ABOUT US
Arlene McMahon
Owner/Director
Arlene McMahon’s strong faith in God has led the way for her dream to come true where a play based environment can be created and children feel supported as they explore the world around them. Arlene and her husband, Bill, live in Summit Township with their three children: Brennan, Colin, and Carley and their dog, Zoey. She has served in the early childhood field for over 20 years as a classroom teacher, administrator and professional development facilitator. She advocates for recognition of the importance of early childhood at the local, state and federal levels.
Keystone STARS
Keystone STARS is a continuous quality improvement program for early learning programs in Pennsylvania. The standards are grouped into four levels; STAR 1, STAR 2, STAR 3 and STAR 4.
Each STAR level builds on the previous level and utilizes research-based best practices to promote quality early learning environments and positive child outcomes. The standards address staff qualifications and professional development, the early learning program, partnerships with family and community, and leadership and management. Little Acorns Learning Center is currently a STAR 4 facility which is the highest level of quality recognized in the state of Pennsylvania.
Our Lead Teachers
Each of our lead classroom teachers has a degree in education and is certified in pediatric first aid. All are caring individuals who have experience working in the early childhood field. Because class sizes are small teachers get to know all the children in the center which helps make transitioning from one classroom to the next easier on the children and families. Teachers are required to attend fire safety and professional development training each year.
Our Assistant Teachers
Our assistant teachers either have their Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or are working on receiving it. A CDA is a national certificate insuring that each certificate holder knows how to nurture the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development of children. Assistant teachers are required to attend fire safety and professional development training each year.
Our Mission
We aim to bring imagination back to childhood
where we will inspire the next generation of learners, leaders & dreamers.
Our Facility
Little Acorns Learning Center is located in Erie, PA and provides high quality care and early learning for children between 6 weeks and 5 years. We are open Monday – Friday from 6:30 AM until 6:00 PM. Our facility is located within close vicinity of Kearsarge Fire Department and Millcreek Community Hospital.