We ARRA Working

Children First, Inc. Sarasota, FL

Megan Steele

My name is Megan Steele. I am a past Head Start student. I grew up in public housing in Charlotte, North Carolina. I left my family and friends to move to Sarasota, Florida six years ago. I was forced to build my own support system in order to provide guidance and assistance for my children.

When my children and I walked through the doors of Children First in July 2007, I was unemployed, pregnant, and a single mom. The loving and caring people at Children First guided me in the right direction and became my second family.

I began volunteering in the classroom at the Ross Center site of Children First. Through my hard work and commitment and encouragement of Children First staff, I chose a career in Early Childhood Education and was given a job as a Teacher Aide at Children First on August 21, 2007. Within two months of becoming a staff member, I took the necessary training classes and received my GED. I enrolled at the State College of Florida in January 2008.

I have built many relationships with Children First community partners, families and staff. I am a graduate of the Career Readiness class offered at Children First. I also volunteer on many committees at Children First. Late in 2009, I moved from the classroom to an administrative role in the Finance Department.

In August 2010, ARRA funding allowed for the creation of a Program Administrative Support position which I was offered and accepted. Many of the duties of the position were new to me, and I had to learn many new things about Head Start and Children First to support the managers and staff. My organizational skills and ability to learn quickly have helped me be successful and valued by staff. My duties and increased knowledge have allowed me to be a more effective and knowledgeable advocate for Head Start, and I am able to recruit and help many in my community using my wonderful experiences as both a Head Start parent and staff member.

It is personally rewarding to be able to help others in my community who had faced the challenges I faced when I first moved to Sarasota. I am grateful for the ARRA funding which gave me the opportunity to advance my career, assist my family, and help the community. Thanks so much for taking the time out to read my story in the hope that the funding will continue. Thanks to Children First for giving my children and me a Head Start.

Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. Uniontown, PA

Sandra Herbert

My name is Sandra Herbert and I was hired by the Early Head Start program as an L.P.N/Health Assistant on September 27, 2010.

Prior to this, I was employed at St. Mary (Nativity) School in Uniontown, Pa. I was employed for five years in the Three and Four-Year-Old Preschool Program and had volunteered there for eight years. Due to the current economic situation, diminishing enrollment and the financial situation of the school, they had to close their doors. My last day of employment was June 7, 2010 following the preschool graduation ceremony.

Since being hired at the Early Head Start program, I am now able to feel financially secure and able to adequately help provide for my daughter in college. I can't tell you what a relief it was to be employed again. I am truly thankful for this position and proud to work for such a caring organization.

Children First, Inc. Sarasota, FL

Danielle Cramblitt and Donna Whitman

For the past five years, we worked together in a YMCA child care program. We loved our work there. In order to improve our practice, we enrolled in a CDA program at our local technical institute. We completed the program in May 2010.

At the time of our graduation the YMCA informed us that our program would be closing. With the economy faltering, many families had lost their jobs and no longer needed child care. Our program could not stay afloat due to decreased enrollment. On the night of our graduation, we told our instructor about the impending closure of our center. She immediately let us know about the expansion of the Early Head Start program in our community. Now that we had our CDAs, we were qualified to work as Infant Toddler Specialists with Children First Early Head Start. Our instructor encouraged us to apply to the program.

In August, we were both hired to work with Children First in an ARRA-funded program. The site where we are presently employed is just blocks away from the YMCA. So we have been able to stay employed in our community. We were so lucky to have heard about these positions, and to be qualified for them! The timing was perfect for us.

My name is Donna Whitman. I am a single mother of two children. I support my boys through full-time employment as an Early Care and Education Practitioner. Were it not for this ARRA-funded position, I'm not sure how I would support my children.

My name is Danielle Cramblitt. I am married and have two children. My income is critical to our household. Through this ARRA-funded position, I have been able to continue to support the needs of my family.

Our livelihoods depend on the ARRA funding. We sincerely hope that it will be continued.

Respectfully,

Danielle Cramblitt and Donna Whitman

ICS, Inc. MS

Yulanda Rice

Before I became an employee with ICS, Inc., I was working at a chicken plant in Sebastopol, MS. This job was almost two hours away from home. It was very stressful having to drive down this long road at night. I wouldn't get home until four or five o'clock in the morning. Then I became pregnant with my first child and that made it even harder. I started to have complications when I was seven months and I had to go on maternity leave, which was the worst thing that could ever happen because I had no income coming in at all.

After I had my son, I was determined to find a better job. There was no way that I could work two hours away from home, at night, and away from my son. I prayed a special prayer to the heavens above for the coming of a better job. I would watch the paper every week, hoping that a job in my profession would be accepting applications.

I graduated from East Mississippi Community College in the educational field and I had been a substitute teacher for six years so my goal was to find a job as a teacher. Finally, ICS posted an ad looking for Early Childhood Teachers and I knew that this was my chance of having a better job. I immediately filled out an application and sent a copy of my diploma, college degree, and a resume alone with it.

As I waited to receive a call from an ICS staff member. I went back to work at the chicken plant. It was extremely hard for me because we don't have night care for babies here in Noxubee County so I was left to rely on family members to watch him but I couldn't always depend on them.

Finally, I received the call from Ms. Wanda Kizer informing me of an interview. I was very delighted. At my interview I was dressed to impress, I aced the test and I answered the questions to the best of my ability during my interview. After a few weeks, I received a call informing me that I had been hired with ICS as an Early Head Start teacher. I cried and jumped for joy; it was the best news of my life. I had also applied to have my son enrolled in the Early Head Start program. I also received a call from ICS informing that my son was accepted into the program. I became elated. I know that God answers prayers.

Before my son was accepted he was running out of milk every month. He is lactose intolerant so his formula was very expensive. When they informed me that they provided the formula and baby food, I felt as if I was receiving blessings one after the other.

Once I started my job, I was a little nervous because it was so much knowledge to gain in a few weeks. But I was confident in myself and I was ready to show the ICS staff members that they had made the right decision hiring me for this job. After training and meeting the parents and children for the first time, my heart was at ease because I formed a bond between my parents and children the very first day of school. I came to work every single day. I couldn't wait to get there in the morning. This is, by far, the best job I ever had.

I have to thank ICS-Head Start for that experience because I would have never gotten on a plane on my own. I gained so much information from the conference and I came back to work and shared the information I gained with the other employees.

In conclusion, I am very proud to be a Head Start employee. When I was young and the teacher would ask the students what they wanted to be when they got older, I would always say a teacher. I send special thanks to ICS for making my dreams come true. They allowed me the opportunity to work as a teacher; therefore, I will remain dedicated, continue to provide continuity of care to our children and families, and be the best teacher I can be. I went from working in the cold, outside in the rain, and driving a two-hour long drive to a place I dreaded to doing a job that I love best.

Children First, Inc. Sarasota, FL

Kanani Kekahuna

Like others, I was struggling financially. In 2009, I was laid off from two jobs and I was close to becoming homeless. I have five young children, and daycare became too expensive. Something needed to be done. I made the decision to leave my apartment that I could no longer afford and moved into a transitional housing program.

My next decision was what to do with my children. I was a Head Start student, my mother taught Head Start, and my oldest daughter was a Head Start student at Children First. I have always believed in Head Start's mission and if I could get my 4 younger children enrolled, I knew my children would be taken care of. I visited Children First and sat with a Family Advocate and completed my application to place my children on the waiting list. In the interim, my children continued at the daycare that I soon would not be able to afford.

Employment was still an issue. I continued searching for work and any spare time I had I volunteered at Children First. Work became very scarce as competition for employment grew. As time went by, I thought I would never find a job. Soon I was offered a position as a substitute. Of course the hours were never a guarantee and I was still in need of a decent paying, full-time position with benefits. This would leave me still struggling to care for my family. I was still in search of a better life.

Finally, it happened! Children First received ARRA expansion funds which allowed the creation of my current position, Program Administrative Support, and the enrollment of my children. I couldn't ask for anything better to be a full-time employee for a Head Start program and to have my children receive the benefits of Head Start too. We are so fortunate to be involved with an agency that believes in us and the goals I have for my family.

As a parent of Head Start/Early Head Start children, I have no worries about the development and well-being of my children. Their educational needs are being met and their health is monitored too.

As an employee of a Head Start program, I have been given the opportunity to improve my financial status greatly and the quality of my life and my children's lives. I can now provide care for my children and I am now on my way to home ownership.

My children's enrollment and my position at Children First could not possibly have happened so soon without the ARRA funding. Head Start has always been in my blood and always will be. I am grateful to be a part of the Head Start family once again!

Thank you for bettering our lives!!!

STEP, Inc. Rocky Mount, VA

Shelly Gravely

Shelly Gravely was having a rough 2008 and going through a divorce. She had left a full-time job to move back home and work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at RJ Reynolds Hospital in Stuart. But three months after moving back home, most of the hospital had closed, leaving Shelly unemployed. On top of everything else, her youngest child, Treyvon, was experiencing health problems. This would have been enough to make most people give up, but Shelly is not like most people.

Shelly enrolled in Patrick Henry Community College to further her education and become a Registered Nurse (RN). She also worked several part-time jobs to make ends meet, but she needed help with Treyvon. She enrolled him in the STEP Head Start program and was excited about the education he would receive that would prepare him for kindergarten. She was amazed at the other benefits her family received during this time of great transition. "Being a single mother with two children while trying to get my life on track was hard, said Shelly. I received so much encouragement from everyone at STEP Head Start, especially Mrs. Wells and Ms. Brenda."

They taught the Patrick Springs classroom where Treyvon received services he may not have received elsewhere. "Head Start was able to provide speech therapy with Treyvon and that was very helpful," said Shelly. "Mrs. Wells was always so supportive of us parents and she always encouraged us which was wonderful."

Shelly was also very active in Treyvon's education by participating in parent meetings which are an integral part of every Head Start classroom. The other parents recognized her leadership abilities and from 2008-2010, they elected Shelly to serve on the Policy Council, the parent body that provides oversight and governance for the Head Start program. In her final year, Shelly served as President. Her Policy Council colleagues also appointed her to be their representative on the STEP Board of Directors. "I love what STEP is all about," says Shelly. "STEP has great staff who truly care about people. The more help Treyvon and I received and the more I learned, the more impressed I became with all STEP does."

Last year, STEP received the largest Early Head Start grant under ARRA for new programs in Virginia. The $1.3 million grant enabled STEP to serve 80 additional families, pregnant women, and children ages 6 weeks to 3 years of age. When Shelly learned there would be a position for a Health Advocate, she jumped at the chance. "I was excited to see a position with Early Head Start that could use my education," said Shelly. She was hired and has done an amazing job in her new role. What's more, Shelly works closely with her son's former teacher, who was promoted to Early Head Start Manager.

"The longer I'm here, the more I learn about STEP! There are so many programs to help people and I'm so glad to help families the way I received help. And everyone at STEP still encourages me to continue with my education and move forward for me and my family. The atmosphere here is just wonderful." Shelly is a big reason the atmosphere at STEP is so positive, and she is giving our children and families the same invaluable encouragement she received.

Children First, Inc. Sarasota, FL

Sonia Azar

I am an Early Childhood professional, working in the field for more than 30 years. Recently I found myself at the same agency for more than 16 years. It was an amazing opportunity for me as I grew into the professional I am today. This agency was my family. But, I was working part time and only 9 months out of the year. My family needed more than that. So, I found myself having to make a move. This was a hard decision and I prayed I could find a job that would satisfy the needs of my family and help me in my professional growth. Then one Sunday afternoon I saw a job posted in the local paper for a Curriculum Coach F/T, 12 months with Children First. I quickly put my resume together and sent it out. I knew this was the job for me.

I had come to peace that I would find a job but I might not find the family I had with my previous employment. To my surprise what I found at Children First was so much more than I expected. I have been with the agency for 7 months and it has been rewarding from the first day. I am surrounded by people who share the same passion for families and children as I do. They have an incredible dedication to the families and the staff. I have been to numerous trainings and I am surrounded by very smart people.

I am fortunate enough to work with the new Community Partnerships that were formed with the ARRA money and it has changed my life! I get to work with incredible staff, infants and toddlers, and teen moms. I see the teen moms coming to school on buses with their back packs and diaper bags to earn an education and learn how to be the best parent they can be. It is so rewarding to know that we have a part in that process. WOW! It has been an incredible journey and I look forward to it everyday. I shiver to think what if...this grant gets cut? It's not just my job at stake; it's the lives of these teen moms and their babies and the numerous families that have benefited. I can survive, but what about them?

I thank God everyday I can meet the needs of my family and that I have found a great new family with Children First, and I pray that Children First will be able to continue to serve all their families.

Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. Uniontown, PA

Brandon R. Payne

By working through the Private Industry Council (PIC), for Head-Start/Early Head-Start, it has positively made my life experience change for the better. I had been in a slump of unemployment for a period of time and PIC has provided me with the employment to support my family financially. Between my wife and myself, there are seven children that we raise and expenses become quite a burden. As an Early Head Start Expansion ARRA Family Resource Specialist, I am able to use my creativity and knowledge to assist households to further and better their own lives and encourage them with knowledge, victory can be obtained. Through PIC, I was also able to take Penn State University classes for Early Childhood Education credits and a certificate.

Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. Uniontown, PA

Virginia Abbey

I feel that working for PIC under the ARRA grant as an Early Head Start employee has given me the opportunity to use my associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. This program has taught me how to individualize and adapt myself to teach the children and the families. This program also gives me the opportunity to use my bachelor's degree in Human Services to empower families to have a better life of their choosing. The opportunity PIC provides for furthering my education is endless. We have regular trainings that keep us up-to-date on the latest program developments and the opportunity to help me attend Carlow University to obtain my master's in Early Childhood Education.

Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. Uniontown, PA

Julie Frazee

Working for PIC under the ARRA grant has allowed me to put my Early Childhood Education to good use. This job has challenged me in a variety of ways. I have expanded my knowledge of two-year-olds beyond what college could offer. It is one thing to read about strategies for teaching and nurturing two-year-olds. It is very different to have to put these theories and strategies into action. I am thankful for the experiences I have been exposed to as a result of this job.

Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. Uniontown, PA

Amber Lutes

Since becoming employed at Head Start of Fayette County, I have learned more than I could ever imagine about Early Childhood and how to better serve families and small children. Through a generous education program, I was able to obtain an Early Childhood Education Certificate. I have learned a great deal about poverty and how it impacts both families and the community. I feel I have a much better understanding of community resources and how to effectively use these to benefit my families. Personally, I am in a better position financially than I was a year ago. Being the sole support of a family is never easy, but being employed here has made it easier to provide for the people I love most. I feel many positive things have come into my life since I began working for PIC. I am grateful for the opportunity and chance to better hone my skills through education.

Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. Uniontown, PA

Brandy Zahand

As my first job out of college, Head Start has positively welcomed me into the real world of the workforce. I had been worried that I would not be able to find a career where I would be able to help people and children as much as I had hoped and dreamed. Working at Head Start has helped me accomplish my hopes and dreams. The agency has helped me understand the value of families, communities, and the importance of striving to help each other in being successful in life and in the future success of the children. Not only has Head Start helped me accomplish these things, it has also helped me obtain and broaden my knowledge about early childhood education.

While working for Head Start, classes were offered from Pennsylvania State University to help me obtain an educational certificate. The classes that were offered, as well as the professors that taught them, were very beneficial to me. They helped me learn how to better help others and also helped me to broaden my knowledge in order for me to be a better worker. In all, working for Head Start has been a great and rewarding experience for me.

Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. Uniontown, PA

Arielle Marshall

Working with Early Head Start has been a wonderful experience. I love coming to work every day and working with the children in my class. I enjoy coming up with different activities to do with the children. The children love to learn and I adore teaching them. Every day I learn something new. I can honestly say I love my job because of the children and staff I work with.

Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. Uniontown, PA

Justin Garrity

I am very pleased with the experiences and learning opportunities I have had working for Early Head Start for two months. I enjoy working with parents and young children, and I feel that what I am doing is important and rewarding. I also feel that what I have learned working with clients and in training helps me be a better father myself. I am very grateful that Head Start brought me on board and allowed me to do work that I truly enjoy.

Children First, Inc. Sarasota, FL

Teresa Pauley

I can remember the very first time I was introduced to the Head Start program. It was in 1977 and I was four years old. My mom was in my preschool classroom getting me ready for the Head Start parade. I can remember the way my classroom looked and my yellow shirt with words on it. I couldn't read the words, but I knew they represented something important because all the children were wearing the same shirt.

When we arrived at the parade, we lined up to get started. My mom was holding a banner that had the same words that were written on my yellow shirt. I didn't know then that those words would play such a big part in my life.

My two boys were both in the Head Start program and were able to have the same wonderful experiences I had when I was in the program. I was so proud to share the experience with them and especially the parade. Every time I saw my boys wearing a Head Start t-shirt, it meant so much more than just a shirt. I knew exactly what those words meant and I was proud to pass it on to my children.

Head Start has been a wonderful experience for me but none more rewarding than when I became a Head Start teacher and was able to share the same experiences with families and learn even more about the program. I have been very fortunate to be a part of Head start as a student, a parent, and a teacher, and thanks to the ARRA grant I am now a Family Advocate with Children First. I enjoy my new position and strongly believe that this program works. I hope it is around for years to come so that my future grandchildren can benefit from the wonderful impact the program has had on my family.

Children First, Inc. Sarasota, FL

Sean Lerwick

I have been blessed to be employed with a non-profit company that has for 50 years given so much to the community! We need so desperately to continue our mission, as the community has required from us for all of these years. I give all I can daily to supply a need that might be lost if you decide to cut this funding. With jobs at an all time low, people need all the help they can get. We are in a depression!!!

We need you to hear us and understand that this is not the time to start taking away our only chance to meet the staggering demands of help our people need to make it on a daily basis! Our community needs us, and we need you! Don't cripple our ability to keep up with the high demand of people that come daily through our doors needing our help. Please support our children and families in this awful depression!

This new position, designed with Head Start ARRA funding, has allowed me to grow and follow my career path in computer infrastructure. Without this funding from ARRA, my position would have not been created. Without this experience in Head Start, I would not have known how to extend the services needed for children in my community.

Sincerely,

Sean Lerwick

ICS, Inc. MS

Carlos M. Jones, Sr.

I was laid off from a local factory prior to being hired.

My name is Carlos M. Jones, Sr. and I have worked for ICS, Inc. since March of 2010 due to ARRA funding received by the agency. I am currently employed as a custodian with the Early Head Start Expansion Program. It is a wonderful job because I get the chance to be a part of the building and making of the future by helping young children develop into preschoolers. Since being employed with ICS, I have learned that my job is one of great responsibility, commitment, integrity, and it is family oriented.

Working in the Early Head Start Expansion Program has helped me to become a better person, father, employee and role model. ICS has blessed me with the opportunity to get a better education, job stability and security. I am currently studying for my Child Development Associate License (CDA) and I was nominated the November 2010 Employee of the Month by my coworkers.

I would like to thank Ms. Wensie Bailey, EHS Expansion Site Manager, Ms. Linda Harris, EHS Director, and the entire ICS family for welcoming me aboard and giving me the opportunity to work and get a better education. I look forward to a greater future with ICS.

Community Action of Southwest (CAS), Washington, PA

Becky Petit

In identifying needed support in the Health and Nutrition areas, we used the ARRA funds to hire a Health/Nutrition Coordinator. Becky (Barbara) Pettit's LPN background enables her to discern medical and nutritional information from forms and then address the issues and/or refer children to the appropriate resource. She is an invaluable asset to the Health and Nutrition Unit of CAS Early Childhood Services Head Start/Early Head Start. Becky is an active member of the Oral Health Task Force which was developed by grant funding through community collaboration with Cornerstone Care. She provides data entry and CACFP support in the areas of monitoring and supervising.

Becky adapted and navigated our data base and policies and procedures quickly and continues to seek out opportunities to strengthen her skill sets and personal development. Her interactions and supervision of staff are both professional and respectful. Due to her ability to perform more independently, Becky has provided opportunities for growth and increased community involvement to enhance the Health and Nutrition unit.

Becky was retained with non-stimulus funds.

Scranton Lackawanna Human Development Agency, Inc Scranton, PA

Anonymous

Upon my graduation in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, I knew there was a job where I could use the skills I learned and really make a difference. As a parent, I know the importance of giving children the best possible start right from the beginning. Early Head Start has been a huge asset in my life and the lives of the children and parents I work with. I know the work I am doing as a Parent Educator for Early Head Start, with the whole family, is going to make such a difference in the child's future. Parents are the child's first and most important teacher and with the skills and knowledge we are giving the parents, the child will have a better chance of a successful future.

Prince William County, Manassas, VA

Anonymous

When I graduated from college in May 2009, I really wasn't worried about finding a job. I was extremely confident in my abilities and thought to myself, "How hard could this be?" I was actually excited at the prospect of doing applications, completing some interviews, and finding my perfect job! Thinking back on it now, I have to laugh because I was utterly naive! That following summer was easily my most challenging ever, both mentally and emotionally. Four years of hard work and overachieving in college just to end up unemployed, broke, and depressed.

Finally, one day in October, my mother pointed out a job posting for a Family Service Worker with Prince William County Schools in the Head Start program. I knew it would be a long shot, but I decided this HAD to be my job. I was at my breaking point and I was worn out from being so unsuccessful. After two weeks and not a word about the job, I paid a visit to the Head Start office. I wanted to make myself known so that I was more than just a name on a piece of paper, but also show the administrator that I was serious about the job and that I was the best choice. I met with the Head Start Director and she said she was pleased that I had taken the time to meet her and I could expect an interview soon. Not even a week after my interview, I received a call from Human Resources saying they wanted to offer me the Head Start job. I have never been so overwhelmed by happiness and relief before in my life!

Since starting, the job has been wonderfully rewarding and unexpectedly shaped my future. The connections I make with my families are unlike any other relationships I have. Their success is my success. I remember one mother who was able to go back to school and get a great job after she completed a career building program in administration. She actually called me the day she graduated to convey how excited and thankful she was for my help in referring her to the program. However, my favorite memory will always be the day I spent working with my preschoolers on their first day of school. The sheer joy and excitement on their faces was so rewarding and gave me such an indescribable feeling of contentment. Of course there are days when I want to cry for my families and I feel the weight of their troubles on my shoulders, but those are eclipsed by the good days when I am able to help them with a problem or just listen to their troubles and feelings. I never realized that I had such a passion for social work until working for Head Start and after only a few months on the job it became apparent to me that this is what I wanted to do for a career. As a result, I applied and was accepted into a Master of Social Work program. I feel like I've finally found my rhythm and the path that I had been looking for since college. I truly consider myself blessed because I found a career that I love!

Orange County, NC

Anonymous

An increasing number of refugee families from the country of Burma have relocated to southern Orange County, North Carolina. Most of these families have a clear need for orientation to navigate the environmental and social systems in their new town. Many families have young children under the age of three. Orange County Head Start/Early Head Start has a successful EHS home-based program serving Latino families, and we identified a clear community need to expand our home-based option to the Burmese families who qualify, especially those with a parent working at home.

When the ARRA expansion award became available, EHS expanded to offer ten home-based slots to this segment of the local population. We began working right away in the community to advertise and network to find a home visitor fluent in English and in the Burma languages (Karen and Burmese) and familiar with their culture. The home visitor also needed to able to carry out the curriculum and the mandates of the EHS home-based program and to bring the program up to speed on what it needed to support these families and children in their native languages.

Perhaps because luck sparks to those trying to start a trustworthy project, we were awarded expansion funding and hired Chaw Chaw, a trilingual home visitor. Through Chaw Chaw's interpretation, refugee families who were eligible for the EHS home-based program learned what our program is all about and with her help promptly completed an application. In no time at all, we attracted more families applying than we could accept; we enrolled ten Burmese families and have a waiting list.

The refugee families in the Burmese home-based option seem very involved with our program, have been enthusiastic and eager to participate in playgroups, and are taking advantage of the recommendations provided by the curriculums that we use and that are presented to them at their home visits.

At playgroups, the Burmese parents participate in the short conferences about specific topics of their interest (interpreted by their home visitor). They also play with their children, who easily get engrossed in all kind of activities prepared for them at playgroups. We already see their effort to speak some English with EHS staff, even if its only for courtesy phrases and basic exchange of communication.

It has been only four months of working with these families, but the partnership feels just right. We will continue to strive so that they have the best possible EHS home-based experience.

Southern Oregon Child and Family Council, Inc. Grants Pass, OR

Carey Gilbert, Early Head Start Center Supervisor

Upon returning to the Rogue Valley after completing my master’s in Education, I began searching for a place to fulfill my passion to make a difference for children and their families. I had had prior experience working with high-need families through community social services, and found that the moment a parent and child connect is the moment that healing begins and life takes a turn for the better. I wanted to be a part of those special moments.

After researching Early Head Start and finding relationship-building at the core of its purpose, I applied. Now I am the Center Supervisor for the new Early Head Start expansion center in Grants Pass, Oregon. Everyday when families walk through our doors, I have no doubt that our program is making a positive impact in their lives.

Southern Oregon Child and Family Council, Inc. Grants Pass, OR

Susan Fisher, Early Head Start Home-Based Specialist

When I came to Southern Oregon Childhood and Family Council’s Early Head Start program in February 2010, it was after an extended period of searching for a position in education and social service. As we gathered on our first day together, I looked around the room and considered my new peers: Where had their journeys into these new positions began and what new journeys will our positions lead us to?

For me, as a single mother, this position has meant financial stability. As someone with a master’s degree, it has been an opportunity to hone and expand my craft as a family educator. But this position has meaning beyond this, for it has allowed me to be a direct witness to the incredible empowerment that takes place when exemplary programs receive the funding they need to function at their highest level. This is a place of learning and growing, bonding and believing, and I count myself blessed to be a part of our team. ARRA changed my life professionally, but for our clients the changes Early Head Start Grants Pass is bringing about are so much more personal and profound.

Southern Oregon Child and Family Council, Inc. Grants Pass, OR

Diana Lewis, Early Head Start Family Specialist

The opportunity to work closer to home could not have come at a better time. The work we do here is so rewarding that I drove over 45 miles a day to Medford because I valued my job so much. With the price of gas and wear and tear on my car I had thought that I might be forced into making a job change. When I heard of the Early Head Start expansion grant, I was so excited about being able to transfer closer to home and being able to serve families in my own community of Grants Pass.

I look forward to going to work every day. The families here have taken such ownership of the center. There is so much growth, learning, and building of strong healthy families each day within our center. We know that every little thing we do could make a difference in a child’s life. I cannot even imagine not being a part of this program.

Thank you.

Southern Oregon Child and Family Council, Inc. Grants Pass, OR

Chelsea Hocker, Early Head Start Center Assistant/Bus Driver

In 2007, I moved back to my home town in Southern Oregon after deciding that I was on the wrong path in my college career. After a year and a half of attending universities, I did not know what I wanted to do with my life. Soon after I moved here, I was hired on with Early Head Start in a cook’s position. It seemed like a good job to me because I have always loved children and I have had many jobs in food service. It didn’t take me long to realize that working with kids was where my passion truly lay. I became inspired to go back to school and begin taking classes towards a degree in Early Childhood Education at Rogue Community College.

After almost three years of classes and cooking, I was very ready to have a job where I could be in the classroom instead of the kitchen. The small center where I was employed did not have any open positions, so I was thrilled when I heard the announcement of an ARRA expansion grant that allowed Early Head Start to open a new center in Grants Pass, the next town over. I immediately submitted my application to be the center assistant, which would allow me the time in the classroom I needed to attain my Childhood Development Associate credential.

With the support of the Early Head Start staff and the hours of experience I gained, I was able to apply for my CDA within six months, and I recently received my certificate. I am near completion of my associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and will soon be transferring on to Southern Oregon University to get my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development. I am truly thankful for the experiences I have had while working here that have inspired me so much to make my career as successful as possible. Early Head Start has helped me to develop my professional self in ways that I would never have been able to achieve on my own.

Southern Oregon Child and Family Council, Inc. Grants Pass, OR

Kimberly Miller, Early Head Start Toddler Specialist

I am very grateful to work with the Early Head Start Program in Grants Pass. The demand and need for Early Childhood Education in the Grants Pass community has been demonstrated by the high rate of participation in the program. Families are very involved in the education of their children and are very grateful for the resources that are available through the Early Head Start Program. Our wonderful staff works very hard every day to support, encourage, and educate each of our families. On a personal note, as a mother of three young children, it is great to have the opportunity to work in the town we live in. This allows me to support my own family much more easily because I don't have to spend hours commuting. Thank you for the great opportunity to support the families of Grants Pass.

ICS, Inc. MS

Jaclyn Ann Hunsucker

On March 8, 2010, a great change occurred in my life. On this date, I became an Early Head Start Expansion Teacher with ICS, Inc.

Prior to being hired, I was a stay-at-home mom. Since being employed, I have experienced many great opportunities and challenges. I have learned that the Head Start program is a training program for children, parents and staff.

"How has ICS Early Head Start changed me?" It has enhanced and empowered me in many ways. For instance, I have always desired to be stronger professionally and personally. Head Start has helped me obtain my CDA credential, one of the nationally-known credentials in the child care profession. With my CDA, I can become a better teacher. Being a Head Start employee has inspired me to continue on my education and earn a degree in Early Childhood Education.

Working for ICS has afforded me the opportunity to provide better things for my family, especially the things that they need. I know that some people feel that working is just for monetary gain, but I work because I love to work with children in an early child care setting—that is what working at ICS has taught me.

ICS has also taught me to pursue my dreams and achieve my goals. I am comfortable and secure in knowing I can do anything that I set my mind to do. ICS "makes small miracles a great success" and "provides comprehensive, high quality, staff development opportunities which ensure the development of skills for success throughout life." This is the motto and mission statement for ICS.

Jaclyn Ann Hunsucker
ICS, Inc.

Kids’ Corps, Inc. Anchorage, AK

Ashley Christopherson

As the Child Development Specialist for Kids’ Corps, Inc. in Anchorage Alaska, I feel as if I can support teachers and parents when they are concerned or struggling with their child’s behavior. I enjoy working with families and our staff and being able to discuss the different environments, people, and situations the child interacts with on a daily basis and trying to find the triggers so we can support the child. This "ah- ha" moment is what makes my job worth it and is the point when the real intervention and support can begin. It also provides parents with a better understanding and validation for the struggles they are facing and often helps take the feelings of "failure" off of the caregiver’s shoulders.

As the Kids’ Corps Child Development Specialist, I have an opportunity to work with teachers on setting up their classrooms and adapting the environment to help children who need extra support or who might struggle in a typical group setting. Using tools such as ECERS and CLASS, I can support teachers in their classrooms and provide concrete suggestions for continually improving their classroom setting and teaching techniques.

I also get a chance to help classroom staff teach children the skills necessary to succeed in today’s society. Using curriculums such as Second Step and Skillstreaming has allowed me to help children deal with aggression, sharing, coping with loss, frustration and many other emotions. Witnessing children use the strategies and ideas that the teachers and I practice with them and then seeing children succeed at tasks such as forming friendships or understanding their own feelings is a great reward. Not only are we providing children with the skills they need to function in a classroom setting but we’re also helping children cope with daily events and succeed in a variety of situations. This really drives home the fact that Head Start isn’t just a place for children to learn their ABCs and 123s but that the skills and techniques we provide children with help them to be successful in all facets of their lives.

[Ashley’s position is funded by ARRA. As a Child Development Specialist she assures that the social and emotional needs for all enrolled children are assessed and identified and that their healthy social and emotional development is supported. As the person responsible for completing CLASS and ECERS observations for the agency, Ashley has played an important role in helping Kids’ Corps, Inc. develop specific goals and strategies for improving overall classroom quality.]

Stanislaus County Office of Education Modesto, CA

Janet Orvis-Cook, Program Director
Deborah Clipper, Executive Director

Receiving ARRA funding has made quite an impact on Head Start and Early Head Start for Stanislaus County Office of Education. With its administrative offices located in Modesto, in the Central Valley of California, Stanislaus County is plagued with the effects of the economic downturn more so than many other parts of the country. In fact, in 2010, Stanislaus County’s unemployment rate reached 19.2% and Stanislaus County has been listed as one of the top 10 areas in the country with the highest number of home foreclosures.

Cost of Living, Quality, and Expansion funding for Head Start programs received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has brought much needed economic stimulus to Stanislaus County. Below includes just some of the ways ARRA funding has made a difference in Stanislaus County:

• Created 71 jobs.
• Provided onsite dental exams for 1,300 children and treatment for 100 children through a mobile dental unit for children who would not have been able to receive it otherwise due to lack of insurance, available dentists, and/or transportation.
• Provided an opportunity to positively impact 320 additional pregnant women, children and their families through the expansion of the Head Start and Early Head Start program.
• Increased the educational levels of approximately 151 teachers working with children through college courses that lead to a child development permit (equivalent to a CDA), A.A. or B.A degree.
• Increased the availability of additional specialized training by the Program for Infant and Toddler Care for 35 caregivers working with infants and toddlers.
• Increased the quality of child/teacher interactions and teacher facilitated learning through a Mentor Teacher Project using the CLASS system. Forty-four (44) participating teachers showed a 26% growth when comparing pre- and post-assessments.
• Enabled programs to address various facility projects to improve the environment and/or to prevent potential health and safety concerns.
• Provided focused specialized services in the area of mental health through the hiring of a behavior intervention specialist who supported staff who work with children who have mental health or behavior concerns.
• Increased educational outcomes of non-English speaking children through the hiring of a dual language specialist who focused effort in the development of policies, procedures and supported staff who work with children who are dual language learners.

Family Support Hawaii Kailua-Kona HI

Ellen O’Kelly, Early Head Start Director

ARRA funding was instrumental in increasing Family Support Hawaii (FSH) Early Head Start by creating thirteen full- and part-time employment opportunities for residents of Hawaii’s Big Island. Three new home visitors were hired, serving the areas of North Kona, South Kona, and Ka’u. Additionally, FSH was also able to add hours for their family advocate positions. Two teachers, a prenatal specialist, and one teacher assistant joined the program supporting additional classroom slots for teen mothers. An operations specialist and two maintenance workers rounded out the Early Head Start team. At a time when jobs were virtually non-existent in West Hawaii, these positions kept individuals off of unemployment and also provided health/dental insurance for people who did not have any.

Hiring new staff brought a significant benefit to the community; ARRA funds also provided Early Head Start services to the rural district of Ka’u, which had been devastated by the recent loss of State funding for its Healthy Start program. At present, preschool services are not provided in Ka’u and due to lack of transportation, health, and social services support, Early Head Start serves as a lifeline for Ka’u families. The Family Support Hawaii Early Head Start program and its partners are also initiating sustainable gardening programs to promote self-sufficiency in this isolated area.

The ability to purchase classroom, office, and building materials was also a boon to the local economy. When possible, items were bought from local vendors. As tourism in West Hawaii has continued to decline, Early Head Start funding made the difference in the shop owners’ bottom line. Another part of the ARRA journey included discovering a local craftsman who was willing to design wooden toys and furniture from Hawaiian woods using sustainable forestry techniques. In the end, FSH was able to save shipping costs and up to four craftsman have had a stable income source. Furthermore, staff, parents, and children get to experience the beauty of local, Hawaiian-made items. From this project, a small company was formed with the goal of providing high-quality toys and furniture to other Hawaii schools without the high shipping costs and with a superior product line.

For the staff of FSH, the most important reward of receiving ARRA funding has been the ability to provide Early Head Start comprehensive services to 32 additional families. Due to the increase of pregnant mothers, we were able to enroll a baby born with cleft palate. He was able to receive the care he needed because the Early Head Start health specialist and Early Head Start prenatal specialists caught it early and gently informed the teen mother of the baby's condition.

Shasta County Head Start Child Development Anderson, CA

Suman Jain

Suman Jain, her husband, and her family journeyed to the United States from New Delhi, India in November 2004 in order to provide better educational opportunities for their two sons.

In 2005, the family moved to Redding, CA, and Suman set out to look for a job. She had a master’s degree in Business and Accounting from India and had also worked at a preschool in New Delhi. She came to work at Shasta Head Start initially as a bus aide and was disappointed to find that despite having an advanced degree, she needed additional schooling to work in the child development field. She immediately enrolled in Early Childhood Education (ECE) classes.

When an opportunity to be a home visitor presented itself, Suman applied and was selected for the position. She was a home visitor for four years, in which she also completed 24 units of ECE.

Suman recalls that prior to working in Head Start she had a different view of life in the United States. At first, she was shocked by the number of poor and needy people she encountered. She said, “Head Start does so much to help people, and it is satisfying to be a part of it.” Suman also looks forward to honing her skills and acquiring knowledge within Shasta Head Start for many years to come. In January 2010, she and her husband became citizens of the United States.

When Shasta Head Start received the opportunity to expand its Early Head Start program through ARRA funding, Suman tackled a new challenge when she was hired as the site supervisor at the bustling Monte Vista Toddler Center. Suman said of the experience, "I have learned so much at Head Start. In India, there is no emphasis on the child’s social and emotional development and here I have learned about the complete development of the whole child."

Suman’s supervisor, Beth Miller, praises Suman’s capacity to work hard in the pursuit of excellence as well as her gentle, compassionate, and accepting spirit. Reflecting on her busy life, Suman stated, "Everything falls into place. Life is full of action; it’s fun and I know that down the line, someone will be benefited; that’s what is important to me."

Maui Family Support Services, Inc. Wailuku, HI

Edeluisa Baguio-Larena, Early Head Start Director
L. Jani Sheppard, Executive Director

Maui Family Support Services (MFSS), Inc. a private, non-profit agency, has been providing services in Maui County for 30 years. In addition to Early Head Start, MFSS administers other programs including Enhanced Healthy Start, Man Kine/Father Involvement Services, Teen Voices, Raising Our Keiki’s Keiki, and Good Beginnings of Maui. From 1985 to 2009, MFSS also administered the Healthy Start program through a contract with the State Department of Human Services. Healthy Start was the largest program at MFSS, which served more than 300 families per year and employed 40 staff members before the first Healthy Start cuts began.

When the State executive branch and Department of Heath Director decided to cut the Healthy Start Program, MFSS was forced to incrementally lay off 27 employees. More employees were going to be laid off in December 2009 when MFSS received a Federal grant award from the Office of Head Start to expand its Early Head Start program in Maui County. Our Early Head Start funded enrollment increased to 119 slots from 55, including the addition of 16 center-based slots and 48 home-based slots. Through expansion, the agency created 21 positions, including 6 parent child educators, 3 caregivers, and several content specialists and support staff.

With the exception of the lead caregiver and three aides, all team members were existing, compassionate, and skilled employees of MFSS who would have otherwise been laid off. The agency transitioned many former Healthy Start employees to the Early Head Start program with the approval of the Policy Council. These employees already had experience working with children and families in Maui County, which ensured the transition process went smoothly. MFSS was also able to transition several former Healthy Start families who were income and categorically eligible to Early Head Start and thus guaranteed continuity of care for these families. Early Head Start expansion also created opportunities for local small businesses to contract with MFSS to complete needed renovations for its centers, as well as install the playground at the new center in Lahaina.