Testimonials

Read testimonials from participants of Forum programs. If you would like to submit a testimonial, please call 850-487-6344 or send an e-mail to jjbrown@thechildrensforum.com

T.E.A.C.H.

"I was going through a very difficult time in my life, and I wouldn't have been able to continue my dream of receiving a college degree without T.E.A.C.H. I might have given up if it hadn't been for my T.E.A.C.H. counselor who believed in me and wouldn't let me give up my goal of higher education. And I never experienced complications with registering for classes or receiving reimbursements. Getting a college degree has made me a lifelong learner and a lifelong teacher. It is a sacrifice to go back to school, but when you get through the planting and plowing, your life is like a garden. When you see the harvest, it makes you feel good."
-- Teresa Waters-Feagle, Parent Liaison and Resource Teacher, Florida First Start

Read more

WAGE$

"I've always loved children and I thought if I opened up my own child care facility, it would allow me to have the best of both worlds. The WAGE$ supplements helped me purchase additional toys and school materials for my home child care business. I was able to afford a lot of things that I really wouldn't have been able to do without a struggle. In addition, my friend Sandra and I are both thankful for the WAGE$ staff who helped us in so many ways and who we consider friends. I feel good about what I have achieved. It is never too late to further your education to help children. Only if we help children can they succeed."
-- Mary Bryant, WAGE$ participant

Read more

School-Age Services

"This seminar (Florida Standards for Quality Afterschool Programs) should be a mandated one for all who work in afterschool settings. I have a doctoral degree and have conducted many workshops for public school teachers and taught early childhood. However, I am thoroughly enjoying this seminar and I'm learning a lot of new activities. The instructor is phenomenal! I highly recommend the seminar to program administrators and staff workers."
-- Eloise McCoy-Cain, Site Director, Vero Beach

Read more

ACCYN

"The Army Child Care in Your Neighborhood (ACCYN) program has been such a great help for me while my husband is away in Iraq. I have been struggling to find a job in this crazy economy and they understood completely and worked with me. The program's outreach specialist was very easy to get in contact with; if I had any questions or concerns, she always responded with helpful answers. I couldn't be happier with ACCYN. They have given my daughter the opportunity to experience a great school where she can grow and develop to her highest potential. I am very grateful for ACCYN services."
-- Jessica Smith

Read more

CCTAPES

"Thank you for the information; we are always grateful for the assistance you (CCTAPES) provide to us all the time."
-- Mercedes Velez, Family Central

Read more

Quality Initiatives

"During the training we went outside and used the ERS to assess a playground - the actual evaluation of a real playground was a great idea."
-- Dairy Road Discovery Center

Read more

QCCC

"I began my career in child care three years ago as a floater and then became a teacher’s assistant. Because of help from the Quality Counts Career Center, I am now a lead teacher. The program has helped me gain knowledge and also awakened my creativity that has served as a tool for a fun, safe and educational environment. I am proud to mention that recently I was observed and assessed by a Quality Counts Quality Rating Improvement team member and I am happy to say that the class was up to standard requirements with just a minimum amount of faults. Through the observations, it was mentioned that my skills were of a quality of a teacher that has been in the system for 15 or more years. All thanks to the program and those who believed in me."
-- Lisette Santos

Read more

Central Directory

"I have one child in the Florida public school system. When my son was in Kindergarten, I could see that he was having difficulties in writing. I talked to teachers and the faculty at length trying to get my son some help, but instead of getting some answers or resources, I kept hearing, “he is just so bright, he will grow out of it.” I knew my son needed some type of evaluation, but I didn’t have any idea what type. In a desperate panic to figure out what was going on with my now 8-year old son and find him the help he needs, I came upon a website and found information on the Central Directory team. I e-mailed Lou Ann Long, Director of the Central Directory, explaining that my son had issues with writing as well as poor fine motor and gross motor skills. I found someone who would finally listen to me. Lou Ann’s continuous efforts to guide me in the right direction have been invaluable! She has been a wealth of information and continues to give me the tools to navigate needed to make the best decisions for my son. Without Lou Ann’s guidance, we would not have come this far. It is so nice to have someone really listen to me and give me resources instead of push me away as the school has for so many years. We still have many hurdles to climb and choices to make regarding our sons education, but I know that with Lou Ann in my corner, I will make informed decisions. Thank you, Lou Ann, for all you have done for us!"
-- Lisa Beth Pulliam

Read more

Information Technology

"The Forum's Helpdesk staff and the information technology services they provide for the Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties is outstanding. I am so appreciative of their efforts and maintenance to keep our Coalition's website current."
-- Gloria W. Mayo, Executive Director, Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties

Read more