Building Bridges through Equity: Teacher and Parent Preschool Success Stories

In this heartwarming episode of the oneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Diego Ochoa joins two dedicated preschool teachers, Miroslava Salmeron and Doa Higazi, along with parent Brisi Bautista, to delve into the impactful world of early childhood education.

Together, they discuss the transformative benefits of free preschool access and how it enriches the whole child in the San Mateo-Foster City School District. With stories of children's first steps in socialization, play, and self-discovery, they share how preschool helps kids develop essential life skills, from building friendships to fostering a love for learning.

Brisi's experience underscores the challenges faced by new families and the profound support the district offers, ensuring that every child finds a welcoming, vibrant learning environment. This episode celebrates the joy, dedication, and essential community that free preschool brings to families and students alike.

Learn more about the Preschool Equity Summit and other District Summits by visiting our website.

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Translations for Spanish speaking guest:

:10-:20 
“I liked that he is with other students, learned new things, and began to form their character.”

3:20 - 3:40

“My name is Brisi. I am 23, and I have a student who is named Kayler, and he is four years old”

8:00 - 8:30

 “Did you enroll your child in Turnbull at the age of three?” 

“Yes”. 

“Why was it important for you to do it at that age?” 

“First of all, because he's an only child and we do not have other kids to play or talk to. We like that. He's talking with other kids. They learn new ideas, learn from each other, discover new things and find their personalities.”

“From a young age, enrolling him to Turnbull. Was it easy? Was it difficult? How did it go?”

“Well, we arrived three years ago, in our first year, we enrolled him. To us, is something completely new. Back in our country, it was easy, but here it was tough. We didn't have medical insurance. It was expensive in the hospital to get his physical exam. We faced some difficulties, but the teachers helped us.”

“I appreciate you telling us all of that because people behind us want it to be free, everything has to be free. We have to help the families receive services so it doesn't cost much, perhaps just time signing the papers, but it's part of what we want to change in this community: open the doors to preschool, not close them. When your kid goes to school, how does he feel? What does he say when he comes back home?”

“Sometimes I asked him, How was your day? And he says, the teacher gave me a burger. Gave me fries. We were singing. We played in the park.”

“For him, playing outside is their park.”

10:40 - 11:40 

“It's accessible for children in wheelchairs too. Everything is new. The grass is new, the toys are new. It's our way to tell the families that we want their children to have a pretty space, fully accessible. As a parent, what do you think we can do to help families even more? What could we do to help you and your son even more?”

“Well, personally, I really like the assistance at the principal office. I like that it's fast when we take and pick up our child, how they receive us, the teachers are always kind and welcoming, and it's something that makes us happy.It's not like, Oh no, why do I have to bring him here? Everyone is so kind.”

16:10 - 16:27

“We had free classes for many years, and the district shut them dow

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