 Head Start Offers More Than Education to Mom, Son
When Christianne found out her 3-year-old son had hearing problems, she discovered he needed more speech therapy than her insurance carrier could provide. She was directed to the KCR Head Start program at Naval Avenue, which taught special needs children and offered advice to parents on how to play games that would help them learn. In addition, the program taught health, social, emotional, and nutrition skills. Christianne watched her son interact with other children and care givers and learned some sign language skills from the staff.
A speech therapist also came in regularly to assist her son. After a time, she saw her son blossom – he became known as the “future Mr. President” to his teachers and playmates.
Christianne grew personally from her son’s experience. She worked closely with Head Start staff and teachers, and with their encouragement, joined the Head Start Policy Council as a member and eventually became chair. She then became a representative for Washington Association of School Administrators. With support of KCR staff, she also received her associate degree, and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
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