Twelve little grads are doing great BIG things at AZCEND

On Friday, May 16, twelve students graduated from AZCEND’s premier Giggles, Squiggles & Squirms (GSS) early literacy program that empowers children to succeed in Kindergarten and in life.

Children ages 3-5 learn the letters of the alphabet, numbers, shapes, colors, patterns and much more. GSS nurtures literacy, language, fine motor skills, social-emotional learning and problem-solving. Each 2-hour weekday session includes phonics, story time, early math, creative exploration and weekly computer lessons, fostering confidence, curiosity and a love of learning.

Honoring parents as the child’s first teacher, children and parents attend GSS together. Families are equipped to build a strong educational foundation through the interactive, play-based, literacy-centered curriculum. This powerful intervention of early literacy is one of the strongest predictors of the ability to read and graduate from high school.

GSS is held on the campus of San Marcos Elementary School in Chandler and is supported by the Chandler Compadres, a group of civic-minded business and community leaders who donate their time, resources, talent and funds to help disadvantaged kids in Chandler and the East Valley.

This essential program that effectively advances children’s capacity to think, learn and thrive is made possible by the partnership between the Chandler Compadres, Chandler Unified School District and AZCEND.