I want to take a moment to share with you what makes the Head Start program so special to me. I have worked for the Head Start Program in 2 different States, four different agencies for a total of 23 years as a Lead Teacher. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching children grow in so many ways. One of my very first students, now graduating from college and heading off to law school, has stayed in touch with me over the years. I still get messages and pictures, and it fills me with pride to see how far he’s come. I can remember when he was just three years old, and I could already tell he had the makings of a great lawyer. Sure enough, here he is today, ready to start law school. It’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do.
From the very beginning, it’s always been about creating real-life experiences for children. For example, during a clothing study, I had the opportunity to let the children use my grandmother’s sewing machine to create their own pillows. Now, those pillows have become part of their daily rest time, a tangible piece of their learning and creativity. Another memory that stands out is when we explored vegetable seeds, planted them, watched them grow, and then harvested them. The children were so proud to take those vegetables and use them to make their own vegetable soup, just like in the story “Vegetable Soup.” Watching them experience the entire process—from seed to soup—was truly magical. And when they finally tasted the soup, their joy was priceless.
One of the most rewarding parts of this work is watching siblings grow in the same classroom over the years. I’ve had families request that their younger children be placed in my class, having seen firsthand how I care for their older siblings. It’s amazing to watch the bond between siblings grow as the older children return year after year, proud to say, “This was my classroom first.” The connections I see between the children, their parents, and myself are something truly special. What keeps me going on the tough days is seeing the potential in those little eyes and knowing they rely on me. I don’t want to give up on them, as so many other adults may have. I see their potential to become amazing individuals, and I’m here to help them reach that potential, no matter the challenge. Thank you for allowing me to share why the Head Start program means so much to me. It’s not just about teaching—it’s about creating relationships, instilling confidence, and helping these kids realize just how much they can achieve.
