The Daddy Factor:
How Male Figures Support Healthy Early Development
The relationship between father and child has a deep impact on a child’s overall and long-term healthy development. Fatherhood is life-changing, for dads and for babies. As tiring as being a Dad is at times, all those moments add up to a lifetime of love and connection. Children with dads who are involved in their upbringing tend to do better socially, emotionally, and academically than kids with uninvolved fathers. Research also shows kids with involved dads tend to be more confident and more successful with schooling and life skills. Together, we will reflect on, promote and enhance Fatherhood Engagement. Participants will learn about the importance and benefits of the presence of Dads and male figures in children’s lives and strategies to get them more involved in the classroom and community
Corey Santos
Ashley Weaver
Who are Corey Santos and Ashley Weaver?
Cory, a Head Start Ambassador, is the Administrative Coordinator with the Citizens for Citizens Head Start in Fall River, MA. He has been an administrator for center-based child care in Southeastern Massachusetts for nearly 20 years. He has also worked for the Massachusetts Dept. of Health and the Dept. of Early Education and Care as a Program Coordinator, Coach and Consultant, with significant work on team building and productivity. He is an "I am Moving, I am Learning" Champion and National Presenter, promoting healthy opportunities for children, families, staff, and the community that includes physical activities through music and movement. Cory was also on the SpecialQuest National Team integrating belonging and inclusion in programs. He attended the University of Theatre studying Arts Education and Management and finished his bachelor’s degree at the University of Lesley. He is working on his Master’s in Educational Leadership and will continue to advocate for Head Start and high-quality early education and care. When not working, Cory can also be seen on and off stage in community theater as an actor, director, choreographer and producer and enjoys directing live-arts shows for children and families. Some of his other favorite hobbies include hiking, traveling and road trips with his dog Meghan.
Ms. Ashley is a CPPI Pre-Kindergarten teacher for Citizens for Citizens Head Start Program in Fall River, Massachusetts and has been in the education field for nearly 20 years. She has always had a love for children and is an only child so being around children brings out the best in her! She attended a Vocational High School and earned her certifications from EEC. She then went on to further her education by achieving her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. She also worked in a daycare and also became a private nanny before starting at Head Start. Citizens for Citizens has taught her how important family involvement is in the classrooms and how beneficial it is, not only for the children but for the staff as well! She plans monthly family engagements and has an open door policy in the classroom. She wants all of the families to feel welcomed and that the classroom is a judgment free zone to play, love and have fun!!