SANFORD – Twenty-three youngsters have started public Kindergarten this fall, having graduated from Waban’s Fraser-Ford Child Development Center. The graduation ceremony took place at the Wormwood Banquet & Conference Center located just down the hill from the school.

Inside the decorated hall, teachers called their students to the front, one by one, and presented each with the gift of a book and a certificate while positive growth and personal attributes were related to the audience of parents and families, said Waban’s Selena Brock.

 Waban’s Fraser-Ford Child Development Center addresses the needs of preschool children with autism, developmental disabilities, severe medical issues, Downs syndrome and other developmental delays with the goal of transitioning to public school systems. The skills they learn help level the playing field when mainstreamed with other public school students.

 “It’s a bittersweet celebration. I’m so proud of how much they’ve accomplished, but it’s so hard to say goodbye,” said special education teacher Brianne Westman.

A number of children took part in the graduaiton, inclding Creative Kids Daycare and Preschool youngsters.

The Fraser-Ford Child Development Center is expanding with a brand new Autism Therapy Wing, slated to open this month. The space will  offer four new classrooms, a multipurpose room resembling a gymnasium, offices and therapy rooms.

Over the course of one year, Waban’s children’s programs currently provide services to more than 300 children and families throughout York County. With the growing demand for Waban’s specialized services, the new wing will enable Waban to serve more families, including Kindergarten through Grade 2 students.