For Maria Enriqueta Reyes, education is a family matter

María Enriqueta Reyes was an AVANCE student, taking the ESL, GED, and PCEP workshops in 1993. Seven years later, her 2-year-old son was enrolled in AVANCE’s Head Start program, and at the same time, she joined the AVANCE staff. For 23 years, she has taught children and parents and has learned from them at the same time. However, there’s something that never changes: the need for teachers to adapt to their students’ needs.

From home visitor to Early Childhood Supervisor to PCEP teacher, Enriqueta has been part of multiple programs at AVANCE. Her love for education, teaching, and children has deep roots, as she was a teacher and psychologist in her native Monterrey, Mexico, and is the mother of six children and grandmother of 11.

“Children change, depending on their age and level. Sometimes, they need more help in specific developmental areas, and we are the ones that must help them get where they need to be in that stage of their life,” Enriqueta said.

Enriqueta’s educational mission was to make sure parents see AVANCE teachers for who they are: Not “babysitters” but professionals who completed years of study and training to instruct children from six weeks to five years old.

“Our work starts when a child is born: We have to educate them, give them rules to live by, stimulate their talents to make them shine,” Enriqueta emphasizes. “When we go to the schools to promote our programs, the principals and other teachers say they know when a child has been through AVANCE. Our children don’t cry when they go to kindergarten or elementary school; they already know the rules, how to work in groups, and how to go to the restroom properly. The difference is noticeable.”

Nowadays, as a PCEP instructor, Enriqueta enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with other parents.

“As a teacher for PCEP, I love family dynamics – I want mothers and fathers participating in the class. I like to encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts. When they share what worked or didn’t work for them with their child, then it helps another parent going through the same issues.”

Enriqueta shared what she enjoys most as a professional, teacher, and mother through her time with AVANCE.

“I’m where I want to be and I enjoy what I do. I love my job, and I feel these children are the ones we can help. I want to be with the mother who comes to ask for our help. I want to help those families, and even if I can make a small change for them, I’ll be happy with it. I enjoy it when children learn and recognize colors and shapes. I love to see them grow.”