From Head Start Parent to Early Childhood Leader: Colette’s Journey of Perseverance, Purpose, and Possibility

Published October 2026 as a part of the Career Exploration Tool: Stories from the Field series. This series of stories brings to life the many pathways members of Michigan’s early care and education field have taken to achieve their goals, nurture their interests, and achieve success.

As a single mother of four young children, ranging in age from one to eleven, Colette’s journey was anything but easy. Although she had graduated from high school with honors and attended college on a scholarship, life circumstances had interrupted her education. She was working third shift at a group home supporting adults with special needs while raising her children and trying to build a better future for her family.

When her four-year-old son enrolled in Head Start, Colette began volunteering in his classroom as part of the program’s parent involvement requirements. After working from midnight until 10:00 a.m., she would head straight to the classroom, often staying well beyond her son’s half-day session simply because she loved being there.

Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed. She received Parent of the Month recognition several times, and other parents occasionally mistook her for a staff member. But more importantly, those hours in the classroom sparked something she hadn’t experienced in years—a renewed sense of purpose.

After the birth of her youngest daughter, Colette enrolled in a home visiting program and shared her newfound passion for working with children with her home visitor. One day, she returned home to discover a pamphlet left at her door. It contained information about a Child Development Associate (CDA) program designed for low-income parents.

That single pamphlet would become a turning point in her life.

She enrolled in the program and found herself surrounded by educators who believed in her potential. Two instructors in particular, Julie Coleman from Head Start and Dan Hodgins from Mott Community College, helped shape her journey. Their guidance, encouragement, and willingness to invest in her success reminded her that she was capable of achieving far more than she had imagined.

For the first time in years, Colette was learning in an environment where she felt supported, challenged, and inspired. Despite continuing to work third shift and care for her children, she remained determined to complete her CDA.

Then came another life-changing opportunity.

While completing her fieldwork at Mott Community College’s Early Childhood Learning Center, Colette applied for a scholarship to attend the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (MiAEYC) Conference in Grand Rapids. The scholarship covered her registration, lodging, meals, and travel.

She was thrilled when she learned she had been selected. Unfortunately, her employer scheduled her to work during the conference despite her advance notice. Faced with a difficult decision, Colette chose to attend.

The conference was transformative. Surrounded by passionate educators, new ideas, and opportunities for professional growth, she began to see a future for herself that once seemed out of reach.

When she returned home, however, she learned that her employer considered her to have voluntarily resigned. She challenged the decision and ultimately received unemployment benefits, allowing her to focus on completing her CDA.

What initially appeared to be a setback became another unexpected opportunity.

During her fieldwork at Mott, a part-time teaching position became available. Colette was invited to take the position and eagerly accepted. After earning her CDA, she transitioned into a full-time position, officially beginning her professional career in early childhood education.

But she wasn’t finished learning.

The confidence she gained through her CDA experience inspired her to continue her education. She went on to earn an associate degree, followed by a bachelor’s degree, and eventually a master’s degree—all in Early Childhood Education.

Each milestone represented more than an academic achievement. It was proof that her circumstances did not have to define her future.

As her career progressed, Colette discovered another passion: helping other adults recognize their own potential.

When she was invited to teach CDA classes as a contracted instructor, she immediately accepted. She remembered what it felt like to be a parent juggling work, family, and education, and she wanted to offer others the same encouragement and support that had changed her life.

In those classrooms, Colette could share more than professional knowledge. She could share her lived experience.

“You can do it,” she would tell her students, reminding them that challenges and setbacks don’t have to determine where their stories end.

Today, Colette continues that mission through her work with the RAP program, teaching CDA and other educational modules while mentoring professionals who are working toward their own goals. Her personal experiences allow her to connect with participants in a meaningful way.

“I understand. I’ve been where you are—and if I could do it, you can do it too.”

Her journey has taught her that education is about more than earning credentials. It’s about building confidence, discovering opportunities, and having people in your corner who believe in what you can accomplish.

And then, years after that first scholarship-funded conference, Colette’s journey came full circle.

She was invited to present at the very same MiAEYC Conference that had once inspired her to pursue her dreams. She has now had the privilege of presenting for two consecutive years, sharing her knowledge and experiences with educators across the field.

The significance of that moment was not lost on her.

Years earlier, Colette had attended as a single mother working third shift, uncertain of what the future might hold but determined to create something better for her children. She had sat in the audience, learning from professionals whose encouragement helped her imagine new possibilities.

Now, she was standing at the front of the room, sharing her own expertise and inspiring others to believe in themselves.

The student had become the teacher. The scholarship recipient had become the presenter. And the mother who once questioned what was possible had become a mentor helping others pursue their dreams.

Looking back, Colette recognizes that enrolling her son in Head Start did far more than support his early education. It introduced her to a profession that would transform her life.

Her story is a powerful reminder of the ripple effect that early childhood education can have—not only on children, but on families, educators, and entire communities. It demonstrates the importance of accessible professional pathways, meaningful mentorship, and programs that recognize potential even when individuals may struggle to see it in themselves.

Most importantly, Colette’s journey offers a message of hope to anyone considering a career in early childhood education: Your starting point does not determine how far you can go.

Sometimes, all it takes is one opportunity, one person who believes in you, and the courage to keep moving forward.

For Colette, that opportunity began in her son’s Head Start classroom. And what started as a mother’s commitment to her child became a lifelong commitment to helping others discover their own potential.