When we ask parents if they have a preferred location for their child, the resounding response is, YES, with Teacher Maria in the Early Head Start program!
Her reputation comes from her early childhood career, expanding over 16 years.
Her experience gives her a wealth of knowledge and joy in every position Maria held: Teacher PY, Teacher Ext Day, OOR Head Teacher, Associate Teacher, EHS Home Visitor, and currently a EHS Head Teacher.
When you see Maria, give her a high five for being a life influencer!
Are you a parent? Were you or are you a HS/EHS parent?
I am a parent of three children: Ashlee, Chase and Nina. Nina is our foster bonus child; she came to us when she was 13.
Ashlee and Chase both attended HS. Ashlee was three when she started in the home base model. When I was hired, I learned about the program, I was a single mom at the time. She continued on to a preschool classroom for two years. When Chase was three the full day model had just started. I remember his teacher at the time didn’t want boys…until she met Chase.
Are you from Oregon?
I was born in California, moved to Coos bay when I was about 0ne. My parents got a divorce when I was three. My dad moved us to Eugene as a single Father.
What would you tell a parent about HSOLC that they really should know?
Head Start is a wonderful place full of support and recourses. Being raised by a single Father, I didn’t know what being a parent meant even though I took child development classes when I was in high school and babysat all the children in my neighborhood. Head Start had so many support groups and parenting classes.
Being an employee we have so much training. I would use that knowledge in the classroom and at home. Head Start is a big part of the reason I am the person I am today. Parents should know we are here for you.
