NOTE: THIS STORY WAS ORIGINALLY SHARED BY NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE
Ruby's parents struggled with money, and the family was periodically homeless when she was small. The unstable environment made Ruby scared and she often acted out. Even after the family found an apartment, Ruby was still struggling. Ruby's parents could not afford a private preschool, but they wanted to help Ruby catch up to other children her age - they knew that if Ruby did not know how to behave and learn in kindergarten, she would quickly fall behind. When the family heard about Neighborhood House's Early Childhood Education program, they knew it would give Ruby the support she needed. Neighborhood House bridges the early education gap for low-income, immigrant and refugee families. Children ages 3-5 attend preschool at Neighborhood House three days each week. In between classes, Neighborhood House staff works with parents and children to increase literacy and school readiness. "When Ruby first came to school, she had trouble staying focused and behaving appropriately in the classroom," says Mike Herndon, Home Literacy Coach. "But when I did my first home visit with her family, I saw how well she could pay attention." After seeing Ruby work at home, Mike knew that positive attention from her parents and other familiar adults was a great way to motivate her. He continues to work with Ruby and her parents, and sees the whole family make improvements every week. "Ruby's only four, but if she keeps up her progress, she will be ready for kindergarten in the fall." Many studies have shown that preschool education helps children perform better in school their entire lives. Neighborhood House's Early Childhood Education program makes a big difference for kids like Ruby, who is learning the skills she will need in kindergarten and beyond.* *Name changed.
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