Lisa Eckert, director of early learning for the Pequea Valley School District (PVSD), is excited about all that the Pequea Valley Building Braves Early Learning Programs offer even though the program has taken a different form over the last few months. "At this point, Little Braves activities are virtual," said Eckert, who works alongside early learning advocate Cherie Oswald, a Community Action Partnership employee, in The Factory Ministries, located at the Together Community Center (TCC), 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise.
"The early learning program focuses on all families in PVSD that (have children who are) prenatal through age 5," said Eckert. "Our goal is to connect with those families and provide resources to help them transition into kindergarten." Eckert explained that a child's brain undergoes significant development between birth and age 3. Although the district does not have a preschool, a Head Start program is located at TCC, and a Pre-K Counts program is at Pequea Valley Intermediate School. Eckert also is in touch with private preschools in the district. "The goal is to bridge the gap before children come to kindergarten by connecting them with preschools," said Eckert.
The program starts with a Welcome Baby Brave kit that is presented to anyone in PVSD who has had a baby recently. "(The kit) includes books, resources, toys, activities (to let parents know) these are the things that are important to provide to your child as an infant," said Eckert. When the kit is delivered, parents are informed about other Building Braves Early Learning Programs, including the free home visit program called Parents As Teachers. "Home visits include parent/child activities, child development education, and family well-being (information)," said Eckert. "We teach and help provide activities for parents to work with their children," she said.
Little Braves Open Gym provides space for families to play in the TCC gym on two mornings a month. Eckert noted that circle time and a snack are included and that the Little Braves Book Club grew out of the open gym. "Each session, they received a book," said Eckert, who added that a child development information sheet devoted to the topic covered during the gym time was also included. "It could be cognitive development or social emotional development," said Eckert, who noted that the handout included an activity to do at home. She said they hope to hold the gym again, but may resort to a virtual activity and handing out the books in a safe manner. Because it was not possible to hold summer play groups, the activities are detailed for parents at the PVSD website.
Other programs include a partnership with Plant the Seed of Learning, which is targeted for children from birth to age 2, and Grow the Seed of Learning for children ages 2 to 4. While the programs were previously held at the Pequea Valley Public Library, Eckert said they hope to hold the programs at TCC in the future.
Kindergarten Workshops are geared to four- and five-year-olds who are preparing to enter kindergarten. The workshops were provided online this year. Kindergarten Readiness Packs include items children can use to develop fine and gross motor skills, such as scissors, but they also feature books and games.
The Building Braves Early Learning Program also participates with the Imagination Library, through a partnership with the Literacy Council of Lancaster. "Any child from birth to age 5 is eligible," said Eckert, who noted that the program delivers one free book a month to the child's home until he or she turns 5. "We submit an application (for the parents)," explained Eckert.
Eckert is employed by The Factory Ministries based on a grant from Urban Outfitters designated for early learning and held by PVSD. Eckert said she connects with advocates at The Factory to aid area families when needed. "Everybody works together to provide this program," she commented. "We focus on the family as a whole and make sure they have resources and community connections."
Readers who would like to know more about the program may visit http://www.pequeavalley.org and click on "Early Learning." Eckert may be reached at 717-381-5020 or at lisa_eckert@pequeavalley.org.
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