I'm currently fostering my nieces, and my five-year-old niece is enrolled in the kindergarten class…read moreat the Temecula Student Center.
I can't say enough about how grateful I am for TSC. From the very beginning, the staff has been exceptionally kind, attentive, and thoughtful. My niece has a kindergarten teacher she truly adores. Earlier this year, one of her teachers was promoted after only two months, and I was understandably worried about yet another transition for a child who has already endured so much change. The way TSC handled that transition was deeply reassuring; there was a clear, caring plan in place, and my niece quickly formed a strong connection with her new teacher as well.
My niece was removed from her home over the summer and has experienced significant trauma in her short life. She carries a great deal of fear and anxiety, and she has selective mutism, meaning she is only able to speak with certain people. At her previous school, she never spoke to her TK teacher or her classmates. Seeing her now whispering to her teachers and a few of her peers at TSC feels like a small miracle, and also a powerful sign that she feels safe.
Every part of her day is held with care. From the breakfast room staff who help her settle in each morning, to the gate staff who personally call for someone to escort her inside, to Ms. Heidi, the parking lot safety person who greets her with a warm smile and helps her out of the car, each small act of kindness has made a real difference. She comes home happy every day, more confident, and eager to share what she's learning.
I'm also so appreciative of how present and engaged Valerie and Jeanette are as administrators. One or both are outside during arrival and dismissal time every single day. Her teachers, Ms. Smith, Ms. Merrifield, and Ms. K, have gone above and beyond to create a sense of safety, continuity, and belonging during a very tender time in her life.
One staff member even reached out to me about resources available for foster families through Springs. I haven't yet had the chance to connect, but simply being seen and thought of in that way meant more than I can express. Springs has brought stability, care, and a sense of grounding to an incredibly difficult season in my niece's life, not just through personalized learning, but through genuine, personalized care.
