Success Story: Pilar and Iliana, Child Care

February 12, 2008

When Iliana began attending Erie 's preschool program at age two, she was shy and didn't speak much. The few words she knew were in Spanish, her family's primary language. Now, at age three, Iliana speaks a lot, in both Spanish and English, and thrives on interacting with her peers.

"Now she wants to be the leader with the other children in her class," says Iliana's mother, Pilar. "And I am so glad she's learning both English and Spanish. I know that when she gets to kindergarten she'll be ahead of many other children."

Erie House has made a big difference in Pilar's life as well. Her other three children are enrolled in Erie's child care and after school programs, and she is a member of Erie's Parent Policy Council, a group of parents which meet monthly to discuss programmatic issues, make recommendations, and plan parent trainings and events.

Pilar has also learned English since becoming involved with Erie, and has become more involved in her children's education. "Now I know more about the center and what's happening. I'm more involved with the teachers and the children, and I can voice my concerns."

As leader of the council, Pilar also serves as a representative for the child care program on Erie's board of directors. "Pilar is someone I can always count on," says Erie Parent Support Coordinator Karina Viteri. "For Pilar, her kids are first and she is always looking out for their best interest."