A young adult, with a preschooler in tow, recently came to Self Development Preschool requesting to talk to Ms. Vernetta Madsen, the director.
When Ms. Madsen, more fondly called Ms. Vernetta, entered the front lobby, the smiling young man asked if she recognized him. “Of course, Ben,” she said. Turning to the preschooler, she bent down and asked, “Whom do we have here?”
Ben was a former student at Self Development Preschool who joined the preschool at age 2. He later enrolled in its afterschool program until he reached the eighth grade. Each day, for nearly 12 years, his mother brought him to the school. Every day during this time, Ms. Vernetta and his teachers warmly welcomed him and cared for him in a nurturing way. Each day, Ben could not wait to come to school, and was unwilling to leave.
On this morning in November, Ben, now an adult, was extremely excited to come to Self Development Preschool. He was eager to have Ms. Vernetta meet his daughter and to enroll her at the school. He wanted his child to have the same wonderful experiences he had while attending the preschool as a student.
Ms. Vernetta proudly proclaims several of the former students of the preschool bring their children to Self Development Preschool. They also recommend nieces and nephews to attend the school. This all speaks volumes about the quality of care and consistency provided at this early childhood program.
When assessing the overall quality of an early childhood program, Lilian Katz, a nationally renowned early childhood educator, identified five perspectives. These are the child’s perspective, the early childhood educator’s perspective, the parents’ perspective, the perspective of the administrators for licensing and supervision and the perspective of the community being served.
Experts agree the early childhood years are the most formative. During this period of the first five years of life, a substantial amount of learning and brain development takes place. The preschooler should feel accepted, respected and safe. The activities must be engaging, fun and challenging. Having a former student, such as Ben, enroll his child at the preschool is a testimony to his own positive experiences and the feeling of belonging and being accepted by the culture of Self Development Preschool.
At Self Development Preschool, children feel welcomed, loved and secure.
The second perspective identified was the teachers’ perspective. It is rare when the same familiar faces eagerly greet children day after day and year after year. The caregivers at Self Development Preschool are committed to providing consistency in the lives of young children. As teachers, they are kind and caring, and as co-workers, they are supportive of each other. The low turnover of the staff provides for the development of a meaningful and secure relationship between the child, the caregiver, the parents and the school. Several teachers at the preschool have worked at Self Development for more than a decade. Ms. Vernetta has directed the school since 1991.
Parental perspective also is critical for assessing the quality of an early childhood program. Parental involvement is key for the success of Self Development. Serving as volunteers, the parents help at class parties, introduce the children to developing a love for reading, and arrange for fire trucks to visit the school, so children can learn about fire and safety. Parents participate in fund-raising events, making it fun and games to benefit the children’s program. Parental support of the program becomes even more evident at the annual fall festival, which is attended by more than 500 people.
Another perspective for a quality early childhood program addresses how well prepared children are for kindergarten. Kindergarten teachers report most children attending Self Development Preschool are ready to follow directions, use critical thinking skills and excel in an accelerated kindergarten program, such as the one offered at Self Development Academy-Mesa.
Children attending Self Development Preschool become ready for kindergarten because the preschool curriculum focuses on cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. Children learn to compare and contrast, develop a love for reading, move to music and play with their friends.
Using the thematic approach, in the month of December, the preschool children celebrate holidays around the world. In January, they learn about animals and their habitats. In February, they learn about their bodies, and, with parents as visitors, they discuss the role of professionals in the health field.
Last month, I decided to spend some time with the preschoolers at Self Development. Ben’s daughter was busy sorting different animals and matching them with their habitats.
The rigorous curriculum, with fun and engaging activities, prepares children at Self Development Preschool to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.
For more information, call Ms. Vernetta Madsen at (480) 396-3522.