By Ann M. Lynady, Program Director SLHDA Head Start
August 20th, 2011
As the director of an early childhood program at the Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency Head Start, I can attest to the benefits early learning has on our youngest citizens, who will grow up to be our region’s next leaders.
I have seen children come into our program who already are behind their peers at the age of just 3 or 4. These children often face challenges that are beyond their control and lack the resources needed to gain ground during this critical time in their development.
On Thursday morning, August 21, Pre-K for PA joined Mayor Carolyn Comitta, Chester County leaders, and educators at the West Chester Area Day Care Center in West Chester, a STAR 3 pre-k program, to highlight the importance of high-quality pre-k in preparing children for kindergarten and beyond.
As parents and educators prepare for the first day of kindergarten, Pre-K for PA is holding a series of “Back to School” events at preschools across Pennsylvania to underscore the need for every 3- and 4-year-old in the commonwealth to be ready for kindergarten through access to high-quality pre-k.
Mayor Comitta was greeted by the preschool’s director, Betsy Billie before she read “The Kissing Hand” while the children were engaged, excited, and focused. We heard kids’ detailed observations of the book and insightful connections to their own lives. Because of their top-quality preschool, these children will be ready for kindergarten.
As Chester from Audrey Penn’s “The Kissing Hand” shows us, all families and young children have anxiety — mixed with excitement — on the first day of kindergarten. Pre-K for PA is working to make sure all children are prepared to start school. This way, children and families can step through their elementary school years learning and thriving academically. We will all benefit in the long run.
Joining us were Robert Patridge, Communications Director of West Chester Area School District, and Alain Oliver and Nelly Jimenez-Arevalo, leaders of the Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County. These leaders have been active partners with Pre-K for PA so we can ensure that every child in Chester county and in Pennsylvania can be ready to succeed on the first day of kindergarten.
Pre-K for PA isan issue campaign supported by individuals and organizations across Pennsylvania who believe that investing in our children is the right choice and an urgent necessity. Our vision is that every 3- and 4-year-old in Pennsylvania will have access to high-quality pre-k. We will not endorse nor oppose candidates, but rather we will advocate on behalf of this vision for Pennsylvania’s children, schools and communities.
Chester County leaders at West Chester Area Day Care Center: Mayor Carolyn Comitta (West Chster) with Alain Oliver and Nelly Jimenez-Arevalo (Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County).>Pre-k children and educators stand with Mayor Carolyn Comitta, Alain Oliver, Nelly Jimenez-Arevelo, as well as Betsy Billie (Director, West Chester Area Day Care Center), Rob Partridge (West Chester Area School District), and Suzann Morris (Pre-K for PA/ Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children).Mayor Comitta reads Audrey Penn’s “The Kissing Hand,” a story to prepare children for their first day of school.
Philadelphia, PA— On Wednesday, August 20, Pre-K for PA joined County Commissioners Rob Loughery and Diane Marseglia, as well as other Bucks County leaders and educators, at the Emilie Christian Day School in Levittown, a STAR 4 pre-k program, to highlight the importance of high-quality pre-k in preparing children for kindergarten and beyond.
As parents and educators prepare for the first day of kindergarten, Pre-K for PA is holding a series of “Back to School” events at preschools across Pennsylvania to underscore the need for every 3- and 4-year-old in the commonwealth to be ready for kindergarten through access to high-quality pre-k.
WHAT: Bucks County local elected officials and educators visit preschool class during “back to school” time, highlighting importance of state investment in high-quality pre-k.
WHO: County Commissioner Rob Loughery
County Commissioner Diane Marseglia
Alison Sheridan, Director of Emilie Christian Day School
Pat Miller, Chair of Bucks County Quality Child Care Coalition
Jodi Arnold, Kindergarten Teacher, Neshaminy School District
Colleen Stahl, K-2 Literacy Specialist, Neshaminy School District
Representatives from Pre-K for PA
WHEN: Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at 10:45 a.m.
WHERE: Emilie Christian Day School, 7300 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 19055
Pre-K for PA isan issue campaign supported by individuals and organizations across Pennsylvania who believe that investing in our children is the right choice and an urgent necessity. Our vision is that every 3- and 4-year-old in Pennsylvania will have access to high-quality pre-k. We will not endorse nor oppose candidates, but rather we will advocate on behalf of this vision for Pennsylvania’s children, schools and communities.
Richard Dunlap sat before 22 children Tuesday at Sonshine Christian Academy, reinforcing the Pre-K students’ mastery of the alphabet by using the alliterative character names from a storybook.
Dunlap, the superintendent of the Upper Darby School District, spent about 20 minutes reading “Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten” to an attentive group quick to respond to his follow-up questions. The event, organized by Pre-K For PA, was designed to publicize the benefits of high-quality, early childhood education programs and to push for improved access to them.
Newsworks: Roadblocks to child care snag Philadelphia’s student parents
A recent survey found that there are about 15,000 young Philadelphians lacking a high school diploma who are not currently enrolled in school or employed.
Chester County leaders at West Chester Area Day Care Center: Mayor Carolyn Comitta (West Chster) with Alain Oliver and Nelly Jimenez-Arevalo (Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County).>
