2014 State College Area Preschool Fair Approaching

For its annual State College Area Preschool Fair, Mothers and More has partnered with the State College Area School District to provide a larger venue and more space for the growing event.

In its seventh year, the fair will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 11, 2014 at the State College Area High School south building. The fair hosts about 20 representatives and directors from area preschools, and attracts more than 70 families says Nicki Rusca, a member of Mothers and More.

The free community service event, which this year will feature activities for children, aims to provide parents and caregivers with an opportunity to learn about local preschools. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet teachers and staff.

“Partnering with the school district has been great,” Rusca says.

All local preschools are invited to the fair, as well as other area resources for preschool-aged children, such as gymnastics and music-based programs.

The idea is to have “one-stop shopping” for parents and families, says Rusca. And with some preschools being faith-based and others being play-based, the fair provides a “nice mix” of options.

“There really are a lot of different choices,” Rusca says.

In addition to finding out what schools offer preschool programs, parents can learn about application deadlines and when preschools hold their own open houses. Additionally, school board members will be available to answer questions about the State High Project and how it will impact future students, according to the Mothers and More website.

Julie Miller, public information specialist for State College Area School District, says in addition to board members and other district administrators on hand, the fair will also include high school students who will offer tours to preschool parents.

“We are looking forward to hosting the event in our building,” she says. “And it also gives us an opportunity to connect early on with parents of younger students.”

A philanthropy-focused non-profit mom’s group, Mothers and More is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers through support, education and advocacy. The State College chapter serves State College and surrounding areas, including Bellefonte, Pleasant Gap, Port Matilda and Centre Hall.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: State College Area Preschool Fair

WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 11, 2014

WHERE: State College Area High School South building

Click HERE for more information about Mothers and More.