Chris Bachman, executive director of the Cameron County Child Development Corporation, told the Greater Johnstown School Board that the program moved this summer from 413 Power Street to 417 Power Street after the previous contract proved unaffordable under existing grant funding.

The move, Bachman said, began in May and relied on local partners, volunteers and board staff. “We found a new place. … The classrooms were big enough. The ACRP staff was very friendly. Frank was just so welcoming. So we started the process of moving. This was in May. We are moved in right now,” Bachman said.

The new site occupies multiple floors of an ACRP building. Bachman and her colleagues described the layout to the board: preschool administrative offices and a classroom on the first floor, space for partner organizations on the second floor, and classrooms on the third and fourth floors. She noted that half of the fourth floor is a full gymnasium, which staff said will give 3- and 4-year-old children daily indoor space for gross-motor activities during inclement weather.

“I'm so thankful,” said Bachman, explaining that the program has begun the process of renewing its license and already received new enrollment interest; she told the board the program received four applications that day. Jessica Nickel, identified in the meeting as lead head teacher, and Cindy Leach, described as the staff member coordinating the move, were cited as handling day-to-day operations at the new site.

Bachman and board members thanked community volunteers who helped with painting and setup, including Tony Pena and a local football team and other community members. Bachman invited the board and community to visit the new facility and emphasized the program’s continued presence in Camry City.

The presentation to the board was informational; no formal board action on the preschool lease or contract was recorded during this portion of the meeting.

The district’s superintendent noted the move while delivering the superintendent’s report and confirmed the district’s continued partnership with the preschool program to keep early learners connected to elementary schools.

The district and the Cameron County Child Development Corporation said they will continue licensing work and outreach in the coming weeks; Bachman asked board members to share the relocation news with the community so families remain aware that the preschool remains in the same neighborhood.