PA Pre-K Counts- Providing Opportunities in our Communities

DADS MATTER: Changing the lives of fathers/father figures

DADS MATTER: Changing the lives of fathers/father figures

There is something satisfying about helping those in need who are working toward turning their lives around and building stronger relationships with their families. My name is Tishala M. Cooley, and as the Project Supervisor of Private Industry Council’s DADS MATTER...

Latest podcast

Listen to the “PIC Podcasts”

Listen to the “PIC Podcasts”

Head Start / Early Head Start FAQs The Private Industry Council discusses frequently asked questions for Head Start and Early Head Start students. Private Industry Council operates the Head Start / Early Head Start program for Beaver and Fayette Counties in the...

read more

Opportunities provided by the PA Pre-K Counts program go far beyond learning ABC’s and 123’s!  The opportunities are not limited to the students in our classrooms; they extend to families and the staff that serve those students.

If you’re not familiar with Pa Pre-K Counts, let’s start with the basics. PA Pre-K Counts is a free, high-quality preschool program. We serve children who are between age 3 and until the entry age for kindergarten and are living in families earning up to 300 percent of the federal income poverty level (such as a family of four earning $96,450).  These children may have other factors that put them at risk for future school failure, but PA Pre-K Counts has been shown to increase their odds of success in kindergarten and beyond! Our classrooms can be housed within partner school districts or childcare centers and consist of a maximum of 20 students with 2 staff in each class, to allow for individualized teaching and learning.

Our students gain the most opportunities from participating in Pre-K.  First, they learn the foundational social-emotional skills that are necessary for them to succeed as individuals and in group settings.  These skills include emotional regulation, like taking deep breaths when they’re feeling overwhelmed or choosing a second favorite toy when the one they really want is already being used.  They also have the opportunity to explore the world beyond their own homes.  The students begin to understand basic social studies concepts, like community helpers that are also family members or the idea that other families may celebrate holidays in ways that are different from their own. Finally, the academic opportunities come from a well-rounded curriculum that is carried out by professional teachers. Combined, these opportunities allow for a smooth and successful transition into kindergarten!

The families of these students also gain opportunities.  Our teachers are trained to encourage families to learn and grow alongside their children and to become active participants in their child’s developmental journey!  They provide guidance on how to extend their child’s social-emotional and academic learning into the home and are readily available to answer questions or hear concerns.  Our teachers also partner with families to provide volunteer opportunities in the classroom. This allows our families to see firsthand the experiences their child gains every day. Volunteering can also improve a parent’s confidence in guiding their children, as they’re able to see the techniques our teachers use.  PA Pre-K Counts also introduces families to valuable resources in their communities.

Our PA Pre-K Counts Staff also benefit from opportunities provided through the program.  They are the heart of Pre-K and have the most direct impact of the children and families that they serve.  Therefore, the most notable opportunity is to earn free or low-cost professional development and a pathway to level II certification.  Our teachers and support staff are aided in their mission of lifelong learning and encouraged to pursue educational opportunities.  Through this continual pursuit of knowledge, they are able to confidently lead our families to success!

 

Translate »