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 Center Director of Children’s Lighthouse in Winter Garden, Shanna Wolfenden gets to witness 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 last 20 years, Wolfenden 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.

“I’ve seen firsthand how the school creates an environment where children feel safe, supported and excited to learn,” she says. “I’ve watched children grow not only academically, but socially and emotionally—especially as they gain confidence, independence and communication skills they need to build a solid foundation.

“It is important for staff to work closely with parents because we feel that strong partnerships help create consistency and trust between home and a child’s learning environment,” Wolfenden continues. “We understand that a family-like environment is created when parents and staff work together for each individual child’s needs.”

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).

“All of our classes provide positive guidance and consistent encouragement from teachers. The children begin to problem-solve, express their feelings and build meaningful relationships with peers,” Wolfenden says.

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, Wolfenden believes it only adds to the heightened emphasis on building good character.

“Being the only faith-based Children’s Lighthouse allows us to offer families a deeper connection by nurturing not only children’s academic and social development, but also their moral and spiritual growth,” she says.

As Children’s Lighthouse marks its 21st year of being an integral part of the West Orange community, Wolfenden is excited for the opportunity for the school to continue to grow while staying true to its heart.

“The opportunity to keep supporting families, adapting to children’s needs, to the needs of our community and making a lasting impact on a child’s early years is something I truly look forward to,” Wolfenden says.

As Children’s Lighthouse continues to build upon decades of positively impacting local children’s lives, Wolfenden can’t help but reflect on the rewarding aspects of the job.

“Seeing how we continue to adapt, listen to families and meet the changing needs of children, as well as needs of our community—while still feeling warm and family-centered—has been incredibly rewarding,” she says. “Being there for the small victories and the big milestones, and knowing we played a role in helping children feel safe, loved and capable is incredibly meaningful. It’s a reminder of the lasting impact a loving, intentional environment can have on generations of families.”

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