Little Friends: Pre-K Early Learning Lab
About Little Friends
The Little Friends Early Learning Lab at Avon Grove School District offers a high-quality, play-based preschool experience for children who will be four years old on or before August 31, 2025. Guided by the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, the curriculum emphasizes early literacy, STEM, social-emotional development, and physical development. A structured literacy approach is incorporated to build a strong foundation for reading, while hands-on, play-based learning fosters both academic and social skills to prepare children for kindergarten success.
Sponsored by Avon Grove High School, this program provides a unique real-world learning experience for high school students enrolled in Early Childhood I & II courses through the Family and Consumer Sciences department. Before participating, students must complete prerequisite Child Development coursework. Under the supervision of a certified teacher, preschoolers engage with high school students in a collaborative environment that benefits both age groups—helping our youngest learners thrive while offering high school students valuable hands-on experience in early childhood education.
Goals for Students
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Provide a high-quality preschool experience aligned with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards.
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Foster early literacy and foundational skills through structured, play-based learning.
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Develop social-emotional, cognitive, and physical growth in a nurturing environment.
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Offer high school students real-world experience in early childhood education through hands-on engagement.
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Create a pipeline for future educators by offering a multi-year experience for Avon Grove high school students.
Instructional Model
The Little Friends program follows the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, with a focus on:
- Early Literacy: A structured literacy approach that builds strong foundations for reading.
- Mathematics: Developmentally appropriate practices that build math concepts.
- Social-Emotional Skills: Activities that support children's social development and emotional growth.
- Physical Development: Opportunities to develop both fine and gross motor skills.
Children will engage in hands-on, play-based learning, guided by a certified teacher and supported by high school students gaining real-world experience in early childhood education.
