Meet Karla. She’s Building Bridges Between Tampa Families and Affordable Childcare.

For many families, finding affordable childcare can feel overwhelming. At the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, that’s where Karla Romero steps in. 

As a Family & Community Engagement Specialist with the Tampa Y’s Early Head Start program, Karla helps parents navigate those challenges and connect with resources that can make a life-changing difference. 

It's a mission that feels especially personal. Long before she helped local families access free childcare, Karla witnessed the impact of Early Head Start firsthand through her mother's childcare center in Tampa's Town ‘n’ Country neighborhood. As an Early Head Start provider, her mother partnered with the Tampa Y to serve local children and families, giving Karla an early look at how access to quality childcare can strengthen communities. 

“After I graduated [college], I started working with her,” says Karla.

From there, she earned her master's degree and went on to become a VPK teacher. That's when she learned about an opportunity to serve families in a different way as a Family & Community Engagement Specialist at the Tampa Y.  Karla, passionate about helping families and children, jumped at the opportunity. 

“I help families who are low-income apply for childcare for kids from four months to three years,” she explains. She also works with families to set goals and connect them with resources that support long-term well-being. 

The Early Headstart Program’s overall mission is to promote healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women, enhance the development of very young children and to promote healthy family functioning. Karla emphasizes the importance of not only assisting families that need the service, but making sure families are aware that such support exists. 

"I want families to know that we're here to help. I want them to be able to breathe a little easier and understand that help is available."

Through her work, Karla helps ensure more families know they don't have to navigate the challenges of raising young children alone.

Learn more about Early Head Start here!