The future college graduating class of 2034 recently completed the first step in their academic journey: preschool graduation.
This year nearly 40 Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood (CVPromise) preschoolers are ready for kindergarten.
Escuelita del Futuro preschool is located on the campus of Castle Park Elementary; provides specialized curriculum for English Language Learners (ELL); and includes Farm to Preschool where children learn about fruits and vegetables first hand. To extend the learning into the home, parents participate in monthly workshops, working closely with ELL coaches and volunteer in the school.
“They love to read. They love to write,” CVPromise Early Learning Network Program Director Helena Sabala shared with parents during graduation services. “They have learned about Frida Kahlo and Picasso. They’ve learned so many things because of wonderful teachers, a pipeline of services and a community of supporters.”
CVPromise’s pipeline of services support Castle Park children from cradle to career and provide in-school services and activities at five schools. CVPromise’s early learning network for young children and their families includes newborn home visits, parenting support, specialist who work with home caregivers, developmental specialists and the preschool.
In the last four years, nearly 200 students have promoted from Escuelita del Futuro. Each year, students have well surpassed the national average of 48 percent in kinder-readiness testing. This year, students scored at 92 percent.
Students donned graduation robes and big smiles as they received diplomas from Chula Vista Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Francisco Escobedo and United Way of San Diego County CEO Rabbi Laurie Coskey. Both school district and United Way have been key partners in CVPromise and Escuelita del Futuro. Each shared a special message in Spanish for parents at the closing of the graduation.
“Parents, you never stop being parents,” Superintendent Escobedo said in Spanish. “My father always said, education begins in the home and ends in the home. You are the number one teachers of your children and that will never end. Thank you for being your children’s number one teachers.”
“Our fathers and mothers are always in our lives to give us love and encouragement. Congratulation to all, as I know you are filled with pride for your children,” Rabbi Coskey said.
Research continues to prove that quality early learning programs not only prepares children for kindergarten but gives them a better chance of success later in school. Children who receive quality early care outperform their counterparts in academic areas; are more likely to attend college and hold jobs that require higher-level skills; and are less likely to be placed in special education classes.
But not everyone can afford part-time or full-time early learning programs. In Chula Vista, the average annual cost of full-time preschool can run upwards of $12,000 per year. Escuelita del Futuro is free to preschoolers and their families living in the CVPromise catchment area.
CVPromise is proud to partner with Castle Park Elementary, Castle Park Middle, Castle Park High School, Hilltop Middle and Hilltop High School to bring new opportunities and pathways of success for their students and families. For more information, visit CVPromise.org or call (619) 422-5005.
