STEM prek opens
Community Services for Children (CSC), provider of Head Start, Keystone STARS program, and subsidies for child care, has launched a preschool using STEM topics as its focus for learning. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Research indicates that the skills necessary to work successfully in the 21st century must start in early childhood. The new school is called The Newton School, noting the achievements of Sir Isaac Newton as their namesake.
“ We know that teaching literacy skills is essential to success,” said Jane Ervin, CEO and President of CSC. “Now the research is in that shows early math skills are predictors of success, too.”
In the 2014-15 school year, The Newton School is located on the Donley Children’s Campus in east Allentown. CSC is currently looking for new space in Allentown with the expectation that in future years The Newton School will expand to centers around the Lehigh Valley.
The STEM-approach to learning uses hands-on experiences to help children discover ideas in science, math, and engineering. Teachers learn to use open-ended questions to support children’s learning. With a generous grant from PPL, CSC has also developed and recently launched a STEM training series for prek teachers.
“Early education teachers have had little exposure to the methods, materials and applications for STEM teaching up to now, “ said Ervin. “We believe that both The Newton School STEM-focused preschool and the comprehensive training for prek teachers is new in Pennsylvania.”
An open house introducing The Newton School is scheduled for October 15m 9:30 – 11:00 am, Community Services for Children, The Fowler Building, 1520 Hanover Ave, Allentown. For information call 610-437-6000, x 2101.