Submitted by Larissa Bacon, Vice President of Impact, SBCS

Mi Escuelita, one of SBCS's flagship programs, has become a sanctuary of healing and growth for many families in San Diego County - especially those impacted by domestic violence.

The unique therapeutic preschool serves children ages 3-5 who witness or experience domestic violence, providing them with a safe environment to heal and develop the skills they need to thrive. The program's impact is profound, and the story of one mother and her son, who recently graduated from Mi Escuelita, is a powerful testament to the life-changing support it offers.

The mother, whose identity remains confidential for privacy, was referred to Mi Escuelita by SBCS at a time when she was physically and emotionally exhausted. She had been battling the aftereffects of prolonged illness while enduring the financial and emotional strain of family court proceedings. She remained determined to provide her son with a stable and loving environment despite the weight of her circumstances often leaving her feeling overwhelmed and isolated.

Upon entering Mi Escuelita, she found more than just a preschool for her son; she found a community that embraced them with open arms. Mi Escuelita’s full-day, free program offered her son a structured environment where he could heal from the trauma he had witnessed, while the mother received much-needed support from the dedicated staff.

Mi Escuelita is unique in its holistic approach. It blends a curriculum emulating evidence-based models such as the Incredible Years and Frog Street Pre-K with therapeutic services that include group counseling, mental health treatment, and developmental support. This comprehensive structure helps children who have been exposed to trauma build the emotional, social, and cognitive skills they need to enter kindergarten ready to learn.

Since 2006, Mi Escuelita has served more than 800 children, providing them with a path to healing and academic success. In the previous year alone, the program served 84 unduplicated students, with 93.3% of graduates passing their Kindergarten Readiness Test—an impressive indicator of the program’s effectiveness in preparing children for future success in school and beyond.

For this mother, Mi Escuelita became a lifeline. The staff provided her with emotional support and a safe space to process her experiences, helping her to regain her strength and confidence as a parent. She recalls moments when the simple act of receiving food boxes at Mi Escuelita - made available to all families without stigma - helped her navigate through weeks of uncertainty and financial hardship.

The monthly parent engagement activities at Mi Escuelita also played a crucial role in her journey. They offered her valuable insights into her child’s development and provided opportunities to bond with her son through shared activities. The knowledge and skills she gained from these sessions empowered her to better understand and meet her son’s needs, fostering a deeper connection between them.

Holidays, which are often a difficult time for families dealing with trauma, were made joyful and meaningful through the celebrations at Mi Escuelita. The mother shared how these events helped her and her son feel a sense of normalcy and community, especially during a period when they were isolated from extended family. The holiday parties became a source of joy and comfort, providing her son with happy memories and reinforcing the sense of safety and belonging that Mi Escuelita had cultivated.

Most importantly, Mi Escuelita offered this mother a space where she could acknowledge the trauma she and her son had endured. The staff’s compassionate and professional guidance helped her navigate the complex emotions that came with this realization. She credits the program with helping her move past the shame and guilt that had previously held her back, enabling her to become a stronger and more resilient parent. 

Mi Escuelita’s impact on this family, and hundreds like them, aligns perfectly with the mission of Live Well San Diego. The program contributes to a healthy, safe, and thriving community by addressing the needs of children and families affected by trauma. Mi Escuelita’s focus on healing, resilience, and academic readiness directly supports the Live Well vision of improving the well-being of all San Diegans.

Mi Escuelita is more than just a preschool; it is a place where children and their families can heal, learn, and grow together. The program’s approach sets it apart as a vital resource for San Diego County’s most vulnerable children.

By addressing the emotional, cognitive, and developmental needs of children exposed to domestic violence, Mi Escuelita helps to create a brighter future for them and their families.

About SBCS (Formerly South Bay Community Services)

SBCS transforms communities to support the well-being and prosperity of children, youth and families throughout San Diego County. Through comprehensive and coordinated services and supports, SBCS touches the lives of more than 50,000 annually. Learn more about SBCS at sbcssandiego.org. 

SBCSSanDiego.org • 619-420-3620 • 430 F Street • Chula Vista, CA 91910