Like any dedicated parent, Monique Norwood is determined to provide the best for her 20-month-old daughter, Charlotte. Norwood, who currently works full-time as a hairdresser, is also putting herself through the nursing program at Yavapai College. As a single mother, balancing all this can be tough. “My life revolves around my daughter,” said Norwood. “I want to better myself so that I can give her the best.”
Five months ago, Norwood looked into child care options for Charlotte during the times she worked and attended class. She had heard great things about the Del E. Webb Family Enrichment Center (FEC), a child care center conveniently located on the Yavapai College campus, but she also knew there was a long waiting list. So she dropped by to put in an application.
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Charlotte , pictured at the Del E. Webb Family Enrichment Center
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Lucky for her, that day, there just happened to be an opening for Charlotte. Furthermore, Vickey LaMotte, the director of FEC, also told Norwood that she qualified for an available child care scholarship from First Things First, which would pay for a large portion of Charlotte’s tuition. Norwood was ecstatic.
“I understand the critical importance of the early years, and I’m grateful that Charlotte has the opportunity to attend the FEC” said Norwood. “I’ve seen the difference between children who attend quality preschool and those that don’t. Kids that go to preschool have better social skills and problem solving skills.”
Norwood is especially grateful for the scholarship Charlotte was awarded. “It’s made my life less stressful,” she said. “This way, I don’t have to borrow money to pay for Charlotte’s care while I work and study.”
Norwood is constantly impressed by the quality education Charlotte is receiving at the FEC. She also appreciates the low child-to-teacher ratios, which ensure that her daughter gets the attention she needs to thrive. “This isn’t a day care- it’s a school,” said Norwood. “The teachers are highly knowledgeable and communicative with parents. All children learn differently, and the teachers know how to teach children based on their individual strengths.” Each day, the teachers send Charlotte home with an overview of what she did and learned that day. “When Charlotte learns something new, the teachers are as excited as I am!” said Norwood.
Charlotte has learned a great deal at the FEC, and Norwood knows that the foundation she is building now will help her succeed for the rest of her life. “This is giving her a head start,” said Norwood. “By the time she reaches kindergarten, she’ll know what to expect, how to listen, and how to be a student. I believe she’ll be ready for anything that comes her way.”
The Del E. Webb Family Enrichment Center (FEC) is a high-quality early learning program located on the Yavapai College campus in Prescott. It is also enrolled in Quality First, a First Things First quality improvement program for child care centers and preschools. To learn more about the FEC, please visit www.yc.edu/FEC
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