Impact in Day Care Centers

Sheryl Rhodes, the director of the Thousand Palms Child Care Center in Thousand Palms, California, sees an enormous difference in children that have been involved with LVEP for several years. She notes, "We've been very pleased with the results of Living Values Education Program. There is a peaceful atmosphere. The younger children have good communication skills. They talk about values, are positive and resolve their own conflicts. They use the language that the teachers use about values to discuss behavior. The teachers even adapt some of the lessons from Living Values Activities for Children Ages 3-7 to use with the two year-olds!"

Chithra Laksmanan used LVEP for several years at her Jack and Jill Preschool before she retired. Her enthusiasm for the program continues. She tells one story about two four-year old boys who were quarreling during free play time. One boy was so upset he told the first boy that he would not be invited to his birthday party. Three other boys observed this. They spontaneously stopped swinging, went inside to get their peace stars, and began to circle around the two boys singing a peace song. The two boys stopped arguing, ran to get their peace stars and joined them for the circle dance! Mrs. Laksmanan notes, "This program works. I could see a difference the very first day. Not only have I observed children imbibing and experiencing the values, but I have seen them dialogue with each other to ease situations with great wisdom. I have had feedback from the community that many of these children who were in my preschool with LVEP are now role-models in school."

Connie Leek, the Director of the Holy Rosary Pre-School in Davis, California, noted, "I love this program. The children enjoy doing the LVEP activities. 'Lily the Leopard' is their favorite story. One of the teachers reported to me that when she asked a five-year old what 'respect' meant, she said, "Respect means I treat others nicely, the way I want them to treat me." Many parents comment on the improvement of the children's communication skills. I encourage other teachers to use this program."

Joyce Lee, the Director of The International Parent-Child Nursery School in Davis, California, wrote: "Our school comprises of global children whose parents are from different countries, hence the LVEP activities of Peace and Tolerance are vital components in our curriculum. The children love singing the songs and enjoy the stories and art activities. They hug and bond with each other. The atmosphere in the school is peaceful and we are one happy 'bunch' since we blended the LVEP activities in our pre-school curriculum."