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On a weekday morning at a local library, toddlers scoop rice and explore other sensory bins, hammer pegs into pumpkins practicing fine motor skills, sing together during circle time, and learn how to move through the rhythms of a preschool day. Parents observe, ask questions, and connect with one another. What looks like joyful play is, in fact, a carefully designed early learning intervention—one that prepares children for school while strengthening families and community systems.

Birds of a Feather Preschool Readiness Playgroup is Achieva’s inclusive, community-based preschool readiness program for toddlers with and without developmental delays and or disabilities. Led by licensed early intervention professionals and certified preschool educators and offered at no cost to families, the program operates in partnership with public libraries across Western Pennsylvania, including Whitehall Public Library, Greensburg-Hempfield Area Library, Citizens Library & District Center in Washington, and periodically the Millvale Community Library.

By embedding evidence-informed early learning in trusted community spaces, Birds of a Feather removes barriers to access while delivering meaningful developmental and social outcomes—before children ever enter a formal classroom.

Purposeful Play That Builds Readiness

Birds of a Feather is grounded in early childhood learning standards and Achieva’s decades of expertise in early intervention. Each session follows a consistent structure that mirrors a preschool classroom, including guided play, transitions, cleanup, and circle time.

“This is intentional learning,” says Nancy Lehman, a Birds of a Feather teacher, and an early intervention special instructor with nearly 20 years of experience. “Children are practicing how to move between activities, sit in a group, follow routines, and engage with peers. These are the foundational skills that allow children to succeed once they enter preschool.” Parents see those gains quickly. “This program was such a gift to our family,” says Rachael, the parent of a three-year-old participant. “It’s play-based, it’s structured, it’s inclusive—and it’s free. I honestly don’t know where else you get all of that in one place.”

Activities support social-emotional development, early communication, and self-regulation, while parents participate alongside their children—learning how to reinforce skills at home and gaining confidence in their child’s readiness.

Inclusion as a Strategy, Not an Add-On

Birds of a Feather evolved from Achieva’s Preschool Readiness Program, originally designed for children transitioning out of birth-to-three early intervention. The expanded model intentionally integrates children with and without disabilities or developmental delays, reflecting today’s inclusive preschool classrooms.

“We wanted children to have the full preschool experience,” says Sharon Richards, Achieva’s Vice President of Early Intervention. “When children are familiar with routines and expectations before preschool begins, educators can focus on instruction rather than adjustment.” For families receiving early intervention services, the program eases anxiety about what comes next. “Seeing my child in a group setting like this made me feel hopeful,” shares Jess, another parent. “He wasn’t really a toy kid before Birds of a Feather. Now he’s playing, interacting, and handling bigger groups so much better.”

That inclusive design benefits all children.

“Birds of a Feather brings families together in a space where children can learn and play at their own pace,” says Emily Hayburn, Achieva’s Early Intervention Outreach Program Manager. “Parents know this is a safe place—one where different needs, personalities, and learning styles are understood and supported.”

Community Partnerships That Expand Access

Public libraries are critical partners in Birds of a Feather’s success. As free, welcoming community hubs, libraries eliminate many of the logistical and financial barriers families face when accessing early childhood programming.

For parents, the library setting itself matters.  “It feels comfortable and familiar,” Rachael adds. “You don’t feel judged or out of place. You feel like you belong.” By meeting families where they already gather, Achieva is able to engage caregivers earlier, reach children during a key developmental window, and connect families to broader community resources—maximizing impact while keeping costs low.

Measurable Impact, Lasting Returns

Families return session after session, and facilitators observe consistent progress: smoother transitions, increased peer engagement, improved attention during group activities, and growing independence. “I love seeing families come back and watching the changes over time,” Emily says. “You’ll see a child who was hesitant at first become more confident with each session. Those small gains add up—and they matter.”

Parents echo that transformation. “At first, I wasn’t sure how he would do,” Jess reflects. “Now he walks in ready to go. As a parent, you don’t feel alone—you feel supported.” Educators report that children who participate in Birds of a Feather enter preschool better prepared, reducing the need for more intensive supports later. For families, the program provides education, connection, and reassurance during a formative stage of development.

Birds of a Feather currently meets twice monthly at each site and continues to grow in reach. It represents a cost-effective, scalable model for early investment—one that strengthens children, families, schools, and communities.

This work is made possible through the generous support of philanthropic partners and Foundations who believe in the power of early intervention and early learning. In particular, Achieva’s recent Beyond Boundaries Campaign has strengthened the organization’s ability to expand inclusive, community-based programs like Birds of a Feather—ensuring more children and families can access support at the moment it matters most.

Demand for Birds of a Feather continues to grow. Achieva is actively seeking additional philanthropic investment to expand the program into more communities—particularly in areas where families lack access to free preschool readiness programs. With increased support, Achieva can bring this proven model to additional locations, reaching more children during a critical stage of development. As Sharon Richards reflects, “If you want to understand the health of a community, look at how its children are doing. When children are supported early, everyone benefits.”

Through Birds of a Feather, Achieva is making that investment—early, inclusively, and in partnership with the communities it serves.