How the Children’s Learning Center Helped Ari Gear up for Kindergarten
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pia navigated her daughter Kai’s shift to virtual preschool, a drastic change from their usual interactive classes. Despite the challenges, Kai thrived at the Children’s Learning Center (CLC) at Oakland Family Services, leading Pia to confidently choose CLC for her younger daughter, Ari.
Though Pia knew from experience the center offered top-notch childcare and preschool programs for children from 12 months to 5 years, she also knew Ari was accustomed to having her way. “Ari was quite the boss baby,” Pia recalls. With learning to adapt to a new setting and occasionally having to hear the word “no,” Ari’s unfamiliar environment caused her to have outbursts. Her outbursts were “… total chaos, everything from screaming, to falling down, and just total mayhem,” according to Pia. This not only hindered her ability to socialize effectively and form bonds with other kids but also caused concerns with her settling into a learning environment.
The good news for Pia and Ari was that the staff at the CLC were experienced with these behaviors and that made all the difference in the world. “It was a rough start, but the teachers were exceptional,” Pia shares. They equipped both Ari and Pia with strategies to navigate Ari’s emotions and behavior effectively at home as well. The center’s staff, including Miss Samina, played a pivotal role in teaching Ari emotional intelligence and self-regulation. Ari understands the importance of pausing to think before acting and maintaining a positive attitude.
Now at four years old, Ari is part of the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), Michigan’s state-funded preschool program designed to prepare children for kindergarten through a comprehensive curriculum. Oakland Family Services utilizes the HighScope educational approach which fosters independence, creativity and critical thinking — skills that support long-term academic achievement.
Ari benefited through HighScope’s emphasis of learning through play and personal interests, according to teacher Miss Samina. “Ari was very interested in the outdoors and butterflies and things like that, so we were able to use what she was interested in to talk about different parts of the books, the author, the illustrator. Ari’s family would also utilize the CLC’s Lending Library which allows families to check out books and return them.”
Ari’s journey at the CLC has not only covered the educational basics but has also ignited her passion for learning. Her impressive vocabulary and budding reading skills are a testament to the program’s effectiveness. “Ari is eager for kindergarten, the CLC has given her great tools for learning, and the teachers have given her the extra attention she needed,” Pia observes. The center emphasizes perseverance and a can-do attitude, principles that resonate with Ari.
Above all, Pia is immensely thankful for the dedication of the CLC’s teachers, especially Miss Samina, whose commitment to the children’s growth and happiness stands out. “It takes special individuals to make such a profound impact on kids at this age,” Pia reflects, deeply appreciative of the supportive atmosphere that has influenced Ari’s formative years.