The first years of Jaime’s life have been filled with a mix of sadness and tears and hope and joy. Although earlier symptoms were present, Jaime, who is legally blind, was officially diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a chronic condition that affects body movements and muscle coordination, in December 2003. As a baby, Jaime’s doctors said he would never walk, talk, or crawl. He wouldn’t live more than 12 months.

At the time, Jaime’s sister, Esmeralda, was enrolled in Head Start at Carver Elementary School. Tom Sharp, Esmeralda’s teacher, recognized that the family was distressed and needed help. He referred the family to Early Head Start (EHS), a CPCD program for expectant parents and children from birth to age three.

EHS staff members moved quickly to help the entire family. Teacher Heather Kelley, Family Advocate Brenda Demouchet, and other staff members helped connect Jaime’s parents, Veronica and Jaime Sr., with additional resources in the community, such as the Resource Exchange and Service Empowerment Transformation offices. EHS staff members also took the time to personally speak with them about their problems and concerns.

“It was so hard those first few months. We thought Jaime was going to pass away,” Veronica said. “I couldn’t even speak about his condition without breaking down and crying. The staff at Early Head Start were so patient and kind. They helped me deal with my fears. It’s still hard but I’ve made great progress. I can now talk about Jaime, and we’re dealing with his disabilities.”

Now at age three, Jaime and his family continue to attend weekly play groups at EHS, where he receives speech, physical and occupational therapy to help improve facial and body movements and posture. The therapists are able to demonstrate special exercises and handling techniques to Jaime’s parents for them to practice at home. Jaime also receives therapy at Memorial Hospital and the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind.

“Jaime is now able to move pretty well by crawling, and he can also move around on his back. He can even pull himself up to a standing position with the help of a walker or other type of support!” Veronica says. “Considering he was never expected to crawl, walk, or talk, he’s doing great. It’s wonderful to see his progress.”

“Jaime is fortunate to have such a wonderful, supportive family,” said Carol Dressel, the CPCD Nurse who works closely with Jaime and his family. “Both parents and his sisters work so hard to implement all of the tips and techniques that are shown to them during Jaime’s therapy at EHS. They also make sure not to treat him differently than the other children. They do an amazing job!”

In addition to receiving therapy, Jaime is able to socialize with other children in his age group, an activity he had not experienced before joining EHS. “Jaime loves circle-time, where parents and children come together,” Veronica comments. “He loves hearing everyone sing, tell stories, and play games. He also loves to paint!”

Veronica also points out that Esmeralda, who is now in first grade, is doing well in elementary school. “She already knew letters, numbers, shapes, colors so she was able to excel quickly in kindergarten,” Veronica says. Veronica and Jaime Sr. also have an 11-year-old daughter, Ruby.

Veronica has served on both the Parent Policy Council and Health Committee. “The health standards that CPCD follows are very impressive and wonderful.”

Veronica concluded, “I am thankful for all the help and support my family has received from CPCD.”