About Phoenixville Area Children's Learning Centers
Exceptional
childcare services
Phoenixville Area Children’s Learning Centers (PACLC) was founded in 1965 by Dr. Lola Reed, a well-known pediatrician in the area. The center began as a volunteer program to provide afternoon care to school-aged children who came home from school to an empty house. In 1966, the Phoenixville Day Care Association was chartered as a non-profit organization, and a daycare program was established in the former Bishop Funeral Home on Main Street in Phoenixville.
Misty Webb became the first executive director in 1966, and she developed a successful program that met the physical and emotional needs of school-aged children from low-income families in Phoenixville.
Over the years, the center expanded its services to include a curriculum for preschool-aged children and eventually extended its services to include caring for infants and toddlers. The name was changed to Phoenixville Area Children’s Learning Centers (PACLC) to reflect the inclusion of preschool education. In 2008, a new facility was opened at the Franklin Commons Campus, which allowed PACLC to accommodate more children.
Today, PACLC stands as a thriving organization, deeply rooted in its commitment to providing the Phoenixville community with exceptional childcare services. Our centers continue to be unwavering in their dedication to creating a secure, nurturing environment where children can learn and grow.
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PACLC
locations
Phoenixville Area Children’s Learning Center
310 Main Street
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Phoenixville Area Children’s Learning Center
400 Franklin Avenue, Ste. 140
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Main St. Phoenixville location
Phoenixville Area Children’s Learning Center
310 Main Street
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Franklin Commons location
Phoenixville Area Children’s Learning Center
400 Franklin Avenue, Ste. 140
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Senior
leadership
Kate Bartschi
Kate Bartschi, our Executive Director, joined PACLC in 2021, assuming a pivotal role within our organization. With a steadfast commitment to early childhood education spanning 2 decades, Kate brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team.
Kate’s journey in education began as a teacher, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the classroom environment. Her passion for nurturing young minds led her to take on administrative roles, including serving as a Center Director and Regional Program Director.
With an undergraduate degree from Thomas Edison State University and graduate degree from Arcadia University, both in Education, Kate’s commitment to educational excellence is undeniable.
Kate’s expertise in program operations has been vital in ensuring the seamless functioning of our centers. Her vision and leadership fosters an environment where children and teachers can learn and grow.
Michele Ottaviano
Michele Ottaviano, our Main Street Center Director, has been a vital member of our PACLC family since 2005. Her dedication to educational excellence has been instrumental in driving the growth and success of her center.
Michele earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Policy and Administration from Penn State University, a testament to her commitment to promoting health and well-being in our school community. Additionally, Michele further fortified her expertise by obtaining her Director’s Credential Certificate, showcasing her dedication to leadership and excellence in the field of early education.
Under Michele’s guidance, the Main Street Center has evolved into a place where students thrive academically and socially. Her dedication to our mission continues to inspire those who have the privilege of working with her.
Samantha Ferrara
Samantha Ferrara joins our team as Franklin Commons Center Director with a strong background in early childhood education and leadership. She holds a degree in Education from Immaculata University and brings with her a wealth of experience as both a teacher and a director in the field, most recently as the Assistant Director at the Main Street Center.
Samantha is passionate about creating nurturing, engaging learning environments where children can grow, explore, and thrive. Her leadership style is collaborative and supportive, and she is committed to building strong relationships with families, staff, and the community. We’re thrilled to have her guiding our center with her experience, energy, and heart for early learning!
Board of
Directors
Board Members:
Elizabeth Hubler
Laim McIntyre
Jill Slawecki
Executive Committee:
Board president: Scott Miller
Vice President: Amina Hovey
Treasurer: Megan Siegl
Secretary: Christina Royer
Please
Support Us
As a nonprofit organization, Phoenixville Area Children’s Learning Centers (PACLC) relies on the generosity of our community.
Since our founding in 1966, we’ve nurtured thousands of young children and supported their families – always committed to the highest standards of early childhood education.
We can only continue this work with your support.
Your donation helps us provide safe, engaging classrooms, nutritious meals, experienced teachers, and affordable care for families who need it most.
Together, we can ensure every child in our community has the strong foundation they deserve.
We take our responsibility as stewards of your gift seriously. PACLC is proud to have earned Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency.