Access to quality preschool is an important issue for all of Hamilton County. The city of Cincinnati recently supported broad funding for preschool but that support is not available in areas outside the city, like Deer Park, where the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment scores are among the lowest in the county. The Pop-Up Preschool supports our strategic objectives of preparing children to succeed in kindergarten and throughout their education. Registration filled within 24 hours.

This partnership model has rarely, if ever, been utilized by public libraries and YMCAs in Ohio. Having a certified teacher creating and teaching the curriculum, utilizing a retired teacher volunteer and hosting the sessions while the small branch was closed resulted attendees having a learning experience that mirrors a formal preschool. Furniture included a large rolling supply cart, folding adjustable tables and tiny chairs which could all be quickly packed up during library open hours.

Ten children participated, showing marked improvement during the series in areas necessary for success in a typical classroom environment including fine motor skills, confidence, patience and socialization. The overall attendance rate was 79 percent, with individual attendance ranging from 39–94 percent. The sessions offered parents an affordable preschool option in a familiar setting. Library staff talked one-on-one with all grown-ups who registered a child. We plan to extend this model to additional locations in 2018.