In California, children too often arrive at school unprepared for the challenges that await them. Achievement gaps - especially for children from low-income communities - can develop well before they enter kindergarten and increase over time.

Sandra Gutierrez, Founder and National Director of Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors, is working to close this gap with a curriculum that prepares low-income Latino parents to be their children’s first teachers and advocates. Designed by and for parents, the program teaches goal-setting, positive discipline, and health and wellness — directed at improving parents’ ability to support their children’s early development.