S A N T I A G O

From Silence to Success

When Santiago joined the UCC Ricardo Diaz Early Learning Academy (ELA) in the fall of 2024, he was a quiet and observant three-year-old. Instead of using words, he relied on pointing and hand gestures to communicate his needs. He struggled to recognize letters, numbers, and shapes. He found it difficult to engage in play with his classmates and his limited ability to communicate made it hard to connect with others.

Recognizing Santiago’s potential, his teachers at the Early Learning Academy immediately began working with him on his speech. They encouraged him to repeat words, helping him build confidence in speaking. When Santiago needed something, his teachers gently guided him to use his words instead of gestures, reinforcing the importance of verbal communication.

UCC’s support extended beyond the classroom, ensuring his parents were active partners in his development. His teachers sent home weekly projects to help Santiago practice his speech with his family, along with books to expand his vocabulary. His parents embraced these activities, working with him at home and participating in all parent engagement events at the ELA.

By mid-year, Santiago’s transformation was evident. He was no longer hesitant to communicate—he eagerly tried to speak and was working toward forming complete sentences. He now recognizes many letters, can identify seven numbers, and knows his shapes. Just as important, his newfound communication skills have helped him become more engaged in the classroom. He is calmer, plays well with his classmates, and participates in daily activities with enthusiasm.

Santiago’s journey is a testament to the power of early intervention, a nurturing learning environment, and the strong collaboration between UCC educators and families. With continued support, he is on a path toward a bright future—one where he can confidently express himself, build meaningful relationships, and thrive in the classroom and beyond.