Hopkins-Locke Head Start Family Service Assistant Sheena Sudama-Ramroop appreciates the opportunities Head Start gives to families and staff alike.

The native of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean is about to celebrate her second anniversary working for LCCAA and is the latest staff member to earn her Child Development Associate credential.

“Growing up, we did not have many resources,” Sheena said. “I’ve always wanted to be in a position where I can help people. This job has given me many opportunities to help children, families and our community.”

Quoting Nelson Mandela, she says: “Children are our greatest treasure. They are our future.”

She also appreciates how Head Start gives staff ways to connect families with community resources which, in turn, support children’s development and learning.

Pursuing her CDA was a challenge in work-life balance as she managed trainings, creating a portfolio and preparing for the exam and classroom observation.

“I’ve gained knowledge, proper strategies and confidence to lead a classroom, giving me a broader understanding of child development and safety to better assist in the classroom,” she said.

Sheena has a bachelor’s degree in human resource management and hopes to learn even more as she continues her career in early childhood education.