Our VPK Students are GENIUSES!

100% of Quality Life Center Graduates are Meeting & Exceeding the Florida Department of Education's VPK Expectations

 

 Quality Life Center’s Early Learning Program congratulated the graduates of its 2014 Voluntary Prekindergarten class, of which 100% of the students are now performing at a “Meeting or Exceeding Expectations” level, according to the Florida Department of Education.

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.qualitylifecenter.org.