PIC Expansion Update
We had a great turnout at the Expansion Update meeting held last week. With families, staff, and the PIC Board represented, Executive Director Deb Green and Board Member Sara Richman shared where we are today with this exciting project. There was also a forum for questions.
Recognizing the current trend towards universal pre-k in Philadelphia and the nation, PIC has reaffirmed its committment to providing high quality care to children regardless of income level. Through a program expansion, we are looking to enroll 20 more children from economically-disadvantaged families who are eligible for public subsidy through PA's Pre-K Counts program or Philadelphia's new universal pre-k initiative.
Not only will the children on subsidy benefit, but all children at PIC will have the chance to experience the differences among people, and as importantly, recognize the similarities among us all.
Deb was excited to share the news that PIC has received a significant grant from the Fund for Quality to put towards the planning and implementation of program expansion, more specifically to add two new mixed-age preschool classrooms. This project is also being supported by an early leadership gift from an anonymous donor and individual gifts given to the Cindy Fund, which was established in 2016 to help more children from disadvantaged backgrounds experience early learning at PIC.
In addition to financial support from the Fund for Quality, the grant award includes robust technical support from several consultants. We are currently working with an architect to review and modify initial drawings, a business consultant to construct financial models and plan for sustainability, and an organization systems consultant to ensure that our organizational structure, staffing, and infrastructure can support the growth.
Our working plans include the modification of current PIC classrooms, along with leasing additional, adjacent space from the University of Pennsylvania, our current landlord.
Sara Richman was able to discuss the role of the Board of Directors and its fiduciary responsibility for this project and the organization. The Board is taking a very close look at ways to mitigate risk.
With progress being made daily, we look forward to keeping the entire PIC community informed of the status of this expansion.
If you have any comments or questions, please email Executive Director Deb Green at dgreen@parentinfantcenter.org.