I have been raising my great-granddaughter since birth. She is now 4 ? years old and I am now 62. The court granted me permanent legal custody four years ago. Like many parents, I want my granddaughter to have a good education and be able to socialize appropriately with others. I felt that preschool might be a great place to help us met these goals.
Thirty years ago preschools were primarily considered glorified babysitting services, without any significant child development training. Head Start was desirable, but it wasn”t available. Needless to say, I was concerned and had numerous questions about what my granddaughter”s preschool experience would be like. Would the teachers be in charge? What would she really be learning? She has great language skills now; would they help her grow in these areas?
It wasn”t long after starting my granddaughter in the preschool program, that I realized it was so much more than I had imagined. They actually do get the children prepared for school and beyond. The children learn various social skills such as waiting for their turn, getting in line, being polite and hand washing. She has learned to play and share with the other students, yet to also stand up for herself in a constructive way. She has learned how to be a helper and a leader! I love the way the teachers redirect misbehavior to get more positive results.
I also have noticed a real improvement and growth in my granddaughter”s language development, as well as learning some additional Spanish and sign language. Through the encouragement and support of this well-trained, caring staff at Lower Lake Elementary Preschool, my daughter has become a confident child prepared for kindergarten. I am happy to say we are now starting our second year of preschool.
Jane Mack
Lower Lake
