86 • SEPTEMBER 2022
Baby Boom St. Andrew’s Foundations Program in Its Second Year Marlo Marlo Kirkpatrick St. Andrew’s innovative Foundations program welcomes the school’s newest class as the Class of 2040 begins their St. Andrew’s journey. Now in its second year, Foundations includes 75 babies and toddlers in three class levels – infant, one-year-olds, and two-year-olds. The program operates five days a week, year-round. Located in a cheerful, dedicated space in the Early Childhood Center on the South Campus in Jackson, Foundations is more than just ordinary daycare. “I was excited to see our first classes of Foundations students reach countless milestones throughout the school year,” said Dr. Sheena White, head of Foundations. “Being in a position to build strong, lasting relationships with their families is the icing on the cake.” Maeve (’06) and Landon Beard’s son, Liam, was a member of Foundations’ first infant class. Maeve is one of several alumni who enrolled their children in Foundations. “I graduated from St. Andrew’s, so I was excited when I heard about Foundations,” she says. “Going through the admissions process, meeting Sheena and others involved, and touring the new facilities gave me so much comfort and confidence that it would be a great program for Liam. I’m excited for him to be with other children in such a wonderful environment. I know Foundations is helping Liam learn and develop in the best way possible.” Foundations programming is designed specifically to stimulate brain development, preparing babies and toddlers for a lifetime of learning. Children participate in age-appropriate play, exploration, and social activities, all customized to the needs and developmental stages of each baby or toddler. Foundations teachers help ensure babies and toddlers are on track to meet or exceed developmental milestones. While the Foundations program focuses on personalized learning and care for each child, it also gives little ones the opportunity to make new friends they can grow up with through the years to come. “As a new mom, it’s hard to entrust others with your baby,” Beard said. “Knowing he’s safe and in great hands at St. Andrew’s makes it easier.” Taylor Neely Menist’s (’01) son, John, is just beginning his St. Andrew’s career as a member of the Foundations infant class, but he already has ties to St. Andrew’s. John’s father, Tye Menist (’06), is also an alumnus. “From our first conversations with St. Andrew’s about the program, just a few days after John’s birth, we felt right at home,” said Taylor. “We trust the school to provide what our precious boy needs at each step -- right now, a safe environment where he’s being nurtured and loved, developing and learning new skills every day.” Foundations lays the groundwork for a lifetime of learning, preparing children for the excitement of St. Andrew’s pre-K3 program and beyond. In May, the Class of 2037 crossed the sidewalk from pre-K2 to continue their learning from experienced faculty in the Early Childhood Center (pre-K3, pre-K4, and kindergarten). “Tye and I both attribute who we are today to our St. Andrew’s experience. What better gift can we give John than to start his journey in this world by instilling St. Andrew’s values?” said Menist. Led by experts in the learning abilities and development of babies, Foundations is the first step in a cradle-to-college program of educational excellence. There is no school better equipped to develop and lead this program than St. Andrew’s, the state’s educational leader. Hometown MADISON • 87