Early learning classrooms to move to The Factory

The Pequea Valley Early Learning Center (PVELC), currently located in the Pequea Valley Intermediate School (PVIS), must move before that building is demolished in a few years. Currently, the PVELC includes three preschool classrooms, space for child care for infants and toddlers, and before- and after-school care.

According to Pequea Valley School District (PVSD) assistant superintendent Rich Eby, the classrooms represent an integral piece of the goal for each PVSD student. "Our Pequea Valley vision begins and ends with getting every kid prepared for their postsecondary first (career) choice," said Eby. "We believe strongly in preparing kids for kindergarten with home visits, putting books in homes, and prekindergarten - where they are coming in with a strong literacy foundation."

Lisa Eckert, director of early learning for the district, explained the special importance of the Headstart and Pre-K Counts preschool programs, which are federally funded and offer full-time learning for students who take part. "There are no child care centers in the district other than this location," said Eckert, adding that there are no other full-time preschool programs. "This is the only one with the Headstart and Pre-K Counts slots," she noted, adding that 60 slots are offered and that more than a quarter of the next kindergarten class is currently attending preschool at PVELC.

Fortunately, space for the program has been found in The Factory Ministries building, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise. "We have four rooms for sure, and we are confident we have a solution on the fifth room," said Adam Nagle, executive director of The Factory. However, remodeling those rooms to qualify as a state-licensed preschool and child care center is not without a price tag. "The funding reality is that the estimated cost is $750,000 to $800,000," said Nagle, adding that amount will cover remodeling the existing rooms and adding the fifth room, parking, a fenced playground, and more. "The biggest cost is HVAC," noted Nagle, who added that the age of the building and the upgrade in fresh air requirements since the advent of COVID-19 have increased costs. The new center needs to be open by Thursday, July 31, 2025, to continue providing the necessary services to PVSD children.

So far, a generous donation of $200,000 from the High Foundation has helped get the drive off to a good start, but Nagle said other funding streams are being explored. "There's a state grant for community hubs this would work well (for)," said Nagle, who noted that The Factory is applying for the $2 million grant with plans to use part of it for PVELC. He pointed out that the project qualifies for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), both of which offer tax advantages to businesses. Nagle added that the ministry is talking about HVAC donations with business donors in the community, as well.

Eby stated that the PVELC is essential to achieving better lives for all PVSD graduates. "We have a quality literacy program in place from kindergarten to grade five to get kids to be proficient readers by fourth grade (because) literacy and early learning should not be a stumbling block for a kid in eighth grade when you start exposing them to every possible career they might have interest or strength in."

Readers who are interested in donating to help move the PVELC may contact Nagle at 717-687-9594 or adam@thefactoryministries.com.