In September of 1990, with only 40% of the needed money in hand, the first preschool class opened. Twenty children from diverse cultural backgrounds embarked on a preschool journey. Two loving teachers and adult volunteers provided the children with language experiences, cognitive skills, social growth, motor experiences--and a hot breakfast and lunch. Their parents enrolled in GED (High School Equivalency) and ESL (English as a Second Language) classes.

Realizing that parents play a vital role in successful school careers, over 240 hours of parenting workshops were given to the parents. Additionally, the teachers made weekly home visits to each family, where the child and parents were given an educational activity for learning at home.

Foundation Board members worked to raise the remaining necessary funds and by the end of the school year proudly reflected on the remarkable success of the first "graduates". The group had funds in the bank to begin year two and dreams of opening yet another classroom.

The third year of operation the program moved into the beautifully renovated Isaac Preschool site. Working hand-in-hand with Evenstart, HeadStart, and Special Needs programs, the Stepping Stone classroom thrived. That spring negotiations opened with the Alhambra School District to duplicate the program at one of their schools for the 1992-93 year. The fourth year was outstanding. Two classrooms--forty children--became a part of the SSF dream. Remarkable award-winning collaborations happened between the districts, the community and the Foundation. The Foundation provided extras such as holiday parties, gifts for siblings, childcare for workshops and donated classroom equipment. Year five was equally successful, ending with the Foundation Board deciding to add an additional class in March 1995. In year six three classes began in September. Year seven added an additional childcare class for parents and year eight began in the fall of 1997 with continuing enthusiasm. Year nine continued the tradition with 58 families and year ten saw us opening a fourth class, forming an Advisory Board, and making a commitment to duplicate our model in other settings. We began our twelfth year this fall and opened our FIFTH CLASSROOM. We hired a full-time Director and have taken active steps to replicate our model elsewhere.

At the first year-end celebration teacher Carmen Sanchez said of her students:

We are very proud of our children and all they have accomplished this year. They have learned many practical skills such as recognizing colors, shapes and some numbers, cutting with scissors, holding a crayon or pencil, taking turns, sharing, and following directions. Along with all these important preschool skills, the children are gaining confidence and are feeling good about themselves, who they are and what they can do. Equally important, they are developing a positive attitude about school and an enthusiasm for learning. We thank you for investing in our children's futures and we assure you that you have made a difference for children and for their families.

…And it’s still TRUE!!

Family literacy through a variety of programs centered around a nucleus of quality public preschool programs.

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Last updated on: 5 February, 2008