To Head Start, Sanchez Serves as ‘Model of Success’

The National Head Start Assn. awarded newly elected Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Garden Grove) special recognition as being “a model of success” for the Head Start program. Sanchez is the first member of Congress to have attended a Head Start program as a child.

Initiated in 1964, the federal program helps children of impoverished families by providing preschool training and other services to ready them for school.

Sanchez, now 37, was enrolled in Orange County’s program at the age of 4. She credits the program for helping her to succeed in later life.

“I grew up in a poor household and couldn’t speak until I was 4,” she said.

Recalling that she was a shy child who simply mumbled to people, Sanchez said: “Head Start made a big difference in my life.”

That jump-start to her education apparently paid off. Sanchez went on to graduate from Chapman University in Orange, then earn a graduate degree in business from American University and later launch a successful financial consulting firm.

In an upset election this November, Sanchez captured her seat from Garden Grove Republican Robert K. Dornan.

When Sanchez attended Head Start more than 30 years ago, the program took children through six weeks of training. Programs in the county now last nine months and serve more than 3,500 kids.

“The shame today is that there are so many children who qualify, but are unable to attend,” Sanchez said.

Anna V. Jacquette, deputy executive director of the Orange County Head Start program, agreed with Sanchez. She said that the county program serves only 3-year-olds, but could be expanded to assist 4-year-olds.

“The needs are much greater,” she said, estimating that as many as 16,000 children could qualify. “But we will be able to do some expansion this year.”

With a budget of $16.5 million, Orange County’s organization has 40 Head Start centers and a staff of 590. In addition to preschool education, the program offers health services, nutrition and English training.