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. Izzi is important to make our kid’s future successful and make America the best.”

- Hend J. (Current 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 A. (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 R. (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 R. (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 C. (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 T. (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 M. (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 R. (Current Izzi Staff)

“Apoyamos en todo momento el aprendizaje de los niños y los valores siendo esencial para las futuras generaciones. Arriba IZZI y su esfuerzo por un estudio y aprendizaje excelente 100 por ciento a nuestros niños.”

- Mildred V. (Current Izzi Staff)

“Head Start its an amazing program where the kinds have the oportunities to learn and know different cultures in the first years of life.”

- Albenia U. (Current Izzi Staff)

“Taking away [Head Start] would greatly impact the community, this program helps many families around the community by including all children no matter their race. Izzi accepts children with special needs and allows them a safe heaven that helps them with therapists, special attention and a better education with teachers who are concerned and want to see all children have a bright future.”

- Rosalba M. (Current Izzi Staff)

Head Start is the best start! Supporting Head Start means supporting a community, supporting families, supporting children. Thank you for your advocacy to Head Start in many ways!!! Blessings!!

- Lucia A. (Current Izzi Staff)

"I work, and my son is also in the program. We both love it, and education is important.”

- Ana B. (Current parent and staff)

“First and foremost, I want to recognize Izzi for their compassion, love, and care for our families and children in our community. This program has changed many families and gave many the opportunity to get the services they need for their children. Izzi is not just an organization- it’s a family. It’s a community that rises together to ensure that we provide the best high quality level of education for our children. Provide the best resources for our families and making sure that our families and children are safe. Beyond grateful and blessed to be apart of Izzi. To be a voice for my community and be able to give back. We need more Izzi’s around the world!”

- Muna M. (Current Izzi Staff)

“Mi preocupación son los niños que serán afectados en el comienzo de su vida y su futuro sobre todo los que tienen necesidad especial please reconsidere y tenga compasión de esas familias que dependen de Head Start y nosotros que será el comienzo de un mejor futuro para ello.”

- Maria G. (Current Izzi Staff)

“Soy madre de dos hijos una hermosa niña de 29 años que estuvo en head-start por dos años 2000 A 2002 hoy es una niña de finanzas gracias al programa en su preparación de Head start y mi nino También es tuvo en Head Start por tres años. tiene 19 años hoy está en la universidad para Ingeniero Mecánico gracias a Head Start. El programa es maravilloso para todos los niños del mundo. Incluso me preparé como madre y maestra y estoy dando educación para niños del programa de Head Start. Es maravilloso el programa.”

- Araceli R. (Former parent and current Izzi Staff)

“In my role as Mental Health Coordinator, I see so many children with unidentified special needs and/or challenging behaviors, and how much they grow under the consistent care and dedication that our Izzi teachers provide them. They are able to better regulate themselves, follow routines, connect with peers and teachers, and handle frustrations. Our family service specialists support them to get referred to much needed early intervention evaluation and support, whether it be speech/occupational/physical therapy, ABA support in the classroom, a special day class, or mental health therapy. These important supports to the child and family help parents to better understand their children's needs and to support them as they continue their education journey after leaving Izzi.”

- Sunshine F. (Current Izzi Staff)