First opening as a parent cooperative in January 1975 with just seven students, the Family Development Center preschool in Marshall has since grown in size while staying true to its traditional values.
With its first home at the former St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in the North Hills, the center eventually had its first full school year later that fall, consisting of one class of 18 students and two paid staff members.
It was founded by head teacher Linda Smith, who passed away in 2020, and has come a long way since then, according to Krista Dignazio, the current school director.
“It brings tears to my eyes thinking about how many students our preschool has taught over the years and how many young lives were and continue to be impacted by our program and by the teachers that have taught there all of these years,” Dignazio said.
Parents of students helped grow the school in various ways, whether as classroom aides or by building school essentials with their own hands.
“Fathers made most of the equipment, (such as) blocks, slide, climber, see-saw, which lasted in our school for so many years,” Dignazio said.
The school has been located inside Mt. Pleasant United Presbyterian Church along Pleasant Hill Road in Marshall since 1986.
“The teaching philosophy really hasn’t changed that much over the years, and I think that is why we still remain in business even when we are surrounded by so many other quality preschools, academies and day cares,” said Dignazio, who also is the prekindergarten teacher.
The preschool is trending 50 to 60 families enrolled annually with six classes offered. Students come from Beaver, Butler and Allegheny counties.
The preschool is state-accredited, meaning it meets the highest standards of early childhood education. This year, its program earned recognition as an “Outstanding Educational Institute” by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Dignazio has been a teacher at the center for 25 years and its director for the past 15. Along with a nursery and kindergarten certificate, she also has a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education and a master’s in elementary education.
Before she became director, Dignazio was a parent, sending her own five sons to the school. She began subbing there and eventually got on the teaching staff. When Smith retired, Dignazio was asked if she could take over.
“I was hesitant at first because I knew those were some huge shoes to fill. I do not regret the decision I made to follow in her footsteps. It has been my honor and my privilege to be part of such a great school with such wonderful families and teaching staff,” Dignazio said.
Chris Smith of Bradford Woods enrolled his son, Noah DiBiase, shortly after moving to Bradford Woods from Highland Park in 2020.
“Family Development Center came highly recommended by a family friend, and, after meeting Krista, we knew it was exactly what we were looking for. FDC has been an incredibly nurturing environment and the perfect place to launch our children’s education,” Smith said.
Noah, who “thrived” at FDC, is now in kindergarten at Bradford Woods Elementary School. His sister, Parker DiBiase, currently is in the 3-year-old class.
“We’re so grateful our daughter now gets to experience the same warmth and care that made such a difference for him,” said Smith, who also is a board member for the school.
The preschool offers 3-year-old, 4-year-old and prekindergarten classes and boasts an 8-to-1 student-teacher ratio.
Its early childhood programs are enriched with the use of books, educational toys, art classes, outside playground time, in-house visitors from members of the community, field trips, Spanish classes, enrichment programs and celebrating holiday parties. Several field trips also are scheduled during the year, according to Dignazio.
Teachers and staff strive to keep a “traditional” preschool program — by nurturing strong social and emotional skills, self-help skills, fine and gross motor skills and academic skills — that prepare children for a successful transition to kindergarten, Dignazio said.
“It gives parents comfort knowing their kids are in good, kind and loving hands if they choose our school for their child’s early childhood education,” she said.
The preschool offers morning classes only, a daily “lunch bunch” program from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., an enrichment program, as well as a Spanish class for the 4-year-old and prekindergarten students. Summer camps also are offered.
Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is now open. For details, visit fdcpreschool.com.
