At Children’s Lighthouse in Winter Garden, research-based curriculum and a family environment give children the tools to succeed for years to come.

As the longtime director of Children’s Lighthouse in Winter Garden, Deanna Gustafson gets to witness firsthand the noticeable impact that the faith-based early learning school has on helping young minds develop and grow. By championing its core values of Integrity, Passion and Excellence, the school aims to create a safe, fun and happy place that instills confidence, a sense of comfort, and a lifelong love of learning, friendship and community.

Over the years, Gustafson has watched countless kids build upon this foundation and thrive as they become older and advance through Children’s Lighthouse’s various pathway programs. And in her administrative role, she is well aware of how important it is for parents to see their children engaged and enthusiastic, especially during their formative years. As a parent herself, she understands this even more, which is why her own three children have all attended the school.

“I know your child is the most important thing to you and you want to make sure they feel comfortable and safe. … We are a place where parents will say, ‘Everybody knows my kids, the teachers will say their name and greet them, whether they are their teacher or not,’” says Gustafson. “There’s definitely a family environment and it establishes a sense of community when you’re connected that way.”

With programs that start for children as young as 6 weeks all the way up to 12 years old, Children’s Lighthouse prides itself on its curriculum, which is research-based on brain development and evolves as the children age. It’s been a highly successful approach that better prepares students for the school years that lie ahead.

It starts with the BRIGHT program in the infant and toddler classrooms where the focus is on the individual, relational care to establish the building blocks for early learning. Children ages 2 through 5 enter into CARES classrooms where a fun and educational environment is created to help boost emotional and social development. School-aged children are known as Questers and embark on “quests” to help further critical thinking in areas of science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and mathematics (STREAM).

“It’s a whole dynamic of pathways that build on each other and as the kids grow, the curriculum grows with them as well,” explains Gustafson. “And our kids are doing very well. They are [academically] at grade level or above by the time they reach kindergarten.”

It’s further validation that proves how Children’s Lighthouse pathways approach is an effective one thanks to its five key focal points: confidence, connection, continuous improvement, curriculum and consistency. And because the school is rooted in faith, Gustafson believes it only adds to the heightened emphasis on building good character.

“We are the only Children’s Lighthouse location that is faith-based, and I think being part of a church is a strong thing that families really value as well,” she says.

This year, there’s even more excitement in the air as Children’s Lighthouse marks its 20th anniversary of joining the West Orange community. Having been the director since shortly after opening its doors, Gustafson has seen the school expand from its original 10 classrooms to 17, allowing for more children and their families the chance to experience everything the school offers.

“For me, it’s been really cool not only seeing my kids, but seeing other kids [who have attended] out in the community who are still friends,” she says. “They still have relationships with different teachers they had there. It just shows the bond and the connection that they form when they start here early and go through the program.”

While Children’s Lighthouse is planning a celebration to mark decades of positively impacting local children’s lives, Gustafson can’t help but think about what the next 20 years may bring.

“We want to continue to be a beacon in the community, and be a safe place for kids and their families to feel welcomed,” Gustafson says, noting the personal joy she gets from providing a supportive space for children to become the best versions of themselves.

“I never thought about how many kids have passed through Children’s Lighthouse, it’s kind of overwhelming. But I know I have cried at every single graduation when it’s time for them to leave.”

Children’s Lighthouse
Winter Garden
(407) 993-2564
ChildrensLighthouse.com/WinterGarden