Read through an interview with Maura and Tristan to learn how their family’s life has changed thanks to EOCF’s preschool programs and family support services.
” I want people in my community to know EOCF provides vital services to the whole family creating better overall outcomes for our children and setting them on a path to future success.”
Maura B., Program Parent Alumni, Policy Council Community Representative, and ECEAP Advocacy Coordinator for WSA
How long have you and your family been connected with EOCF?
In 2021, we were trying to find a daycare or preschool for our son, Tristan, but we kept running into a barrier. All the daycare/preschools we investigated required that a child be potty trained prior to enrollment. Tristan had been diagnosed with a speech delay the prior year, and he struggled as a toddler to communicate and meet his needs. He was unable to make meaningful connections or reach developmental milestones, which are critical for his growth and development. Despite our greatest efforts to potty train him, Tristan’s lack of verbal skills made this requirement an impediment we struggled to overcome.
Enter EOCF! During our initial intake interview, we shared that Tristan was on an IEP for his speech delay and that he was not yet potty trained. EOCF said this was not a problem. They were able to accommodate and meet Tristan at his developmental level. EOCF coordinated with the local school district to ensure Tristan could attend both his preschool classes and his speech therapy sessions. EOCF staff encouraged and helped Tristan transition from diapers to big kid pants. EOCF removed the barriers we faced as a family, allowing my son to enter preschool and begin his educational journey.
How has EOCF supported you as a program parent?
EOCF’s wrap-around services like parenting classes and community/civics involvement were a lifeline during the Zoom era of Covid. Offering these classes/services on Zoom and eventually in person with childcare made it easier for parents like me with limited childcare options to stay involved. EOCF made me feel seen as a parent and a person.
How did your involvement in Policy Council support you and your family?
I became a part of EOCF’s Parent Policy Council during Tristan’s first year. I joined the executive team as the PC Secretary keeping meeting minutes and became the PC VP during Tristan’s second year. During my time on Policy Council, I had opportunities to meet with my state representatives, share my family’s story, and tout the benefits of EOCF and ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program). While on PC I learned about the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP or WSA (Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP) and their Parent Ambassadors program. The Parent Ambassadors program is a yearlong leadership and advocacy training program. I applied for the Parent Ambassador program and was accepted for the 2023-2024 cohort year.
What are some moments that stand out for you about Tristan’s growth and development with EOCF?
EOCF helped Tristan’s speech development immensely. When Tristan was enrolled in his first year, he only spoke about 35 words but by the end of his first year of preschool, he was speaking in full sentences. We were so proud of the progress he had made. Tristan’s progress also helped with behavioral issues at home. Tristan had fewer emotional outbursts and as his parents, my husband and I faced less frustration and stress as we could better communicate with our son.
How are you continuing to be involved?
After my son graduated from EOCF, I decided to stay on the Policy Council as a Community Representative. In this capacity, I share legislative updates and advocacy opportunities with the rest of the parents at the PC meetings.
Currently, I am the ECEAP Advocacy Coordinator for WSA. In preparation for the 2025 legislative session, I am coordinating parents across the state of Washington helping them share their early learning stories, preparing testimony, writing letters to the editor, etc… All to expand ECEAP this budget year and eventually reach ECEAP Entitlement.
What would you want people to know about EOCF?
Entering first grade this fall, Tristan met all his speech goals and graduated from speech therapy. I can say with certainty that Tristan would not be the happy, healthy, thriving child he is today without EOCF. Nor would I be the confident and informed parent I have become. I want people in my community to know EOCF provides vital services to the whole family creating better overall outcomes for our children and setting them on a path to future success.
Does Tristan have anything he’d like to add about his experience with EOCF?
He loved his teachers Teacher Jenn, Teacher Monica, and Teacher Tracy!