Juarez Sanchez
Father of the Year 2007
Head Start education is not just for the kids!
As a family, it was a very important experience for us being part of Early Head Start, because we learned a lot of information about responsibilities, communication, changes, discipline and places, we had the opportunity to know very nice people like the teachers and therapists like: Julia Deery, Caylee H, Philip Young, and the personal visits from Martha Camez and her supervisors whom are very professional, all directed by Martha Velasco.
Before we never belonged to an institution like this and I don’t think there is another institution like this because this is totally unique.
We benefited from the program in many ways: like setting up goals, gross and fine motor evaluations, cognitive, language, self- help, social/emotional, were they could indicate and tell about the children’s development, health, and hearing stages.
We learned very interesting topics about health, hygiene, safety, nutrition, post partum depression, self-help, information about areas of concern and possible solutions.
This is a great program where they can teach how to be a parent and teacher for our children, with help from patient, qualified and professional personnel in all areas.
Now we are full of experiences, memories, and knowledge and beautiful moments like when we went to the Aquarium, aviary, farm, swimming pool, firefighters, bowling, little race cars, children’s museum, dinosaurs museum, dress up party, little gym, parents meetings, crafts, dinners, socialization's, parent committee, donations, Christmas presents and pictures.
Different classes like: potty training, basic signs for babies and the deaf, yoga, positive discipline (I learned how to say NO appropriately) stress management, time management, finances, and connection with community resources and services like fairs, story time at the library, recreation and cultural centers.
This is an educational program for the parent that is free and we are reimbursed for the gas we use.
The changes and progress in my pregnancy, the birth of my two children Brandon and Diana, supported by EHS and Early Intervention, and the transition stage when they turned three years old, were very smooth and normal thanks to DDI Vantage.
This included how to choose especial education, preschool, Play and Learn, where they can develop personal, emotional and social abilities, and they learned how to share, how to clean up their toys, take turns and how to connect with other children and teachers through games and music. With Musik Garten they learned through music, song and dance, how to imitate, communicate and have fun.
Everything was a beautiful experience, especially when my husband won “Father of the year” 2007, thanks to all mentioned above.
In conclusion what we wish is that we can be able to be good parents the best we can, and that my children know what is good and bad, that they can be respectful, trustworthy, responsible, just, human and good citizens.
Many thanks to Early Head Start we’ll never forget you.
Sincerely,
Juarez Sanchez family
Translated by: Liliana Roper