ECS Head Start
A Warm Welcome
Olivia, a three-year-old diagnosed with cerebral palsy, was very shy and lacked confidence. She was learning at home and attending physical therapy, but she had no outlet to develop socially. Understandably, her parents – Alma and Oscar – were anxious about Olivia going to school for the first time. Would Olivia be cared for? Would her disability affect her preschool experience? Would she be comfortable in an unfamiliar environment?
When they discovered that an ECS Head Start center was only a few blocks from Alma’s job, they knew they had found a place for Olivia to begin her education, but the program far exceeded their expectations, transforming from a school to a family. The growth Alma and Oscar have seen in their daughter is powerful. “As soon as she started going there for, like, a week, she was just so much more open. Her attitude changed,” Oscar said. The warm and welcoming environment of Head Start helped Olivia to open up to those around her.
Preschool is a crucial time for young learners to develop social skills, and ECS Head Start prioritizes that development. “She is super confident for everything that is going on with her and then it has really helped her to express how she feels and what she wants,” Alma shared.
The warm ECS embrace extends from the teachers and staff to the other children. “It is nice to see that she is accepted here, and everybody loves her.” her mother said. “It is like a big family. I do not know all the teachers, but they definitely know Olivia!”
The teachers meet with parents to set goals for their children, then work hand-in-hand with them to accomplish those goals. The staff is accommodating and considerate toward each child, which was especially impactful for Olivia’s needs. “There has always been somebody holding my daughter or within arm’s reach of her, so I know that she is safe,” Oscar added.
Olivia has enjoyed ECS Head Start throughout the past three years, but this year she is off to a new adventure: kindergarten. Her parents are sad to leave the program, but they expressed that it has prepared her for the next step. “I think she is ready,” Alma said. “They prepared her.” The once quiet and reserved Olivia has transformed into a confident young girl ready to take on whatever is next.
Head Start aims to provide a holistic education, caring for each student academically, socially, and beyond. “I would not change this experience for her for any other school,” Oscar said. Oscar and Alma recommend Head Start to any other family looking for quality early childhood education. “The experience has been great, and I do not have anything else to say other than ‘bring your kids.’ It is a great place.”
To learn more about ECS Head Start and how the quality early childhood education could benefit you and your children visit www.ecsheadstart.org.
