MetroKids -0320 PA by MetroKids

30 YEARS

March 2020 | FREE

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Est. 1981

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Inside

March 2020 Vol. 31, No. 3

Camp 2020 14 Camp Directory 10 Camp Vaccination Policies In This Issue 5 When Kids Question Their Gender 7 Elementary Cyber Option 8 Fan of Half-Day Kindergarten

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MetroKids.com 3

SpecialKids

Field Trips for All Students Students with special needs should be allowed on school field trips with the same accommodations given in the classroom. By Lisa Lightner A child with special needs cannot be excluded from a field trip based on his disability. Not because “We don’t have a nurse to go on the trip” or “We’re afraid your son may elope,” or any other reason related to his disability. If your child is excluded, get it in writing. If the school sends you a note, you’ve got it. If it’s a phone call, follow up with an email: “Thanks for calling today. I just want to be clear that what you said is XYZ.” Then follow up with the special education director: “Yesterday I was informed that my son is not welcome on the field trip because …. which I believe is in clear violation of ADA/504 Act. Please let me know when we can meet to resolve this, as he very much is looking forward to the event and should not be excluded based upon his disability.” If the school stands firm or wants to require you to go as his chaperone, continue to push. Is he being treated differently than his peers? Do all children with special needs have to have a parent?

IEP and field trips

The school must follow your child’s IEP while on the trip. If she gets a 1-on-1 or a nurse or a sign language interpreter, or whatever support in school, she gets it on the trip. If it is not resolved, call the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) or a local disability

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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

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

rights agency. OCR complaints take time to fill out, but this is pretty cut and dry and shouldn’t take long. If none of the above has worked and you wish to pursue the issue, find a disability rights lawyer or special education lawyer.

Managing Editor: Dave Gilmartin, ext. 102 editor@metrokids.com

Behavior and discipline

Resource Editor: Cheyenne Shaffer, ext. 101 calendar@metrokids.com

Can students be excluded from field trips because of behavior? The short answer is no. The school may be leery about bringing your child on the trip out of fear he will act out, but it still has to accommodate his IEP and behavior plan. It cannot come up with impromptu discipline rules, such as, “He eloped four times, so we are not letting him go on the trip.”

Earned field trips

In some circumstances, clubs or teams may take a special trip based on their performance. Let’s say your school’s chess club has 30 members, including your child, and plans to take the top 10 players to a special match. Your child is an excellent chess player, you believe he is definitely among the top ten on the team. You believe he’s being excluded because of his Aspergers and the fact that not many other kids like him. Ask the coach or club leader what criteria were used and how you can help your child be successful. Sometimes coaches make decisions we don’t agree with. Try working with them and get them as an ally to see how important this activity is to your child.

Set up for succcess

You want your child to succeed. Frankly, many field trips are overrated. Does your child even want to go? Even with her full supports on the trip, do you feel she can be successful? As appropriate, discuss all concerns with your child. Help her be successful.

Publisher: Darlene Weinmann, ext. 108 dweinmann@metrokids.com

Contributing Writers: Terri Akman, Suzanne Koup-Larsen, Frank Lipsius, Kathy O’Connell, Ann L. Rappoport, PhD Production Manager: Ext. 103 production@metrokids.com Finance: Marcella Reis, ext. 104 finance@metrokids.com Marketing/Circulation: Riley Mudgett, ext. 100 marketing@metrokids.com Intern: Hayley Banks

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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. © 2020 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. SUBSCRIPTIONS: U.S.A. $36, one year; $72, two years. Single copies free. AWARD–WINNING MEMBER OF THE:

continued on p. 9 4 MetroKids.com

MARCH 2020

Parenting

When Your Child Has Gender Questions

Elliot and Beth Clement

ANSWERS PARENTS NEED TO KNOW By Terri Akman As a child in Medford, NJ, Elliot Clement often felt uncomfortable. Assigned female at birth, his favorite moments were taking on “boy” roles when he and his friends played make believe. Now 23 years old, Elliot is transgender, having transitioned socially and medically into a male. He started the process four years ago and today says he’s a happy, healthy, firstyear graduate student studying library science. “Now I feel so much more comfortable in my everyday life,” says Elliot, who lives in New York City. “It doesn’t feel like this big, sweeping change. Just normal, like this is the way it’s supposed to be.” He and his mom, Beth, are now advocates for transgender youth, telling their story to help other families navigate unfamiliar territory. The percentage of individuals who are transgender is not clear, but the most common statistic is that three in every 1,000 individuals are transgender, says Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Health, who is a pediatrician and one of the country’s highest-ranking transgender public officials. “This number has not changed significantly over the last number of years.”

Understanding gender

As a child, Elliot didn’t realize that girls and boys felt differently. He recalls just feeling uncomfortable, that something didn’t fit right. He did traditional “girl” activities — ballet lessons, wearing bikinis at the beach — all in an effort to try to fit into what he thought a girl was supposed to be. It wasn’t until he learned the word transgender, around age 12, that he was able to understand his feelings. “I remember thinking it would be so much nicer to be a boy and I wished I was, but I thought that’s just how I was born,” he recalls. “I thought it was something everybody felt.” At 14, Elliot first approached his mom about his feelings. She took him to the doctor, but she chalked it up to puberty and the changes his body was going through. So he backtracked. “When I found out that was something people would frown upon, I

MARCH 2020

just tried to forget about it and deal with what I had,” he says, worried about the stress it was causing his family.

Transitioning to male

Then Elliot went away to college. “When I was 19, I made the decision to transition both socially and medically, because I’d reached the point where continuing the way things were wasn’t an option for me anymore,” recalls Elliot, who began hormone injections and had chest reconstruction. “Even though I was trying to push those feelings away, they would cycle back up and it got harder and harder to live in the world as something I didn’t think was right.” At first, his transition was tough on his Mom. “I was very selfish about how this was going to impact me versus the struggle that my child had been going through,” admits Beth Clement, who now serves as VP of PFLAG of Collingswood, NJ, a support group for parents, the LGBTQ community and supporters. “I cried a lot and mourned the loss of my daughter because it felt like a real loss to me. Now, I think it was more mourning the loss of the future I had planned for that child. He’s still the same person, he’s happier and his anxiety is gone. But, it was a hard process for our family.” When Beth began reading about suicide rates — approximately 40 percent of transgender adults reported having attempted suicide, according to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey — “that got my head on straight,” she admits.

Gender identity

There aren’t reliable statistics on how many young kids question their gender, says Charles Zimbrick-Rogers, adolescent medicine physician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Gender identity starts to emerge in children around the ages of 3 to 5. “That’s also when some kids start identifying that they don’t fit into those categories,” he says. For example, in preschool, when kids are asked to line up in a row of boys and girls, a questioning child might stand in the middle, unsure of where to go, Zimbrick-Rogers says. Even at

MetroKids.com 5

that young age, he urges parents not to panic. “They have the same need for love and support as every other kid out there,” he says. “Don’t try to push the child in any direction because they’ve got time to sort this out.” Parents don’t have to deal with gender questioning on their own — it can be helpful to speak with a pediatrician or psychologist. However, in early childhood there is often no need for an in-depth medical evaluation. Many children, especially early on in childhood, express things that could indicate a child might be transgender or gender non-binary. However, many of these children settle into their gender assigned at birth, he says. It can be difficult for a parent to distinguish between curiosity and a need for gender change. Figuring this out is “very individualized to each child,” Zimbrick-Rogers says. Some children know they are a different gender from their earliest possible memory, while for others, it’s not so clear-cut. Parents need to create an environment where they listen and support their child, and trust that over time their children will show them who they are.

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If a child’s questioning continues into puberty, parents can begin to discuss medical treatments that can provide more time to consider options. “As the child reaches puberty, there are medical interventions that can put a pause on further pubertal development,” says Zimbrick-Rogers. “That gives a child and a family more time for processing, and prevents some of the physical changes of puberty, including hair growth, body changes and menses.” Those treatments are easily reversible, and if stopped, puberty resumes at a normal pace, adds Levine. The current method of treatment is to use puberty blockers at the first sign of puberty, while the individual works with their therapist and doctor. Between 14 and 16 years old, if everyone is on board, then it is often recommended to begin cross-gender hormone treatments to start the transition. “Previous protocols delayed treatment until an individual was 18 years old, but this would often cause psychological and developmental issues for individuals who went through a puberty not consistent with their gender identity,” Levine says. “This can often lead to depression and anxiety, among other mental health issues.” Take the example of a child assigned female at birth who has never waivered on being transgender from a very young age. The family has allowed the child to live as a boy in his clothing, haircut, and using his preferred name in school. That child can go on a puberty-blocking agent. “Several years down the line, when the time is right, cross-gender hormones may be started to allow his body to start going through male puberty,” says Zimbrick-Rogers. “Once that process has gone on, at some point the young person may decide to have surgeries, which most often happen after the person turns 18. It is important to remember, however, that not every transgender individual undergoes surgeries.” While puberty blockers are completely reversible and cross-gender hormones partly reversible, surgeries, for the most part, cannot be undone, Zimbrick-Rogers says. Studies, however, show that it is rare that a transgender person changes their mind after a gender transition. In one large study from Europe, less than 1 percent regretted the decision, “not because they were convinced they were not transgender, but because it had cost them family and social relationships,”

continued on p. 22 6 MetroKids.com

MARCH 2020

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the learning coaches are supported.’’ Agora also offers specialists for reading and math, thus supporting students when assistance is needed, and each student receives Personal Learning Time, enabling additional assistance to be administered. Focusing on the fundamentals of reading and math early on — combined with starting cyber school early — set the stage for a strong lifetime of learning. “When you start a child at cyber school in kindergarten, they learn the processes, procedures and experiences which lay the foundation for their academic career ahead,” said Kristie Hawk, Elementary School Assistant Principal. “By the time they graduate, they are better prepared to enter a post-secondary world and, thanks to an early focus on careers, they are primed for great success.” Many prospective cyber charter parents are fearful that their children will

not receive the same experiences offered by brick-and-mortar schools. This could not be further from the truth. Agora Day Outs bring students together at events across the state and “get up and dance” breaks encourages movement and activity throughout the day for the younger students. The Agora online experience and opportunities offered easily match and oftentimes exceed those offered at any other school. To find out how your child can exceed at Agora go to agora.org.

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MetroKids.com 7

Education

Losing the Lottery; Winning at Kindergarten Her twins weren’t chosen for full-day kindergarten, but she discovered half-day sessions had more benefits than she thought.

By Cheryl Maguire In my children’s school, I had an option to pay for full-day kindergarten whereas half-day was free. My twins were not selected in the lottery to get into fullday, but I discovered it was for the best, because I enjoyed having a few extra hours with them. In fact, I chose half-day kindergarten for my younger daughter as well. Here are some reasons why I preferred the half-day sessions.

Educational benefit

I wanted to enroll my twins in fullday kindergarten because I thought they would receive more education, which would in turn help them excel academically the following year. Both of them have done well in school academically despite the fewer hours in kindergarten. Researcher Philip DeCicca at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, had findings similar to my experience. He tested children at the end of first grade and found there was little difference in reading and math test scores of children who attended full-day versus half-day kindergarten. At first there were some gains, but they were short-lived.

More time to play

With half-day kindergarten, my kids had time for unstructured play, alone or with friends. The benefits of unstructured play include a stronger bond to family members, better peer relationships, improved problem solving and healthy development. We also attended library story time, which had

8 MetroKids.com

structured mixed with unstructured time to allow the children to socialize. They developed friendships during this time that they have maintained over the past six years and I met and socialized with their friends’ parents.

More time with family

Research from the University of Illinois found that when families regularly spent time together — in this case they studied going on nature hikes — they functioned better as a family. The study suggests the time together enables families to better read social cues, which leads to feeling less irritable and more in control. I look back fondly on those extra hours I had with all three of my kids. Besides library story time, we went to playgrounds, playgroups and other activities.

They will be in school for six hours a day for the next 12 years, so I’m grateful for the additional time I had with them.

Short attention spans

Most kindergarten-aged children have a short attention span. According to Day2DayParenting.com, the average 5- to 6-year-old child can attend to something of interest for 10 to 15 minutes, which decreases to 5 to 10 minutes for topics not of interest to them. A school day is six hours long, which may make it difficult for some children this age to stay focused on tasks.

Costs less money

In my kids’ school, full-day kindergarten cost $3,000 per child, so for my twins it would have been $6,000. Instead of spending the money on school, I was able to save some of it. I used the remainder to pay for activities, such as a gymnastics or dance classes.

What is best for your child

You know your child better than anyone. If you feel he would benefit from full-day, he might. I thought my children would benefit from the longer school days, but when we ended up not making the lottery, we made the best of the situation and, in the end, it worked out for us. Cheryl Macquire is a freelance writer.

Log on to MetroKids.com/ education guide to find schools with kindergarten programs.

MARCH 2020

continued from p. 4 If you really don’t think she can handle this, don’t send her. Parents have the best gut instincts. Follow them.

Do you want to chaperone?

Ask yourself: Why do you want to go? Is it because you feel that your child truly cannot be successful unless you go? Or is it because you’re anxious about him being in a new and different environment without you? If it’s the first one, try to work with the team and explain your concerns, and why your presence will help your child be successful. If it’s the latter, that is something you have to work through. But one of the best things we can do for our kids is to let them experience things independently and be successful without us, no matter how much that hurts. Lisa Lightner is a West Chester, PA special-education advocate who blogs at ADayinOurShoes.com and is a contributor to MetroKids.com’s MomSpeak.

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Camp

What’s Your Camp’s Vaccination Policy? Last year’s measles outbreaks in the U.S. led camps to review rules.

By Jennifer Lesser Measles outbreaks across the country in 2019 prompted summer camps to look at how, or whether, they should accommodate vaccine-hesitant parents and could reassure parents of vaccinated children that they won’t be exposed to the disease. “Like everything else, the issue of what camps are doing about vaccinations falls on a bell curve — there are some camps doing very little and some are requiring detailed vaccination records to be updated on an annual basis,” explains Harry Rhulen, founder and CEO of Crisis Risk, a risk management company. He notes that, generally, corporate-owned camps enforce tighter vaccination restrictions than a smaller, family-owned camp that has been running for many years. “Sometimes these camps will tell me that they’ve been doing it a certain way for 100 years and haven’t had a problem, and our response is always one single word: ‘yet.’”

Impact of New York outbreak

Susie Lupert, executive director of the American Camp Association (ACA) of NY and NJ, says licensed summer camps in both states have to keep vaccination records and campers should be immunized according to state requirements or be able to present a medical or religious exemption. However, as a result of the measles outbreak in Brooklyn last year, camps contacted parents to encourage them to immunize their children and many camps refused to accept religious exemptions to protect the overall camp population from a measles outbreak. New Jersey schools and camps may have to follow suit; a pending bill would require all students attending public schools to be vaccinated,

10 MetroKids.com

regardless of religious beliefs, health conditions, or any other exemptions that were previously accepted. The bill has angered some parents and is currently stalled in the legislature. “Last year was a unique summer for camps. Many had to revise their vaccination policy for the summer, only accepting campers and staff that were vaccinated for measles and if a camp did accept unvaccinated children, they were tracking the campers for symptoms,” Lupert explains. “Camp owners and directors were working closely with their healthcare staff to ensure they understood the symptoms of measles and that a procedure was in place to seek medical care if measles were suspected.” “When it seems like nobody really wants to take a stand on the issue because it will draw the ire of many parents, it puts camps like ours in a precarious position.” Lupert says many camp directors reached out to the families who hadn’t vaccinated their children and told them that if they didn’t vaccinate for measles, their child would be unable to attend camp. “Surprisingly, many parents ended up vaccinating,” she recalls.

how to handle this issue, but we were unfortunately pretty much left on our own since there were no confirmed outbreaks in New Jersey,” he explains. “It was left up to camp directors to decide whether to tell families who have been with us for years that they’re no longer welcome in our camp community because their children aren’t vaccinated, at the risk of making other parents nervous.” The camp ultimately decided to make vaccinations mandatory, but consulted with its insurance company to come up with a compromise for one family of two unvaccinated campers — they had to take a blood test to prove that they weren’t carriers of any sort of communicable disease before they would be permitted to enroll. “The general rule for camps is to follow what public schools are doing, but when it seems like nobody really wants to take a stand on the issue because it will draw the ire of many parents, it puts camps like ours in a precarious position,” he adds. “My son battled leukemia, and

continued on p. 12

Local camps respond

According to Andy Pritikin, owner and director of Liberty Lake Day Camp in Bordentown, NJ and past president of the ACA, many camps struggled to make a decision about vaccinations last summer and will continue to face challenges this season. “When we heard about the outbreak in New York last year, we were hoping for some sort of governmental decree in our state that would advise us

MARCH 2020

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Camp continued from p. 10 of chemotherapy, it wiped out all of his previous vaccines, so when we thought about the fact that there are some kids walking around who are unprotected and extremely vulnerable to these life-threatening diseases, not because of religious or personal reasons, but because of a serious health condition, our camp had to make the choice to require vaccinations.” Some camps did not need to change their policies. “Our policies remain unchanged from previous years. All campers are required to submit information regarding their health and wellbeing, including their immunization status,” says Mary Garrett, nurse for Tatnall School of Wilmington, DE and its summer camp. Tatnall follows the immunization guidelines for Delaware, and any family who chooses not to immunize their child must provide immunization-exemption forms. Delaware Nature Society camps also follow public schools’ lead, which require medical documentation, including immunization records. “Campers are also not allowed to attend if they have a fever,” says Emily Knearl, director of advocacy

and external affairs for the Delaware Nature Society. Benchmark Camp, the summer offering of Benchmark School in Media, PA, requires camp families to comply with state requirements for vaccinations and though they are not required to submit medical records, they must provide details around medical needs such as conditions and allergies and complete emergency contact information. “We’re glad to say that we have not experienced parents raising concerns about vaccination requirements,” says Alyce Callison, director of marketing and communications at Benchmark School. At the summer camp of Friends’ Central School in Wynnewood, PA, campers are asked to submit a health history, but they do not maintain immunization records on file. A full-time nurse on staff and counselors receive training to monitor for symptoms of illness. “This is how we’ve always done it, and we haven’t fully discussed making vaccines a requirement,” says Katherine Clayton, the school’s summer program coordinator. “The issues we run into the most often don’t have anything to do with disease, but

Camp Lee Mar

making sure we keep our campers with severe food and other allergies safe.” Wilmington Montessori School in Delaware notes that medical policies for its summer camp programs do include vaccination records, but it also has a full-time nurse on staff and has instituted policies for children with severe allergies, who must have their rescue medication on site if they wish to attend camp, for example. “Our policies have gotten more specific as the prevalence of allergies and illness seems to be on the rise,” says Tracey Gable, director of Montessori enrichment for the school. Camp policies may continue to vary by state or even by region when it comes to medical and vaccination records. “If a parent is concerned, the best advice I can give is to ask a lot of questions. Speak to your pediatrician and the camp director regarding their vaccination polices, make sure there’s a nurse on site, and then make an informed decision that’s in the best interest of your family,” Gable concludes. Jennifer Lesser is a freelance writer.

Camp Lee Mar 2017 Dates:

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The camp where young players fulfill their potential with instruction from the nation's top college coaches.

PHILADELPHIA. PA

PENN TENNIS TENNIS CAMP CAMP PENN WEEK 1: JUNE 10-14 UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA HIGHER LEARNING FOR YOUR GAME WEEK 2: JUNE 17-21 PHILADELPHIA. PA PA PHILADELPHIA. The camp where young their potential WEEK players 3: JUNEfulfill 24-28 with instruction from the4:nation's top college coaches. WEEK JULY 1-5* HIGHER LEARNING FOR YOUR GAME HIGHER LEARNING FOR GAME 2019 DATES WEEK 5:YOUR JULY 8-12 Thecamp campwhere whereyoung youngplayers playersfulfill fulfilltheir theirpotential potential The WEEK 6: JULY 15-19 withinstruction instructionfrom fromthe thenation's nation'stop topcollege collegecoaches. coaches. with WEEK JUNE 10-14 WEEK 7: JULY 1: 22-26 WEEK 2: JUNE217-21 WEEK 8: JULY 29-AUG WEEK JUNE 8-12 WEEK JUNE WEEK 3: JUNE 24-28 WEEK1:1:9: AUG8-12 5-9 � WEEK2:2:WEEK JUNE15-19 15-19 WEEK JUNE 4: JULY 1-5* WEEK3:3:JUNE JUNE22-26 22-26 WEEK 2019 DATES WEEK 5: JULY338-12 WEEK4: 4:JUNE JUNE29-JULY 29-JULY WEEK 6: JULY 15-19 2020 DATES 2020 DATES WEEK JULY 6-10 5:5:WEEK JULY 6-10 WILSON COLLEGIATE TENNIS CAMP I PENNWEEK TENNIS CAMP WEEK 7: JULY 22-26 WEEK 6: JULY 13-17 WEEK 6: JULY 13-17 www.wilsontenniscamps.com/penn/ WEEK7:7:WEEK JULY20-24 20-24 WEEK JULY 8: JULY 29-AUG 2 WEEK8:8:WEEK JULY27-31 27-31 JULY 9: AUG 5-9 �WEEK WEEK9:9:AUG AUG3-7 3-7 WEEK � � -SEPT44 WEEK10: 10: AUG AUG 31 31-SEPT WEEK

WILSON COLLEGIATE TENNIS CAMP I PENN WILSONCOLLEGIATE COLLEGIATE TENNIS CAMP PENN TENNISTENNIS CAMP CAMP WILSON TENNIS CAMP I I PENN TENNIS CAMP www.wilsontenniscamps.com/penn/ www.wilsontenniscamps.com/penn/ www.wilsontenniscamps.com/penn/

WILSON COLLEGIA

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MetroKids.com 13

Thrilling adventures are in store for children at summer camps throughout the Delaware Valley in 2020! This camp directory includes an ample array of choices for all abilities, ages and interests. Navigate the directory by focusing on your preferences for: • Geographic area: Camps are grouped by county & outlying areas. • Category: Each description is prefaced by camp type — day, program, residential, special needs or travel. • Special features: See the key below. Find a searchable version at MetroKids.com/camps. Contact camps to express interest and mention you saw their listing in MetroKids.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS 76ers Camps

Multiple Locations; 610-668-7676 director@sixerscamps.com • 76erscamps.com DAY The #1 Basketball Camp in the NBA celebrates our 36th Year! Learn the drills the pros use to take your game to the next level. Age-specific and skill-specific fundamentals and skill development for beginners to advanced. Meet players, coaches and other NBA Stars. Youth basketball player development at its finest. Half-day, full-day and overnight camps available for 5–17 year olds.

Arsenal USA Premier Soccer Camps

Multiple Locations; 610-922-8255 rjacobs@esfcamps.com • Arsenalsoccercampsusa.com DAY Arsenal USA premier soccer camps, for boys and girls from ages 6–14, provides players of all skill levels an opportunity to improve their game and be immersed in the same philosophy as the professional academies in London. The Arsenal Way is taught to campers as they are immersed in a curriculum that has helped develop some of the world’s best players. Learn from Arsenal coaches who direct and help you combine techniques, tactics and that winning spirit.

Engineering for Kids

Multiple Locations; 215-559-9233 greaterphila@engineeringforkids.com Engineeringforkids.com/greater-philadelphia DAY Engineering For Kids brings science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to kids in a fun and challenging way through camps, classes and parties. We are proud to inspire children to build on their natural curiosity by teaching engineering concepts through hands-on learning.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

Headquarters: 330 Manor Rd., Miquon, PA Gsep.org/camp DAY, PROGRAM, RESIDENTIAL Nobody does camp like Girl Scouts! Want to build exploding volcanoes, learn survival techniques like Katniss or whip up new recipes over a campfire? GSEP has you covered. We’ve got four resident and three day camps that are open to all girls — let camp be your first Girl Scouts experience! ACA SN

Paris Saint-Germain Academy Soccer Camps USA

Multiple Locations; 610-922-8255 rjacobs@esfcamps.com • Psgacademysoccercampsusa.com DAY The Paris Saint-Germain Academy USA soccer camps, for boys and girls ages 6–14, provide players of all skill levels an opportunity to improve their game and be immersed in the same philosophy as the professional academies in Paris. Individual skill development and team play is incorporated with the character traits necessary to be the best you can be. European coaches help direct each day’s action.

Phillies Baseball Academy

Multiple Locations; 610-520-3400 campmail@philliescamps.com • Philliesacademy.com DAY Phillies Baseball Academy is the premier baseball camp experience for boys and girls, ages 6–14, featured at numerous great locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Only Phillies Baseball Academy offers top-notch instruction with the unique opportunity to go on a behindthe-scenes tour of Citizens Bank Park and the chance to meet a Phillies player and coach.

Temple University Summer Education Camps

580 Meetinghouse Rd., Temple University Ambler; Ambler, Center City, Main Campus; 267-468-8500 • Temple.edu/summer/youthcamps DAY Temple University offers Summer Education Camps for rising 2nd graders to rising 12th graders. June, July and August at Ambler and Main campus. Camps include: Robotics, Art and Drawing, Forensic Science, Theater, Virtual Reality and more.

YMCA of Greater Brandywine

Multiple Locations Ymcagbw.org/camp DAY Make it the best summer ever with friends, fun and the discovery of new and hidden talents. Day camps feature weekly themes like Wild West Frontier, Power of the Force, School of Wizardry, Summer Olympics and more. Specialty camps focus on building skills and nurturing talents in specific areas of interest, like environmental science, animal care, performing arts, theater, fishing, fashion and more! And don’t forget, YMCA camp counselor programs build great leadership skills for the future! From preschoolers through teens, Y camps offer something for everyone! Financial assistance is available.

BUCKS COUNTY Camp Onas

609 Geigel Hill Rd., Ottsville, PA 610-847-5858 • Camponas.org RESIDENTIAL Camp Onas, the Quaker camp in Bucks County, PA, is for all kids ages 8–13. Campers live and play in a friendly, diverse community and choose their own activities from a complete camp program. Includes 2- and 4-week sessions and a special 1-week session for first-time campers ages 7 and 8. ACA

George School Day Camp

1690 Newtown Langhorne Rd., Newtown, PA 215-579-6689 • Gsdaycamp.org DAY Summer is better with Friends! Voted Best Day Camp in Bucks County three years in a row, GSDC is open to boys and girls ages 4–14. From archery to arts, swimming to ziplining and everything in between, GSDC gives campers experiences and opportunities like none other. Lunch is provided daily! CIT

Key: Extended hours Offers financial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training program SN: Some special needs may be accommodated

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Camp Directory CHESTER COUNTY

Bala House Montessori Summer Camp

410 West Seven Stars Rd. Phoenixville, PA 19460 admissions@kimberton.org • Kimberton.org DAY Summer days filled with creek adventures, arts, crafts, creative play, picnics, woodland explorations, games, water play and fun. Our beautiful campus provides a wholesome environment where children can experience the wonders of nature and create memories to last a lifetime.

27 Conshohocken State Rd., Bala Cynwyd, PA 610-664-6767• admissions@balahouse.org • Balahouse.org DAY, PROGRAM Fun, yet stimulating experience for first-time campers. Flexible schedules and convenient hours (8am–5:45pm) for ages 3–6. Choose individual weeks as needed. Weekly art, gymnastics and Soccer Shots classes complement our small, nurturing environment. Storytellers, petting zoos and museums visit camp. Our beautiful wooded campus and well-equipped playground are the perfect backdrop for summer fun.

DELAWARE COUNTY

Burn Brae Day Camp of Creative Arts

Kimberton Waldorf School Summer Camp

Benchmark School Summer Camp

2107 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA; 610-565-3741 Admissions@benchmarkschool.org • Benchmarkschool.org DAY This transformative five-week program for students in grades 1–6 includes Benchmark’s internationally recognized language arts program, executive function skills instruction and design thinking activities in our Innovation Lab, as well as art, science, sports and zipline. Math tutoring available for grades 1–9. June 29–July 31. Voted Best of Philly 2016 and 2017. SN

Community Arts Center — Summer Spree

414 Plush Mill Rd., Wallingford, PA 610-566-1713 • CommunityArtsCenter.org DAY Summer Spree is an arts camp for ages 4–17 that offers visual art, music, outdoor fun, and special activities. Half- or full-day options during one-week sessions from June–Aug. Experience the power of art in a magical place.

Main Line Art Center

746 Panmure Rd., Haverford, PA; 610-525-0272 info@mainlineart.org • Mainlineart.org DAY At the 2020 Main Line Art Center Summer Art Camp, Pre-teen and Teen studios, get ready for an artistic adventure and discover your inner explorer. Journey through the steamy jungles of the Amazon, traverse the desert dunes, and dive into the deep blue sea to discover the wonders of the coral reefs. Throw away the map and let creativity be your guide!

The Grayson School

211 Matsonford Rd., Radnor, PA enrichment@thegraysonschool.org • TheGraysonSchool.org/camp DAY Project-based learning adventures for grades K-12 that include time outside everyday. Our Grayson teachers understand the intellectual curiosity of all gifted children, and challenge high-ability learners to think critically, ask and answer difficult questions, solve problems to stretch their minds, have fun, and make new friends!

(Camp for the Arts, Technology, Swim, Sports and More!) 1405 Twining Rd., Dresher, PA; 215-657-3388 info@burnbraedaycamp.com • Burnbraedaycamp.com DAY Celebrating 39 years of friendships, confidence-building, fun and exploration for boys and girls ages 3–15. We have a huge variety of indoor and outdoor activities on our beautiful, spacious setting with A/C buildings centrally located. We are a nurturing, non-competitive environment and no-bully zone. Campers ages 7–15 create their own schedules according to their interests. Ages 3–6 can try everything in a well-rounded schedule. Pick and choose from two, 11-week sessions with non-consecutive weeks available. Experienced, caring and professional certified teaching staff with a 5-to-1 camper/staff ratio. Academic tutoring, door-todoor transportation and early and late care available. Registered Nurse on site.

Camp Pegasus

Sacred Heart Academy, 480 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 610-649-1080 ext. 3 • info@camppegasus.com Camppegasus.com DAY Camp Pegasus, in Bryn Mawr, PA, is a coed day camp for 6- to 16-year-olds struggling with social-cognitive deficits. By weaving together social skills techniques, creative-art therapies and traditional camp activities, kids with/without diagnoses like ADHD, Asperger’s and HFA, improve social competency and increase self-esteem. SN

Center School’s Summer Program 2020

2450 Hamilton Ave., Abington, PA; 215-657-2200 mstalker@centerschoolpa.org • Centerschoolpa.org PROGRAM Center School’s Summer Learning and Enrichment Program provides students with academic and recreational opportunities to develop and maintain skills, practice effective learning strategies, and increase abilities. Help your child realize their potential this summer! For students in grades 1–8. July 6–July 31. SN

Cheltenham Center for the Arts

439 Ashbourne Rd., Cheltenham, PA; 215-379-4660 education@cheltenhamarts.org • Cheltenhamarts.org DAY Summer Art Camp is the best place to explore your creativity. Kids ages 5–12 will experience the fun of drawing, painting, theatre and clay Young People’s Theatre Workshop (YPTW): Theatre Arts Summer every day! Weekly swimming trips are included as well as guest artists Overnight Camp at Eastern University • 363 Radford Ct., Glen Mills, PA throughout the summer. Teens ages 13–16 are offered a more in-depth Youngpeoplestheatreworkshop@gmail.com; Yptw.org art experience focusing on ceramics, painting/drawing printmaking and RESIDENTIAL Overnight camp for ages 11–18 at Eastern University, other special topics in our Teen Summer Studio. Sessions June 15–Aug. June 21–26. Classes include musical comedy, Shakespeare, improv, monologues, dance, characterization, auditions, showtunes. Air-conditioned 21. Come for one week or for the whole summer! Call today for details! dorms, good food, and an experienced staff of professional educators.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY AIM Academy Summer Enrichment Program

1200 River Rd., Conshohocken, PA; 215-483-2461 summer@aimpa.org; Aimpa.org/summerataim DAY Explore STEAM activities and reinforce essential skills in reading, writing, math and college prep in a creative and dynamic enrichment environment for children entering grades 1–12. Campers enjoy a chance to imagine, invent and play along with three hours of daily literacy and academic instruction tied to AIM’s research and arts-based curriculum. SN

Elmwood Park Zoo Camp

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, PA; 610-277-3825 ext. 234 camp@elmwoodparkzoo.org • Epzcamps.com DAY, PROGRAM Children ages 3–12 will enjoy a fun and educational experience learning about and interacting with many of the zoo’s resident collection. Each weeklong camp includes crafts, stories, snacks, animal visitors, and in-depth tours of the zoo. Regular summer zoo events and shows are incorporated into camp. In 2020 we are introducing advanced workshops for teens ages 13–15 who are interested in wildlife conservation.

Key: Extended hours Offers financial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training program SN: Some special needs may be accommodated

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Camp Directory Flourtown Swim Club & Day Camp

1528 Bethlehem Pk., Flourtown, PA; 215-836-1429 dcollins@flourtownswimclub.net • Flourtownswimclub.net DAY The Flourtown Summer Day Camp is a traditional summer day camp offering daily swim lessons with many varied activities. With a mature and experienced staff, we look forward to creating a wonderful experience and a lifetime of positive memories for your child. June 15–August 21. CIT

French for Fun c/o French International School of Philadelphia

150 N. Highland Ave., Bala Cynwyd, PA; 610-667-1284 info@efiponline.com • Frenchschoolphila.org/summer-camp DAY French for Fun Summer Camp teaches children, ages 4–12, French language skills in a fun environment through games and fun activities. No prior knowledge of French is required! The camp runs six individual weeks starting on June 22nd. Counselors are native French speakers and/or are members of the faculty at the French International School. Weekly field trips and parents welcome for Friday camp presentations.

Frog Hollow Racquet Club

PHILADELPHIA COUNTY Discovery Camp at The Franklin Institute

222 North 20th St., Philadelphia PA 19103 Discovery.camp@fi.edu • fi.edu/summer-camp/ DAY Discovery Camp combines the best of your favorite visit to The Franklin Institute with the adventures of summer camp. Campers get to explore exhibits and take part in hands-on activities, all while fostering a community of young people who love science.

Penn Charter Summer Camps

3000 W. School House Ln., Philadelphia, PA 19144; 215-844-3460 summercamps@penncharter.com • Penncharter.com/summercamp DAY Mix and match more than 20 camps. Day, Sports, Performing Arts, Science, Digital Music Design, Rock Climbing, Drone, Robotics, Rocketry, Handwork Studio, Dance, Pottery, Chess, Minecraft, Girls Empowerment, Tennis, Squash, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Wrestling. Experience everything! Ages 3–16. Lunch, transportation, extended-day available. CIT

2115 Weber Rd., Lansdale, PA; 610-584-5502 • Frogcamps.com DAY Frog Hollow’s Tennis Camp is an exceptional place for children to learn tennis, meet friends and make memories! Frog Hollow has a camp for all levels and all ages starting at age 5. Whether you’re just learning to play or have extensive tennis experience, Frog Hollow has something for you! Invitational camp is available for sectionally and nationally ranked tournament players. Sign up for a week or the entire summer, for full day or half day. Camp runs June–September; weekly sign ups and extended day are available. Visit Frogcamps.com to learn more. SN

Penn Museum Anthropologists in the Making and Junior Anthropologists Summer Camps

Germantown Academy Summer Camps

Penn Tennis Camp / Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps

Hideaway Day Camp

Society Hill Synagogue Playschool

340 Morris Rd., Ft. Washington, PA; 267-405-7321 summer@gacamp.org • Gacamp.org DAY, PROGRAM Germantown Academy offers children ages 3–16 an amazing all-around day-camp experience, instructional sports camps with GA coaches, and specialized camps in the arts, sciences, and technology at the school’s beautiful campus in Fort Washington. New for this year, Art Camp with new programs for 1st – 9th graders! Sessions run June 15 – August 14. CIT 3471 Arcola Rd., Collegeville, PA 610-489-2191 • Hideawaydaycamp.com DAY The true camp experience. Coed program for ages 4–14 on 72 beautiful acres near Valley Forge. Fishing, canoeing, archery, swimming, equestrian, sports, arts and crafts and ropes adventure course with rock wall.

Miquon Day Camp

2025 Harts Ln., Conshohocken, PA; 267-240-4456 campdirector@miquon.org • Miquon.org/camp DAY Located in a 10-acre wooded valley just outside Northwest Philadelphia, Miquon offers a rustic setting where children have that summer camp experience of yesteryear. Children enjoy daily programming including swimming lessons, sports, drama, nature, and art activities as well as supervised free play in our woods and on our trails. Miquon is close enough to be accessible to many Philadelphia city and suburban neighborhoods, with bus and van transportation included with registration. Extended Day programs are available. Open to children ages 4–11 who are entering preschool–6th grade. ACA CIT

Pathway School, The

3260 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19104 summercamp@pennmuseum.org • Penn.museum/camp DAY Journey through time and across continents without leaving Philadelphia! During summer 2020, Penn Museum will offer two distinct summer camp programs that will encourage children to discover world cultures — both past and present — through gallery tours, art-making, games and theatrics, as well as music and dance guest performances. 240 S. 31st St., Philadelphia, PA 19104 Wilsontenniscamps.com/penn DAY Long regarded as one one of the most popular tennis camps in the nation, the Penn Tennis Camp, in partnership with the The Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps, will host 10 weeks of camp this summer. By offering full- and half-day options, there is an appropriate camp option for all levels of boys and girls ages 3–18. Most of our camp weeks sell out, so we recommend signing up as soon as possible. 418 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19106 Sara@societyhillsynagogue.org • Societyhillsynagogue.org/playschool DAY Our camp wonderfully blends hands-on exploration, literacy and language acquisition, thematic art projects, music and movement, outdoor play, and splash zone thrills for children ages 2–5. Flexible 11-week program June 1–August 14, with enrollment by day, week, or entire summer.

OUTLYING AREAS - PENNSYLVANIA Adventure Camp at Roundtop Mountain Resort

925 Roundtop Rd., Lewisberry, PA 717-432-9631 • skiroundtop@skiroundtop.com Roundtopmountainresort.com/camps/summer-adventure-camps DAY, RESIDENTIAL Book your child’s best week of the summer at South Central PA’s favorite ski resort where campers enjoy a multitude of adventure-based activities including zip lines, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, archery, paintball, OGO balls, high and low ropes courses, the super slide, chairlift rides and much more. All right here on our beautiful 1,200 acre mountain property. Day and residential camps available. Residential housing is in air-conditioned mountain chalets CIT

162 Egypt Rd., Jeffersonville, PA; 610-277-0660 dphifer@pathwayschool.org • Pathwayschool.org Camp Lee Mar DAY Have fun at our 6-week summer program which provides authentic learning experiences through hands-on activities and exciting field trips. SN 450 Rte. 590, Lackawaxen, PA; 215-658-1708 ari@leemar.com • Leemar.com NEW Penn State Abington Kids & Teen College Summer Camps RESIDENTIAL Camp for children and teenagers with mild to moderate developmental challenges. A structured environment, individual attention 1600 Woodland Rd., Abington, PA; 215-881-7339 and guidance are emphasized at all times. Traditional camp activities plus axr5142@psu.edu • Abington.psu.edu/camps DAY Grades 3-12 enjoy summer learning and summer fun at our week-long academics, speech and language therapy, music, arts and crafts, daily programs on campus. Camps run June 29 to August 14, 2020, Monday-Fri- living skills and much more. We also have therapeutic horseback riding and overnight trips. Heated pool, modern facilities and air-conditioned day, 9AM-4PM. Registration opens February 24. Early Bird registration buildings (including bunks). ACA SN through April 10 saves $10 on each camp.

Key: Extended hours Offers financial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training program SN: Some special needs may be accommodated

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Camp Directory

Whale Camp at the Fundy Marine Institute

YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser

201 Cushion Peak Rd., Reinholds, PA 610-670-2267 • SMYMCA.org RESIDENTIAL, OVERNIGHT We welcome you to our 600 mountain top acres in Berks County, Pennsylvania. While we offer a variety of session lengths, most campers come for 2- or 4-week sessions. We are a coed program for campers 6–17 years old. Traditional camp programs including horseback riding, swimming, boating, athletics, target sports, mountain biking, creative arts, nature, adventure and teen leadership. We also offer a variety of specialty theme camps, adventure trips and international trips. We can’t wait to see you on the mountain! ACA

OUTLYING AREAS - OTHER CCArts Fine & Performing Arts Camp

Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, Canada; 888-54-WHALE info@whalecamp.com • WhaleCamp.com RESIDENTIAL No other marine science camp offers as many face-to-face encounters to closely observe and study whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and puffins in their own natural habitat. Board our research vessel for unmatched opportunities to observe marine life. Explore beaches, coastal trails and fishing villages on beautiful Grand Manan Island. Ask about our $40,000 college scholarships, STEM projects & college credits.

Flourtown Swim Club and Flourtown

Summer Day Swim ClubCamp and Flourtown

410 Upper Snuff Mill Row, Yorklyn, DE; 302-239-2434 jhartz@ccarts.org; Ccarts.org DAY Come gather, connect, and create this summer at CCArts! Half-or full-day camps with before and after care offer flexibility for busy summer schedules. Professional teaching artists offer painting, drawing, ceramics, Traditional Summer Day Camp CIT Program fibers, photography, printmaking, mixed media, theater and music. Boys and Girls Ages 4-14 Extended care both AM and PM Traditional Summer Day Camp CIT Program Boys and Girls Ages 4-14 Centreville Layton School Summer Program Extended care both AM and PM 6201 Kennett Pk., Centreville, DE; 302-571-0230 Traditional Summer Day Camp CIT Program djarrell@centrevillelayton.org • Centrevillelayton.org Boys and Girls Ages 4-14 Extended care both AM and PM DAY Centreville Layton School offers a summer program to reinforce th OPEN HOUSE DATES: Saturdays, Feb. 15 & March 14th • 10am-2pm academic skills and organizational strategies. Additionally, our afternoon • Daily Swim Lessons • Recreational Swimming • Archery • Golf program, offered to ages 3–13, provides a nurturing environment where • Baseball/Softball • Soccer • Tennis • Basketball • Lacrosse children can focus on building social skills and having fun. Our program is Hockey • Volleyball • Arts & Crafts • Music • Dance offered to students ages 3–18. Camp runs from June 22–July 24. SN For more info.• Field contact Collins, Day Camp Director For more info. contact Danny Collins, Day Camp Director • Culinary Arts •Danny GaGa Pit • Sustainable Gardening • Tutoring Services dcollins@flourtownswimclub.net dcollins@flourtownswimclub.net For more info. contact Danny Collins, Day Camp Director

Summer Swim Day ClubCamp and Summer Day Camp

10-Week Program • June 15-Aug. 21

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE....

Easterseals Camp Fairlee

Bethlehem Pike,Flourtown, Flourtown, PA • 215-836-1429 15281528 Bethlehem Pike, PA • 215-836-1429 22242 Bay Shore Rd., Chestertown, MD; 410-778-0566 1528 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, PA • 215-836-1429 (behind the Flourtown Fire Co.) (behind the Flourtown Fire Co.) fairlee@esdel.org • Easterseals.com/de/fairlee (behind the Flourtown Fire Co.) RESIDENTIAL, TRAVEL Camp Fairlee provides a traditional summer www.flourtownswimclub.net www.flourtownswimclub.net camp experience for children (age 6+) and adults with various disabilities including developmental, CP, MD, MS, orthopedic impairments and other disabilities. Special Autism weeks with 1:1 counseling. Wall climbing, high ropes, zip-lining, pool, canoeing and kayaking, horseback riding plus other activities. Nurses on staff 24/7. We also have off-season respite weekends for children and adults. In addition we also have travel trips for adults over age 18. All facilities are new, including our 12,000-square-foot activity center, new health center, expanded dining hall, and four new cabins. ACA SN dcollins@flourtownswimclub.net

www.flourtownswimclub.net

Liberty Lake Day Camp

1195 Florence-Columbus Rd., Bordentown, NJ, 08505 609-499-7820 • Libertylakedaycamp.com DAY Liberty Lake Day Camp is a transformative experience, teaching life skills to inspire young people to change the world. Campers enjoy 60 magnificent shady acres, outdoors and screen free. Kids can customize their day with the Freedom of Choice elective program with 60+ activities. Open Houses: Jan. 26, Feb. 9, March 1 & 22, April 5 & 26, May 17. ACA

Tomato Patch @ Kelsey Theatre

1200 Old Trenton Rd., West Windsor, NJ; 609-570-3566 projects@mccc.edu • Tomatopatch.org DAY Multidisciplinary Summer Arts Workshops for grades 4–12. Theater, dance, vocal music, visual art. Each session culminates in a Festival Performance and Gallery Exhibit. The longest running, most successful summer arts program in Central New Jersey, now in its 47th year. Session I for grades 8–12; Session II for grades 4–7. SN

Key: Extended hours Offers financial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training progra SN: Some special needs may be accommodated

MARCH 2020

FIND MORE ONLINE MetroKids.com/Camps

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MetroKids.com 17

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

NAEYC: Accredited—National Assoc. of Education of Young Children PAIS: Accredited—PA Assoc. of Independent Schools MSCES: Accredited—Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools AMS: Accredited—American Montessori Society

* Note: DHS License: requires annual on-site visits. DE License: 20% of all facilities are inspected annually.

MULTIPLE SITES

CHESTER COUNTY

LAFAYETTE HILL, MONTGOMERY COUNTY

HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE DAY SCHOOL, INC. 520 Bethlehem Pike, Ft. Washington, PA 215-654-9955 • HeyDiddleDiddleDaySchool.net LITTLE DIDDLE PRESCHOOL 440 Bethlehem Pike, Ft. Washington, PA 215-565-5866 • LittleDiddlePreschool.net Ages: 6 wks.-PreK • Hours: 7am-6pm Our school oﬀers full-day programs. Our staﬀ members are well-educated and experienced which enables us to give the students an educational program in a caring, nurturing environment. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS, DE

KIMBERTON WALDORF SCHOOL 410 W. Seven Stars Rd. Kimberton, PA 610-933-3635 • Kimberton.org Ages: PreK- 12th grade • Hours: 8am-3:15pm At Kimberton Waldorf School, learning is a process of discovery that engages the whole human being. Instead of passively receiving information, our students are involved in a dynamic process of exploration and experience, both of the world and of themselves. Emphasis on the breadth of skills and opportunities that we value in childhood and in adulthood provides a reminder that education needs to be designed to produce holistically developed learners who are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of life in the 21st century. We develop analytical thinkers with imaginative minds capable of producing life-changing ideas. Our students build capacities and skills of creativity, resourcefulness, collaboration, perseverance, integrity, and ethical understanding. How we teach this matters. Every aspect of Waldorf education is intentional and planned. Why we teach this way matters. At each stage of child development, students are challenged, capacities are built, foundations are set, and opportunities are given. When we teach things matters.

MIQUON SCHOOL, THE 2025 Harts Lane, Conshohocken, PA 610-828-1231 • Miquon.org Ages: 3 yrs.-12 yrs. • Hours: 8:30am-3pm Located on a wooded 11-acre campus just outside Northwest Philadelphia, Miquon is a co-educational day school oﬀering Progressive education for children in Nursery (age three) through Sixth Grade. Our Nursery program oﬀers full-day, 3-day, 4-day schedules and includes art, music, science, physical education and library. Miquon teachers provide a positive and nurturing environment for children to learn through play while meeting their social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs. Snacks provided. Optional van service available. AY, SP, BS, AS, PAIS

YMCA OF GREATER BRANDYWINE Multiple Locations, Chester County, PA 610-643-9622 • Ymcagbw.org Ages: 6 weeks to 5th grade The YMCA’s childcare and early learning programs provide each child a warm and supportive environment in which to grow. We meet the needs of each child with experiences that foster development and a sense of self-esteem. Programs strive to develop the total child, with particular emphasis on educational, physical, emotional and social skills necessary for success in the coming school years. Brandywine YMCA, Coatesville, 610-380-9622, FY, AY, SP, MP Jennersville YMCA, West Grove, 610-869-9622, FY, AY, SP, BS, AS Kennett Area YMCA, Kennett Square, 610-444-9622, FY, AY, SP, BS, AS Lionville Community YMCA, Exton, 610-363-9622, FY, AY, SP Octorara YMCA Program Center, Atglen, 610-593-9622, FY, AY, SP, BS, AS Oscar Lasko YMCA & Childcare Center, West Chester, 610-696-9622, FY, AY, SP, BS, AS Upper Main Line YMCA, Berwyn, 610-647-9622, FY, SP West Chester Area YMCA, West Chester, 610-431-9622, FY, SP

BUCKS COUNTY BRIGHT BEGINNERS ACADEMY 800 Clarmont Ave., Suite A, Bensalem, PA 267-520-7200 • Brightbeginnersacademy.com Ages: 6 wks. to 6 yrs. • Hours: 6:45am - 6pm Our preschool is designed to meet the needs of every child in a developmentally inclusive setting. Our program encourages progress at a child’s own pace and according to individual needs and abilities. Play-based learning centers for math, science, dramatic play, blocks, music, creative art and technology provide opportunities to balance and stimulate both shared and independent learning experiences. Private pay and subsidized funding accepted, infant and toddler care available. Parent volunteer opportunities available. FY, AY, SP, DA, SN, DHS*, DE TREVOSE DAY SCHOOL / NESHAMINY MONTESSORI 4951 Central Ave., Trevose, PA 215–355-4373 • Trevosedayschool.org Neshaminymontessori.org Ages: 2.5-10 yrs. • Hours: 7am-6pm Established in 1970, our programs excel at oﬀering state-of-the-art education in a community-minded environment. We combine interactive technology, the visual and performing arts and scientific exploration with a sustainable hands-on approach that values our planet and nurtures curiosity. Our teachers are Pennsylvania Certified Early Childhood and Elementary Education Teachers. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, TP, SN, AMS

18 MetroKids.com

MESSIAH COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL 46 W. Lancaster Ave. Downingtown, PA 19335 610-269-4488 •messiahcommunitypreschool.com Ages: 2.5-5 yrs. Hours: 9-12pm M-F Messiah Community Preschool is a community based early learning and preschool program operated out of the Messiah Lutheran Church. Our program allows children to explore, examine and discover the wonders of learning for themselves. All classes are designed to nurture and develop a child’s self-esteem and positive attitude toward learning and school. AY SP DA SN

SWARTHMORE/MEDIA, DELAWARE COUNTY SCHOOL IN ROSE VALLEY, THE 20 School Ln., Rose Valley, PA 610-566-1088 • TheSchoolinRoseValley.org Ages: Preschool-Grade 6 • Hours: 7:30am-6pm With over 80 years of experience, The School in Rose Valley oﬀers a progressive, Preschool – 6th Grade program committed to the development of the whole child. Full and part time enrollment options are available for Preschool and Kindergarten students. Weekly special subjects include Woodshop, Spanish, Science, Art, Music and Sports. SRV is located on a beautiful 9.5 acre campus just minutes from Media, PA. AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, TP, PAIS

JENKINTOWN, MONTGOMERY COUNTY ABINGTON FRIENDS 575 Washington Ln., Jenkintown, PA 215-886-4350 • AbingtonFriends.net Ages: 3 yrs.-K • Hours: 8am-3pm w/ext.-day option Our lower school early childhood program values and preserves childhood, building on the excitement and curiosity that children bring to their first school experience. Located on our beautiful 50-acre campus, our emergent curriculum program is designed to support your child’s developing independence. AY, SP, BS, AS, DHS, DE, NAEYC, PAIS

MAIN LINE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY BALA HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL 27 Conshohocken State Rd., Bala Cynwyd, PA 610-664-6767 • BalaHouse.org Ages: 3 yrs.-6 yrs. • Hours: 8am-6pm Mixed-age classes, for ages 3 - 6 yrs., are led by sensitive, nurturing and highly qualified teachers who offer gentle guidance in an atmosphere of freedom, warmth and trust. Flexible schedules, convenient hours (7:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.) and three-, four-, and five-day afternoon class options are available. Art, music, gymnastics, kindergarten Spanish classes, extended care, summer camp round out our program. Some tuition assistance is available. Embracing diversity since 1969. AY, SP, DHS, DE CHILDREN’S SCHOOL AT ST. JOHN’S, THE 404 Levering Mill Rd., Bala Cynwyd, PA 610-664-4588 • Childrens-school.org Ages: 3 mos.-K • Hours: 7am-6pm We offer a warm and creative learning environment where everyone has a “hands on” approach to learning. Our developmental approach includes music, Spanish and Tumbling Tots, Pre-K follows the Letter People Curriculum and Handwriting without Tears. Subsidized funding from the state accepted. 4-star facility with Keystone Stars. FY, SP, BS, AS, SN, DHS, DE, NAEYC FRENCH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PHILADELPHIA 150 N. Highland Ave., Bala Cynwyd, PA 610-667-1284 • Frenchschoolphila.org Ages: 3 yrs.-Grade 8 • Hours: 7:30am-6pm The French International School of Philadelphia, also known as EFIP or Ecole Française Internationale de Philadelphie, is an independent pre-kindergarten to eighth grade school serving a multicultural community and providing a comprehensive bilingual curriculum in French and in English. Our goal is for our students to achieve at a high level in all academic subjects and to grow as creative individuals, critical thinkers and open-minded communicators, fluent in French and in English. Nurtured by teachers who are native speakers certified in their respective countries, we expect our students to become global citizens and to develop a deeper understanding and a true appreciation of other cultures. AY, AS, BS, SP, MP, DHS, MSCES

MetroKids.com/ChildCare

MARCH 2020

Child Care & Early Education Dir.

Music, Art & Laughs!

MAIN LINE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY cont.

WILLOW GROVE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY

THE HAVERFORD SCHOOL 450 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, PA 610-642-3020 • Haverford.org Ages: PreK-12 Extraordinary educators prepare boys to be future-ready in a supportive learning environment designed to bring out the best in each student. Haverford strives to develop a well-balanced boy who is a high academic performer, socially and emotionally aware, and a good citizen of the School and community. Financial aid available. SP

KIDSPARK 23 Easton Rd. (Entrance on Davisville Rd.) Willow Grove, PA 215-657-KIDS (5437) • KidsPark.com Ages: 18 mos.-12 yrs. • Hours: Mon-Thu 7am-10pm; Fri 7am-12pm; Sat 10am-12pm; Sun 1pm-6pm A family favorite for over 20 years! Hourly drop-in childcare for ages 18 months-12 yrs old. Morning Preschool, birthday parties on the weekend. Arts & crafts, games, indoor climbing structure, music & stories. Days, evenings, weekends, attend meetings, run errands, exercise... while your children are safe and having fun. We accept CCIS. FY, SP, MP, AS, DA, SN, DHS, BS

ROBERT J. WILF PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd. Wynnewood, PA 610-896-7770 x118 • Phillyjcc.com Ages: 4 wks.-K2 • Hours: 8am-6pm A nurturing, child-centered environment for infants-kindergarten including gym classes, music, dance and more. We honor the uniqueness of each child, celebrating individual potential, and helping children question and discover. Teachers help children reach milestones necessary for healthy growth/ wellness. Tuition includes a family membership to the JCC. Families of all faiths welcome. Accredited by PA State Board of Private Schools. AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS* TEMPLE BETH HILLEL – BETH EL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 1001 Remington Rd., Wynnewood, PA 610-649-2277 • Tabber.org Ages: 3 mos.-Kindergarten • Hours: 9am-3pm Programs for children 3 months to kindergarten in a Jewish setting. Working families love the 7:30 AM Early Care and 6:00 PM Late Care! Special needs children welcome! AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DHS, DE THE WEST HILL SCHOOL 1455 West Hill Rd., Rosemont, PA 19010 610-525-7660 • Thewesthillschool.org Ages 2.7 yrs.-5 yrs. • Hours: 8:45am-11:45pm The West Hill School is a unique coeducational preschool for children 2 years 7 months - 5 years. We oﬀer a safe and nurturing environment that encourages a life-long celebration of learning. AY, SP, BS, AS, NAEYC, PAIS THE WETHERILL SCHOOL 1321 Beaumont Dr., Gladwyne, PA 610-649-2299 • Wetherillschool.org Ages 2.7 yrs.-5 yrs. • Hours: 9am-3pm Seeks to create a warm, secure, first-school experience where the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child is carefully nurtured. Curriculum based on Montessori, Piaget, Reggio Emilia schools. Classroom teachers supported by specialists in Music, Spanish, Creative Movement. Full or half-day Kindergarten. Licensed by State Board of Private Academic schools. AY, SP, BS, DE

In the Historic Curtis Center 601 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

215-733-9271

Cameras in our classrooms provide you with online observation of your child’s day! • Family Owned & Operated • Mature, Professional Staff • Literacy Based Curriculum • Multicultural Setting

www.busybeeschildcare.com

MARCH 2020

DRAWINGS, SONGS & SILLINESS

MrDavid.com 610 -239-8177

CENTER CITY/SOCIETY HILL, PHILA. COUNTY BUSY BEES LEARNING CENTER INC. 601 Walnut St., #LL-25, Phila., PA 19106 215-733-9271; 866-Be-Busy7 toll-free BusyBeesChildcare.com Ages: 6 wks.-5 yrs. • Hours: 7:30am-6pm ”What’s important to your family is just as important to ours.” A family owned and operated homey and contemporary facility in the spectacular Curtis Center overlooking Independence Park. We have a family room for nursing and visits, multicultural activities with focus on Spanish, Montessori philosophy, Parents as Partners Program, mature professional staﬀ. Online classroom observation at Guardiancam.com. Snacks provided. FY, MP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DHS EARLY CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENTS 762 South Broad St. Phila., PA 19146 215-844-0178 • Ecedesigns.com Ages: 3-12 yrs. • Hours: 6:30am-6pm EARLY CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENTS provides a bilingual, multicultural program where children learn and develop socially and emotionally. Head start, pre-school and after-school programs are provided for children ages 3-12. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, TP, DHS* SOCIETY HILL SYNAGOGUE PLAYSCHOOL 418 Spruce Street Phila., PA 19106 215-922-6590 • Societyhillsynagogue.org/playschool Ages: 2-5 yrs. • Hours: 7:45am-6pm We are a welcoming, inclusive school that embraces diversity in religion, ethnicity, race, and family structure. Our philosophy is child-centered and play-based. Our curriculum integrates age-appropriate academics focused on literacy and language acquisition, early math skills, and scientific exploration with free play and early socialization activities, thematic art projects, circle time, and a celebration of Jewish values, holidays, and customs. AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, SN ST. GABRIEL SCHOOL 2917 Dickinson St., Phila., PA 19146 215-468-7230 • Stgabrielphila.org Ages: 3-4 yrs. • Hours: 7:55am-2:45pm A hidden gem in the heart of Grey’s Ferry! Your child will learn and grow in a safe, family environment with a focus on service, community, and faith. AY, MP, DE*, MSCES THE CHILDREN’S HOUSE OF PHILADELPHIA MONTESSORI SCHOOL 2611 S. Broad St., Phila., PA 19148 215-570-0757 •Phillychildrenshouse.com Ages: 18 mos.-6 yrs. • Hours: 8:30am-3pm Full day and half day programs available for our Primary and Toddler programs. Primary Program: morning Montessori program includes lunch,& group play. Toddler Program: explore age appropriate Montessori materials with a Montessori trained teacher. Extended Day: after-school snack followed by Montessori-inspired playgroup: build, cook, paint, etc. before going outdoors for dismissal. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, NAYEC, AMS

PARTIES

FESTIVALS

SCHOOLS

Storybook Musical Theatre

March 17 to 29 at Gratz College Theater Melrose Ave & Old York Road Melrose Park, PA

Children: $14 Adults: $16 For Info call: 215-659-8550 www.storybookmusical.org

Free Intro Classes Saturday, March 28th

Boyer College of Music and Dance TEMPLE UNIVERSITY

Temple Center City 1515 Market Street 5th fl., Philadelphia, PA 19102 215 204-1512 musicprep@temple.edu

Noncredit.temple.edu/musicprep (FREE: Intro Sessions)

MetroKids.com 19

Family Fun

Fun is in bloom at the Philadelphia Flower Show, through March 8.

MARCH

DAY-BY-DAY CALENDAR

Special needs event Homeschool Workshop

10 March

MetroKids -0320 PA

Articles inside

Camp Directory

Day-by-Day Calendar

When Kids Question Their Gender

Introduce Kids to Art

Field Trips for All Students

Fan of Half-Day Kindergarten

Camp Vaccination Policies

Elementary Cyber Option