Bristol Township is set to open a new early learning center in 2025 to will offer academic enrichment programs for preschool through third-grade students.
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The Martha Miller Early Learning Center, a township-owned facility, will house two separate programs: a Head Start program and a 21st Century Community Learning Center, according to Bristol Township Community Development Director Van Strother.
Strother presented the plans during the council meeting in September.
“Children are arriving in some of those middle grades, in the third and fourth grades, and just having difficulty to read,” Strother said. “In grades kindergarten to second grade, children learn to read. And in grades three to twelve, children read to learn.”
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The facility has undergone extensive renovations in recent years.
Strother showed off the facility and said improvements include a new heating and cooling system, lighting, flooring, fire and burglar alarm system, commercial kitchen, and roof.
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A new 18-car parking lot and 13,500-square-foot secured outdoor play area have also been added.
The building was constructed in 2005 and renovations started last year.
“Through the help and support of the council, we were able to acquire property to construct a parking lot,” Strother explained. “So when you have a parent coming with a young child, they can come and park safely, walk the child into the building through the secured entrance.”
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The project is funded through various federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of House and Urban Development, U.S. Department of Education, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Strutz stated that no local tax dollars will be used to operate the programs.
Township officials will be working on a grant application due in November for the 21st Century Community Learning Program. If approved, the program could start as early as summer 2025.
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The Head Start program will operate separately but in partnership with the learning center, Strother said.
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