Four Stars for YWCA Early Education Program

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by YWCA TriCounty Area

YWCA Tri-County Area’s Early Education Center today earned the highest level in Keystone STARS performance standards set by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning.

The STARS 4 designation recognizes YWCA Tri-County Area for its performance in the quality of staff credentials and professional development, programming, partnerships with family and community, and leadership and management.

“This designation acknowledges the strides we have made to improve the quality of education at our Early Education Center,” said Stacey Woodland, CEO of YWCA Tri-County Area. “We earned a perfect score; our goal now is to sustain the high quality of education we provide to local families.”

To earn the STARS 4 designation, YWCA Early Education Center improved the quality of classroom environment, curriculum performance standards, partnerships with families and the community, Continuous Quality Improvement measures, and the educational levels, support and continuing education, and compensation for teachers.

“The consistent support for our teachers promotes staff retention,” Woodland said. “That in turn provides continuity of care for the children, aiding in their development and learning.”

The STARS 4 designation also gives the Early Education Center additional state support for child care subsidies, and additional technical assistance and resources for the classroom.

YWCA Tri-County Area’s Early Education Center offers infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms, two Early Head Start classrooms, and two Pre-K Counts classrooms. In addition, Out Of School Time before and after school is available to families with school-age children.

Keystone STARS is an initiative of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning to improve, support, and recognize the continuous quality improvement efforts of early learning programs in Pennsylvania. Each level builds on the previous level using research-based best practices to promote quality early learning environments and positive child outcomes.

Free Classes Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Blogger's Note: The following comes courtesy of Mary Rieck, coordinator for PEAK, Pottstown's early education readiness program.

The Pottstown School District Pre-K Counts partnership announces a new early learning opportunity for Pottstown students entering kindergarten. 

The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning awarded the partnership funding for six summer kindergarten readiness classes.

The six free Summer Kindergarten Readiness Program classes will be offered at the PEAK community early learning partner sites beginning Aug. 12.

To be eligible for the classes, students must be entering Pottstown School District kindergarten in September and meet income requirements. Family income cannot exceed 300% of the federal poverty level – for a family of four that is an annual income of approximately $70,000.

Spaces are limited – call now to register. 

Mercury Photo by John Strickler

Children in a pre-K program at Warwick Child Care Center,
a PEAK partner.

The classes will be offered at Montgomery Early Learning Centers, Pottstown YMCA, KinderCare Learning Center, Warwick Child Care Center, YWCA Tri-County Area and Pottstown School District Pre-K Counts. 

A complete listing of the sites and contact information can be found on the PEAK web site at www.peakonline.org.

PEAK (Pottstown Early Action for Kindergarten Readiness) is a partnership between Pottstown School District and community early learning programs and agencies seeking to prepare children and families for success in kindergarten. 

To learn more about PEAK or the Pre-K Counts classes, visit www.peakonline.org, e-mail Mary Rieck at mrieck@pottstownsd.org or call 610-970-6655.