Tots Take a Step Toward Their Future

GRAND TERRACE >> The City of Grand Terrace Tiny Tot Program held graduation June 21, sending 14 tiny tots off to kindergarten with a diploma, cap and gown. Tiny Tots is a program that meets part-time, 9 hours a week, to help children from ages 3 to 5 develop motor, conceptual and socialization skills in a recreational setting, according to their mission statement. Teachers and assistants use weekly lesson plans and activities to encourage preschoolers to learn. Some of the methods utilized include circle time, color recognition, outdoor time and free play. This year, the students and teachers celebrated their hard work at Grand Terrace City Hall. Fourteen students donned bright blue caps and gowns and marched up to receive honorary diplomas from teacher Terri Hanna, checking off preschool and introducing them to kindergarten. Hanna said this is the second year they have used the caps and gowns. Prior to that, they only made hats for the students. She says the change is motivating. “They look forward to graduating high school and continuing their education,” she said. Before receiving their diplomas, each child took the microphone at the podium and said what they wanted to be when they grew up. Some of the answers mentioned were firefighter, baby doctor and “someone who works at the store.” “(Parents) say, ‘Oh, you guys gave them their start,’ and how well they’re doing in school,” Hanna said in regards to the program and the graduation ceremony. “It’s really nice to hear.” Hanna, who has been teaching for 13 years, said the teachers still keep up with some of their students. “Some of them are here today and would say, ‘Oh, Ms. Terri, I’m in third grade now!” she said. “Some of them are in high school.” During the ceremony, Hanna read a poem titled “Touch of Love” and warned the parents that it might bring tears to their eyes. You were six months old and full of fun. With a blink of my eye, you suddenly were one. There were so many things we were going to do, But I turned my head and you turned two. At two, you were very dependent on me. But independence took over when you turned three. Your third birthday, another year I tried to ignore. But when I lit the candles, there weren't three, but four. Four was the year that you really strived. Why, look at you now, you're already five. Now you are ready for books and rules. This is the year that you go to school. The big day came; you were anxious to go. We walked to the bus, going oh so slow. As you climbed aboard and waved goodbye, I felt a lump in my throat and tears stung my eyes. Time goes so fast, it's hard to believe That just yesterday you were home here, with me. And tomorrow when the bus brings you home and you jump to the ground, You'll be wearing your cap and graduation gown. So I'm holding on to these moments as hard as I can. Because the next time I look, I'll be seeing a grown man Before sending the children off with their diplomas to take pictures with family and friends, the children sung a graduation song, cheering “We are on our way to kindergarten!” and “Graduation Day is here!” For more information on the Tiny Tots program, contact the Child Care Center at 909-783-0994.