Texas Border Business
PHARR – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) in partnership with the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and the Little Explores Montessori Institute (LEMI) recently recognized 11 PSJA Early Head Start parents for completing the Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors leadership program at PSJA T. Jefferson T-STEM Early College High School on Monday, April 15, 2019.
According to the UTRGV Early Head Start Director Dr. Hilda Medrano the training uses a two-generation approach that builds parent leadership skills and knowledge to promote family well-being and positive outcomes for children ages 0 to 5. Through this program, parents at the PSJA Early Head Start Buckner Campus and LEMI have developed the knowledge and skills to be their children’s first teachers and make their home their first school.
The PSJA Early Head Start Buckner Campus is funded thanks to a $7 million federal government grant to provide child care services in partnership with PSJA ISD. As part of the partnership, Early Head Start services are offered to more than 300 infants and toddlers through this unique program.
As a way to recognize the parents for completing the evidence-based curriculum, PSJA ISD and UTRGV hosted a special ceremony where parents got to wear graduation regalia and be celebrated in company of their loved ones.
“We wanted to celebrate them because they made the commitment and persevered by completing the program,” said Dr. Medrano. “We hope these parents become advocates for early childhood education in the community.”
Congratulations to the following parents who earned their certificate of completion:
•Ana Rangel, PSJA Early Head Start Buckner Campus
•Aurora Singleterry, PSJA Early Head Start Buckner Campus
•Cynthia Garcia, PSJA Early Head Start Buckner Campus
•Dayana Avila, PSJA Early Head Start Buckner Campus
•Diana Escobedo, PSJA Early Head Start Buckner Campus
•Jessica Sanchez, PSJA Early Head Start Buckner Campus
•Mariela Torres, LEMI
•Mayra Padilla, LEMI
•Mayra Reymundo, PSJA Early Head Start Buckner Campus
•Normaisela Espinoza, LEMI
•Stephanie Saldaña, PSJA Early Head Start Buckner Campus
Enrollment for the PSJA Early Head Start Buckner Campus is income-based and open to parents in the PSJA ISD community. Parents with children ages 0 to 36 months can call 956 354-2270 <tel:956%20354-2270> for more information.
