Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc.

Proudly Serving Southwestern Pennsylvania

Proudly Serving Southwestern Pennsylvania

219 Donohoe Road, Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: 724-836-2600

Make a Donation      |     Join the PIC Team – Competitive Wages/Benefits & Flexible Hours

  • About
    • Who We Are
    • How We Provide Services
    • PIC History
    • PIC Executives
    • PIC News
      • Podcasts
    • Our Vision
    • Annual Reports
  • Workforce Development
    • Employer Services
      • Basic Workplace Skills
      • cTORQ Assessment
      • Customized Job Training
      • Employer Tax Incentive
      • Personnel Services
      • SAGE-Assessment Services
    • Welfare Program
      • EARN Program
    • PA CareerLink®
    • DADS MATTER
  • Education
    • ETI Driving School
    • Adult Education Services
      • Adult Basic Education
      • GED® Test Locations
      • GED® Test FAQ
      • GED® Prep Classes
    • Youth Services
      • Middle School Summer Exploration Camp
      • Youth Re-Entry Program
      • Youth CDL Pre-Application
      • Youth Work Experience
      • Afterschool and Summer Enrichment Program
      • Drone Education Program
      • Request more information about youth programs
  • Early Childhood Development
    • Head Start/Early Head Start of Fayette County
      • Fayette HS/EHS Pre-Application
    • Center of Excellence
      • COE-SEEDS Newsletter
    • Head Start/Early Head Start of Beaver County
      • Beaver HS/EHS Pre-Application
    • Pre-K Counts
      • Pre-K Online Application 
  • Community Benefits
    • PIC Connection TV/Radio
    • Corporate Training Center
    • Fayette County Family Resource Directory
  • Contact PIC
    • Locations
    • Directions
    • Job Openings
    • Helpful Links
You are here: Home / News / What Happens to the Youngest Learners During This Crisis?

What Happens to the Youngest Learners During This Crisis?

May 7, 2020

Early-childhood learning continues, but it looks different now

Our early childhood centers that were normally alive with children have become quiet. Students’ artwork still hang in the rooms and hallways, cubbies are still filled with items from the last time everyone met prior to the shutdown, just no children during these unprecedented times. 

COVID-19 has shut down our preschool programs for an indefinite length of time. We now are faced with a dilemma: how do we support our youngest learners during this time?

In just a few days after the school closure announcement in April 2020, the internet exploded with creative ways to cultivate learning communities. It was clear to us that learning and progress will look very different in the preschool setting. Prior to the shutdown the studies on children’s brain development has limited the use of technology for young learners. Excessive technology time for young children has shown a decrease in their critical-thinking skills, imagination, and attention span.

We are faced now to start accepting that the learning approach has shifted; from out of the preschool buildings and into the homes of the preschoolers. The preschool teacher is no longer there to sit with the students during circle time. There are no more guiding hands teaching scissor skills. Parents are now working from home and instructing the students at the same time — progress will undoubtedly look different. Virtual circle time has become the norm for now to interact with not just the preschooler, but everyone present in the home now.

The early childhood education community will continue to provide the support for the families and children through a virtual approach. We will continue to enjoy the songs, story time and creative science lessons. Even if this pandemic is temporary, it has brought about permanent changes. I feel that the crisis has challenged our traditional ways of thinking about the preschool field. Our goal has now shifted from providing an exceptional early-learning environment for our students to ensuring that parents have the necessary tools to support their children through this time. Our classrooms and playgrounds are now empty, but learning continues, just in a different space.

 

Cited sources:

Education Week 4/16/20

Caroline Diaz Opinion

Filed Under: News

Contact PIC

219 Donohoe Rd,
Greensburg PA, 15601

724-836-2600
Send e-mail for more information

Find us on Facebook

Join the PIC Team

Current Job Openings

Watch our videos

Disclaimer

Please be aware that the services of Private Industry Council are constantly changing and evolving. Any information contained on this website may refer to past events or services that are no longer available. In addition, programs and services may not be accurately or completely described.

You use this website at your own risk and no warranties, express or implied, are made about the website or programs or services being offered. We are not responsible for any loss or injury whatsoever due to the content or your use of this website.

Helpful links

Additional Info

For the most up to date information on a particular program or service, or for general questions or concerns, please call our main office at 724-836-2600 or send e-mail for more information

GED® and GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education (“ACE”). They may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of ACE or GED Testing Service. The GED® and GED Testing Service® brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC under license from the American Council on Education.

Make a donation

Search This Site

Copyright © The Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette. Inc. | Site Design by The Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management.