Barstow Native Yolanda Carlos Transforms Early Childhood Education

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Yolanda Carlos has had a significant career in education, starting from an unexpected beginning. Born in Barstow, California, she first worked as a cosmetologist, despite a high school counselor's suggestion to consider teaching. It was only when she started raising her children that she realized her passion for education. Over the past thirty years, Carlos has contributed greatly to early childhood development and teacher training.

Carlos started her educational career at the High Desert Early Childhood Education Center under the mentorship of Pat Caldwell, Ph.D. This guidance helped her move into educational leadership. She created a regional occupational program (ROP) to train adults in early childhood education, addressing a critical need in California.

At the Victor Valley Union High School District, Carlos taught high school students and managed a Lab Preschool. She also taught at a local community college and ran parenting classes at shelters for the homeless and victims of domestic violence. Her diverse educational activities underscore her belief in education's role in societal and personal growth.

Carlos later joined Pacific Oaks College, where she advanced from adjunct to core faculty member, and eventually became vice chair of the School of Education B.A. and M.A. in Early Childhood Education programs. She also contributed to international education, presenting on anti-bias education in Peru and Ireland.