MetroKids - 0918 SJ

YEARS 9 2

September 2018 • free South Jersey

A Smart Start Calm Back-to-School Jitters College Prep: Early Action or Early Decision?

Independent High School Survey

IEP Check Up

Family Theater Shows:

Season Preview Magazines • Guides • Events • Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest • Instagram

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Contents

SEPTEMBER 2018 • Vol. 23, No. 9

Back-to-School 4 Calm Back-to-School Jitters 6 IEP Check-Up 8 Guide to Early Admissions 10 Survey of Independent High Schools In This Issue 7 Protect Children’s Online Privacy 11 Win it!

18 MomSpeak: Plastics and Food

9 Education; 13 Events, 17 Child Care

On Our Cover

Rooted in Tradition, Progressive Early Learning

6

Family Fun 12 Family-Theater Season Preview 14 Day-by-Day Calendar Ad Sections

Quality Counts

18

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

CoverKids winner Alexis W. of Philadelphia, PA.

Photos by Bev Michel Photography — West Chester, PA; Michelphoto.com

VOTING NOW OPEN!

NEW for 2018-19 School Year!

Reader’s Choice Go to MetroKids.com/CoverKids this month and vote for your favorites in each age category, from babies to teens.

There are dozens of cuties to choose from, so check back to see if any of your favorites won and how their covers turned out.

MetroKids.com/coverkids SEPTEMBER 2018

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ea school y 19 18 0 2 es he ltur

ow fmoe rfamtilies of all faiths & cu n r e t s i Reg We welco

2016

katzjcc.org/ece 856-424-4444 x1242 1301 Springdale Road • Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

MetroKids.com 3

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

President: Nancy Lisagor, PhD, ext. 109 nlisagor@metrokids.com Publisher: Darlene Weinmann, ext. 108 dweinmann@metrokids.com

By Sarah Lyons Your child may feel “butterflies in his tummy” for the first day of school. It is a normal sensation that first morning of classes or whenever she is expected to perform or speak in front of a group; has a dentist or doctor appointment, or has pressure to do well on a test or at a sports competition. Parents can help kids calm the butterflies.

Model calming behavior

As a parent, watching your child battle nerves can be difficult and cause the parent to feel anxious and worried too. The child may grow more panicked because of this. Model calming behavior to your child. Speak in a calm voice, try not to rush him, and keep your chitchat positive and encouraging.

Prepare and discuss

Prior to the big day, discuss with your child what she can expect. “We spend time talking about the event a few days before. I allow them to ask questions and understand what to expect throughout the process,” says Lauren Heller, mother of twins. This is a great opportunity to discuss with your child what his worries are specifically and help him work through them in a healthy way.

Try relaxation techniques

If you find your child is often nervous, sit down ahead of time and discuss some relaxation techniques that will be helpful in calming butterflies when they arise. “I taught my daughter to take slow deep breaths and to pretend she was somewhere else,” says Krystal Laws, mother of seven. Some other relaxation techniques include stretching, reading a book, sipping a favorite drink, listening to music, or talking to a friend. Many kids find physical activity relaxing. Encourage your child to take a short walk or jog, do jumping jacks, shoot hoops or play on the swings. This will help your child release some nervous energy. Once she has found a relaxation technique that works, she will have a tool in her back pocket when nerves arise.

4 MetroKids.com

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

Symptoms of Anxiety While some nervousness is normal, kids may suffer from extreme anxiety that negatively affects day-to-day life. If your child is experiencing these symptoms it may be time to seek help: • “Acts out” with tantrums, disobedience or a refusal to do typical activities.

• Misses out on normal, everyday events at school or with friends due to nerves.

• Is restless, irritable and has difficulty concentrating or trouble sleeping.

• Suffers from muscle tension, frequent urination, stomach aches, difficulty swallowing and headaches.

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

Visualize and problem solve

If your child is nervous about an upcoming recital, performance or game, have him sit still, close his eyes, and visualize each step of the upcoming event and how it will go. Picture a positive outcome with everything going smoothly. During the visualization process, address any obstacles your child may foresee. “Before an ice-skating performance we consider what would happen if she fell — just get back up, no big deal,” says Jane Hammond, mom of three. Problem solve with your child how you can overcome the challenges she may be worrying about.

For younger kids, acting out the situation that is making them nervous can be very helpful. “Our boys used to have a really hard time with doctor appointments. We bought a doctor set and ‘played doctor’ while talking about what to expect. They love going now,” says Becky Asher, mom to triplet boys.

As the big day approaches, set your child up for success with a good night’s rest and a healthy diet. This will help her feel she is at her best when the butterflies arrive. Explain to your child that even adults get nervous about situations and this is normal. Children tend to feel more secure in new situations when they know they have your support and understanding along the way.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer.

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

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

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AWARD–WINNING MEMBER OF THE:

SEPTEMBER 2018

SpecialKids

Is Your IEP Back-to-School Ready?

8

By Lisa Lightner Back-to-school time always has a nervous energy to it. Will my kid’s BFF be in my daughter’s class? Will my son like his teacher?

Did my daughter get a good teacher? Will my son adjust and do well in this grade, or will it be too hard for him?

When your child has an IEP there is another level of concern.

For a child who struggles with change and transitions, this can be a particularly tough time. Here are eight tips for parents who have a child with an IEP.

1. Make the most of what the school is offering.

Whether it’s a meet & greet, end-of-summer picnic or back-toschool night, don’t blow it off. Go and, if appropriate, take your child. Meet the teachers and introduce your child. Take the building tours even if you’ve been in the building before. Walk your child through his day and show him where he will be.

2. Use a Snapshot IEP.

I have a post on my blog that discusses this concept at length and a template to follow. But a snapshot IEP is a one-sheet, high-level overview of your child and her IEP. It is by no means a replacement for the full document, but it is a way to introduce your child’s IEP to the teacher. It is a brief overview of strengths, needs, goals and accommodations and strategies.

3. Read the whole IEP again.

Yes, beginning to end. Grab a cup of coffee, a pen, a notepad and head out to your patio. Make notes of what you think needs to be changed, goals of importance, strategies and services. Note on your calendar when you should be receiving your progressmonitoring reports, report cards, IEP-renewal time and other information.

4. Make a plan.

If you have concerns that you want addressed sooner rather than later, do it. Write the letter, request the meeting. Then you can put that note aside and schedule a reminder to send it on September 15 or 30. I say this because everyone is overwhelmed and busy during back-to-school time. You don’t want meetings with school personnel who do not know your child yet. Give them a couple weeks to get into a groove, then ask. The IEP process timelines are slow enough on their own, so you don’t want to delay too much. But you can still do all the prep work now.

6 MetroKids.com

Tips for Parents

Don’t IEP Alone

The IEP process can be cumbersome and overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone. There are many resources available to parents.

Every state has a Parent Training Center for IEPs, as well as a Protection and Advocacy Agency for people with disabilities.

In New Jersey contact: • Statewide Parent Advocacy Network: SPANadvocacy.org

5. Go with your gut.

Too often, parents are talked out of going with their gut instinct. But moms know! Evaluate situations objectively and go with your gut. If something isn’t right, work on fixing it. As an example, using the Pennsylvania guidelines, the IEP evaluation process could take more than 100 school days to complete, from requesting the evaluation to having an IEP. If your gut tells you that changes need to be made, start the process. Don’t agree to “wait and see” as that can only delay the process and allow your child to fall further behind.

6. Ask your child.

Talk with and involve your child to the maximum extent possible. The earlier you start growing those self-advocacy skills, the better. Ask her what her concerns and apprehensions are. Help him to troubleshoot and find solutions to his concerns. Discuss what her strengths and interests are, and how those strengths can be used.

7. Stay positive.

The IEP process can have a lot of negativity surrounding it. Learn the IEP process and use it to handle concerns and disputes. Focus on what you can control and never assume the intentions of others.

8. Seek help and support.

You don’t have to do this alone. There are many resources available.

Lisa Lightner is a West Chester, PA special-education advocate who blogs at A Day in Our Shoes and is a contributor to MetroKids.com’s MomSpeak.

SEPTEMBER 2018

Parenting

continued from p. 6

By Susan Braverman Kids are constantly connected to technology, giving them access to limitless knowledge, communication and entertainment, but with that comes a safety concern. When kids have the world at their fingertips, how do we keep them safe?

Communication

From the time kids start using the internet, it’s important to establish proper communication and rules.

Keep a “family computer” in a central area and let children have the privilege of having a personal computer when they’ve earned it.

Consider using computer time as a reward for doing homework, or chores around the house.

Ruby Gonzalez, the communications director at NordVPN, an online privacy tool, suggests: “Parents should clearly establish how many hours their children are allowed on the computer per day. Moreover, computer usage at night shouldn’t be permitted; it interferes with sleep quality and affects the physical development of a child, especially at an early age.”

Discourage your children from accepting friend requests from people they don’t know. Stress that electronic communication is always risky and that you can never be sure who’s on the other side of the screen.

Keep tabs on who your kids interact with online and encourage them to talk with you about their online friends. If they are voice or video chatting, introduce yourself to the other person. “It’s every parent’s responsibility to know who their kids’ online friends are,” says Eirene Heidelberger, president and CEO of GIT Mom, a parent coaching company.

SEPTEMBER 2018

Social media

When it comes to social media, Gonzalez notes, “Educate yourself about the various social websites and apps: what they do, what kind of information users share, and what makes them interesting to children.” (See Privacy Resources, at right, for suggested websites.)

The most popular platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. Ask your kids what platforms they use and learn about them. Learn how these sites use your child’s information to advertise to them.

Within Facebook, you can turn off targeted ads in the settings tab under ads. You can also manage privacy settings so your children can’t easily be contacted by strangers.

“Keep your child’s account private so only friends can see it, don’t allow your child to be tagged in posts and advise him to not share his location,” says Kevin Ellis, marketing director at eBlocker, a privacy and parental-control tool.

You can set these limits under each platform’s privacy section. Facebook also has a blocking option where you can block individual users or posts, messages, apps, event invitations and pages from specific people and organizations.

Gonzalez also says to discuss with your child what she should not share on social media. Emphasize what goes on the internet can be shared so quickly that it stays there forever, so precisely define what kind of personal information is and isn’t OK to share, such as full name, address or school.

Cyberbullying

Encourage your child to come to you immediately if something posted online makes her uncomfortable.

Privacy Resources Admongo.gov This Federal Trade Commission website teaches kids 8–12 about ads.

Commonsensemedia.org A non-profit site for parents that rates and reviews media and technology. See the Privacy and Internet Safety section under Parent Concerns.

“Have your children know what’s safe and insist on reporting any bullying as soon as it occurs,” Ellis says. Don’t get angry; show her how to handle the situation, then go through the appropriate channels, such as your school, to report the cyberbullying.

Unsafe content

From viruses to misinformation to strangers, there are threats galore online. Keeping your children away from them requires a watchful eye and an open dialogue.

“The best thing parents could do for their children in order to protect them from possible harm is to start a discussion about online safety at an early age,” Gonzalez says.

The sooner you get involved as a parent, the easier it is to make sure good habits are established. Without guidance, kids can quickly find themselves in unsafe communities.

Overall, it’s important to strike a balance of respecting your child’s privacy while keeping her safe. Maintain open communication, and make sure to be involved. “Stay in their face but give them their space,” says Heidelberger.

Susan Braverman is marketing manager and social media coordinator for MetroKids.

MetroKids.com 7

Education

Early Admission What’s the difference between early action and early decision and which is right for your college-bound senior?

By Michele Haddon It’s the fall of your daughter’s senior year.

Together you’ve researched schools, attended campus tours, and worked to narrow down a long list of colleges to a handful of top choices.

She is ready to crank out those applications, but you wonder: Should she apply early admission?

According to College Board, about 450 colleges offer the admission plans. The most common options are known as early decision and early action. You need to understand the differences between the two before you can decide if one of them is right for your child.

What is early decision?

Early decision is binding, requiring a commitment to attend the school if you are admitted. For this reason, you may only apply to one school early decision.

The deadline typically falls on or around Nov. 1.

According to Maureen B. Mathis, director of admission at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, which offers both early decision and early action, early decision is for “students who know the school is their clear first choice and that comparing financial aid offers is not a part of their college search.

“The benefit to early decision is that your college search can be completed by either late December or early January,” Mathis says. “You can then relax and enjoy the remainder of your senior year.”

Applying through early decision or early action increases the chance of admis-

8 MetroKids.com

sion, Mathis adds. “Since early decision is a commitment to attend, an admissions committee is more willing to admit if the student is committed.”

Lisa Street, counselor at Brandywine High School in Wilmington, DE, agrees that applying early increases a candidate’s chances “as long as they are a good fit for that school. That round of kids is only competing against other early-decision kids, so it’s a tough group, but a smaller one.”

However, there are potential downsides to applying early, Street notes.

“The student is committing to attend regardless of the financial aid offered by the school and some families may not be as equipped to subsidize the net cost left uncovered by the federal and school financial-aid packages,” Street says.

She also cautions that students who feel pressured to meet early deadlines when they are not completely ready “could suffer from a poorly written essay, proofreading errors, and other avoidable application mistakes which could cost them admission.”

Joseph Tagliaferro, coordinator of student support services at Abington Senior High School in Abington, PA, advises students and their parents to work closely with their school counselors when deciding how to apply.

“If a student really has a strong interest in a college and he knows this is his top choice, and if paying for college is something the family has a plan for, then early decision is a good option,” Tagliaferro advises.

A Decision Tree Our experts had these suggestions: You should apply early decision if: • The school is clearly your top choice.

• You can afford to attend without financial aid.

You should apply early action if: • You are seriously considering more than one school.

• Your grade-point average already meets the school’s requirements.

• You don’t plan to take the SAT or ACT again.

You should apply regular decision if: • You want your senior-year grades reflected in your GPA. • You want to retake the SAT or ACT. • You need more time to research and visit schools.

What is early action?

Early action is non-binding and most colleges will allow you to apply to multiple schools this way. Deadlines to submit applications under early action also fall on or around Nov. 1.

Jim Plunkett, executive director of admissions at La Salle University in Philadelphia, which offers early action, says it is for the most serious student — someone who has done his research on the schools, is very interested in that school and wants to get his applications finished.

“It gives that peace of mind of knowing that before the New Year they are going to hear from the school early action,” says Plunkett. “They’re not committed to going to that school.” continued on next page

SEPTEMBER 2018

Education Continued When you hear back from schools early, you have more time to work out a financial plan, says Justin G. Roy, dean of enrollment services at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ. “Going early action really gives you more time to look into financial aid. It gives you more time to look into the affordability issue,” says Roy, who adds that some scholarships have very early deadlines. “If you’re a student who’s waited, you may miss those deadlines.”

Chrissy Grube, a mother of three living in Plumsteadville, PA, says her two oldest sons both applied early action to a number of schools.

“The nice thing is the schools that they submitted applications to are a little more competitive but they got answers back more quickly,” Grube says.

“To know a little bit earlier whether they said yes or no would change his game plan going forward. If they happened to be all no, it gave him a little more time to submit to other schools, instead of being stunned in early March and not knowing what to do next.”

Who should wait?

Early decision and early action are not for everyone.

For the student who needs more time to pull his grade-point average up, plans on taking the SAT or ACT again, or wants to research more schools, there is always the option to apply through regular decision or rolling admission.

Mathis recommends that route for “students who feel that their senior year is going to be strong academically and they want that coursework and their first semester grades to be included in the review of their application.”

Another reason to wait is if you and your child haven’t had a chance to visit the college and tour the campus, says Plunkett, who is going through the process with his son.

“We visited a few colleges and it’s been great,” Plunkett says. “The student usually knows when he’s on the campus and the feeling he gets, if it’s the right fit for him.

“I tell my son, the college search really goes from your head to your heart and

back to your head again. When the student finds the fit, it’s an amazing experience because you can see that in his eyes.”

Final words of advice

The process isn’t an easy one for parent or student. It’s a big decision with an overwhelming number of steps. So, here are some tips: “Do your research early and pay attention to deadlines. No school is perfect and there are many great options for everyone,” says Mathis.

“Take a deep breath,” urges Roy. “And don’t be afraid to ask for help or ask questions of your admissions counselor. He’s there to guide you. Drop him a message and just say `We’re trying to figure this out.’ Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

“Enjoy the process. I know it can be overwhelming. Trust yourself. Trust that voice inside your head that says this is what I want over the next four years of my life,” says Plunkett.

Michele Haddon is a freelance writer.

Great Kids, Going Places.

Moises Cosme ’18 Meet great kids like Moises at an upcoming Open House: Sunday, Oct. 14, 2 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 9, 8:30 a.m.

Saturday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m.

“MFS educators have more than just a love for teaching.

They also have a genuine care for their students.”

Visit MFS and waive the application fee.

For more information or to RSVP, call (856) 914-4426, email admiss@mfriends.org, or visit www.mfriends.org.

Age 3 through Grade 12 www.mfriends.org

SEPTEMBER 2018

Hometown: Camden Activities/Honors: National Spanish Honor Society; Cum Laude Society; Diversity Committee - Co-President; PRIDE Club Co-President; MLK, Jr. Club President; Student Diversity Leadership Conference; Peer Leader Memorable Academic Project: Research study of correlation between smoking and an increased probability for rheumatoid arthritis Senior Internship: Holtec Technology College: Yale University Career Interest: Medicine or Neuroscience

MetroKids.com 9

H.S. Independent School Survey If you want to find a high school that’s a good fit for your child, this 29th annual Independent School Survey is a great place to start. It is a snapshot of the top independent high schools serving the Delaware Valley, from day schools to boarding schools, large and small. Each has its own unique philosophy, explained briefly below.

You’ll also find information about school and class size, tuition and financial aid, technology use and instruction, and world languages.

The chart also lists average SAT scores as well as the number of Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes offered.

Tuition is given as a range, as described in the accompanying key; schools offering financial aid are marked FAO. The chart is also accessible online at Metrokids.com/ highschools and more detailed information on each school is available

School, Location Website; Phone

Grades Gender

H.S. enrollment Student: teacher ratio

Tuition Financial aid

as a searchable database at Metrokids.com/educationguide, where you can sort by school name, state, county, grades or gender.

Also be sure to check out the MetroKids 2018 Guide to Schools, coming out this month, which will also include PreK–8 schools, programs that serve students with learning differences, in-depth school profiles as well as Open House dates.

KEY:

Tuition:

Services:

$ = < $10,000 = Accommodates disabilities $$ = $10,000-$20,000 = Summer camp, school or $$$ = $20,000-$30,000 program $$$$ = > $30,000 = Boarding school FAO = Financial aid offered Technology: BYOD = Bring your own device

Languages Grade begins

Technology

% attend college # AP/IB courses Avg. SAT(M/R/W)

Bishop Eustace Preparatory School French-9; BYOD, CAD, 9-12 533 $$ Pennsauken German-9; Latin-9; computer lab, Coed 12:1 FAO Eustace.org; 856-662-2160 Spanish-9 robotics club Pallottine college-prep school on a coed, college-style campus. Community service offerings; 30 varsity sports; 38 co-curricular activities.

Accommodates disabilities Summer program Boarding

99% 17 557/559/547

Doane Academy classroom 100% PreK-12 236 $$ Latin-7; Burlington computers, 12 Coed 6.2:1 FAO Spanish-PreK Doaneacademy.org; 609-386-3500 instruction 540-760/440-800 Safe, intimate, diverse and enriching environment for children age 3 through grade 12. College-prep curriculum, small class sizes, attractive historic Delaware River banks site.

Lawrenceville School, The Arabic-9; Chinese-9; 1:1 laptops, 100% 9-12 817 $$$$ Lawrenceville French-9; Greek-9; BYOD, Coed 12:1 FAO Lawrenceville.org; 609-895-2030 Latin-9; Spanish-9 computer labs 720/720 Students come from 34 states & 40 countries. All the school’s power on the core campus is generated by 6.1 megawatt, 30-acre solar farm; 17 boys’, 17 girls’ varsity teams.

Moorestown Friends School Chinese-6; 100% PreK-12 705 $$$$ computer labs, Moorestown French-6; 18 Coed 8:1 FAO instruction Mfriends.org; 856-235-2900 Spanish-6 654/649 Quaker school founded in 1785 pursues educational excellence for a diverse student body; academically rigorous and balanced program on 48 acres.

Princeton Day School Chinese-9; 100% PreK-12 420 $$$$ Princeton French-PreK; iPads 18 Coed 8:1 FAO Pds.org; 609-924-6700 Latin-7; Spanish-PreK 650/650 Rigorous curriculum designed for motivated & academically talented students. Campus features garden classroom with sustainable architecture. Interscholastic sports; iPad program.

Saint Augustine Preparatory School 3D printers, 98% 9-12 685 $$ Arabic-9; Latin-9; Richland CAD, computer 15 Boys 14:1 FAO Spanish-9 Hermits.com; 856-697-2600 labs, robotics 1753 Educating young men from grades 9-12 since 1959; aspires to achieve academic excellence, create a passionate brotherhood and see the face of God in all people through service.

South Jersey Sudbury School Medford K-12 19 $ BYOD, As chosen Southjerseysudburyschool.org; Coed 19:1 FAO computer lab 856-581-1229 A democratic school where students vote on all aspects of academics and administration. Located in YMCA Camp Ockanickon/Matollionequay.

Stuart Country Day School French-K; digital design, 100% of the Sacred Heart PreK-12 460 $$$$ Latin-9; iPads, 16 Princeton Girls 8:1 FAO Spanish-PreK robotics 2021 Stuartschool.org; 609-921-2330 Students are encouraged, and expected, to try new things, participate, work together and be leaders. Curiosity and zest to learn are fed by outstanding academics and faculty.

Villa Victoria Academy 100% 6-12 110 $$ French-9; integrated Ewing 15 Girls 8:1 FAO Spanish-9 instruction Villavictoria.org; 609-882-1700 1830 Catholic school with faith-based education inclusive of all religions.100% college acceptance & enrollment; award-winning theater program, small class sizes; individual attention.

10 MetroKids.com

SEPTEMBER 2018

Win It!

Early-Learning FUN Stripes, swirls, polka dots — little ones as young as 6 weeks enjoy eye-catching hues and patterns on each page of Baby Sees Colors!, a board book from Japan that’s gaining popularity here. Based on years of research and refinement, the collection of whimsical artwork instills in newborns through age 3 an early recognition of colors and contrast ($9.99).

Shake up your alphabet lessons with the Go-withMe ABC Backpack. Using the write-and-erase board, tots can practice letter writing and drawing with Mr. Pencil. After they watch on-screen instructions that depict how to write each letter, kids try out what they’ve learned through seven activities (Leapfrog; 3+; $29.99).

Log on to MetroKids.com/winit and enter to win your favorite prize, beginning Sept. 1. Prizes will be mailed by the provider to the address given on the entry form.

Join our team.

Flexible hours and options

Find new partners interested in reaching Delaware Valley families.

We are seeking friendly, connected parents to be our Marketing Consultant.

Sales experience helpful but will train the right person.

Send cover letter and resume to dweinmann@metrokids.com

Simplicity Peace Integrity Community Equality Stewardship TUESDAY MORNING TOURS

OPEN HOUSE

8:30-9:30 AM

NOW ENROLLING Age 2 yrs. through 8th Grade

OCTOBER 21

(856) 429-6786 | hfsfriends.org

2:00-4:00 PM

admissions@hfsfriends.org 47 N. Haddon Avenue, Haddonfield, NJ 08033-2476 SEPTEMBER 2018

MetroKids.com 11

Family Fun

Family Theater Guide Kids love drama — and the 2018-2019 season at Delaware Valley theaters offers plenty of it.

From familiar favorites to new adventures, you’ll find performances for all ages.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

BURLINGTON COUNTY Bridge Players Theatre Company, Burlington Annie (Nov. 16–Dec. 1)

CAMDEN COUNTY Ritz Theatre Company, Haddon Twp. Rapunzel (Nov. 15–17) Rudolph (Dec. 17–23)

GLOUCESTER COUNTY Broadway Theatre of Pitman, Pitman Puppy Squad (Sept. 28 & 29) The Case of the Missing Pumpkin (Oct. 26 & 27) Pinocchio (Nov. 10 & 16) Santa’s Frozen Adventure (Dec. 1–16) ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Dec. 17–24)

WORTH THE DRIVE

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Cumberland Players, Vineland Bugsy Malone Jr. (Sept. 14–23) The Merrie Christmas Show (Dec. 14–16)

12 MetroKids.com

Kelsey Theatre, West Windsor Nugget and Fang (Sept. 29) Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Nov. 2–11) Rapunzel (Feb. 23) A Sick Day for Amos McGee (March 16) Jack and the Beanstalk (April 13) Stockton Performing Arts Center, Galloway The Nutcracker (Dec. 7 & 8) Jack and the Beanstalk (April 6)

Walnut Street Theatre Disney’s Aladdin Jr. (Sept. 22–30) Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical (Nov. 6–Jan. 6) Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (Dec. 1–23) R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium (Feb. 2–9) Pinkalicious: The Musical (March 29–April 13) Fly Guy: The Musical (May 31–June 9)

PHILADELPHIA Academy of Music Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Nov. 6–18) Paw Patrol Live: Race to the Rescue (April 5–7) Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Feb. 22–24) Anastasia (April 9–14) Merriam Theater Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical (Dec. 19–29) Peg + Cat Live (March 30)

THEATER FOR TEENS & TWEENS Bridge Players Theatre Company, Burlington The Boys Next Door (Feb. 1–16) Jekyll & Hyde (April 26–May 11) Burlington County Footlighters, Riverton Spring Awakening (Sept. 14–29) Cumberland Players, Vineland The Crucible (Nov. 2–9) Kelsey Theatre, West Windsor Noises Off! (Jan. 11–20) Zorro: The Musical (Jan. 25–Feb. 3) Macbeth (June 21–30) The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (June 7–16) Ritz Theatre Company, Haddon Twp. Big Fish (May 2–19) Log on to MetroKids.com/familyfun for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2018

Apple Picking - September thru Mid-October Pumpkin Picking - September 15th - October 31st Food Truck Apple Festi val Satur day, Sept.

8th

NUGGET & FANG September 29 at 2pm & 4pm ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS… December 7-9

Visit our website for our fall calendar of events

www.duffieldsfarm.com

THE NUTCRACKER - Abridged & Narrated December 14 - 16

Open All Year! Monday thru Saturday 9AM to 7PM

SNOW DAY - An Interactive Live Radio Show December 22-23

Greentree & Chapel Hts. Rd. Sewell, NJ • 856-589-7090 x10

RAPUNZEL February 23 at 2pm & 4pm A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE Saturday, March 16 at 2pm & 4pm JACK & THE BEANSTALK Saturday, April 13 at 2pm & 4pm 609-570-3333 kelseytheatre.net

THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS Saturday, May 4 at 2pm & 4pm 1200 Old Trenton Rd. W. Windsor, NJ 08550

Visit our website or follow us on Facebook for more details!

(609) 953-0087 Tuckerton Rd., Medford, NJ

www.IndianAcresTreeFarm.com

What are you looking for?

Places to

VISIT Find them in our

ONLINE Attraction Directory!

MetroKids.com/PlacesToVisit SEPTEMBER 2018

Weekends Sept. 29 - Oct. 28 Pumpkin Picking Live Music Jumpin’ Pumpkin & Barrel Train Rides

10am-5pm 12pm-4pm 10:30am-5pm

Pumpkin Picking or Bonfire Birthday Parties

Group Bonfire packages • Fall school tours

GIANT

8 ACRE

MAZE

MetroKids.com 13

Family Fun

Swing by the Camden County Fair in Gloucester Township, Sept. 22 & 23.

DAY-BY-DAY CALENDAR Special needs event

Barnegat Pirate Day

8 Saturday

Editor's Pick

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

1 Saturday

Bank of America Museums on Us, Cherry Hill and Millville. Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders get free access to participating venues, including the Garden State Discovery Museum and WheatonArts. FREE Hands-On History at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Kids get their “Pastport” stamped to redeem a prize by writing with a quill pen, carding wool and churning butter. $$$ Draken East Coast Tour at Penn's Landing, Phila. Step aboard the world’s largest modern-day Viking ship to learn about the structure and Viking legends and traditions. $$$$

Doggie Dash and Splash Paw-ty

8 Saturday

Labor Day Back-to-School Celebration at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. Each child snags a goodie bag stuffed with colored pencils, a history-themed coloring book and a pocket-sized Declaration of Independence. Kids 12 & younger get in free all weekend. $$$

2 Sunday

Hands-On History at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. See Sept. 1. $$$ First Sunday Family Day: Reboot, Renew, Revival at the Barnes Foundation, Phila. Make a dream-catcher and solar prints, design a birdhouse, play jumbo Jenga and join dance activities. FREE Monster Truck Races

Sept. 28-30

14 MetroKids.com

Labor Day Back-to-School Celebration at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. See Sept. 1. $$$ Wildwood Block Party and Music Festival at Fox Park, Wildwood. Rides, games, food and crafts are on tap. FREE

3 Monday

Game Masters Closing Day at the Franklin Institute, Phila. Last day to journey through the history of video games and try your hand at classic arcade games, as well as multi-player immersive experiences. $$$$ Labor Day Back-to-School Celebration at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. See Sept. 1. $$$

4 Tuesday

Mommy and Me Class at the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford. Tots engage in stories, crafts and animal discoveries. $$

7 Friday

Mercer County Italian American Festival at the Burlington County Fairgrounds, Columbus.

Enjoy a food piazza, entertainment, kids’ activities and contemporary and traditional Italian vendors. FREE Philadelphia Honey Festival at Glen Foerd on the Delaware, Phila. Discover bees’ importance to our environment with hands-on fun, including beekeeping demos and crafts. FREE

SEPTEMBER 2018

Puppy Yoga at Xfinity Live, Phila. This adults-only event benefits the PSPCA. $$$$

8 Saturday

Apple Festival at Mood’s Farm Market, Mullica Hill. Don’t miss donut-eating contests for kids and adults, music and applepicking hayrides. FREE Atlantic City Seafood Festival at Bader Field, Atlantic City.

Professional and amateur chefs serve up their finest fare for samples and competitions while families are entertained by cooking demos and a crab-eating contest. $$

9 Sunday

Atlantic City Seafood Festival at Bader Field, Atlantic City. See Sept. 8. $$ Greenfest on the Bainbridge Green, Phila. There’ll be 100-plus eco-friendly exhibitors and vendors, demos and fun for kids. FREE Revolutionary War Encampment at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. See Sept. 8. $$$ Philadelphia Honey Festival at Bartram’s Garden, Phila. The fest wraps up with a bee carnival and parade for kids, beekeeping demos, tours and a marketplace. FREE

Barnegat Pirate Day at Gazebo Park, Barnegat. Seafaring fun includes kids’ costume contests, themed entertainment, vendors and strolling pirates. FREE

Mercer County Italian American Festival at the Burlington County Fairgrounds, Columbus. See Sept. 7. FREE

Camden Jam Arts and Music Festival at Wiggins Park, Camden.

Features musical and cultural performances, vendors, arts & crafts, a kids’ area and a health fair. FREE

Line-Dancing Class at the Mosaic Family Success Center, Glassboro. All skill levels welcome. FREE

Doggie Dash and Splash Paw-ty at Morey's Piers, Wildwood.

After the race, those on two and four legs can join a puppy pool party at the waterpark. $$$$

Read and Pick: Chickens at Terhune Orchards, Princeton.

Celebrate the bird by joining storytime, visiting a “lady hen,” making a clucking chicken and learning a dance. $$

Food Truck and Apple Festival at Duffield’s Farm, Sewell. Apple treats are paired with hayrides, face painting and pony rides. FREE Mercer County Italian American Festival at the Burlington County Fairgrounds, Columbus. See Sept. 7. FREE Philadelphia Honey Festival at Wyck Historic House, Garden and Farm, Phila. Activities include honey tastings, extractions and presentations. FREE Revolutionary War Encampment at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Check out encampments, weaponry and demos hosted by living-history groups and watch artillery demos. $$$

11 Tuesday

14 Friday

Fall Beach Jam at Morey’s Piers, Wildwood. In addition to camping on the beach, fun includes a dance party, bonfire, canvas painting and hayrides. $$$$

15 Saturday

Airport Festival at the Municipal Airport, Ocean City. Features aircraft displays and a parachute jump. FREE Antique Auto Show on Kings Hwy., Haddonfield. FREE Apple Day at Terhune Orchards, Princeton. Expect wagon and pony rides, pumpkin painting, music and pick-your-own apples and pumpkins. $$ Delaware River Festival on the waterfront, Camden. See “Fan of,” left. FREE Fall Beach Jam at Morey’s Piers, Wildwood. See Sept. 14. $$$$ Drum Circle at Historic Smithville & Village Greene, Smithville.

Bring a percussion instrument or purchase one on-site. FREE

16 Sunday

Apple Day at Terhune Orchards, Princeton. See Sept. 15. $$ Fall Beach Jam at Morey’s Piers, Wildwood. See Sept. 14. $$$$ Fife and Drum Performance at Historic Smithville & Village Greene. FREE Superhero Sunday Family Festival at the Please Touch Museum, Phila. Snap a selfie with costumed characters, including Black Panther. $$$

17 Monday

FAN OF . . . THE WATERFRONT The Delaware River coasts in Camden and Philly team up to host the Delaware River Festival Sept. 15. Hop on a ferry ride to either location to enjoy on-the-water activities, educational programming, splashy music and fishing opportunities.

SEPTEMBER 2018

Constitution Day at National Constitution Center, Phila. Listen to a reading of the Preamble, watch new Americans take the citizenship oath and sign a giant Constitution. FREE

18 Tuesday

Community Night at the Franklin Institute, Phila. FREE

21 Friday

Special Abilities Night at Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Twp. Enjoy the park with reduced lights and noise and fewer crowds. $$$

MetroKids.com 15

Town & County:

Family Fun Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary, Phila. This super-scary haunt is suited for ages 7 & up. Through Nov. 10. $$$$

22 Saturday

Art Walk at Historic Smithville & Village Greene, Smithville. FREE Autumn with the Animals at the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford. Activities include games, guided hikes, canoeing, face painting, crafts and educational demos. $$ Camden County Fair at the Lakeland Complex, Gloucester Twp. Enjoy pony rides, face painting, entertainment, food trucks, a petting zoo and an apple-pie contest. FREE Concert and Family Day at Indian Acres Tree Farm, Medford. Hosted by the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders, families enjoy a corn maze, wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, a moonbounce and barrel-train rides. $$$ Hoot, Waddle and Stroll 5K at the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford. $$$$ Junior Birding Family Program at Timber Creek Park, Blackwood. Discover which types of birds call the area home. FREE Museum Day Live! at participating museums. See “Fab Freebie,” below. FREE Scarecrow-Making Workshop at Mood’s Farm Market, Mullica Hill. FREE

23 Sunday

Camden County Fair at the Lakeland Complex, Gloucester Twp. See Sept. 22. FREE

Sukkot Family Festival at the Please Touch Museum, Phila. Celebrate the Jewish holiday by building sukkahs, reflecting on nature and enjoying the fall harvest. $$$

25 Tuesday

Read and Pick: Tractors at Terhune Orchards, Princeton. After storytime, kids make a themed craft and hop on a tractor-drawn wagon ride. $$

28 Friday

Monster Truck Beach Races on the beach between Mariner’s Landing and Adventure Pier, Wildwood. FREE Olde Time Italian Festival at Fox Park, Wildwood. There’ll be authentic food, vendors, games, entertainment and the Procession of the Saints. FREE

29 Saturday

Italian Festival at Historic Smithville & Village Greene, Smithville. Activities include a market, bocce ball, folk dancing and fun for kids. FREE Monster Truck Beach Races on the beach between Mariner’s Landing and Adventure Pier, Wildwood. FREE Olde Time Italian Festival at Fox Park, Wildwood. See Sept. 28. FREE

30 Sunday

Monster Truck Beach Races on the beach between Mariner’s Landing and Adventure Pier, Wildwood. FREE Woofstock Festival at John Connolly Park, Voorhees. Bring the family pup to enjoy dog demos, crafters, raffles and visits from animal rescue groups. FREE

FAB FREEBIE

Inspired by the free-admission Smithsonian museums in Washington D.C., Museum Day Live! grants free access to ticketholders at select venues Sept. 22. Each ticket — downloadable from Smithsonianmag.com/museumday — admits two guests to one museum. See the full list of participants at MetroKids.com/ museumdaylive.

Participants include: New Jersey: • Historic Smithville Mansion, Eastampton • New Jersey State Museum, Trenton • Old Barracks Museum, Trenton Philly: • • • • • •

16 MetroKids.com

Harvest Kickoff

Academy of Natural Sciences African American Museum in Philadelphia American Swedish Historical Museum Independence Seaport Museum Laurel Hill Cemetery Penn Museum

The season is changing.

Soon we’ll be sipping apple cider, taking hayrides and donning our coziest sweaters. A few local farms and orchards are embracing the harvest season and kicking off the celebrations early.

BURLINGTON COUNTY Get ready for apple- and pumpkin-picking hayrides starting Sept. 8 at Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford. On Sept. 29, Indian Acres Tree Farm, also in Medford, switches seasons with U-pick pumpkin hayrides, moonbounces and barrel-train rides.

GLOUCESTER COUNTY On Sept. 8, Mood’s Farm Market in Mullica Hill brings back apple-picking hayrides and a corn maze. And starting Sept. 15, visit Duffield’s Farm in Sewell for hayrides to the pumpkin patch, as well as a maze, mini-train rides and the Barnyard Bounce.

MERCER COUNTY Fall family fun weekends at Princeton’s Terhune Orchards start Sept. 15 & 16, where you’ll find wagon and pony rides, U-pick apples and pumpkins and a barn of legends and lore. Or get lost in the state’s longest-running corn maze at Howell Living History Farm in Lambertville.

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

SEPTEMBER 2018

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

SEPTEMBER 2018

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

Looking for the BEST school for your child?

The Delaware Valley has some of the most prestigious schools right in our very own backyard.

Guide

to

Schools of the

Delaware Valley

WHAT’S INSIDE:

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

2018-2019 AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 2018 PARENTS: Sign-up to receive updates on our 2018-19 Guide to Schools at MetroKids.com/GuidetoSchools or email info@metrokids.com Schools interested in participation contact Darlene Weinmann at sales@metrokids.com or 215-291-5560

MetroKids.com 17

MomSpeak

The MomSpeak Roundup

At MetroKids.com/MomSpeak we keep an eye out for the best local parenting blogs and share with you their tips, observations and humor. This month, check out these four.

The Safety of Children’s Food Pediatrician and MomSpeak blogger Katie Lockwood discusses ways to avoid additives and plastics when preparing food for your family.

A patient’s parent asked me whether she should use plastic or glass baby bottles. A recent American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement summarized some of the scientific evidence for parents and pediatricians seeking to understand the risks of exposure to plastics, as well as food additives and other chemicals that come in contact with our food. There aren’t a lot of large, well-designed studies out there, though, and data in humans is limited. This is one of many reasons that this policy statement, from Drs. Leonardo Trasande, Rachel M. Shaffer, Sheela Sathyanarayana and the Council on Environmental Health, argues that we should have more rigorous testing and regulation of food additives to ensure that we keep developing babies and children safe.

One would imagine that we currently have a system for closely monitoring the safety of the foods we eat. However, the current Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which was written in 1938 and last updated in 1958, is not only outdated, but also has some big problems. Most food additives come to the market with a designation of “generally regarded as safe” and thus do not need to be studied for their impact on human health. One would hope, though, that the FDA would evaluate the data and reassess the safety of food additives, but they do not have the authority to study chemicals already on the market.

Why are kids at particular risk? For one, children have greater dietary exposure to food additives. Also, since their organ systems are still developing, they are more vulnerable to the effects of toxins and may have disruptions in hormone levels that impact their growing bodies. Furthermore, there are sociodemographic differences in that low-income and minority children are disproportionately exposed to food additives. If you don’t believe me, browse the snack aisle of your local corner store.

So what’s a parent with a cabinet full of Goldfish and plastic water bottles to do? Before you start purging your kitchen, here is a summary of the tips that the policy statement’s authors offer as a starting point: • Prioritize consumption of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables • Avoid processed meats, especially during pregnancy • Avoid microwaving food or beverages in plastic, if possible

18 MetroKids.com

• Avoid placing plastics in the dishwasher • Use alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible • Look at the recycling code on the bottom of products to find the plastic type and avoid plastics with codes 3, 6, and 7 unless labeled as “biobased” or “greenware,” indicating that they are made from corn and do not contain bisphenols.

• Encourage hand-washing before handling foods and/or drinks, and wash all fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled.

This policy statement guides consumers in making more educated choices for their families and urges the government to make changes in our legislation and oversight of food additives.

What we should all take from this is that we need to advocate for our children until we can be confident that our food is safe.

As for the parent’s question about plastic baby bottles, I reassured them that bisphenol A (BPA) was removed from baby bottles and sippy cups in 2012, but as we know, we have much more to learn. I used glass bottles with my second child after reading some of the literature on endocrine disruptors, but plastic continues to be pervasive in our lives. We all make the best choices we can and some of us are fortunate enough to have this choice.

Katie Lockwood, MD, is a mother and pediatrician in Philadelphia and a contributor to MetroKids’ MomSpeak through her Mommy Call blog. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of her employer. This article is also being published in the September/October 2018 issue of QVNA Magazine. It has been reprinted with permission.

More MomSpeak Kids on the Internet

Kids and internet privacy is a huge issue, notes Lisa Lightner of ADayinOurShoes.com.

“What about kids with disabilities? They deserve even more protection. And more and more I am finding scenarios when it is their own parents who have not protected them. All in the name of ‘advocating.’“ See Lisa’s response to this well-intended attitude.

Ready for Kindergarten?

“Is your child emotionally ready for kindergarten?” asks Katie Chiavarone of ViewsFromaStepstool.com.

Katie gives 10 questions to ask your rising kindergartener to see how ready he is.

When Organization Fails

“Hopefully I’m about to blow the lid off any mom-guilt you might be harboring,” says professional organizer Darla DeMorrow of HeartWorkOrg.com about how even the best laid plans to make mornings go smoothly can still go awry.

SEPTEMBER 2018

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, OCTOBER 13-28* A fun, fall family event at Dutch Wonderland, featuring the Trick-or-Treat Trail, with over 20 lifelike dinosaurs! *Weather permitting

$3 OFF Happy Hauntings Tickets (ages 3+) DUTCHWONDERLAND.COM

â&#x20AC;¢

PROMO CODE: 182016 PRESENT THIS COUPON AT THE DUTCH WONDERLAND ENTRANCE OR USE THE PROMO CODE ONLINE AT DUTCHWONDERLAND.COM TO RECEIVE THE ADVERTISED DISCOUNT ON UP TO FOUR HAPPY HAUNTINGS ADMISSIONS. COUPON MUST BE PRESENTED AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS OR SPECIAL ADMISSION PLANS. COUPON MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR SOLD. COUPON EXPIRES OCTOBER 28, 2018.

FUNatDW

We begin each day with a positive approach to learning.

Private Special Education … an Option You Should Know About!

Sometimes, it starts with a twinkle in the eye. Just a little spark of curiosity that soon blossoms into a journey of discovery, learning and achievement. That’s because at our private special education schools, we see beyond a child’s disability, and awaken the joy and creative expression within.

Our schools are welcoming places where students feel at home and are able to enjoy a rich and rewarding social life. Our students feel cherished, well cared for and respected for a very good reason—it is part of our mission and our commitment.

Students at our special education schools experience a school day as it should be—filled with discovery, achievement, learning and friendship. Here, they have people they know they can count on—outstanding teachers, therapists, counselors, psychologists and job coaches who constantly encourage and support them.

With individualized attention, on-site therapies and vocational training, our schools deliver unparalleled services for students with special needs. Our New Jersey Department of Education certified special education teachers, licensed therapists and counselors provide expert, advanced instruction and support … along with plenty of smiles.

These unique services are provided at NO COST for families.

Find out if private special education is the right fit for your child. Our staff can help answer your questions.

To find out more about what programs may be right for your child, call us at 1-800-697-8555 or visit SpecialEducationSchools.org

Brookfield Schools | HollyDELL School | Garfield Park Academy | Larc School | St. John of God Community Services Copyright ©2018 Coalition of Special Education Schools