Get Help

What Happens When a Child Gets the Right Support Before They Ever Fall Behind?

Listen on all major platforms

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!

About the Episode

In this episode of Do Local Good, host Skyler sits down with Erin Gobolos, CEO of ABC Head Start Society, for a powerful conversation about early childhood development, family support, and the importance of giving children the right start.

Together, they explore how early intervention and quality early learning can help children build the confidence, communication, social-emotional skills, and independence they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. Erin shares how ABC Head Start takes a holistic approach by supporting not only the child, but the entire family through classroom-based programming, specialized resources, and wraparound support.

From navigating food insecurity, housing instability, social isolation and other barriers to celebrating milestones at Literacy Backpack Day, this episode highlights how investing in children during their earliest years can help change the trajectory of their lives.

The conversation also explores what kindergarten readiness really means, why play-based learning matters, and how strong partnerships between educators, families and community organizations can help children continue to succeed long after they leave the ABC Head Start program.

It’s an encouraging reminder that when children receive the right support early, they can build strong foundations for learning, confidence and connection — one child at a time.

ABC Head Start Society provides early learning and development programming for children aged 3 to 5 who may be experiencing speech, language, behavioural or developmental challenges. Their classroom-based programming combines certified teachers and education assistants with specialized support from speech, behaviour and occupational therapy professionals.

ABC Head Start also provides wraparound family support through its social work and Family Engagement teams, helping families navigate challenges and connect with community resources.

Learn More

ABC Head Start’s inclusive, classroom-based early learning program supports children who may need additional support with speech, learning and social development. Programming focuses on the whole child, including social-emotional development, communication, health and wellness, and kindergarten readiness.

Support at ABC Head Start extends beyond the classroom. Family Engagement programs help caregivers build connections, confidence and skills through opportunities such as Parent Workshops, Family Connections Groups, Stay and Play Groups and financial literacy sessions.

Learn More

Join the Movement

Get Involved with GenNEXT

United Way’s GenNEXT is a volunteer-led initiative designed to inspire the next generation of leaders to drive meaningful change in our community.

Learn More

Special Acknowledgments

We extend our sincere thanks to Erin Gobolos, CEO of ABC Head Start Society, for joining us and sharing her insight into the importance of early childhood development, family support and investing in children early. Thank you as well to the entire team at ABC Head Start Society for their continued commitment to children and families across Edmonton, and for partnering with United Way of the Alberta Capital Region to help create brighter futures for our community.

To every listener, thank you for tuning in and continuing to champion what it means to do local good in our communities.

Get Help