On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the EDU CD Department celebrated the accomplishments of Early Childhood Education (ECE) graduates and educators during the EDU CD Recognition Ceremony 2026.
Vice President of Instruction, Dr. Carol Hernández, welcomed attendees and honored the graduating ECE teachers. She emphasized the importance of the profession, describing early childhood education as one of the noblest careers because of its vital role in shaping society and supporting children during their formative years.
The keynote speaker, Héctor Camacho, Director of Equity and Social Justice at the San Mateo County Office of Education, reflected on the individuals who influenced him during his early years — including his abuela, his mother, family members, and an early learning community teacher. He described early childhood education as a profession rooted in deep care for children, families, and communities.
Camacho noted that the work requires patience, creativity, energy, and heart, and stressed that supporting children is a collective community effort. He reminded the audience that “if we get early learning right, we don’t just change classroom outcomes, we change life trajectories.”
The audience was also inspired by student speaker Iris Flores-Iglesias, who shared how her journey in education has been shaped by her family & cantón, culture, history, and community. She described serving as a cultural bridge through many forms of teaching and mentorship, including informal interactions with immigrant girls, children, adults, and family members.
Iris Flores-Iglesias credited the ECAP Program — the Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program — for supporting her professional growth from student teacher to classroom leader. Through collaboration with fellow teachers, ECE practicum students, and Master Teachers, she developed a deeper understanding of teaching and learning alongside children.
She also reflected on attending the CAAEYC Conference in Pasadena last month, which inspired her vision for the future and strengthened her commitment to supporting children and
families. She shared that the ECE Department, faculty, and Child Development Center staff helped her see “an open plane with an endless sky.”
Iris expressed her desire to belong to an equitable and genuine community and to help create environments grounded in care, dignity, and access. She stated that Early Childhood Education is the discipline that has shaped her practice and purpose.
This year, we celebrate:
● 22 Associate in Science for Transfer (AST) graduates
● 9 Associate in Science (AS) graduates
● 16 Certificate of Achievement recipients in Early Childhood Education
Congratulations to all of our students!
Article by Michelle Amaral
Photos by Michelle Nava
