How Head Start has impacted your life?

Discover inspiring stories from our Izzi community as they share the powerful impact Head Start has had on their lives. (Some quotes were edited for clarity.) To share your story, please visit our Head Start advocacy page here.

“I’m working with Head Start (Izzi) for more than 6 years. I saw how much Head Start is serving and helping families and children not only in academic fields but in many fields. USA needs this service to make a great generation to make USA great in future.”

- Hend Juwaydah (Izzi staff)

“I remember the uncertainty of being placed in a DRS (Designated Renewal Structure). Stemming from an Office of Head Start Federal Review from December 2009, the agency received a deficiency.  Although staff, parents, and community partners worked to clear the deficiency by June 2011, the agency had to recompete for funding. It took a lot of commitment, dedication, and passion from all staff to pull together and quickly adjust to the implemented strategies being created to prove that Izzi (IHSD at the time) is the leader in early education. While going through the re-competition, the agency continued to focus on its mission and put tons of energy into what we do best, creating a love of learning in our children.”

- Ofelia Alfaro (Izzi Staff)

Head Start changes lives—it changed mine. It helps children and families feel seen, heard, and capable. It prepares children from birth to thrive in school and life. It empowers parents to dream again. It builds stronger, healthier communities.

“Actualmente soy una maestra de Izzi. No de cómo empezar, pero IHSD a brindado a mi y mi familia la oportunidad de llegar hasta donde estamos, llegué aquí pidiendo que me dieran la oportunidad de hacer mis horas comunitarias para poder tomar mi certificado de maestra asociada, ellos me brindaron no solo la oportunidad, si no me dieron el trabajo laboral de 8 horas, yo tenía mi bebé pequeñita, y ella entró al preescolar, fue gran apoyo para mí porque así pude salir a trabajar, 4 años después viene nuevo bebé en camino y ahora el estudia en preescolar, Gracias a este programa de educación temprana mi hija se fue al kindergarten preparada a comparación de los niños que vienen de casa, tengo la seguridad de que mi hijo su próximo año que tenga que pasar a kindergarten estará más que preparado para la siguiente etapa. Personalmente izzi es mi pasión, todos los días estos niños dan alegría a mi vida, así que de la misma manera les regreso el amor que ellos dan, ensañando, educando recordando que es mas fácil crear niños felices que reparar adultos rotos.”

- Selena Ruiz Acosta (Current parent/student and Izzi staff)

“I am writing to share my personal story and to strongly advocate for the continuation and protection of Head Start. I am not only an employee of Izzi Early Education today, I am a living testimony of how life-changing and powerful this program truly is. I joined the Home Based Head Start program when I was pregnant, because Head Start doesn’t just support young children, it also provides essential services for expecting mothers. I was a young parent looking for support and stability, and I never imagined how much this program would change my life.

My home visitor came into my home, met me where I was, and encouraged me in ways I didn’t expect. One day, she asked if I had ever considered going back to school. I was unsure—but I said yes. At our next visit, she brought me information about a teacher pipeline program. I didn’t think twice—I signed up. That single conversation lit a fire in me.

Six years later, I’m pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies, and I plan to continue on to earn my Master’s. Head Start didn’t just offer child development services—it gave me motivation, support, and the tools to transform my future. Now, I proudly work for Izzi Early Education, the very agency that once stood beside me. I get to give back to my community and support families the way I was supported. That’s the true power of Head Start—it lifts up generations.

Head Start as a whole is essential. It supports pregnant women, single parents, foster families, caregivers, and children with diverse needs. It offers early intervention, health and mental health support, family engagement, education, job pathways, and most importantly, hope. Head Start changes lives—it changed mine. It helps children and families feel seen, heard, and capable. It prepares children from birth to thrive in school and life. It empowers parents to dream again. It builds stronger, healthier communities.

Please—protect and invest in Head Start programs across the board. Our children are the future, and they deserve every opportunity to succeed. I am here today, growing and giving back, because Head Start believed in me from the beginning—even before my child was born.”

- Mayra Ruiz Soto (Current parent and Izzi Staff)

“Hello, I would like to express how important Izzi is to my family. My son attended Izzi and has graduated to Kindergarten, he was prepared for Kindergarten because of the Izzi program. The teachers from Izzi helped shape him for success. Izzi is a safe place for families, children and parents. I received resources & education from the Izzi teachers regarding my child’s learning path and future goals for my children. My daughter is now attending Izzi and is on the autism spectrum. I have seen major growth from her and that’s because the Izzi program. The teachers have taught me how to navigate with my daughter and have accepted her with open arms. The Izzi program has allowed me and my partner to work during the day and gave us peace of mind knowing she is in the best hands. My partner also attended Head Start when he was growing up and Teacher Claudia is a core memory. He remembers how excited he was to go to Head Start and how much he learned. Education should be available for all, and it is important for young minds to start early in which Izzi is top priority!”

- Cathy Capurro (Current parent/student, Former parent/student)

“El programa para mi ah sido de una gran ayuda en mi vida..el apoyo que representa para mis hijos es de tan gran aporte para mi familia..mis hijos ah aprendido tanto con todo el personal..”

- Marlis Torrez (Current parent/student)

“I have been with Izzi since 1999 when Moonridge Site open its doors to the children and their families. All of my three children attended Head Start and this helped me to continue my education and to start to working. I started to get involved in Head Start as parent volunteer when my first child attended the Half Moon Bay Head Start. I was hired as assistant teacher, associate teacher, teacher and Site Supervisor for the Infants and Toddlers. This is my 3rd year at the Half Moon Bay Site. I feel so proud to work with young children and see them grow in all of the learning areas. As teachers we spend so much time with the children in the school that we get to know them so well what are their likes and dislikes and we share this with the parents. I fell so satisfied to see the growth in each child and how they feel connected with us the teachers and with their peers. Each day is a new day I always come with enthusiasm and ready to encounter the challenge and turn it into a learning opportunity for every child.”

- Ines Morales Lopez (Former parent and current Izzi staff)

“I've been working for Head Start for 23 years, and what I have to be grateful for is that I've had the opportunity to grow professionally”

- Sofia Perez Ronquillo (Current Izzi Staff)