Local Preschool Expands Offered Programs

Preschool is such a crucial learning opportunity for youth under five, that’s why it’s comforting to know one of the best and well organized early learning schools in the area is right here in Ellwood.

After being founded decades ago, services offered through Lawrence County Community Action Partnership (LCCAP) are expanding at the Ellwood Early Learning Center located at 924 Crescent Avenue.

While the preschool still specializes in learning programs for ages three to five, a little over a year ago the Ellwood Early Learning Center, part of the Lawrence County Community Action Partnership, has started a new program called the Early Head Start Program – formulated specifically for children as young as six weeks and up to three years.

The Early Head Start Program partners with their Learning Tree Child Care and Preschool Program to layer free Early Head Start services on top of the full day of child care services received. This federally funded Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership is specifically designed to meet the needs of families who are working, in training, or are working toward their employment goals.

Each program is tailored to the specific needs of the targeted age groups, offering a wide variety of crucial mental and physical development lessons through educated play-time; the focus is on social and self-help skills in addition to the typical academic needs.

“The kids don’t learn by the typical ABC-1,2,3 standard, they learn through interactive fun and play with other children in the class,” Kathy Murphy, a family service worker at the Learning Center stated. “There is no time out or punishments, we offer nothing but positive reinforcement.”

Since all of the teachers are specifically trained with a bachelors degree or higher and are prepared to work with all personalities, there are no behavioral standards limiting children who can attend; kids who are not potty trained or who have a disability are equally encouraged to apply for the programs.

Each child will be individually assessed and screened for physical and mental health before starting in any programs, including screening for lead, hemoglobin, vision, hearing, ADHD, and several others, so teachers are able to ensure every individual child is improving exactly where it matters the most.

The goal of the programs is not to only help the students while they’re attending, but to also offer resources and guidance to families in order to encourage self sufficiency and improvements at home.

“From doctor referrals to job offerings and everything in between, we provide just about everything to steer parents in the right direction,” Gabrielle Acierno, a family social service and housing case manager at the Learning Center said.

The Early Head Start Program was designed especially to help parents who need assistance with their toddlers, mainly due to their own work and school related goals.

To learn more about LCCAP and the Ellwood location you can visit their official website here or call directly to the Center, dial 724-658-7671.

The Learning Center accepts applications year round and walk-ins are also welcome.

To apply to the location, click here.

General social services for the public are offered at the location for anyone in need.

All pictures provided by the Ellwood Early Learning Center staff.