August 2018 • free South Jersey
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Cultivate Kids’ Interests Early
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Special Needs School Survey MetroKids.com
Contents
AUGUST 2018 • Vol. 23, No. 8
Eat Local 12 Family-Friendly Farm Markets 14 How to be More Locavore 17 Peachy Festivals
Quality Counts
Rooted in Tradition, Progressive Early Learning
In This Issue 4 Left Behind on the Beach 8 What School Safety Officers Want You to Know
14
Classes 6 Enrichment for the PreK Set
8 10
SpecialKids 10 Social Skills for Success 11 Special Needs School Survey Family Fun 15 Day-by-Day Calendar Ad Sections 7 Classes; 7 Education; 18 Child Care
Infant & Toddler Programs Flexible Preschool Programs Pre-Kindergarten Transitional Kindergarten Full Day Kindergarten Creative Curriculum® STEAM Curriculum Jewish Values & Traditions Swim Lessons, Gym, Music & Art Tadpoles: Daily Digital Parent Reports NEW for 2018-19 School Year!
National
Peach
17 Month
ool year h c s 19 he 2018 ltures
!
ow fmoe rfamtilies of all faiths & cu n r e t s i Reg We welco
2016
MetroKids.com AUGUST 2018
smart. local. parenting.
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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
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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. SUBSCRIPTIONS: U.S.A. $36, one year; $72, two years. Single copies free. AWARD–WINNING MEMBER OF THE:
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AUGUST 2018
BEAT THE HEAT WITH INDOOR LEGO® FUN NEW!
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METROKIDS READERS GET $10 OFF
Terms/Conditions: Two ways to redeem this offer: 1) For guaranteed entry, book online at LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com under the “buy tickets” tab select “promotional code” and enter the code provided below. 2) Walk-up and present this offer to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia. Offer valid at admissions only when walk-up tickets are available. This offer is only valid on the full price rate and does not include a LEGO collectible. Online reservations strongly encouraged. Copies are not accepted. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offers. This voucher must be surrendered upon arrival. Final interpretation resides with Merlin Entertainments. Code: MetroKids182 Exp: 12/31/2018
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
6 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.
AUGUST 2018
Performing Arts Academy Classes for Pre-K through Adult Programs for Homeschoolers
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www.mainstage.org (856) 227-3091
School of Dance Classes range from Creative Dance & Dance 1 to advanced classes
Open House August 15, September 5 & 6 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Cherry Tree Crossing Shopping Center 475 Hurffville Cross Keys Road, Sewell, NJ
(856) 582 - 4422
Registration fee waived and FREE gift*
for registering at any Mainstage Open House Please present this ad at an Open House. *Free gift distributed first week of class.
Are You Looking CONTACT US! for Child Care in Camden County? The Department of Children’s Services is here to assist you with:
Child Care Referrals and Options.
Selecting a quality child care program that meets the needs of your family.
Finding programs that can help pay for child care!
Child Care Subsidy for eligible parents.
Board of Freeholders
AUGUST 2018
Camden County
Department of Children’s Services 856.374.6376 children@camdencounty.com MetroKids.com 7
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.
8 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
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 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. Ann L. Rappoport, PhD, is a contributing writer to MetroKids.
Like
Who is allowed to have a gun in NJ schools? 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 New Jersey. 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. NEW JERSEY Prohibits guns in schools unless the person has written authorization from the school. — By Dave Gilmartin
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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.”
10 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
continued from p. 6
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.
Use the key below to navigate the information, including the support services offered, learning strategies used and distinct special needs served. Get even more info about each school online at MetroKids.com/specialneedsschools.
SUPPORT SERVICES LEARNING STRATEGIES & = Medical staff/Nursing VOCATIONAL ABBREVIATIONS
OT PT ST
= Counseling = Art Therapy = Music Therapy = Hippotherapy = Animal/Dog Therapy = Aquatic Therapy = Occupational Therapy = Physical Therapy = Speech Therapy
School
KEY
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 SCERTS Model = promotes child-initiated communication in everyday activities SPA = Safe & Positive Approaches, comprehensive crisis-prevention program Teaching Family = Model of care used in residential settings
Enrollment
Grades/ Ages
Tuition
Staff/student ratio
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.
SPECIAL NEEDS SERVED ASP AUT CP COM DD EMO EP
HI LD MD NI PDD PHY VI
Asperger syndrome Autism Cerebral palsy Communication/social disorder Developmental disability Emotional/behavioral disorder Epilepsy/seizure disorder
Hearing impairment/deaf Learning disability/ADHD Muscular dystrophy Neurological impairment Pervasive development disorder Physical disability Visual impairment/blind
OTHER SERVICES = Residential
Tech
Support services
= Extended Day
Learning strategies
= Summer Program
Vocational opportunities
Archway Programs Mobility & speech Waterford, NJ (Lower School) Functional 210 Ages 3-21 FAPE Life skills tech Evesham, NJ (Upper School) academics Archwayprograms.org NJ-approved private school for students with multiple disabilities, ASDs, communication disabilities, multiple handicaps & behavioral concerns. ASP, AUT, COM, DD, EMO, LD, NI, PDD, PHY, VI Bancroft School at Voorhees iPads to SmartFAPE Pediatric Facility, The Voorhees, 70 Ages 3-21 1:2 IEP-based Boards NJ; Bancroft.org Educational and skills program for children with complex medical needs, including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and neurological disorder. CP, DD, EMO, HI, LD, MD, NI, PDD, VI Bancroft School Transition Career prep & FAPE Program at CCC, The, 400 Ages 18-21 1:2 Assistive tech exploration Blackwood, NJ; Bancroft.org
= Transportation
Extracurriculars
Other services
Art, music, sports
Interaction with typically abled peers Sports
Job-readiness and life-skills transition program for young adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities, autism and PDD. AUT, DD, PDD Bancroft School Early Education, The Cherry Hill, NJ; Bancroft.org
38
Ages 3-8
FAPE, Private Pay
2:1
Aug. devices, computers, PECS, SmartBoards
ABA, SPA
Life skills
Early Education school for children 3-8 years old with Autism, intellectual/developmental disabilities. ASP, AUT, COM, DD, EMO, EP, NI, PDD, PD, VI Aug. devices, Bancroft School, The Career placement, FAPE, Varies computers iPads, Mount Laurel, NJ 230 Ages 8-21 ABA, SPA life skills, Private Pay PECS Bancroft.org voc. training Maximizes each child’s potential through student-focused innovative instruction, individualized behavior therapies and community integration. AUT, COM, DD, EMO, EP, HI, LD, NI, PDD, PHY, VI
Art, field trips, library, music, phys. ed., sports Art, field trips, music, phys. ed., sports
Brookfield Schools 1:1 iPads, IEP-based, Cosmetology, Art, horticulture, Cherry Hill, NJ 133 Ages 5-21 FAPE Laptops, Behavior culinary field trips, sports Brookfieldschools.org SmartBoards modification Three Camden Co. sites, segmented by grade, serve those with ASDs needing intensive behavioral/therapeutic intervention and transition services. All programs are NCASES accredited. ASP, AUT, EMO, LD Garfield Park Academy Teaching Willingboro, NJ 160 Ages 5-21 FAPE 1:1 Digital learning Family Garfieldparkacademy.org Individual education, equine therapy and biofeedback for those with multiple and/or severe emotional and learning challenges. ASP, AUT, COM, DD, EMO, LD, NI, PDD
Work study, vocational
ABA multiHollyDELL, Inc. TAPit, EyeGaze Life skills, vocational FAPE sensory, team Sewell, NJ 72 Ages 3-21 1:2 technology training Hollydell.org approach Individualized services to educate and instill independence in those with physical challenges and communication & developmental disabilities. ASP, CP, DD, HI, LD, MD, NI, PHY, VI Kingsway Learning Center, Elementary 160 Ages 5-14 FAPE Assistive tech Haddonfield, NJ Kingswaylearningcenter.org Designed for those presenting with a wide variety of learning and/or developmental challenges. ASP, AUT, CP, COM, DD, EMO, EP, HI, LD, MD, PDD
Functional academics
St. John of God Community iPads, Svcs., Archbishop Damiano 180 Ages 3-21 FAPE SmartBoards School, Westville Grove, NJ ADSSchool.org Sensory experiences enhance education for those with autism and moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. AUT, CP, DD, EMO, LD, NI, PHY, VI
AUGUST 2018
Art, music
Life skills, prevoc. training
Art, field trips, music
Vocational training
Sports
Multisensory curriculum, PBIS, SPA
Life skills
Adaptive PE, library, music, sports
Common Core
Work study
Sports
Kingsway Learning Center, Functional 100 Ages 14-21 FAPE Assistive tech Secondary Moorestown, NJ academics Kingswaylearningcenter.org Provides academic and therapeutic services that facilitate a successful transition to an active post-secondary life. ASP, AUT, COM, CP, DD, EMO, EP, HI, LD, MD, NI, PDD Larc School, Speech tech, FAPE Ages 3-21 3:1 Bellmawr, NJ Adaptive tech Larcschool.org Family-like environment and community-based instruction for South Jersey residents with moderate to severe disabilities. AUT, DD, LD
Sensory Exploratorium
MetroKids.com 11
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. Four Seasons Farmers Market, Delran Green Top Farm Market, Southampton Twp.
Where: 500 Centerton Rd., Moorestown When: Saturdays, 8:30am-1pm; June-Aug. Activities: Whether your child’s a bud-
Lone Wolf Farm Market, Lumberton
ding chef or just curious, all ages can join hands-on cooking demos led by a different chef each week.
Where: 2919 Rte. 206, Columbus When: Thursday-Sunday, hours vary;
year-round Activities: This expansive indoor market features an adjacent playground.
Where: 713 N. Atlantic Ave. When: Saturdays, 8am-12pm; May-Nov. Activities: Choose your favorites during
pie bake-offs and cooking contests, enjoy kids’ entertainment and watch performances that differ weekly. Duffield’s Farm Market
Where: Station & East Atlantic Aves. When: Sundays, 9:30am-1:30pm; May-Oct. Activities: Kid Time, held the third Sunday
of each month, offers themed stories, crafts and demos led by community groups.
Where: Haddon and Stratford Aves., Johnson’s Corner Farm
Where: 133 Church Rd., Medford When: Daily, 8am-7pm; April-Dec. Activities: Hop on a hayride to the fields
to pick your own sweet corn and peaches, then head to the Discovery Barnyard for a splash pad, pedal go-kart tracks and meet-and-greets with sheep, goats and chickens.
12 MetroKids.com
Haddon Twp. When: Wednesdays, 4-7pm; May-Oct. Activities: Give your toddler a break from shopping and settle in for storytime at 6pm on select dates.
Blackwood Farmers Market, Blackwood Haddonfield Farmers Market, Haddonfield Merchantville Farmers Market, Merchantville
Where: 280 Chapel Heights Rd., Sewell When: Monday-Saturday, 9am-7pm; yearround
Activities: Apple season kicks off next
month! Who can pluck the largest fruit from the field? Engage in a little family-friendly competition to find out.
Where: 901 S. Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill When: Monday-Saturday, hours vary;
June-Nov.
Activities: U-pick fruits and veggies are a
big draw here. In August, you’ll find red and Bartlett pears, Italian plums, and white seedless and Concord grapes.
G&G Farm Market, Swedesboro Platt’s Farm Market, Clarksboro Williamstown Farmers Market, Williamstown AUGUST 2018
Family Fun
The experts in orthopaedic care for kids Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market
Where: Main St. in front of City Hall, Wildwood When: Saturdays, 8:30am-12:30pm; May-Oct. Activities: Balloon artists, strolling entertainment, live music and plenty of samples keep kids happy.
Where: Princeton Junction Station, West Windsor When: Saturdays, 9am-1pm; May-Nov. Activities: Pie-baking contests, cooking demos and safety days
featuring police and fire equipment are all on the market’s event calendar.
Pennington Farmers Market, Pennington Princeton Farmers Market, Princeton West Cape May Farmers Market, West Cape May Log on to MetroKids.com/familyfun for more information, including address, phone number & website.
TOP QUALITY FRUITS & YEAR-ROUND VEGETABLES
SEASONAL, FRESH & HOME-GROWN PRODUCE
Visit our website for our fall calendar of events
www.duffieldsfarm.com
Greentree & Chapel Hts. Rd. Sewell, NJ • 856-589-7090 x10
Open All Year! Monday thru Saturday 9AM to 7PM
AUGUST 2018
Our Own Homegrown Sweet Corn, Peaches & Tomatoes Homemade Soups & Salads Deli Meats & Cheeses Specialty Trays & Sandwiches Fresh Apple Cider Donuts • Pies • Cakes • Cookies • Apple Cake • Breads • Celebration Cakes
215-430-4000
www.shrinersphilly.org We’re social!
@shrinersphilly 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. 12) • 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. 12 and more online at MetroKids.com/locavore
AUGUST 2018
Family Fun
Pirates take over Historic Cold Spring Village for Seafarers' Weekend, Aug. 25 & 26.
Special needs event
Editor's Pick
$ = $1-$5; $$ = $6-$10; $$$ = $11-$19; $$$$ = $20 & up
1 Wednesday
Baby Parade
1 Wednesday
Baby Parade at the Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood. Deck out your little one’s stroller or wagon to participate, or watch the cuteness unfold from the sidelines. FREE
Butterfly Festival at the Watershed Institute, Hopewell Twp. Enjoy a day of fluttery fun, including the butterfly and bug parade, an insect zoo, hayrides, live music and butterfly-house tours. $$$$
Breakfast with the Pirates at the Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May. Set out on a treasure hunt after the meal. $$$
Craft Beer and Crab Festival at the Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May. Family activities include a Victorian circus and a a crafts & collectibles show. FREE
Family Fun Day at the Cape May Lighthouse, Lower Twp. Festivities include kids’ activities, performances and craft vendors. FREE
Down on the Farm at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Check out the trades, crafts and life style of South Jersey’s early American farming community. $$$
2 Thursday
Movie in the Park: Pee-wee’s Big Adventure at Knight Park, Collingswood. FREE Butterfly Festival
4 Saturday
3 Friday
Family Movie Night: Cars 3 at Fort Billings Park, Paulsboro. FREE Movie on the Beach: Jumanji at Presidential Lakes Beach, Pemberton. FREE
4 Saturday
Antique Fire Apparatus Show at Cooper River Park, Pennsauken. View antique and modern fire apparatus, antique ambulances and police vehicles. There’ll also be safety displays and fun for kids. FREE
Harlem Globetrotters
15 Wednesday
AUGUST 2018
Bank of America Museums on Us, Cherry Hill and Millville. Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders get free admission to participating venues, including the Garden State Discovery Museum and WheatonArts. FREE
Hidden Holiday
National Lighthouse Day is Aug. 7! In Atlantic City, Absecon Lighthouse marks the occasion with a wine tasting for adults. Festivities at the Cape May Lighthouse in Lower Twp. include crafts, songs of the sea and meet-and-greets with keepers. And North Wildwood’s Hereford Inlet Lighthouse brings guest speakers, authors and artists to help celebrate.
MetroKids.com 15
Fine Arts and Peach Festival at the Riverview Estates, Riverton. See “Town & County,” p. 17. FREE Ghost Walk at Cold Spring Brewery, Cape May. $$$
10 Friday
Car Cruise at Historic Smithville & Village Greene, Smithville. FREE
11 Saturday
How Does Your Garden Grow? at the Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury. Learn how to integrate native plants into your garden and attract wildlife. $$
Bug Fest at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Explore creepy-crawly insects from around the globe, chat with scientists, view specimens from the museum’s collection and get your face painted. $$$
Just Peachy Festival at Terhune Orchards, Princeton. See “Town & County,” p. 17. $$
Classic Car Show at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. $$$
5 Sunday
Family Art Workshop: Paint the Town at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Phila. Paint a modern canvas. $$$$
ACANA African Festival on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Phila. Enjoy performances by musicians and dance troupes from around the African continent, as well as food and shopping for traditional and modern crafts. FREE
Living History Encampment at Historic Smithville & Village Greene, Smithville. Explore military and civilian camps with marching drills and musket-firing demos. FREE
Bank of America Museums on Us, Cherry Hill and Millville. See Aug. 4. FREE
Peach, Princess and Pirate Festival at Camden Children’s Garden, Camden. Enjoy a painting activity, crafts and a treasure hunt. Costumes encouraged. $$
Down on the Farm at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. See Aug. 4. $$$ First Sunday Family Day: Story Sharing at the Barnes Foundation, Phila. Make a journal, use a typewriter, brainstorm poetry prompts and watch a performance by a Cambodian dance troupe. FREE Just Peachy Festival at Terhune Orchards, Princeton. See “Town & County,” p. 17. $$ 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
7 Tuesday
Pollinator Frenzy Family Program at the Camden County Environmental Center, Cherry Hill. Explore bee and butterfly habitats and their importance to everyday life. FREE Stream Walk at the Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury. $$
12 Sunday
Bug Fest at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. See Aug. 11. $$$ Family Movie Night: Coco at East New Street Park, Glassboro. FREE Dog Days of Summer at Franklin Square, Phila. Bring the family pup for pet portraits, sprinklers and shallow pools. FREE Living History Encampment at Historic Smithville & Village Greene, Smithville. See Aug. 11. FREE
Line-Dancing Class at the Mosaic Family Success Center, Glassboro. All skill levels welcome. FREE
Peach, Princess and Pirate Festival at Camden Children’s Garden, Camden. See Aug. 11. $$
Read and Pick: Peaches at Terhune Orchards, Princeton. See “Town & County,” p. 17. $$
PECO Family Jams: Rock Figures at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Phila. Make figures using river rocks and sticky tack. $$
8 Wednesday
Breakfast with the Pirates at the Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May. See Aug. 1. $$$ Family Fun Day at the Cape May Lighthouse, Lower Twp. See Aug. 1. FREE World Wonders: StoryUP! at the Penn Museum, Phila. Improv actors present a show based on suggestions from kids in the audience. $$$
9 Thursday
Family Movie Night: Coco at Chestnut Branch Park, Mantua Twp. FREE Movie in the Park: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off at Knight Park, Collingswood. FREE
13 Monday Nature Photography Workshop at the Camden County Environmental Center, Cherry Hill. All skill levels welcome. FREE
14 Tuesday
World's Fair of Money at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. See $1 billion in rare coins and colorful currency, plus kids’ activities and educational seminars. $$
15 Wednesday
Breakfast with the Pirates at the Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May. See Aug. 1. $$$ Family Fun Day at the Cape May Lighthouse, Lower Twp. See Aug. 1. FREE
Fab Freebie
More than 80 fire trucks pull up to Millville’s WheatonArts for the Glasstown Antique Fire Brigade and Muster Family Day, Aug. 19. Cheer on firefighters as they take on a bucket brigade, training and skills competition, water-barrel fight and demos, then enjoy a fire apparatus flea market and vendors. 16 MetroKids.com
AUGUST 2018
Town & County:
Family Fun Harlem Globetrotters at the Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood. $$$$ World's Fair of Money at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. See Aug. 14. $$ World Wonders: Egyptian Mummy Makers at the Penn Museum, Phila. Explore the mummification process through each step using fabricated, lifelike mummies. $$$
16 Thursday
19 Sunday
Caribbean Festival on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Phila. Activities include a marketplace, music and workshops. FREE Crafts and Fine Arts Festival on Haddon Avenue, Collingswood. See Aug. 18. FREE Glasstown Antique Fire Brigade and Muster Family Day at WheatonArts, Millville. FREE
21 Tuesday
Harlem Globetrotters at the Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood. $$$$
Community Night at the Franklin Institute, Phila. FREE
Tee-Off for Kids Golf Outing at the Woodcrest Country Club, Cherry Hill. Benefits youth programs. $$$
Read and Pick: Pears at Terhune Orchards, Princeton. Pick your own container of the fruit following storytime. $$
World's Fair of Money at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. See Aug. 14. $$
17 Friday
Family Fun Night at Lindenwold Park, Lindenwold. Enjoy a magic show and a screening of the kid-favorite movie Coco. FREE Family Movie Night: Jumanji at the Red Bank Battlefield, National Park FREE Harlem Globetrotters at the Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood. $$$$ Kidchella Music Festival at Smith Memorial Playground, Phila. Red Yarn and Vered & the Babes are set to take the stage. $$ Peach Festival at United Methodist Communities, Colllingswood. See “Town & County,” right. FREE World's Fair of Money at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. See Aug. 14. $$
18 Saturday
22 Wednesday
Breakfast with the Pirates at the Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May. See Aug. 1. $$$ Family Fun Day at the Cape May Lighthouse, Lower Twp. See Aug. 1. FREE Family Movie Night: The Emoji Movie at Stewart Park, South Harrison Twp. FREE Summer Mummers Concert on Powell Lane, Collingswood. FREE
24 Friday
Family Movie Night: Despicable Me 3 at Memorial Park, Greenwich Twp. FREE Movie on the Beach: Jaws at Mirror Lake Beach, Pemberton. FREE
25 Saturday
Chocolate and Vanilla Festival at Camden Children’s Garden, Camden. Vote for your favorite ice cream flavor and try a tropical smell test. $$
Beginning Geocaching at Plainsboro Preserve at the Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury. Learn about the sport and test your skills on a course. $$
JDRF/FARE Crab Race at Breakwater Beach Waterpark, Seaside Heights. Plastic crabs race to benefit those with juvenille diabetes and food allergies. $
Crafts and Fine Arts Festival on Haddon Avenue, Collingswood. Family activities include ceramic tile decorating, sand art, face painting and a caricaturist. FREE
Seafarers' Weekend at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Pirates take over the grounds for live music, hidden treasure and crafts. $$$
Festival of India on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Phila. Celebrate India’s Independence Day with art, music, dance and food. FREE
Chocolate and Vanilla Festival at Camden Children’s Garden, Camden. See Aug. 25. $$
26 Sunday
Grow Up Great at the Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza, Phila. Kids are introduced to jazz and musical theatre. FREE
Seafarers' Weekend at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. See Aug. 25. $$$
Harlem Globetrotters at the Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood. $$$$
Family Movie Night: Despicable Me 3 at the Sunset Auditorium, Pitman. FREE
Pirate Day at Fort Mifflin, Phila. While pirates and sailors storm the fort, families join musket drills and scavenger hunts. $$
Movie on the Beach: Jaws at Mirror Lake Beach, Pemberton. FREE
Village Field Day at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Try games from the 1800s. $$$
AUGUST 2018
Peach Celebrations
While we’re highlighting family-friendly farmers markets on p. 12, did you know it’s National Peach Month? Celebrate during these fruity festivities. BURLINGTON COUNTY The dual focus of the Fine Arts and Peach Festival, Aug. 4 at Riverton’s Riverview Estates, may seem like an unlikely pairing, but it pulls it off. Grab a peach dessert and browse handmade creations from sketches, paintings and glasswork to jewelry and beadwork. CAMDEN COUNTY Learn fun facts and try a variety of sweet and savory recipes during the Peach Festival on Collingswood’s Haddon Avenue on Aug. 17. MERCER COUNTY Enjoy good old-fashioned farm fun during the Just Peachy Festival, Aug. 4 & 5, at Terhune Orchards in Princeton, featuring culinary demos and samples, wagon rides, food and drink vendors, pony rides and live music. Return Aug. 7 for the Read and Pick: Peaches program that lets kids pick their own fruit from the fields following storytime.
27 Monday
28 Tuesday
Read and Pick: Apples at Terhune Orchards, Princeton. Listen to two themed stories and head outside to pick the fruit. $$
Log on to MetroKids.com/ familyfun for more information, including address, phone number, time & website. 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 Serv. DE*: Licensed: Dept. of Education DYF: Licensed: Dept. of Youth & Family Serv.
NAEYC: Accredited by National Association of Education of Young Children PAIS: Accredited by PA Assoc. of Independent Schools MSCES: Accredited by Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools AMS: Accredited by American Montessori Society
* Note: DHS License: requires annual on-site visits. DE License: 20% of all facilities are inspected annually.
BURLINGTON COUNTY
CAMDEN COUNTY (continued)
BEGINNINGS AT MFS: THE MOORESTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL Early Childhood Program, 110 E. Main St., Moorestown, NJ 856-914-4428 • MFriends.org Ages: 3 & up • Hours: 8:05am-3:10pm Beginnings at MFS: The Moorestown Friends School Early Childhood Program offers a values-based education for 3-year-olds and up. A project-based approach to learning and wide range of special subject areas are hallmarks of the experience. Moorestown Friends School is one of the only schools in the United States to offer a Coding Program to all Lower School students - Preschool through Grade 4. This innovative program has three strands: coding, problem solving and teamwork. These skills will be in high demand as the 21st century progresses. Half-day and full-day Preschool is available. Prekindergarten and Kindergarten are full-day programs. AY, SP, BS, AS, MSCES
SHINING LIGHTS PRESCHOOL AND DAYCARE CENTER 1720 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ • 856-424-4915 www.shininglightsonline.org • Ages: 6 wks.-5 yrs. • Hours: 7:00am-6pm M-F Bible-based curriculum designed by our degreed director and certified teachers focuses on your child’s individual needs. Each classroom boasts hands-on exploration and discovery promoting learning centers. Small class sizes allow a variety of programs, which include: field trips, holiday shows, cooking projects and themed days. State-of-the-art security system and fenced-in playground. FY, AY, SP, DA, DYF
ESSENTIAL BEGINNINGS LEARNING CENTER 1329 Rte. 38, Hainsport, NJ 609-667-7838 • info@essentialbeginningslc.com Essentialbeginningslc.com • Ages: 2-1/2 yrs.-13 yrs. Hours 6:30am - 6:00pm Essential Beginnings embraces the differentiation approach to teaching. This method ensures that all children can learn the content based on their learning style. FY, AY, SP, SN, DYF FUTURE SCHOLARS EARLY LEARNING CENTER Bruni Square, 1351 Rte. 38 W., B-1, Hainesport, NJ 609-518-1333 • FutureScholarsLearning.com Ages: 6 wks.-13 yrs. • Hours: 6:30am-6:30pm “Where Generations Come and Grow” Full- and half-day classes available year round. Family-owned and operated with an owner on premises daily. Offering Infant & Toddler Care, PreSchool, Drop-In Hourly Daycare, Established Full-Day Kindergarten, Before- and After-School Care with bussing for township students, Private Tutoring and Summer Camp! We are your one-stop solution for early education and child care! STOP BY TODAY FOR A TOUR! FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DYF OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 32 W. Main St., Moorestown, NJ • 856-235-5371 • www.olgcnj.org/school Ages: 4 yrs.-6 yrs. • Hours: 8:30am-3pm • school@olgcnj.org Our Lady of Good Counsel School features full- and half-day pre-kindergarten programs, as well as full-day kindergarten. Children in first through eighth grades are educated in a top-notch, Catholic school environment, where our mission to form students in the image of Jesus Christ is reinforced daily. We provide education in music, art, specialized clubs, sports, after-school enrichment programs such as Lego Robotics and Latin, Spanish, technology, and physical education. Students do not need to be Catholic to attend our school. Please call to arrange a tour. Financial aid and volunteer opportunities available. AY, SP, AS
CAMDEN COUNTY BEECHWOOD SCHOOL, PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN 441 Beechwood Ave., Haddonfield, NJ • 856-429-0303 • TheBeechwoodSchool.com • Ages: 2½ yrs.-K Preschool, Kindergarten, Childcare. Beechwood School is a family-owned, independent, statelicensed school since 1951. We offer both half-day and full-day classes year round for children 2½ through kindergarten. Call for a tour. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DYF PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF CHERRY HILL 1875 Rt. 70 East., Cherry Hill, NJ 8856-242-0034 • www.primrosecherryhill.com Ages: 6 wks.-Pre-K • Hours: 6:30am to 6:00pm Primrose Schools® is a national system of accredited private preschools that provides a premier early education and child care experience for children and families. Our Franchise Owners, Leadership Teams and School Staff partner with parents to help build the right foundation for future learning and in life. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, MP, DA, SN, NAEYC
SARI ISDANER EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AT THE KATZ JCC 1301 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ • 856-424-4444 • KatzJCC.org/ECE Ages: 6 wks.-K • Hours: 6:45am-6:15pm, M-Th; 6pm, F Infant/Toddler Day Care, Flexible Part-Time Nursery Programs, Half- & Full-Day Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Transitional Kindergarten, & Parent/Child Classes. Enriching curriculum, based in Jewish values, in state-of-the-art, child-friendly facility. Program allows children to develop cognitively, academically, socially and emotionally and encourages the development of their inner resources: curiosity, creativity, imagination, independence, love of learning and self-esteem. Children will learn reading readiness, science, math, language, social studies, music, art, swim, gym & Jewish holiday and cultural celebrations. STEAM is incorporated to encourage creative learning and problem solving. Facility includes age-appropriate classrooms with learning and play centers, computer labs, 3 playgrounds including indoor play structure, indoor pool, gym & secure entrance. Contact for free tour. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DHS*, DE, NAEYC
18 MetroKids.com
SOUTH JERSEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 406 Church Rd., Sicklerville, NJ • 856-728-2001 www.sjchristianacademy.org • Ages: PK - 7th Grade • Hours: 8:15am-3pm M-F South Jersey Christian Academy offers an affordable Christian education for students, Preschool through 7th Grade, in the South Jersey area. We educate today’s children to be tomorrow’s Christian leaders. AY, BS, AS
GLOUCESTER COUNTY BUILDING BLOCKS CHILDCARE Applewood Dr., Logan Township • 856-975-6247 www.buildingblockscc.vpweb.com • Ages: 6 wks-12 yrs • Hours: 24 hours Building Blocks Childcare is a 24-hr. home care facility. We have daily age-appropriate activities. We also go on local trips to the park and library, as well as field trips. We are very flexible and have rates from daily to rates that include overtime. We also accept Rutgers vouchers. Rutgers Resource and Referral. FY, MP, BS, AS, DA, TP, SN HOLDING HANDS FAMILY CHILD CARE & PLAY CENTER 138 Tomlin Station Rd., Mullica Hill, NJ • 856-467-6811 Ages: Infant-School Age • Hours: 6am-6:30pm A place for families providing exceptional care, engaged learning and everyday play. A full-service center in a new facility with a gym, three playgrounds, access control system and video monitoring. FY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS*
BUCKS COUNTY BRIGHT BEGINNERS ACADEMY 800 Clarmont Ave., Suite A, Bensalem, PA 19020 267-520-7200 • http://brightbeginnersacademy.com Ages: 6 wks.- 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
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.
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