My Nonprofit Reviews
Barbara
Review for Gesell Institute of Child Development Inc, New Haven, CT, USA
As an early childhood professional, I understood the great responsibility I had in helping parents determine if their child was truly ready to move on to the next level in their education plan. The criteria at that time, and still remains, is chronological age at the time of entry into a program. It was particularly concerning when the cutoff date for entry where I was employed was December first. While attending a National Association for the Education of Young Children Conference, I went to a presentation by the Gesell Institute of Human Development on, "The Gift of Time. Five Is Not Enough." This was the beginning of a wonderful journey.
The Gesell Institute gave me the tools I needed to assess the uniqueness of each child's development. Using this information, in partnership with the parents, together we could make a decision to provide every opportunity for their child to succeed.
One-size does not fit all. Each age and stage of development is unique.
The trainings and materials provided by the Gesell Institute became the cornerstone for planning the curriculum and addressing the areas of strength and areas needing more reinforcement for the children.
The children were not the only recipients of all we learned from the Gesell Institute. The teachers, the staff, the parents, the school, and ultimately the community benefitted from what I had learned as I began my journey.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The program described was used from 1983-1989 in a small college preparatory school serving children three years of age through high school. It was helpful in encouraging and educating parents who were anxious to have their children succeed.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The philosophy was sound and was easily implemented in an alternative to a public school program. We were able to implement developmental placement, assessment of young children and design classrooms for children at each developmental age. Work with public school boards and administration to understand the value of developmental placement. You have been successful at encouraging schools to change the entry date for children. I am glad you are back.
