Weekday Pre-Kindergarten
About the Pre-K
The Pre-Kindergarten Program of The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill was established in 1961. The school is non-denominational and promotes an anti-bias and multicultural approach to early childhood education. It provides an excellent opportunity for young children between the ages of two and five years to interact with others in a stimulating environment with an experienced faculty and developmentally-appropriate curricula. The school does not have a religious component, and operates on a non-profit basis.
Our Program
The Pre-Kindergarten Program provides early childhood education which helps young children develop cognitively, emotionally, socially and physically. The goals of the program are:
- to instill a love of learning
- to encourage children to think
- to build self-esteem and confidence
- to minimize frustration
- to let each child know that he or she is valued
- to sow seeds for future learning
These goals are reached by giving positive reinforcement, by providing a safe and challenging learning environment, including activities that are enjoyable, and by encouraging the attainment of skills. An appropriate curriculum is designed for each age group and is modified for each child's style of learning, level of development and uniqueness. Children work in large and small groups as well as one-to-one with teachers. Children are helped to have positive interactions with others and to develop problem solving skills.
In addition to our classroom curricula, children in the three-day and five-day per week programs have weekly music and movement classes. Children in the five-day per week program have Spanish classes twice each week.
School Year
School opens each year in mid-September and ends in the first week of June.Our playgroup for two-year-olds meets on Mondays and Fridays from 9:15 a.m.to 11:15 a.m. Three-year-olds have a three-day or five-day per week option, with hours 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Children three-and-a-half to five years of age attend five days per week, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Extended days are offered Monday through Friday, with pick-up times at 1:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Children must be toilet trained to stay for the extended day.
Enrollment
Reigstration for each school year may be completed after October 1 of the preceding year. Interested parents and guardians may obtain an application and plan a visit to the school by calling our office at 215-247-8865.
Our Faculty
Our highly qualified teachers have extensive training and experience in early childhood education. We have a director and ten teachers. Spanish, movement, and music classes are taught by professional instructors.
Facilities
Our facilities are among the best in the area. Our classrooms are bright, attractively decorated and well-equipped with educational toys and materials - a very inviting atmosphere for the children. The outdoor playground, located in the rear of the church grounds, is completely enclosed and well equipped with sturdy metal and wood equipment including slides, climbers, riding toys, sandboxes and cabins.
Visits
Parents of current student are welcome to visit our school any day. We ask that you call our office, 215-247-8865, in advance to arrange a time for your visit. We encourage current parents to discuss any particular concerns about your child with our teachers or director at any time. Your input is always appreciated.
Parents of prospective students are also welcome to call the school to arrange a visit.
Insurance
Accident Insurance is required for each child prior to the school year. This fee is included in tuition and covers the entire year.
Transportation
Transportation is not offered as a service of the school. Parents may arrange carpools at an orientation meeting prior to the start of school.
Nondescrimination Policy
The Pre-Kindergarten School of The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill admits children to its program without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, sex or national origin, and is an equal opportunity care provider.
Contact
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Margot Cohn, Director, 215-247-8865.