Family Centers’ Armstrong Court Preschool Sends Students Off to Kindergarten

On Thursday, June 20, Family Centers’ Greenwich Head Start Preschools and School Readiness program will hold a graduation ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of the schools’ 59 students.

The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. in the playground behind the preschool located at Armstrong Court in Greenwich.  Teachers will present each graduate moving onto kindergarten with a “diploma”, and all students will perform a collection of their favorite songs. 

“We’re all so proud of our students, and feel privileged to provide a foundation that will help them succeed in kindergarten,” said Yenny Toone, director of Family Centers’ Early Care and Education.  “Each student completed a curriculum that concentrates on understanding letters, numbers and how to interact in a classroom setting.  We also cover speech development, and help non-English speaking students learn the language.”

In addition to honoring the preschools’ graduates, the ceremony will recognize their parents.  Teachers – along with Family Centers’ clinicians – regularly work with parents to help them identify and achieve their vocational and educational goals.

“We focus on the success of the entire family,” said Toone.  “To help our parents realize their potential, we offer an array of vocational training, educational and self-sufficiency services.”

For the eighth consecutive year, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Wealth Management in Greenwich will generously underwrite the event.  In addition to volunteering at the event, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney employees will provide lunch for all graduates and their families.  They will also provide flowers, decorations and gifts for the teachers.

Operated by Family Centers, the Head Start Preschools and School Readiness Program offer education programs for three, four and five-year-old children of families residing in Greenwich public and subsidized housing.  The programs also emphasize parent involvement to encourage and support children’s educational and social development.

Family Centers is a private, nonprofit organization offering heath, education and human services to children, adults and families in Fairfield County. More than 200 professionals and 4,000 trained volunteers work together to provide a wide range of responsive, innovative programs. A United Way, Community Fund of Darien and New Canaan Community Foundation partner agency, Family Centers is a member of the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies and is accredited by The Joint Commission and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The agency is licensed by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Visit www.familycenters.org for additional information.