Feel Good Story: The Power of Pre-K: How Collaboration Turned into Celebratory Milestones

April 11, 2025
The Power of Pre-K: How Collaboration Turned into Celebratory Milestones

Early childhood is a critical window for development. For children who are experiencing delays or even early challenges, big or small, high-quality pre-kindergarten programs like Tomball ISD’s Early Excellence Academy can be life-changing. With the right support - delivered through effective and intentional collaboration - young learners within the Special Education Early Childhood program can make transformative gains in motor skills, communication, social interaction, and independence.

Ellie, a student at Early Excellence Academy, began her Pre-K journey as a three-year old a year ago with limited mobility and was unable to walk independently. With the guidance of her occupational therapist Whitney Drake and teacher Madison Mills, Ellie’s monumental gains have inspired so many. 

“From the very beginning when Ellie joined my class, I focused on building a trusting relationship with her while collaborating closely with her family and support team,” said teacher Madison Mills.

Collaboration is essential to student success, and the professionals at Early Excellence Academy worked together to integrate gross motor development, individualized planning, and develop confidence and independence within Ellie as a growing student.

“The collaboration around this student was exceptional because it was grounded in trust, open communication, and a shared commitment to student success,” said Dr. Jessica Perez, EEA Principal.

The teacher served as a strong advocate and partner, keeping lines of communication open with the therapy team and the family every step of the way. Paraprofessionals played a vital role by actively supporting the student during daily routines, helping embed therapy strategies into the classroom, and serving as her biggest cheerleaders.

By identifying challenges early, Ellie was able to get the support she needed to make significant progress in just one year. Through pediatric physical therapy, developmental milestones were met.

“It is incredibly rewarding to witness their pride as they overcome challenges and reach milestones,” said Whitney Drake, therapist. “The chance to make a meaningful impact in a child’s life is what drew me to this field - and what continues to inspire me every day.”

Significant progress was made by pairing spoken words with visuals, sign language, and assistive technology. Doors to communication slowly began to open for Ellie.

“I’ll never forget the day Ellie looked at me and signed “I love you” for the first time at dismissal,” said Mills. “It was a powerful moment that reflected months of hard work, connection, and progress. Just recently, she proudly spoke her first word: “Yes.” I felt incredibly proud of Ellie and the journey we’ve taken together and the trust we’ve built along the way.”

As last school year went on, Ellie made significant progress and returned with confidence and an eagerness to continue learning and growing. 

“One of the most meaningful moments in my journey was seeing Ellie walk independently at the start of the 2024-2025 school year - just months after relying on a walker,” said Drake. “Watching her move confidently on her own was a powerful reminder of her determination, the team’s support, and the deep purpose behind this work. It was a moment that truly filled my heart.”

Early Excellence Academy has built a system of support - one that support’s student outcomes like Ellie’s monumental gains. 

“Supporting Ellie as she took her first independent steps, and later walked up and down stairs, was nothing short of amazing and inspiring,” said Mills. “By keeping open, empathetic communication with her parents and offering tools they can use at home, we’ve built a team that lifts her up. Watching Ellie grow has brought more joy to my days than I could have imagined and reminds myself, and others, daily why we chose the path of public education.”

Early Excellence Academy is a special place that is committed to providing a nurturing and caring environment that is personalized to meet the needs of all learners. From its play-based approach to learning to the thoughtful design of the classrooms and collaborative spaces, everything EEA does is centered around the whole child.

“What makes us truly special is our shared belief that every child has limitless potential, and it is our job to meet them where they are and help them thrive,” said Dr. Perez. “Our staff is truly the heart of our school. They celebrated each small victory along the way, reinforcing her progress and confidence.”

Whether it is a big or small milestone, EEA took time to recognize the little things in Ellie - because in early childhood, those little things are everything.