Children's Services

ALSM's children service programs are based on the philosophy that each child is the most precious gift that God gives parents. We take seriously the trust that parents place in us. We are continuously striving to provide a safe and nurturing environment and experiences that allow each child to reach their fullest potential.

Growing Years Early Learning Centers

*Alert: As of 1/18/07, the phone number for the Growing Years Early Learning Center at 807 Goucher Street in Johnstown has changed to (814) 248.3800.

Growing Years Early Learning Centers are uniquely designed for parents who want quality child care for their children in an atmosphere that is both nurturing and educational.






Why Select Growing Years Early Learning Centers?

	Curricula encourages creativity and foster development
	Licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
	"Interest Areas" provide opportunity for language, social and self-help skills.
	Pre-school classrooms, toddler learning spaces, and infant rooms provide age appropriate activities for each child
	Rest time is built into a day of learning, laughter, and time for personal expression for each child
	Qualified Staff of teachers and assistants. All have educational training and experience working with children are CPR and First Aid Certified; have obtained state mandated clearances; and complete annual training in early childhood education.
	Meals, ncluding breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks.

Growing Years Early Learning Centers are offered in Altoona, Claysburg, DuBois, Johnstown, and Bedford. For more information call 814.624.3200 or 877.ALSM.KID or send an email to children@alsm.org.

Head Start/Early Head Start

Early Head Start offers a variety of free educational, health, nutritional, and family services.  This is a family-focused program that provides home visits and parent-child opportunities designed to help pregnant parents and parents of children ages birth to three be better parents, and to help their children have a better start on a successful life.

Early Head Start is available in Bedford County.

Head Start offers educational, health and nutritional services--for free.  We provide many opportunities for children 3-5 years and their parents to learn new skills and to grow stronger as a family.  A visitor comes to each family's home bringing fun, educational activities for the parents and children to do.  Classroom experiences offer positive socialization and learning opportunities.

Head Start is offered in Bedford County and Fulton County.

Child Care Option - Early Head Start/Head Start offers a year round service available to parents who are working or are in training at least 25 hours a week. 

Offering the Children and the Families:

Early Head Start / Head Start - Any family who has a child and meets the age requirement and the federal income guidelines may enroll.Early Head Start / Head Start may also be available for families with a special needs child, regardless of income. Head Start also has special services for children who have health problems, difficulty with vision, hearing, speech, and physical or education skills or a disability are also available.

For more information about Head Start/Early Head Start call 877.ALSM.KID or send an email to Children@alsm.org.

The Family Centers of Bedford County

Family Centers
The Family Centers are for anyone expecting a child or families who have a child from birth to school age. The centers programs provide many ways for you and your child to be involved together in special times. These activities will also help you sharpen your parenting skills.

Opportunities to meet and share experiences with other parents are also available. As a parent you will help choose and plan learning activities for yourself and your child.

For parents expecting a baby, the Family Centers offer helpful ideas and information about coping with this new change in your life.

The Family Centers offer:

MISSION
The goal of Family Centers is to help parents achieve competency and self-sufficiency in all areas of their lives. To do this, we teach, model, and encourage parents to develop positive parenting skills, as we nurture both their own personal development and self-esteem, plus that of their children. We encourage a commitment to achieve involvement in their child's education as well as psychological and physical wellness for the entire family. We believe that these are essential stepping stones to a positive future. Most of all, we strive to give families a sense of hope, belief in themselves, experiences of success, and access to resources that facilitate constructive growth.

The Family Centers are funded by grants through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Bedford County United Way.

For more information about The ALSM Family Centers call 814.624.3200 or 877.ALSM.KID or send an email to Children@alsm.org.  

 




Kid Stop Programs

Kid Stops are designed for parents who want quality care in both a before and after school program, as well as full time summer care. Kid Stop Programs provide an interesting, challenging, and safe environment for children ages K through 12.

Kid Stop programs are unique and designed to provide planned, supervised activities during the part of the day children are not attending school.

Why select Kid Stop Programs?

	Outdoor Activities Including free play, sports, and group activities.
	Art Activities Various media allow children to express their creativity and individuality.
	Food Experiences Every month children can cook and create foods from various countries.
	Nutritious Snacks Daily at no extra cost.
	Field Trips Including local neighborhood excursions for swimming, the library, amusement parks, playgrounds, bowling, etc.
	Homework Time With assistance if needed.
	Free Choice Time Children can direct their own play.
	Qualified Staff All teachers and assistants have educational training and experience working with children, are CPR and First Aid Certified, have obtained state mandated clearances, and complete annual training in early childhood education.
	Licensed by the PA Department of Public Welfare

For more information about The Kid Stop Program call 814.624.3200 or 877.ALSM.KID or send an email to Children@alsm.org.  

The Parent-Child Home Program

The Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP) is a free literacy based home visiting program for families with children aged 2 and 3.  Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries and the Bedford County School District sponsor PCHP.  Families receive two 30 minute home visits a week for 23 weeks.  The program runs October to May and coincides with your local school district's calendar.

What are the services I receive?
  A trained Literacy Visitor will bring age appropriate books and toys that are yours to keep.
  Ideas to promote your child's interest in learning.
  Creative ways to make learning fun for you and your child.

How does PCHP benefit you and your child?
  Parents involved in PCHP create an environment that is rich in language and this will help contribute to their child's success in school.
  You learn new and creative ways to promote growth in your child's language and literacy skills.
  It is guaranteed time that you can spend with your child.
  An early start improves your child's chances for success with reading.

For more information about PCHP call 814.624.3200 or 877.ALSM.KID or send an email to Children@alsm.org.