Small Steps

St. Luke’s, partnering with Small Steps Nurturing Center, has opened a no-tuition, quality, early childhood education program at Gethsemane for economically at-risk children ages two and three. Set in a Christian context, Small Steps focuses on student and family support, including mental health services, occupational, speech and physical therapy, and other proven childhood interventions.

Did you know…?

Children who do not read on level by the end of grade 3 have only a 1 in 8 chance of ever catching up and are 4 times more likely to drop out of school.

60% of Houston area children enter kindergarten each year lacking requisite reading skills.

Research shows that for every $1 invested in early childhood education and pre-kindergarten programs, the return on investment is $7.

Source: Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation

A Mother’s Story

The mother of Luqman, a founding student at Small Steps Gulfton, shared the story of his transformation in just the first few weeks of school:

Luqman was having trouble adjusting to school. He was excited in the morning, but the moment we arrived, he would become scared. Getting him out of the car was a struggle, and once he was out, he ran for the nearest exit. Mrs. Kentasha would help him get out and, even when it was hard, kept trying.

After the Winter Storm when school returned, we were worried about how it would go. Mrs. Kentasha came to our car with her smiling eyes, and Luqman instantly said, “Good Morning, car seat – OUT!” He jumped out the car, held Mrs. Kentasha’s hand, and told us, “Bye.” We are so proud of him!

St. Luke’s, partnering with Small Steps Nurturing Center, has opened a no-tuition, quality, early childhood education program at Gethsemane for economically at-risk children ages two and three. Set in a Christian context, Small Steps focuses on student and family support, including mental health services, occupational, speech and physical therapy, and other proven childhood interventions.

Did you know…?

Children who do not read on level by the end of grade 3 have only a 1 in 8 chance of ever catching up and are 4 times more likely to drop out of school.

60% of Houston area children enter kindergarten each year lacking requisite reading skills.

Research shows that for every $1 invested in early childhood education and pre-kindergarten programs, the return on investment is $7.

Source: Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation

A Mother’s Story

The mother of Luqman, a founding student at Small Steps Gulfton, shared the story of his transformation in just the first few weeks of school:

Luqman was having trouble adjusting to school. He was excited in the morning, but the moment we arrived, he would become scared. Getting him out of the car was a struggle, and once he was out, he ran for the nearest exit. Mrs. Kentasha would help him get out and, even when it was hard, kept trying.

After the Winter Storm when school returned, we were worried about how it would go. Mrs. Kentasha came to our car with her smiling eyes, and Luqman instantly said, “Good Morning, car seat – OUT!” He jumped out the car, held Mrs. Kentasha’s hand, and told us, “Bye.” We are so proud of him!

St. Luke’s, partnering with Small Steps Nurturing Center, has opened a no-tuition, quality, early childhood education program at Gethsemane for economically at-risk children ages two and three. Set in a Christian context, Small Steps focuses on student and family support, including mental health services, occupational, speech and physical therapy, and other proven childhood interventions.

Did you know…?

Children who do not read on level by the end of grade 3 have only a 1 in 8 chance of ever catching up and are 4 times more likely to drop out of school.

60% of Houston area children enter kindergarten each year lacking requisite reading skills.

Research shows that for every $1 invested in early childhood education and pre-kindergarten programs, the return on investment is $7.

Source: Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation

A Mother’s Story

The mother of Luqman, a founding student at Small Steps Gulfton, shared the story of his transformation in just the first few weeks of school:

Luqman was having trouble adjusting to school. He was excited in the morning, but the moment we arrived, he would become scared. Getting him out of the car was a struggle, and once he was out, he ran for the nearest exit. Mrs. Kentasha would help him get out and, even when it was hard, kept trying.

After the Winter Storm when school returned, we were worried about how it would go. Mrs. Kentasha came to our car with her smiling eyes, and Luqman instantly said, “Good Morning, car seat – OUT!” He jumped out the car, held Mrs. Kentasha’s hand, and told us, “Bye.” We are so proud of him!