Deb's May Message

As spring and soon summer approach, we are excited to continue celebrating 40 years of PIC. Our celebration will last all year long, but this month we are marking this milestone with two NOT-TO-BE-MISSED events.

 

On Thursday, May 17, I invite you to raise a glass (or pint) with me at “All-a-Board,” a grownup get-together at Yards Brewing Company (5th and Spring Garden). Help us thank current and past Board members, and recognize all the individuals who have led the Parent-Infant Center throughout its rich history. (Purchase your tickets before May 9).

 

Since PIC’s opening in 1978, we have had over 200 individuals serve on our Board of Directors. Those who have served in these volunteer positions have included current and alumni parents, grandparents, community members, and staff. 

 

Throughout PIC’s history, Board members have been faced with new opportunities and challenging decisions, they asked tough questions and delved deep before making decisions. They have guided the organization through many important changes, often looking for ways to give more children a chance to be at PIC. 

 

In 1983, PIC began serving children whose families received state subsidy to pay for child care. In 1996, the School-age Program was launched. In 2007, PIC opened one of the first state funded PreK Counts classroom offering free preschool to at-risk families. 

 

In 2008, a courageous Board launched a capital campaign to raise 1 million dollars to renovate the current Sweet Building. And in 2010, 50 more children were given the chance to play and learn in six new classrooms at PIC.

 

I am grateful that under my tenure, PIC’s Board members have remained committed to pursuing high quality programming and reaching out to more families without the means to afford this level of care.

 

Last year, after careful consideration the full Board voted to renovate and expand once more, creating two new classrooms for 3-5 year old children in the Spruce Building. We now enroll 45 children in PIC’s PreK Counts program.

 

Today we are a strong community of close to 300 children and 70 teachers! This year's annual end-of-year picnic for current PIC families and staff will be a birthday blowout at Smith Memorial Playground on Wednesday, May 30. Come celebrate turning the big 4-0! 

 

Even with the growth and changes we have had over the years, the heart and soul of PIC has remained the same. Our commitment to West Philadelphia neighborhoods, putting play at the foundation of our curriculum, meeting NAEYC accreditation and Keystone STARS standards for the highest levels of quality, fostering parent participation, honoring diversity, and our dedication to the highest quality workforce, all continue to be at the core of who we are.