Preschool Tuition Assistance Puts High Quality Preschool in Reach

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Johnstown, PA (July 19, 2017) –Quality preschool programs are proven to better prepare children for entry into kindergarten, and some studies show the benefits last as long as 25 years! While a few school districts offer free pre-kindergarten programs in our area, free preschool is not universal in Cambria and Somerset Counties. That means many local parents must send their child to a private preschool. Unfortunately, not every family can afford the cost.

The Learning Lamp, a nonprofit organization that works together with schools and families, offers high quality preschool programs across the region with tuition assistance available for income-eligible families. “In the 2016-17 school year, The Learning Lamp provided tuition assistance to 50 families, including many in Cambria and Somerset Counties, so their children could attend the preschool of their choice, not a program parents settled for because it was all they could afford,” said Erica Ponczek, early learning director at The Learning Lamp.

The Learning Lamp’s preschool programs are taught by certified teachers who are committed to meeting the needs of young learners. Classes are built around a curriculum designed to help children acquire and master the foundational skills for learning to read—a key to succeeding in school. Classes also include lessons based on the Hands-On math curriculum.

When you enroll in preschool at The Learning Lamp, your child gains much more than academic skills. He or she builds important social skills, learning how to interact appropriately and positively with other students. Many programs also offer extended-day options for working parents.

The Learning Lamp is currently enrolling students in preschool classrooms in Richland, Westmont, Davidsville and Jennerstown. Parents interested in exploring the early childhood education options available to them are welcome to call Erica Ponczek at 814-262-0732 extension 222 or visit thelearninglamp.org.

The Learning Lamp is a nonprofit organization with a mission to engage all children in the support they need to succeed. We deliver high quality programs that are affordable and accessible to families of all income levels. The Learning Lamp served 35,525 children from 62 school districts and 39 non-public and private schools and other organizations in 17 Pennsylvania counties and one county in Maryland in 2016.

Our programs include: one-to-one tutoring; before/after school programs; portable classrooms aimed at building math and science skills; alternative education programs for at-risk students; evidence-based prevention programs; online learning and credit recovery; SAT preparation; educationally-focused child care; literacy-based preschool programs; and grant writing and project consulting for schools.