Not all superheroes wear capes. Maria Lopez is an Early Childhood Coordinator with @savethechildren. During her regular visits to families’ homes in Yakima Valley, Washington, Maria provides parents/caregivers with books, developmentally appropriate toys, encouragement, and tools to help parents learn and grow with their children— setting them up for kindergarten readiness and a lifetime of learning. . Once a month Maria and Darla, little Olivia’s mom, complete an Ages and Stages Questionnaire to assess Olivia’s development, and again and again Maria was confronted with results that she knew just didn’t add up. The pediatrician was quick to dismiss Darla and Maria’s concerns, saying Olivia would grow out of the stage she was in. But with Maria in her corner, Darla fought to have Olivia assessed further. Sure enough, they learned Olivia was on the Autism spectrum. . Maria has been able to work with Darla and provide a revised curriculum with developmental activities to help Olivia grow & thrive. Olivia is now happily playing with other children, learning to process in her own time, and will be ready to start kindergarten when the time comes. Thank you, Maria. ♥️ . I’ve seen this kind of tenacity and dedication from @savethechildren Early Childhood Coordinators around the US, likely in your backyard. If you still have a little more to give on this #GivingTuesday, please consider supporting the work of @savethechildren’s US Programs. Thank you!