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Knowing how much Jocelyn enjoys attending Whatsoever Community Center’s preschool makes it much easier for Vanessa to drop Jocelyn and her sister off on her way to work every morning. She knows that the girls are happy and safe, and she likes the fact that they’re learning things that most children won’t discover until kindergarten. Vanessa says, “I noticed the difference right away. It’s much better than the childcare center my daughters used to attend. They’ve learned to write and spell their names, how to add and subtract, and they’re doing much better at following directions and handling responsibility.” Vanessa feels extremely fortunate to have found such a good and affordable preschool right in her own neighborhood. As the day-shift manager at Taco Bell, earning less than $8 an hour, she was naturally concerned about the cost. She was surprised to learn that Whatsoever only charges $75 a week per child, which on Vanessa’s salary was about all she could afford. That includes breakfast and lunch for the children five days a week. It’s no accident that the Whatsoever preschoolers are learning to read, write and better interact with other children. It is part of the lesson plan “Miss Susie” has designed for the class. Susie Shelley is Whatsoever’s preschool Director and lead teacher. She has a degree in Early Childhood Special Education and wants to make sure the children have the socialization skills and knowledge they’ll need to excel in kindergarten.
The Whatsoever preschoolers visit the Jazz Museum once a month to learn about music, go to the computer lab at least once a week and learn about different cultures through a library outreach program. Miss Susie is constantly introducing the children to new books and classroom themes using workbooks and other resource materials that are supplied by an United Way’s Success by 6 program. As Miss Susie says, “At this age, they’re like little sponges. They soak up everything around them. Every activity or social interaction is a learning opportunity. We would be doing the children a disservice if we don’t help them grow during their formative years.” Vanessa couldn’t be more pleased with the way her daughters are progressing. They’re not only learning everyday, but they’re becoming more responsible and independent at home. In fact, Vanessa is so impressed that she’s convinced her two sisters to start sending their children to Whatsoever’s Preschool as well. |
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Last
year, Whatsoever’s preschool program became nationally accredited,
meeting or exceeding national standards for curriculum, facilities
and staff training. It wasn’t easy. In addition to
upgrading curriculum and additional training, Whatsoever had to
repaint all the classrooms, build new bathrooms specifically
designed for young children, and make improvements to their
play-ground.