Hi, my name is Jessica Clark and I am grateful for the opportunities Head Start has provided for my son and I. Just a few short years ago, I was a college student at K-State in Manhattan, KS, struggling to pay my bills and afford quality day care for my son. I knew that I had the will and determination to make it through school, but just didn’t know how I was going to survive financially through four years of college.
I heard about the Early Head Start program of Riley County and was able to get my son enrolled when he was about 4 months old. I met one of the most empowering, tremendous woman – my case manager, Kathleen Moka. She met with us on a regular basis and provided me with information on how to provide the best possible care for my son.
My son also attended a great day care where he flourished and learned how to interact with others and develop in a safe environment. I was able to work with the providers to extend what they were providing during the day to what we could do together at home to make sure he was receiving every benefit in his development. Not only did the child care providers do a wonderful job, it also allowed me to be able to attend school full-time, work part-time, and complete internships.
Now, I am a 2003 graduate of Kansas State University with a Public Relations degree from the School of Journalism. I have a job that I love in my field, allowing us to be self-sufficient and I can provide my son the best care today that he received when he was in Head Start. Without all of the encouragement and assistance that Head Start provided, we would not be as secure and happy as we are today. Thank you Head Start for believing in me and empowering me to provide a bright future for my son.
Sincerely,
Jessica Clark
[Be sure to read Jessica Clark's article:
"K-State child care facility combines teaching, research, family goals and quality care for area children"]