DETROIT – A preschool program in Detroit is teaching important developmental skills to children in an effort to stop the cycle of poverty.
"'Thrive By Five' is an early childhood concept, and as you all see, we have children involved in very active play to enhance their development and to prepare them for school," said program coordinator Donna Cielma.
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Thrive By Five is held at Detroit's Earhart Elementary, which is one of four Detroit public schools where the program operates. Participating children learn letters, numbers and shapes.
Vanessa Garcia has seen how this program has helped her daughter get a head start.
"She tells me everything that she has done in school," said Garcia. "She'll wake up her brother, sister, wanting, ready to run to school, motivates them because she's ready to come and learn."
But it's not all just fun and games. The reason behind Thrive By Five is because that's the age range when a child's brain is developing the most.
"To be truly functioning at their optimal development takes the family and the child together moving forward," said Cielma. "I want them to succeed and have something for their future later in life."
The staff encourages parents to do their part to help their child learn at home as well.
"We need parents to understand that every interaction at home supports your child being able to learn," said Cielma. "Your child being able to succeed in school, in life, college, trades, whatever that child's goal is this is that time to get that optimal development and potential."
The federally-funded program is based on income and needs.
For more information on the program call 313-596-7466.