AVONDALE, PA — The Avon Grove School District has launched the Little Friends Early Learning Lab, an innovative preschool program that pairs early childhood education with high school career readiness. The initiative, which began Tuesday, October 7, at Avon Grove High School, is designed to prepare students for careers in education while providing preschool-aged children with a strong foundation for kindergarten.
The program, housed within the high school’s Family and Consumer Sciences department, offers a hands-on learning experience for students enrolled in Early Childhood I and II courses. Participants must first complete a Child Development course before working directly with preschoolers. Under the supervision of certified educators, high school students plan and lead lessons that promote literacy, math, social-emotional growth, and physical development—all guided by Pennsylvania’s Early Learning Standards.
For preschoolers, the lab offers a structured, play-based environment that integrates state-approved curriculum standards with individualized attention. For high school students, it provides a real-world application of child development theory, classroom management, and instructional planning aligned with state and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) guidelines.
District leaders say the lab serves dual purposes: addressing Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage by cultivating interest in education careers and providing high-quality early learning for local families.
Superintendent Dr. Scott DeShong said the initiative benefits both age groups, allowing high school students to gain practical skills while supporting the district’s youngest learners. Program Director Michele Koenig emphasized that the lab opens a pathway for students to explore teaching as a profession while making a meaningful contribution to their community.
The Little Friends Early Learning Lab exemplifies Avon Grove’s broader commitment to experiential learning. By linking classroom instruction to real-world applications, the district aims to equip students with both the skills and inspiration to pursue careers that strengthen local schools and communities.
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