Weis Markets donates $5K for Innovative Literacy Lab

Community Services for Children (CSC) recently received $5,000 from Weis Markets in Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) funding in support of its innovative Literacy Lab program.

“We are so appreciative of Weis Market’s community support. This is the building block for successful high school graduation and an educated workforce,” said Jane Ervin, chief executive officer and president of CSC.

The innovative Literacy Lab program for preschoolers enrolled in CSC’s Head Start program has proven to accelerate young children’s grasp of early literacy skills, which can help future success with language, reading and writing. Children enrolled in Head Start live in households with incomes at or below the poverty line. Head Start, celebrating its 50th anniversary in the Lehigh Valley this year, has helped more than 30,000 children achieve early success in school.

CSC is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development as an Educational Innovation Organization and a Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organization. Qualifying businesses may receive tax credits in exchange for donations to CSC to fund students from low income families attending high quality pre-K programs. These credits are obtained through the program Educational Investment Tax Credits (EITC) and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

CSC is the region’s leader in early childhood education and family development, reaching 40,000 children in 18 counties annually. For further information, call Sara George, 610-437-6000, x2101.