Meet the Preschool Alum: Jesse Cadena
July 13, 2026Jesse Cadena is used to doing life on his own. He’s a go-getter with a tendency to stay one-step ahead of the crowd, but asking for help wasn’t always part… Continue Reading
Tag: Preschool
Meet the Preschool Alum: Jesse Cadena
Jesse Cadena is used to doing life on his own. He’s a go-getter with a tendency to stay one-step ahead of the crowd, but asking for help wasn’t always part of his vocabulary. Over his 18 years with KidWorks, Jesse’s gotten more comfortable with the idea—thanks to the support of a special staff member!
Outreach efforts brought Jesse to KidWorks in 2008. The Cadena household received a letter via mail informing them of opportunities for early childhood education at our Dan Donahue Center (DDC). Located walking distance from DDC, Jesse’s parents chose to enroll him in preschool at KidWorks.
Jesse Cadena enjoying his time at KidWorks’ Preschool in 2009!
Jesse and his mom had an easy commute; they walked over to the preschool’s lively classroom each morning. But navigating school wasn’t the easiest for Jesse.
Learning was often a solo experience—one-on-one math drills with his father at home. Preschool, on the other hand, urged Jesse to learn alongside his classmates and share new experiences.
Idalia Galdamez, Preschool Director, worked with Jesse to deepen his relationships with peers and encourage his academic prowess in the classroom.
“I was Jesse’s lead teacher and the site supervisor at KidWorks when he attended preschool. Jesse had lot of potential to be a leader. He loved to help organize around the classroom and guide other students, despite being a bit shy. His peers followed, as he was everyone’s most liked friend. By the end of the year in 2009, Jesse was also a whiz at math and the top of the class. He knew all his colors, shapes, letters and identified 101 numbers without error. Jesse truly excelled in everything he did!”
Idalia Galdamez, preschool Director
With Idalia’s guidance, Jesse created lasting memories during his time in preschool. One, however, stands out above the rest.
Preschool graduation was Jesse’s first academic milestone, an achievement he shared with the two most important people in his life. Both of his parents were present as he walked across the stage in his blue robes. Jesse’s father even took a day off from work to attend—a rare occurrence in the Cadena household and one Jesse fondly remembers.
On that special day, Jesse recalls feeling celebrated and encouraged to pursue his dreams for the first time. This support motivated him to excel throughout his K-12 education.
“Going to preschool at KidWorks gave me a headstart when I started going to school. I was ahead of other kids when it came to my academics and most importantly, I was excited to learn.”
Jesse smiles holding a baby chick — one of his many fun experiences at KidWorks!
Jesse was an honors student throughout elementary and middle school. However, social dynamics at school grew more complicated each year. Soon the throes of Jesse’s pre-teen years became impossible to ignore.
He knew he needed a support system, but Jesse didn’t know where to start his search. That was until 7th grade, when he met a special staff member at KidWorks that changed his life for the better.
Rachel Cervantes, Volunteer Manager, extended her support to Jesse soon after joining the KidWorks team in 2015. With her bubbly personality and commitment to ensuring student success, Rachel provided a safe space for Jesse to share his day-to-day anxieties.
“When I met Jesse as a quiet, thoughtful seventh grader, I knew building trust would take time. At the time, I was a young Program Assistant in the Afterschool program learning how to support students. Jesse taught me one of the most important lessons of my career: the power of consistent presence. Year after year, in different capacities, I have had the privilege of walking alongside him, and I’m so grateful that our relationship has continued long after he graduated from KidWorks. Jesse has become an incredible young man. He has shaped the way I care for others and continues to remind me why relationships matter so deeply.”
Rachel cervantes, volunteer manager
Rachel and Jesse have built an unshakable trust in one another—something that allows them to tackle difficult topics, such as mental health, interpersonal relationships, and academics.
“Rachel is like a mother figure to me. Even after graduating from KidWorks in 2022, she’s kept in touch with me and provided essential support. Even after long periods of not talking, Rachel makes sure to ask how I’m doing. I know she’ll always be in my life.”
Jesse is now a Quality Controller at Oakley with dreams of retiring his dad before he reaches his 67th birthday—there’s also hopes of a 10-car garage in his future.
As he reflects on his time at KidWorks, he’s grateful to have built a strong support network. He hopes his younger brother, Aiden, builds a bond to similar to his friendship with Rachel, because everyone deserves to have a Rachel in their life.
Jesse concludes our preschool’s 20th anniversary celebration with a piece of advice for any parents thinking of choosing KidWorks for their child’s early childhood education:
“Parents should enroll their students at KidWorks because they’re going to get a lot of support with academics and advice. Everyone here is very welcoming. They treat you like family!”
Jesse cadena
When you support KidWorks with a financial donation, you encourage students, like Jesse, to build meaningful relationships with KidWorks students and staff. Give today at kidworksoc.org/donate.
Preschool enrollment is now open! Find out more about how you can register your child today at https://kidworksoc.org/registration/
By Bryanna Paz, KidWorks Marketing & Communications Assistant
Meet the Preschool Alum: Michelle Martinez
The world is big—bigger for children like Michelle Martinez. Shy and reserved, Michelle’s first transition from home to school felt like an odyssey. The classroom was uncharted territory, but KidWorks ensured that Michelle developed the skills to thrive in any environment.
Like many of our students, Michelle joined KidWorks’ preschool upon recommendation from a neighbor. Her mother learned about the opportunity from a trusted community partner whose children had also enrolled in preschool at KidWorks.
Shortly after their conversation, Michelle’s mother visited our Dan Donahue Center and met with the preschool team at KidWorks. The school environment and teachers, along with KidWorks proximity to their home, made enrolling here an easy decision.
Michelle attended her first day of preschool in 2009, but her first day was far from easy. She shared a close bond with her mother—leaving her at the door seemed impossible.
Michelle and her mother celebrate Mother’s Day at KidWorks’ preschool in 2010.
For months, Michelle struggled to acclimate to her new routine as a preschool student.
Drop-off heightened her anxiety. Michelle felt overwhelmed and alone. But the preschool team at KidWorks provided crucial emotional support during this big transition in her life.
“My preschool teachers helped me understand and feel that everything was going to be okay. I learned that it’s okay to step into something new, because they’re always going to be there for me, even as I step into new stages of life.”
Michelle Martinez
Alma Magaña, Early Learning/Family Specialist, was a pillar during Michelle’s time in preschool.
Recognizing that it was harder for Michelle to socialize, Alma extended her warmth and support. She encouraged Michelle to advocate for herself inside the classroom and build connections with her peers.
Michelle poses for a photo with her classmates during her preschool graduation in 2010.
Michelle recalls making a close friend—her co-chef in the preschool’s play kitchen. Soon, they were even sitting together during quiet time with a book and a tiny cassette player with headphones.
With a friend by her side, preschool transformed into a site of wonder.
Tea parties. Mobile aquariums where Michelle touched sea stars and urchins. Each new experience helped Michelle understand that trying new things could be exciting. But her trip to the pumpkin patch at Irvine Regional Park was particularly special.
Everyone in her class was tasked with picking their own pumpkin to take home. Most students grabbed a pumpkin proportionate to a 3 or 4-year-old. Except one student who wanted the biggest pumpkin at the fair. Michelle laughs looking back at this moment.
Memories like these are a reminder that it’s okay to go off the beaten track—a lesson that she’s learned throughout the years at KidWorks.
“Developing social skills in the classroom made socializing less scary, especially when it came to chatting and reaching out to teachers at school. I got more comfortable asking for help. KidWorks helped me find my voice.”
Michelle left preschool empowered to explore new spaces. Her transition into K-12 education proved challenging, but KidWorks staff connected Michelle’s family with a therapist that supported her social and emotional development at school.
From first grade to her senior year of high school in 2021, Michelle built a strong support network at KidWorks. She joined the Youth Leadership Team (YLT), now known as Youth Community Leaders (YCL), during her last year in programming.
Michelle was reluctant to participate in YLT, but her friend encouraged her to join. Now, she appreciates what she learned during her time with the group.
“Community advocacy is something that’s stayed with me since my time in YLT. I always try to teach my brothers, friends, and family about the importance of community advocacy and what actually having a community means…connecting with the people around us.”
Maria Ruvalcaba, Youth Leadership Development Coordinator, leads the YCL team and encouraged Michelle to meaningfully engage with her community.
“I first met Michelle when she was in 8th grade, she’s always been a kind, smart, sweet young woman, and a great friend to all her peers. Through her participation in the Youth Leadership Team, I had the pleasure to see her step out of her comfort zone and step up to the several leadership opportunities that came her way such as serving our community through service projects or sharing her input in city meetings. Though she may be quiet, she is fierce, talented, and fun to be around. Michelle will always be a great moral compass for her peers and now students that she works with.”
Maria Ruvalcaba, Youth Leadership Development Coordinator
Joining YLT helped Michelle find her voice and build the skills to mobilize the next generation of leaders in her community.
Michelle is now a 3rd year education major at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). She will begin her teaching credential program this upcoming spring with plans to work as an elementary school teacher after college. Michelle is excited to help students, like her, achieve success in the classroom.
Michelle, second from left, celebrates her graduation at Noche de las Estrellas in 2021.
Beyond the classroom, KidWorks continues to shape Michelle’s future. She looks forward to giving back to the community that’s supported her growth over the past 17 years.
“KidWorks instilled the importance of giving back to my community. After becoming a seasoned teacher, I’d love to go back and support KidWorks like they supported me throughout the years.”
When you support KidWorks with a financial donation, you empower students, like Michelle, to explore education fearlessly. Give today at kidworksoc.org/donate.
Preschool enrollment is now open! Find out more about how you can register your child today at https://kidworksoc.org/registration/
By Bryanna Paz, KidWorks Marketing & Communications Assistant
Meet the Preschool Alum: Kimberly Santana
The world is Kimberly Santana’s playground. She’s curious and “talkative”—that’s the word she uses to describe herself. Over her 14 years with KidWorks, Kimberly transformed her natural talent for conversation into a skill for success.
Kimberly’s mother heard about KidWorks from a trusted neighbor in 2009. Doña Rosio, a longtime resident of the neighborhood around the Dan Donahue Center (DDC) and community partner of KidWorks, recommended that Kimberly enroll in our preschool.
At four-years-old, Kimberly arrived at DDC for her first day. Moving from home to school was challenging, but Kimberly’s upbringing prepared her well: “My parents taught me that even if a problem feels big in the moment…In the future, it’ll reveal itself to be small. It’ll be something that I learned from.”
Preschool was one of Kimberly’s first opportunities to practice what her parents taught her.
While she felt apprehensive on her first day, Kimberly soon gravitated to the front of the line at preschool with the support of her teachers. They encouraged Kimberly to fearlessly embrace her new routine.
“Preschool at KidWorks teaches you to be brave. Teachers told you that you were brave to help regulate your emotions and empower you to tackle problems head-on.”
With a renewed sense of security in her environment, Kimberly spent her days at KidWorks learning how to build meaningful experiences inside the classroom.
Kimberly poses for a class picture at KidWorks’ preschool in 2010.
Among her favorite memories of preschool: the birthday she celebrated alongside her classmates. The long table with small plates for cake. The birthday crown she was gifted by her teachers. Everyone singing happy birthday. The exact details of the event are spotty, but Kimberly looks back at this moment with affection.
Preschool introduced Kimberly to a world outside her home—replete with memories, feelings, and relationships that carried a different pulse than what she was accustomed to. Kimberly built a positive association with learning at KidWorks that motivated her to explore other aspects of the classroom.
“I’ve gotten a lot from preschool. My teachers taught me how to be nice, say sorry, and to see that school is fun—everyday there’s something new to do, friends to hang out with, and fun to be had.”
As an outgoing child, Kimberly thrived in the preschool’s outdoor classroom. She refined her motor skills on the playground slide. But most importantly, she met lifelong friends that keep her grounded among life’s many shifts.
“My favorite outcome of preschool at KidWorks is meeting my friends that I still love and talk to. Even though we’re far apart and we’re pursuing different careers, we’re still connected. We might have different petals, but KidWorks is our stem.”
Kimberly Santana
This was true for Kimberly when she returned to KidWorks in 6th grade. But the transition during elementary school proved challenging at first.
When Kimberly stopped attending KidWorks programming in elementary school, she was worried that the friends she’d made at KidWorks had moved on. Seeing familiar faces at DDC quickly eased Kimberly’s anxieties. Friends and staff welcomed Kimberly back, reminding her that she always has a second home at KidWorks.
“KidWorks has always been a place where I can be myself, where I don’t have to shy away from who I am. Sometimes I feel like I’m too talkative…but KidWorks staff give me the space to be myself,” she says.
Over the next 7 years, Kimberly embraced her natural charisma and sociability. She volunteered with KidWorks in high school, joined the College Apps Academy, and participated in the Youth Leadership Team (YLT), now referred to as Youth Community Leaders (YCL).
“I had a lot of new experiences at KidWorks. I tried public speaking and community work. Being part of the Youth Leadership Team taught me that I enjoy helping my community and giving back to a neighborhood that has given me so much. YLT helped me find my values and adapt to the many transitions in my life.”
Through her participation in YLT, Kimberly elevated her interpersonal skills. She grew meaningful relationships with her community in Santa Ana. And at KidWorks, Kimberly developed a close relationship with her mentor Maria Ruvalcaba, Youth Leadership Development Coordinator and YLT’s staff lead.
With Maria and YLT’s support, Kimberly was selected as a student speaker for Noche de las Estrellas in 2023, KidWorks’ graduation celebration.
Kimberly celebrates her graduation with Ms. Alma, Ms. Minda, & Ms. Idalia at Noche de las Estrellas.
That experience helped her develop a passion for advocacy that changed the trajectory of her life: “Speaking at Noche taught me that I am not afraid to talk in front of a crowd. That achievement shaped me to be out there…always talking with people, giving out resources, and helping the community.”
Kimberly is now a third-year Business Administration major, concentrating in Information Systems, at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
The skills Kimberly developed at KidWorks have helped her advocate for students like her at Cal Poly SLO, which is a predominately white institution (PWI) where first-generation Latine students comprise a small percentage of the university’s population. Kimberly’s tenacity has allowed her to advocate for her community and celebrate her cultural heritage proudly.
She’s part of the Latinx Business Association, two ambassador programs with University Housing and the College of Business, and mentors high school students in her free time.
After college, Kimberly looks forward to working as a Business Intelligence Analyst and giving back to her community by encouraging others to pursue an education beyond high school.
“My biggest goal is to see others pursue higher education. I want to be on panels talking to students about my experiences, encouraging them to broaden their horizons through college. I want to be a role model for what higher education can do.”
Kimberly Santana
Thank you, Kimberly, for being part of the KidWorks family! We celebrate your continued success in college and look forward to seeing how you make an impact in the world.
When you support KidWorks with a financial donation, you support students, like Kimberly, to find their voices and empower them to pursue higher education. Give today at kidworksoc.org/donate.
Preschool enrollment is now open! Find out more about how you can register your child today at https://kidworksoc.org/registration/
By Bryanna Paz, KidWorks Marketing & Communications Assistant
Meet the Preschool Alum: Jasmin Ibarra
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
Preschool earns top five-star rating
Our state-licensed preschool was just awarded a five-star rating from the Orange County Department of Education. This is the top possible rating and is an increase from our previous four-star rating.
The KidWorks’ preschool earned its five-star “Quality Rating and Improvement System” (QRIS) grade for the high quality of our early learning programs, as evaluated by the county. Programs like ours are ranked from one to five stars and the evaluation occurs every five years.
“Earning a five-star rating is a source of great pride for KidWorks and our entire preschool team since we are one of 500 early learning programs in Orange County who participate in QualityStart, the education department’s focus on assessing, improving and communicating the importance of early childhood education,” says Idalia Galdamez, our preschool director.
She adds, “The rating criteria help programs like ours to demonstrate their commitment to quality, keeping up to date on current research and adopting best practices.”
Among the criteria to earn this top rating are:
- A safe environment
- A developmentally appropriate curriculum
- Well-educated staff
- Small group sizes and low adult-to-child ratios
- Parent-teacher communication and family engagement
Idalia says achieving the five-star rating lets families know that our preschool provides their children with the highest level of early care services as these youngsters embark on their academic careers.
“Our highly educated, experienced and dedicated preschool team sets our youngest scholars on a solid classroom path by delivering quality early care and education in a safe environment based on developmentally appropriate curriculum,” Idalia says.
She adds, “This rating should encourage parents to consider enrolling their child in our program. In addition to our five-star rating, we offer field trips during the year where the children get to explore what they learn in the classroom out in other environments such as a pumpkin patch and museum, for example.”
Our preschool is now accepting applications. Register and find out more about this KidWorks program: https://kidworksoc.org/preschool/
“Obtaining this rating has taken years,” says Minda Barrera, ” KidWorks preschool teacher. “It’s required countless hours working with children, learning with them and attending workshops/trainings.”
She adds, “It required a dedicated team to obtain our certification. We’re very thankful to all who have contributed to attaining this goal: parents and their children, volunteers, parent volunteers, partners, supporters the KidWorks’ executive leadership team and others. We are truly blessed and thankful to God for allowing us to work with the little ones.”
In addition to the five-star QRIS rating, KidWorks preschool obtained our Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom Certification in November 2024.
“The new outdoor classroom plays a big role in our daily school schedule,” says Alma Magaña, our Early Learning/Family Specialist. “When children are exposed to an outdoor classroom environment, they learn to manage their time and behavior.”
She adds, “Children have the opportunity to choose what they would like to do and experience on a daily basis. When children are allowed to make good choices, they feel empowered.”
KidWorks’ preschool also benefits from the support of volunteers, who work alongside our staff and teachers during each of the two daily sessions.
Idalia also thanked our supporters, who have so generously given time, talent, resources and financial support:
- ABA Collaborative Therapies
- Carrazco Law
- City of Santa Ana
- First 5 Orange County
- The Great American Lunch Box
- JFK Transportation
- Orange County Department of Education
- PBS SoCal
- QualityStart OC
- Start Well
Read more about this 5-star rating here! Congratulations, Preschool Team!
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
Preschool graduation
Celebrate our littlest learners as they graduate from preschool and head off to Kindergarten. Separate celebrations will be held for each class. To learn more e-mail idalia.galdamez@kidworksoc.org.
Preschool Tea Party
Preschool students dress in their Sunday best to dance, listen to stories, and learn about table manners during our annual Tea Party. Volunteers help make this festive and formal celebration a creative and memorable way to learn.
Preschool Olympics Day
The 2024 Olympic Games are coming to KidWorks. Students will have the opportunity to compete in games and activities while learning about the upcoming Olympics. To learn more or get involved e-mail vanessa@kidworksoc.org
Preschool Reading Week
At KidWorks, reading week is a major celebration. Each year, the KidWorks preschool team puts together a special program to celebrate National Reading Week, focusing on Dr. Seuss books and fun activities.
To get involved – contact beckie.white@kidworksoc.org
