Finding Community in Persimmon Early Learning: One Family’s Journey

When this Persimmon family first arrived in Boulder with their son, they were in search of community and childcare. With family thousands of miles away, in different countries overseas, they had to navigate new systems in an isolated environment. Mom joined as a professor at CU Boulder, while Dad was studying in a PHD program, and finding time to explore their professional development while caring for their child full-time soon became difficult.  

Finding childcare was harder than expected. They started with CU's childcare program, but when administrative issues came up, they were referred to Persimmon Early learning for short-term care. At the time, they were just planning on short-term, 3 day a week care while they figured out their options. Quickly, they realized that Persimmon was the perfect fit for their family, and transitioned into long term, 5 day a week care. 

"So much greater than we expected this experience would be," Dad said. "We have found so many more special activities and situations that make it feel like that was the best decision to put him here." 

On their very first tour, they recalled how welcomed they felt by staff and teachers. Still, they were worried about their son’s transition, as he had never been in a childcare setting before, and English wasn't spoken at home. Other daycares had mentioned they would place him in a younger classroom because of a developmental delay, but Persimmon was flexible and supportive. Staff accommodated his two weekly therapy visits easily, and bilingual teachers helped with a smooth transition. He started learning English almost right away!  

For a family that had prioritized their languages and traditions at home, finding a place that welcomed their cultures was important. For Chinese new years, Dad spent a few evenings making a story to share with students, and was excited that it was more than welcomed. 

They were also thrilled that Persimmon provides three full meals a day, something they hadn't found anywhere else.  Through Persimmon's partnerships with Boulder Food Rescue, food became a way to open conversations with staff and other families. 

Persimmon's Director Celina guided the family through a childcare system that can be difficult to navigate, especially for families who didn't grow up here and don't have local relatives to ask. She sat down with Dad multiple times to walk through financial assistance options and help the family connect with human services available in Boulder County. 

"We also learned that daycare and childhood education here could be really hard to understand," Dad said. "So our conversations with them are always amazing." 

Persimmon’s financial assistance supported this family’s childcare journey. With tuition assistance, they were able to expand their son's enrollment from three days a week to five, with less concern for their financial stability. 

They found Persimmon to be even better than expected. Daily communication about their child and events kept them informed, and family events gave them the opportunity to meet other parents outside of the rushed pick-up and drop-off times.  

Last spring, Mom got funding to travel for work and spent the first ten days of May at conferences, sharing her research, and connecting with colleagues.  

"While he is here I can focus on my work," she said. "You do feel like you have more time and that is very important." 

She felt confident to explore these professional development opportunities. 

"I feel like I can travel with a peaceful mind and enjoy my trip, get to know more colleagues, give conference presentations," she said. "It is the combination of [dad’s] efforts and the daycare." 

Another thing that mom shared, is that in Chinese, the word for "seeds" carries a second meaning. It refers to someone with great potential. 

"So I am happy he is in Seeds," she said.