This year, the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) has welcomed six members of Congress on visits to its Head Start sites. Following the three visits chronicled here, Congressmembers Judy Chu, Nanette Diaz Barragán and Gil Cisneros recently toured Head Start classrooms to interact with children, educators and parents engaged in this transformational two-generational program.

Since Head Start was first announced in the White House Rose Garden on May 18, 1965, the program has enjoyed broad bipartisan support across 60 years and 11 administrations as it empowers children and families for educational success in every Congressional district in the country.

“Head Start gave me a foundation for my future education and career, and it continues to hold a special place in my heart,” said LACOE Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ruth Pérez. “It was a pleasure to join our elected representatives in experiencing the joyful learning that takes place in our vibrant Head Start classrooms.”

Through partnerships with 17 school districts and nonprofit organizations, LACOE proudly serves children and families in communities throughout L.A. County and has warmly welcomed Congressmembers of both parties to visit sites in their respective districts in recent years. 

“I appreciate each of our partners for hosting these visits, and for collaborating with us for many years to provide vital early learning services across the county,” said LACOE Chief Education Officer Dr. Maricela Ramirez. “And I especially want to thank the parents who came out to share their firsthand experience with their representatives.”

On March 19, Representative Judy Chu presented a Certificate of Congressional Recognition to Early Head Start teacher Anthony Marroquin, a 2025 Golden Apple Award winner, at Garvey School District’s Marshall Early Education Center in San Gabriel, CA. On May 27, St. Anne’s Family Services hosted Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán on a visit to its Early Head Start site at Lugo Elementary in Lynwood, CA. On May 28, El Monte City School District hosted Rep. Gil Cisneros at the Jeff Seymour Family Center in El Monte, CA. The Congressmembers engaged with Los Angeles County's youngest students, their families and our dedicated staff during their visits. These interactions provided valuable insights into the Head Start program and its positive impact on our school communities.

“Head Start is an investment in children, families and communities,” added LACOE Head Start and Early Learning Division Executive Director Luis Bautista. “The research shows the lifelong returns of this effective investment, and the stories shared by parents and educators are a testament to its transformative impact. Thank you, Congressmembers Chu, Barragán and Cisneros, for visiting and listening to these stories.”

To learn more about LACOE’s Head Start and Early Learning efforts, please visit prekkid.org.