My Head Start Story: Adriana C.

Submitted by: Adriana, Head Start Staff and Alum

My Head Start journey began in 1998, when I attended Head Start as a child in Salinas, California. That experience became the foundation for my professional journey with Head Start.

In 2019, I became a Head Start teacher, an opportunity that allowed me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children in my community. I played an integral role in facilitating child screenings and assessments. These developmental screenings helped detect delays that families were sometimes unaware of, and we connected those families with the support they needed to receive individualized services. This process is essential for identifying a child’s needs, referring families for further evaluation, and obtaining a diagnosis when applicable.

I remember a three-year-old boy who came into my classroom starting school for the very first time. He was nonverbal, made minimal eye contact, and loved playing independently. When he first arrived, we asked him to wash his hands, but he stood there looking into the distance, so I gently took his hand and helped him. His mother shared her concerns about his speech. Her heart ached, she said, because she just wanted to be able to understand him, have conversations with him, and meet his needs. I collaborated with his mother to complete the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, a screening tool designed to identify developmental progress and detect potential delays in young children. This screening, along with our partnership with the school district, helped initiate the process that led to his diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. His mother was relieved to finally get answers to her questions.

After his IEP was implemented, we saw tremendous improvement in his communication. He began using single words such as “no,” “water,” and “bread,” and he was washing his hands independently. When a child receives individualized support, we create an environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive.

Today, I am proud to be a Head Start Professional Development Coach. I now support teachers as they do the same work that once allowed me to help that little boy find his voice, ensuring that more children receive the screenings and support they need to thrive.