Change. This word, for some people, carries a negative connotation. For others, change is something positive. In most cases, change is inevitable. For instance, babies grow into toddlers, they go off to school, and they become more immersed in the journey called life. The transition from being at home 24/7 to attending school can be challenging for kids, which is why Lampeter-Strasburg School District (LSSD) recently implemented a new prekindergarten program through a collaboration with the Owl Hill Learning Center.

At Lampeter Elementary School, 1600 Book Road, Lancaster, the Pre-K Counts program provides half-day prekindergarten to eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. The program is designed for children who are at risk of school failure and are living in families earning up to 300% of the federal income poverty level, such as a family of four earning $72,900, who may also be English language learners or have special needs. The Pre-K Counts classroom at Lampeter Elementary School can host 20 students in the morning and 20 students in the afternoon. For the 2021-22 school year, there will be rolling admission until the program reaches capacity.

Owl Hill Learning Center started its first Pre-K Counts program in the Manheim Township School District in 2007. Since then, it has expanded into three classrooms with seven teachers serving 60 students.

A unique aspect to the program at Lampeter Elementary School is that it is open to families within the LSSD, Penn Manor School District, and Conestoga Valley School District. Transportation is not provided, but one meal is available to students enrolled in the half-day program. Owl Hill Learning Center uses resources that are instructionally and developmentally appropriate under the early learning standards of the state of Pennsylvania, which implements a curriculum designed to help children grow academically and socially.

"The program is more of a seamless transition into kindergarten," said Julie Mathers, Pre-K Counts coordinator at Owl Hill Learning Center. "It prepares kids for being in a school building."

Families that are financially eligible can enroll their children by calling or texting Mathers at 717-435-0593 or by emailing lssdpkc@gmail.com. Mathers will send a digital application, and families will be asked to complete an emergency consent form. Families in the LSSD will register their children using the district's software online.

"All the teachers have been really friendly, and it's been really great to be a part of the school year," stated Faith Thomas, educational director at Owl Hill Learning Center and lead Pre-K Counts teacher at Lampeter Elementary School. "I'm just really excited to start something here for these families and partner with the community and help kids learn and get excited about school."

To learn more about the Owl Hill Learning Center, visit http://www.owlhilllearningcenter.com.