Giving Families a Head Start
Yurico’s journey with MAAC began in high school when she volunteered at a Head Start center for community service hours. It was there that she realized her passion for working with children and families, helping them prepare for school and life success. After high school, Yurico started working at a MAAC center and enrolled in evening, weekend, and online child development classes at a local college, eventually earning her associate’s degree.
With MAAC’s continued support for her education, Yurico was able to attend CSU San Marcos, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in human development with an emphasis in counseling services. As the first in her family to graduate from high school and college, her educational pursuits did not stop there. Today, she also holds a master’s degree in education and works at a local community college, providing basic needs support for students – much like the care and support she once received as a MAAC employee and as a parent of children who attended MAAC’s Head Start and Early Head Start Program.
While pursuing her post-secondary degrees, Yurico enrolled her daughter in Head Start. Several years later, her son joined Early Head Start to develop his speech skills and socialize with other children. In addition to the care and education her children received in the classroom, the program also helped pay for necessary dental work that her insurance did not cover.
“I am grateful for the MAAC child development program, and especially for the teachers who provided a loving environment where I knew my children were safe while I worked and attended school,” Yurico shared with GB Magazine. “MAAC helped me become self-sufficient, learn to be a better parent, and pursue a degree that has led me to where I am now.”
For nearly 50 years, MAAC has been providing early care and education for children ages 0-5 years and their families across North San Diego County communities. Today, MAAC operates 17 childcare centers and partners with 21 family childcare providers to offer full-day care and services across Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Escondido, Fallbrook, Oceanside, San Marcos, San Ysidro, Pauma, Rincon, and Vista.
For information on eligibility and enrollment, call MAAC at (760) 471-4210 or visit www.MAACproject.org/HeadStart.
