Wyoming Valley Children's Assn.

WVCA is an amazing organization that has really stood out and shown up for its community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic! The essential services they provide are needed now more than ever.

All three of children attended WVCA for preschool. The teachers are patient and knowledgeable. I was elated to learn that WVCA had a 2 week day camp for elementary aged children this summer. My children attended and it was a wonderful experience. All three were so happy to be back at their old school.

This is a wonderful school with a dedicated staff who work tirelessly with the kids. My daughter went to this school for 2 years-we had a great experience.

I have volunteered on several committees with the Wyoming Valley Children's Association, and the degree to which the board members, committee volunteers, and staff care for the developmentally-challenged kids in their facility is simply astounding. It is a great organization to be a part of, and all involved tend to greatly care about the health of the organization and are receptive to new ideas and involvement.

Wyoming Valley Children's Association continues to be a wonderful organization providing therapy and education to children ages 0-5 for early intervention. The organization also provides education to typical children ages 0-5.

It is always a pleasure to tour the facility and see the great efforts of the staff at work. It is remarkable to observe the children and see the fruits of all our labors, in a caring and thriving environment.

I have been working at the Wyoming Valley Children's Association as a volunteer for the past few months. I am also the parent of a special needs child. My daughter did not have the good fortune to be impacted by the services WVCA offers. I truly wish she would have been able to have the experience that this organization offers its clients. I see a dedicated, caring staff of teachers and therapists interacting with children on a daily basis. I have told parents with young special needs children to research what Wyoming Valley Children's Association has to offer. They are truly making the difference in so many childrens' lives.

Wyoming Valley Children's Association has made a huge impact on my son's life & ours. My son started attending preschool there for alittle over a year for speech therapy. He went from only saying a few words to now forming sentences and answering questions. :c ) He loves going to school and he also loves to show me what they did in class when he gets home. His speech teacher sends home his personal notebook where she writes in daily progress and suggestions. When he was evaluated before entering, I was teary eyed b/c I thought that my son wouldn't be up to "par" with the other kids when it was time for him to go to Kindergarten. But now, I am fully confident that he'll be ready ...he'll fit in just fine! :c ) My son would come home singing the words to nursery tunes, or counting or showing off his "good job" stickers from school. I am so grateful that he gets to go to Wyoming Valley Children Association preschool and not only take speech classes but he also gets the opportunity to interact with his peers. He has learned so much in this past year...physically & mentally. We are so very proud. My husband & I cannot thank his teachers & WVCA enough for helping my son. Thank you to the speech teachers, Mrs. Theresa (my son's favorite) & Mrs. Donna (my son's new teacher for this year). We thank you so very much for helping us in my sons time of need..with open arms!

I have worked at WVCA for 9 years as a Speech Therapist. I choose to work there because I believe in WVCA's mission and am proud to be part of carrying out that mission each day. The staff goes above and beyond to insure that each and every child has the finest opportunity to grow and develop. I have never seen such dedication at any other place I have worked.

The teachers and therapists that work with the children at Wyoming Valley Children's Association are the absolute best there are, bar none. As they go to and from their different therapy sessions children have casual conversation with their therapist. That is the best part. When kids are most relaxed is when they express themselves the most and to hear it is sometimes funny, other times it tugs at your heart. As children begin each new school year, they learn the basic classroom rules. By the second week, they are "old pros" and can, to name a few, pour their own drinks, wash their own hands, select and put away their own "works". These teachers are amazing, and the children in no time learn to be independent and thrive in their environment. The fact that the preschool is all inclusive is the icing on the cake. The typical children learn empathy and that not all children are the same, and the special needs children try to do what the typical children do. To watch the typical children assist the special needs children is proof that inclusion is truly the right way to go.

I can not give enough praises to the Wyoming Valley Children's Assn for all they do for children with disabilities regarding their education and integration. The compassionate and unselfish staff reflects the goals of the organization in what they strive for and are able to accomplish. I only wish they could have been involved further in my child's education process, but the transition to the public school system was extremely streamlined, and knowing our child was prepared for this move, our anxious feelings quickly changed to peacefulness and fulfillment.

Navigating the world of parenting a child with developmental delays can be a challenge--finding the support you need, people you can trust, people that will believe in your child, recoginze the strengths and develop the weaknesses was the part made easiest for us. Living in Luzerne County the choice was clear-Wyoming Valley Children's Association. WVCA is more than a school, they are family! A group of professional, dedicated and caring individuals who are energetic and innovative. Small class sizes, support staff, new facitiles and expert administrative oversight of programs and services ensures quality care and a conducive learning and growing environment.

Family is the first word that comes to mind when I think about the Children's Association. The staff is small, with many of the employees only ever working for the Children's Association. There is a spirit within this group of educators, therapists, administrators, and support staff that is unique and contagious. Children are their passion and it is the teamwork between the child, family, and staff that allows the children to blossom. This association is helping to change culture through their inclusive preschool program. Children learn acceptance,understanding, and sharing as they interact with children with various special needs.