At Children’s Aid, our early childhood programs support more than 1,000 children from birth to age 5 during the most critical years of development. We offer home-based services for infants and young toddlers, followed by a seamless transition to classroom-based learning beginning at age 2.

Our work extends well beyond the classroom. We partner closely with families, supporting parents and caregivers as active participants in their children’s growth. Each family is connected with a dedicated family advocate who helps them access essential resources—from food assistance and health care to professional development opportunities for parents working toward employment goals.

In 2023, Jieshan Zeng enrolled her infant son, Enoch, in Children’s Aid’s home-based program at P.S. 5 in Washington Heights. Since then, her family has worked closely with Family Advocate Gina Morales, a Children’s Aid staff member with more than 20 years of experience supporting families. We spoke with Jieshan about how enrolling in Children’s Aid’s early childhood program helped shape her family’s journey.

Can you introduce yourself? 

My name is Jieshan Zeng, and I am a proud mother of four wonderful boys: Henry, Isaac, Enoch, and Joseph.

How did you get connected with Children’s Aid?

In the spring of 2023, I met Gina Morales, a family advocate with Children’s Aid at P.S. 5, right in the school hallway. She was there with her daughter, who is a classmate of my son, Isaac.

Gina introduced me to Children’s Aid’s programs, which I had never heard of before. She explained that they support children and families in many ways, including early childhood education, community resources, behavioral health services, and family programs. Her enthusiasm and kindness made me want to get involved.

What was your family’s situation at the time?

As a Chinese-American family new to the Inwood neighborhood after the COVID-19 pandemic, we felt isolated and unsure how to build connections. We had moved from Chinatown and were adjusting to the new community.

How did Gina support you and your family?

She shared neighborhood resources that helped us feel welcomed and connected: food boxes, nutrition classes, Saturday farmers’ markets, music and parenting workshops, community garden reading sessions, community walks, community baby showers, and so much more.

She even coordinated with the NYU dental team to bring free on-site dental check-ups, cleanings, and oral hygiene services directly to our school. As a working mom of four, this saved me so much time. I didn’t have to struggle to book appointments or travel across the city. It was a huge relief for busy families like ours.

How did these resources support your personal goals?

One of the most important moments came when I shared my family’s goals, including finding stable employment after my maternity leave with my third son, Enoch. I had left my job at Citibank to stay home full-time, but I struggled with severe postpartum depression, financial pressures, and feeling like I wasn’t doing enough to support my children’s growth.

Gina listened and suggested the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential program. She helped me see it as a way to build skills in early childhood education and possibly find meaningful work right here at Children’s Aid. I started as a part-time substitute teacher at P.S. 5, and it felt like a new beginning.

How did Children’s Aid continue to support your family during this period of transition?

Even when life became even busier—studying for my CDA while pregnant with my fourth son in 2024—Gina continued to support us with flexible meeting times. She also referred us to programs like “Friends of the Children,” where mentors visit our home weekly and take my boys to the park, library, and other fun learning activities. That extra support has been invaluable for our growing family.

Where are you now?

I completed my CDA credential and moved from being a part-time substitute teacher to full-time early childhood educator. I went from unstable employment to stable, rewarding work. My career shifted from finance to working with children, something I never imagined possible.

Today, I am a full-time teacher in the toddler classroom at Children’s Aid. I also recently participated in the New York State Child Care Advocacy campaign in Albany—advocating for other families just as Gina advocated for mine.

What advice do you have for other families seeking to connect to supportive services? 

If you’re a parent looking for resources to help your children thrive, including kids with special needs, build a supportive community, or pursue your own dreams. Children’s Aid and advocates like Gina can truly make a difference.

Thank you, Gina, and thank you, Children’s Aid, for helping our family grow stronger, healthier, and more hopeful. I encourage every family in our community to reach out, get involved, and discover these amazing opportunities.