PV Early Learning program seeks support

When Christa McAuliffe said, "I touch the future," she was referring to her role as a teacher, but Pequea Valley-area residents and businesses have an opportunity to touch the future by helping to fund the Pequea Valley Early Learning program. "There are a variety of ways for (individuals) and businesses to support our program," said Lisa Eckert, director of early learning for the Pequea Valley School District (PVSD).

Early learning in PVSD focuses on a child's development from birth to age 5. The program includes outreach activities such as Welcome Baby Brave Kits, the Imagination Library, and Read Under the Lights. Monthly Play and Learns are group activities that foster parent and child interaction and provide child development information. Kindergarten transition activities help prepare incoming kindergartners to start school, and home visits using the Parents as Teachers Curriculum encourage parent and child interaction and family well-being.

Eckert explained that funding sources, such as grants and partnerships, have sustained many of the programs over the years, but certain offerings are now in need of fresh funding streams. One of those programs is the Imagination Library, a book gifting program that provides free books for young children. "Thirty dollars will support Imagination Library for one child (for a year)," Eckert said. The situation with Welcome Baby Brave Kits, which also promote literacy, is similar in that a funding stream is not available, but $35 will cover a kit.

Eckert pointed out that kindergarten transition programs, which had been funded by a grant, are now in need of revenue. Scholarships that support this program are specifically designated to help families who have preschool-age children but do not necessarily qualify for other assistance programs. "There are a couple programs for families of preschoolers, but they have to meet specific income levels," explained Eckert. "We have Pre-K Counts and Head Start slots, and (families) have to meet certain criteria to qualify for those," she pointed out. "We are finding there are families who make too much (to qualify) but not enough to cover the cost of a full-time preschool program themselves," said Eckert who noted that preschool costs about $6,000 a year per student. Eckert added that the amount of funding provided to a family can be tailored to meet community needs.

The work of the Pequea Valley Early Learning program has already borne fruit. Based on the IU13 transition indicator screening that is used with all incoming kindergartners, PVSD students have shown a steady increase since 2019. "I would say that from 2019 to 2022, our percentage has increased by 27% in kindergarten readiness," said Eckert. "(The ways in which) we are reaching our families is connected (to that statistic)."

Readers who would like to help support the Imagination Library, Baby Brave Kits, or kindergarten transition programs may visit http://www.pequeavalley.org/Page/3238 and click on the "donate" button. Individuals who have questions may email lisa_eckert@pequeavalley.org or call 717-381-5020.