My Head Start Story: Cynthia S.

Submitted by: Cynthia Skyers-Gordon, Head Start Staff

I was born in Belize, Central America, and came to the United States when I was six years old. Growing up without many resources gave me an understanding of how important opportunities and support can be for children and families.

My Head Start journey began when a friend saw an advertisement in the newspaper for a position with the Los Angeles Urban League Head Start program. I applied and was hired as a preschool teacher. I had no idea at the time that Head Start would help shape the course of my professional life.

After about a year, my supervisor saw leadership potential in me and promoted me to site supervisor. From there, I continued growing professionally and educationally while serving Head Start programs in different communities throughout California. Over the years, I progressed from teacher to site supervisor, education services manager, education coordinator, and vice principal.

Head Start gave me opportunities to learn, lead, advocate, and continue my education. Even when I worked outside of Head Start, I carried its high standards for early childhood education with me.

Today, after more than three decades in early childhood education, I continue advocating for high-quality early learning. Head Start didn't simply give me a career. It gave me my own head start.

I work in early childhood education because I believe every child deserves to feel safe, supported, valued, and given the opportunity to succeed. As a survivor of childhood sexual assault, I knew from an early age that I wanted to work with children. Initially, I planned to become a pediatric nurse because I wanted to protect and care for children. My path eventually led me to early childhood education and Head Start, but the purpose behind my work never changed.

Head Start especially resonated with me because I grew up in Belize in a family that did not have many resources. I understand what it means for a family to need support and opportunities. Head Start recognizes that educating a child means supporting the whole child and family. Health screenings, developmental services, family resources, parent education, and high-quality early learning all work together to give children a strong foundation. That is why I have remained an advocate for Head Start throughout my career. I believe children who need a head start deserve the highest-quality education and services we can provide. My titles and responsibilities have changed over the years, but my purpose has remained the same: protect children, support families, educate, and advocate.

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