Head Start Makes a Splash

ECS Head Start made a splash at Chula Vista Harborfest!

Our dedicated team had a great time on the waterfront connecting with Chula Vista families and sharing how Head Start helps our children build a strong foundation to learn, grow, and thrive.

Ready for a strong start? Enrollment is open for children ages 0-5! Apply now at www.ecscalifornia.org/apply.

Head Start uses a holistic approach to education, supporting students and families from all angles. August 2026.

Hands-on activities promote curiosity in and out of the classroom. August 2026.

ECS at the 2nd Annual KPBS San Diego Book Festival

Last week, ECS joined book lovers across the region at the KPBS San Diego Book Festival, where this year's One Book, One San Diego selections were announced.

We're excited that, through this partnership, families connected to our Para Las Familias program and the ECS Family Engagement Center will receive selected books to read, enjoy, and share together at home.

Thank you, KPBS, for making reading more accessible to San Diego families.

Rosa Cabrera-Jaime, Director of Early Education and Family Services, and PLF Office Manager, Jennifer Perez, represented Head Start and PLF. August 2026.

KPBS announced this year’s selections for One Book, One San Diego, which will be distributed to ECS children and families. August 2026.

Setting Expectant Families Up for Success

ECS’ Services for Expectant Families program ensures both the child and parents are supported.

Healthy child development relies on the earliest years. Attention to education, health, nutrition, and family support are critical for a strong upbringing. Programs like Head Start and Early Head Start help ensure that children ages 0 to 5 are set up for long-term success through all avenues. However, many families across the country have difficulty accessing these necessary resources for their infants and toddlers. Recent reports from the Office of Head Start show that there are nearly 300,000 fewer Early Head Start slots than Head Start slots, leaving young children and expectant families with nowhere to turn.  

In response, ECS is evolving to address this need locally. This year, the Services for Expectant Families Program is expanding from only 18 enrollment slots to 90, serving five times as many families throughout the San Diego region. 

This comprehensive program provides holistic support during pregnancy and after pregnancy, helping families receive the necessary tools to build a strong foundation for their child's growth and development.  

Once enrolled, eligible expectant families have access to several services, including: 

• Pregnancy progress check-ins 

• Prenatal education and guidance 

• Individualized postpartum support 

• Emotional support and goal-setting assistance 

• Referrals to community resources and support services 

Following the birth of their child, families can continue receiving Early Head Start services through home-based or center-based learning through 3 years of age. This ensures a consistent system of care through every stage of early development. Families will also continue to receive child development resources, parent education, and advocacy services.  

“By walking alongside parents during this important journey, we help build healthy beginnings, strengthen family well-being, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning,” said Child Development Specialist Erika Torres. 

The Services for Expectant Families Program is actively enrolling pregnant individuals. To learn more about eligibility or how to apply, please visit www.ecscalifornia.org/apply.

A Head Start Community to Call Home

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 Highland Head Start. April 2026.

At the time, Karla’s kids were 6 and 3 years old. Her youngest, Luis, was raised during the COVID-19 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 Highland 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.