Preschool has a big impact; it builds a foundation for learning and getting along with peers that helps children be successful in kindergarten and beyond. But so much of a child’s learning and development happens outside the classroom with their family at home. That’s why Clackamas Education Service District’s Head Start to Success program, a free comprehensive preschool for 3- and 4-year-old children experiencing poverty, emphasizes working with children’s families to set goals and help them access resources in their community.
Olga Mendez, a lead teacher in Clackamas ESD’s Head Start to Success program, has a unique understanding of the program’s layered approach to supporting and engaging families from her experience as a parent of a child in the program. Her teaching style is uniquely supportive of Head Start families, and family engagement is integral to how she leads in her classroom.
Olga began working with Clackamas ESD’s Head Start to Success as a classroom assistant and aspired to lead her own classroom.
“It didn’t take long for the team to recognize Olga’s talent and ability,” says Claire Lichtenheld, Head Start to Success program coordinator. “She has truly grown into that role. She has a calm presence with children. She’s patient and loving.”
Now a lead teacher, Olga is pursuing an early learning certificate at Clackamas Community College on a bilingual scholarship.
“I learn something new from the kids every day,” Olga shares. “I am so proud of them.”
