Nurture 15 At-Risk Atlanta Preschoolers for a Year

Back in 1993, Rochelle made the decision to send her daughter Chanel—then nine months old—to Sheltering Arms Early Education and Family Centers. Seven years and two daughters later, she made the decision again with her two youngest. Although Rochelle initially chose Sheltering Arms based on its convenient location near her workplace, the care and nurturing environment received by her girls made the decision to stay easy. “The girls were always excited to go…It was normal to arrive at pickup time to see the girls interacting, sharing, laughing and hugging on their teachers. This is the environment that you want your kids in—a place where they’re comfortable, happy and engaged.” Additionally, Rochelle was pleased that this high quality childcare and education at Sheltering Arms was provided at a fraction of the cost of other centers at the time.

Now, more than twenty years after her family’s initial involvement with Sheltering Arms, Rochelle proudly shares the continued success of her youngest two: Courtney (18) and Christian (16).  Courtney, a 2015 graduate of Riverwood International Charter School, plans to attend Louisiana State University in the fall, majoring in Political Mass Communications and minoring in French. Throughout her high school career, Courtney was involved in a variety of clubs and participated in varsity lacrosse, cheer, and cross country. She also played violin for the school orchestra, held a part time job her senior year, and interned at the French Alliance, all while keeping up with her studies and maintaining an impressive GPA.

Youngest daughter, Christian, a rising senior at Riverwood, excels academically and is one of 35 students at her school who are candidates for the International Diploma (IB). She served as President of her Freshman Class and will take the position of Student Body Officer this coming school year. She’s a two-sport student-athlete, plays the cello, and spends time volunteering; she participated in a Spring Break Service Trip to Costa Rica this past spring. Christian has high hopes for the future and looks forward to attending a four year university after graduation.

Rochelle affirms that their time at Sheltering Arms played a major role in her girls’ academic development:

“Early Childhood Education in conjunction with arts education gave the girls confidence, provided diversity, freedom to express themselves in safe environments, and was really their introduction to formal education. When the girls started elementary they had no issues with engaging with others, sharing, working together…I think these are all very important traits that help children when they begin elementary.”

Twenty years ago, Rochelle might not have known the impact her decision to send her daughters to Sheltering Arms would have on their future. Looking back now, it all seems to have paid off. An early start in a child’s academic career can have tremendous outcomes for his or her future, and Sheltering Arms is proud and excited to help families like Rochelle’s set the stage for success.