The Olivares Family
AVANCE-San Antonio, 2016
Bianca Olivares learned about AVANCE when her daughter Alma Natalia was just a baby. Bianca had recently moved to San Antonio and was attending English classes when a classmate asked if she would be interested in early childhood classes for her daughter. Of course, Bianca wanted Alma Natalia to have a solid foundation, so her classmate shared more information about PCEP. Bianca was surprised to learn that the program was for both parents and children.
Bianca found a sense of belonging and support in PCEP, a better understanding that she wasn’t alone, and a world of opportunities to grow. Bianca particularly enjoyed learning how to make educational toys from household items and use those toys to build stronger bonds with her children. Her handmade creations still hold a special place in her children’s hearts. To this day, Bianca’s daughters cherish their unique toys because they are custom-made with love and can’t be found in any toy store.
In addition to learning about the resources available to assist parents in the community, PCEP broadened Bianca’s perspective and opened doors for her personal and professional growth. After graduating from PCEP in 2016, Bianca was hired as an ECE Teacher at AVANCE.
While working at AVANCE, Bianca became pregnant with her second child Emma Priscila. She applied the knowledge she gained in PCEP about prenatal development. Now as a mother and a teacher, she uses everything she has learned to foster the learning and development of her daughters and students.
According to Bianca, the most significant impact of the program on her daughters has been their remarkable learning development. She knows what activities will help them learn as they grow, and she continues to nurture their growth, already encouraging them to continue their education to pursue professional careers someday. Today, Alma Natalia is eight and in the third grade, and Emma Priscila, at four years old, is in PreK-4. The girls are thriving academically and love art and sports, especially gymnastics. Despite their young ages, they already have big dreams for the future. Alma Natalia aspires to be an artist, while Emma Priscila hopes to one day be a teacher.