As a parent, I never imagined that I would be navigating the world of preschools so early in my child’s life. The idea of sending my oldest, Jordan, who was just three years old, to preschool four days a week seemed daunting. But life had other plans for us—plans that led us to Spark! Discovery Preschool in Frederick.
Jordan struggled with speech, but it wasn’t the typical situation where a bit of extra practice at home would suffice. His Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) noticed something more serious: Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). CAS is a speech disorder in children where the precision and consistency of speech movements are impacted, even when there are no issues with the muscles or nerves controlling speech. Suddenly, our world was filled with specialist appointments and therapy sessions.
August 2022 marked the beginning of a new chapter for our family. We stepped into Spark! Discovery Preschool, hoping it would be the right fit for his continued speech therapy. From the moment we walked through the doors, we knew we had found something special. “As a parent, seeing your child struggle is never easy,” I reflect. “But Spark! gave us hope—a sense of belonging that we hadn’t found anywhere else.”
Jordan’s experience at Spark! extends beyond academics. Every child at Spark! is encouraged to explore and learn about the world around them, sparking curiosity and language development. Every day I witness the impact Spark! has had on his growth and confidence.
Despite his speech delays, he has thrived in an environment that embraces his uniqueness. The staff’s dedication to his development and well-being has been a source of comfort and reassurance for us as parents. He has made friends, gained confidence, and has become a familiar face to everyone there. Now, my second child is following a similar path. With speech therapy twice a week, he eagerly awaits his turn to attend Spark!.
Spark! Discovery Preschool has played an important role in supporting my son’s speech therapy journey, creating an environment that has been instrumental in his progress. The specialized support provided by the staff, the encouraging environment, individualized attention, celebrating milestones, and integration of therapy into daily activities—all these factors have contributed to his growth and development. Their welcoming and encouraging demeanor has made a significant difference in his confidence and progress.
As Jordan continues to thrive at Spark!, I’m filled with gratitude. Spark! isn’t just a preschool—it’s a lifeline, a place where my children feel valued and supported. And for that, I am forever grateful.