Ten little graduates in blue caps and gowns crossed the stage at LEAP’s Lompoc Children’s Center, celebrating the center’s inaugural graduating class and a milestone for the young learners who will now be entering kindergarten.
LEAP opened its Lompoc Children’s Center in March 2025, with the capacity to serve 58 children ages 3 months-5 years old. The center increased the total number of center-based child care slots for infants and toddlers in Lompoc by 32%, addressing a need for high-quality early learning options in the community.
More than 60 family members celebrated the graduating preschoolers as they received their promotion certificates and goodie bags, smiled for family photos, and ate cake.
This fall, the students will attend school at Miguelito, Clarence Ruth, La Cañada, or Buena Vista elementary schools.
For the teachers and staff who have watched this first class of students learn and grow, the celebration was especially significant.
“Being part of this graduating class has been such a meaningful and rewarding experience,” said Meghan Stallworth, Lompoc site supervisor. “I have been grateful for the opportunity to build meaningful connections with each child, their families, and our community.
“These relationships and memories will always hold a special place in my heart. I am so proud of each child and honored to have been part of their early learning journey. I wish them all a future filled with happiness, confidence, and endless possibilities.”
“Watching these 10 children cross that stage was a moment of pure joy,” said Lori Goodman, LEAP CEO. “Eighteen months ago, this classroom didn’t exist. Today, we’re sending our first Lompoc graduates off to kindergarten.
“That is a testament to our incredible teachers and site staff, who show up for these children and their families every single day, and to a community that welcomed us and made this first year possible.
“Congratulations to our graduates; we cannot wait to watch you grow.”
The strong family turnout underscored the importance families place on their children’s education and the significance of this early milestone, LEAP said.
“For these graduates, preschool has been an important first step in building the confidence, skills, and love of learning they will carry with them into kindergarten and beyond,” the organization said.
“Preschool is about so much more than preparing children for kindergarten,” said Serineh Vartani, director of Early Childhood Programs at LEAP. “It’s about helping children discover who they are, build confidence, develop resilience, and find joy in learning. Those are the lessons that will stay with them long after today.”
LEAP works to mitigate the effects of poverty, racism, and trauma by providing trauma-informed childcare; comprehensive, culturally sensitive family support; and community leadership.
For more, visit www.LEAPcentralcoast.org.