Klara and Gemma’s Story

In Good Hands.

When Klara A. decided to go back to school, she knew she needed a safe, reliable, and nurturing program for her two young children, Dereck and Gemma, to attend during the day. Klara enrolled her 10-monthold daughter, Gemma, and her 2-year-old son, Dereck, in the SVDP Early Head Start program. “I wanted to know that my kids were being treated well and educated.”

Since enrolling, both children have thrived. Gemma, once shy and unable to sit or crawl, is now almost walking, learning words, using sign language to communicate, and is much more outgoing. “One day I came early to pick her up, and I saw her crawling and sitting up. That made me so happy because I knew she was in good hands,” Klara shared. Dereck is learning a lot of words in English, developing his social skills, and excited to go to school. “He says, ‘Let’s go to sleep so I can go to school the next day.’” Klara added.

Klara feels reassured knowing her children are in a caring environment, allowing her to focus on her studies. “Before, I felt overwhelmed and like I couldn’t handle everything. But when I found SVDP, that all changed. I know my kids are safe, and I feel so relieved,” she said.

The support from SVDP Early Head Start has extended beyond just the educational experience, as the program has helped her navigate life as a single mom. “I truly feel comfortable sharing what’s going on in my personal life with the teachers and staff, because I know they care.”