Selamwit Gebresus kept waiting for the moment she would hear her son's first words. But for too long, there was only silence.
Samuel was 1-1/2 and didn't speak a word. Instead he would just point at things and make noises.
Samuel's mother was unsure of how to help. Fortunately she connected to Neighborhood House's Parent-Child Home Program, which United Way of King County supports.
The home visitor who worked with the Gebresus family showed Samuel's mom activities to draw Samuel out, such as discussing a picture book, doing puzzles and playing games.
After a couple of months, Samuel started speaking, and soon he was talking about everything from dinosaurs to dump trucks.
The home visitor worked with the Gebresus family for two years, visiting them twice weekly. By the time he began preschool, 3-year-old Samuel was so advanced for his age, his teacher put him in a group with 4- and-5-year-olds. While other 3-year-olds had trouble sitting still for more than a few minutes, Samuel was focused and ready to learn.
Samuel's mom said he's so excited about learning that he cries on Fridays when preschool isn't in session.
"He says, 'Oh, not fair, Mommy. I want to go to school.' He's amazing!"
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