PASELA stands for Promoting and Supporting Early Literacy through the Arts. PASELA is a program funded by the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Child Care Bureau, of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the purpose of enhancing the literacy of 200 children, ages one to five years, attending childcare programs in the south side of Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania through an arts-integrated education program. Childcare staff from education programs, artists from community arts organizations, and early intervention specialists, formed arts-education partnerships to integrate the arts into early childhood curriculum. Program funding is $794,459 with a match of more than $140,199 in local community partner funds.

Program Objectives

1. Children achieve the Pennsylvania Early Learning Literacy Standards language, literacy, creative arts and approach to learning indicators.
2. Childcare staff and artists have increased knowledge of child development, and ability to create literacy-rich aesthetic environments and use integrated teaching strategies encompassing visual arts, music, movement and drama.
3. Parents, artists, educators and community members create partnerships to develop understanding and utilization of the arts in preparing children for school success.
4. Inclusive learning opportunities are expanded.

Program Outcomes

1. Children have enhanced literacy, arts and school readiness skills.
2. Childcare providers and parents have increased capacity to support each child’s readiness to succeed.
3. Young children with special needs have increased access to inclusive classrooms.
4. Childcare providers have knowledge and skills related to multiple literacies, arts integrated teaching, aesthetic inclusive environments and community collaboration.