Mary Ellen Marchitto and Gwendy Watrous have developed the program and established relationships with the shelter staff. Children with transient or unstable home environments are clearly at risk for learning problems. In the three mornings each week, the teachers emphasize the importance of play through thematic activities. They also attend shelter meetings and discuss the program with parents. They try to support parents and convey to them how important their role is in helping children learn.
Parental input is used in designing the program to fit individual family needs.
Since each child enters the program with different experiences, interests, and capabilities, the program is based on the knowledge of each child's unique needs as well as the understanding of developmental stages. Their efforts have always been to create a structured, predictable routine for the children. Their goal is to provide a safe haven in a place that is warm and nurturing. The children need a place to feel safe and comfortable during a time in their lives that often includes the disruption of existing family routines and anxiety of an uncertain future. This not only works positively for young children but is an environment suited for helping the entire family.