Families across Chester County are invited to enroll their children in The Arc of Chester County’s inclusive preschool program, where young learners of all abilities grow, learn, and thrive together in a nurturing and supportive environment.
The Arc of Chester County Preschool serves children from 2 years, 7 months through when they enter Kindergarten and offers a licensed, year-round program designed to support social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development.
With small class sizes and certified early childhood and special education teachers, the preschool provides individualized attention while fostering meaningful peer relationships and early learning skills that prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.
What sets The Arc’s preschool apart is its fully inclusive model. Children with and without disabilities learn side by side, building understanding, empathy, and confidence from an early age. The program emphasizes play-based learning, structured routines, and developmentally appropriate activities that encourage curiosity, communication, and independence.
To ensure access for all families, scholarships are currently available for those who qualify. These scholarships help offset the cost of tuition and reflect The Arc’s commitment to removing financial barriers to a high-quality early childhood education. Applications for scholarships are reviewed on a rolling basis as part of the enrollment process.
“Our Preschool is built on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn in an inclusive and supportive setting,” said Erica Shippen, Director of Children’s Early Learning Services and Programs (CELSP). “By offering scholarships, we’re able to extend that opportunity to more families and strengthen our community as a whole.”
The Arc’s Preschool operates Monday through Thursday, providing a consistent schedule that balances structured learning with creative play and social development. Families interested in enrolling their child are encouraged to begin the process now, as space is limited.
More information about enrollment and scholarships is available on The Arc of Chester County’s website at arcofchestercounty.org or by contacting the preschool team directly at 610696-8090 ext. 217.
The mission of The Arc of Chester County is to advocate, educate, and provide services that empower individuals with disabilities and their families to enhance the quality of their lives.
The Arc’s programs and services prepare individuals with the skills and support they need for living in the community and speaking up for their rights.
Today, The Arc serves nearly 5,275 children and adults with disabilities and their families each year through the provision of a lifetime of services beginning at birth and extending throughout a person’s life.
