Today, when Oliver walks into the Early Learning Center, he feels at home with his teachers and classmates and is ready to have fun and try new things with friends.
That wasn’t always the case.
Two years ago when he first stepped through the door, he would hide from the other children and wasn’t able to communicate how he felt.
“Sending your child off to preschool for the first time when they can’t clearly communicate is scary,” his mother, Rikilyn, recalled. “The teachers really took that fear away and it was great to have such peace of mind as a parent.”
At the time, his parents wondered if he would ever talk. He wasn’t speaking or showing a desire to learn how to communicate.
“Not being able to speak is frustrating and difficult,” Rikilyn continued. “Within a few months of being at the Early Learning Center, Oliver started talking and asking for help. That was a huge milestone for us and it all took off from there. To be where we are today is incredible.
The Early Learning Center specialized preschool also provides speech and occupational therapy services on-site. Not only is it convenient for parents to have these services all under one roof, but it also allows for integrated classroom programming that helps children reach their goals through a multidisciplinary approach.
“His family trusted us to do what we needed to do,” said Karen McClure-Richard, Director of Pine Tree Society’s Early Learning Center. “From day one, they were a true partner. From when Rikilyn dropped him off to when she picked him up to go home, even on the rough days, she did whatever was necessary to allow Oliver to be independent and work towards his goals. She was able to guide us towards things she knew would motivate him to learn. Now, he understands how to do what the teacher asks and how to make good choices in the classroom. He can tell us what he wants and how he’s feeling. When he’s frustrated those moments pass quickly, he’s resilient and bounces back. He’s really grown so much.”
Being with other children and adults outside of his own family has also played an important role in his development.
Rikilyn said, “He’s so young and won’t open up to people if he doesn’t feel comfortable. Everyone makes sure he’s comfortable and that he has what he needs to succeed. The teachers are very hands on and know what they’re doing. He’s made so many friends and his progression is just incredible.”
Learning begins long before kindergarten and, for preschoolers with special needs, building the foundation for success in school is particularly important to start at a young age.
“All the moments are important to learning,” Rikilyn concluded. “Sometimes, we have to fall down so we can learn to get back up. I’m grateful we landed at the Early Learning Center and it’s nice knowing they’ll be there for us every step of the way to ensure his transition to kindergarten is successful.”
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For more information about Pine Tree Society’s specialized preschool Early Learning Center in Auburn, please contact Karen McClure-Richard at 207-386-5943 or kmcclure@pinetreesociety.org. More information at this link.