The Escobar Family
In 2016, Azalia Escobar was looking for a program that would support her daughter Regina’s development and allow her to socialize with other children. She found something online, but on the first day could already tell it wasn’t what she had been looking for. Azalia spoke with the teacher, who directed her to AVANCE in the same building, so she went upstairs to the office and signed up for PCEP.
Azalia wasn’t expecting much from PCEP, so she was surprised by how much she learned about being a mother. She says she is now more conscious and aware, knowing that her decisions and actions guide Regina and affect her future. She also better understands how Regina learns, what supports her development, and what activities she enjoys that will keep her engaged in learning.
Regina also had a positive experience in PCEP. She was the only child with special needs in her class, but her teacher knew how to communicate with her. They focused the proper attention on her and her needs and integrated her into all the activities. Regina fit in perfectly and developed social skills and confidence that have helped her adapt to new situations. Azalia recalls how terrified she was to leave Regina alone on her first day of preschool. But in a bittersweet moment, Regina took her teacher’s hand and said, “Bye, Mom,” knowing what to expect next, thanks to all she learned in PCEP.
After graduating from PCEP, Azalia was hired as an instructor at AVANCE. She has continued to learn and grow within the organization, now serving as a Human Resources Coordinator for the AVANCE National Office. Her daughter Regina, now 9 years old, is also flourishing. She attends a school with a bilingual program and will soon be in fourth grade. At school, she adapts quickly and always wants to participate actively in class. Regina also loves ballet, tap, and jazz, never shying away from an opportunity to dance to her favorite music. She is happy, social, and fits in wherever she goes, and Azalia believes AVANCE helped her be confident and outgoing.