If you’re a parent in California, PA, you’ve likely heard of The Village and the Rutledge Institute. Both organizations are dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education, but there are some key differences to be aware of. Let’s dive into how they compare:
The Village was incorporated in 2006 as a non-profit charity, governed by an independent Board of Directors. The Village is not affiliated with or directed by any other organization.
The Village provides childcare and education services for children from 6 weeks to 6 years old. Some families qualify for subsidies from Child Care Works (CCW), and others pay full tuition or receive single-parent student scholarships.
The Village provides free preschool to single parents who are enrolled full-time in an educational program that will enable them to find better employment and better means to support their children. We improve the lives of young children from 6 weeks to 6 years old in California, PA, and surrounding communities by offering single-parent families a hand up, not a handout, provided they are willing to work on their own economic situation. These single-parent students, who may be attending high school, college, trade school, nursing school, etc. must agree to all the following terms to qualify for our service:
- Remain enrolled in school, attend full-time, and sustain a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
- Attend parenting classes monthly.
- Provide at least 4 hours per week of volunteer service to the preschool.
- Participate as a volunteer in fundraising events to support the center.
The Village rents the former Christian Education Building at First Presbyterian Church on Liberty Street in California PA. The Village meets all PA state rules and regulations for early childhood education and provides services to children of any race, color, sex, or religious belief on a non-discriminatory basis. The Village is also accredited by NAEYC as one of the highest-quality preschools in America and is a Keystone Star 4 school.
Since 2018, The Village has operated the Rutledge Institute for Early Childhood Education on the campus of PennWest California (formerly California University of Pennsylvania or Cal U) to provide preschool and pre-K for 40 children ages 3-5 for children who otherwise would not be able to attend a high-quality early learning program. The Rutledge Institute is also NAEYC accredited and Keystone Star 4.
The Rutledge Institute is funded by the Rutledge Family Foundation. Tom Rutledge, a 1977 graduate of Cal U, served as Chairman and CEO of Charter Communications. Tom and his wife Karen started the Rutledge Institute with California University (now PennWest California) and The Village to help children in southwestern PA and to advance the profession of early childhood education.
A Shared Commitment to Excellence
The Village and the Rutledge Institute are dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching environment where young children can thrive. Their innovative approaches to early childhood education are making a real difference in the lives of California, PA families.
We hope this comparison helps you make an informed decision about the best early education path for your child! Please contact us with any questions.
