History of Our School

The Park Forest Day Nursery Preschool was founded in the spring of 1967 when members of the State College United Methodist Churches saw a need to help educate neighborhood preschool children whose parents could not afford the cost.  The first classes began with fifteen four year olds enrolled in a ten-week program.  After conducting successful spring terms in 1967 and 1968, the decision was made to add a fall term.   Under the direction of Phyllis Crabtree, the school’s first director, fall classes began in September of 1968 with twenty-two children enrolled for a twelve-week term.   In addition to the four-year-old class, a second class was started for three-year-old children.

During the 70s and 80s, with the support of many volunteers and local contributors, the tuition-free program thrived and many social services were added to support the children and their families.  Parent education classes, an emergency fund to help families with unexpected expenses, free gently used clothing, and medical, dental, and vision screening, as well as nutritious breakfasts and lunches, all became part of the comprehensive program that helps children prepare for a successful start in kindergarten.  In 1980, director Arlene Lukezic arranged for the State College Area School District to begin a community education class for parents to earn their GED diplomas.

The school’s current director, Gloria Horst Rosenberger, was hired in 1990.  Under Rosenberger’s direction, a third class was added for two-year-old students and the school term was expanded to fourteen weeks.  The program curriculum continued to be enhanced, with school uniforms (brightly colored T-shirts) and field trips to Schlow Library, Millbrook Marsh, the Animal Medical Hospital, Harner Farms, and other local attractions becoming a regular part of the school calendar.  Screenings for speech and other developmental problems were also added.

The program currently enrolls thirty children in three classrooms and operates two sixteen-week sessions each spring and fall semester.  All services are provided free of charge to the families.  The school has operated successfully for more than forty years because of the strong support of local faith groups, civic organizations, individual donors, and dedicated volunteers.  The Park Forest United Methodist Church has graciously provided rent-free use of their building and grounds for the school classrooms, office, and playground.  In 2002, the school became an agency of the Centre County United Way.

Throughout the school’s history, the care and nurture of children has always been a priority.  Staff and volunteers work tirelessly to help at-risk children grow and thrive, preparing them for a successful start in public school and life beyond.

Consider helping us to serve children in need by volunteering to help or making a financial contribution.