November 2018 • free Delaware
YEARS 9 2
A Seat at the Table
An Allergy-Free Feast • The Adoption Option Gifted and LD • Sensory-Friendly Shows • School Survey Magazines • Guides • Events • Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest • Instagram
MetroKids.com
Contents
NOVEMBER 2018 • Vol. 29, No. 11
In This Issue 4 Top STEM Toys 5 Adoption Option 6 Allergy-friendly Feast 8 Genetic Testing 10 Dropping AP 10 Win It! SpecialKids 9 LD School Survey 12 Sensory-friendly Performancs 13 Top Venues for SK Families
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Family Fun 14 Day-by-Day Calendar
Ad Sections 3 Events 11 Education 17 Child Care
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MK Memo
The Science of Play
STEM Toys: Our Top Picks of 2018 Our hypothesis is simple: The emphasis in recent years on the importance of science, technology, engineering and math has permeated the world of toys, resulting in a slew of fantastic playsets for all ages. In celebration of National STEM Month, here are the year’s hottest toys that are as fun as they are educational. Sky Track Playset Magformers; 3+; $99.99 The sky’s the limit with this 44-piece set in which kids build a roller coaster that twists, turns and loops. Take the space shuttle for a ride up the lift elevator, then watch it zoom around the track. Each geometric shape contains magnets that never reject, so there’s no need for budding builders to limit their creativity. See Win It! p. 10.
Circuit Conductor Kit Pai Technology; 4+; $69.99 Twelve electrical function blocks and six insulated magnetic wires let little ones build circuits, from basic setups to parallel circuits. Watch as the blocks light up, make sound and move, and be sure to check out the free app for tutorials. See Win It! p. 10. Dash Smart Robot Wonder Workshop; 5+; $149.99 This kid-centric robot moves, responds to voice commands and acts as an open-ended learning platform that allows users to explore loops, events, conditions and sequences. Add-on apps create new behaviors for Dash, as well as educational possibilities.
Visit MetroKids.com/StemToys to check out more top picks.
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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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NOVEMBER 2018
Parenting
The Adoption Option International adoptions in decline, but domestic alternatives abound.
By Malia Jacobson When it comes to adoption, there’s no such thing as “normal.” Just ask Christina and Kevin Kindt. When they had a biological child, they were already parents to three other children: a five-year-old and threeyear-old adopted as infants from foster care, and a one-year-old whose adoption from foster care was still in progress. Though not the typical family, the Kindts are far from alone. According to the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, 2 percent of American children are adopted, which likely means adoption touches most families, schools and communities across the country. Modern adoptive parents and adoptees won’t encounter many of the old stigmas and biases that used to besiege adoptions. Not long ago, “You’re adopted!” was the ultimate childhood insult, birth mothers were shamed into hiding the pregnancy and lying about the birth, and adoptive parents kept the matter a closely guarded family secret. After being shrouded in silence and secrecy for most of its history, adoption is coming out of the shadows as it enters the mainstream, according to Adam Pertman,
author of Adoption Nation: How the Adoption Revolution is Transforming our Families — and America. But would-be adoptive parents still face challenges. They must choose which type of adoption to pursue and figure out how to pay mounting fees and navigate the exploding world of online adoption information.
Out of the shadows
Today, only 5 percent of adoptions are “closed adoptions” in which the birth parents and adoptive parents have no contact and birth records are sealed. The 95 percent of the agencies that offer open adoptions allow for ongoing contact between the adoptive family and the birth parents. That’s good news for everyone. Research from the Donaldson Institute shows that open adoptions are associated with greater satisfaction. Birth mothers who have ongoing contact with their children experience less grief and greater peace of mind and adoptees have access to their biological families and medical histories. In international adoptions, ongoing contact between birth parents and adopted children can be harder to arrange due to logistics, language barriers, and a host of legal and other complications. But those, too, are slowly cracking open.
International adoptions
Those who dream of international adoption, like Lacey Yantis and Scott Blank who traveled to Ethiopia earlier this year to adopt their son Ermias, 1, face a number of hurdles. Among them is the choice of an adoption site from the dwindling
list of countries open to U.S. adoptions. Under tighter regulations, the number of international adoptions is in decline. After an historic high of 22,884 in 2004, it fell to 12,753 in 2009. Russia, one of the top countries for American parents, is now closed to U.S. adoptions, as is Guatemala, Haiti, Rwanda and Vietnam. China and Ethiopia have cut adoptions drastically and lengthened waiting times. The waiting game adds costs as attorney and agency fees pile up. The Donaldson Institute reports costs of up to $25,000 for visas, documents and fees charged by the home country. Yantis says her family’s adoption fees were between $25,000 and $30,000.
Domestic adoptions
Domestic adoptions can be relatively quick. Adoptive Families magazine says 34 percent of U.S. parents who adopt a newborn domestically were matched with a child within three months; 19 percent brought their baby home in four to six months. Domestic adoptions can be private, through an attorney, adoption facilitator or agency, or public, through the foster-care system. The Donaldson Institute estimates domestic-adoption costs for agency and private adoptions at $4,000 to $30,000. It’s a wide range that includes costs for home studies, post-adoption supervision, and court fees.
Newborn vs. older
Newborn adoptions through the foster system are relatively rare — only 2 percent of children adopted through the public system are newborns, according to the Donaldson Institute. Thanks in part to federal incentives enacted during the Clinton administration, foster-care adoptions increased 40 percent between 1995-1998. By 2008, 55,000 children were adopted from foster
Continued on p. 18 NOVEMBER 2018
MetroKids.com 5
An Allergy-friendly
Feast By Michele Haddon Thanksgiving can be a special time for friends and family as they gather around a large feast and reflect on everything for which they are grateful. But when someone with food allergies sits down at the table it can feel like a walk through a minefield. “Individuals or parents of children with food allergies are in a terribly awkward situation during the holidays,” explains Gina Clowes, national director for training and outreach for Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), a food-allergy advocacy organization. “They have to get up their nerve to talk to the host. They have to assess if they can truly trust that the host can provide a safe meal.” The guest with allergies might wonder: Will the host be offended if we volunteer to bring part of the meal? Or eat in advance? Or decline to eat something? According to FARE, up to 15 million Americans have food allergies, including 5.9 million children. With common ingredients like milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish at the top of the list of 170 food allergens, holiday meals can be a difficult time for many. Local parents and food experts have advice on how you can make a Thanksgiving meal that is safe and delicious for all your guests.
Ask questions, read labels
Allison Horvath, of Newark DE, has a son with severe dairy and tree-nut allergies and she emphasizes the importance
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of communication. “If you are not sure about something, ask. Read all labels,” says Horvath. “Understand the person’s food allergies and the severity of them. We are not trying to inconvenience you. We are just trying to keep our loved one safe.” Philadelphia-native Laura Hahn, a gluten-free chef, author and winner of NBC10’s Next Local TV Chef, lives with celiac disease. While not a food allergy, the disease forces Hahn to avoid gluten, which can be found in wheat, rye, barley and, sometimes, oats. Many store-bought products contain gluten, including cranberry sauce and cream of mushroom soup. “Gravy is a huge one,” she adds. “Over the past year, a lot of the powder gravy mixes have a gluten-free option.”
thing as flour and it’s gluten free,” says Hahn. Fortunately, alternatives are easier to find, says Alyson Harris, a Claymont, DE mom of two kids with dairy allergies. “Over the last four years, some amazing butter and milk substitutes have become available and are not too much more expensive,” says Harris. “My favorite is garlic mashed potatoes made with a dash of soy milk and Earth Balance butter substitute. But watch for flavored or sweetened milks; they are terrible in potatoes.” Since she cooks for her daughter who has egg and soy allergies, Jennifer Vichko, of Yardley PA, has found a few tricks, such as coconut aminos to substitute for soy sauce, and canola, coconut or olive oil instead of vegetable oil. “My family has accepted our new normal of being egg and soy free and no one feels as if it sacrifices flavor,” says Vichko. “And my daughter feels included and able to enjoy the same foods as the rest of our family.”
Know the source
Make simple substitutions
If you cook from scratch, many ingredients can be substituted to make recipes allergy-friendly. “If you make gravy at home, I recommend cornstarch. It does the same exact
Be cautious when it comes to storebought items, particularly baked goods and chocolate. “Desserts are where it becomes tricky,” warns Lyn Vijayendran, of Doylestown, PA, whose son has nut allergies. “I ask hosts questions about pies and casseroles especially, as they are notorious for either ‘hidden’ nuts in the food or were made near nuts and peanuts,” says
NOVEMBER 2018
Vijayendran. “Ensure that desserts were not made in a facility where nut and peanut desserts are made, which, honestly, rules out most bakeries.” How the ingredients are handled before they arrive at the bakery is important too. “Always watch out for sourcing,” explains Jen Kremer, manager at Sweet Freedom Bakery, a gluten-free, vegan, soy-free, corn-free, peanut-free, refined-sugar-free, kosher bakery in Philadelphia. “You want to make sure that from harvest, to milling, to storage and packaging, that great care has been taken to keep the food safe.”
Avoid cross-contamination
Be sure to avoid cross-contamination from prep to clean up, says Jax Peters Lowell, author of Against the Grain, The Gluten-Free Bible, “Never let people jump up and clear the table for you,” warns Lowell. “Sweetly turn down all offers of packing leftovers into refrigerator containers. This is a landmine of cross contamination — glutenous spoons filling gluten-free containers, knives coated in cake crumbs — you get the idea.”
Let your creative side take over
Joshua Bullock, owner of Farmer’s Keep, a Philadelphia restaurant that boasts a gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and shellfish-free menu, says he loves the challenge to create delicious meals anyone can enjoy. Bullock, who hosts Thanksgiving every other year and has cousins and a sister with food allergies, says he’s found several ways to make traditional dishes free of allergens, like homemade cornbread for stuffing and starchy potato water to add creaminess to mashed potatoes instead of milk or butter. “For the green-bean casserole we’ll use soymilk and thicken that with cornstarch slurry. For the crispy onions on top, I like to use fresh onions, like a shallot, buy a gluten-free flour, dredge them in that, throw them in the oil and crisp them,” he explains. Most important, enjoy yourself. “Don’t feel like you have to make certain foods. Think of alternatives. Think outside that traditional Thanksgiving box. That’s one of the best things about food, is you can have fun,” he says.
Michele Haddon is a freelance writer based in Doylestown, PA.
Gluten-Free Stuffing INGREDIENTS:
7 cups gluten-free bread cubes 3/4 cup chopped onion 1/3 cup chopped celery 1/3 cup chopped carrot 3/4 stick butter 2 tbsp dry parsley 1/2 tbsp sage 1 1/2 cup gluten-free chicken stock or turkey stock 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins Bake bread cubes at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Melt butter and sauté onion, carrot and celery. Allow veggies to cool. Combine everything in a large bowl. Add dry herbs and fruit. Mix by hand. Add broth to the bread mixture 1/2 cup at a time until the bread is moist but not soggy. Add the egg and mix. Place mixture in a sprayed baking dish and bake for 30 minutes. Once golden brown remove and serve hot. Source: Laura Hahn Find more recipes and tips at MetroKids.com/Allergy-FriendlyMeal.
Enchanted Winter Day
December 1, 10:00 am–3:00 pm
•
Winterthur Museum
Welcome the holiday season with a day of family fun when you join us for Enchanted Winter Day at Winterthur! Featuring festive decorations inside and outside, holiday treats, crafts perfect for gift-giving, a garden tram “sleigh ride,” a holiday feature film, and more!
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library • Tickets at 800.448.3883 or winterthur.org/enchantedwinterday NOVEMBER 2018
MetroKids.com 7
Health
Baby Genes The growth in tests you can get before, during and after pregnancy
By Lynda Dell “When I discovered that I was pregnant with Margot, I was overcome with happiness to know that our family would be growing again,” says Rebecca Weiss of Huntingdon Valley, PA. Genetic counseling wasn’t even suggested six years ago when her first daughter was born; it wasn’t offered two years ago when her son was born either. “But then magically when I hit 35, all of the sudden, they were bringing up genetic counseling and screening,” says Weiss.
genetic conditions, at a reduced cost and with quicker results, says Lama Elkhoury, director of genetic counseling services at Sema4, a genetic-testing venture of Mount Sinai Health System, based in Stamford, Conn. “Five or six years ago, to sequence just one gene could cost about $2,000 and take six-to-eight weeks to get the results back,” she says. “Now we can sequence hundreds of genes in carrier screening panels, with rapid turnaround time and at more affordable rates due to decreased sequencing costs.” Despite the reduced costs, the decision to be tested sometimes depends on whether the family’s health-care coverage will pay for it. “Often genetic testing is driven by the patient’s preference and insurance provider,” says Schindewolf.
Family planning Field grows quickly
Part of the reason, in addition to her age, is that genetic testing has advanced so quickly. “Since screening is changing yearly, it can be overwhelming for patients to even know which tests are offered,” explains Erica Schindewolf, a genetic counselor at the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “If you were pregnant before, you might think you know, but there could be another option that came into the pipeline.” Despite the increase in the number of genetic tests, it’s important to remember that the chance your baby will have a birth defect is usually 3 to 5 percent, says Zohra Ali-Khan Catts, director of cancer genetic counseling at Christiana Care Health System’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute in Newark, DE.
Costs, time continue to fall
Advancements in technology have led to more accurate testing for specific
Ideally, the best time to review your family’s health history is before you are pregnant. A genetic screening determines if you and your partner are carriers for some of the most common genetic conditions that may affect the outcome of pregnancies and the likelihood of passing the mutation to your baby, explains Schindewolf. Many families mistakenly believe a genetic screening can check for all genetic conditions. “It doesn’t, it only screens for 100 or 200 very selective conditions, but it’s definitely a good baseline risk assessment,” says Schindewolf, especially if you are part of a population that has a high frequency for some diseases, such as TaySachs among those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
‘Maybe we should slow down’
While it is possible to be screened for hundreds of conditions, should you? Richard Fischer, MD, division head of maternal-fetal medicine at Cooper University Hospital of NJ, follows the recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which suggests screening for the most commonly tested genetic conditions: cystic fibrosis, hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle-cell disease, and spinal muscular atrophy. “The concern is that one lab tries to outdo the other by saying they have more tests, more screening, more detection, when the process has not been standardized,” Fischer says. “We are relying on the claims of these commercial companies to be the newest and the greatest.” Screening may not be accurate for some rare diseases, he notes, which could cause patient anxiety, especially because the fetus cannot be tested to check for some conditions. “Maybe we should slow down and just do the standard tests, unless there’s something in the family or a certain ethnic background that suggest you are at higher risk,” he says.
Prenatal screening
Once you are pregnant, testing can be done on the fetus for certain conditions. The Sequential screen that uses a blood test and ultrasound, done between 11 and 14 weeks and 16 to 18 weeks, detects about 99 percent of Down syndrome cases with a 3.5 percent false-positive rate, says Fischer, and can detect about half of other chromosomal abnormalities. The Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) is also offered to all expectant moms but is
continued on next page 8 MetroKids.com
NOVEMBER 2018
2018-2019 Learning Differences School Survey A traditional classroom might not always be the best choice for a child with special needs. A school that specializes in methods tailored to students with Learning Differences can help them reach their full potential. Here is a guide to schools in Delaware that can help if your child has been diagnosed with learning challenges such as dyslexia School
Enrollment
Grades/ Ages
Tuition
$12,925Centreville Layton School Grades 90 $27,325 Centreville, DE PreK-12 FAO Centrevilleschool.org Rigorous educational experience for students who learn differently. LD
or ADHD. Use the key to navigate the information, including distinct special needs served, and get more info about each school online at MetroKids.com/specialneedsschools. After you identify schools of interest, arrange a tour of each facility. An in-person visit is the best way to confirm whether a school is right for your child.
Staff/student ratio
Tech
1:5
AlphaSmarts, iPads, laptops, Smart Boards
Support services
Learning strategies
Vocational opportunities
Extracurriculars
Academic Club, OrtonGillingham, PBIS
Career placement, college prep
Art, sports theater
OrtonGillingham, PBIS, SPA Wilson Reading Individualized program in a lab environment designed to help students with learning differences return to the traditional classroom. COM, LD, PDD
The College School at the University of DE; Newark, DE Collegeschool.udel.edu
70
Ages 6-14
FAO, Private pay
1:5
1:1 computers, iPads, Smart Boards
Other services
Art, field trips
Gateway Lab School Academic Wilmington, DE 226 Grades 3-8 FAPE Computers Club Gatewaylabschool.org Charter school that serves students who have struggled to achieve academic success in a traditional classroom environment. ASP, AUT, LD Pilot School, The $31,100 Wilmington, DE 150 Ages 5-14 1:5 FAO Pilotschool.org School’s goal is returning children to a traditional education setting within 3-5 years. LD
Computers, Computer lab, Smart Boards
Individual goals & strengths
Art, music, library, sports
Positive Outcomes Grades PBIS, Read Voc. training Charter School; Camden, DE 126 FAPE 1:6 Computers 7-12 180 Positiveoutcomescs.org Charter school provides individualized education to DE students who are at risk or have experienced difficulties in a traditional school setting. ASP, AUT, COM, EMO, LD
Health continued recommended for women 35 and older because the risk of a chromosome abnormality is higher and the results are more accurate. NIPT is the most sensitive screening option for Down syndrome, trisomy13, trisomy18, says Ali-Khan Catts. “A positive result means the baby has a higher chance to have the condition and a diagnostic test such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling is recommended to determine if the baby has the condition. ”
Newborn screening
Each state has its own set of tests it requires for newborns. Pennsylvania tests for 38 genetic conditions and the results can sometimes be life saving. Gerard A. Margiotti, Jr., MD, of Margiotti & Kroll Pediatrics, in Philadelphia and Bucks County, recalls when he got a call from the state at 10pm on a Saturday night. “One of their tests was positive on a baby, and we were able to send the baby to CHOP,” he says. “The baby was treated and ended up being normal instead of having suffered risk of a serious reaction or death.” You can find out what tests are required in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware at Babysfirsttest.org. Lynda Dell is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer.
Cooper Children’s Regional Hospital in Camden, NJ is testing a new drug to treat PKU, the first genetic condition diagnosed in newborn screening. Learn more at Metrokids.com/PKU
NOVEMBER 2018
TUITION
Field trips, school clubs
KEY
FAO = Financial aid offered FAPE = Paid for by referring school district
SPECIAL NEEDS SERVED ASP Asperger syndrome AUT Autism
COM Communication/social disorder EMO Emotional/behavioral disorder
LD Learning difference/ADHD PDD Pervasive development disorder
SUPPORT SERVICES
= Medical staff/Nursing = Counseling = Art Therapy = Animal/Dog Therapy OT = Occupational Therapy PT = Physical Therapy ST = Speech Therapy
OTHER SERVICES = Residential = Extended Day = Summer Program
LEARNING STRATEGIES & VOCATIONAL ABBREVIATIONS Academic Club = Learning model emphasizes the arts and hands-on experiential learning Orton-Gillingham = multisensory, sequential, language-based reading approach PBIS = Positive Behavioral Intervention & Supports, evidence-based interventions to enhance learning and behavior Read 180 = Three-pronged strategic intervention for struggling readers SPA = Safe & Positive Approaches, comprehensive crisis-prevention program Wilson Reading = Structured, remedial research-based reading & writing program
MetroKids.com 9
Education
Schools Go AP Free
Win It!
FALL FREEBIES
Student stress over AP tests prompts some high schools to back off. By Ben Lowenthal Many high schools brag about the number of Advanced Placement courses they offer, but, in recent years, a few schools have gone the opposite direction and dropped AP classes altogether. AP courses allow students to experience the rigor of college-level courses and demonstrate to college-admissions committees that the applicant is able to excel in such classes. Students can also earn college credit if they score well on the AP tests based on the courses, which can save families thousands in tuition. The number of high schools that offer AP courses grew steadily after they were introduced in the 1950s but not all schools continue to expand their AP offerings. The Haverford School in Haverford, PA and Westtown School in West Chester, PA, dropped AP courses in 2005; The Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, PA stopped AP instruction 2010.
‘It’s a lot of pressure to put on a kid’
“It makes it really hard to be a student,” Westtown director of college counseling Jessica Smith says. “You feel like you have to take all these tests and score really well, but what’s far more important is how you do in school. It’s a lot of pressure to put on a kid and taking away that AP designation takes off some pressure.” Laura Blankenship, assistant head of school at Baldwin, says AP courses aren’t the best way for students to learn or prepare for college-level academics. “As an educator, you can see that a lot of the AP courses are very focused on memorizing facts and spitting them back out on tests,” Blankenship says. “Some are about applying knowledge, but increasingly what you need in college, and beyond, is the ability to have a deeper understanding.” The pushback against AP is not just in this region. Eight independent schools in the Washington, DC area announced over the summer that they would drop the courses from their curriculums by 2022. Their objection is that AP courses value a high intake of information over a deeper understanding of the topics, all so that students can get a good grade on a test.
College Board defends AP classes
Still, more than 20,000 schools keep AP in their curriculum and the College Board, which created the Advanced Placement program, defended it after the announcement by the Washington DC schools. “Over the past decade, the students at these independent schools have taken over 8,800 AP exams and potentially earned more than 11,700 credit hours at the colleges to which they sent their AP scores, equating to at least $5 million in tuition savings for families,” says Maria Alcon-Heraux, director of media relations for College Board. AP exams are also a crucial indicator for how a student will perform in college, she says. “Research consistently shows that students who earn a 3 or higher on AP exams earn higher GPAs in college, get a head start in their majors, are likely able to graduate in 4 years and have higher graduation rates,” Alcon-Heraux says. Some schools, like The Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, NJ, have dropped the AP label but still offer courses that prepare students to take the AP tests. “Parents and kids were counting numbers of APs that they were taking,” says David Laws, dean of academics at Lawrenceville. “Removing the designation took a lot of pressure off. ” Colleges want to see that a student challenged himself, regardless of what the class is called.. “They want to see that students are taking the most rigorous courses that they can be successful in,” says Laws. Ben Lowenthal is a MetroKids intern from Temple University.
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Snag the Magformers Sky Track Playset* (3+) and the Circuit Conductor Kit* (4+) featured in our roundup of the year’s hottest STEM toys on p. 4. ($170) The Little Book of You is a personalized, illustrated baby book that features unique details — gathered from an online questionnaire — about the day your child was born, details on the historical significance of her birthday, a customized family tree and a letter from you to your little one ($49.95) The holidays are almost here; make sure the kids are prepared with the Portable North Pole* bundle, including Do-Good Elf, Santa’s Letter Kit, the 24 Sleeps Until Christmas book and a baby reindeer plush. ($63.99)
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Starts Dec. 3rd!
DAYS Gifts of
$2,000+ in Prizes!
Log on to MetroKids.com/winit and enter to win your favorite prize, beginning Nov. 1. Prizes marked with an asterisk (*) must be picked up at the MetroKids office in Center City. Other prizes will be mailed by the provider to the address given on the entry form.
NOVEMBER 2018
continued from p. 6
“Excellence In Academics and Decorum”
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MetroKids.com 11
SpecialKids
Friendly Theater Special performances for those with special needs
By Debra Wallace For parents of a child with autism, a visit to a theater, museum or other cultural venue was once a stressful experience. Everyone involved in what was supposed to be a happy family outing was worried about glances or comments from those around them; parents were concerned about the need to constantly monitor their child’s behavior. They feared their child would make noises, fidget excessively and not “behave properly” and the family would be embarrassed or asked to leave.
performance of The Nutcracker at the Pennsylvania Ballet and it was such a positive and comfortable experience that it completely changed the way that we approached future arts and cultural offerings,” says Lynn Schneider, a single mother from Huntingdon Valley, PA. Now that Schneider and her son feel comfortable, they have attended sensory-friendly programs for dance, music and theater. “With an inviting environment and trained staff, we felt more than welcome.”
The road to inclusion
Fortunately, the cultural landscape has become more adaptive and inclusive. Within the last five years, arts and cultural organizations in Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware started to offer a number of sensory-friendly or “relaxed” performances. Today, nearly half of local arts and cultural venues provide adaptive performances, programs and events that are modified for children with special needs and their families.
Grateful parents
Roger Ideishi, who plans adaptive arts and sensory-friendly programs around the country, has watched them thrive. A Temple University professor and director of occupational therapy, Ideishi says the trend to teach artists and venues how to adapt programs for special needs audiences began around 2000. “I first became involved with museum and community outreach programs that didn’t have experience with children who possess diverse abilities,” Ideishi says. “Now, we make sure that area artists and museum educators are trained and well able to address diverse learners. “This has opened the floodgates to new opportunities for families who stayed away for fear of disrupting anyone else’s experience.” Feedback from parents is positive. “A few years ago, I took my 10-year-old son with autism to the sensory-friendly
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Val Murphy, of Southampton, PA and Erin, her 22-year-old daughter with autism, have taken advantage of the times set aside by local museums and theaters for people with special needs, when there aren’t long lines or large crowds. She also appreciates other modifications, which include quieter music and brighter lights during performances. “We have benefited from a lot of these changes and I see more opportunities for Erin and her friends to enjoy community events.” Ideishi knows why parents are so grateful. “These are the few experiences that the parents, siblings and the child with the disability can do as an entire family,” he says. “Most often one family member is so focused on the child with the disability that he or she can’t enjoy the experience.”
Local venues step up
The venues have responded, in part, to the fact that 1 out of 59 children in the
US is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Among the local groups with adaptive programs are: Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts; Pennsylvania Ballet; Philadelphia Orchestra; Philadelphia Theatre Company; Philly POPS; Walnut Street Theatre, all in Philadelphia; Montgomery Theater in Souderton, PA; People’s Light in Malvern, PA, and Theater Horizon in Norristown, PA. (See Family Fun p. 13 for more venues.) Through the New York-based Theater Development Fund’s Accessibility Program, Broadway has adapted select performances of hit musicals such as Alladin, Frozen, The Lion King, and Wicked. The “nonjudgmental” shows, complete with whimsical fidget toys and compassionate staff, are so popular that tickets sell out in less than two hours. The Kimmel Center will offer its first sensory-friendly production in its Broadway Philadelphia series with a special performance of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, on Saturday, Dec. 22, at the Merriam Theater. It will include relaxed house rules, designated quiet areas, trained staff and Art-Reach volunteers, noise-cancelling headphones, weighted bean bags, and fidget toys. Audience members can bring stress-relief devices and move around the theater.
Last piece of the puzzle
Ideishi says the last piece of the puzzle, especially for programs that mix typical and special needs audiences, is to educate the public so that there is a welcome social environment. “We have more to do to educate the public about tolerance, acceptance and inclusion,” he says. “We have to help the public understand that community experiences should be for everybody.”
Debra Wallace is a Huntingdon Valley, PA-based freelance writer.
NOVEMBER 2018
Family FamilyFun Fun
Special Needs
FAMILY FUN GUIDE
The Delaware Valley has many cultural institutions and family attractions that make extra efforts to be inclusive to visitors of all abilities. From accommodations that go beyond ADA requirements to events just for those with special needs, there are ample ways for families to make the most of their day out. Here are some of the best.
Aquariums & Zoos
National Aquarium, Baltimore, MD
The aquarium hosts deaf awareness days, where sign-language interpreters narrate presentations, dives and animal encounters. Accessibility guides and maps are marked for those who need to follow a wheelchair/stroller route. Guests can also grab a touch bag stocked with tactile items and check out exhibits with handson elements.
Philadelphia Zoo, Phila.
KidZooU, an exhibit designed with input from autism experts, provides a multisensory approach in an effort to create an inclusive, comfortable experience. Preplanning tools such as social stories and visual schedules are available.
Amusement Parks & Play Centers Dorney Park, Allentown, PA
Those with special needs can sign up for the Boarding Pass program, which allows visitors to access rides via the exit ramp at specified times, avoiding lines. The park also offers a KidTrack wristband equipped with a security code that pinpoints a child’s location if she’s separated from the group.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Plymouth Meeting, PA
The venue teams up with the Ruttenberg Autism Center and MusicWorks during Special Sensory Days, complete with music-therapy sessions, specially trained staff, reduction of sound and lighting, quiet spaces, fewer crowds and social stories. Mark your calendar: The next one’s coming up Nov. 20.
NOVEMBER 2018
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
The park, the first theme park to earn the Certified Autism Center label, uses two programs to put kids with special needs at ease. The Ride Accessibility program matches abilities with rider requirements on an individual basis, and the Special Access program allows guests to bypass lines. You’ll also find an online sensory guide, designated quiet spaces and lowsensory areas.
Museums
Port Discovery, Baltimore, MD
This kids’ museum has won awards for its special-needs programs. In addition to Scripted Stories that play out scenarios so kids know what to expect and do in various areas of the venue, it also hosts Discovery Days for museum access in a sensory-friendly setting.
Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila.
Please Touch Museum, Phila.
Play Without Boundaries events on select Sunday mornings offer tools to ensure a smooth visit for kids with learning and developmental disabilities and those on the autism spectrum. Guests can seek out the “quiet space of the day” and sensory toys, all while enjoying full access to exhibits and programming.
T heaters The Grand Opera House, Wilmington The theater’s sensory-friendly family programming initiative implements relaxed house rules that make it easier for families to sit back, relax and watch the show. Some performances feature small crowds, fidget toys, modified sound and lighting and a quiet space.
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Phila.
Multisensory displays primed for kids with mental and physical disabilities include the Big Dig, where they search for dinosaur bones, and Outside In, a discovery center that lets visitors touch specimens and live animals. Access to Science events reserve the museum just for families with kids on the autism spectrum; join the fun Dec. 28.
The center’s resident companies present family-friendly favorites with lowered house lights, adjusted sound and a designated quiet space. Don’t miss A Philly Pops Christmas, Dec. 5 at Verizon Hall; How the Grinch Stole Christmas performed by Broadway Philadelphia, Dec. 22, at the Merriam Theater; and George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, by the Pennsylvania Ballet Dec. 27 at the Academy of Music.
The Franklin Institute, Phila.
Walnut Street Theatre, Phila.
The venue offers closed captioning during select planetarium shows, as well as assistive listening devices for each of its theaters. Both kids and adults on the autism spectrum can enjoy Sensory-friendly Sundays, where exhibits are modified and quiet spaces are implemented. Plus, pre-registered guests and those who arrive between 9-9:30am get free admission. Clear your schedule for the next event on Dec. 2.
No need to stay silent during sensoryfriendly productions here. In addition to the absence of loud noises and dramatic lighting shifts, you’ll notice quiet areas and partitioned vacancies around groups in the audience to prevent claustrophobia. Log on to MetroKids.com/ familyfun for more information, including address, phone number, time & website.
MetroKids.com 13
Family Fun
See critters up-close at Brandywine Zoo's Veterans Day Camp, Nov. 12.
DAY-BY-DAY CALENDAR Special needs event 18th-Century Market Fair
3 Saturday
Editor's Pick
$ = $1-$5; $$ = $6-$10; $$$ = $11-$19; $$$$ = $20 & up
2 Friday DĂa de los Muertos Luminaria Labyrinth Walk at the Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington. Stroll through the illuminated path and enjoy Day of the Dead activities. FREE Underground Comic Con at the Delaware Contemporary, Wilmington. Fans enjoy artist appearances, cosplayers, panels and family activities. $
3 Saturday Thanksgiving Weekend Family Activities
Nov. 23-25
18th-Century Market Fair at First State Heritage Park, Dover. Features living-history characters, vendors, period entertainment, dancing and demos in glass making, woodworking, blacksmithing and spinning. FREE CraftNOW Create at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Phila. Get creative during art activities such as Claymation, button making, nature embroidery and wooden-toy making. FREE Fall Foliage Express on the West Chester Railroad, West Chester, PA. $$$ Night at the Museum and Star Party at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington. This after-hours event includes bird encounters, experiments, games and crafts. $$$
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Nov. 23 - March 3
14 MetroKids.com
Scout Night at the Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. Games, crafts and activities are geared toward scout requirements. $$
4 Sunday
Fall Foliage Express on the West Chester Railroad, West Chester, PA. $$$ Family Sunday: Miniature Earthworks at the Delaware Contemporary, Wilmington. Make artwork out of natural materials. FREE Steamin' Day at the Marshall Steam Museum, Yorklyn. Discover the sounds of cars, trains, horns, whistles and other common sounds of the railroad. $$$
6 Tuesday
Election Day Zoo Camp at the Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. Kids learn about animals during indoor and outdoor activities. $$$$
7 Wednesday
Family Movie Night: Coco at XďŹ nity Live, Phila. $ Wee Have Fun Club at Bellevue State Park, Wilmington. Nature walks, stories and art projects are all part of the fun. $
8 Thursday
WOW! Wee Ones at the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Wilmington. Tots learn through music, movement and object exploration. $$$$
.com NOVEMBER 2018
9 Friday
16 Friday
Delaware Teen Science Café at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington. Budding STEAM enthusiasts gather for a pizza party and an interactive presentation by experts in the field. FREE
Glory of Stories: The Stranger at the Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington. $
Family Game Night at the Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington. Challenge the kids to giant bowling, Memory, platetoss tic-tac-toe and jumbo Jenga. $$
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA. Little ones meet Santa, view light displays and watch themed shows featuring Sesame Street characters. Through Jan. 1 $$$$
Glory of Stories: Hairs/Pelitos at the Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington. $
Girl Scouts Program: Animals and Me at the Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. Learn which critters make good pets and how to care for them. $$$
Zoo Camp: Enrichment Engineers at the Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. See Nov. 6. $$$$
10 Saturday
Fall Foliage Express on the West Chester Railroad, West Chester, PA. $$$ Family Weekend: Pets in Prison at Eastern State Penitentiary, Phila. Meet the resident pup named Pep, embark on a themed scavenger hunt and discover animals' role in prisons. $$$ Food Truck Frenzy at Linvilla Orchards, Media. Festivities include live music, face painting, pony rides and a straw-bale maze. FREE Girl Scout and Cub Scout Night at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington. Scouts partake in activities and animal encounters that count toward requirements. $$ Science Saturday: Invention Convention Sneak Peek at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington. Get a first look at activities slated to appear at the upcoming event. $$$ Terror Behind the Walls Closing Night at Eastern State Penitentiary, Phila. Brace yourself for one last trip through this haunted attraction for the final time this season. $$$$
17 Saturday
Kennel Club of Philadelphia National Dog Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, PA. See "MK On the Scene," p. 16. $$$ PNC Grow Up Great at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Phila. Kids are introduced to jazz and musical theatre. FREE
18 Sunday
Kennel Club of Philadelphia National Dog Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, PA. See "MK On the Scene," p. 16. $$$ Yuletide Tour at the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Wilmington. The venue is decked in historical holiday décor, including a large dried-flower tree and an 18-room dollhouse mansion. Through Jan. 6. $$$$
20 Tuesday
Community Night at the Franklin Institute, Phila. FREE Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience at the Annenberg Center, Phila. This parody condenses all seven books into one performance. Through Nov. 25. $$$$
Try Science: Be a Space Scientist at the Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington. $$
11 Sunday
Fall Foliage Express on the West Chester Railroad, West Chester, PA. $$$ Family Arts Academy: Storytelling Through Painting at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Phila. Paint watercolor creatures. FREE Family Weekend: Pets in Prison at Eastern State Penitentiary, Phila. See Nov. 10. $$$ Land of Sweets at the Rock Center, Phila. Join the Sugar Plum Fairy for crown making, gingerbread-house building and a meetand-greet with the cast of Nutcracker 1776. $$$$ Sunday Studio: Fantastic Felting at the Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington. FREE Veterans Day Celebration at the National Constitution Center, Phila. Write thank-you letters to veterans, make star wreaths and watch patriotic concerts. $$
12 Monday
Veteran's Day Zoo Camp at the Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. See Nov. 6. $$$$
15 Thursday
Holiday Festival Opening Night at Franklin Square, Phila. Watch the first Electrical Spectacle light show of the season. Through Dec. 31. FREE
NOVEMBER 2018
DO GOOD, HAVE FUN
Nothing says holiday spirit quite like 700-plus uniquely decorated Christmas trees and gingerbread houses — and gathering to support those in need. The Festival of Trees, Nov. 23-25, at Timonium, MD’s Maryland State Fairgrounds does just that. Benefitting the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, which aims to improve the lives of kids with developmental disabilities, families enjoy gift boutiques, entertainment, train rides, “reindeer” pony rides and Santa sightings. MetroKids.com 15
Family Fun
Town & County: Food Donation Sites
The holiday season is all about giving back to the community. Show your family the importance of charity and donate to a food bank near you. KENT COUNTY
ON THE SCENE
Every dog has its day, and more than 2,000 pups will have theirs at the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s National Dog Show, Nov. 17 & 18 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. Families cheer on canine competitors during competitions and demos that vary daily, including the coveted “Best in Show” title. Stop by the MK booth for activities and magazines. Zoo Camp: Enrichment Engineers at the Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. $$$$
21 Wednesday
Yuletide Jazz and Wine at the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Wilmington. $$$
23 Friday
Festival of Trees at Maryland State Fairground’s Cow Palace, Timonium, MD. See “Do Good, Have Fun,” p. 15. $$$
Steamin’ Thanksgiving at the Marshall Steam Museum, Yorklyn. Train and antique auto rides, tours and kids’ activities are themed to the holiday. $$$ Thanksgiving Weekend Family Activities at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington. See Nov. 23. $$$
Glory of Stories: Bear Says Thanks at the Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington. $
Wild Wizarding Weekend at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Meet the museum’s resident animals, play a “bunny and broomstick” game, make a magic wand and take home a dragon egg. $$$
Thanksgiving Weekend Family Activities at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington. Decorate gingerbread, try seasonal treats and write with a quill pen. $$$
Festival of Trees at Maryland State Fairground’s Cow Palace, Timonium, MD. See “Do Good, Have Fun,” p. 15. $$$
Winterfest at Blue Cross RiverRink, Phila. Through March 3, visitors can whirl around the ice rink, warm up by fire pits and play arcade games in the kids’ lodge. $$
24 Saturday Cider Fest at the Fifer Orchards Farm and Country Store, Camden-Wyoming. Enjoy farm tours, marshmallow roasting, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus and holiday décor. FREE Festival of Trees at Maryland State Fairground’s Cow Palace, Timonium, MD. See “Do Good, Have Fun,” p. 15. $$$ Jr. Engineers: Civil Engineering at the Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington. $$
16 MetroKids.com
25 Sunday
Serenity Place 327 Martin St., Dover Southside Baptist Church 4904 S. Dupont Hwy., Dover NEW CASTLE COUNTY Claymont Community Church 3519 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont Food Bank of Delaware 14 Garfield Way, Newark Hanover Presbyterian Church 1801 N. Jefferson St., Wilmington River Cross Fellowship Food Closet 77 McCullough Dr., New Castle SUSSEX COUNTY Bay Shore Community Church 36759 Millsboro Hwy., Millsboro Food Bank of Delaware 1040 Mattlind Way, Milford Seaford Christian Academy 110 Holly St., Seaford
Thanksgiving Weekend Family Activities at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington. See Nov. 23. $$$ Wild Wizarding Weekend at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. See Nov. 24. $$$
30 Friday
Glory of Stores: The Runaway Giant at the Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington. $ PAX Unplugged Gaming Convention at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. Tabletop, card and board games are celebrated with tournaments, costume contests, panel discussions and plenty of opportunities to play. $$$$
Log on to MetroKids.com/ familyfun for more information, including address, phone number, time & website.
NOVEMBER 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 Services
DE: Licensed: Dept. of Education DYF: Licensed: Dept. of Youth & Family Serv. DE ★: Delaware Stars Participant NAEYC: Accredited by National Association of Education of Young Children
MULTIPLE SITES A.S. ACADEMY OF LEARNING 10 Songsmith Drive, Newark • 302-834-5620 891 Pulaski Highway, Bear • 302-276-0868 asacademyoflearning.com • Ages: 6 wks.-12 yrs. • Hours: 6am-6pm Every child is unique, and we believe that success and growth come from encouragement and praise. Breakfast & Pm snack provided. All activities included. POC Plus Accepted & Sibling Discount. Delaware Stars 5. DE, DYF, DE ★ KIDZ, INK ACADEMY OF EARLY ACADEMICS 1 Songsmith Dr., Bear, DE • 302-838-1500 1703 Porter Rd., Bear, DE • 302-838-5400 345 School Bell Rd., Bear, DE • 302-327-0686 645 W. North St., Dover, DE • 302-730-4730 616 W. Glenwood Ave., Smyrna, DE • 302-653-4034 KidzEarlyLearning.com • Ages: 6 wks.-11 yrs. • Hours: 6am-6:30pm Our curriculum is designed to stimulate your child’s mind, strengthen their bodies, and nurture their hearts. National curriculum: core knowledge. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack. Spanish degreed and experienced teachers, security cameras monitor every room. FY, SP, MP, BS, AS, TP, DE, DYF, DA, DE ★ LITTLE STARS INC. 5702 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE • 302-995-2920 947 Old Harmony Rd., Newark, DE • 302-737-9759 littlestarsinc.com • Ages: 6 wks.-12 yrs. • Hours: 6:30am-6pm Come Join the Fun here at Little Stars. Two locations serving children 6 wks. to 12 yrs. Full day. Family-owned & operated. Warm, qualified staff teaches basic education concepts. Pre-school for ages 3 & 4. First aid & CPR. Breakfast, lunch & snack. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DYF YMCA OF DELAWARE 100 W. 10th St., Ste. 1100, Wilmington, DE 302-221-9622 • www.ymcade.org • Ages: 6 wks.-13 yrs. Largest children’s programming provider in the state. We offer full-day care, pre-school and before- and after-school care. Call the branch nearest you for specific details: Bear-Glasgow, 302-836-9622, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Brandywine, 302-478-9622, half-day preschool, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Central, 302-254-9622, full-day preschool, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Sussex, 302-296-9622, half-day preschool, extended care, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Dover, 302-346-9622, before and after care, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Walnut St., 302-472-9622, full-day preschool, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Western, 302-453-0123, full-day preschool, before and after care, BS, AS, SP, DE ★
BEAR, NEW CASTLE COUNTY GREAT NEW BEGINNINGS OF ST. ANDREWS Independently Owned & Operated 14 St. Andrews Rd., Bear, DE • 302-838-1000 GNBKids.com • Ages: 8 wks.-School Age • Hours: 6:30am-6pm Serving children 8 weeks through 12 years old. Family owned and operated since 1999. Staff certified through Department of Education. Internet viewing available. Nutritional snack and lunch program provided daily. Proudly participating in the Delaware Stars Quality Rating System. Panic Button Security System. GREAT NEWS! Our Middletown, DE location is opening Spring 2019! FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, DYF, SN, DE, DE ★, NAEYC
HOCKESSIN, NEW CASTLE COUNTY CACC MONTESSORI SCHOOL 1313 Little Baltimore Rd., Hockessin, DE 19707 302-239-2917 • www.caccmont.org • Ages: 3 mos. to K • Hours: 7am-6pm Our Montessori child-directed program provides a low student/teacher ratio and individualized instruction. Our Enrichments include Library, Art, Gym (Zumba & Yoga), Music, Technology, Gardening and Spanish & Chinese instruction. AY, SP, BS/AS, DA, DYF, AMS THE HOCKESSIN MONTESSORI SCHOOL 1000 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707 302-234-1240 • www.TheHMS.org • Ages: 1 yr.-13 yrs. • Hours: 8am-3pm The school program follows the Montessori Method and emphasizes mathematics, language, humanities, arts and sciences while stressing life skills. All levels participate in enrichment subjects including STEM, art, library, computers, Spanish, music and physical education, which are developmentally appropriate for the age and ability. AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, PAIS, AMS, MSA
NOVEMBER 2018
PAIS: Accredited by PA Assoc. of Independent Schools MSCES: Accredited by Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools AMS: Accredited by American Montessori Society MSA: Middle States Association of Schools & Colleges
MIDDLETOWN, NEW CASTLE COUNTY ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL — EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM 211 Silver Lake Road, Middletown, DE 19709 • 302-378-3179 ext.1 • www.StAnnesDE.org Ages: 3 yrs.-Grade 8 • Hours: 8am-3:15pm; Extended Care: 7am-6pm From Preschool through 8th grade our programs lay the foundation for intellectual growth, moral judgment, leadership, and confidence. Our passionate faculty embraces a progressive child-centered teaching philosophy. Art, music, STEM, Spanish, library, religion, outdoor play. Member of the National Association of Independent Schools and the National Association of Episcopal Schools. AY, SP, BS/AS, TP, MSA
NEW CASTLE, NEW CASTLE COUNTY HELPING HANDS FAMILY CHILDCARE 4 Capo Ln., New Castle, DE 19720 302-836-4748 • www.HelpingHandsFamilyChildcare.com • Ages: 6 wks.-5 yrs. Hours: 7am-5:30pm Delaware 4 Stars facility, a warm hearted Christian environment where “Learning Begins At the Door” and PLAY is our main focus. Children participate in daily sing-a -longs, playing musical instruments, dramatic play, arts and crafts, designed for their age and abilities. POC Accepted. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, SN, DE ★
NEWARK, NEW CASTLE COUNTY EARLY LEARNING CENTER AT UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE, THE 489 Wyoming Rd. Newark, DE 302-831-6205 • www.elc.udel.edu • Ages: 6 wks.-5 yrs. – Hours: 7am-6pm The UD Early Learning Centers provide high quality care and education programs for children and their families by establishing a model for exceptional practices for future early educators. Because the ELC is associated with the University of Delaware, children and their families benefit from clinical placements and current research on best practices in early childhood. SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, DYF, NAEYC EBENEZER PRESCHOOL 525 Polly Drummond Hill Rd., Newark, DE 19711 302-731-3030 • www.ebenezerumcpreschool.org • Ages: 2-4 yrs. • Hours: 9am-12pm Since 1965 we have been providing children with a loving environment which guides their physical, emotional , spiritual and social development. We prepare the child for further learning experiences and for entrance into kindergarten. We welcome children of all faiths while teaching Christ-like ideals. AY, SP, MP, DA, SN, DYF EDU-CARE PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE 345 Polly Drummond Hill Rd., Newark, DE 19711 302-453-7326 • www.educarepreschool.com • Ages: 6 wks.-12 yrs. Hours: 6:30am-6pm Edu-Care provides both a nurturing and academic atmosphere. We offer a variety of scheduling options. Feel free to stop in at any time for a tour or contact us for more information. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DHS*, DE, DE ★ NEWARK DAY NURSERY AND CHILDREN’S CENTER 921 Barksdale Rd., Newark, DE 302-731-4925 • Ages: 6 wks.-14 yrs. • Hours: 6:45am-6pm NAEYC Accredited & DE Stars Level 5. Dedicated to educating, enriching and inspiring children. Highly trained, professional, and experienced teachers, providing a quality program in a warm, family-friendly environment. Developmentally appropriate activities, computers, and separate toddler, preschool and school-age playgrounds provided. POC Accepted. Offers Financial aid in the form of a sliding fee scale. FY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, DYF, NAEYC, DE ★ ONE STEP AHEAD CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOL, INC. 432 Salem Church Rd., Newark, DE 302-292-1162 • Ages: 1 yr.-12 yrs. • Hours: 7am-6pm Devoted, skilled staff assist your child with age-appropriate weekly themed curriculum to enhance their self-esteem and love of learning. All staff CPR and First Aid certified. All teachers are Board of Education certified. Spacious indoor and outdoor play areas. Secured premises. All classrooms video monitored. Breakfast, lunch and snacks. Full-time and part-time options. Before- and after-school programs serving Thurgood Marshall and McVey School. Sibling discount. Summer camp with weekly field trips. FY, AY, SP, BA, AS, DA, DHS*
NORTH WILMINGTON, NEW CASTLE COUNTY SAINT EDMOND’S ACADEMY 2120 Veale Rd., Wilmington, DE 302-475-5370 • Stedmondsacademy.org Ages: Pre-K (age 4) through Grade 8 (age 14) Hours: 7:40am (with Before Care Avail. at 7am)-2:45pm (w/ After Care Avail. until 6pm) The Academy educates boys’ hearts and minds in the Holy Cross tradition. Core values of responsibility, independence, positive self-image, integrity and community are integrated with an innovative curriculum. SEA is a special place for young learners to grow. AY, BS, AS, MP (lunch)
MetroKids.com 17
Child Care & Early Education Directory PIKE CREEK, NEW CASTLE COUNTY
WILMINGTON, NEW CASTLE COUNTY (continued)
INDEPENDENCE SCHOOL, THE 1300 Paper Mill Rd. Newark, DE 302-239-0332 • TheIndependenceSchool.org • Ages: 3 yrs.-K – Hours: 7am-6pm Early Childhood is the first step of the exceptional Independence School Education. Children engage in developmentally appropriate learning experiences which contribute to their social, emotional and intellectual development. All faculty hold bachelor’s degrees in education with specific expertise in early childhood education. Full-time nurse on campus. AY, SP, BS, AS, DE, MSCES
TOWER HILL SCHOOL 2813 W. 17th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806 302-575-0550 • www.towerhill.org • Ages: Age 3-Grade 12 • Hours: 8am -2:40 pm Tower Hill’s preschool provides young learners with a quality education in a warm and supportive environment. Understanding that children gain knowledge through play, nurturing teachers emphasize engaging activities that allow students to explore, experiment and discover the world around them. AY, SP, MP, BS/AS, MSCES
WILMINGTON, NEW CASTLE COUNTY CONCORD PRESCHOOL AND CHILDCARE 1800 Fairfax Blvd., Wilmington, DE 302-654-9629 • www.concordpreschoolandchildcare.com Ages: 1 yr.- 9yrs. • Hours: 7:15am-5:45pm Our small class sizes enable valuable one-on-one instruction. Caring teachers and rich curriculum including Computer Tots, Spanish, Music and Gym. Serving ages 1 year through Kindergarten. Summer to age 9. FT, PT, Extended, 7:15am-5:45pm. Founded in 1956. Financial aid, Parent volunteer opportunities available. FY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS* SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA GRADE SCHOOL 1715 W. Ninth St. Wilmington DE 302-421-3743 • www.school.stanthonynet.org • Ages: PreK-8th grade Hours: 7:30am-3pm Preschool 3 and 4 year olds through Eighth Grade (faith-based curriculum). Middle States Accredited. Before care and after care provided. Full-service cafeteria. State of the Art Science and Computer Labs. AY, MP, BS, AS ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL 2320 Grubb Rd., Wilmington, DE 19810 302-475-3747 • www.stdavidsdayschoolde.org • stdavidskidsde@outlook.com Ages: 2,3, & 4 (must have reached age by August 31 if starting school in September) Hours: Preschool 9-12; Full day 7:30 – 5:45; 2, 3 or 5 day options A St. David’s Episcopal Church outreach, conveniently located in Brandywine Hundred. Developmental Movement class daily, developmentally appropriate curriculum. 2 playgrounds, weekly chapel services. Staff certified CPR & First Aid. Some financial aid . Preschool 9am-12pm; Full day 7:30-5:45; 2, 3 or 5 day options. POC and credit cards accepted. Parent volunteer opportunitites and financial aid available. FY, AY, SP, BS/AS, DA, TP, SN, DHS*, DYF, NAEYC, PAIS, MSCES, AMS ST. MICHAEL’S SCHOOL AND NURSERY 700 N. Walnut St., Wilmington, DE 302-656-3389 • www.stmichaelsde.org • Ages: 8wks-PreSchool • Hours: 7am -5:30 pm A 5-Star rated early education center with a recently expanded Infant and Toddler Program convenient to all downtown Wilmington employers. High quality, nurturing environment that prepares children to learn and succeed in school. Large facility with 16 classrooms, gross motor play rooms, dining room, library and spacious, age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily. Our “whole child” approach supports children’s social-emotional, physical, language and cognitive needs. St. Michael’s values diversity, qualified faculty and family involvement. Vouchers accepted. FY, MP, DA, DHS, DE, DYF, DE ★
Super SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2019 1-4PM
Plymouth Meeting Mall 500 W. Germantown Pike • Plymouth Mtg., PA 19462
FREE
for the whole family!
REGISTER NOW!
First 100 to register receive a famous stuffed
Goodie Bag
MetroKids.com/campfair 18 MetroKids.com
URSULINE ACADEMY 1106 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington, DE 302-658-7158 • Ursuline.org • Ages 3-18 • Hours: 8am-2:45pm Our Early Childhood Programs are unique from any other school by offering two paths to First Grade: Pre-Kindergarten/ Kindergarten & Montessori. Children develop social consciousness by responding to personal, community, & global needs, and by becoming true models of Serviam through Christian love. Full & Half Day/Week Options. AY, SP, BS, AS, DAIS, ADVIS, NAIS WILMINGTON FRIENDS SCHOOL PRESCHOOL 101 School Road, Wilmington, DE 302-576-2930 • Ages: 2 yrs.-4 yrs. • Hours: 7:30am-6pm The Wilmington Friends Reggio Emilia inspired preschool offers experiences to stimulate intellectual, emotional and social development. The program is guided, in the Quaker tradition, by values of respect for each individual and responsibility as members of a community. AY, FY, AS, BS, SP, MSCES WILMINGTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL 1400 Harvey Rd., Wilmington, DE 302-475-0555 • wmsde.org • admissions@wmsde.org Ages: 12 mos.-12 yrs. • Hours: 7am-6pm Students follow their passions, discover initiative from within and take ownership of their learning; a place that embraces the power of technology for teaching, exploring, engaging and collaborating. With a diverse student body and a challenging curriculum that promotes mutual respect and a global perspective, WMS graduates are prepared to move fearlessly into the world. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DYF, NAEYC, DE ★, AMS
What are you looking for?
DAYCARE MetroKids.com/Childcare
Parenting continued from p. 5 care. Foster-care adoptions aren’t as prohibitively expensive as other types of adoption — there are no agency fees, legal fees are often minimal and reimbursed by the state, and parents can claim the adoption tax credit (as can parents who adopt internationally or through an agency or attorney).
Build a family
Despite the obstacles, parents can follow their heart to build a family that’s uniquely their own. The Kindts may not be a cookie-cutter clan, but that doesn’t bother their happy children in the least. Instead, Elizabeth is puzzling over her new brother’s birth. “Adoption is so normal to her, that she’s trying to figure out why this baby doesn’t need to be adopted,” says Christina. “One day, she figured it out, though, and told everyone ‘Mommy grew a baby in her tummy. And he’s already adopted!’”
Malia Jacobson is a nationally published parenting journalist and mom of three.
NOVEMBER 2018
DELAWARE DANCE COMPANY
A non-profit organization committed to bringing high quality dance training and performances to the community
The NuTcracker
A MAgicAl FAMily trAdition in newArk For 35 yeArs! NovEMbEr 30 7:00pm December 1 2:00pm & 7:00pm DEcEMbEr 2 2:00pm Mitchell Hall, University of Delaware
SpEcial MEEt & GrEEt - SaturDay at NooN Tickets $15-$35 ➩ Scan the QR code or visit tututix.com/DelawareDanceCompany to purchase Nutcracker tickets.
This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com
168 South Main Street, Suite 101, Newark, DE, 19711 • 302-738-2023 • www.delawaredancecompany.org
Your Future Begins Here
How to turn a learner into a
Leader...
Encourage Curiosity. Inspire Imagination. Nurture Creativity. Foster Independence.
Begin NOW.
Attend Our Elementary/Middle School Open House Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 10 a.m.
302-475-0555
1400 Harvey Road, Wilmington, DE 19810
www.wmsde.org admissions@wmsde.org