ABILITIES FIRST IMPACT REPORT

To the Amazing Staff of Abilities First,

I don’t think anyone could have fully prepared me for the emotions that comes along with being a mom. But when my Miles was born my entire world literally shifted. I didn’t realize the amount of love I could possess. And along with that love came that overwhelming instinct to protect and keep him safe.

As a working Mom I struggled with returning to work. In my mind I thought “how could anyone love my baby and care for him like I can”. I convinced myself that the only way he could be happy and safe was in a private home care setting. But unfortunately that ended up not being the case. Last October we found ourselves searching for childcare. After several bad experiences over a two year period (safety issues and consistency) we realized that our only option was to transition from an in home environment to an early learning center. I felt devastated. That protective mom instinct was in overdrive and I just couldn’t imagine taking him somewhere. I began calling local facilities but with each call I just couldn’t find that peace of mind I was searching for. That’s when I called Abilities First. Sadly during that call I was told that there was a waiting list but it was possible that a spot would open up after the first of the year. Deep down I knew Abilities First was where I wanted him to be so I went ahead and set up a time to tour and hopefully get us placed on the waiting list. I felt discouraged but at least eager to visit. The morning I toured with my mother in law I remember sitting in the lobby so nervous that I hugged Miles a little too tight while he sat in my lap. Lisa came and greeted us and we went directly to her office. I’ll never forget her first words saying “you guys were told of the waiting list, correct? Well that was true as of Tuesday but as of today (Thursday) that’s no longer the case”. I remember grabbing my mother in law’s leg as she said those words. I’m not sure if it was out of relief or to hold myself into the chair. But I knew in that moment a prayer was answered and that Abilities First would be our new home.

Over the last few months my heart has grown to love Abilities First and all of its staff members. I quickly realized that it is not just a facility, it is a family, a family that we are now included in.

I first want to thank everyone who helped us transition. Our mornings were filled with tears for weeks, his and mine. But with every drop off I knew that I was leaving him in the arms of someone who would wipe his tears when he cried for me. I saw understanding in all of their eyes as I passed him from my arms to theirs. They let me linger for as long as I needed to without any judgement of how I needed to process drop off. They also gave Miles all the love and attention he needed to start his mornings and move past the emotions he felt as I would leave.

Lisa, I have to thank you most of all though. When I look back at our initial weeks at Abilities First I realize how much of a support you were to me. I was having such a hard time and you really took me under your protective wing and helped me through it. I know dealing with families is part of working in childcare but you showed genuine love and compassion in a way that went so far above and beyond. Thank you for your office door always being open. Thank you for allowing me to call and text when I was struggling and needing to know that he was ok (and that I was ok). Thank you for letting me know that my feelings and every tear I shed were normal. You carried me though those few weeks and for that I will always be grateful.

I no longer cry at drop off. That’s not saying I don’t still struggle, but I have come to realize that if I can’t be with him, that there is no other place I’d rather him be than at Abilities First. I’m confident that he is loved and cared for. I have seen him run and jump into the arms of Ms. Sam. I’ve seen him go from my arms and immediately snuggle close to Ms. Courtney. I have witnessed every staff member know him by name and greet him with a smile. Every time I walk into the building I witness that he isn’t just another child, but that he is individually loved. You can’t ask for anything more as a parent.

Courtney and Sam, you both hold such a huge place in our hearts. Miles has flourished since being in your classroom. I have watched him develop over the last few months in ways that I know wouldn’t have been possible without the two of you. Thank you for loving my baby. Thank you for teaching him and helping him grow. The work you do is difficult. It can be physically and emotionally draining. I want you to know that all of your hard work does not go unnoticed. You both are so special and I will forever be grateful for all you do.

To all the other teachers who come in and out of the classroom during the day. Thank you as well. You might not have as much consistency in his care but I see you and the work that you do. I see the relationships you have built with Miles. I’m so grateful.

So thank you, Abilities First, for allowing our little family to join your family. I know we have found a home amongst you all. Thank you for all that you do. For loving my baby, for teaching him and helping him grow. Thank you for showing me that my fear, that no one else could love and care for him, was wrong. My heart is so full.

Kelley (and Miles) For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 513-423-9496.