Regina Hauserman, or Miss Jeana as the children in the classroom call her, is relatively new to the Foster Grandparent Program, and currently serves at YWCA Tri-County Area’s Early Education Center in Pottstown.
“Because of different circumstances I’m unable to work. Luckily, the Foster Grandparent Program doesn’t mind people with canes, so I’m able to work again!” exclaimed Miss Jeana.
Earlier this week Miss Jeana approached Kathleen Seeley, YW3CA’s Early Education Center Senior Director, to share her observations and thoughts about her work in the Pre-K Counts 2 classroom. Miss Jeana, apprehensive at first, felt empowered to share her thoughts in a letter to Mrs. Seeley.
“These two last weeks the children are learning about various buildings, houses, and stores. After the 3 Little Pigs was read, the children talked about walls, bricks, ceilings, and chimneys. The children in the block area were building skyscrapers and other types of structures, knocking them down and saying, “I’ll huff and puff…”
“The teachers in the classroom are always making learning fun. The children have been learning various letters and letter sounds. When the child matches the letter, the student circles the letter. You should see the joy on their face as they circle the letter. Through their fun lesson plans the children’s attention spans have improved greatly.”
“Since they’re constantly learning through centers, songs, and stories, the children are listening and following the rules of the classroom. I’m so happy to be in this fun filled learning room!”
In a previous conversation with Miss Jeana about her impact as a Foster Grandparent, she stated, “I try to instill a love of learning in the students in my classroom.”
YW3CA is proud to offer the Foster Grandparent Program of Montgomery County, a program a part of Senior Corps along with RSVP and Senior Companions. Senior Corps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that supports service and volunteering programs to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement.
The Foster Grandparent Program consists of adults 55 and older who volunteer their time and talents to mentor children in schools and youth centers. These adults provide one-on-one services to children with exceptional and special needs in schools and childcare centers. Following 40 hours of orientation and training, Foster Grandparents are assigned and work a minimum of 5 hours per week.
Each Foster Grandparent receives a non-taxable stipend (if eligible), transportation (reimbursement for travel costs), a meal each workday, ongoing training, recognition for their service, and more!
As a Foster Grandparent, they help children in their communities develop the academic and life skills that are critical to their development and future success. Sharing their time and experience can help children learn how to read, prepare younger students for school readiness, tackle tough subjects, and make decisions that keep them on the right path.
YW3CA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. For over 110 years, YW3CA has served the Tri-County region, whether it’s through early childhood education, youth empowerment, advocacy, or adult education, every program we do is related to this core mission.
For more information, or to get involved with the Foster Grandparent program, contact Ashley Faison, Program Director, at 610-323-1888 ext.210 or afaison@ywcatricountyarea.org.
