Cambria County Early Learning Pathway
This resource, aptly named the Early Learning Pathway (ELP), affords families the opportunity to be connected to services that are specific to the development of their child (or children), while also following a linear path of providers and services. Essentially, the ELP keeps the family and their child (or children) within the confines of receiving structured, targeted assistance from one program to the next.
The two goals of the Early Learning Pathway are:
- To have families, and their children, who are enrolled in Early Child Development programs remain within predetermined programs along the Pathway. Ideally, the family, upon completion (or graduation) of the program, would then be referred into the next program shown on the ELP, essentially creating a "warm handoff" between service providers. The objective of this goal is to keep families, and their children, enrolled within programs that increase the overall quality of the family unit in which the child (or children) is developing.
- To improve the overall chance that a child (age prebirth-5) will be afforded the right to develop and grow in an environment that is nurturing and supportive of their overall social, emotional, academic development. Initial school districts where the ELP saw success were Greater Johnstown and Central Cambria. In the last year, both Blacklick Valley, Northern Cambria, and Conemaugh Valley have implemented the ELP model in an effort to assist families, and provide essential pre-preparation for their future students.
PRENATAL to AGE 3
Nurse-Family Partnership
Nurse-Family Partnership, a maternal and early childhood health program, utilizes Registered Nurses to provide weekly home visits for first-time moms. They must register before 28 weeks of pregnancy. Home visits focus on health and development of both the baby and the mother and continue until the child’s second birthday. Income guidelines apply.
Contact: Home Nursing Agency - 800-315-4358
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Early Head Start
Early Head Start provides family-centered, full-year services designed to promote the development of the youngest children; to engage parents in their roles as primary caregivers and teachers of their children; and to help parents move toward self-sufficiency. Early Head Start offers weekly home visits and group activities to parents with children Prenatal to age 3. Income guidelines apply.
Contact: Professional Family Care Services - 814-255-5615
Parents as Teachers (0-3)
Parents As Teachers is an interactive home visitation program for parents with children prenatal to age 3. Home visits focus on positive parent child interaction and developmentally appropriate activities. Home visits typically last 1-hour and are offered either monthly, twice a month, or monthly. Parent/Child socialization activities are also provided. There are no income guidelines.
Contact: Beginnings, Inc. - 814-539-1919
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STARS 3 and 4 Childcare Providers
Keystone STARS childcare providers are high quality programs that promote quality early learning environments and positive child outcomes. A STARS rating ensures staff qualifications, professional development, promotes partnerships with family and community. Keystone STARS childcare centers can be found by contacting the Cambria County Child Care Information Services.
Contact: Cambria County Child Care Information Services - 814-472-6341
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PATHWAY II - AGE 3-5
Parents as Teachers (3-5 home-based)
Parents as Teachers is an interactive home visitation program for parents with children from age 3 to age 5. Home visits focus on positive parent child interaction and developmentally appropriate activities and kindergarten readiness. Home visits typically last 1-hour and are offered either monthly, twice a month, or monthly. Parent/Child socialization activities are also provided. There are no income guidelines.
Contact: Beginnings, Inc.: 814-539-1919
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Pre-Kindergarten (3-5 center-based)
Center-based Pre-Kindergarten programs offer children age 3-5 the opportunity to become academically, socially and emotionally prepared for Kindergarten ready to learn. Several programs are available in Cambria County. These providers offer high quality, developmentally appropriate programming that aligns to the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards.
Head Start - No cost - Income guidelines apply.
Contact: Community Action Partnership for Cambria County - 814-536-9031
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Pre-K Counts - No cost - Income guidelines apply.
Contact: Cambria County Child Development Corporation - 814-472-6341
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Keystone STAR 3 or higher child care program/preschool
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Contact: Cambria County Child Care Information Services - 814-472-6341
Learning Lamp - Licensed Pre-K school-district and/or nursery school - Tuition and income eligibility determined by provider.
Contact: 814-262-0732
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