There was a red carpet, a barbecue and a DJ. There was face painting, cotton candy and life-size cartoon characters. There were pony rides, goats and a sheep. Most of all, there was love.

Four youngsters “stepped up” on Aug. 5 from UFT member and family child care provider Regina Carlton’s Little Lions Early Learn Academy in East New York, Brooklyn. They wore custom-made caps and gowns and — with adoring parents, families and guests watching — they received engraved statues that they proudly took home.

What’s more important is what they will take to pre-K.

Sherwin Garcia’s 4-year-old son was among the graduates. “He’s reading books; he’s starting to visualize words,” Garcia said.

Jacqueline Carter’s 2½-year-old grandson is too young to step up. But he already knows colors, is starting to spell and can count to 10. “I am really touched when I come here,” Carter said. “She (Carlton) makes sure they’re on the right path.”

Bayyinah Reid said her daughter, who also graduated, “has progressed tremendously.” Reid credited the Little Lions educators: “They deal with her with such care, such nurturing, such patience.”

Garcia said Carlton and her staff take care of his son “like he’s their own.”

Carlton was a paraprofessional for more than 20 years before becoming a home-based child care provider four years ago. She said she almost joined the children in cap and gown to celebrate her recently earned bachelor’s degree in education.

“Every child who leaves this program is going to enrich the community where he or she goes,” said UFT Family Child Care Providers Chapter Chair Tammie Miller, who joined the festivities that day. “Your neighborhoods would not be the same without providers like Regina Carlton.”

For the special day, Carlton had her block closed. Her “little lions” played with each other and the cartoon characters. They jumped into Carlton’s arms at every opportunity and followed her around in a queue like she was the Pied Piper. And when they wanted to speak or when they asked for something, Carlton reminded them to use “the magic words,” such as excuse me, please and thank you.

Current families were joined by some parents whose children were in Carlton’s care in prior years. These parents support her even after moving on, Carlton said.

One young graduate was asked what she liked best about Little Lions. She looked at everything around her but didn’t think long. She smiled and shouted, “Miss Carlton!”

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