Editor,

Our family had the privilege of being part of the South Whidbey Children’s Center preschool family for the past year and a half. As my daughter has now graduated from the center and entered kindergarten, I would like to share a few thoughts about my experience.

From the daily rain-or-shine outdoor play times to the small group meetings, the Children’s Center has made me feel confident in my daughter’s ability to not only succeed but to thrive in kindergarten. My daughter loved working on her ‘yellow book’ this past year, working one on one with her teachers to tell and illustrate her own stories. Creative games made counting and beginning math skills a fun and exciting experience, and Wednesdays with Music Dave expanded her knowledge of musical instruments as well as her joy for music.

All of the academic activities were wonderful and exceeded expectations. However, the area in which I feel the Children’s Center is most superior in is that of fostering social skills and friendships. Without reservation, I can say that each teacher my daughter had worked hard to both understand her and nourish her unique personality. They gently nudged her when they knew she was ready and quietly held her hand when they saw she needed more time. Her teachers invested their time in understanding who my daughter is and how she works, and developed ways to help her break out of her shell and find her voice. As a result, my daughter transformed from a somewhat hesitant, quiet person to someone who is comfortable volunteering answers in a group setting and leading friends in imaginative play. Most importantly, she is a happy, self-assured child who loves school and her friends.

The Children’s Center has been a place where my daughter has been loved and valued and, because of our time there, I was confident and excited for my daughter to begin kindergarten. I know she has been given the best foundation for the future at South Whidbey Children’s Center and I am forever grateful for that.

Best,

LINDSEY HENSRUDE

Greenbank