she believed in HEAD START with her WHOLE HEART!

And by that time, she went from Parent on the Parent Committee, to Part-time Assistant, to Full-time Assistant, and then to Lead Teacher!

And my Dad, Aunt, and Uncles are very successful now! And my Mom is a Teacher, too! My whole family puts EDUCATION first!

And there are big words like "FUNDING"...I sure hope that never gets cut! Because WE NEED HEAD START!

My Nanny says important things like, "90% OF A CHILD'S BRAIN DEVELOPS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN" — WOW, that's a lot!!!

And she tells me, "almost a MILLION PEOPLE in the COUNTRY attend HEAD START!" Wow, that's a lot, too!!!

And, "teachers plant the seeds of kindness to see where they grow," and "they train the brain to become learners," and "they help serve hot meals to fourteen million food-insecure children in the country!" and "HEAD START is 60 YEARS OLD!" WOW!

Nanny says they "teach the WHOLE CHILD," and says things like "dentals, physicals, early intervention, literacy, social and emotional development..." They are all such GREAT THINGS!!!

So, I think I'll just stick with my family, Nan, HEAD START, and Mr. Rogers!

Because he says, "When I was a young boy (just like I am!), and I would hear scary things in the news, and my Mother would say to me, 'LOOK FOR THE HELPERS! You will always find people who are helping!!!'"

And that's what HEAD START is!!! And I LIKE THAT!!!

Submitted by, Andrea Zalonka, Teacher, Saint Clair, PA, Child Development Inc.
HEAD START Room #1

My introduction to Luzerne County Head Start began when my son was enrolled in the West Side Center in September 1982.

Within a few months, I had become very involved as a volunteer in the classroom, as well as a member of the Parent Committee, Policy Council, and Advisory Committees. Although I was a stay-at-home mom and community volunteer, the Head Start experience was life-changing.

Realizing what a gift the program was to the community at that time, I felt the need to give back in some way and remained a volunteer after my son’s transition to kindergarten.

On August 28, 1985, I had the good fortune of becoming a Head Start employee as a parent involvement worker for the West Side and Pittston centers.

Head Start is committed to strengthening the lives of children and their families by offering guidance and support, empowering parents to take on the role as their child’s primary teacher and role model.

What has inspired me to continue this remarkable journey is being a part of our families’ stories and the joy of celebrating their achievements. Each day brings a sense of fulfillment, whether it be a “good morning” smile from a child en route to a classroom, watching an infant react to its image in a mirror, the pride a parent has when a child reaches a milestone and realizing they had a part in that progress, or encountering a former parent who will give you a hug, sharing the success of their now-adult child, crediting Head Start.

This year, at our Head Start luncheon celebrating our 60th anniversary of national services to families, I was awarded 40 years of service and was humbled by the accolades received.

The credit must go to the dedication of the Head Start staff, who in 1982 offered words of encouragement, respect, and kindness to this former Head Start mom, giving me the confidence to pursue a career in Head Start.

Each day brings a new learning experience, continued support, and cherished relationships. It has been said if you enjoy your job, you will never work a day in your life.

I am one very lucky woman.

In my role, I can bridge the gap between education and survival. I have helped parents write resumes, link with local food pantries, and navigate housing agencies to secure safe shelter. These are not secondary services; they are the core elements that keep families stable so children can learn.

Head Start fosters a deep culture of community. It provides opportunities so that I can continue to volunteer in the community. Every single year, I meet new staff, families, and students who also teach me invaluable lessons.

Head Start is a rare program that genuinely cares about people, working tirelessly to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors are healthy, safe, and happy.

I grew up in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. While neither I, my wife, nor my son were enrolled in Head Start, I had the opportunity to join the Pennsylvania Head Start Association Board of Directors in 2017 as a member in the Friend category. I was honored to serve the maximum nine years, completing my service in early 2026.

I have worked in public accounting as a CPA and in higher education throughout my career. During my doctoral studies (Ed.D.), I concentrated on educational policy, with a focus on K–12 and P–20 education. I am deeply passionate about education and financial literacy. During my time on the Board, I was able to bring my financial expertise to the Association to help ensure it could continue making the greatest possible impact on its stakeholders—programs, members, administrators, staff, parents, and, most importantly, children.

During my Board service, I moved to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and I now reside just outside of Pittsburgh in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, where my family and I hope to remain for a long time. In addition to providing financial expertise to the Board, I recruited other Board members and worked with the Membership and Marketing Committee to strengthen engagement with Association stakeholders.

Serving on the Board was a valuable experience, and I recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity. Head Start is an incredibly valuable program. Children are among our greatest resources and most important investments because they are the people who will shape the future of our world.

When we invest in children and are there to support them, we help create opportunities for them to succeed throughout elementary, middle, and high school and, when applicable, college. More importantly, we give them the foundation to go on to make the world an even better place—perhaps better than we could possibly imagine.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story!

Michael Shipman, CPA, Ed.D.

My name is CarlottaAne’th Williams-Watts. Years ago, after retiring from the U.S. Armed Forces, I relocated from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. Eventually, I returned to the Northeastern Pennsylvania area, where I was given the opportunity to enroll my youngest son, Malachi, in the Head Start Program at Pocono Services for Families and Children (PSFC).

This experience was exciting for my son because he had previously attended daycare in North Carolina, which he loved. One of my favorite memories of dropping him off at PSFC each day was watching him put his belongings in his cubby and then go to the sink to brush his teeth. One day, he looked at me and said, “Mommy, can I bring my toothbrush from home to brush my teeth here?” That simple question has stayed with me all these years.

Today, as an Assistant Teacher at PSFC, those memories come back to me. I now have the opportunity to serve in the same organization that once served my son. It is a full-circle moment that I do not take for granted.

On Friday, August 21, 2026, I dropped my son off at his dorm at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem. As I reflected on that moment, I thought about the importance of early childhood education and the foundation that Head Start can provide for children and families. I remember hearing about the educational success of children who participate in Head Start, and seeing my own son continue his education into college makes that journey especially meaningful to me.

I am excited to see what the future holds for my son, and I pray that one day my grandson will also have the opportunity to attend PSFC. What began years ago with me dropping my youngest son off at Head Start has now become part of my own professional journey.

I have also developed a program focused on trauma and healing, and I am passionate about helping others recognize that difficult experiences do not have to determine their future.

One of my special sayings is:

“With Movement Comes Change, With Change Comes Movement!”

My journey from a Head Start parent to an Assistant Teacher reminds me that sometimes we do not realize the impact of an experience until years later. What once served my family has now become a place where I have the privilege of serving other children and families.

Blessings,
CarlottaAne’th Williams-Watts

I was an Army wife who worked with family support and childcare throughout my husband's time in the military. When he retired and we moved to Bradford County Pa. I was given the opportunity to join the Bradford Tioga Head Start staff as a Family Advocate. I have been with Head Start for 24 years and have been able to assist many families in connecting with resources and building their support systems.

I learned in the military the importance of making connections and love seeing my Head Start families learn that as well. Head Start gives families opportunities not only for a solid education for their children but to grow and become more confident as parents. My own grandchildren have attended and the assistance to my adult children was invaluable.

This is a program that truly cares for strengthening the family unit and encouraging parents to find their own strengths and voices. Head Start is invaluable. This is evident by all of the lifelong connections I have seen in our community. It makes our world a better place!

I help students develop their reading skills and encourage their love for reading, as well as working with their families to promote reading in the home setting and with younger siblings.

I have seen firsthand the dedication of the Head Start teachers in working with these 3-5 year old children. They are invested not only in academics but social and emotional learning, developmental supports and nutrition. The Family Engagement Workers work closely with families to ensure health screenings, pre-kindergarten readiness and community sources of support.

These multiple pillars of support are what set the Head Start program apart and serve as a gold standard for pre-school education for families in need. The current Head Start Program Performance Standards should remain intact to ensure continued benefits to the children and their families.

One program recently shared feedback from families reflecting on the relationships, support, and care their children received:

“You did a wonderful job helping teach and open up my child.”

“Miss Morgan is amazing with (child)! I have never seen him open to working with someone more. So happy she is his teacher!”

“Everyone does a great job with both the children and the families. Both of my daughters have attended, and I would recommend to anyone with a child of age.”

“Miss Ashley, Miss Lori, Miss Nikki, and all involved in Ridgway were huge helps with the hurdles we faced with (child’s) autism diagnosis. I can’t thank you ENOUGH for ALL you do!”

🌱 These reflections highlight what Head Start programs do every day: build trust with families, create meaningful relationships with children, and walk alongside families through both everyday growth and more complex challenges.

👏 Thank you to the staff who continue to create spaces where children and families feel seen, supported, and connected.

My journey began when I applied for my son to attend Head Start. He was accepted.

I attended many parent meetings, activity days, and volunteered in the classroom. I even met my best friend at work. I learned the ins and outs from observing and what this program was all about.

When a position came open in the classroom for a classroom aide/bus monitor, I applied (2012) and was hired.

The first thing I was told was that change is inevitable, and I truly believe that to this day. Change is hard sometimes, but change can be the 1st step to success.

I felt like this is the kind of program I want to be a part of. I knew I had to start somewhere and wanted to work my way up.

In 2014, I became a Family Advocate (FA) and started working with the families to make a difference. Throughout the years as an FA, I truly enjoyed my job. I loved doing applications and meeting parents for the 1st time, making the connections to the families.

These moments are some of the best moments to get to know your families: initial visits, 45 day visits, 90 day visits, conferences, parent meetings, parent activity days, Family play groups (EHS).

I found that I could relate with so many of our families in so many different ways, through love, loss, laughter, anger & sadness. Sharing parts of my story have helped when relating to other families that are or may be going through something very similar to my own experiences over the years.

I have also learned from our families. Yes, they teach us too!

In 2020, I moved up to a Family Service Supervisor, and I have to say that this position has been so rewarding.

Doing outreach to meet new families, see familiar faces to connect with, and seeing that sparkle in the kids' eyes when they step up to do whatever activity we have planned.

I get to teach my staff and give them tips on how I made this or that work when I was in the position. But yet again, my staff also teach me. Some of them have way more experience than I do.

I am very appreciative of our 1/1 monthly meetings, our discussions, our get-togethers, and our trainings at P.C. Being able to observe their work and give feedback if needed is something I enjoy as well. They all do an amazing job.

I believe that we all learn something new every day. I truly try to embrace my job and put 100% in almost every day. Let’s face it, some days are harder than others, but I would have to say this is the most rewarding job I have ever had.

It’s the families' progress and reaching their goals and milestones that make it rewarding. To see the families grow and thrive is a true picture of what Head Start does!! 🥰

Three years later, my son was born and was behind with his physical milestones. He enrolled into Early Head Start, and his teacher was phenomenal and helped give so many pointers and assistance for me to help my son meet his milestones.

She scoured the internet to find resources to help me with his needs, and by the time he went into the Head Start classroom, he had passed all of his milestones.

The Early Head Start teacher also told me of the job openings, so I had applied, interviewed, and got a teacher aide job. Now I’ve been with the company for 5 years.

Now I am on track to earn my bachelor’s degree in elementary education thanks to Head Start!

Her four children participated in STEP Head Start in Lycoming County, giving her a firsthand view of the support, relationships, and opportunities the program creates for children and families. Her experience as both a parent and former staff member gives her a unique perspective on the lasting impact Head Start can have—not only on children, but on the adults and families who grow alongside them.

🎥 Watch Erica share her Head Start story in her own words.

Her family’s experience reflects the flexibility and continuity that Head Start can provide as children grow and family needs change. From support in the home to learning and connection in the classroom, Robyn’s story highlights how Head Start can meet families in different ways while remaining a consistent source of support throughout the early years.

🎥 Watch Robyn share her Head Start story in her own words.

My first step was securing childcare, and while researching, I received countless recommendations from friends and family to enroll him in LCCAP’s program. During my home visit, I found support for both my son and myself. My Family Service Worker encouraged me to apply to LCCAP, which became one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Two months after my son enrolled in LCCAP, I started my new job as a Family Service Worker. I also received resources for college and am happy to say that 10 months later, I am in Honors College, completing my degree, working for LCCAP, and forever grateful for the support that I have received.

LCCAP is not just childcare. It is a way to help individuals like me who could easily fall to the wayside and become a statistic. Now, as I guide single mothers like me in the process of becoming resourceful and gaining opportunities, I have an empathy and understanding of the value of this type of program.

It can be the beginning of a success story, no matter where your starting point is, and I am so grateful to be a part of such a great establishment.

Throughout their time in Head Start, they learned so many valuable skills and tools that continue to help them in school today. The program also played an important role in helping me connect my son with services he needed when he was young.

Head Start supported us throughout that process and helped ensure a smooth transition with those services when he entered kindergarten. My daughter still talks about her preschool teacher today, which is a testament to the meaningful relationships the children develop with the staff.

The program has taught my children skills that they will carry with them for a lifetime. The curriculum, along with the nurturing and supportive environment, has helped them develop both academically and in their social and emotional growth. The staff members we have encountered over the years have been amazing. I always felt that they genuinely cared about my children, their development, and their overall well-being.

I am incredibly grateful for everything Head Start has done for my children and our family. I couldn’t have asked for a better place for my children to spend their formative years. Head Start has given them a strong foundation for their education and helped them grow into confident, capable, and caring students.

I was very aware of the success of Head Start programs and thoroughly enjoyed seeing it for myself. I became very involved with the students in the program and loved watching them “blossom.” My student did very well also.

I was horrified to read that President Trump was attempting to change the program, taking away funding and using fewer teachers and larger classes. The end goal seems to be to do away with the Head Start program. This is a wonderful program and needs to be continued for the sake of our “at risk” children.

I am retired now but plan to volunteer in a Head Start classroom to work with the children on literacy skills by storytelling and reading with them.

When the warehouse I worked at closed, I was fortunate enough to get hired on in the Child Development in Tamaqua, PA.

The teachers and assistants here are fantastic. I've personally seen the effect on the young children they teach. I watched non-verbal children string together words to make full sentences.

I've seen children who had very limited knowledge learn their colors, numbers, ABCs, and an interest in the world around them. They are constantly working to help the children learn as much as they can for the 2 years they can be with us.

This program needs to stick around. There are a ton of kids that could really use the structure & caring this program provides at a very high standard.

When they first started, I was hoping to give them a safe, supportive environment where they could learn, socialize, and grow, but Head Start has provided our family with so much more than I initially expected.

I have been able to watch both of my girls grow tremendously in their independence, confidence, communication, and social skills. They have learned how to follow routines, interact with other children, express themselves, and become excited about learning. Seeing their personalities and abilities develop has been one of the most rewarding parts of having them in the program.

I also feel much more confident knowing that they are developing skills that will help prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.

LCCAP has supported me as a parent as well. The staff have consistently made me feel like they genuinely care about my children and our family, rather than simply providing childcare or education. They have been people I can communicate with, ask questions, and rely on for support and resources when our family has gone through many changes and challenges.

During the time my daughters have been enrolled, our family has accomplished so much. I have continued raising my girls while completing nursing school, and I recently graduated from my BSN program.

Having dependable care and knowing my children were somewhere they were safe, learning, and cared for played an important role in allowing me to continue working toward that goal.

Our family has also grown and changed in many ways during this time, and having the consistency and support of Head Start has meant more to us than I can adequately put into words.

I am incredibly grateful for the teachers, staff, and everyone involved with Head Start who has invested time and care into my daughters. The program has helped them grow, helped me continue building a better future for our family, and given us a support system during an important period of our lives.

I truly believe our family is better because we have had LCCAP as part of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOY_cmlcyFE

https://youtu.be/E3YJka7dkB8

-Head Start has been so beneficial to any little ones I have ever had in my care. It has made a huge difference in readiness for elementary school, too.

-I am grateful that this program exists for families who are struggling and also for grandparents who are a little out of their depths with all the new computer generated paperwork. CAP was great helping to navigate through it all and getting my grandson registered for Pre-k.

-I am most grateful for CAP's Thrive to Five program. Because of this, my son can go to preschool- and he loves it, too. His teachers are wonderful, and he talks about how kind they and his classmates are.

-I'm thankful that my son can attend school without being judged for his mental health conditions.

-My child has came a long way and has learn so much being in the thrive to 5 program. I am very grateful for the teachers and staff always giving their all and always trying to help us with the resources we need.

-The one thing I am most grateful for from CAP's services is receiving early learning services and then having the opportunity to take on a role as a teacher's aide in the classroom. These services have given my family and I the chance to not only enroll my child in the pre-K classroom but also granted me employment that has been convenient and beneficial. I will forever be thankful for the moment I decided to stop at CAP's stand at the Denver fair; it has changed the trajectory for my life and my family!

-The thrive to five program has been a blessing for my child. They work so well with her and her team of therapist to helping her improve immensely. They are true heroes.

-Thrive to Five has benefited my son so much in the past couple of months. Best thing I could have ever done for him and I’m grateful for the teachers he has.

I was 21. Within hours of giving birth, I was informed he had Down Syndrome. He was so beautiful! What I was told by his pediatrician on several occasions was my expectations were too high and I needed to realize he would not amount to much...

Prior to his first birthday, we moved to PA. Trying to locate the local LIU to continue his PT, OT, ST, and developmental Therapies, my mother came across the phone number for Fulton County Center for Families, the local Early Head Start/Head Start Program.

That one phone call changed his life. It also changed mine.

Within a week, he started having Home Visits. Not only did they follow their own "Head Start" standards, they also incorporated the goals each Therapist had set for him in his IFSP. My Home Visitor sat through the evaluations, sessions with the therapist, learned all she could, even sign language, and used that throughout the next 2 years of his life.

This is what set him up for life!

She taught me the most important lesson... I am my child's first and best Teacher. Not once did she say my expectations were too high or was he labeled Down Syndrome. He had a name... Jesse!

When it came to setting family goals, she helped me achieve each one. She was always encouraging and supportive and even on my worst days made me feel like I could achieve anything. And I did!

The Program itself sponsored me to be apart of the Pennsylvania Head Start Association, where I sat with the Board of Directors as the Secretary, sharing in the vision. I later became a Home Visitor for the same program who gave my son a Head Start in life. Graduated college and now work for another Head Start Program, why... Because I have lived this, I know how scary the world is to mothers with children who have a diagnosis, and I know how important this program is to the entire family.

My Pediatrician asked, "what is your expectation of your child who is Retarded?" Through clinched teeth I responded, "a normal prosperous life." That is when I was told not to expect much.

When my Home Visitor asked what goal I wanted to set for Jesse, I shared the same. From that day forward he achieved everything!

This program set him up to be a success!

He graduated High School, Went to College for Culinary Arts. Now has a job and achieved his own goal, living by himself. He is living a normal prosperous life and we owe it all to the Head Start Program who supported this goal even before he could walk!

Picture is of Jesse the day he moved into his own place.

Head Start is a life line to families!

Overnight, I was trying to figure out how to manage preschool, appointments, work, finances, and everything else that comes with raising children, while carrying the weight of knowing that I was going to have another baby to care for.

I remember feeling completely overwhelmed. I didn’t know where to begin or who I could turn to for help.

That’s when Lawrence County Community Action Partnership became an answer to a prayer I didn’t even know how to pray.

My son, Kai, was enrolled in LCCAP’s Learning Tree program, where he was receiving a wonderful Pre-K education.

During such an unpredictable and difficult time in our lives, one of the greatest blessings was knowing that Kai had somewhere safe, structured, and consistent to go every day.

While so much of our world was changing, his classroom remained a place where he could learn, grow, and simply be a kid.

Kai has Level 2 autism, so having the right support and services has always been extremely important for him. Through LCCAP and their partnership with Treehouse, Kai was able to receive the support services he needed right at school. The difference that made for him, and for our family, has been life-changing.

Around this same time, my family service worker reached out to check on me. She simply asked how I was doing and whether there was anything I needed.

Those questions may sound small, but to me, they meant everything.

I was so overwhelmed that I scheduled a time to meet with her in person. I remember sitting there and crying my eyes out in front of her. I wasn’t crying because she had made things worse. I was crying because, for the first time in a long time, I felt like someone was actually asking how I was doing, and genuinely wanted to help.

She listened. She comforted me. She helped me find resources for things I didn’t even know were available to me.

If she didn’t have an answer to one of my questions, she didn’t simply tell me she didn’t know. She took the time to find the answer and get back to me. She connected me with resources for emotional support and financial assistance and helped me navigate a situation that often felt impossible to navigate on my own.

A few months later, my youngest son, Nicolas, was born unexpectedly with heart complications and required specialized care. While I was away with him, I had one less thing to worry about because I knew Kai was still surrounded by people who cared about him.

The staff at his school continued making sure Kai received the support he needed, while also helping my parents communicate and stay connected with what was happening. During one of the most frightening and emotional periods of my life, knowing that Kai was being cared for gave me a sense of peace when I desperately needed it.

When Nicolas was about six weeks old, another wave of stress hit me. I was facing the reality of returning to work while trying to figure out how I could afford childcare and make everything work as a single parent raising both a special-needs child and an infant.

Once again, LCCAP was there.

My family service worker helped make sure I applied for a spot for Nicolas early. He was accepted quickly, and I was also made aware of a program that could help with the cost of childcare. Instead of having to figure everything out by myself, I had someone helping me navigate my options and pointing me toward resources that could make our situation manageable.

When Kai graduated from preschool and Nicolas started Early Head Start, I received a new family service worker. I worried that another transition might mean starting over, but she immediately helped make the change feel less stressful.

To this day, she continues to provide support and care for my family. She has been loving, compassionate, and genuinely caring toward my son.

And the support didn’t stop there.

As summer approached, I began worrying about how I would manage childcare for Kai. I knew that keeping up with him all day, every day—especially when he became bored—would be difficult for both of us.

I reached out to ask about summer care, and once again, I was met with a quick response and help finding a solution. Kai was able to start quickly, and he had an amazing experience. He loved his teacher and his classmates, and it was obvious that his teachers loved him, too. They cared for him like he was one of their own.

Today, Kai has moved on to kindergarten, and Nicolas continues to attend LCCAP.

Every time I pick Nicolas up from school, I still see that same love and passion in the teachers.

It is clear that they don’t simply show up to do a job—they genuinely care about the children and families they serve.

And perhaps one of the things that means the most to me is that the love doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Even though Kai has moved on to kindergarten, his former teachers still ask about him. They remember him. They celebrate his growth. They continue to show genuine concern and care for him and for our little family.

LCCAP didn’t just provide my children with preschool and childcare. They provided us with stability when our lives felt unstable. They gave my children opportunities to learn and grow, and they gave me something just as important: the feeling that I wasn’t alone.

I came to LCCAP during one of the hardest chapters of my life not knowing where to turn. I found people who listened, people who cared, and people who were willing to help me find a way forward.

My children are growing, learning, and thriving. I am continuing to move forward as a parent, a student, and a provider for my family. And I know that the support my family received through LCCAP played an important role in helping us get here.

Sometimes success doesn’t look like having everything figured out. Sometimes success is simply having someone reach out and say, “How are you doing? What do you need?”, and then actually be there to help you find the answer.

For my family, LCCAP was that support. And I will always be grateful.