By ABBEY HALDEMAN
Sun-Gazette Correspondent
Little Treasures Pre-School and Child Care, 1442 W. Southern Ave., South Williamsport, is working hard to ensure the best educational benefits are available to children in the local community.
The preschool began its quality education 20 years ago when it was first founded. In May 2008, it was bought by Glenn and Sharon Markle, who have not only helped it to grow to what it is today, but also continue to instill in their students and faculty the value of education.
Co-directed by Laurie Randall and Brenda Lukasiewcz, this community-oriented organization prides itself on building a comprehensive education for children.
"We are maxed with every ounce of our educational building," said Lukasiewcz, co-director at Little Treasures Pre-school.
Little Treasures accepts students from the ages of 6 weeks to 12 years old. With two teachers in every classroom, 24 total in the building, many of whom are certified educators, the school can accept about 160 students.
This year, the school expanded to accommodate the needs of local families.
"We are a very family-oriented facility. It's not just the kids that are important, the families are important," said Randall, who has been with the school for 20 years. "It's about establishing relationships and that's what we do here."
"Our families stay and grow with us," Lukasiewcz added.
Little Treasures keeps itself involved with the community by participating in and organizing community service projects.
One project is to donate money toward the large flag at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
This is the school's 11th year raising money in the "flag banks," which have raised $10,938 over the years.
"I wanted to do something in my classroom that's recognizable to the kids. I never imagined the magnitude of it," Randall said.
In doing this, the students also get a chance to learn about their country. They use the community service as a way to instill pride in their country and learn more about the flag - what it truly represents and means to them.
The teachers intend to keep their educational ways creative and fun.
In the following weeks, the students will team up with the school's sister establishment, Treasure Castle, to host a summer program.
Students also will take field trips the Corning Museum of Glass and T&D Cats of the World as well as renting the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat and the Carl Stotz Trolley.
For more information about the school, visit www.littletreasuresps.com.
