On her first day of preschool, Jasmin recalls big emotions, the tears at drop-off, and the overwhelming transition of being with her parents at home to being in a classroom full of peers.

But the moment she stepped into KidWorks preschool, Jasmin’s anxieties were soon eased.

Jasmin Ibarra joined the KidWorks community more than 15 years ago. At just three years old, Jasmin’s mother, Edemia Leal, enrolled her in preschool. She learned about KidWorks through her good friend, Sonia Rios, Family & Community Engagement Manager. 

Sonia encouraged Edemia to consider KidWorks for her daughter’s early-childhood education.

“Jasmin was Edemia’s first child. She wasn’t sure about how to enroll her daughter in preschool. I jumped in and talked to her about our preschool at KidWorks, assuring Edemia that Jasmin was going to be in good hands with our teachers. Their experience, passion, and dedication would help Jasmin learn, not only academically, but also develop social, communication, and problem-solving skills.”

Sonia rios, Family & Community Engagement manager

That advice—plus, KidWorks’ proximity to Jasmin’s childhood home on Myrtle—brought her to her first day of preschool in 2008. 

Over the span of two years, preschool at KidWorks provided Jasmin the structure and support she needed to thrive across key developmental areas in a child’s life. 

Jasmin grew-up first-generation to working parents, who spoke Spanish as their primary language. Getting support with her academics was often difficult as the bulk of her classwork was in English. At KidWorks, Jasmin valued the patience and dedication of her teachers. They “broke things down” and ensured that she understood what she was learning. 

Preschool at KidWorks went beyond academic support, however. Jasmin learned how to be a kid — a cool, well-rounded kid who could thrive in various environments.

“The way your preschool teachers teach you to respect others and to follow rules on how to be with other students in the classroom helped me growing up…even at home.”

While she’d always been a friendly child, Jasmin needed some extra encouragement when it came to socializing. Her preschool teachers—Ms. Minda, Ms. Idalia, and Ms. Jacky—ensured that KidWorks was a safe place for Jasmin to express her emotions and seek out friendships. She remembers their reassurance: “You’re safe here at KidWorks. You have friends here. You’re not going to be alone.”

During her time in preschool, she met three of her now friends—Michelle, Jackie, and Omar. Their bond remains strong despite life’s ebbs and flows. 

Jasmin looks back at her preschool education at KidWorks with fond appreciation as an adult.

“What stands out to me about receiving a preschool education at KidWorks is the support teachers give you. They’re here for you whenever you need help and always give you really good advice.”

Jasmin continued with KidWorks programming through her senior year of high school, receiving essential support that encouraged her to pursue higher education.  

Jasmin, third from the left, celebrates her graduation from KidWorks programming in 2023.

Soon after graduating high school, however, Jasmin discovered she was expecting a child. That moment changed her life.

Jasmin was determined to give her daughter, Alitzel, the best life she could provide.

College suddenly felt out of reach. But, Clarisa Vargas, College & Career Director, motivated Jasmin to continue pursuing her dream of attending college. 

Jasmin recalls Clarisa’s advice, “You don’t have to go at everyone’s pace. You can be a mom and go to school. You don’t have to give up and leave everything behind.” Her words encouraged Jasmin to enroll at Santa Ana College (SAC). 

Being a full-time mom and student has not been easy. There’s been many moments where Jasmin’s questioned her decision to continue her education. But she’s always returned to the advice and support she’s received at KidWorks. 

This month, Jasmin graduated with an associate’s degree in Sociology from SAC. She will transfer to California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) to pursue a degree in Human Services and initiate her career in advocacy for houseless community members in Santa Ana. 

Both motherhood and higher education are the catalyst for Jasmin’s success — what she hopes will motivate her daughter to push through difficult moments in her own life.

“I want Alitzel to recognize that life will not always be easy. There’s always going to be obstacles that are hard and challenging, but if you ask for help and keep going, you’ll make it to where you want to be.”

Jasmin Ibarra

Though Alitzel is only a year old, Jasmin looks forward to enrolling her daughter in preschool at KidWorks. She hopes Alitzel will learn what she’s learned over the past 15 years: life’s challenges are part of your success, not failure.

Thank you, Jasmin, for being a part of the KidWorks Community. We are so proud to walk with you from Pre-K to BA! 

When you support KidWorks with a financial donation, you are directly helping students, like Jasmin, find a path forward and persevere through difficult circumstances. Please click this link for more ways to give.

By Bryanna Paz, KidWorks Marketing & Communications Assistant