Amina's Story

After Amina's birth, Dena and Patrick were selected for the center-based program since they were committed to going to school and working. At three months old, Amina, was picked up daily by a van specially outfitted for transporting infants to the child care center at Babyland I in Newark. "The dynamics that impact upon the quality of life in the neighborhood include high crime, drug infestations, and high unemployment," says Mr. Minter. Yet, for 56 families, Babyland I serves as a haven and presents hope for the future.

At Early Head Start, classrooms are an extension of the home. Because continuity of care is critical to an infant's development, Amina has had the same care giver from three months old until the present. "Amina will be three years old in May, and Head Start has done a lot for her. My daughter was the first one to be toilet trained and to speak in complete sentences," says Dena proudly. "Everyday the children are stimulated with different activities, " her mother adds.

Benefits Extend to Parents, Too

The Early Head Start Program at Babyland has exerted a profound effect on Amina, and on her parents as well. "Before Babyland, I was not thinking of early child development as a major," confesses Dena , now 22 years old. Now, she hopes to graduate in January 2001 with a B.A. in Early Child Education and Psychology. "I want to teach elementary school, and being here sparked something in me."

Through a collaborative program with corporate sponsors, Mr. Minter helped Patrick, a high school graduate, get a job with Continental Airlines working as a customer service agent/ramp agent at Newark Airport. Patrick works nights to support his family and recently was promoted to a supervisory position. "Babyland has programs where people talk to you about raising kids and parenting. Through the man/child program, I went to work for Continental Airlines and am able to support my family," states Patrick.

Moving Up the Ladder of Success

This year will mark another milestone for little Amina. She will transition into another Head Start Program for three to five-year olds where she will spend the next two years before entering elementary school. Her parents, Dena and Patrick, will make the decision as to which center will best prepare their daughter for the future by applying the parenting and leadership skills they learned at Early Head Start.

next column >>

next page >>

Home | Privacy | Comments | Email Me | Search
E-mail us.

After Amina's birth, Dena and Patrick were selected for the center-based program since they were committed to going to school and working. At three months old, Amina, was picked up daily by a van specially outfitted for transporting infants to the child care center at Babyland I in Newark. "The dynamics that impact upon the quality of life in the neighborhood include high crime, drug infestations, and high unemployment," says Mr. Minter. Yet, for 56 families, Babyland I serves as a haven and presents hope for the future.

At Early Head Start, classrooms are an extension of the home. Because continuity of care is critical to an infant's development, Amina has had the same care giver from three months old until the present. "Amina will be three years old in May, and Head Start has done a lot for her. My daughter was the first one to be toilet trained and to speak in complete sentences," says Dena proudly. "Everyday the children are stimulated with different activities, " her mother adds.