BBI Stories: Meet Ja’Cion

Finding Bright Beginnings

When Ms. Gibson enrolled her son, Ja’cion, at Bright Beginnings at just six weeks old, she knew she needed a place where he would be safe, nurtured, and supported. Living just down the street, she remembers walking over for a tour.

“The school was so clean, the staff was welcoming, and the family vibe was great,” she shared. “Because my baby’s immune system was weak, cleanliness was of the utmost importance. I knew right away this was the right place for my son.”

From day one, Ms. Gibson felt embraced by the Bright Beginnings community. What she didn’t know then was just how deeply the school would shape not only Ja’cion’s future, but hers as well.

A Father’s Loss, a Community’s Embrace

At only seven months old, Ja’cion experienced the devastating loss of his father. For Ms. Gibson, this moment was overwhelming but Bright Beginnings stepped in to fill the gap—especially one special staff member, Mr. Javar, from the Evening Care Program.

“It was rough at first. Ja’cion clung to Mr. Javar, and I could tell he felt safe with him,” Ms. Gibson recalled. “When Ja’cion’s father passed away, I didn’t even have to ask Mr. Javar to look after him—he just did. Those words and actions were so comforting. He became the male figure Ja’cion needed.”

Whether it was playing football in the hallway, teaching Ja’cion how to walk, or helping him learn to use the bathroom, Mr. Javar’s presence was steady and filled with love. Even after Ja’cion transitioned into a new classroom, Mr. Javar would check in—accessing his needs, making sure he was okay, and giving him the encouragement that every young boy needs.

“Mr. Javar treated my son as if he were his own,” Ms. Gibson said. “When I look back, I know that bond helped Ja’cion heal and grow stronger.”

Small Victories, Big Triumphs

Today, Ja’cion is three years old and thriving. He can hold conversations well beyond his years, knows his ABCs, and can count to 30. While he is full of energy—sometimes hyperactive, Bright Beginnings never judged him for it. Instead, they embraced him.

One of the most powerful memories for Ms. Gibson was when Ja’cion took his very first steps. “The staff recorded it and sent it to me,” she said. “I wouldn’t have been able to see that milestone without them. I still have that video to this day. That moment reminds me that even when I couldn’t be there, my baby was still surrounded by love.”

Support from the Child & Family Support Specialist

As Ja’cion grew, he faced new challenges. By two and a half, his teachers and mother began noticing behaviors that made it difficult for him to manage frustration or interact with peers. The Child & Family Support Specialist (CFSS), Ms. Alex stepped in to provide an extra layer of care.

“When I first met Ms. Gibson, she was navigating picky eating challenges at home,” Ms. Alex shared. “She was always open to learning and trying new strategies, and I could tell right away that she wanted to give her son every opportunity to thrive.”

Together with Ms. Gibson and Ja’cion’s teachers, Ms. Alex created tools to help redirect challenging behaviors. Simple but powerful strategies—like high-fives for positive reinforcement, hand squeezes for deep pressure, and reading books like Tucker Turtle Takes Time to Breathe—helped Ja’cion calm himself and learn problem-solving skills.

When classroom strategies weren’t enough, Ja’cion and Ms. Alex spent time together in the Sensory Room. There, through gross motor play on the trampoline, crashing into the ball pit, and quiet talks with a weighted blanket, he learned how to process big emotions.

“Ja’cion is such a bright boy,” Ms. Alex explained. “He just needed space to channel his energy in positive ways. The Sensory Room became his safe place to reset, and over time, he built an incredible toolbox of skills. It was beautiful to see him learn how to express himself with words instead of frustration.”

Building Confidence, One Affirmation at a Time

Today, Ja’cion is confident and outspoken, often stepping into the role of classroom helper. At home, Ms. Gibson teaches him affirmations every morning: “I am smart. I am strong. I am brave.” His teachers and Ms. Alex echo those words throughout the day, reinforcing his growing confidence.

“When he talks to himself, I’ll hear him repeating those affirmations,” Ms. Gibson said with a smile. “That’s how I know he’s learning not just academics, but resilience.”

More Than a School

Bright Beginnings has also transformed Ms. Gibson’s life. Through the Academy of Hope, she was introduced to training programs that allowed her to earn her Certified Nursing Assistant certification. She now works in hospice care and dreams of becoming a hospice doctor.

“I always knew I loved working with older people,” she explained. “BBI jump-started my career. They not only cared for my son—they encouraged me to chase my own dreams.”

She also treasures her experiences at Parent Cafés, where she learned about topics like nutrition, parenting strategies, and building resilience. “I remember learning a method for introducing vegetables, and now Ja’cion loves broccoli and carrots,” she said proudly.

It’s truly become a family affair—her nephews now attend Bright Beginnings as well. For Ms. Gibson, it’s a reminder that the impact of one school can ripple through generations.

Looking Ahead with Hope

Ms. Gibson’s advice to other parents is simple: “It’s not just a daycare. If you need support, BBI can give it to you. Your baby will love it here. I’m very particular, and my child has thrived. It’s truly a family community.”

She knows firsthand how hard it can be to parent alone, and she offers this encouragement to other single mothers: “It’s a lot on us, but at BBI, we have help when we need it. It’s okay to ask for help. Single moms, don’t give up. BBI is here to help.”

Looking ahead, Ms. Gibson sees a bright future: herself as a doctor, and Ja’cion growing into a strong young man, excelling in football, and accomplishing every goal he sets for himself.

For now, she is simply grateful—grateful for the milestones, for the programs that offered guidance, for the staff who stepped in during the hardest of times, and for the resilience she sees in her son every day. “Ja’cion has overcome so much,” she said. “Because of Bright Beginnings, he’s not just surviving—he’s thriving. And I know this is only the beginning.”