For years, families and partners have known our school-age programming simply as GRADS. This fall, that name is retiring, and in its place, we’re excited to introduce a new structure that better reflects the journey every child takes with DGCKids, from their very first days through high school graduation.
A Path That Grows With Your Child
Our new age groups are designed as a continuum, with each program building on the skills, confidence, and independence developed in the one before it:
- Buddy Builders — Birth to Age 3
- Explorers — Ages 3–5
- Navigators — Kindergarten–2nd Grade
- Voyagers — 3rd–5th Grade
- Challengers — 6th–8th Grade
- Pathfinders — 9th Grade–High School Graduation
Each name was chosen intentionally, reflecting the stage of discovery, growth, and independence children experience at that age. Together, they tell the story of a child’s entire path with DGCKids — one that grows alongside them and their family every step of the way.
Why the Change?
While GRADS served our community well for many years, it no longer captured the full picture of who we serve or how our programs are structured today. These new names give each age group its own identity, making it easier for families to understand exactly where their child fits and what to expect as they grow.
What This Means for Families
If your child previously participated in GRADS, you’ll receive a letter with details on their new program name, meeting schedule, and any updated registration steps. Every child will fall under one of the six new groups, and our team is here to help make the transition smooth.
What This Means for Our Community
For our incredible community partners, donors, funders, and volunteers, you’ll begin seeing these new names reflected across our communications, materials, and website. The mission and the families behind these programs remain the same; only the names and structure are new.
Looking Ahead
We’re excited for this new chapter and the clarity it brings to our programming. As always, thank you for being part of the DGCKids community and for supporting children who are blind or have a visual impairment as they thrive, explore, and grow.