Child Crisis Arizona held a preschool graduation ceremony in July to celebrate 15 children who have completed the program and are starting kindergarten this fall. Wearing blue caps and gowns, the graduates sang songs and smiled from ear to ear as they received “diplomas” to mark this very special achievement.
Parents, family members, teachers, and Child Crisis Arizona staff joined together to share in this festive occasion and celebrate what will be the first of many accomplishments for these young graduates.
Located at the Phoenix Early Education Services center in the Garfield neighborhood, the award-winning preschool program provides a safe, quality educational experience for children ages three to five from families who meet eligibility requirements based on income level and risk factors. The preschool program is supported by the philanthropic community, and parents are asked to pay a nominal monthly tuition fee.
Many of the children graduating from the preschool program had previously been enrolled in the Child Crisis Arizona Early Head Start program and had built relationships with teachers, family support staff and other families.
“Although we will miss seeing their smiling faces every day and watching them grow, we’re proud of how far they’ve come,” said Torrie Taj, Child Crisis Arizona CEO.
Because these families often lack access to quality early education services and other resources, the preschool program provides an enriching experience for children and their parents/caregivers, many of whom are working or going to school in order to improve their situation and break the cycle of poverty. In order to ensure “Safe Kids...Strong Families”, family support specialists provide guidance to the entire family through parent education classes, family activities, and referrals to community resources offered by Child Crisis Arizona’s community partners.
“We believe that every single child matters, and know that in order to ensure that children are free from abuse and neglect, and have opportunities to realize their potential, the needs of the entire family must be addressed,” said Taj.
The preschool children and their families will be able to participate in Child Crisis Arizona’s Family Education classes and workshops, and fun community family activities. They can continue to build the skills and tools they need to ensure that their children thrive and their families stay strong.
Child Crisis Arizona wants to thank Cathleen Godfrey, Laureen Leingang, Thomas McClosky, and Tammara Edgin for making a generous donation to provide caps and gowns for all of the Preschool graduates.
