Izzi Early Education Featured at Annual Awards Breakfast Event

On Friday, December 8th, Izzi Early Education was honored to be featured at Tipping Point’s Annual Awards Breakfast in front of some of the Bay Area’s most influential leaders. Charlie Cervantes, our Fatherhood Engagement Specialist, was chosen to speak to the crowd at this prestigious event that took place at the St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco. 

Charlie shared how his passion for early education and encouraging fathers began when he was an Izzi dad. Both his children had the same teacher, and despite his reservations, the teacher was friendly and encouraging. She sought him out and invited him to read to the class. 

After initially hesitating, he agreed. “I got into it,” Cervantes said about reading Three Billy Goats Gruff, a book he remembered from his own childhood. “I wanted to make it interesting, so I got really animated!” The kids loved it, and so did Charlie. 

He continued to volunteer and later enrolled in college classes. Cervantes eventually became credentialled to work in the classroom and started at Izzi full-time. “I went from a teacher’s aid, to a teacher, then lead teacher,” he said. Later, Cervantes worked in family services, coordinating support for whatever families needed at school and at home. He’s been with Izzi now for over twenty years. 

“I saw early childhood as the foundation for everything,” he said of his passion for his work. “Preschool — that’s where it starts. Right? That’s where our next astronauts, mayors, judges, pilots all start.” 

But it’s not only about the kids. 

Charlie couldn’t help but notice how, at the beginning of the year, dads would drop off their kids with their eyes down, then quickly leave — as if there wasn’t a place for them. He wondered if Izzi could do something to help get the dads more involved, just like his kids’ teacher did with him all those years ago. Even if it was small, Cervantes thought, he could start making a difference in the lives of these men.   

Charlie’s idea was to start a group just for dads — a Father Figure Café — to create a safe space for dads to talk about the victories and challenges of raising a family. “I didn’t know what to expect,” Cervantes said of the first meeting. He thought they might get a few dads, and was concerned no one would open up about their feelings. But the opposite happened. Eighteen dads showed up to that first meeting. 

And as the men got more comfortable with each other, they started to go deep. From discussing topics like screen time, parenting styles, and helping kids through big emotions, he found that dads want the same kind of connection with their kids we all want — they just didn’t always know how to do it. 

“When I walk into the Father’s Café,” Charlie told the group, “I come in as a dad first.” The men learn from each other, share their struggles, and encourage one another. At the end of each meeting, Charlie asks for one word that stood out to them that day. 

The answers: brotherhood, new beginnings, strength. 

The first Father Figure Café in East Palo Alto was such a success, Izzi started one in South San Francisco and grew it to Half Moon Bay, and then on to San Mateo. Attendance remained high and Izzi staff began to see the benefits beyond the café meetings. “Dads would stay a little longer at drop off and pick up,” Cervantes said, and some have volunteered to lead the cafés while others became a part of Izzi’s Parents Policy Council. 

Izzi works to build relationships with the whole family — mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, and even neighbors — supporting and encouraging them to be a part of the classroom. “If you feel welcomed and empowered,” Cervantes said, “I believe that you feel more comfortable, that you’re not alone in the community, that you have something to give.” These connections are life changing. 

Not long ago, one of the kids Cervantes worked with as a preschooler graduated from high school. The parents sent Charlie a picture with the young man in his cap and gown, holding a sign that said, ‘Thanks to you, Charlie.’ 

“That’s what this work is all about,” he shared. “To see the parents find their energy and enthusiasm, and helping them find a place in the community to share their talents. Heal old wounds. Start fresh for their kids.” Izzi is so proud to be a part of this work. 

We are grateful for Tipping Point’s partnership, and for the opportunity for Izzi to be  highlighted at this distinguished annual event.