The 1889 Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to The Learning Lamp in support of its Screen2Succeed initiative, a program dedicated to increasing developmental screenings for young children across Cambria County. Funding for the grant is provided in partnership with Senator Wayne Langerholc.
Screen2Succeed focuses on early childhood screening to assess preschool aged children’s readiness for kindergarten. The program helps identify developmental needs at an early stage, allowing educators and families to better support children, especially those in vulnerable communities, before they enter the classroom.
Research shows that 90 percent of brain development occurs before the age of five, making early identification and intervention critical. When children who need additional support are connected to services early, the benefits can include improved academic achievement, stronger social skills, higher educational attainment, and reduced rates of delinquency later in life. Early intervention plays a key role in setting children on a path toward long term success.
The primary screening tool used by Screen2Succeed is the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), the most widely used developmental screener in the world. Screen2Succeed engages a broad network of partners, including child care providers, home visiting programs, medical providers, early childhood educators, human service organizations, and other community based groups, to increase the number of children screened and referred for early intervention when needed. The initiative provides free ASQ kits, offers training for screeners, conducts community screening events, and leads outreach efforts to educate families about the importance of developmental milestones.
Launched in the fall of 2024 with a focus on children living within the Greater Johnstown School District, the program has since expanded to serve all of Cambria County. Each year, approximately 200 kindergarten students enroll in the Greater Johnstown School District. While about 60 percent of these students come from Head Start or PreK Counts programs, the remaining 40 percent may not have access to formal early childhood education, making community based screening efforts even more vital.
“The 1889 Foundation makes things possible for our community that wouldn’t otherwise happen,” said Dr. Leah Spangler, CEO of The Learning Lamp. “The Screen2Succeed program is an example. Without their investment, families would not have access to community based developmental screening for their children. As a result of these screenings, young children who need additional support can be referred for services, leading to better outcomes in school and in life.”
Sue Mann, President of the 1889 Foundation, emphasized the importance of early investment in children and families. “Supporting programs like Screen2Succeed reflects our commitment to strengthening communities at their foundation by investing in children at the earliest stages of life.”