Pine Tree Society’s Early Learning Center makes a world of difference.
Lainey’s parents found Pine Tree Society’s Early Learning Center at just the right time. At three years old, Lainey had trouble communicating, playing with other children, cooperating with adults or managing her emotions.
“If we didn’t immediately understand what she wanted, she would throw herself on the floor,” her mother, Jamie, recalled. “We didn’t know how to help her or what to do. As parents, we felt like a failure. The Early Learning Center was a godsend for our family.”
Karen McClure-Richard, Director of the Early Learning Center, remembers Lainey’s first few months well.
“She would fall apart emotionally when things didn’t immediately go her way. She had the capacity to communicate but couldn’t regulate her emotions and was easily frustrated because she couldn’t say what she wanted,” Karen recalled. “For her, small problems were immediately gargantuan. Gradually, we helped her understand that it’s just a little problem and we can work on it together. She can do the hard things. We just have to keep reminding her of that.”
It all began with trust.
For Karen, “Trust is the key. We don’t make progress if there’s no trust.”
Once Lainey established trust, her confidence grew and she started to thrive.
“From day one, Lainey’s parents were very invested in carrying over what we do in the classroom at home,” Karen continued. “It took time, effort and a real partnership with mom and dad to help Lainey get stronger and more confident.”
All their hard work has paid off.
“It seems like a small thing, but the other day when I didn’t understand what she wanted, she took my hand to bring me to what she was trying to say. That was a huge step for her. When you go from a child not speaking at all to being able to tell you what she wants it’s truly amazing,” her mother said. “A big thing Lainey’s teachers say is ‘You can do tough things.’ We’ll say that at home and she’ll look at us and say ‘Okay’ and start doing it.”
This fall, Lainey will transition to kindergarten. Her Early Learning Center teachers are helping her prepare by explaining what it will be like at her new school.
“They’re sharing how it will be longer days and different people but she’s going to make a bunch of new friends; that it’s going to be different but that’s okay. She’s come so far, I know she’s going to thrive.”
