Christina Hickman was feeling discouraged before she found Rainbows. Her daughter, Shaelynn, had been kicked out of multiple daycare programs, and her family wasn’t sure what their next steps should be. A year after enrolling her in Rainbows’ Childcare, Shaelynn’s mother couldn’t be optimistic about the future. The below email from Christina is a testament to the impact that Rainbows’ Childcare and Mental Health professionals can have on a young child’s developmental and behavioral outlook. Thanks for letting us share your family’s story!
From: Hickman, Christina
Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 3:41 PM
To: Michelle Croomes
Subject: thank you
Michelle and Rainbows staff,
Good afternoon, this is Shaelynn’s mother and I just wanted to take a moment to tell you all how thankful I am for each of you.
With this school year coming to an end I’ve had a lot of feelings on my heart. A year ago I was struggling to figure out what I was going to do with a child who kept getting sent home from daycare due to behavioral issues. We moved and I switched daycares thinking maybe being in a daycare with her 2 younger sisters she would do better. That wasn’t the case, she lasted only 2 weeks there and they kicked her out for good not letting her return.
I was at my wits end, ready to give up, when someone recommended that I try Rainbows. I was nervous, I wanted to make sure that I wouldn’t have to deal with Shae getting kicked out of yet another school. I was reassured by the staff that she wouldn’t get kicked out, that the teachers know how to handle all different types of children and different situations.
My mind was at ease the first day I brought her in, you all are so inviting and I could tell how big your hearts were. That’s important to me as a parent, especially a parent who has been through all of Shae’s ups and downs. I know that there are far worse situations than hers, I know that there are kids who have developmental delays and special needs, the list goes on and on. You all step up to the plate and take on everything, which has got to be exhausting but also bring so much joy to your hearts!
As time has gone on and I’ve been able to meet with Ms. Anabelle, Ms. Megan, and you Michelle, I have a clearer understanding of her needs. The road ahead isn’t clear, we will go through many storms, and climb many mountains, but I believe that Shae will overcome these obstacles. I have you all to thank for the patience and understanding, the love and hard work, that has gone into your every day of helping mold her young mind.
I don’t know what we would have done, or where we would be right now if we hadn’t made the switch and found Rainbows. Seriously, you all are a Godsend and I am so blessed as a mother to know that we have people who understand where we’re coming from with our concerns. I caught myself telling her grandma how I wish Shae could just stay at Rainbows and get her education there, just because I love it so much. I know that even on her hardest of days, when it’s just exhausting to handle it all, that she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
I appreciate you all more than you could ever truly know. You have touched my heart and have given me the encouragement to keep pushing forward. You have helped us get started on the right path with how to provide Shae with what she needs to succeed. We will never forget this past year and all of the wonderful work that has been done.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Christina Hickman
God Bless!
