More than a dozen pre-school children beamed with pride on Thursday as they graduated from SBCS Mi Escuelita Therapeutic Preschool, which has served hundreds of young children and families exposed to domestic violence and abuse.
SBCS staff, volunteers, and loved ones celebrated the 24 students dressed in red and blue graduation attire as they received a diploma from Chula Vista Elementary School Superintendent Dr. Eduardo Reyes. The graduation ceremony theme was “Our future is so Bright, We’re Gonna Need Shades!”.
The free, year-round, full-day preschool has guided young children on the path to success in Kindergarten since 2006. Mi Escuelita provides a holistic approach that supports children and caregivers to help with behavior challenges and learning opportunities in and outside the classroom.
Reyes expressed that Mi Escuelita holds a special place in his heart. He said, “the best way to help [children] is loving them unconditionally, supporting them, helping them discover themselves, their skills and personalities”.
“When the kids walked in, I saw smiles, joy, happiness, and hope. When we talk about success, it doesn't happen when we are adults, or in high school. Success happens at the beginning of life. It happens step by step. Success doesn’t necessarily mean the highest grades or the highest score. Success starts in your heart.” Reyes said.
Child Welfare Services, health centers, law enforcement, and community-based programs refer children to Mi Escuelita. According to program officials, more than 550 families received assistance since its inception, and about 73 percent of families had involvement with law enforcement to get the support they needed.
A five year-evaluation study conducted by the University of California, San Diego found that children who participated in the Mi Escuelita program from the fall of 2006 through the spring of 2012 and who were subsequently enrolled in the CVESD scored higher than the general population.
According to SBCS CEO/President Kathryn Lembo, UCSD is now in the midst of the study, looking at elementary school and middle school children who attended Mi Escuelita. Program officials report that 100 percent of students have shown measured improvements in their area of concern.
Graduates of Mi Escuelita received goody bags, weighted therapeutic teddy bears for extra comfort, and backpacks filled with school supplies to kick-start their journey into kindergarten.
Mi Escuelita is funded in part by First 5 San Diego, private donations, student sponsorships, and SBCS’ Annual Change Their Lives Gala.
