Avon Grove to launch 'Little Friends' early-learning lab in high school; applications open with lottery for up to 15 slots
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Summary
District will launch a preschool 'early learning lab' in the high school this fall, pairing high-school child development students with four‑year‑old 'Little Friends.' Applications open; lottery planned mid‑June if applications exceed capacity. Program cost and timeline, and decision to postpone a $170,000 playground, were discussed.
Avon Grove School District administrators presented detailed plans to open an early-learning lab inside the new high school that will pair high-school child-development students (“big friends”) with preschool children ages 4 (“Little Friends”). The district plans to begin serving preschoolers in October and has opened an application process with a May 27 deadline.
Dr. Deshawn (acting in presentations) and classroom lead Michelle Koenig described program goals for the Little Friends—early literacy, social-emotional development, gross motor and cognitive skills—and parallel goals for high‑school students such as applying developmentally appropriate practice, building a professional portfolio and exploring career pathways in early childhood. The classroom will be staffed by a certified teacher (Koenig) and an instructional aide; up to 15 four‑year‑olds will be accepted for the initial cohort.
Administrators said 56 high‑school students who are currently enrolled in child‑development classes would be the likely pool of ‘big friends.’ The program will use existing interior courtyards, gym and other indoor spaces for play and gross‑motor time; the district decided not to purchase an estimated $170,000 external playground at launch because children in the pilot would only be outside roughly 90 times over the school year and administrators judged initial cost unwise.
Kelsey Kebbell and district communications staff prepared a flyer and web page with a QR-code registration form; administrators said they would send districtwide communications tomorrow. The process will accept applications through May 27, use a mid‑June lottery if demand exceeds capacity, and create a waiting list. The first day planned to welcome children is Oct. 7. Program fees were described: a $50 deposit at registration and $250 per semester (total $500/year); staff said they would work with families case‑by‑case on financial need.
Administrators described safety planning—orientation, authorized pickup lists, training inside the high school safety plan, and coordination with building security—and said cabinetwork, countertops and some plumbing adjustments for the classroom will begin the week after the presentation so the classroom is outfitted over the summer.
Board members and committee participants sought details about drill participation for preschoolers, staffing clearances (students working with preschoolers will be supervised by adults and will not be left alone; they will not require adult clearances), accessibility and whether the program will prioritize Avon Grove residents; staff said they would include residency screening as part of the application process and that more operational details will be finalized during orientation.
No formal board vote was taken; administrators asked the committee to proceed with communications and the application timeline and to finalize staffing in June. The committee appeared supportive of moving forward to the legislative agenda for formal placement if required.
