Jameson Has ‘Quite the Moves’ at Easterseal’s Early Head Start Program

When he joined Easterseals Southern California’s Early Head Start program at the Ventura Child Development Center, Jameson was one-and-a-half years old. He was experiencing delays in crawling, walking and speech development and had difficulty socializing with other children. 

His mother Lorena, who is raising Jameson on her own, was studying full-time at Ventura College to obtain an associate degree in natural sciences and a degree as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). 

Now almost three, Jameson is surrounded by friends and has graduated into Easterseals’ preschool program, where he excels physically and academically. Lorena—with two degrees now in hand—is working as a CNA and furthering her studies to become a registered nurse. 

Says teacher Julie Stillings, “Jamie’s flourishing and enjoys school. His personality has bloomed and he’s super funny. He has formed strong friendships and he’s doing well academically learning his letters, numbers and shapes. He runs, jumps, rides bikes and he just loves to dance, no matter what music you put on. Jamie has good rhythm and quite the moves!” 

But it wasn’t an easy road. Before hearing about Easterseals, Lorena—who has no family nearby—spent months gaining approval for her son to receive a grant for daycare through a funded child development resource program. When she finally received approval and despite looking long and hard, the daycare options available left her anxious and wanting.  

“I finally found in-home daycare that I was semi-comfortable with,” Lorena recalls, “but when I went to pick Jameson up at the end of the day, the lady made me wait at the door and I wasn’t allowed into the house. It was a bad vibe, I was constantly worrying about him and he wasn’t progressing. I was desperate, always looking for another option.” 

Eventually she bumped into a former co-worker, whose daughter attended school through Easterseals’  Child Development Services.  The Head Start program provides qualifying applicants with free childcare, early learning and nutrition to kids ages 0-5 and their families.  

“I went and looked at the school and felt this huge wave of relief,” remembers Lorena. “My questions were answered right then and there. I met the teachers and they gave me a tour. I thought, “This is it!’” 

Jameson was enrolled quickly, which Lorena took as a sign that it was meant to be. “The Head Start teachers, Ginger and Lilly, were the best first teachers that any parent could hope for … They made Jameson feel so welcome.” 

Completely fluent in both English and Spanish herself, Lorena speaks mostly Spanish at home. She’s happy that his teachers communicate with him in both languages so that he too will be bi-lingual, a skill she values in her own life. According to his teacher, he converses well in English. 

Jameson was already receiving physical and speech therapy before coming to Easterseals (services he no longer requires) and the teachers integrated his therapists into the classroom setting. “I had meetings with the director and my son’s teachers and therapists at school,” Lorena says. “I wanted to know that everyone was on the same page. I love how involved they all were and how they worked together. That’s what made the difference—a huge, huge difference!” 

“Not a day went by that I didn’t have a one-on-one with the teachers,” she continues, “even if it was for a few moments. That meant a lot to me as a first-time mom. The teachers sent pictures to me while I was at school and gave me a full report daily—If he ate, what he ate, how many times he was changed, if there were any issues with learning or other kids. I wanted to know that he was happy and thriving.”  

“I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason and I met Easterseals when I needed them the most,” Lorena says enthusiastically. “My kid is so happy there.  He knows everyone and everyone knows him.  He never wants to leave.  When I drop him off, everyone says ‘hi’ to him and I think ‘OMG, he’s the popular kid!’ Everyone we’ve met there has helped us in some way. I don’t know what I would have done without this place, honestly.”