Eligible preschoolers in Vandergrift can now get a Head Start

There’s a new preschool in Vandergrift.

Westmoreland Community Action has opened a Head Start classroom in the lower level of The Center on Franklin Avenue, in the former Trinity United Presbyterian Church.

Teacher Abby Wilcox of Kiski Township welcomed new students Monday.

Head Start prepares children ages 3 to 5 for kindergarten. It is free for families who meet income guidelines. Breakfast and lunch are provided.

The program caps enrollment at 20. There are 17 children registered.

Because of the pandemic, the schedule operates on a hybrid model, and, Wilcox said, the program is short-staffed.

“We need one more staff member here,” Wilcox said.

Students and staff are required to wear face coverings.

Nine students attend class from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and the remaining students attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Wilcox shares teaching duties with aide Alysia Pryor, who lives in Vandergrift.

The Center owner and teacher Chloe Kruse moved her classes and events upstairs to accommodate Head Start.

“I’m glad to offer the space and any assistance they need,” Kruse said. “Providing quality preschool programs to the Vandergrift area is an absolute necessity.”

The classroom is funded through an expansion of Head Start and state funding of $1.1 million provided to Westmoreland Community Action.

The previous Head Start in Vandergrift operated out of Kiski Area East Primary and closed about five years ago.

Another Head Start operates out of Kiski Area North Primary School in Allegheny Township.

Wilcox said the buzz around town surrounding Head Start has been positive.

”A lot of people live locally here and we have a lot of walkers,” Wilcox said. “I expect the class to fill up.”

The classroom covers a large space that includes a kitchen and nine separate centers that encourage learning and playing.

Centers include a library, art, table toys, music, housekeeping, dramatic play, blocks and a writing area.

“Housekeeping is a huge hit for everybody because of the dress-up and playing with the cash register,” Wilcox said.

“I got the money. I’m delivering the mail,” said student Wade Fisher, 5, of Leechburg, who found his mailman outfit in the costume closet.

Students will have outdoor playtime, weather permitting, in Franklin Park, located across the street from The Center.

Vandergrift Mayor Lenny Collini said the preschool is a great addition to the borough.

“Good luck to that program and all of its endeavors in Vandergrift,” Collini said.

New Kensington expands its program

In New Kensington, where the program runs from 1049 Fifth Ave. downtown, an additional classroom opened Tuesday at the Salvation Army Church & Community Center, which is the site of the former Fort Crawford Elementary School on Third Street.

Officials say 10 children are enrolled and there are several open spaces. The teacher is Melanie Fleming and her assistant is Brenda McGee.