Izzi is Early Education
Our Mission
Izzi Early Education believes that every child deserves access to high-quality early childhood education. Our comprehensive early care, education, and family services ensure that all children, regardless of circumstances, get the care they need.
For more than 40 years, Izzi Early Education (formerly the Institute for Human and Social Development, Inc.) has partnered with San Mateo County’s families with the highest needs to ensure children ages 0–5 have access to high-quality early learning. As a nonprofit Head Start grantee and state preschool subcontractor, Izzi provides no-cost education and care while also connecting families to the resources they need to thrive. We rely on fundraising and community support to sustain and expand these vital services.
We provide wraparound services to support our families.
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We provide infant, toddler, and preschool childcare at 10 locations across San Mateo County. Our full-day, year-round programs offer high-quality early learning experiences that help children grow up healthy, confident, and kindergarten-ready.
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We provide year-round, individualized services for pregnant women and families with children ages 0–5 throughout San Mateo County
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We offer year-round, full-day early learning and child care for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years in smaller, home-like settings through licensed providers.
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We partner with the community to provide nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, and snack), developmental screenings, vision and hearing checks, growth assessments, and dental services such as screenings, cleanings, and minor procedures.
We also connect parents to resources and support to help them achieve their goals.
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EarlySpark Institute offers a six-month, paid, in-person teacher training program that combines hands-on classroom experience, coursework, and wraparound support to help you earn your Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. By preparing and supporting new early educators, the program strengthens the local workforce and helps meet the growing demand for high-quality early childhood education for children ages 0–5.
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Our team builds strong, supportive relationships with parents and caregivers, connecting them to resources that nurture resilience and lifelong learning. Families take part in programs like Raising A Reader, a nationally recognized early literacy initiative, and our one-of-a-kind Father’s Café that empowers dads and male role models. We also offer leadership opportunities through Parent Ambassadors and our Policy Council, ensuring families help guide Izzi’s work and shape the future of our programs.
Our Impact
Izzi provides excellent, comprehensive child development and support services to children (ages 0-5) and their families across San Mateo County.
Our Reach (2024-25)
648 families served across San Mateo County
685 total children enrolled in Izzi programs
15 pregnant women accessed Izzi services
“The topics discussed in each [parent education] class have helped me a lot, and they have helped me in different situations.”
99% of Izzi families reported that the program helped their child learn skills needed in Kindergarten.
“I was able to get a part-time job and look for housing for my family while my child was at school. Thank you!”
74% of Izzi families reported that the program helped them set educational or career goals.
82% of Izzi families reported that the program helped them get the health care and dental care they need.
Rising Tide Manifesto
We represent nothing less than a sea change.
Here, along California’s northern shores, lies an estuary of life-altering possibilities. Tides are turned here: for any and every child who needs us. For their parents and family facing the challenges of caring for and raising those children. For them, and the communities they call home, our communities, we are a surging confluence of culture and purpose, of hope and need, of talent and ambition, of will and willingness, of optimism and opportunity.
We are a uniquely situated tide pool of potential.
We are an idea, a movement, a reef, teeming with life, and lighting up a world of learning and health and growth.
We are the rising tide that raises our most precious ships.
Our History
Izzi was founded in 1983, originally as the Institute for Human and Social Development (IHSD). Since inception, the organization has provided comprehensive child development and family support services to low-income families throughout San Mateo County, via Head Start and Early Head Start. In 1999, the organization also became a subcontractor for the State Preschool Program, a part-day comprehensive child development program for preschool-aged children. With funding from Head Start, State Preschool, and other sources, Izzi provides options for full-day care for working families. In 2021, we introduced our new name, Izzi Early Education to reflect our unique and expanding services and the playful energy of the children we serve.
Annual Reports
2023 - 2024
PAST YEARS:
2014 – 2015
2013 – 2014
Leadership
Management Team
Angel Barrios, Executive/Program Director
Angel Chang, Marketing and Communications Manager
Anne Carzon, Human Resources Director
Barbara Donnelly, Education Manager
Devon Young, Sr. Development Manager
Eseta Tuakihekolo, Health Services Coordinator
Hilda Izaguirre, Family Services Coordinator
Jennifer Pifeleti, Deputy Director
Joy Dueñas, Facilities Manager
Juliet Lie, Staff Accountant
Liliana Gaytan, ERSEA Manager
Liz Dawdy, Health and Nutrition Services Manager
Lupe Ibarra, Developmental Services Manager
Maricel Bianco, Information Management Coordinator
Madelene Gallego, Chief Financial Officer
Moana Lupe, Family & Community Engagement Coordinator
Monica Vasquez, Home Based Manager – South County
Nancy Pantoja-Heinicke, Family Childcare Manager
Ofelia Alfaro, Quality Assurance Manager
Shervyn Sanchez, Family Service Coordinator
Stephanie Merlo, Child Services Manager
Sunshine Wu Fisher, Mental Health Coordinator
Yessenia Guzman, Child Services Manager
Board of Directors
2025-26
Allan Nuttall (Chair)
Dr. Elaine Francisco
Kelly Young (Vice Chair)
Kevin White
Linda Kahrs (Treasurer)
Mykel Skinner (Secretary)
Nahum Lan
Natalie Ruano
Nodelyn Abayan
Careers
Rooted in 40 years of quality experience serving San Mateo County
We pride ourselves in a robust community of different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
Help create a love of learning and support the early childhood education movement.
We value professional development and teacher training for all staff and faculty.
Survey results have shown that Izzi employees love working here!
Community Partners:
