Avon Grove previews early learning lab at high school, plans September start with 15 preschoolers and student teachers

District staff presented plans on the early learning lab set to open at Avon Grove High School in September and asked the committee to expect a fuller update at the April education committee meeting.

The lab, to be located in Room 104, is intended as a practicum for high school students enrolled in Early Childhood 1 and a community preschool experience for four‑year‑old children. District staff said interior work (cabinets, countertops and sinks) and bathroom fixture adjustments are planned, and the district is soliciting quotes for playground equipment, surfacing and fencing outside the room.

District staff said the program will pair up to 15 high school students with up to 15 early learners. "We anticipate having up to 15 high school students with 15 four year olds," the presenter said, adding the district hopes to schedule preschool hours roughly 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., about three days per week. Staff said the early learning lab will begin a few weeks after the school year starts so high school students can acclimate and prepare lessons.

Why it matters: District staff framed the lab as a career pathway and hands‑on experience for students interested in early childhood education. Staff said the lab also aims to align four‑year‑old readiness with kindergarten expectations at Penn London Elementary School by focusing on structured literacy and other kindergarten‑entry skills.

What staff described: Site and safety. Room 104 is already plumbed for sinks; the district will add cabinetry and lower bathroom fixtures for young children. Staff said the play area will be fenced (not a brick wall) and the district is comparing turf versus rubberized surfacing. Staff said they are coordinating with security for arrival and pick‑up procedures and to establish check‑in/out routines.

Curriculum and staffing. The district described a multi‑year curriculum rollout: child development (half credit) is the pre‑requisite; Early Childhood 1 (2025–26) will use the same resource as child development; Early Childhood 2 (planned for 2026–27) will add supervisory experience for student teachers. Staff said family and consumer science teachers are drafting curriculum and one current family and consumer science teacher with early childhood coursework is a likely candidate for the classroom teacher role.

Timeline and enrollment. Staff said cabinet work is slated for March–April, recruitment for a classroom teacher and instructional aide will begin in April, and hiring would be finalized in June–July. District staff plans community outreach in April–May and enrollment for a September start. Staff said they will advertise application and enrollment details and that a selection method (lottery, application, etc.) had not yet been decided.

Cost and participation limits. Staff said they expect at least two adults in the classroom and said the district will propose a teaching position and an instructional aide in the budget cycle. Staff said there will be a parent fee but that "we do not want cost to be an obstacle"; the exact family cost was not specified and staff committed to return in April with recommended pricing and enrollment procedures.

Questions and concerns. Board members asked about certification for the teacher, daily schedule, minimum enrollment and whether the district would prioritize special‑needs screening; staff said the program initially targets typical four‑year‑old readiness and that tailoring for special‑needs populations is not a first‑year focus. Staff also said they will develop procedures for admissions, privacy and supervision.

Next steps. Staff will return to the education committee in April with a more detailed implementation plan (drop‑off/dismissal procedures, safety protocols, family communications, final cost to families and the application process). The district plans to begin interior site work before summer and to enroll the first cohort for the 2025–26 school year.