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Shaler Area to offer Pre-K program starting February 2016

Two Shaler Area primary schools will host PA Pre-K Counts class starting this school year.

Both Marzolf and Reserve Primary schools in the Shaler Area School District each will house one PA Pre-K Counts class, a preschool program for 3- and 4-year-olds starting in February 2016.

PA Pre-K Counts is a division of the Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. and funded through the state Office of Child Development and Early Learning.

The PA Pre-K Counts program serves children at risk of school failure either because of income, language, cultural environment or special needs. The program is free to families and operates five days per week from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for 180 days, following the majority of the school district’s schedule. Children are placed in a classroom of up to 20 students and are provided breakfast and lunch.

One of PA Pre-K Counts’ goals is to ensure a smooth transition for children and parents from the program into Kindergarten.

Throughout the course of the program, young students will be taught skills such as letter and number recognition, emerging literacy skills and following rules and directives in addition to sharing and building social skills.

“We are excited to offer this program to families in the Shaler Area School District,” said Sean Aiken, Shaler Area superintendent. “The program will ensure more children have access to a quality preschool program and the opportunity to build a strong academic foundation before entering Kindergarten.”

Shaler Area partnered with the Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette Inc. to provide the program to the community at no cost to the district.

The Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates employment, education and training programs in southwestern Pennsylvania.

There are a total of 15 PA Pre-K Counts sites in Allegheny, Fayette and Westmoreland counties.

For more information, contact Rene Despot, Pre-K manager, at 724-437-2590 ext. 3324.


Pre-K program for at-risk kids to debut in Allegheny County
TribLIVE | Education article Feb. 4, 2016
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1800 Mt. Royal Boulevard     Glenshaw, PA. 15116     P 412-492-1200     F 412-492-1236
1800 Mt. Royal Boulevard Glenshaw, PA. 15116 P 412-492-1200 F 412-492-1236
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