CentroNía parents testified to DC City Council in support of the PreK program

Patricia William

Good afternoon. Good afternoon. My name is Patricia William and I’m the mother of a 4 year old named Pierre. He has attended the PreK Incentive Program at CentroNia for the last year and a half. Pierre is a happy, rambunctious and inquisitive child. I am here this afternoon to testify and ask for your support of the PreK Incentive Program. The Program has made such a difference in my family’s life and I hope to share with you how.

When I was 3 months pregnant with Pierre, I went to CentroNia to put my name on the waiting list. I had heard wonderful recommendations from my friends and neighbors who had their children there. CentroNia uses a bilingual and developmentally appropriate curriculum and also has high requirements for teacher credentials. I knew that was where I wanted my baby to be. What I didn’t realize was that many other mothers in the community had the same idea. It wasn’t until Pierre was a year and a half, that I got the call- there was a space available. What a thrill that was! Pierre had been in another day care, and simply put, I just wasn’t happy with his care. Pierre was miserable in his former daycare and as a Mother; it was frustrating and heart breaking to see him come home every day tired from crying. It was the longest 2 months of my life. Access to a high quality early childhood program was obviously difficult.

The transition to CentroNia for both Pierre and I went very smoothly. The teachers were attentive, caring and involved me in his learning plan. It was the first time I felt that I was truly valued as a partner in my child’s education. I know where Pierre stands in all of his developmental areas. The teachers have taught me about the different stages of development and what kinds of things we can do at home to support him. I can honestly say the program has created a partnership with me so that we are always implementing and supporting the same goals at home and at school. I have a strong and open communication with all of his teachers and program staff. I believe this is the key that makes the program a success for my family.

If this proposed legislation is approved, more parents like me, would have access to high quality programming such as CentroNia. Parents would no longer have to settle for putting their children in sub par daycares. This program made me realize the difference between “babysitting” and high quality early childhood education.

I would like to share with you an experience I had with Pierre not long ago. Pierre came home from school one day and hugged his older brother. He then said, “Fransoir, you are my best friend and we have to respect and love each other, just like we do at school with my friends.” I stood there, amazed that my 4 year old was talking about respect with his brother. He stood there proud and glowing. I was the proudest mother in DC that day. The program has not only cultivated academic concepts but has successfully helped me to instill values and character in Pierre.

Now, not only has my child blossomed in his development, but my family has changed. When Pierre and his brother were younger, eating dinner together at the table was a challenge. We all had our respective things to do. Recently, Pierre announced to the family that he wanted to sit at the table together like he does at school. This was very different from our usual routine. We all jumped on board and sat at the table together. Pierre began to talk about how his teacher, Mr. Ricky, had talked to him about what food does for your body and how nice it can be to sit and talk together while eating your meal. Pierre also wanted to talk about his day at school. His father and I were amazed. We were engaging and talking at the dinner table as a family unit. What a success!! The program has helped to inspire us to better communicate and spend quality time together. It takes quite a program to do that.

I sincerely hope you and the Council support this integral piece of legislation. My family has benefited greatly from it. I know that there are many other successes that can be realized if only you, the DC City Council, would support the bill that would expand the Prek Incentive Program around the city.

Thank you.