Watsonville - The Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) program hosted the National Family Childcare Forum June 20, 21 and 22, 2023, in collaboration with the Central California Migrant Head Start and Santa Cruz County Office of Education. According to Angelica Renteria, Director of the MSHS program, seventy participants from across the nation had the opportunity to attend and visit 30 Licensed Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) within the PVUSD service area during operational hours. She shared how honored she feels to have the opportunity to host this important event where participants saw first hand the high quality of services PVUSD provides to children and families.

In addition to the visits, the three-day Forum provided opportunities for each participant to learn from and share best practices, ask questions of those from similar programs, and receive answers from fellow professionals, many with years of experience using the Family Child Care option. MSHS recognizes and welcomes the responsibility to share these best practices to impact student achievement in similar communities.

The goal of the Forum is to motivate participants to implement family childcare options in their communities. Feedback from attendees is positive: “Creativity and innovation were present, especially in the outdoor environments,” said one participant. Another expressed her support for the way “Children with disabilities were well integrated in the home environment and activities.” An additional observation that was meaningful was “Children were relaxed and connected.” These expressions encapsulate the results of a well-established, evidence-based program structured to meet the needs of the children we serve as well as the early developmental goals set that support their journey into transitional kindergarten and kindergarten.

PVUSD’s MSHS program is exemplary and it is known for its efficacy throughout California and the rest of the Country. In 2011, the program was named a “Center of Excellence'' in early education by the US Office of Head Start. The program has provided Family Child Care Home (FCCH) options for families in the Pajaro Valley for 37 years, since 1986. Currently, MSHS has 43 licensed FCCH providers serving 501 students, or two-thirds of the 752 students served in the program.

PVUSD’s MSHS program is proud to share its strengths with others who can replicate it to benefit the families they serve. Collectively, through a host of positive, fun, effective developmental curriculum, early education impacts the youngest members in communities by ensuring they are ready to succeed as they progress in their education. Here are a few photos for your enjoyment.