PC Tots to open new pre-K classroom at Park City Library next month

The daycare facility at the Park City Library.. Photo: TownLift

The new space will allow the nonprofit to increase its capacity by 20%

PARK CITY, Utah — PC Tots is gearing up to offer a new chapter of its program to pre-K students out of the Park City Library beginning in early 2024.

PC Tots is a Park City-based nonprofit early education and childcare organization that serves Summit County children ages six weeks to five years old.

The organization’s new facility sits on the third floor of the Park City Library. The space was previously occupied by the Park City Cooperative Preschool for approximately 30 years before the school chose to end its lease this spring.

Park City put out a request for proposals to fill the space, and four local childcare providers responded. Ultimately, PC Tots was chosen to take over the facility by the Park City Council in September. The organization will pay a significantly reduced rate to the city to lease the space.

The new facility is expected to open in late January, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for early February. It will give PC Tots the opportunity to add 20 new students to its ranks, expanding its capacity by 20%.

Three teachers will work in this new pre-K classroom, which will serve students ages three to five weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The curriculum will focus on developing kindergarten readiness skills, such as early numeracy, literacy and executive function.

“Everything is research-based, trauma informed, and data driven,” said Melissa Mendez, PC Tots program director. “We’re working really hard to make sure that everything that we are doing from just us to our teachers is best practice and high quality so that we produce the best positive outcomes for our children and families.”

PC Tots is currently at capacity serving 100 students, and 97 families are on a waitlist to enroll their children into the program.  According to Sue Banerjee, executive director of PC Tots, the organization is going through its waitlist to fill spots at the library facility. However, those interested are still encouraged to apply.

“We encourage anybody that is interested in getting care for their preschooler, or even younger children, it doesn’t hurt to get on our waitlist,” Banerjee said. “Spots open up, and it’s better to get on the waitlist than not because we don’t have an application fee, there’s no charge.”

The organization’s mission is to provide accessible, high-quality, research-based early childhood education to the community. Because of this, 80% of the families at PC Tots receive tuition scholarships.

“Their parents income isn’t their destiny, that’s the idea,” Banerjee said. “Because we really believe that early education, if you put the investment in now you reap the rewards in the near and long-term future.”

PC Tots is still looking for a sponsor to invest in the Park City Library space. For more information on sponsorship, contact PC Tots.