For Yvonne Torres, a mother of three, enrolling her son Ezequiel in the Franklin Head Start program was a decision that transformed their lives.
At just four years old, Ezequiel was a shy and reserved child who had spent most of his time at home with limited interaction with peers. Yvonne knew that Head Start 0 to 5 could help him break out of his shell.
“I was really grateful when he got accepted because I knew this would be good for him,” she recalls. “Being in an environment with kids his own age made all the difference.”
The change was almost immediate. Within months, Ezequiel began to blossom. Yvonne noticed remarkable growth in his behavior, manners, and educational readiness.
As a Head Start parent, Yvonne found value in the program’s resources, especially the Local Parent Meetings. “My favorite thing the program offered was the Local Parent Meetings,” she shares. “I learned a lot and still use the parenting tools they taught me to this day.”
These monthly gatherings provide parents with tips and resources to help them grow alongside their children. Yvonne credits these lessons for shaping her parenting approach and supporting her family’s success.
Even though Yvonne’s children have aged out of the Head Start 0 to 5 program, its impact continues to resonate in her family’s life. Ezequiel, now in kindergarten, is thriving. His latest report card was filled with “Outstanding” marks in every subject and citizenship category—a testament to his hard work and the solid foundation Head Start 0 to 5 provided.
When asked about school, Ezequiel’s answer is simple yet meaningful: “I like school. What makes me happy most is seeing my friends.”
For Yvonne, the journey with Head Start is one she holds close to her heart. “This program gave Ezequiel the tools to succeed and gave me the tools to support him,” she says with pride.
Ezequiel’s story is a shining example of how the Head Start 0 to 5 program not only prepares children for school but also equips families for long-term success.
If you’re interested in enrolling your child, click here to check your family’s eligibility for the Head Start 0 to 5 program.