Mission Statement/Declaración de Misión:

Parent/Child Incorporated's mission is to provide high-quality early childhood developmental and educational services in order to empower our children and their families to become responsible citizens who value education and community.

La misión de Parent/Child Incorporated es proporcionar servicios de desarrollo y educación infantil de alta calidad para empoderar a nuestros niños y sus familias, ayudándoles a convertirse en ciudadanos responsables que valoren la educación y la comunidad.

Vision Statement/Declaración de Visión:

Our vision is to provide the highest-quality child development program for all eligible children using the Head Start / Early Head Start Model. This model empowers families, children, and staff by creating a caring, safe, and healthy environment that encourages learning and wellness.

Nuestra visión es proporcionar el mejor programa de desarrollo infantil para todos los niños elegibles utilizando el modelo de Head Start / Early Head Start, el cual permite que las familias, los niños y el personal se empoderen mediante la creación de un ambiente acogedor, seguro y saludable que fomente el aprendizaje y el bienestar.

 

Child doing homework

Parent/Child Incorporated (PCI) History and Legacy

Founding and Incorporation
On October 27, 1978, concerned parents from the Head Start Policy Council, in collaboration with Mrs. Blanche A. Russ, advocated for independence from the Economic Opportunities Development Corporation (EODC). These parents took a courageous step by requesting EODC relinquish the Head Start grant. As a result, Parent/Child Incorporated (PCI) of San Antonio and Bexar County was born. The Articles of Incorporation were signed by three founding members: Ramon Carrillo, Magdalena Gonzales, and Evelyn King, and submitted to the Texas Secretary of State.

Transition to Grantee
The City of San Antonio became the interim grantee. On February 9, 1979, under Mayor Lila Cockrell, the city officially delegated the operations of the Head Start program to PCI. The organization began with 12 Head Start Centers, 800 children, 200 employees, and one station wagon. PCI soon evolved into a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3), chartered to provide educational and social services to low-income families.

Program Expansion
By 1981, PCI expanded services to an additional 400 children. In 1990, PCI launched a Parent Child Center for 106 infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. By 1996, this initiative became Wave I Early Head Start, serving 80 families. In 1998, it transitioned to support pregnant and parenting teenage girls. As of program year 2020-2021, PCI's Early Head Start Program, including Expansion and EHS-Child Care Partnerships, serves 416 infants, toddlers, and expectant families.

Innovation and Demonstration Projects
From 1991 to 1995, PCI led two federal demonstration projects: the Family Services Center Project and the Family Child Care Homes Project. These contributions significantly improved the national Head Start program.

Registered Family Day Homes & Nutrition Services
PCI pioneered the Region IX sponsorship of Registered Family Day Homes for the Child Care Food Program (CCFP), covering 12 counties. In 1991, PCI opened its first stand-alone Central Kitchen, which eventually expanded to seven kitchens and now maintains two. These kitchens support both PCI and other community childcare programs, including successful participation in the City’s Summer Feeding Program.

Leadership Transitions
In 2005, Mrs. Blanche A. Russ-Glover retired after 36 years of service (27 years as the CEO and Founder). Mr. Daniel M. Gonzales served as Interim CEO until Dr. Sharon Small was appointed CEO on September 25, 2006. A seasoned educator and San Antonio native, Dr. Small brought over 26 years of experience in public education to PCI.

Strategic Changes and Continued Impact
PCI ceased Head Start services as a delegate agency in 2009 but continued as an Early Head Start Grantee serving 128 families. PCI’s programs consistently achieved 100% compliance in audits and self-assessments.

Food Program and Community Partnerships
PCI’s CACFP program continues to expand, with contracts to serve Head Start children and childcare centers across San Antonio. PCI’s Day Care Homes Program partners with 120 providers in Region VIII, offering regular training and support.

Federal Monitoring Review Excellence
In March 2025, a federal monitoring review confirmed PCI's full compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standard in the FA1 Monitoring Review. In the 2021 Review, PCI was recognized as one of the top ten programs in the nation, validating the organization's strong management, accountability, and service quality. The FA2 and CLASS Reviews will be held in FY 2026.

Recognition and Dedications
To honor extraordinary contributions, PCI has renamed centers after dedicated individuals:

  • Adelina Fritz Child Development Center (2010)
  • Evelyn L. King Child Development Center (2011)
  • Terry O’Connor Early Learning Center (2016)

Recent Grant Awards and Initiatives

  • 2013: Awarded a Head Start grant to serve 476 children
  • 2015: Launched Early Head Start/Child Care Partnership program for 200 children
  • 2019: Received additional grant to serve 428 children (340 HS and 88 EHS)
  • 2019: Garden Gro Initiative launched at Fenfield Environmental Learning Center

Today and Beyond
PCI continues to innovate:

  • New headquarters on Mainland Drive
  • Social media-driven website and updated logo
  • Brady Environmental Resource Center
  • Technology van for digital access
  • Safety protocols and the Safety Hub at headquarters
  • Launch of Leadership PCI, a succession planning and leadership development program
  • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • Transit vans for evacuations and field trips
  • Explore, Discover, and Play—Science Comes to Life at the Bandera Training Facility!

Commitment to Quality and Excellence
PCI consistently achieves 100% compliance in federal reviews (FA1, CLASS, FA2), CACFP, and agency-wide fiscal audits. Recognized as a Top Workplace in San Antonio (2021), PCI demonstrates pride, collaboration, and confidence in its mission.

Looking Ahead
PCI is committed to expanding services with a long-term vision of constructing four new Early Learning Centers across San Antonio. The organization continues to uphold its mission:

“To provide high-quality early childhood developmental and educational services in order to empower our children and their families to become responsible citizens who value education and community.”

PCI is truly “Growing San Antonio’s Tomorrow…Today!”