Regardless of its location, the District’s Pre-K center matters because it serves the future of Mercer County education beginning with its youngest learners. Nestled for now in a building that has seen many transformations over the years, this program is much more than a preschool—it’s the first step in preparing children for success in school and beyond.

Established three years ago, the Pre-K center houses all three- and four-year-old students in the Mercer County district. With two full-day classrooms and one half-day classroom, the center serves up to 80 children, providing a nurturing environment where kids can explore, socialize, and grow. “We’re not just prepping for kindergarten,” explains Jodi O’Leary, the center’s secretary. “We’re setting the groundwork for their entire educational journey.”

The program operates on a play-based curriculum, emphasizing socialization and foundational skills rather than rote memorization. Teachers and paraprofessionals guide students through interactive activities that foster teamwork, communication, and curiosity. “We focus on social skills, motor development, and problem-solving,” Jodi says. “It’s about helping kids learn how to work with others, navigate challenges, and build confidence.”

One of the program’s key strengths is its comprehensive approach to addressing the diverse needs of its students. Through partnerships with the district’s speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, the center provides targeted support for children who require additional services. “Early intervention is critical,” Jodi notes. “By identifying and addressing needs early on, we set these kids up for a smoother transition into kindergarten and beyond.”

The center’s staff of nearly 20, including teachers, paraprofessionals, custodial workers, cooks, and a nurse, plays an essential role in its success. “Our team is phenomenal,” Jodi says with pride. “They’re dedicated, compassionate, and always willing to go the extra mile for our students.”

The importance of early childhood education is underscored by the thoughtful design of the program. Admission is determined through a needs-based system, which includes a screening process to evaluate each child’s readiness and identify areas for support. “It’s not just about financial metrics,” Jodi explains. “We look at everything from motor skills to social and emotional development.”

Transportation is another vital component of the program’s accessibility. Unlike many preschools, Mercer County’s Pre-K provides bus service to its students, ensuring that families across the district can participate. “We don’t have to offer bus service, but we do because we know how important it is,” Jodi says. “If transportation is a barrier, some of these kids might not make it to school. We want to remove those barriers.”

The impact of the Pre-K program extends beyond the classroom. By creating a strong foundation in the early years, the district is investing in the long-term success of its students. “When kids start kindergarten with strong social, emotional, and cognitive skills, they’re better equipped to tackle academic challenges,” Jodi emphasizes. “It’s a ripple effect that carries through their entire education.”

The center’s transformation into a dedicated Pre-K facility is part of a larger district-wide effort to optimize resources and improve educational outcomes. Originally a junior high school, the building now serves as a vibrant hub for early learning. “It’s amazing to see how this space has been repurposed to meet the needs of our youngest students,” Jodi says.

For Jodi, who grew up in Mercer County and graduated from high school in the very same building, the program holds special significance. “This is home,” she says. “I left for a while, but I came back because I wanted to raise my daughter here. There’s something about this community—the people, the support, the way we show up for each other. It’s unique.”

Reflecting on the program’s success, Jodi credits the district’s leadership and the unwavering commitment of the staff. “It’s a team effort,” she says. “From the teachers to the custodians to the administration, everyone plays a role in making this program work.”

As Mercer County’s Pre-K program continues to grow, its impact on the community becomes even more apparent. By prioritizing early education and addressing the unique needs of each child, the district is building a foundation not just for individual success, but for the future of the community as a whole.