First Start Partnerships for Children and Families

08/28/2026

🌱 Something is growing at First Start…

Two of our locations have been getting a pretty exciting transformation!

It started right here. A little space, a big idea, and a vision for creating more hands-on learning opportunities for our children.

Here’s where we started… but wait until you see where we ended up. 👀🌿

Stay tuned for the transformation!

08/25/2026

Did you know? 👀

First Start and Tuscarora School District have expanded preschool opportunities with an additional classroom at Montgomery Elementary School! 🎉

That means even more children and families in the Tuscarora area can access high-quality preschool!

Now enrolling for the 2026–2027 school year!

Apply today and see if your child qualifies.
👉 👉 firststartpartnerships.org

Please note we are experiencing a high volume of applications at this time and you may experience a longer than normal wait time to be contacted to complete the enrollment process. Please know we are working hard to process all applications and will contact you as soon as we can. Thank you for partn...

08/18/2026

📣 Help us Protect Head Start 📣

Join National Head Start Association at 7 pm
tonight, Tuesday August 18th, to find out how.
Register below.

Head Start parents, your perspective is important.

Next week, NHSA is hosting a special webinar just for parents to talk about the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and what the proposed changes could mean for Head Start.

Join us on August 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET.

NHSA’s Government Affairs team will share the latest updates, answer questions, listen to parents’ concerns, and talk about how the Head Start community can make its voice heard.

Register today and be part of the conversation about the future of Head Start: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XdFO0r6fRWSHMtMeCaYZfA #/registration

08/14/2026

Head Start parents, your perspective is important.

Next week, NHSA is hosting a special webinar just for parents to talk about the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and what the proposed changes could mean for Head Start.

Join us on August 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET.

NHSA’s Government Affairs team will share the latest updates, answer questions, listen to parents’ concerns, and talk about how the Head Start community can make its voice heard.

Register today and be part of the conversation about the future of Head Start: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XdFO0r6fRWSHMtMeCaYZfA #/registration

08/11/2026

📚 Retired Teacher? Former Educator? Looking for Flexible Work?

First Start Partnerships is seeking Substitute Teachers to support our early learning classrooms throughout Franklin County when coverage is needed.

This could be a great opportunity for:

🍎 Retired teachers
✏️ Former educators and paraprofessionals
🧸 Early childhood and child care professionals
🎓 Education or early childhood college students
💛 Anyone who enjoys working with young children and is looking for flexible work with purpose

Our substitutes help provide consistency for children and classrooms, while becoming part of our work. Join us in leading the way for Franklin County’s children and families.

Know someone who would be a great fit? Share this post with them!

Interested? Apply today!

Substitute Assistant Teacher:
https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=61146d770aa5dfb3&from=shareddesktop_copy

Substitute Lead Teacher:
https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=67116f52dba759c5&from=shareddesktop_copy

08/08/2026

👀Are you Looking for preschool in Chambersburg, Greencastle-Antrim, or Tuscarora school districts?

We have limited spots available for the 2026-2027 school year!

Our preschool classrooms give children a place to learn, play, build friendships, explore new things, and get ready for their next big step, kindergarten!

💙 High-quality early learning
🌱 Caring, highly-qualified teachers
🧩 Learning through play and exploration
🤝 Support for the whole family

Apply today to see if your child is eligible!
👉👉https://firststartpartnerships.org/

07/13/2026

🌟 Champions for Children Spotlight 🌟

Today we’re honoring Annette, our Chief Executive Officer, as she prepares to retire after years of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to children, families, staff, and our community.

Through seasons of growth, challenges, innovation, and countless successes, Annette has led First Start with courage, humility, and heart. Her leadership has helped shape First Start into the organization it is today.

Under Annette’s guidance, we achieved NAEYC A+ Accreditation, expanded our impact across Franklin County, built a reputation for excellence, and cultivated a team deeply committed to providing high-quality early childhood education.

Annette truly embodies what it means to be a Champion for Children. 💛

Thank you, Annette, for your transformational leadership and for helping write such an important chapter in the First Start story. We wish you all the best in this well-deserved next chapter!

07/08/2026

Waynesboro Pre-K Counts Program Update

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, WASD will operate the Pre-K Counts program in Waynesboro, bringing its eight-year partnership with First Start to a close.

This transition applies only to the WASD Pre-K Counts classrooms. First Start’s Pre-K Counts partnerships with Chambersburg Area, Greencastle-Antrim, and Tuscarora school districts will continue.

We are grateful for the partnership and the strong foundation built together for Waynesboro’s children and families.

Read the full update: https://tinyurl.com/yu3pzbkt

06/29/2026

🌟 Champions for Children Spotlight 🌟

Today we’re recognizing Diane, Program Operations Director, for the leadership, dedication, and support she provides to staff, children, and families each day.

Diane greets families and children with a smile and serves as a role model for her staff. She works hard to ensure educators have the resources and support they need to provide high-quality early learning experiences.

Through her leadership, our community hubs continue to provide safe, positive learning environments for young learners. Diane’s dedication and commitment help First Start lead the way forward.

Diane truly reflects what it means to be a Champion for Children. 💛

We are so grateful to have her as a First Start leader!

06/22/2026

🌟 Champions for Children Spotlight 🌟

Today we’re recognizing Sue, Assistant Teacher, and Dori, Building Assistant Teacher, from our Mercersburg classroom for their dedication, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to children and families.

Over the past year, Sue and Dori have gone above and beyond to create a nurturing and engaging classroom where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Through their consistency, care, and individualized support, they have ensured that every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to succeed.

Whether adapting to the needs of their classroom, supporting one another, or finding new ways to help children flourish, Sue and Dori continually put children first. Their teamwork and commitment have provided a strong foundation for the children and families they serve, creating a classroom environment filled with learning, stability, and love.

Sue and Dori truly reflect what it means to be Champions for Children. 💛

Thank you both for the difference you make every day!