More than 20 local families celebrated as their children finished the first year of Even Start Club Preschool last month at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach.
The free preschool, identified by Orange County United Way as a star quality preschool, is for 3- and 4-year old children from qualifying low income families living in Laguna Beach and surrounding communities. For many of these families, this is the first graduation ceremony they have ever attended.
Also in the audience were club board members Dorene Butler and Phyllis Phillips, as well as school board member Jan Vickers. The children entertained the guests with three skits, acting out their favorite books, followed by the group singing four of their favorite songs. Afterwards the children were formally presented with their very first diploma. Coordinator Julie Olsen gave each child a book and a backpack of goodies for their summer studies. The proud parents and children then gathered for a celebratory potluck luncheon.
“This kind of life changing program doesn’t happen in a bubble; it definitely takes a village,” said club director Pamela Estes. She said the program costs $5,500 per child to operate the program.
Even Start replaced Head Start, which operated from an El Morro classroom until 1999. Eight of the graduates will be attending El Morro in the fall, and one will be going to Top of the World Elementary School.
For more info call Terry Anne Barman at 949-494-2535×107.
