Twenty-five little grads are ready for what comes next

On May 15, 25 children crossed the stage in tiny caps and gowns at AZCEND’s Giggles, Squiggles & Squirms (GSS) graduation celebration.

Families gathered with cameras, applause and happy tears as students celebrated a year of growth, learning and confidence before heading to kindergarten this fall. Thanks to the generosity of AZCEND supporters and partners, these children entered graduation day with stronger skills, greater confidence and a solid foundation for the future. 

For Head Teacher Miss Laura, the day is always emotional. “I know that these kids are going to do well,” she shared. “We have put them on the right path.” That path begins long before graduation day.

Giggles, Squiggles & Squirms is AZCEND’s early literacy and kindergarten readiness program for children ages 3–5 and their parents or caregivers. Families attend class together twice each week to build academic, social and emotional skills in a welcoming environment where children can thrive. 

Children learn letters, numbers, shapes, colors and early reading skills while also developing confidence, communication and problem-solving abilities. Parents learn alongside them and gain tools they can continue using at home.

“Our focus is to teach the parents how to teach the children at home,” Miss Laura explained. “The kids learn to socialize. They learn how to follow directions. Some of them learn English. The parents learn together with their kids.”

That partnership between children and caregivers is one of the things that makes GSS so powerful.

This year, one student entered the program speaking very little English. Her mother worried about how she would participate in class activities, especially show-and-tell. By the end of the year, the child stood confidently in front of the class and gave a presentation about trees and the environment. Today, she is reading at a first grade level.

Miss Laura credits that growth to the child’s hard work and the consistent support her mother provided at home each week. It also demonstrates the impact donors and community partners make through programs that help children and families learn, grow and thrive together.

Throughout the year, students also explored creativity in hands-on art, storytelling and interactive activities that encouraged self-expression and curiosity. A recent student art showcase transformed the classroom into a colorful gallery inspired by famous artists including Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Picasso and Monet.

“The kids are so happy to see their stuff,” Miss Laura shared with a laugh.

For many children, the biggest transformation happens in their confidence. “At the beginning, many of them are very timid,” Miss Laura said. “By the end of the year, they become comfortable. They really love being here.”

Early childhood education helps children enter kindergarten more prepared academically, socially and emotionally. Programs like GSS help create a strong foundation for long-term success in school and beyond.

This year’s graduating class was the largest in AZCEND’s history, with 25 graduates and nearly 60 students enrolled overall. Growth like this reflects both the increasing need for early childhood education support as well as the heart of a community that believes every child deserves a strong start. 

“Every one of these kids has something special to offer the world,” Miss Laura said.

As families celebrated this important milestone together, graduation became a reminder of what is possible when children are surrounded by encouragement, opportunity and a community that believes in their potential.

Programs like Giggles, Squiggles & Squirms are possible because neighbors, donors and community partners continue investing in local children and families.  To help AZCEND continue providing help and hope to neighbors in need through GSS and other life-changing programs, please consider making an annual or monthly gift at azcend.org/now.