NORTH SMITHFIELD – The young scholars at WeeCare Daycare and Early Childhood Academy held a graduation ceremony last week, with a celebration that marked the end of a year where the focus was on kindness and compassion.
In addition to their academics, the students raised hundreds through outreach efforts in WeeCare’s Kindness and Compassion Project.
The project was the latest effort by owner Debbie Bailey Scotto to incorporate community outreach in her young students’ curriculum by developing programs that change annually.
“WeeCare students raised hundreds for donations as part of this project,” said Bailey Scotto, who has owned and operated the North Main Street business for the past 30 years. The preschool’s program is directed by Rhode Island Department of Education certified teachers and child development specialists, and follows National Association for the Education for Young Children learning standards.
Preschool teacher Ashley Palmer worked with the students to instill the concepts of kindness and compassion throughout the year, and once the funds were raised, the students donated hundreds to local restaurants to surprise customers with free meals, coffee and more. Customers received a card from the students in place of their check to let them know that the student donations had paid for it.
At the graduation on Thursday, August 21, there was more kindness in the program, with resident representatives from St Antoine’s Residence on hand to accept donations of bingo prizes, treats and handmade decor that were also purchased with funds raised.
North Smithfield Elementary School Principal Jennifer Daigneault and Vice Principal Tracy Lafreniere also attended, to congratulate the preschoolers and welcome them into kindergarten.
