Agencies help young children prepare for school

April 29, 2024 Last Updated: April 29, 2024 11:31 AM Education

Ezekiel Cumba, 3, matches the color of fuzzy balls to their corresponding bottle during the Spring Education Readiness Day at Clearview Mall put on by the Butler Area School District on Saturday, April 27. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

The 20th annual Spring into School Readiness was especially important this year because some children entering school in the fall might not be comfortable in group settings due to gathering restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many children entering kindergarten in the fall could have missed out on family gatherings and fun activities with other children that previous age groups enjoyed, said Julie Thumma, Butler County Early Care & Education Council coordinator.

“School readiness is the focus. We might not have had a lot opportunity as a result of COVID,” Thumma said.

To remedy that, 20 social service agencies, child care centers, preschools, the Butler Area School District, Butler Montessori School and Slippery Rock University set up tables with fun activities designed to stimulate fine motor skills and provide resources for learning at home during the free event.

In addition, an “emotions through music” program was held, children were given books to take home, a children’s yoga class was held and Mad Science Pittsburgh conducted a science demonstration.

Prizes and coupons for free treats at McDonalds also were given away.

“We support early learning and help children get a strong start,” Thumma said. “It’s a community effort to support our young children for the love of children.”

Many parents brought their children to the event by choice and happenstance.

Courtney and Nathan Allison of Butler and their 2-year-old son Oliver were handed a flyer about the event when they entered the mall on a shopping trip and let Oliver play with some of the motor skills activities.

Quinn Crawford, a mother of four from Lawrence County, said she learned about the event from social media and brought her baby. She said she moved to the area two years ago and wanted to find out what is available for children and to take home some books for her children.

Students who stopped by the Butler County 4-H table got to take something else home.

“It’s like a Chia Pet,” said Karley Mishler, a 4-H educator, about a ball containing soil and grass seeds that she gave to children to take home after giving them watering instructions.

Oliver Allison, 2, scoops ducks out of a tub and separates them by color during the Spring Education Readiness Day at Clearview Mall put on by the Butler Area School District on Saturday, April 27. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Randy Christofano takes a break from the Spring Education Readiness Day with his daughter Avianna, who turns 2 in May, to walk around Clearview Mall on Saturday, April 27. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Delilah Russo, 3, strums a guitar while dad Bryan watches during the Spring Education Readiness Day at Clearview Mall put on by the Butler Area School District on Saturday, April 27. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Oliver Allison, 2, finds an alligator amidst the tub full of ducks and separates it out during the Spring Education Readiness Day at Clearview Mall put on by the Butler Area School District on Saturday, April 27. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (4/27/2024)

Randy Christofano plays with his daughter Avianna, who turns 2 in May, during the Spring Education Readiness Day at Clearview Mall put on by the Butler Area School District on Saturday, April 27. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (4/27/2024)