MetroKids - 0818 DE

August 2018 • free Delaware

YEARS 9 2

How to Be a LOCAVORE WI

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Contents

AUGUST 2018 • Vol. 29, No. 8

Eat Local 14 How to be More Locavore 15 Family-Friendly Farm Markets 18 Peachy Festivals In This Issue 4 Left Behind on the Beach 6 Back-to-School Music 10 What School Safety Officers Want You to Know 19 Travel as a Single Parent 22 MomSpeak

14

Classes 8 Enrichment for the PreK Set

10 12

SpecialKids 12 Social Skills for Success 13 Special Needs School Survey Family Fun 16 Day-by-Day Calendar Ad Sections

National

Peach

18 Month

AUGUST 2018

AUGUST 18 – 19 | 7 PM – 8 AM Join us for art making at twilight, moonlit sculpture tours, and camping out under the stars! For details, visit delart.org.

3 Events; 9 Classes; 11 Camp; 20 Child Care

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CAMPING IN THE SCULPTURE GARDEN

smart. local. parenting.

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Your MK 1412-1414 Pine St., Philadelphia, PA 19102 215-291-5560; 856-667-3555; 302-224-3020 Toll Free: 888-890-4668 Fax: 215-291-5565 Visit us online at MetroKids.com

President: Nancy Lisagor, PhD, ext. 109 nlisagor@metrokids.com

It’s not unusual to forget something on the beach as you’re scooping up the kids and the toys and the blankets. The Ocean Conservancy sends out volunteers each year to clean up beaches worldwide. This graphic shows just the kid-related items they collected last year. Somehow, when 131,016 diapers get left behind, it doesn’t seem like an accident.

Publisher: Darlene Weinmann, ext. 108 dweinmann@metrokids.com Managing Editor: Dave Gilmartin, ext. 102 editor@metrokids.com Resource Editor: Cheyenne Shaffer, ext. 101 calendar@metrokids.com Contributing Writers: Terri Akman, Suzanne Koup-Larsen, Frank Lipsius, Kathy O’Connell, Ann L. Rappoport, PhD Production Manager: Veronica Hanna, ext. 103 production@metrokids.com Finance: Marcella Reis, ext. 104 finance@metrokids.com Marketing/Circulation: Susan Braverman, ext. 100 marketing@metrokids.com Interns: Shikha Patel, Ben Lowenthal

ADVERTISING SALES 888-890-4668 Chrisy Holsopple

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We welcome your ideas and feedback. Write us at editor@metrokids.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google Plus and Instagram.

MetroKids® is published monthly by KidStuff Publications, Inc. © 2018 MetroKids® Magazine. All rights reserved by KidStuff Publications, Inc. ISSN 1094-8503. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. MetroKids® or KidStuff Pub­lica­t­ions do not assume responsibility for statements or opinions expressed by editorial contributors or advertisers. MetroKids® and SpecialKids® are trademarks of KidStuff Publications, Inc. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Advertisers indemnify and hold harmless the publisher from any claim and all loss, expense, or liability arising out of the publication of any advertisement.

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MetroKids.com 5

Music

Win It!

Music for Back to School

Energetic, rhythmic, and tattooed describe this marvelous duo known for love songs to “Donuts” and “French Fries.” “School’s Cool” (from the CD Kids Be Like) captures the chaos of a school morning while posing the question “What the heck is Play-Doh?” Infectious, delightful Ramones-like rock, until your kids discover the actual Ramones.

The Pop Ups: Giants of Science Brooklynbased duo Jason Rabinowitz and Jacob Stein are The Pop Ups, mixing puppetry, humor, dance, comedy, props and fabulous music in every performance.

Even if you never see their live show, rush to download their latest project, Giants of Science. Their 80’s-driven pop tendencies are on delightful display here on songs about geology (“Cave of Wonders”), “Shadow” (featuring Grammy winner Secret Agent 23 Skidoo), “Time” and “Inventors.” Scientific questions and theories are on display without ever losing the sense of fact-based wonder that science inspires.

6 MetroKids.com

Vered (Benhorin) and the Babes is the musical arm of Brooklyn’s Baby in Tune workshops and their CDs are a go-to baby gift in general. Now Vered expands as a family does, beyond the intimacy of the parent/ child, to Songs for Sisters and Brothers. She captures the complexities of siblings, from having a “Personal Comedian” to musing on “How It Once Was.” It’s all done with wit and honest reflections on the feelings of sibs. She had me musing on my own kid brother’s role in making me who I am, with “A Little Bit Tough.”

Bath time! The Elephant Baby Shower is a battery-operated, compact and portable shower that provides splashy fun and relaxation. ($24.99) And and the Sit and Sprinkle Sensory Arc enhances tactile stimulation while high-contrast colors grab newborns’ attention. ($31.99)

Bill Harley: Teachers’ Lounge Legendary songwriter/ storyteller/author Bill Harley’s website is onestop shopping for a bounty of treasures.

His teaching tools include original lesson plans as well as an invitation for teachers everywhere to share theirs. This is a valuable resource for traditional and nontraditional school experiences.

Kathy O’Connell is a contributing writer to MetroKids and host of the Peabody awardwinning Kids Corner, on air Mon.Thurs., 7-8pm on WXPN 88.5 FM.

Go to MetroKids.com/kidsmusic for the full music review, plus links and videos for these CDs.

The Beach Barbecue Bundle has all you need to host a shore shindig, including drink-top covers, durable tote, craft kit to occupy the kids, grilling sauce and shower-replacement spray to freshen up after a day in the sand. ($64.78) Log on to MetroKids.com/winit and enter to win your favorite prize, beginning Aug. 1. Prizes will be mailed by the provider to the address given on the entry form.

Also check out our Summer Fun promo to win funtastic toys and prizes every day until August 21st!

72

days of SUMMER N UA L

The Microphone Doctors: “School’s Cool”

Vered & the Babes: Songs for Sisters and Brothers

6 TH AN

By Kathy O’Connell A song for school mornings and an album devoted to science are easy picks for the new school year, while new parents and young ones can get a taste of musical mindfulness thanks to a couple of new albums. Meanwhile, a kindie veteran offers teachers collaborative tools.

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Classes

PURSUITS Enrichment Activities for the Preschool Crowd

By Sarah Lyons Extracurricular activities for preschoolers can encourage their natural curiosity and love of learning. It can also help them develop self-awareness as well as social, language, and motor skills. There are countless classes and programs for your child that are both fun and educational, but which one is right for your child?

as painting, sculpture, and paper mache.

Art helps kids develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as it encourages their creativity. Art classes are good for kids who are introverted, creative, and can sit still for longer periods of time.

and pretend. While preschool may provide a well-rounded enrichment experience, it may not be a good fit for some families due to schedules or finances.

Play groups are another great way to expose your child to many types of enrichment experiences while giving them the social aspect that many preschools provide.

Individual sports

Music and dance

Team sports

Team sports help kids with their social development and problem-solving skills.

Being part of a team also gives kids a sense of confidence as they cheer each other on and contribute to the common goal. “Soccer seems to be a good place to start. It gets them used to the idea of team sports.” says Kara Thomas, mom and preschool teacher. Another preschool-friendly team sport is T-ball.

Team sports are good if your child loves physical activity and socializing with other kids.

Preschool kids love to listen and dance to music. There are many programs where kids are encouraged to sing, make their own music, and use their bodies to express themselves through dance. Many dance studios offer beginner classes for the preschool crowd. The study of music and dance helps kids develop their gross-motor and language skills and even improve their math and reading abilities down the line. Music classes are a good fit for any preschooler but kids who are naturally drawn to music and movement in particular should look into music classes, such as Gymboree, that are geared toward preschoolers.

Art

An art class provides the opportunity for kids to create, make messes, and try crafts that their parents may not want to try at home, such

8 MetroKids.com

Preschool and playgroups

Traditional preschool exposes children to many types of enrichment such as art, music, games, cooperative play, drama

“I think dance or tumbling is a really good first organized activity for kids.” says Angela Leever, mom of three and preschool special education teacher.

“You want to make sure you get them into an activity where the instructors are used to working with young children and their expectations are age appropriate.”

Gymnastics, swimming, and martial arts are great sports activities for little ones to try because they work on their core strength and confidence. Kids who love to be active and maybe even a little daring, do great in these individual sports.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer.

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Education

What School Safety Officers Want You to Know

The people in charge of your child’s safety at school might be guidance counselors, guards or police officers. Here’s what they say about their role in protecting students.

By Ann L. Rappoport, PhD Part of the back-to-school tradition is meeting your child’s new teacher or principal. But many parents may not know the various employees who help keep their children safe at school, let alone what they do. So MetroKids reached out to a number of school districts in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and here is what local experts want parents to understand.

School safety is a team effort

Different personnel look out for different aspects of student safety.

Some, such as guidance counselors, are school employees. In some cases, civilian contractors, such as guards or consultants, are hired by school districts.

Increasingly, school districts work with school resource officers (SROs). In New Jersey, SROs are police officers who serve a school district through an agreement with the police department. In Delaware, SROs are state police or constables. SROs offer districts multiple support services, including educational resources for staff and students.

Having an SRO isn’t a stigma and doesn’t mean that a school is bad, emphasizes Pat Kissane, deputy chief of the Fort Lee, NJ police department and head of the New Jersey Association of School Resource Officers. Kissane says SROs receive special training, including how to protect students’ rights.

10 MetroKids.com

The national Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides guidelines to protect student records and outlines how they can be shared. It’s just one of the many regulations — federal, state and local — that govern policies that affect school security.

Arming teachers or anyone in schools other than on-duty police officers worries some law-enforcement professionals.

Part of their concern is whether those people are properly trained in the use of weapons and protocols. Also, in the event of a shooting, it may not be clear to first responders who are the perpetrators and who are the “good guys.”

A seat at the (lunch) table

State troopers and constables play a “preventive role” in schools, says Alex Nowell, public safety officer for Red Clay Consolidated School District in Delaware. They work on de-escalating and resolving tensions. “We’re not there to arrest; we’re there to assist staff. Safety is paramount.”

Part of that role is “an open-door policy of communication,” Nowell explains.

Constables often sit at the lunch table with students and become mentors to students. He’s known students to speak candidly to security officers about specific struggles they’re having or about a situation at home, so officers become integral parts of the students’ support systems. It’s not unusual for those bonds

Tips for parents Our experts had these suggestions for parents and guardians: • Attend parent-empowerment and training programs sponsored by schools to learn how to listen and talk with your kids. Learn non-violent strategies for de-escalating conflict and tension.

• Communicate with your kids. Know what they’re into. Keep a dialogue going. Read the newspapers and pay attention to contemporary issues; raise hypotheticals for discussion.

• Monitor your kids’ social media activities.

Problems can accelerate and spread quickly through social media and can intensify and carry over to school. Seek help from professionals if you don’t know what to do.

• Watch for warning signs that your child needs help — changes in demeanor, withdrawing from friends or family, acting out, depression, troublesome writing, failing in school.

• Determine in advance where to re-unite with family members if an incident requires either evacuation or dislocation and remind your children of the plan. Rushing to school can create more problems than it solves.

• Don’t hesitate to report concerns or seek professional assistance to support your child’s safety. to continue after students graduate, Nowell says.

There are kids in personal crisis on a daily basis, Kissane notes. When SROs develop relationships and trust in a school, they’re able to directly help those youngsters. Whether the problem is abuse, sexting, money or suicidal thoughts, Kissane says SROs listen and

AUGUST 2018

continued from p. 6

try to intervene in the most appropriate way.

Non-violent problem solving and conflict resolution is a major focus of security officers in Camden, NJ schools, says Maita Soukup, senior director of communications. Security officers and teachers are trained to help students mediate conflict and return the students to productive, positive school behavior.

Communication is key

Effective communication is an essential component for safety.

For instance, if there’s a fight over the weekend and the participants have to sit next to each other on Monday morning, an SRO might be able to use that information to help prevent an eruption, says Kissane. Similarly, if peers, parents or staff hear talk of self-harm or threats, communicating such tips — even anonymously — to the security team can help get students lifesaving intervention.

SROs and other safety officers often provide programs for students. They

Like

might educate them about vaping or how to read a parking ticket or accident report. These programs have the added benefit of opening up a dialogue with students, who will then make comments and raise issues that can be followed up later in private.

Safety officers are also often speakers at parent gatherings and PTA meetings and help schools with their safety plans and drills. They work with staff to review safety protocols, address questions and concerns, and clarify details that can become important during a crisis.

Who is allowed to have a gun in DE schools?

Ann L. Rappoport, PhD, is a contributing writer to MetroKids.

FEDERAL LAW Bars guns from K-12 schools under the Gun-Free School Zones Act but “it doesn’t apply to individuals licensed by a state to possess or carry a handgun,” according to the Giffords Center.

The debate about whether teachers should be armed raises the question of who is allowed to have a gun on school property under current law.

The answer is not always clear-cut but here is some of what the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence says about the laws that apply to Delaware.

DELAWARE Guns are banned in schools except if they are approved for instruction or a “school-authorized sports or recreational activity.”

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SpecialKids

Social Skills for Kids with Special Needs

By Terri Akman All children need to be able to understand facial expressions and recognize social cues in other people, look them in the eye, and be able to follow classroom rules. For kids with special needs, however, these lessons may not come easily.

“When interacting socially comes naturally for people, we don’t pay much attention to it,” says Amanda Bennett, developmental behavioral pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “But your ability to regulate an interaction with another person — having that back and forth conversation in a successful way; reading someone’s social cues and recognizing whether they agree with what you’re saying or doing; being able to recognize when someone is being friendly or a bully — these are all really important in childhood and in life.”

Practice at home

Children begin learning these lessons as babies, taking cues from their parents and the people around them. Socialization at preschool and playdates or in activities like music, gymnastics or library story time, are opportunities to apply these lessons.

“They are working on some of those skills in a small-group setting,” says Bennett.

If a child seems to struggle in a particular area, the school can provide additional support with games or activities to help a child develop his social skills without formal therapy.

Bennett urges parents to discuss with the teacher how their child is doing socially — who she plays with and how she plays. If necessary, the school can help the family find additional services.

Harry T., 12, is a seventh grader who loves playing Magic the Gathering cards and video games with his friends. But Harry has a sensory processing disorder, which makes certain social skills more difficult.

“He has a brain-muscle coordination issue,” says his mom, Ashley, from the Pennsport section of Philadelphia. “He thinks certain sensory inputs, like hugging, which feel really good to him and help keep him focused, are something everybody should want.”

Greetings are an area where Harry struggles. The best practice for these skills take place each week in church when Harry greets the minister. “It’s a controlled environment where Harry got practice shaking hands, looking the minister in the eye and saying thank you and moving on,” says Ashley.

Harry’s interest in cooking has provided another great teaching device. “Food and cooking are a way for him to have conversations with people across all boundaries,” she says. “It becomes a common language for him.”

Lessons in school

Cultivate good manners

Start at a young age

Students must behave appropriately in the classroom for effective learning. Many schools use programs like Social Thinking, which offers strategies to get all students on the same page, often by using specific words to help students focus on the task at hand.

For example, if a child is not exhibiting expected behavior, the teacher will ask, “What is the group plan?” says Eleanor Lantz, speech language pathologist at Centreville Layton School in DE, and the child’s response brings him back into focus. “They are all child-friendly, positive terms so the children don’t feel like they are being corrected.”

The students not only learn how to behave in the classroom, but are given necessary skills so they are more successful when they go into the world, says Lantz. “It’s not enough that you know information, but also that you can present yourself and make a connection with other people.”

12 MetroKids.com

At the Bancroft School, lessons include role playing in an environment that resembles the community. Its Mount Laurel, NJ campus includes a fully operational convenience store run by the students with support from staff. Students practice waiting on customers and selling goods.

“A good place to start is in the realm of greetings, just saying ‘Hi’ to others,” says Nicholas Forvour, clinical director of education at the Bancroft School. “When a community member says hello to you, the expectation is to say hello back. We want our learners equipped with that skill to make that relationship in the community an actuality. Social skills are how we navigate our community and environment and how we build relationships that go well beyond our immediate family.”

Terri Akman is a contributing writer to MetroKids.

AUGUST 2018

SpecialKids

2018-2019 Survey of Schools Serving Students Who Require Significant Support The survey below lists schools for students who need extra support for a variety of physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities.

distinct special needs served. Get even more info about each school online at MetroKids.com/specialneedsschools.

After you identify schools of interest, contact their administrators and arrange a tour. Only an in-person visit can confirm whether a school is right for your child. Feedback is welcome at editor@metrokids.com.

Use the key below to navigate the information, including the support services offered, learning strategies used and

KEY SUPPORT SERVICES LEARNING STRATEGIES & VOCATIONAL = Medical staff/Nursing ABBREVIATIONS = Counseling

= Music Therapy = Animal/Dog Therapy

OT = Occupational Therapy PT = Physical Therapy ST = Speech Therapy

School

Enrollment

ABA = Applied Behavior Analysis, behavior improvement through interventions based on learning theory PBIS = Positive Behavioral Intervention & Supports, evidence-based interventions to enhance learning and behavior TEACCH Model = Job coach-supported employment program

Grades/ Ages

Tuition

Staff/student ratio

SPECIAL NEEDS SERVED ASP AUT COM DD EMO EP HI LD NI PDD VI

Asperger syndrome Autism Comm./social disorder Devel. disability Emotional/behavioral disorder Epilepsy/seizure disorder Hearing impairment/deaf Learning disability/ADHD Neurological impairment Pervasive devel. disorder Visual impairment/blind

Support services

Tech

OTHER SERVICES

Learning strategies

Vocational opportunities

= Residential = Extended Day = Summer Program = Transportation

Extracurriculars

Other services

Adaptive Bellwether 100 Ages 8+ FAPE, speech tools, ABA Behavioral Health Private pay computer labs, Life skills Bear, DE iPads Bellbh.com A residential, special education program for individuals with exceptional behavioral & developmental challenges. ASP, AUT, COM, DD, EMO, EP, HI, LD, NI, PDD Benedictine School, The, Ridgely, MD Benschool.org

iPads, SmartBoards, Smart Tablets, computers Students ages 5-21 with intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities and autism. ASP, AUT, EMO, LD, NI, PDD

ABA, Functional academics, STARS, TEACCH

Delaware School for the Deaf Newark, DE 115 Ages 5-21 FAPE 2:7 Dsdeaf.org Acredited bilingual school serving deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind students . HI, VI

PBIS, Bilingual ASL approach

92

Ages 5-21

FAPE

1:4 (day) 1:3 (resident)

Computer lab, iPads, SmartBoards

Life skills, voc. training

Sports, field trips

Library, sports

Career plcmt., Art, library, High Road School of DE, Laptops, com.

Grades PBIS college prep, life music, Wilmington, DE 36 FAPE 2.5:1 lab, 4-12 skills, voc. training sports,theater catapultlearning.com SmartBoards Bridges the gap in education for students with a range of challenges, including but not limited to learning disabilities, emotional disturbances and ASDs. ASP, AUT, COM, EMO, HI, LD, PDD

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smart. local. parenting.

MetroKids.com 13

Health

13 ways to eat local

EAT LOCAL Be more locavore with these tips on how to find locally grown food.

By Sara Barry Want food that tastes amazing? You can’t beat local, in-season food. Besides tasting good, eating local means that you know where your food comes from, save fossil fuels, and support the local agriculture and economy. And it doesn’t have to be hard.

Lilly Steirer and her family experimented with a year of local eating, and found that eating only local foods wasn’t so hard, even with two small children. If eating local for a year feels like a stretch, could you eat more local foods than you do?

The biggest concerns about eating local are usually time, money and whether your kids will eat anything. Lilly found that their food budget stayed about the same but how they spent their money shifted. Less money went to restaurants, and more went to whole-food ingredients. She needed to plan and prep more, but even with a busy family the time part was doable.

Yes, they missed some things. Her kids talked a lot about ice cream and Lilly missed avocados, citrus and cheddar cheese, but mostly they ate a lot of delicious food.

Lilly’s family chose a year of local eating, because in-season food tastes better and because they recognize the impact that our current food system has on our planet.

Knowing your “why” helps keep you committed to change when things get hard. Plus your reasons for eating local may affect how you approach things.

14 MetroKids.com

What does local mean to you?

So what does eating locally really mean? One common standard is food grown within a 100-mile radius of your home.

You get to choose if you make exceptions to your local-eating practice. You may decide that you’re not ready to give up your morning coffee or that you want to use up the sugar you have and then transition to local sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup.

You can also decide when you bend the rules. Lilly’s family chose to eat non-local food when they visited friends, because relationships were more important than being rigid in their eating experiment.

Go over your grocery list

Start by making a list of items you buy regularly, and ask yourself: • Can we get this locally?

• Can we replace this with a different food?

• Should we cut this out?

To find local producers and farmers, go where you already shop and see what local foods they offer. Then consider convenient farm stands/stores or farmers markets. Tell them that you are looking to buy more locally; ask if they can recommend anybody else who grows or produces specific things you need.

5 easy ways to eat more local food

Once you’ve figured out what eating locally means to you, you don’t have to eat

• Shop farmers markets and stands. (Local markets on p. 15) • Pick fruits and veggies at farms or orchards.

(See Metrokids.com/locavore) • Learn what is harvested when.

• Grow herbs on your window sill.

• Join a CSA. • Try local honey or maple syrup.

• Try a local food you’ve never had before.

• Buy a share of a locally raised animal.

• Preserve food during the growing season.

• Start or support a garden at your kids’ school.

• Hold a harvest feast.

• Look for locally grown restaurant specials.

• Try locally produced pickles, jams or sauces. only local foods. Here are five meaningful, but doable changes you can make: 1. Cut out processed food Since most processed foods aren’t local, cutting out all processed foods can make a big impact right away.

2. Choose one type of food to only buy locally Try adding one food at a time. For example, start by only eating locally grown greens. You could plant a patch of lettuce or pick up a variety of greens weekly at the farmers market. Once you get used to that, then tackle another vegetable or eggs or dairy or meat.

3. Make local food the norm Lilly noticed that people often go to the farmers market for “special” food. Try buying your spring and summer veggies only from a local farmers market or farm stand.

4. Trade out one food for something local Lilly learned that quinoa was grown near her, so that became a staple instead of rice.

5. Plan one local meal each week Think about meals that are easy to make with local ingredients. Make an omelet with local eggs and veggies. Add local cheese or meat. Switch it up each week using different fillers and herbs.

Soups and salads can be made with ingredients that shift as the growing season changes.

One thing is clear: You don’t have to go whole hog into eating locally to connect to your local food. You can take doable, bite-sized steps toward being a more locavore family.

Sara Barry is a freelance writer.

Find family-friendly farm markets on p. 15 and more online at MetroKids.com/locavore

AUGUST 2018

Family Fun

The “locavore” movement — a push to primarily eat food that’s locally grown or produced — has become increasingly popular. And farmers markets are prime spots to load up on everything from fruits and veggies to baked goods, all made locally. While kids can discover the importance of nutrition at every market, many make an extra effort to appeal to visitors with little ones in tow. Find more ways to add more local food to your family’s diet on p. 14.

Activities: The market’s a short stroll to the Delaware Children’s Museum and Riverwalk mini-golf course.

Where: Loockerman Way Plaza, Dover When: Wednesdays, 11:30am-2:30pm;

Bellefonte Farmers Market, Wilmington Delaware Avenue Farmers Market,

June-Nov.

Activities: In partnership with the USDA,

Wilmington

free lunch is provided to ages 18 & younger.

Newark Farmers Market, Newark

Where: 58 River St., Milford When: Saturdays, 9am-1pm; June-Oct. Activities: Stop by during days dedicated

to kids, held a few times each season. Past festivities have included magic shows, animal meet-and-greets, face painting, a caricaturist and storytelling.

Glasgow Park Farmers Market Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market

Where: 1919 Allabands Mill Rd., Camden-Wyoming

When: Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm;

March-Dec. Activities: Teach your tots where fruit and veggies come from during a visit to the fields for pick-your-own blackberries, cucumbers, peaches, peppers, potatoes squash, sweet corn, tomatoes and watermelon.

Ficner Farm, Dover Riverwalk Farmers Market, Milford West Indian Caricum Market, Dover

Where: 2275 Pulaski Hwy., Newark When: Fridays, 3-7pm; May-Oct. Activities: There’s plenty of green space nearby to appease restless little ones, including a playground.

local librarian, then enjoy live music.

Where: 110 N. Dupont Hwy., New Castle When: Fridays and Saturdays, sunrise-

sunset; year-round Activities: Kids need a break from shopping? Bring them to the arts table to make a masterpiece to take home.

Where: 3 S. Orange St., Wilmington When: Monday-Saturday, hours vary; year-round

AUGUST 2018

Where: Grove Park, Rehoboth Beach When: Tuesdays, 11am-3pm; May-Oct. Activities: Settle in for storytime led by a

Bethany Beach Farmers Market, Bethany Beach

Fenwick Island Farmers Market, Fenwick Island

Historic Lewes Farmers Market, Lewes Log on to MetroKids.com/familyfun for more information, including address, phone number & website.

MetroKids.com 15

Family Fun

Enjoy Breakfast with the Beasts at Wilmington's Brandywine Zoo, Aug. 11.

Special needs event

Editor's Pick

$ = $1-$5; $$ = $6-$10; $$$ = $11-$19; $$$$ = $20 & up

1 Wednesday Bike and Hike

1 Wednesday

Bike and Hike at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington. Explore areas of the property typically closed to foot traffic. $ Squeaky Wheels at the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Wilmington. Join your toddler for a fun and informative walk through the garden and galleries. $

2 Thursday

$3 Thursday at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington. Enjoy discounted admission and food trucks every Thurs. this month. $

3 Friday

Introduction to Rock Climbing

8 Wednesday

5 Sunday

2nd Street Festival along N. 2nd St., Phila. See “Fab Freebie,” below. FREE ACANA African Festival on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Phila. Enjoy performances by musicians and dance troupes from around the African continent, as well as food and shopping for traditional and modern crafts. FREE First Sunday Family Day: Story Sharing at the Barnes Foundation, Phila. Make a journal, use a typewriter, brainstorm poetry prompts and watch a performance by a Cambodian dance troupe. FREE

$5 After 5pm at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington. Extended hours, cannon firings and demos are on tap. $ Riverfront Blues Festival at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, Wilmington. FREE Starry Night Hike at Brandywine Creek State Park, Wilmington. $

4 Saturday

Peach Party Weekend at Milburn Orchards, Elkton, MD. See “Town & County,” p. 18. $$ Riverfront Blues Festival at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, Wilmington. FREE Super Silly Science

18 Saturday

16 MetroKids.com

Summer Saturday at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington. Activities include fishing on the Brandywine and water-balloon games. $$$

Fab Freebie

Philly’s Northern Liberties neighborhood plays host to the summer-staple 2nd Street Festival, Aug. 5, spanning six blocks of N. 2nd St. between Germantown Ave. and Spring Garden St. Visitors enjoy a Philly-centric lineup of live music and entertainment on four stages, as well as food trucks, dozens of craft and clothing vendors, and kids’ activities.

AUGUST 2018

First Sunday for Families: Wonderful Nature at the Brandywine River Museum of Art, Chadds Ford, PA. Make creatures and plants, meet animals from the Brandywine Zoo and discover specimens from the Delaware Museum of Natural History. FREE Peach Party Weekend at Milburn Orchards, Elkton, MD. See “Town & County,” p. 18. $$ Play Without Boundaries at the Please Touch Museum, Phila.

Kids with developmental and/or learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum enjoy the venue in a modified environment. FREE Riverfront Blues Festival at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, Wilmington. FREE Steamin' Day at the Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights Preserve, Yorklyn. Build a car or boat out of recycled materials. $$$ Zoo Kids at the Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. Go wild with games, crafts, stories and animal presentations. $$

6 Monday

Monday Night Movie: Cars 3 at Dagsworthy St. and the Beach, Dewey Beach. FREE Movie on the Beach: Sherlock Holmes at the Boardwalk Bandstand, Bethany Beach. FREE

7 Tuesday

Museum Babies: Nature Explorers at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington. This weekly program teaches skills such as counting, matching, music and movement. $$$$ Terrific Tuesday at the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Wilmington. Weekly activities include games and crafts based on what you’ll find at the venue. $$$$

8 Wednesday

Introduction to Rock Climbing at Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington. After a brief introduction to equipment, climbing and safety, climb the natural rock wall. $$$$ Museum Babies: Animals Around the World at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington. See Aug. 7. $$$$ World Wonders: StoryUP! at the Penn Museum, Phila. Improv actors present a show based on suggestions from kids in the audience. $$$

9 Thursday

Family Fun Night at the Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. Meet radio personalities and enjoy games, activities and animal visits. $

10 Friday

Owl Prowl Hike at Brandywine Creek State Park, Wilmington. $

11 Saturday

Breakfast with the Beasts at the Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington.

There’ll be an animal presentation and activity in addition to the meal. $$$ Bug Fest at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Explore creepy-crawly insects from around the globe, chat with scientists, view specimens from the museum’s collection and get your face painted. $$$ Family Art Workshop: Paint the Town at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Phila. Paint a modern canvas. $$$$ Introduction to Rock Climbing at Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington. See Aug. 8. $$$$ Night at the Museum and Star Party at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington. Join the Delaware Astronomical Society to learn about meteors and try to spot a few. $$ Peach Ice Cream Day at Fifer Orchards Farm and Country Store, Camden-Wyoming. See “Town & County,” p. 18. FREE Science Saturday: Gone with the Wind at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington. Make a wind sculpture. $$$

12 Sunday

Bug Fest at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. See Aug. 11. $$$ Dog Days of Summer at Franklin Square, Phila. Bring the family pup for pet portraits, sprinklers and shallow pools. FREE PECO Family Jams: Rock Figures at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Phila. Make figures using river rocks and sticky tack. $$ Sunday Studio: Artist Activist at the Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington. FREE World Elephant Day at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington. Visit learning stations, watch a film and get an upclose look at related objects. $$

13 Monday

Monday Night Movie: Coco at Dagsworthy St. and the Beach, Dewey Beach. FREE Movie on the Beach: Coco at the Boardwalk Bandstand, Bethany Beach. FREE

14 Tuesday

World's Fair of Money at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. See $1 billion in rare coins and colorful currency, plus kids’ activities and educational seminars. $$

15 Wednesday

World's Fair of Money at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. See Aug. 14. $$

Fan of . . . Comics Comic and graphic novel fans unite for Dover Comic Con, Aug, 18 at the Dover Public Library. Meet dozens of artists and authors, check out cosplay and fan groups, navigate pop-up escape rooms, join a video game party, see famous pop-culture cars like the Batmobile and the DeLorean from Back to the Future, browse merchandise vendors and attend panels.

AUGUST 2018

MetroKids.com 17

Town & County:

Family Fun World Wonders: Egyptian Mummy Makers at the Penn Museum, Phila. Explore the mummification process through each step using fabricated, lifelike mummies. $$$

16 Friday

Kidchella Music Festival at Smith Memorial Playground, Phila. Red Yarn and Vered & the Babes are set to take the stage. $$ World's Fair of Money at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. See Aug. 14. $$

17 Friday

End-of-Summer Bash at the Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington. Enjoy live music and earth-science programming. $ Starry Night Hike at Brandywine Creek State Park, Wilmington. $

18 Saturday

Biggs Kids: Illustration Workshop at the Biggs Museum of American Art, Dover. FREE Camping in the Sculpture Garden at the Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington. This overnight adventure features moonlit tours and art making. $$$$ Dover Comic Con at the Dover Public Library, Dover. See “Fan of,” p. 17. FREE Festival of India on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Phila. Celebrate India’s Independence Day with art, music, dance and food. FREE Grow Up Great at the Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza, Phila. Kids are introduced to jazz and musical theatre. FREE Olde Tyme Peach Festival along Main St., Middletown. See “Town & County,” right. FREE Owl Prowl Hike at Brandywine Creek State Park, Wilmington. $ Pirate Day at Fort Mifflin, Phila. While pirates and sailors storm the fort, families join musket drills and scavenger hunts. $$ Rockin’ Raspberry Harvest Party at Milburn Orchards, Elkton, MD. Enjoy a pancake breakfast and farm fun. $$ Super Silly Science Workshop at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington. $$ Summer Saturday at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington. Make homemade ice cream. $$$ Tango Plus for Tamarins at Bellevue State Park’s Figure Eight Barn, Wilmington. Funds raised during the dance-themed event benefit conservation efforts for lion tamarin in Brazil. $$$$

19 Sunday

Caribbean Festival on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Phila. Activities include a marketplace, music and workshops. FREE

18 MetroKids.com

Fairy Tale Sunday: Pirates at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington. Dress as a storybook character for themed activities. $$$

Peach Celebrations

Family Sports Day at Franklin Square, Phila. Get active with football-inspired activities. FREE Kids’ Corner Family Workshop: Creative Power at the Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington. FREE Rockin’ Raspberry Harvest Party at Milburn Orchards, Elkton, MD. See Aug. 18. $$

20 Monday

Monday Night Movie: The BFG at Dagsworthy St. and the Beach, Dewey Beach. FREE Movie on the Beach: Peter Rabbit at the Boardwalk Bandstand, Bethany Beach. FREE

21 Tuesday

Community Night at the Franklin Institute, Phila. FREE

22 Wednesday

Guided Hike at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington. $$ Introduction to Rock Climbing at Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington. See Aug. 8. $$$$

25 Saturday Delaware Burger Battle at the Cauffiel House Restaurant, Wilmington. Help yourself to burger samples and vote for your favorite to win. $$$$ Full Moon Hike at Bellevue State Park, Wilmington.

FREE Introduction to Rock Climbing at Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington. See Aug. 8. $$$$ Newlin Grist Mill, Glen Mills, PA. FREE History at Work: Staff demonstrate paper marbling and discuss how it works.

Pop-Up Naturalist: Learn about streams via interactive demos and crafts.

Science Saturday Rocking Roller Coasters at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington.

Make a mini roller coaster. $$$

26 Sunday

Full Moon Hike at Brandywine Creek State Park, Wilmington. $

While we’re highlighting family-friendly farmers markets on p. 15, did you know it’s National Peach Month?

Celebrate during these fruity festivities.

NEW CASTLE COUNTY Middletown’s Main Street plays host to the Olde Tyme Peach Festival, Aug, 18, featuring a pie contest, crafts, music, food, games, kids’ activities, artist exhibits and entertainment throughout the day.

SUSSEX COUNTY Bring your appetite to Fifer Orchards Farm and Country Store’s Peach Ice Cream Day, Aug. 11 in Camden-Wyoming, complete with pickyour-own peaches — the only day you’ll be able to this season — food vendors and live music.

CECIL COUNTY, MD Milburn Orchards in Elkton serves up a pancake breakfast, ice cream-making demos, pie-eating contests, a pedal tractor pull competition for kids and sack races during Peach Harvest Weekend, Aug. 4 & 5.

National

27 Monday

Movie on the Beach: Wonder at the Boardwalk Bandstand, Bethany Beach. FREE

31 Friday

Movie in the Park: Beauty and the Beast at JFK Commons Park, Dover. FREE

Log on to MetroKids.com/familyfun for more information, including address, phone number, time & website.

Peach Month

AUGUST 2018

Parenting myself; I had been to Jamaica before, so I was comfortable there,” says the Mt. Laurel, NJ mom. The boys especially enjoyed the waterpark, kids’ club and other kid-friendly activities.

Noticing that she was caring for her young boys by herself, the staff was especially helpful and accommodating. The trip worked out so well that she planned another excursion to Punta Cana. “The boys loved Jamaica and this resort also has a waterpark and activities for kids,” she says.

Plan ahead

By Terri Akman Vacations can be more challenging for single-parent families. Room rates, often based on double-occupancy, can be twice as expensive when mom or dad is traveling solo. It may also be more difficult to find much-needed alone time without a partner to watch the kids, and a single parent may not feel comfortable on a tour when everyone else is coupled.

Recognizing that 27 percent of children under age 18 — nearly 20 million — live with one parent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, tour companies and resorts are now creating trips especially for the one-parent family.

“In the last year, resorts started pricing for single parents, not only at family properties but also at adult-only properties to give the single parent a way to get away,” says Felicia Dicks, travel consultant with Liberty Travel in Philadelphia.

Travel the world

Where Disney once topped many families’ vacation lists, today more diverse, exotic and historical locations are popular. “Parents want to do something different,” says Dicks.

To satisfy this new market, Intrepid Travel, an adventure-travel company,

AUGUST 2018

unveiled six new tours this year designed for solo parents and their children.

To make it easier on the parent, all of the logistics, from accommodations to activities, are handled for the trips, which include destinations in Costa Rica, Thailand, Northern India, Egypt, Vietnam and Morocco.

“As single-parent households increase, it’s time for the travel industry to take notice with travel opportunities that are fun, adventurous and affordable,” says Dyan Mckie, brand manager for Intrepid Travel’s Family Adventures.

Me-time for single parents

Trips aimed at single parents are also designed to give them some time alone and give kids a bit of independence.

“Led by local leaders in each destination, the itineraries provide parents with some much-deserved rest and relaxation and take the pressure off to plan and entertain at all times,” says Mckie. The kids, meanwhile, bond and form friendships with other kids in the group.

Dominique C. took sons Antwonne, 10, and DaShawn, 8, to the all-inclusive Sunscape Splash Montego Bay resort in Jamaica. “This was the first time I was traveling outside of the country by

When one parent is responsible for several children, especially young kids, early planning can make the trip smoother.

Book early, says Cindy McCabe, owner of Bethany Travel and Dream Vacations in Millsboro, DE, to get seats together toward the front of the plane.

“Little kids are great travelers,” says McCabe, who encourages each child to bring his own entertainment — an iPad with movies or games, stuffed animals, a blanket. “Anything to make them as comfortable on a plane as they are at home.”

Nonstop flights are best wherever possible, but if you are connecting, be sure to have plenty of time so no one is stressed or rushed. Choose a resort that’s close to the airport to avoid long rides after getting off the plane. And don’t assume the airline will seat the family together.

It may be worth paying a premium to be sure.

“Maybe that seat assignment isn’t available for free, but you will want to pre-purchase that seat because you don’t want any surprises or issues when you get there,” says McCabe.

Kids with special needs

If you have a child with special needs, be sure to choose a destination that can accommodate him. For example, some resorts are autism certified.

“Beaches Resort has a chef that will meet with a child who has food allergies,” says McCabe. “In one family, the little girl felt like a princess because the chef came out every morning to see what she wanted for the day, to be sure he was fixing things that worked for her allergies.”

Terri Akman is a contributing writer to MetroKids.

MetroKids.com 19

Child Care & Early Education Directory FY: Full Year AY: Academic Year SP: Summer Program MP: Meals Provided BS: Before School

AS: After School DA: Diapers Accepted TP: Transportation Provided SN: Special Needs DHS*: Licensed: Dept. of Health & Human Services

DE: Licensed: Dept. of Education DYF: Licensed: Dept. of Youth & Family Serv.

DE ★: Delaware Stars Participant NAEYC: Accredited by National Association of Education of Young Children

MULTIPLE SITES

MIDDLETOWN, NEW CASTLE COUNTY

A.S. ACADEMY OF LEARNING 10 Songsmith Drive, Newark • 302-834-5620 891 Pulaski Highway, Bear • 302-276-0868 asacademyoflearning.com • Ages: 6 wks.-12 yrs. • Hours: 6am-6pm Every child is unique, and we believe that success and growth come from encouragement and praise. Breakfast & Pm snack provided. All activities included. POC Plus Accepted & Sibling Discount. Delaware Stars 5. DE, DYF, DE ★ KIDZ, INK ACADEMY OF EARLY ACADEMICS 1 Songsmith Dr., Bear, DE • 302-838-1500 1703 Porter Rd., Bear, DE • 302-838-5400 345 School Bell Rd., Bear, DE • 302-327-0686 645 W. North St., Dover, DE • 302-730-4730 616 W. Glenwood Ave., Smyrna, DE • 302-653-4034 KidzEarlyLearning.com • Ages: 6 wks.-11 yrs. • Hours: 6am-6:30pm Our curriculum is designed to stimulate your child’s mind, strengthen their bodies, and nurture their hearts. National curriculum: core knowledge. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack.

Spanish degreed and experienced teachers, security cameras monitor every room. FY, SP, MP, BS, AS, TP, DE, DYF, DA, DE ★ LITTLE STARS INC. 5702 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE • 302-995-2920 947 Old Harmony Rd., Newark, DE • 302-737-9759 littlestarsinc.com • Ages: 6 wks.-12 yrs. • Hours: 6:30am-6pm Come Join the Fun here at Little Stars. Two locations serving children 6 wks. to 12 yrs. Full day.

Family-owned & operated. Warm, qualified staff teaches basic education concepts. Pre-school for ages 3 & 4. First aid & CPR. Breakfast, lunch & snack. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DYF YMCA OF DELAWARE 100 W. 10th St., Ste. 1100, Wilmington, DE 302-221-9622 • www.ymcade.org • Ages: 6 wks.-13 yrs.

Largest children’s programming provider in the state. We offer full-day care, pre-school and before- and after-school care. Call the branch nearest you for specific details: Bear-Glasgow, 302-836-9622, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Brandywine, 302-478-9622, half-day preschool, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Central, 302-254-9622, full-day preschool, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Sussex, 302-296-9622, half-day preschool, extended care, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Dover, 302-346-9622, before and after care, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Walnut St., 302-472-9622, full-day preschool, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Western, 302-453-0123, full-day preschool, before and after care, BS, AS, SP, DE ★

BEAR, NEW CASTLE COUNTY GREAT NEW BEGINNINGS OF ST. ANDREWS Independently Owned & Operated 14 St. Andrews Rd., Bear, DE • 302-838-1000 GNBKids.com • Ages: 8 wks.-School Age • Hours: 6:30am-6pm Serving children 8 weeks through 12 years old. Family-owned and operated since 1999. Staff certified through Dept. of Education. Internet viewing available. Nutritional breakfast, snack and lunch program provided daily. Delaware STARS level 5. Panic Button Security System. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, DYF, SN, DE, DE ★, NAEYC

HOCKESSIN, NEW CASTLE COUNTY CACC MONTESSORI SCHOOL 1313 Little Baltimore Rd., Hockessin, DE 19707 302-239-2917 • www.caccmont.org • Ages: 3 mos. to K • Hours: 7am-6pm Our Montessori child-directed program provides a low student/teacher ratio and individualized instruction. Our Enrichments include Library, Art, Gym (Zumba & Yoga), Music, Technology, Gardening and Spanish & Chinese instruction. AY, SP, BS/AS, DA, DYF, AMS THE HOCKESSIN MONTESSORI SCHOOL 1000 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707 302-234-1240 • www.TheHMS.org • Ages: 12 mos. - 8th grade • Hours: 8am-3pm The school program follows the Montessori Method and emphasizes mathematics, language, humanities, arts and sciences while stressing life skills. All levels participate in enrichment subjects including STEM, art, library, computers, Spanish, music and physical education, which are developmentally appropriate for the age and ability. AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, PAIS, AMS

20 MetroKids.com

PAIS: Accredited by PA Assoc. of Independent Schools MSCES: Accredited by Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools AMS: Accredited by American Montessori Society MSA: Middle States Association of Schools & Colleges

.com

ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL — EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM 211 Silver Lake Road, Middletown, DE 19709 • 302-378-3179 ext.1 • www.StAnnesDE.org Ages: 3 yrs.-Grade 8 • Hours: 8am-3:15pm; Extended Care: 7am-6pm From Preschool through 8th grade our programs lay the foundation for intellectual growth, moral judgment, leadership, and confidence. Our passionate faculty embraces a progressive child-centered teaching philosophy. Art, music, STEM, Spanish, library, religion, outdoor play.

Member of the National Association of Independent Schools and the National Association of Episcopal Schools. AY, SP, BS/AS, TP, MSA, DE ★

NEW CASTLE, NEW CASTLE COUNTY HELPING HANDS FAMILY CHILDCARE 4 Capo Ln., New Castle, DE 19720 302-836-4748 • www.HelpingHandsFamilyChildcare.com • Ages: 6 wks.-5 yrs.

Hours: 7am-5:30pm Delaware 4 Stars facility, a warm hearted Christian environment where “Learning Begins At the Door” and PLAY is our main focus. Children participate in daily sing-a -longs, playing musical instruments, dramatic play, arts and crafts, designed for their age and abilities. POC Accepted. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, SN, DE ★

NEWARK, NEW CASTLE COUNTY EARLY LEARNING CENTER AT UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE, THE 489 Wyoming Rd. Newark, DE 302-831-6205 • www.elc.udel.edu • Ages: 6 wks.-5 yrs. – Hours: 7am-6pm The UD Early Learning Centers provide high quality care and education programs for children and their families by establishing a model for exceptional practices for future early educators.

Because the ELC is associated with the University of Delaware, children and their families benefit from clinical placements and current research on best practices in early childhood. SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, DYF, NAEYC EBENEZER PRESCHOOL 525 Polly Drummond Hill Rd., Newark, DE 19711 302-731-3030 • www.ebenezerumcpreschool.org • Ages: 2-4 yrs. • Hours: 9am-12pm Since 1965 we have been providing children with a loving environment which guides their physical, emotional , spiritual and social development. We prepare the child for further learning experiences and for entrance into kindergarten. We welcome children of all faiths while teaching Christ-like ideals. AY, SP, MP, DA, SN, DYF EDU-CARE PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE 345 Polly Drummond Hill Rd., Newark, DE 19711 302-453-7326 • www.educarepreschool.com • Ages: 6 wks.-12 yrs.

Hours: 6:30am-6pm Edu-Care provides both a nurturing and academic atmosphere. We offer a variety of scheduling options. Feel free to stop in at any time for a tour or contact us for more information. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DHS*, DE, DE ★ NEWARK DAY NURSERY AND CHILDREN’S CENTER 921 Barksdale Rd., Newark, DE 302-731-4925 • Ages: 6 wks.-14 yrs. • Hours: 6:45am-6pm NAEYC Accredited & DE Stars Level 5. Dedicated to educating, enriching and inspiring children. Highly trained, professional, and experienced teachers, providing a quality program in a warm, family-friendly environment. Developmentally appropriate activities, computers, and separate toddler, preschool and school-age playgrounds provided. POC Accepted. Offers Financial aid in the form of a sliding fee scale. FY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, DYF, NAEYC, DE ★ ONE STEP AHEAD CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOL, INC. 432 Salem Church Rd., Newark, DE 302-292-1162 • Ages: 1 yr.-12 yrs. • Hours: 7am-6pm Devoted, skilled staff assist your child with age-appropriate weekly themed curriculum to enhance their self-esteem and love of learning. All staff CPR and First Aid certified. All teachers are Board of Education certified. Spacious indoor and outdoor play areas.

Secured premises. All classrooms video monitored. Breakfast, lunch and snacks. Full-time and part-time options. Before- and after-school programs serving Thurgood Marshall and McVey School. Sibling discount. Summer camp with weekly field trips. FY, AY, SP, BA, AS, DA, DHS*

NORTH WILMINGTON, NEW CASTLE COUNTY SAINT EDMOND’S ACADEMY 2120 Veale Rd., Wilmington, DE 302-475-5370 • Stedmondsacademy.org Ages: Pre-K (age 4) through Grade 8 (age 14) Hours: 7:40am (with Before Care Avail. at 7am)-2:45pm (w/ After Care Avail. until 6pm) The Academy educates boys’ hearts and minds in the Holy Cross tradition. Core values of responsibility, independence, positive self-image, integrity and community are integrated with an innovative curriculum. SEA is a special place for young learners to grow. AY, BS, AS, MP (lunch)

AUGUST 2018

Child Care & Early Education Directory PIKE CREEK, NEW CASTLE COUNTY

WILMINGTON, NEW CASTLE COUNTY (continued)

INDEPENDENCE SCHOOL, THE 1300 Paper Mill Rd. Newark, DE 302-239-0332 • TheIndependenceSchool.org • Ages: 3 yrs.-K – Hours: 7am-6pm Early Childhood is the first step of the exceptional Independence School Education. Children engage in developmentally appropriate learning experiences which contribute to their social, emotional and intellectual development. All faculty hold bachelor’s degrees in education with specific expertise in early childhood education. Full-time nurse on campus. AY, SP, BS, AS, DE, MSCES

TOWER HILL SCHOOL 2813 W. 17th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806 302-575-0550 • www.towerhill.org • Ages: Age 3-Grade 12 • Hours: 8am -2:40 pm Tower Hill’s preschool provides young learners with a quality education in a warm and supportive environment. Understanding that children gain knowledge through play, nurturing teachers emphasize engaging activities that allow students to explore, experiment and discover the world around them. AY, SP, MP, BS/AS, MSCES

WILMINGTON, NEW CASTLE COUNTY

URSULINE ACADEMY 1106 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington, DE 302-658-7158 • Ursuline.org • Ages 3-18 • Hours: 8am-2:45pm Our Early Childhood Programs are unique from any other school by offering two paths to First Grade: Pre-Kindergarten/ Kindergarten & Montessori. Children develop social consciousness by responding to personal, community, & global needs, and by becoming true models of Serviam through Christian love. Full & Half Day/Week Options. AY, SP, BS, AS, DAIS, ADVIS, NAIS

CONCORD PRESCHOOL AND CHILDCARE 1800 Fairfax Blvd., Wilmington, DE 302-654-9629 • www.concordpreschoolandchildcare.com Ages: 1 yr.- 9yrs. • Hours: 7:15am-5:45pm Our small class sizes enable valuable one-on-one instruction. Caring teachers and rich curriculum including Computer Tots, Spanish, Music and Gym. Serving ages 1 year through Kindergarten. Summer to age 9. FT, PT, Extended, 7:15am-5:45pm. Founded in 1956. Financial aid, Parent volunteer opportunities available. FY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS*

WILMINGTON FRIENDS SCHOOL PRESCHOOL 101 School Road, Wilmington, DE 302-576-2930 • Ages: 2 yrs.-4 yrs. • Hours: 7:30am-6pm The Wilmington Friends Reggio Emilia inspired preschool offers experiences to stimulate intellectual, emotional and social development. The program is guided, in the Quaker tradition, by values of respect for each individual and responsibility as members of a community. AY, FY, AS, BS, SP, MSCES

SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA GRADE SCHOOL 1715 W. Ninth St. Wilmington DE 302-421-3743 • www.school.stanthonynet.org • Ages: PreK-8th grade Hours: 7:30am-3pm Preschool 3 and 4 year olds through Eighth Grade (faith-based curriculum). Middle States Accredited. Before care and after care provided. Full-service cafeteria. State of the Art Science and Computer Labs. AY, MP, BS, AS ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL 2320 Grubb Rd., Wilmington, DE 19810 302-475-3747 • www.stdavidsdayschoolde.org • stdavidskidsde@outlook.com Ages: 2,3, & 4 (must have reached age by August 31 if starting school in September) Hours: Preschool 9-12; Full day 7:30 – 5:45; 2, 3 or 5 day options A St. David’s Episcopal Church outreach, conveniently located in Brandywine Hundred. Developmental Movement class daily, developmentally appropriate curriculum. 2 playgrounds, weekly chapel services. Staff certified CPR & First Aid. Some financial aid . Preschool 9am-12pm; Full day 7:30-5:45; 2, 3 or 5 day options. POC and credit cards accepted. Parent volunteer opportunitites and financial aid available. FY, AY, SP, BS/AS, DA, TP, SN, DHS*, DYF, NAEYC, PAIS, MSCES, AMS

WILMINGTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL 1400 Harvey Rd., Wilmington, DE 302-475-0555 • wmsde.org • admissions@wmsde.org Ages: 12 mos.-12 yrs. • Hours: 7am-6pm Students follow their passions, discover initiative from within and take ownership of their learning; a place that embraces the power of technology for teaching, exploring, engaging and collaborating. With a diverse student body and a challenging curriculum that promotes mutual respect and a global perspective, WMS graduates are prepared to move fearlessly into the world. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DYF, NAEYC, DE ★, AMS

ST. MICHAEL’S SCHOOL AND NURSERY 700 N. Walnut St., Wilmington, DE 302-656-3389 • www.stmichaelsde.org • Ages: 8wks-PreSchool • Hours: 7am -5:30 pm A 5-Star rated early education center with a recently expanded Infant and Toddler Program convenient to all downtown Wilmington employers. High quality, nurturing environment that prepares children to learn and succeed in school. Large facility with 16 classrooms, gross motor play rooms, dining room, library and spacious, age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily. Our “whole child” approach supports children’s social-emotional, physical, language and cognitive needs. St. Michael’s values diversity, qualified faculty and family involvement. Vouchers accepted. FY, MP, DA, DHS, DE, DYF, DE ★

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At-a-glance indexes let parents view pertinent facts about regional schools and refer to In-Depth School Profiles for sponsor schools.

PARENTS: Sign-up to receive updates on our 2018-19 Guide to Schools at MetroKids.com/GuidetoSchools or email info@metrokids.com Schools interested in participation contact Darlene Weinmann at sales@metrokids.com or 215-291-5560 AUGUST 2018

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MomSpeak

The MomSpeak Roundup

Moms know things. Find out what kind of things at MetroKids.com/MomSpeak where we keep an eye out for the best local parenting blogs and share with you their tips, observations and humor. This month, check out these four.

Tips for Visiting Knoebels Lisa Lightner writes for A Day in Our Shoes (ADayinOurShoes.com), which provides support for parents of children with special needs. She is also a lifelong Knoebels fan.

“I have been going there ever since I was a toddler, and my (now deceased) grandmother even went there as a child. It’s that kind of place. Even though it’s a 2+ hour trek for us now, we make sure we get there every summer. It’s not that easy to get to, lots of 2-lane roads, but I love that about the place and I’m used to it.”

Read Lisa’s tips, built from her many visits, including insights on accessibility, food, rides and toilets without seats.

What to Do with Family Photos of Your Ex? 7 Fun and Safe Outdoor Activities for Babies Katie Chiavarone writes on her blog, Views From a Step Stool, (ViewsFromaStepStool.com), that moms of babies might huddle inside during the summer, but they don’t have to because there are many fun and safe activities to do with your little one.

“Babies can’t be in direct sunlight and need lots of breaks for feedings, naps and diaper changes. New moms may be tempted to stay inside all summer, but it doesn’t have to be that way.”

See Katie’s really simple, really smart ideas.

Darla DeMorrow of Heart Work Organizing (HeartWorkOrg.com) writes: “I’ve helped many other families deal with their own collections that include an ex-spouse, and I’ve seen the range of emotions that come with photos of ex-family members. The process seems to be complicated by three main factors: • How fresh is the split?

• Were there children from the marriage?

• Did you part ways amicably?

At some point, everyone finds at least one picture that makes them ask, ‘Is there a way to erase him out of the good photos?

There’s so much that you can do with Photoshop these days! Ha!’” Cut it up? Toss it out? Photoshop magic? What does Darla say?

5 Great Outdoor Spots for Kids in the City Katie Lockwood, mom, pediatrician and creator of Mommy Call (MommyCallBlog.com), has five outdoor spots in the city that your kids will love.

“It is always amazing when city kids have the opportunity to engage with nature in pockets of our urban landscape. (These) are some of my favorite places for city kids to splash in puddles, hunt for bugs, and climb on rocks within Philadelphia.”

Are Katie’s favorites new to you?

22 MetroKids.com

AUGUST 2018

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DELAWARE DANCE COMPANY

A non-profit organization committed to bringing high quality dance training and performances to the community

Classes for ages 2 ½ - adult Begin September 5th BALLET-POINTE-MODERN-JAZZ-TAP THEATRE DANCE-HIP HOP-PILATES-BARRE

oPeN House

Saturday, August 25 10-3pm, Dance demo at 1pm Sunday, August 26 Noon-2pm

tHe NutCraCker will be PreseNted Nov 30, Dec 1 & Dec 2 at Mitchell Hall

NutCraCker auditioNs Saturday, September 8 Pointe Auditions Sunday, September 9 Children’s auditions 7 years & older

Visit www.delawaredancecompany.org for more information.

This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com

168 South Main Street, Suite 101, Newark, DE, 19711 • 302-738-2023