Laura was born 17 weeks early. She weighed 1 lb., 10 ozs. Multiple birth complications put her at high risk for learning disabilities and cerebral palsy. Because of a highly compromised immune system, Laura lived her first two years isolated from all but her family and caregiver. At age 2, doctors told her mother, Lupita, that she was developmentally delayed by five months.
A friend referred the family to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Child Care. When, Laura first arrived at the child care center she was 3 years old. She had trouble listening, following directions and toilet training. She didn’t know how to handle her obvious frustration.
Fortunately, her child care center is one of 75 sites using Success By 6®, a United Way initiative that gives parents and teachers the tools they need to help kids develop and succeed.
“Laura’s evaluations are night and day from two years ago,” says Lupita.
Now Laura, 5, is able to start and finish projects, play with others, play by herself, listen to and obey directions, and communicate with words.
“Our Savior’s works with parents to make sure there is continuity of discipline, reinforcement, praise and follow-through with the day care, schools and at home. They are very involved with all aspects of each child’s development and education and have been a great support by providing the specialized knowledge that Laura needed,” says Lupita.
Laura’s developmental delays are within an average range for her age, and she will enter mainstream kindergarten this fall at Kent Prairie Elementary ready to learn.