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Allentown School District Logo

Early Learning (PreKindergarten Grade 3)

Building Strong Foundations for Lifelong Learning

The Allentown School District’s Early Learning framework serves children from PreKindergarten through Grade 3, ensuring that every student develops the foundational skills necessary for long-term academic success. Our approach is grounded in high-quality instruction, strong partnerships with families and community organizations, and a deep commitment to increasing reading proficiency by the end of Grade 3.

Our Vision

Early learning is a shared responsibility. By aligning schools, families, and community partners around a common vision, the district creates a seamless learning continuum that supports the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—from a child’s earliest experiences through the critical Grade 3 milestone.

Commitment to Reading by Grade 3

Reading proficiency by the end of Grade 3 is a cornerstone of the district’s Strategic Plan. Research shows that students who read proficiently by this point are significantly more likely to succeed in later grades. To support this goal, the district:

  • Uses multiple data points to monitor early literacy development
  • Provides targeted supports and interventions for students who need them
  • Strengthens instructional coherence across PreKindergarten, Kindergarten, and Grades 1 - 3
  • Ensures alignment between curriculum, assessment, and professional learning

Science of Reading Aligned Instruction

Instruction across PreKindergarten through Grade 3 is grounded in the Science of Reading, a body of research that explains how children learn to read. District practices emphasize:

  • Explicit, systematic instruction in foundational skills
  • Phonological and phonemic awareness
  • Phonics and decoding
  • Vocabulary development and language comprehension
  • Fluency, writing, and knowledge building

At the PreKindergarten level, the district uses PreK My Way as its core instructional resource. PreK My Way supports early language, literacy, and social emotional development through developmentally appropriate, play based learning experiences that align with Science of Reading principles and prepare children for success in Kindergarten.

In Kindergarten through Grade 3, the district uses Benchmark Advance as its core English Language Arts curriculum. Benchmark Advance provides explicit, systematic instruction in foundational skills, reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary, and language development, ensuring strong alignment to the Science of Reading and consistent instructional practices across classrooms.

Together, PreK My Way and Benchmark Advance create a cohesive, vertically aligned PreKindergarten Grade 3 literacy framework that supports all learners and builds a strong foundation for reading proficiency by the end of Grade 3.

PreKindergarten Through Grade 3 Alignment

The district’s Early Learning model intentionally connects learning experiences across grades to eliminate gaps and unnecessary repetition. Key features include:

  • Shared instructional expectations across PreKindergarten through Grade 3
  • Common literacy, language, and routines
  • Collaboration among early childhood educators, classroom teachers, reading specialists, and school leaders
  • Smooth transitions between PreKindergarten, Kindergarten, and the primary grades

Community Partnerships: Learning Beyond the Classroom

Community partners play a vital role in supporting early literacy and whole child development. The Allentown School District works collaboratively with local organizations to:

  • Expand access to high-quality PreKindergarten experiences
  • Provide family literacy opportunities and resources
  • Support early intervention and enrichment services
  • Connect families to health, social, and educational supports

Through these partnerships, learning extends beyond the school day and into homes and neighborhoods, reinforcing the message that literacy development is a community-wide priority.

Family Engagement

Families are children’s first teachers. The district values strong family-school partnerships and is committed to:

  • Clear communication about early literacy development
  • Providing tools and strategies that families can use at home
  • Hosting family learning events in collaboration with community partners
  • Honoring the strengths, languages, and cultures of our families

Looking Ahead

The Allentown School District continues to strengthen its Early Learning systems through continuous improvement, data-informed decision-making, and collaboration. By aligning PreKindergarten through Grade 3, embracing the Science of Reading, and working closely with community partners, the district is building a strong foundation to ensure every child becomes a confident, capable reader and learner.

Together, schools, families, and community partners are creating brighter beginnings and stronger futures for Allentown’s youngest learners.

Department ContactEmpty heading

Have questions about our programs?

Contact: Melissa L. Smith - Executive Director of Learning and Teaching