Client Successes
Jessie’s Story
Jessie was a 3 year-old living in an emergency shelter with her parents and three siblings. When she began attending the program she had significant problems separating from her parents (crying and not letting go of them.) She was very quiet, would not play with anyone besides her sister who also attended the program, and would not let teachers comfort her when she was sad. The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner noted that Jessie was extremely shy and rarely spoke to anyone except family members. She was able to follow directions but rarely participated in group activities.
At the end of four weeks Jessie still had a very difficult time separating from her parents in the mornings. Sometimes she would go the whole day without talking. She responded by nodding her head when spoken to. Although she would participate in activities, she would not interact with the other children. The teachers reassured Jessie on a daily basis that her parents would return for her and they made a conscious effort to not pressure her to speak. Her parents were encouraged to continue bringing Jessie to the center on a consistent basis and to reassure her each morning before they left that they would return that afternoon.
After nine weeks of attendance, Jessie’s teacher noted that she had increased her self-help skills, followed directions and routines well, and seemed interested in school. She was still very anxious and did not talk very much while at school. The following month Jessie began whispering words. One day she said, “more milk, please.” Around this time her mother began spending time with her in the classroom and participating at the center’s parent-child events. This seemed to help Jessie feel more comfortable at the center.
During the next several months Jessie continued to make good progress. Although she was still quite shy, she participated more in group activities. The teachers continued to focus on her social development and she eventually became comfortable asking other children to play with her. She shared information about her likes and dislikes, and became quite talkative to the point of laughing and acting silly.
When her parents secured permanent housing, the staff at Morningsong worked closely with them to make a smooth transition for her into a Head Start Program. Several months after leaving Morningsong, Jessie and her family returned for a visit. Her parents reported that Jessie was doing well at her new school and has been able to settle into the routine of the new classroom.