Izzi Early Education: Comprehensive Child Development and Family Support in San Mateo County
Izzi Early Education is dedicated to providing comprehensive child development and support services to children aged 0-5 and their families in San Mateo County, California. Founded in 1983 as the Institute for Human and Social Development (IHSD), Izzi Early Education has a rich history of serving the community's most vulnerable children. The organization became a subcontractor for the State Preschool Program in 1999 and adopted the name Izzi Early Education in 2021. Izzi operates the EarlySpark Institute, a six-month, paid, in-person teacher training program that combines hands-on classroom experience, coursework, and wraparound support to help participants earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Comprehensive Programs and Services
Located at 370 San Bruno West, Suite G, San Bruno, CA 94066, Izzi Early Education offers a wide array of programs and services designed to support the holistic development of young children. These include center-based childcare with full-day, year-round programs, home visiting services, and family child care.
Center-Based Childcare
Izzi's center-based childcare programs provide full-day, year-round care for children. These programs integrate various enriching activities:
- Raising A Reader: A nationally recognized early literacy initiative.
- Father’s Café: A unique program that empowers fathers and male role models.
- Nutritious Meals: Ensuring children receive healthy and balanced meals.
- Developmental Screenings: Monitoring children's developmental progress.
- Health and Dental Services: Providing access to essential health and dental care.
- Resource Connections: Linking families to necessary resources and support.
Home Visiting Services
For pregnant women and families with children aged 0-5, Izzi offers home visiting services. These services provide personalized support and resources in the comfort of the family's home, promoting healthy development and strong family relationships.
Family Child Care
Izzi also provides family child care for children aged 6 weeks to 3 years in smaller, home-like settings through licensed providers. This option offers a nurturing and intimate environment for the youngest children.
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Mission and Impact
Izzi Early Education's mission is to provide excellent comprehensive child development and support services to the highest need children 0-5 years old and their families in partnership with the community of San Mateo County. As a nonprofit Head Start grantee and state preschool subcontractor, Izzi provides no-cost education and care for children ages 0-5 with full-day care options for working families funded by Head Start, State Preschool, and other sources. The organization's impact is significant, with families reporting positive outcomes:
- 99% of families reported that the program helped their child learn skills needed in kindergarten.
- 74% reported that the program helped them set educational or career goals.
- 82% reported that the program helped them get the health care and dental care they need.
One Izzi parent shared that the topics discussed in each parent education class helped in different situations, and another parent reported being able to get a part-time job and look for housing while their child was at school.
Community Partnerships and Support
Izzi Early Education collaborates with the community to enhance its services. These partnerships allow Izzi to provide:
- Nutritious meals
- Developmental screenings
- Vision and hearing checks
- Growth assessments
- Dental services
- Connections to resources and support for parents
Families can participate in programs like Raising A Reader and the Father’s Café, and there are leadership opportunities through Parent Ambassadors and the Policy Council. Izzi relies on fundraising and community support to sustain and expand services, and Community Partners work together with Izzi to offer early childhood programs with whole-child learning experiences.
EarlySpark Institute: Cultivating Future Educators
The EarlySpark Institute, operated by Izzi, is a testament to the organization's commitment to quality early childhood education. This six-month, paid, in-person teacher training program combines hands-on classroom experience, coursework, and wraparound support to help participants earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. The EarlySpark Institute ensures that Izzi's educators are well-equipped to provide high-quality care and education to the children they serve.
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Leadership and Management
Izzi Early Education is led by a dedicated management team, including:
- Executive/Program Director
- Deputy Director
- Chief Financial Officer
- Managers and coordinators for education, health services, family services, facilities, human resources, development, information management, mental health, developmental services, home-based services, family childcare, quality assurance, and child services.
The Board of Directors includes a Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and additional board members.
A Legacy of Service
With more than 40 years of experience serving San Mateo County, Izzi Early Education has established itself as a cornerstone of the community. The organization's commitment to providing no-cost education and care, along with connecting families to essential resources, has transformed the lives of countless children and families. Izzi Early Education continues to represent a sea change, turning tides for any and every child who needs them, and for their parents and family facing the challenges of caring for and raising those children.
Accessing Izzi's Services
Izzi Early Education provides infant, toddler, and preschool childcare at 10 locations across San Mateo County. There is no cost to access these services. Office hours are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
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