At Jubilee JumpStart, we believe that all children—regardless of background—deserve high-quality early learning experiences that help them reach their full potential. A key part of making that vision a reality is ensuring that children, families, and educators have access to the mental health support they need to thrive.
On Monday, February 3, 2025, Lead Teacher Alexus Ford and Executive Director Rosalina Burgos-Gil testified before the DC Council’s Committee on Health, advocating for the Healthy Futures Program—a vital resource that helps early learning centers like ours create nurturing, emotionally supportive classrooms.
Jubilee JumpStart is one of 24 centers participating in Healthy Futures, a program that provides early childhood mental health consultation to help educators address challenging behaviors, support social-emotional development, and strengthen the overall learning environment. Research shows that Healthy Futures improves teacher confidence, and reduces negative classroom behaviors.
Alexus and Rosalina shared powerful stories illustrating the program’s impact, from helping a child use breathing exercises to manage tantrums to guiding a family through a child’s behavioral changes after the birth of a sibling. As Rosalina put it:
"Young children express emotions through behavior. They often lack the words to say they are sad, anxious, or overwhelmed. Without guidance, these emotions manifest as hyperactivity, withdrawal, or aggression. Healthy Futures bridges this gap."
This is why we need to protect and expand access to Healthy Futures for all early learning centers in the District. Every child deserves the tools to navigate big emotions, and every teacher deserves the support to foster a positive learning environment.
📽️ Watch Alexus’s full testimony here:
We are grateful to our dedicated Healthy Futures clinician, Dr. Anais Lugo-Axtmann, for her unwavering support—and to our staff, families, and partners who help make Jubilee JumpStart a place where all children can learn and grow with confidence.
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