Millicent and Stephen’s Story

Rooted in Learning.

Millicent (Millie) and Stephen are dedicated parents to six children, five of whom began their education at St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore’s Head Start. “We’ve been with Head Start for nine years, going on ten,” Millie said.

Originally from Ghana, the family has lived in Baltimore for almost 20 years. Upon hearing about Head Start through their next-door neighbor, they began sending their children one by one. “Head Start prepared my children fully for kindergarten and made them perform excellently in academics. Their social and emotional skills are also very good because of it,” said Millie.

All of their children, with the exception of their oldest who is in now high school, attended Head Start and have excelled. Their youngest, who is three, is currently enrolled and has one more year to go. “My children are more independent, creative, and use their time wisely,” Millie said.

In addition to the high-quality pre-school education the children received, Millie and Stephen enjoy the strong bonds they have made with the teachers, staff, and other families. “I like the friendly atmosphere on the part of the teachers and administration staff. It makes you always feel welcome. It really feels like a second home,” Millie said. And it is evident that the feeling is mutual. Throughout our visit with Millie and Stephen, multiple staff members stopped in to say hello, give hugs, and catch up with the couple.

“I like how they structure their learning,” Millie said. It gave their son Jaden, who was the first in the family to attend Head Start, the academic fundamentals and confidence he needed to try new things. While in elementary school, he became a winning member of the debate team, which Millie and Stephen attribute in part to his early education at Head Start.

“Head Start has been a blessing to my family and my children. The teachers and staff treat us like family and my 3-year-old child is thriving in an environment that prepares children for success,” Millie said.