Early Learning Academy connect kids/seniors

The colorful, vibrant Early Learning Academy at Heritage Pointe of Warren senior living community in Warren, blends early childhood education with senior living. This in turn creates opportunities for children and older adults to interact, learn from one another and find joy in daily living.

Heritage Pointe Early Learning Academy, a licensed childcare ministry, offers a structured daycare program with five classrooms serving infants through preschool-aged children, as well as before- and after-school care for older kids. The Academy features a spacious, brightly decorated interior, a dedicated lunchroom and a curriculum designed to support early development.

The Early Learning Academy, which is open to children of the staff of Heritage Pointe of Warren and the wider community, uses the Experience Early Living curriculum, a hands-on, play-based curriculum tailored to different age groups. Children learn through games, crafts and themed activities while developing skills such as recognizing letters, numbers, shapes and colors. As children get older, activities become more school-focused, including tracing numbers and practicing letters, while remaining interactive and fun.

Alyssa Whitesell, director of the Academy, says the children recently participated in making superhero capes with their names on them, a themed activity geared towards children to help them begin to learn the alphabet and how to write letters.

“It keeps them entertained while they are learning at the same time,” she says.

Parents receive a package every week explaining what their children are doing, and can track their weekly activities through Brightwheel, a cloud-based childcare management platform that enables teachers, administrators and parents to stay connected through a single app.

“It’s very easy for the parents to follow along with what their kids are doing with the curriculum and what they are learning,” she says.

Another component that sets the program apart from others is its emphasis on intergenerational engagement, which studies show benefits both youngsters and seniors alike.

Throughout the week, children regularly interact with residents of the senior living community through shared, chaperoned activities that range from book clubs to arts programming and outdoor play. The connections formed during those interactions are intentional and beneficial for both age groups.

Research shows that intergenerational relationships provide older adults with a renewed sense of purpose, improved mental and cognitive health, reduced loneliness and increased physical activity.

Children benefit just as much from intergenerational connections. They gain emotional support, improve their social skills and enhance their learning. Spending time with older adults helps kids build empathy, boost confidence, and expand their vocabulary through storytelling and talking with one another. They also develop a stronger sense of community, according to research and education group Legacy Project.

Activities at Heritage Pointe bring the generations together on a weekly basis. During a recent “water day” held in the courtyard, children and residents played with water guns, tossed water balloons and enjoyed a foam machine … an event Whitesell says drew enthusiastic participation from both groups.

The Academy also hosts weekly ceramics sessions and a book club that encourages conversation between generations. During those sessions, children read aloud to residents and then engage them with themed questions.

Whitesell says. “One week the theme might be summer vacation, so they’ll ask, ‘What was your favorite summer vacation?’”

The exchanges often lead to deeper connections that are meaningful across the board.

“They form relationships with the residents. They really get to know each other,” she says. “The kids always ask, ‘Are we going to get to do activities today so we can see our friends?’”

Residents are equally invested.

“They eat it up. They smile from ear to ear, from beginning to end,” Whitesell says. “It brings them a lot of joy to help the children out.”

Parents have also embraced the concept, noting that the program helps children feel more at ease interacting with older adults.

“It makes their kids more comfortable with the older generation,” Whitesell says. “And it’s unique. It’s an experience not a lot of kids are going to get in a preschool and daycare.”

Beyond its intergenerational offerings, the center emphasizes safety and structure. As a state-regulated childcare ministry, staff members undergo CPR and first-aid certification along with ongoing training in various topics related to their roles. Whitesell says the center’s environment is designed to be welcoming for both children and families, particularly those navigating daycare for the first time.

Knowing that such a transition can be difficult, staff tailor their approach to children’s individual needs.

With its combination of early education and senior engagement, Heritage Pointe Learning Academy reflects a growing trend in care models that bring generations together, offering benefits that go well beyond traditional daycare or senior living programming.