LEO is one of the largest providers of early education and care in southern Essex County, with Head Start and Early Head Start programs for children from birth to age 5. LEO uses a two-generation approach to construct the foundation children need to be successful in school and beyond. We aim to close the achievement gap by helping young children develop the social, emotional and academic skills they need for kindergarten. We work simultaneously and intentionally with the adults in their lives, offering parenting workshops so that adults can be meaningful and effective caregivers. LEO also runs classes in the skills adults need to promote themselves in the workforce, such as English language literacy, financial competency, and food service certification. We believe that parents who are thriving financially and emotionally create stable home environments and serve as positive role models for their children.