Speaker takes SPIN
for a read

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

If state House Speaker Dennis O’Brien ever gives up his day job, he’s got a standing offer to work in a classroom at SPIN – Special People In Northeast
The non-profit human services agency supports people with mental and physical disabilities and their families in inclusive environments.
O’Brien last week visited a new Pre-K Counts classroom at SPIN’s Northeast Campus at 10521 Drummond Road to read to the children and see firsthand the results of the Pre-K Counts funding, which he supported.
SPIN received more than $300,000 in funding to provide slots for 45 children in the Northeast. An adult cafeteria was transformed into a classroom to make room for the new slots.
Pre-K Counts was established by the state Department of Education in 2007 and provides quality half-and full-day pre-kindergarten classes for children ages 3 to kindergarten age. Eligible students also include those who are at risk of failure because of language, culture or special needs issues or if their family’s income is equivalent to 300 percent of the poverty level — for a family of four that is $61,950.
The wee ones all clamored for O’Brien’s attention as he read Up, Down and Around by Katherine Ayres. Unfazed, he looked as if he’d spent years in a classroom.
Nadine Bernard Westcott illustrated the book, which is the 2008 selection for the third annual Pennsylvania One Book, Every Young Child initiative, which highlights the importance of early literacy development in preschoolers.
The book talks about how things grow, such as carrots, tomatoes and broccoli.
"I like broccoli with cheese on it," one little girl said.
O’Brien, like former President George H. W. Bush, doesn’t enjoy the vegetable as much.
"I never ate my broccoli, but I’m not strong," he said.
The boys and girls took turns turning pages. One little blond-haired boy named Michael had glasses very similar to the ones the speaker was wearing and offered to turn a page each time O’Brien asked for a volunteer.
O’Brien made sure each of the 16 children in the class had a turn and would get up and go over to the few students who hadn’t come forward on their own.
Christie Balka, director of child care and budget policy for Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY), along with SPIN, asked for O’Brien’s support for early education funding and the proposed $12.6 million increase in Pre-K funding to give another 1,000 children a turn at quality childcare. ••
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com