Love in Action

BY ROBIN ROENKER

When Lindsey Gribbins joined the staff at Christian Appalachian Project's (CAP) Family Life Child Development Center (CDC) in Mount Vernon in October 2022, it was a full-circle moment. Gribbins, a former CDC student herself, now serves as an assistant teacher and bus driver, working to give today’s children the same positive experience she had at preschool.

“Lindsey brings a bubbly energy to our program, and she makes every child here feel special,” said Sharon Goff, manager and 31-year veteran teacher at the CDC. Goff also finds it meaningful that she was Gribbins’ preschool teacher, making their work together feel truly full circle.

Gribbins' hope is that while children are at the CDC, they receive unconditional love and encouragement, helping them build confidence and realize their full potential.

“Not only are we helping children receive a quality education here, we are also determined to better their lives while we have them,” Gribbins said.

In a region with limited preschool options, the CDC provides families with access to quality, accredited early childhood education programming that offers cognitive, physical, spiritual, and emotional support. CAP also partners with local organizations to further meet each child’s needs through other services like occupational and speech therapies.

In her position, Gribbins is living out her lifelong dream of working with children, viewing her daily efforts not just as a job, but as a personal calling inspired by her faith.

“Through this work, I get to help love on all of our students,” she said. With support from generous donors, CAP’s CDC staff can see to it that every enrolled student has access to nutritious meals and the emotional and educational support to thrive in preschool and beyond.

As a mom of three, Gribbins has seen the richness of the program’s educational opportunities firsthand. Her daughter, Sadie, attended the CDC, and its strong preschool programming has been a springboard to her continued elementary school success, Gribbins believes.

A key element in the program’s achievements is providing a structured schedule for the children that encourages routine and independence. Most school days, Gribbins begins her bus route to pick up students across Rockcastle County by 8 a.m. By 9:15 a.m., she and the children arrive at school. As soon as the children walk in the door, they know to start their daily routine by putting away their coats and jackets, using the restroom, and washing their hands. During meals, they learn to serve themselves food, pour drinks or open milk containers, and clean up their plates and trash.

The classroom experience is so well-designed that teachers at area elementary schools can typically identify the former CDC attendees in each batch of new students, simply from their high degree of kindergarten readiness.

Another aspect she sees as an important part of the CDC’s success is the relationships between the program employees, the children, and their families. Program employees live in the community they serve and see the children both in and out of the classroom. Being a part of the same community strengthens trust and builds close connections to help children and their families succeed.

“I know a lot of the students and their parents from outside of the classroom,” Gribbins said. “There’s a real closeness that develops here.”

Working hands-on with the program’s young students and seeing the world through their creative and inquisitive eyes is one of the biggest joys of Gribbins’ day.

“I firmly believe every child should have access to a quality, early childhood education, backed by loving teachers and a safe and consistent schedule,” Gribbins said. “Preschool is a special time when kids are learning skills that will follow them the rest of their lives. Programs like the CDC give kids the confidence to be better learners, and better people, as they grow.”