June 11, 2026

This year marks the 20^th anniversary since our state-licensed preschool first opened its doors to our youngest scholars. We feel incredible joy at having reached this remarkable milestone—and mostly we feel pride in the students, parents, staff, volunteers and partners who’ve made it all possible.

Over two decades, we estimate that well over 800 children ages three to four-years-old have learned to write their names, count most of the way up to 20, identified the colors of the rainbow and much more.

They’ve also learned vital life skills, including socializing with others, staying on task and taking on leadership roles (remember the pride you felt when your teacher picked you turn the page on the classroom calendar?).

The preschool operates two sessions each weekday, welcoming up to 48 students total in a morning and afternoon session.

Idalia Galdamez, our Preschool Director since 2009, has witnessed all the emotions that children entering a classroom for the first time experience: laughter, the joy of making new friends, the feeling of accomplishment writing their name for the first time—and even a few tears when that milk cup suddenly tips over “on its own.”

“Our children love to attend our program and their daily attendance, measured quarterly, attests to that,” Idalia says. “For the first quarter 2026, we had 91% attendance and similar attendance during prior quarters. This is in despite of—or perhaps as a result of—economic and other factors that have put increased burdens on the families KidWorks’ serves.

Here are just a few of what the parents of our students recently shared:

“I heard so many good recommendations about the preschool from a lot of parents,” says Jordania Macedo. “The staff prioritized an authentic relationship with me and my child, Jordania. She has learned self-regulation, communication, waiting her turn and staying focused. Jordania is also becoming confident about navigating the world outside our home and how to develop friendships and confidence through play.”

“My son, Caleb, always looks forward to coming the preschool,” says Oscar Pavia. “There is so much caring and a lot of communication.”

Stephanie Portillo says of her son, Enzo: “He’s become much more confident in interacting with others. Emotionally, he’s more adept at expressing his feelings. He comes home so excited to share what he’s learned.”

“My daughter, Jayleen, has really grown academically at the preschool,” says Maria Isidoro. “She’s especially grown socially since she used to not play with other children. KidWorks is very welcoming and always willing to lend a helping hand.”

All of mom Michelle Ravelo’s nieces and nephews have attended KidWorks, so she knew it was a place ideally suited for her son, Emiliano, when he was eligible to enroll in preschool.

“Because of the preschool, Emiliano is much more social,” Michelle says. “He speaks more often and uses sentences. At preschool, he is with other children his age. The KidWorks’ preschool staff is so welcoming and informative.”

Aurora Oregel says he son, Leonardo, is also thriving at our preschool.

“The staff cares about my child and his development,” she says. “They offer workshops on a variety of topics and encourage parents to participate and volunteer.”

One of the joys of being part of the talented KidWorks’ preschool staff is to see how young minds process the world where so much is new to them.

Alma Magaña, our Early Learning/Family Specialist (and one of KidWorks longest serving staff members), delights in a story a preschooler was very anxious to share with her:

“One of so many unforgettable conversations over the years began one September and continued for months. A student told me, ‘Teacher, Cuca ran away with her boyfriend.’

“I replied, ‘Really?’ and she said, ‘Yes, my mom told me.’ A few weeks later, she said, ‘Teacher, Cuca is back home and my mom said she might be pregnant.’

“Again, I asked, ‘Really? She came back?’ and she said ‘yes.’

“Months later, she told me, ‘Teacher, Cuca had her baby.’ By then, I was emotionally connected to the story.

“Then, months later, the same story repeats once again—Cuca ran away with her boyfriend and got pregnant again. But this time, the conversation ended with, ‘Teacher, Cuca gave birth to her kittens.’

“She sounded so serious and concerned before I realized we were talking about a cat, that I had spent all that time thinking Cuca was a person. I’d even started looking for resources for this young mom.”

Alma’s heart to help a young mom typifies how the KidWorks’ preschool team always looks for ways to go above and beyond.

The preschool itself is also “above and beyond” what might be found elsewhere.

For example, in 2024, KidWorks opened a new outdoor classroom, adjacent to the indoor one.

At the time, Idalia said:

“The outdoor classroom is intentionally designed with preschoolers in mind. It facilitates physical and mental health, along with promoting the academic skills that develop at this age,” she says. “Children explore building, creating and problem-solving.

“There’s also what we call a ‘messy materials’ station where students can work with loose parts. A stage is available for music and movement, along with a sensory area for water and sand play. Other elements of the outdoor classroom feature a nature appreciation zone (students can plant bushes and trees), art areas and places to gather with friends.

“Paths for bikes, tricycles and pull wagons will also promote physical activity.”

Our preschoolers also enjoy three fields trips per semester, more than the usual one such trip at most preschools. Idalia thanks JFK Transportation, a longtime KidWorks supporter, for donating their time and resources.

Preschool takes an annual field trip to the pumpkin patch!

She also thanks Carrazco Law for underwriting a yearly field trip for entire families, including the Día del Niño celebration.

Countless others have been part of the preschool’s successful 20 years. Idalia expressed additional thanks:

Partners/supporters

“The impact they have on our program is priceless. No matter what the need, whether it’s prepping food, serving, talking, reading, dancing, gifting, providing a service–the impact goes such a long way.”

Concordia University chose KidWorks Preschool for two years in a row as their nonprofit for ‘Concordia Serves’ day!

West Coast University hosts an annual Dental Fair for KidWorks Preschool

Volunteers

“Their kind hearts and time spent in our program has touched so many of our children and our own personal lives.  There are times when we’re all dealing with something from home, but just the fact that they stop and ask how we are doing matters. Their smiles, and passion to serve keep us going.”

Parents

“I am grateful for the strong rapport we have built with parents and for the kindness, wisdom and love they bring into our lives. I not only feel their support—I see it in the way they care for our staff and volunteers. They treat us with respect and generosity, often showing appreciation in thoughtful ways, whether it is a plate of enchiladas, chilaquiles or pozole on a busy morning, or a simple box of donuts, yogurt or a drink.”

Preschool Staff

“My team has become a family and are always a blessing to work with. When we’ve gone through something tough, we all feel compelled to support each other, pray and love each other. We’ve been together through some tough times: when we’ve lost a loved one or been at the hospital, and also when we’ve achieved a goal, when someone has gotten engaged, married or become a grandma.”

If you happen to be at our main Dan Donahue Center, you’re likely to hear peals of laughter and “Look, teacher, look!” coming from our indoor and outdoor preschool classrooms. That joyful sound is one we invite you to celebrate as the preschool class of 2026 gathers for a graduation ceremony on June 12 and prepares for the next step in their academic journey.

By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer

Learn more about ways you can support our preschool by volunteering: https://kidworksoc.org/volunteer/