The first full week of May is designated as Licensed Employee Appreciation Week. At Clackamas ESD alone, we have at least 20 types of licensed jobs, with many variations in those positions. These are people who have completed higher education and earned licenses to be certified to teach students, lead continuing education training for staff, serve as social skills specialists, and provide speech, physical and occupational therapy within Clackamas ESD programs and the school districts we serve.
This Licensed Employee Appreciation Week, we’re highlighting a few of our approximately 180 licensed staff members to provide a peek into the diverse ways this large group of employees lives our mission of service. We appreciate our entire licensed team and the meaningful work they do.
Helen Petticord is an education specialist in Clackamas Education Service District’s Head Start to Success program, a free, comprehensive preschool for young children and families who are experiencing poverty. In her role, Helen works closely with our Head Start teachers to create joyful, nurturing and developmentally appropriate classrooms, with a special focus on supporting the development of early literacy skills.
As part of her ongoing work with teachers, Helen observes classrooms, models instructional strategies, assists with classroom management, and helps monitor students’ academic, emotional and behavioral growth. Whether she’s analyzing student data, coaching teachers on research-based strategies like The Pyramid Model framework for promoting social, emotional and behavioral development, or simply offering a helping hand and a compassionate ear, Helen brings a holistic, hands-on approach to how she supports teachers.
“I truly believe our primary goal in Head Start is to help children and families fall in love with school,” Helen explains. “We are here to give children and families a positive first experience with school. Our program strives to empower families to navigate the school system with confidence. A big part of our program is school readiness, and we try to approach this within our comprehensive framework.”
Helen sees her teachers’ needs and works to find innovative ways to meet those needs. When she noticed educators struggling to access developmentally appropriate, culturally relevant books, she teamed up with fellow Head Start to Success staff to curate a library of quality books that reflect the diverse languages and backgrounds of the children in their classrooms.
“Representation matters,” Helen says. “Every child should be able to see themselves and their families in the books we read at school.”
Helen also brings her passion for art into the classroom, helping teachers develop art activities that nurture creativity and critical pre-literacy skills.
“Drawing is actually pre-writing,” Helen explains. “Art gives children a way to express themselves and offers us a window into their thoughts and dreams. Learning to put something on paper and give it meaning is foundational to literacy. It’s all connected.”
More than a literacy coach or classroom consultant, Helen is a trusted partner to her teachers — someone who sees their daily challenges and ensures teachers feel seen, valued and empowered.
“I want teachers to feel that I’m right here with them,” she says. “I see how hard they work every day. My goal is to make sure they know what they’re doing well and help them see themselves the way I see them. I think they are doing amazing work, and sometimes people need someone else to see them in that light.”
Helen’s deep connection to teaching informs her work as a coach. She’s a fourth-generation educator, and over the course of her career, has served in many different roles in the Head Start program, including home visitor and teacher. Her journey has given her a broad perspective and a contagious enthusiasm for the positive impact Head Start has on families.
“I love being part of a program that has been truly life-changing for so many families,” Helen shares.
