children climbing on playground equipment, digging in the sand, or running around the field. What you see is children playing; what you might not notice is them learning to solve problems, gain coordination of gross motor muscles, and collaborate with their peers while enjoying the outdoors. 

       Tina says, “the amount of brain development that occurs during this period of 3-to-5-years old is truly astonishing.” Channeling their energy and encouraging them to take a risk in a safe place, is an integral part of the preschool’s philosophy. Working in partnership with families, the staff of PIV balances the teaching of school-readiness skills with important social and emotional behaviors. “Classroom activities introduce academic concepts appropriate for each age group through art projects, stories, games, and play centers,” Tina explains, “with an equal focus on encouraging the confidence to participate in school routines or communicate their needs, and to practice being a kind friend. These are important foundation skills for future learning, as well as for life!” 

       For 42 years, the Congregational Church of Amherst (CCA) has made space available for young children to learn together. From 1980 to 1996, the privately-owned Village Preschool was located on the premises. When it closed, church members Betsy Austen and Chris Trudo proposed that CCA sponsor a preschool as an outreach mission to the community, with Susan Drumm as the director until her retirement in 2016. This year Preschool in the Village, an independent, non-profit early childhood center, celebrates its 25th anniversary of service to children and families.

       Responding to Covid presented challenges to the operation and finances of PIV, but its Board of Directors worked closely with Tina to navigate successfully through these past two years. “Parents have been amazingly supportive as well, and grateful that we remained open during this time”, Tina says. “But most of all, the dedication of our staff and their focus on providing stability and a nurturing environment in these unique circumstances, made all the difference to the children in our care.” The two classes for 3-year-olds, two for 4-year-olds, and one for Pre-K children are self-contained right now for safety reasons, but Tina looks forward to the time when everyone can mix together again and share learning experiences. In the meantime, she and her staff continue to help the children learn, play, and grow, as they believe early childhood education is the basis for everything that comes after. 

Tina quoted Mister Rogers as a guiding principle: “Who you are inside is what helps you make and do everything in life.” 

       For program information and to register for September, call 603-672-3168 or send an email to pivamherst@gmail.com