In 2024, Karla and her two sons picked up their whole lives and moved from El Centro to San Diego. Little did she know, this wouldn’t be the biggest change they’d make.
Luis and Karla found support and community at ECS Head Start. April 2026.
At the time, Karla’s kids were 6 and 3 years old. Her youngest, Luis, was raised during the COVID19 lockdowns, something she believes led to concerning communication issues. Unlike his older brother, he was timid and quiet. At this age, it’s essential for children to develop the foundational skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives. Karla’s worries grew, and she asked herself: “How badly would my little boy struggle when it came time to start his education?” On top of that, Karla is most comfortable speaking in her native language, Spanish. She was unsure how well she would navigate an unfamiliar school system in a new city using English. Scared and miles away from her family, Karla knew she needed help.
When searching online, she discovered an ECS Head Start site just five minutes from her home. Immediately, she felt a weight lift from her chest. “The first day that I came, the school staff was very kind and empathetic,” she said. They reassured her that Luis would be in good hands. Luckily, she learned that plenty of ECS Head Start staff are bilingual, ensuring that she and Luis would be able to communicate easily and that language would not stand in the way of his education.
Now, two years later, Luis has changed for the better.
Head Start’s comprehensive wraparound services support both children and parents. April 2026.
“He’s very friendly; he’s in sports,” Karla beamed. Her son’s newfound confidence was once a dream for her. “He’s very intentional and explains what he’s feeling,” she pointed out, something Luis was unable to do before joining Head Start. He learned how to express difficult emotions such as fear or anger rather than staying quiet and holding in his feelings. He even made a close friend on his soccer team.
Just last year, Luis struggled to write the letter “S.” Now, thanks to the strong foundation built by his dedicated Head Start teachers, he can confidently write his own name. At ECS, teachers closely monitor each child’s development and tailor support to their individual needs.
Although Head Start is designed to guide children, Luis was not the only one who experienced growth while in the program. Karla was introduced to the Head Start Parent Committee, which advocates the needs of students and their families. With the support of ECS staff, Karla became an active member of the school community.
Luis and Karla read a book together at ECS Head Start. April 2026.
“They gave me the opportunity to participate,” she detailed with a smile. For the past two years, she’s represented her son’s school site on the committee. Despite her limited English, staff provided encouragement and assistance as needed. She’s gained valuable experience, including championing Head Start programs during a period of funding uncertainties. Karla recognizes the importance of continued support for early childhood education on all levels, as she’s seen the impact firsthand.
ECS’ programs are closely connected, providing families with access to Para Las Familias — our no-cost mental health service for children and parents — and the Family Engagement Center, which Karla acknowledges are necessary for many families. She was also very moved by the staff’s attention to detail when supporting each child. At ECS Head Start, there is a smaller group of children per class, so even quiet students like Luis are never left behind.
“I completely recommend it [Head Start,]” Karla shared. “They take care of the kids’ development and also... of the families.” She strongly believes that children cannot develop well if their family lacks support.
Soon, Luis will age out of Head Start and begin a new journey in kindergarten. "I’m going to miss this school a lot,” Karla said. “This school has been my house.” Over one hundred miles from their loved ones, Karla and Luis found Head Start — a strong educational asset and a lifechanging support system. While her son has grown to be a “super goalie” with improved social skills, Karla has also learned to be less afraid and take advantage of new opportunities.
“[I] feel proud of my kids... and me.”
ECS Head Start accepts children aged 0-5 and provides comprehensive wraparound services that benefit them and their families. For more about Head Start’s services, eligibility, or ECS in general, please visit Head Start & Early Head Start — Episcopal Community Services.