100% of Quality Life Center Graduates
are Meeting & Exceeding the Florida Department of Education's VPK Expectations
When students started the VPK program in the fall,
36% performed at a "meeting or exceeding expectations" level on testing
that measured print
knowledge, phonological awareness, oral language and mathematics. In final testing this month, 100% of students
were meeting or exceeding expectations.
Quality Life Center’s Early Learning Program was established
to provide community students an early boost with quality, child-centered
care. One “Q” parent proudly reported
that her daughter exceeded the Lee County School district’s grade-level
standards on the DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators
of Basic Early Literacy Skills) test, expressing appreciation for the Q’s
program. “My daughter tested with another child who
scored below expectations. When the administrator suggested enrolling the child
in a summer VPK program, the mother said her child just completed a VPK
program. I feel bad for that parent, but
I am also pleased my daughter went to Quality Life Center.”
Wearing shimmering royal blue caps and gowns, students
accepted diplomas/certificates of VPK completion as parents and friends cheered. “A VPK graduation ceremony is special because
it is a child’s first real sense of accomplishment in the educational realm,” said
Quality Life Center’s Early Learning Program Coordinator and VPK Director
Canady Benjamin.
Students entered in true traditional graduation style to the
strains of “Pomp and Circumstance.” The ceremony featured student performances
of “We’ve Been Having Fun in Preschool” and “Kindergarten, Here We Come.” During an interactive keynote address given
by former “Q kid” Shari Armstrong, graduates showed their understanding of the
message when they exclaimed, “I believe in me!” at the conclusion.
The center’s Executive Director, Abdul’Haq
Muhammed, encouraged family members to continue to support and encourage the
students as their educational journey continued. The audience showed their appreciation for
the efforts of VPK Director, Canady Benjamin, as well as teachers Mary Marion
and Fangio Zuniga amid loud applause, and awards for both instructors.
A reception followed for the graduates and
their families.
The center offers fun and education in a safe environment
for more than 140 students, ages 2 to 18 years old. Since its inception, Quality
Life Center and its staff have been devoted to creating an environment that
helps children reach their potential—building confidence, self-sufficiency and
a life-long love of learning.
There are limited openings in
preschool for the center’s nine week summer camp and fall session for children
ages 2-5 years. Call 334.2797 for more information or to schedule a tour.
Quality Life Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
transforming the community by developing the potential of underserved populations
in Southwest Florida through early learning and youth development programs,
including afterschool and teen and summer camp programs. For 24 years, the “Q”
has been instilling values of discipline, integrity and self-sufficiency.
Quality Life Center is headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida. For more
information, call (239) 334-2797 or visit http://www.
