Parent/guardian and teacher partnerships, such as the Fowler family and Dorozhko’s, are important for student success. Photo courtesy of San Juan Unified School District 

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - It was a sunny summer morning at Marvin Marshall Preschool and Children’s Center when Vincent Fowler was walking hand in hand with his parents, eagerly asking to visit his former Early Head Start teacher, Yelena Dorozhko. 

“Ms. Yelena! Ms. Yelena,” Vincent called out with excitement before running into Dorozhko’s arms for a welcoming hug. 

Craig and Carolina Fowler smiled as they watched their reunion. Years after first meeting Dorozhko, the connection between their family and the educator remained just as strong.

For the Fowler family, that joyful reunion reflected something bigger: the lasting relationships San Juan Unified's Early Head Start program builds with children and their families during some of life's earliest and most important years. 

Dorozhko was once a friendly stranger, and after teaching both of their children through San Juan Unified’s Early Head Start program, she’s become an honorary member of their family. 

“She was a big influence on our lives,” shared Carolina Fowler. “Even though she's not their teacher anymore, they want to go and say hello.”

For the Fowler family, that relationship began with a simple stroller walk past Marvin Marshall Preschool and Children's Center.

Entering the program 

Like many first-time parents, Craig and Carolina were learning as they went. They planned to wait until kindergarten before enrolling their oldest son in school, but everything changed when they decided to stop by Marvin Marshall to learn more about the programs offered.

“The staff was amazing,” recalled Craig Fowler. “They walked us through every step of the process, from the doctor's appointments and paperwork to the financial side of things.”

After joining the waitlist, the family received a call that opened a new chapter for their family. Their son, Vincent, was offered a spot at the Ralph Richardson Center, where he began his Early Head Start journey before later transferring to Marvin Marshall when an opening became available.

The Fowler Family planned to wait until kindergarten before enrolling their oldest son in school, but everything changed when they decided to stop by Marvin Marshall to learn more about the programs offered. Photo courtesy of San Juan Unified School District

From team to family 

The transition to Marvin Marshall came during a difficult time for the Fowler family. Vincent was experiencing a medical situation, and his parents were unsure whether he would return to school. 

After sharing their concerns, the staff at Marvin Marshall worked closely with the family to understand his needs and create a plan that helped everyone feel supported.

Upon return to school, Vincent joined Dorozhko’s class, beginning a partnership that extended beyond the classroom.

One of Early Head Start’s unique features is home visits, which gave Dorozhko the opportunity to meet with the family in an environment where their son felt most comfortable. The visits allowed parents to ask questions, celebrate milestones and learn simple ways to support their children’s development at home.

One visit became especially memorable. It was during this visit that Dorozhko advised Vincent’s parents that he was ready for potty training. 

“We didn't know what we were looking for or what to do, and she said she kind of held our hands and told us what to look for, what to do,” shared Craig Fowler. “We reinforced that at home, which he was reinforcing at school.”

For the Fowlers, moments like this showed that Early Head Start wasn't only supporting their son, it was helping them grow as parents. When it was time for Vincent to transition into Head Start, they enrolled their younger son, Benjamin, in Early Head Start so he could begin his own journey.

A foundation for the future

Parent/guardian and teacher partnerships, such as the Fowler family and Dorozhko’s, are important for student success. A simple question is the start to a new journey.

“Go to the front office and start the conversation,” shared Craig Fowler as advice to parents.

Today, both boys continue to attend preschool as they prepare for kindergarten. Looking back, Craig and Carolina say Early Head Start gave their family much more than a place for their children to learn. It gave them trusted educators, guidance through important milestones and the confidence to support their children's growth during their earliest years.

As Vincent wrapped up his visit, he waved goodbye to the teacher who had become part of his family's story. For his parents, that joyful reunion was more than a greeting; it was a reminder that a strong start can leave a lasting impact.

San Juan Unified offers several programs designed to support children and families from the very beginning. Services include home visits for pregnant mothers and families with infants, a full-day center program for toddlers ages 18 to 36 months and a full-day preschool program for children ages 3 to 5. Families can learn more about eligibility and complete an online interest form by visiting sanjuan.edu/ece.