October is Head Start Awareness Month: a time to celebrate one of the nation’s most impactful programs for children and families. In this episode, we’re joined by Luis Bautista, Executive Director of LACOE’s Head Start program; Dr. Ruth Pérez, LACOE Deputy Superintendent and proud Head Start alum; and Dr. Maribel Garcia, Superintendent of El Monte City School District and also a Head Start alum.

Together, they reflect on how Head Start goes far beyond the classroom—providing health services, social-emotional and mental health support, family resources and strong community connections. They discuss the current political climate and what it means for the program, as well as the long-term impact of Head Start in setting children up for success. Dr. Pérez and Dr. Garcia share their own journeys from Head Start students to becoming two of our County’s top education leaders, proving the program’s power to transform lives and strengthen communities.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

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September is Attendance Awareness Month, a reminder that every day in school matters, and that improving attendance takes a community effort. In this episode, L.A. County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo and L.A. County Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer dive into the current landscape of school attendance and the rising challenge of chronic absenteeism.

Together, they unpack the barriers that keep students from class, from health concerns to systemic inequities, and highlight strategies and data that point toward solutions. Their conversation enforces a powerful message: attendance is a community issue. Teachers, parents, health providers and even local business owners all play a vital role in creating the conditions for student success.

Listen to hear actionable ideas on how each of us can help, and what it looks like when schools, families and communities come together to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

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As the 2025–26 school year kicks off, we’re joined by Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ruth Pérez for a powerful conversation about what lies ahead for students, educators and our school communities.

In this episode, our County leaders reflect on the excitement a new school year brings and share their top priorities for the year. This includes improving student attendance and supporting mental health and wellbeing for both students and staff. They discuss how LACOE is helping districts embrace innovation, including the safe and thoughtful integration of AI in the classroom, and how teacher wellbeing remains at the center of their efforts. You’ll also hear about the importance of listening and uplifting student voice as well as building trusted partnerships with families and educators.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges, and new episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

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