August 2018 • free Pennsylvania
YEARS 9 2
How to Be a LOCAVORE WI
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Family-Friendly Farm Markets
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Cultivate Kids’ Interests Early
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Special Needs School Survey MetroKids.com
Contents
AUGUST 2018 • Vol. 29, No. 8
Eat Local 7 Peach Perfect Recipes 14 How to be More Locavore 20 Family-Friendly Farm Markets 25 Peachy Festivals
Kids grow SO FAST! Most budgets don’t.
Shop the resale event where area families get MORE for less!
14
In This Issue 4 Quiz: Do You Know These Secret Spots? 6 Left Behind on the Beach 7 Back-to-School Music 10 Travel as a Single Parent 12 What School Safety Officers Want You to Know 30 MomSpeak
SpecialKids 16 Social Skills for Success 18 Special Needs School Survey Family Fun 23 Day-by-Day Calendar
Thursday - Friday, 9am-8pm GET IN FREE WITH THIS AD! Saturday, 8am-5pm | Sunday, 8am-3pm Sunday is HALF PRICE Sale! Many items Half Price!
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12 National
Peach
25
Ad Sections 5 Events; 9 Classes; 11 Education; 27 Child Care
AUGUST 2018
LOWER BUCKS: Oct 12-14
shop. sell. save. smart! ™
Classes 8 Enrichment for the PreK Set
16
OAKS: Sept 20-23
Greater Phila Expo Center • Hall A 100 Station Ave, Oaks
Month
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MetroKids.com 3
Memo
How Many of These Do You Know?
You can probably find the Liberty Bell and Longwood Gardens, but the region is filled with lesser-known spots that even natives might not know about. Philadelphian Mary Dixon Lebeau compiled a bunch of them for her new book, Secret Philadelphia: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure. We’ve turned some of them into a quiz. See how many are new to you.
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 Managing Editor: Dave Gilmartin, ext. 102 editor@metrokids.com Resource Editor: Cheyenne Shaffer, ext. 101 calendar@metrokids.com
Lighthouse on the Schuylkill
The Lighthouse on Turtle Rock was built by the Sedgeley Club in 1887 to guide rowers and boaters. If you want to see it, where should you look? A. At Fairmount Water Works B. At the end of Boathouse Row C. At that spot on the expressway where it always floods when it rains
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
Whispering bench
There is a bench where you can sit at one end, whisper into the curved wall, and someone sitting at the far end can hear you clear as a bell. Where can you find this magical bench?
Finance: Marcella Reis, ext. 104 finance@metrokids.com Marketing/Circulation: Susan Braverman, ext. 100 marketing@metrokids.com
A. Smith Memorial Arch in Fairmount Park B. National Memorial Arch in Valley Forge C. The Phillies’ bullpen
Interns: Shikha Patel, Ben Lowenthal
ADVERTISING SALES 888-890-4668
The Raven forevermore
Many people know of Edgar Allan Poe’s connection to Philadelphia. But did you know that the bird that inspired his poem The Raven is on display? It was actually a pet of Charles Dickens and his children, Lebeau tells us. We guess Poe ruined the demand for pet ravens. Where can you see this old bird? A. Elmwood Park Zoo B. Cape May Zoo C. Free Library of Philadelphia
Chrisy Holsopple
ext. 111
Pam Kuperschmidt
ext. 120
Emily Ondik
ext. 105
Samantha Tuttle
ext. 106
ext. 100
Classified Sales
$100 in free bills
There is a tourist site in our area where you don’t have to pay to get in and you get a bag with a $100 in bills when you leave. Is it: A. The Federal Reserve in Philadelphia B. The ocean in Bethany Beach C. A casino in Atlantic City
Addams Family silhouettes
There is a silhouette of all eight members of the fictional The Addams Family clan, which was originally a cartoon in The New Yorker and later a 1960s TV show. Where is it? A. Fonthill Castle in Doylestown B. On the Penn campus C. Top row of the Palestra Answers: B, A, C, A, B
4 MetroKids.com
We welcome your ideas and feedback. Write us at editor@metrokids.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google Plus and Instagram.
MetroKids® is published monthly by KidStuff Publications, Inc. © 2018 MetroKids® Magazine. All rights reserved by KidStuff Publications, Inc. ISSN 1094-8503. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. MetroKids® or KidStuff Publications do not assume responsibility for statements or opinions expressed by editorial contributors or advertisers. MetroKids® and SpecialKids® are trademarks of KidStuff Publications, Inc. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Advertisers indemnify and hold harmless the publisher from any claim and all loss, expense, or liability arising out of the publication of any advertisement. SUBSCRIPTIONS: U.S.A. $36, one year; $72, two years. Single copies free. AWARD–WINNING MEMBER OF THE:
AUGUST 2018
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.
The Empire invades the museum!
Sales experience helpful but will train the right person. Send cover letter and resume to dweinmann@metrokids.com
Star Wars, its characters, costumes, and all associated items are the intellectual property of Lucassilm. © & ™ Lucassilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Used under authorization.
DelawareChildrensMuseum.org SUNDAYS SUNDAYS on STAGE on STAGE SUNDAYS SUNDAYS A series of free performances for children, families, A series of and adults
on STAGE
free performances for children, families, and adults AAseries seriesofof free freeperformances performances
children, and for children,families, families, andadults adults Allfor programs begin at 2:00 p.m.
Doors open at 1:30 p.m.
All programs beginbegin at 2:00 p.m. All programs at 2:00 p.m.
All open programs begin at 2:00 p.m. Doors atopen 1:30 p.m. Doors at Doors open at1:30 1:30p.m. p.m.
AUGUST 5 Traditions of Chinese Acrobatics AUGUST 5of acrobatics The history 5 in China goes back more than 2000 AUGUST Traditions of Chinese Acrobatics
AUGUSTTraditions 5years! In thisof Chinese mesmerizing one-woman acrobatic performance, Acrobatics The history of acrobatics in China goes back more than 2000
Li Liu performs hand balancing, plate spinning, artistic cycling,
The history acrobatics inone-woman China goesacrobatic back more than 2000 years! In thisofmesmerizing performance, Traditions of Chinese Acrobatics ribbon dancing, diabolos, and foot juggling. years! In this mesmerizing one-woman acrobatic performance, Li Liu performs hand balancing, plate spinning, artistic cycling,
The history of acrobatics in China goes back more thanartistic 2000cycling, Li Liu performs hand balancing, plate spinning, ribbon dancing, diabolos, and foot juggling. ribbon dancing, diabolos, and foot juggling. years! In this mesmerizing one-woman acrobatic performance, Li Liu performs hand balancing, plate spinning, artistic cycling, ribbon dancing, diabolos, and foot juggling.
AUGUST 12 AUGUST 12 AUGUST 12 Villalobos Brothers
Villalobos Brothers Celebrate the richness of Mexican folk music with the intricate Villalobos Brothers
UGUST 12
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17
Red Yarn + Vered and the Babes
Foot Stomping Americana Folk + Doo Wop Inspired Acoustic Rock
4pm Youth Arts Zone
Youth Performances | Art Stations | Food Trucks
6pm – 7:30pm Main Concert On the playground
harmonies jazz andof classical music. The Villalobos Brothers Celebrate the of Mexican music with the intricate Celebrate theofrichness richness Mexican folk folk music with the intricate deliver an of brew of brilliance, cadence and Brothers virtuosity harmonies jazz and music. The Villalobos harmonies ofintoxicating jazz andclassical classical music. The Villalobos Brothers that awaken the senses andofmesmerize the listener. deliver an intoxicating brew brilliance, cadence and virtuosity deliver an intoxicating brew of brilliance, cadence and virtuosity that awaken the senses and mesmerize the listener. that awaken the senses and mesmerize the listener.
lalobos Brothers
freelibrary.org/sundaysonstage brate the richness of Mexican folk music with the intricate freelibrary.org/sundaysonstage monies of jazz and classical music. The Villalobos Brothers Montgomery Auditorium Parkway Central Library | 1901 Vine Street er an intoxicating brew of brilliance, cadence and virtuosity freelibrary.org/sundaysonstage Montgomery 215-686-5372 Auditorium Parkway Central Library | 1901 Vine Street awaken the senses and mesmerize the listener. This series is madeAuditorium possible by funding from the Philadelphia City Institute Board of Managers. Montgomery 215-686-5372
Parkway Library | 1901 Vine StreetCity Institute Board of Managers. This seriesCentral is made possible by funding from the Philadelphia 215-686-5372
3500 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Tickets $10 per person/$5 for Smith members and PA Access Cardholders Smithplayground.ticketleap.com/kid2018
This series is made possible by funding from the Philadelphia City Institute Board of Managers.
rary.org/sundaysonstage
omery Auditorium
AUGUST 2018
y Central Library | 1901 Vine Street 6-5372 is made possible by funding from the Philadelphia City Institute Board of Managers.
MetroKids.com 5
Your MK
Win It!
Babies & Beachy Fun It’s not unusual to forget something on the beach as you’re scooping up the kids and the toys and the blankets. The Ocean Conservancy sends out volunteers each year to clean up beaches worldwide. This graphic shows just the kid-related items they collected last year. Somehow, when 131,016 diapers get left behind, it doesn’t seem like an accident.
Bath time! The Elephant Baby Shower is a battery-operated, compact and portable shower that provides splashy fun and relaxation. ($24.99) And and the Sit and Sprinkle Sensory Arc enhances tactile stimulation while high-contrast colors grab newborns’ attention. ($31.99)
The Beach Barbecue Bundle has all you need to host a shore shindig, including drink-top covers, durable tote, craft kit to occupy the kids, grilling sauce and shower-replacement spray to freshen up after a day in the sand. ($64.78) Log on to MetroKids.com/winit and enter to win your favorite prize, beginning Aug. 1. Prizes will be mailed by the provider to the address given on the entry form.
72 N UA L
days of SUMMER 6 TH AN
Also check out our Summer Fun promo to win funtastic toys and prizes every day until August 21st!
fun MetroKids.com/summerfun 6 MetroKids.com
AUGUST 2018
Music
Family Fun
Music for Back to School By Kathy O’Connell A song for school mornings and an album devoted to science are easy picks for the new school year, while new parents and young ones can get a taste of musical mindfulness thanks to a couple of new albums. Meanwhile, a kindie veteran offers teachers collaborative tools.
The Microphone Doctors: “School’s Cool” Energetic, rhythmic, and tattooed describe this marvelous duo known for love songs to “Donuts” and “French Fries.” “School’s Cool” (from the CD Kids Be Like) captures the chaos of a school morning while posing the question “What the heck is Play-Doh?” Infectious, delightful Ramones-like rock, until your kids discover the actual Ramones.
The Pop Ups: Giants of Science Brooklynbased duo Jason Rabinowitz and Jacob Stein are The Pop Ups, mixing puppetry, humor, dance, comedy, props and fabulous music in every performance. Even if you never see their live show, rush to download their latest project, Giants of Science. Their 80’s-driven pop tendencies are on delightful display here on songs about geology (“Cave of Wonders”), “Shadow” (featuring Grammy winner Secret Agent 23 Skidoo), “Time” and “Inventors.” Scientific questions and theories are on display without ever losing the sense of fact-based wonder that science inspires.
Vered & the Babes: Songs for Sisters and Brothers Vered (Benhorin) and the Babes is the musical arm of Brooklyn’s Baby in Tune workshops and their CDs are a go-to baby gift in general. Now Vered expands as a family does, beyond the intimacy of the parent/ child, to Songs for Sisters and Brothers. She captures the complexities of siblings, from having a “Personal Comedian” to musing on “How It Once Was.” It’s all done with wit and honest reflections on the feelings of sibs. She had me musing on my own kid brother’s role in making me who I am, with “A Little Bit Tough.”
Bill Harley: Teachers’ Lounge Legendary songwriter/ storyteller/author Bill Harley’s website is onestop shopping for a bounty of treasures. His teaching tools include original lesson plans as well as an invitation for teachers everywhere to share theirs. This is a valuable resource for traditional and nontraditional school experiences. Kathy O’Connell is a contributing writer to MetroKids and host of the Peabody awardwinning Kids Corner, on air Mon.Thurs., 7-8pm on WXPN 88.5 FM.
Go to MetroKids.com/kidsmusic for the full music review, plus links and videos for these CDs.
PeaPcherfect
Peach season is in full swing! Stock up at the nearest family-friendly farmers market (find it on p. 20) and make these easy, kidapproved recipes.
Chunky Peach Popsicles Ingredients: 3 to 4 medium-sized peaches, halved and pitted Juice of 1 lemon ¼ cup orange juice ¼ cup sugar, or to taste ¼ tsp. vanilla extract 1. Coarsely chop peaches in a food processor and place in a bowl. 2. Transfer 1 cup of the chunky peaches to a medium-sized bowl; add lemon juice, orange juice & sugar to taste. Purée until smooth. 3. Add mixture to the first bowl with the chunky peaches and stir in vanilla. 4. Divide the mixture among 12 2-oz. or 8 3-oz. freezer-pop molds (or small paper cups). Freeze until beginning to set, about 1 hour. 5. Insert frozen-treat sticks and freeze until completely firm, about 1 hour more.
From EatingWell.com
Peach Jam Ingredients: 3 to 4 mediumsized peaches, halved and pitted Juice of 1 lemon ¼ cup orange juice ¼ cup sugar, or to taste ¼ tsp. vanilla extract 1. Wash, peel, pit and chop peaches. 2. Place all ingredients in a large glass bowl and let stand for 1 hour. 3. Transfer to a large stainless or enamel pot. 4. Bring to a full boil. 5. Boil for 25 minutes to reach the jell point. Stir often and then constantly as the mixture nears the jell point. 6. Remove and skim off foam. 7. Ladle into clean hot jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. 8. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
From Food.com
AUGUST 2018
MetroKids.com 7
Classes
PURSUITS Enrichment Activities for the Preschool Crowd
By Sarah Lyons Extracurricular activities for preschoolers can encourage their natural curiosity and love of learning. It can also help them develop self-awareness as well as social, language, and motor skills. There are countless classes and programs for your child that are both fun and educational, but which one is right for your child?
as painting, sculpture, and paper mache. Art helps kids develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as it encourages their creativity. Art classes are good for kids who are introverted, creative, and can sit still for longer periods of time.
and pretend. While preschool may provide a well-rounded enrichment experience, it may not be a good fit for some families due to schedules or finances. Play groups are another great way to expose your child to many types of enrichment experiences while giving them the social aspect that many preschools provide.
Individual sports
Music and dance
Team sports
Team sports help kids with their social development and problem-solving skills. Being part of a team also gives kids a sense of confidence as they cheer each other on and contribute to the common goal. “Soccer seems to be a good place to start. It gets them used to the idea of team sports.” says Kara Thomas, mom and preschool teacher. Another preschool-friendly team sport is T-ball. Team sports are good if your child loves physical activity and socializing with other kids.
Preschool kids love to listen and dance to music. There are many programs where kids are encouraged to sing, make their own music, and use their bodies to express themselves through dance. Many dance studios offer beginner classes for the preschool crowd. The study of music and dance helps kids develop their gross-motor and language skills and even improve their math and reading abilities down the line. Music classes are a good fit for any preschooler but kids who are naturally drawn to music and movement in particular should look into music classes, such as Gymboree, that are geared toward preschoolers.
Art
An art class provides the opportunity for kids to create, make messes, and try crafts that their parents may not want to try at home, such
8 MetroKids.com
Preschool and playgroups
Traditional preschool exposes children to many types of enrichment such as art, music, games, cooperative play, drama
“I think dance or tumbling is a really good first organized activity for kids.” says Angela Leever, mom of three and preschool special education teacher. “You want to make sure you get them into an activity where the instructors are used to working with young children and their expectations are age appropriate.” Gymnastics, swimming, and martial arts are great sports activities for little ones to try because they work on their core strength and confidence. Kids who love to be active and maybe even a little daring, do great in these individual sports. Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer.
AUGUST 2018
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MetroKids.com 9
Parenting myself; I had been to Jamaica before, so I was comfortable there,” says the Mt. Laurel, NJ mom. The boys especially enjoyed the waterpark, kids’ club and other kid-friendly activities. Noticing that she was caring for her young boys by herself, the staff was especially helpful and accommodating. The trip worked out so well that she planned another excursion to Punta Cana. “The boys loved Jamaica and this resort also has a waterpark and activities for kids,” she says.
Plan ahead
By Terri Akman Vacations can be more challenging for single-parent families. Room rates, often based on double-occupancy, can be twice as expensive when mom or dad is traveling solo. It may also be more difficult to find much-needed alone time without a partner to watch the kids, and a single parent may not feel comfortable on a tour when everyone else is coupled. Recognizing that 27 percent of children under age 18 — nearly 20 million — live with one parent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, tour companies and resorts are now creating trips especially for the one-parent family. “In the last year, resorts started pricing for single parents, not only at family properties but also at adult-only properties to give the single parent a way to get away,” says Felicia Dicks, travel consultant with Liberty Travel in Philadelphia.
Travel the world
Where Disney once topped many families’ vacation lists, today more diverse, exotic and historical locations are popular. “Parents want to do something different,” says Dicks. To satisfy this new market, Intrepid Travel, an adventure-travel company,
10 MetroKids.com
unveiled six new tours this year designed for solo parents and their children. To make it easier on the parent, all of the logistics, from accommodations to activities, are handled for the trips, which include destinations in Costa Rica, Thailand, Northern India, Egypt, Vietnam and Morocco. “As single-parent households increase, it’s time for the travel industry to take notice with travel opportunities that are fun, adventurous and affordable,” says Dyan Mckie, brand manager for Intrepid Travel’s Family Adventures.
Me-time for single parents
Trips aimed at single parents are also designed to give them some time alone and give kids a bit of independence. “Led by local leaders in each destination, the itineraries provide parents with some much-deserved rest and relaxation and take the pressure off to plan and entertain at all times,” says Mckie. The kids, meanwhile, bond and form friendships with other kids in the group. Dominique C. took sons Antwonne, 10, and DaShawn, 8, to the all-inclusive Sunscape Splash Montego Bay resort in Jamaica. “This was the first time I was traveling outside of the country by
When one parent is responsible for several children, especially young kids, early planning can make the trip smoother. Book early, says Cindy McCabe, owner of Bethany Travel and Dream Vacations in Millsboro, DE, to get seats together toward the front of the plane. “Little kids are great travelers,” says McCabe, who encourages each child to bring his own entertainment — an iPad with movies or games, stuffed animals, a blanket. “Anything to make them as comfortable on a plane as they are at home.” Nonstop flights are best wherever possible, but if you are connecting, be sure to have plenty of time so no one is stressed or rushed. Choose a resort that’s close to the airport to avoid long rides after getting off the plane. And don’t assume the airline will seat the family together. It may be worth paying a premium to be sure. “Maybe that seat assignment isn’t available for free, but you will want to pre-purchase that seat because you don’t want any surprises or issues when you get there,” says McCabe.
Kids with special needs
If you have a child with special needs, be sure to choose a destination that can accommodate him. For example, some resorts are autism certified. “Beaches Resort has a chef that will meet with a child who has food allergies,” says McCabe. “In one family, the little girl felt like a princess because the chef came out every morning to see what she wanted for the day, to be sure he was fixing things that worked for her allergies.”
Terri Akman is a contributing writer to MetroKids.
AUGUST 2018
continued from p. 6
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Education
What School Safety Officers Want You to Know
The people in charge of your child’s safety at school might be guidance counselors, guards or police officers. Here’s what they say about their role in protecting students. By Ann L. Rappoport, PhD Part of the back-to-school tradition is meeting your child’s new teacher or principal. But many parents may not know the various employees who help keep their children safe at school, let alone what they do. So MetroKids reached out to a number of school districts in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and here is what local experts want parents to understand.
School safety is a team effort
Different personnel look out for different aspects of student safety. Some, such as guidance counselors, are school employees. In some cases, civilian contractors, such as guards or consultants, are hired by school districts. Increasingly, school districts work with school resource officers (SROs). In New Jersey, SROs are police officers who serve a school district through an agreement with the police department. In Delaware, SROs are state police or constables. SROs offer districts multiple support services, including educational resources for staff and students. Having an SRO isn’t a stigma and doesn’t mean that a school is bad, emphasizes Pat Kissane, deputy chief of the Fort Lee, NJ police department and head of the New Jersey Association of School Resource Officers. Kissane says SROs receive special training, including how to protect students’ rights.
12 MetroKids.com
The national Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides guidelines to protect student records and outlines how they can be shared. It’s just one of the many regulations — federal, state and local — that govern policies that affect school security. Arming teachers or anyone in schools other than on-duty police officers worries some law-enforcement professionals. Part of their concern is whether those people are properly trained in the use of weapons and protocols. Also, in the event of a shooting, it may not be clear to first responders who are the perpetrators and who are the “good guys.”
A seat at the (lunch) table
State troopers and constables play a “preventive role” in schools, says Alex Nowell, public safety officer for Red Clay Consolidated School District in Delaware. They work on de-escalating and resolving tensions. “We’re not there to arrest; we’re there to assist staff. Safety is paramount.” Part of that role is “an open-door policy of communication,” Nowell explains. Constables often sit at the lunch table with students and become mentors to students. He’s known students to speak candidly to security officers about specific struggles they’re having or about a situation at home, so officers become integral parts of the students’ support systems. It’s not unusual for those bonds
Tips for parents Our experts had these suggestions for parents and guardians: • Attend parent-empowerment and training programs sponsored by schools to learn how to listen and talk with your kids. Learn non-violent strategies for de-escalating conflict and tension. • Communicate with your kids. Know what they’re into. Keep a dialogue going. Read the newspapers and pay attention to contemporary issues; raise hypotheticals for discussion. • Monitor your kids’ social media activities. Problems can accelerate and spread quickly through social media and can intensify and carry over to school. Seek help from professionals if you don’t know what to do. • Watch for warning signs that your child needs help — changes in demeanor, withdrawing from friends or family, acting out, depression, troublesome writing, failing in school. • Determine in advance where to re-unite with family members if an incident requires either evacuation or dislocation and remind your children of the plan. Rushing to school can create more problems than it solves. • Don’t hesitate to report concerns or seek professional assistance to support your child’s safety. to continue after students graduate, Nowell says. There are kids in personal crisis on a daily basis, Kissane notes. When SROs develop relationships and trust in a school, they’re able to directly help those youngsters. Whether the problem is abuse, sexting, money or suicidal thoughts, Kissane says SROs listen and
AUGUST 2018
try to intervene in the most appropriate way. Non-violent problem solving and conflict resolution is a major focus of security officers in Camden, NJ schools, says Maita Soukup, senior director of communications. Security officers and teachers are trained to help students mediate conflict and return the students to productive, positive school behavior.
Communication is key
Effective communication is an essential component for safety. For instance, if there’s a fight over the weekend and the participants have to sit next to each other on Monday morning, an SRO might be able to use that information to help prevent an eruption, says Kissane. Similarly, if peers, parents or staff hear talk of self-harm or threats, communicating such tips — even anonymously — to the security team can help get students lifesaving intervention. SROs and other safety officers often provide programs for students. They might educate them about vaping or how to read a parking ticket or accident report. These programs have the added
benefit of opening up a dialogue with students, who will then make comments and raise issues that can be followed up later in private. Safety officers are also often speakers at parent gatherings and PTA meetings and help schools with their safety plans and drills. They work with staff to review safety protocols, address questions and concerns, and clarify details that can become important during a crisis. Ann L. Rappoport, PhD, is a contributing writer to MetroKids.
Who is allowed to have a gun in PA schools? The debate about whether teachers should be armed raises the question of who is allowed to have a gun on school property under current law. The answer is not always clear-cut but here is some of what the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence says about the laws that apply to Pennsylvania. FEDERAL LAW Bars guns from K-12 schools under the Gun-Free School Zones Act but “it doesn’t apply to individuals licensed by a state to possess or carry a handgun,” according to the Giffords Center. PENNSYLVANIA Prohibits guns in schools “however, a defense to the statute exists where the weapon is possessed and used in conjunction with a lawful supervised school activity or course or ‘is possessed for other lawful purpose,’“ says the Giffords Center. — By Dave Gilmartin
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AUGUST 2018
MetroKids.com 13
Health
13 ways to eat local
EAT LOCAL Be more locavore with these tips on how to find locally grown food.
By Sara Barry Want food that tastes amazing? You can’t beat local, in-season food. Besides tasting good, eating local means that you know where your food comes from, save fossil fuels, and support the local agriculture and economy. And it doesn’t have to be hard. Lilly Steirer and her family experimented with a year of local eating, and found that eating only local foods wasn’t so hard, even with two small children. If eating local for a year feels like a stretch, could you eat more local foods than you do? The biggest concerns about eating local are usually time, money and whether your kids will eat anything. Lilly found that their food budget stayed about the same but how they spent their money shifted. Less money went to restaurants, and more went to whole-food ingredients. She needed to plan and prep more, but even with a busy family the time part was doable. Yes, they missed some things. Her kids talked a lot about ice cream and Lilly missed avocados, citrus and cheddar cheese, but mostly they ate a lot of delicious food. Lilly’s family chose a year of local eating, because in-season food tastes better and because they recognize the impact that our current food system has on our planet. Knowing your “why” helps keep you committed to change when things get hard. Plus your reasons for eating local may affect how you approach things.
14 MetroKids.com
What does local mean to you?
So what does eating locally really mean? One common standard is food grown within a 100-mile radius of your home. You get to choose if you make exceptions to your local-eating practice. You may decide that you’re not ready to give up your morning coffee or that you want to use up the sugar you have and then transition to local sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup. You can also decide when you bend the rules. Lilly’s family chose to eat non-local food when they visited friends, because relationships were more important than being rigid in their eating experiment.
Go over your grocery list
Start by making a list of items you buy regularly, and ask yourself: • Can we get this locally? • Can we replace this with a different food? • Should we cut this out? To find local producers and farmers, go where you already shop and see what local foods they offer. Then consider convenient farm stands/stores or farmers markets. Tell them that you are looking to buy more locally; ask if they can recommend anybody else who grows or produces specific things you need.
5 easy ways to eat more local food
Once you’ve figured out what eating locally means to you, you don’t have to eat
• Shop farmers markets and stands. (Local markets on p. 20) • Pick fruits and veggies at farms or orchards. (See Metrokids.com/locavore) • Learn what is harvested when. • Grow herbs on your window sill. • Join a CSA. • Try local honey or maple syrup. • Try a local food you’ve never had before. • Buy a share of a locally raised animal. • Preserve food during the growing season. • Start or support a garden at your kids’ school. • Hold a harvest feast. • Look for locally grown restaurant specials. • Try locally produced pickles, jams or sauces. only local foods. Here are five meaningful, but doable changes you can make: 1. Cut out processed food Since most processed foods aren’t local, cutting out all processed foods can make a big impact right away. 2. Choose one type of food to only buy locally Try adding one food at a time. For example, start by only eating locally grown greens. You could plant a patch of lettuce or pick up a variety of greens weekly at the farmers market. Once you get used to that, then tackle another vegetable or eggs or dairy or meat. 3. Make local food the norm Lilly noticed that people often go to the farmers market for “special” food. Try buying your spring and summer veggies only from a local farmers market or farm stand. 4. Trade out one food for something local Lilly learned that quinoa was grown near her, so that became a staple instead of rice. 5. Plan one local meal each week Think about meals that are easy to make with local ingredients. Make an omelet with local eggs and veggies. Add local cheese or meat. Switch it up each week using different fillers and herbs. Soups and salads can be made with ingredients that shift as the growing season changes. One thing is clear: You don’t have to go whole hog into eating locally to connect to your local food. You can take doable, bite-sized steps toward being a more locavore family. Sara Barry is a freelance writer.
Find family-friendly farm markets on p. 20 and more online at MetroKids.com/locavore
AUGUST 2018
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MetroKids.com 15
SpecialKids
Social Skills for Kids with Special Needs
By Terri Akman All children need to be able to understand facial expressions and recognize social cues in other people, look them in the eye, and be able to follow classroom rules. For kids with special needs, however, these lessons may not come easily. “When interacting socially comes naturally for people, we don’t pay much attention to it,” says Amanda Bennett, developmental behavioral pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “But your ability to regulate an interaction with another person — having that back and forth conversation in a successful way; reading someone’s social cues and recognizing whether they agree with what you’re saying or doing; being able to recognize when someone is being friendly or a bully — these are all really important in childhood and in life.”
Practice at home
Children begin learning these lessons as babies, taking cues from their parents and the people around them. Socialization at preschool and playdates or in activities like music, gymnastics or library story time, are opportunities to apply these lessons. “They are working on some of those skills in a small-group setting,” says Bennett. If a child seems to struggle in a particular area, the school can provide additional support with games or activities to help a child develop his social skills without formal therapy. Bennett urges parents to discuss with the teacher how their child is doing socially — who she plays with and how she plays. If necessary, the school can help the family find additional services.
Harry T., 12, is a seventh grader who loves playing Magic the Gathering cards and video games with his friends. But Harry has a sensory processing disorder, which makes certain social skills more difficult. “He has a brain-muscle coordination issue,” says his mom, Ashley, from the Pennsport section of Philadelphia. “He thinks certain sensory inputs, like hugging, which feel really good to him and help keep him focused, are something everybody should want.” Greetings are an area where Harry struggles. The best practice for these skills take place each week in church when Harry greets the minister. “It’s a controlled environment where Harry got practice shaking hands, looking the minister in the eye and saying thank you and moving on,” says Ashley. Harry’s interest in cooking has provided another great teaching device. “Food and cooking are a way for him to have conversations with people across all boundaries,” she says. “It becomes a common language for him.”
Lessons in school
Cultivate good manners
Start at a young age
Students must behave appropriately in the classroom for effective learning. Many schools use programs like Social Thinking, which offers strategies to get all students on the same page, often by using specific words to help students focus on the task at hand. For example, if a child is not exhibiting expected behavior, the teacher will ask, “What is the group plan?” says Eleanor Lantz, speech language pathologist at Centreville Layton School in DE, and the child’s response brings him back into focus. “They are all child-friendly, positive terms so the children don’t feel like they are being corrected.” The students not only learn how to behave in the classroom, but are given necessary skills so they are more successful when they go into the world, says Lantz. “It’s not enough that you know information, but also that you can present yourself and make a connection with other people.”
16 MetroKids.com
At the Bancroft School, lessons include role playing in an environment that resembles the community. Its Mount Laurel, NJ campus includes a fully operational convenience store run by the students with support from staff. Students practice waiting on customers and selling goods. “A good place to start is in the realm of greetings, just saying ‘Hi’ to others,” says Nicholas Forvour, clinical director of education at the Bancroft School. “When a community member says hello to you, the expectation is to say hello back. We want our learners equipped with that skill to make that relationship in the community an actuality. Social skills are how we navigate our community and environment and how we build relationships that go well beyond our immediate family.”
Terri Akman is a contributing writer to MetroKids.
AUGUST 2018
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SpecialKids
2018-2019 Survey of Schools Serving Students Who Require Significant Support The survey below lists schools for students who need extra support for a variety of physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities. Use the key below to navigate the information, including the support services offered, learning strategies used and
distinct special needs served. Get even more info about each school online at MetroKids.com/specialneedsschools. After you identify schools of interest, contact their administrators and arrange a tour. Only an in-person visit can confirm whether a school is right for your child. Feedback is welcome at editor@metrokids.com.
KEY SUPPORT SERVICES LEARNING STRATEGIES & VOCATIONAL = Medical staff/Nursing ABBREVIATIONS = Counseling
= Art Therapy = Music Therapy = Hippotherapy
OT = Occupational Therapy PT = Physical Therapy ST = Speech Therapy School
Enrollment
ABA = Applied Behavior Analysis, behavior improvement through interventions based on learning theory PBIS = Positive Behavioral Intervention & Supports, evidence-based interventions to enhance learning and behavior Read 180 = Three-pronged strategic intervention for struggling readers TEACCH Model = Job coach-supported employment program Wilson Reading = Structured, remedial researchbased reading & writing program Grades/ Ages
Tuition
Staff/student ratio
SPECIAL NEEDS SERVED ASP AUT CP COM DD EMO EP HI LD MD NI PDD PHY VI
Tech
OTHER SERVICES
Asperger syndrome Autism Cerebral palsy Comm./social disorder Devel. disability Emotional/behavioral disorder Epilepsy/seizure disorder Hearing impairment/deaf Learning disability/ADHD Muscular dystrophy Neurological impairment Pervasive devel. disorder Physical disability Visual impairment/blind
Support services
Learning strategies
Vocational opportunities
Abp. Ryan Acad. for Deaf ASL, Braille, St. Lucy Day School for PreK-4 iPads, laptops, Fast Forward Private pay, Children w/Visual Impair40 through 1:5 SmartBoards, Reading, ments, Phila. 19124; 8th grade Scholarship Learning Ally Orientation & FAO Stl.ocephila.org Mobility Bilingual program (ASL) for students who are deaf/hard of hearing. St. Lucy: Braille-based program for students who are blind/visually impaired. HI, VI
= Residential = Extended Day = Summer Program = Transportation
Extracurriculars
Other services
Art, field trips, library, music, physical education
Life skills, Camphill School, The Tuition on Waldorf vocational Art, field trips Glenmoore, PA 110 Ages 4-21 request, opportunities Camphillspecialschool.org FAO Waldorf education rich in music, art & drama with various therapies and an animal/agricultural program for those with autism and intellectual & developmental disabilities. ASP, AUT, CP, DD, NI, PDD Davidson School EvidenceArt, library, Media, PA Elwyn.org/ based School to work music, physical Ages 3-21 FAPE 2:8 400 program/ approved_ approaches education private_school Multidisciplinary ed for those with ASDs, physical, mental & behavioral challenges, communication difficulties and medically fragile conditions. ASP, AUT, DD, EMO, HI, NI, PDD, VI George Crothers Memorial School Swarthmore, PA Ages 3-21 FAPE Cades.org School for medically fragile, multi-handicapped students.CP, DD, NI
Aug. communication, assistive tech
Research-based, multi-sensory approaches
Pre-vocational training, life skills
Art, field trips, music, adaptive PE
HMS School for Children Dynamic display & eye-gaze with Cerebral Palsy, 57 Ages 2-21 FAPE 1:7 devices, iPads Phila. 19104; Hmsschool.org Emphasis on powered mobility, life skills and education for children with severe disabilities from CP to TBI. CP, NI
Customized IEP, functional academics
Transition services
Art, music, dance
Melmark School, The FAPE, Computers, Life skills, Berwyn, PA ABA 110 Ages 5-21 Private 1:1, 1:2 computer lab, vocational training Art, music, sports Melmark.org pay iPads, PECS Melmark cares for children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, brain injuries and other neurological and genetic diagnoses. ASP, AUT, CP, COM, DD, EMO, EP, HI, LD, NI, PDD, VI Overbrook School for the Computers w/ FAPE Blind, Phila. 19151 200 Ages 3-21 adaptive tech, Obs.org CCTV Braille, large-print, life skills, mobility education, plus aquatics center for those who are blind or visually impaired. VI
18 MetroKids.com
Braille & mobiity
Pre-vocational, vocational classes, life skills
Art, music, sports,
AUGUST 2018
SpecialKids School Pathway School Jeffersonville, PA Pathwayschool.org
Enrollment
Grades/ Ages
Tuition
Staff/student ratio
Tech
Support services
Learning strategies
Vocational opportunities
Extracurriculars
Other services
$49,000Computers, $53,000, PBIS, Wilson Life skills, 1:4 Learning Ally, FAPE, Reading vocational training SmartBoards Private pay Multisensory academics for those with severe to moderate cognitive deficits, ASDs, intellectual disabilities and/or learning challenges. ASP, AUT, COM, DD, EMO, LD, NI, PDD
Art, field trips, music, phys ed, sports, theater
Pennsylvania School for Aug. devices, the Deaf Phila. 19144 210 Ages 0-21 FAPE 1:4 computers, Psd.org PECS Bilingual language environment (ASL & spoken English) for those who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or cochlear-implanted. DD, HI, PD
Career placement, college prep, life skills, voc. training
Art, field trips, library, phys ed, sports, theater
ABA PBIS, Royer-Greaves School for Aug. devices, Life skills, multi-sensory vocational the Blind, Paoli, PA 14 Ages 5 -21 FAPE 1:1 computers, training learning Royer-greaves.org iPads, PECS Functional academics, mobility and life skills for those who are blind or visually impaired with additional conditions such as hearing issues. HI, NI, VI
Art, field trips, library, music, phys ed., sports
Saint Katherine Day School, Wynnewood, PA Stkatherinedayschool.org
160
Ages 5-21
ASL,PBIS, TEACCH Model
$5,100-$8,100 Aug. devices, scholarship computers, 1:7 ABA, PBIS Life skills private pay Learning Ally, FAO PECS, SmartBoards Life skills program with strong emphasis on independent living skills for those with cognitive challenges and physical delays. AUT, CP, DD, NI, PDD, PHY, LD, MD 85
Ages 4 ½ - 21
1:1 laptops, Valley Day School PBIS, Morrisville, PA 110 Ages 4-21 FAPE 1:3 online materials, READ 180 Valleyday.org comp labs, iPads Personalized remediation for PA & NJ students with special needs, referred by public and charter schools. ASP, AUT, COM, EMO, EP, HIV, LD, NI, PDD
Arts-related, vocational training
Life skills, Woods Services Adaptive EvidenceFAPE pre-vocational, Langhorne, PA 300 Ages 5-21 1:1 to 1:8 tech, iPads, based, PBIS voc. training Woods.org SmartBoards 12-month residential/day school for those with ASDs, neurological disorders, developmental disabilities, brain injury and other impairments. AUT, OHI, DD, MD, NI, PDD Wordsworth Academy FAPE PBIS Ft. Washington, PA 235 Ages 5-21 1:8 Adaptive tech Wordsworth.org Curriculum for those with autism, PDD, brain injury and social/emotional disorders mirrors public-school experience. ASP, AUT, EMO, LD, NI, PDD, VI
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AUGUST 2018
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7/12/2018 10:35:03 AM
Family Fun
The “locavore” movement — a push to primarily eat food that’s locally grown or produced — has become increasingly popular. And farmers markets are prime spots to load up on everything from fruits and veggies to baked goods, all made locally. While kids can discover the importance of nutrition at every market, many make an extra effort to appeal to visitors with little ones in tow. Find more ways to add more local food to your family’s diet on p. 14.
Market at DelVal
East Goshen Farmers Market
Doylestown When: Daily, 8am-7pm; year-round Activities: Late summer brings storytimes and a peach festival, and Sept. features apple-themed fun and wagon rides.
and includes open-mic nights, moonbounces, car shows, a dunk tank, live music and theatre performances.
Where: Delaware Valley University,
Clark Park Farmers Market
Clark Park Farmers Market Where: 43rd St. & Baltimore Ave. When: Saturdays, 10am-2pm; year-round Activities: Let the kids loose on the play-
Perkasie Farmers Market
Phoenixville Farmers Market
activities provided by community groups, the market hosts seasonal celebrations, pet-friendly days and touch-a-truck events.
kids and festivals appeal to young visitors.
Where: Perkasie Borough Hall, Perkasie When: Saturdays, 9am-12pm; June-Oct. Activities: In addition to kid-centric
ground or bring the family pup to play at the park’s grassy “dog bowl.”
Where: 18th & Walnut Sts. When: Saturdays, 9am-3pm; year-round Activities: This Center City park has plenty
of space, so the kids can play nearby while you shop. After, enjoy a picnic in one of many shaded areas.
More Markets
Chestnut Hill Farmers Market Headhouse Farmers Market Greensgrow Farms Weavers Way Farm Market 20 MetroKids.com
West Chester Growers Market
Where: N. Church St. & W. Chestnut St., West Chester
as ice cream, strawberry shortcake, and hot cocoa and cookies on select dates.
Where: 4100 Ridge Ave. When: Saturdays, 10am-2pm; May-Nov. Activities: Tots flock to the make-and-take
Rittenhouse Square Farmers Market
Where: 200 Mill St., Phoenixville When: Saturdays; 9am-1pm; May-Nov. Activities: A play area, free yoga classes for
When: Saturdays, 9am-1pm; May-Dec. Activities: Treat yourself to free treats such
East Falls Farmers Market table for crafts and art projects.
Where: East Goshen Park, West Chester When: Thursdays, 3-7pm; May-Sept. Activities: Entertainment varies weekly
More Markets Wrightstown Farmers Market
Wrightstown Farmers Market
Hershey’s Farm Market, Parkesburg New Garden Growers Market, Landenberg Oxford Farm Market, Oxford Westtown Amish Market, West Chester
Where: Next to Wrightstown Twp. Municipal Building
When: Saturdays, 9am-1pm; year-round Activities: The county’s largest pro-
Lansdowne Farmers Market
More Markets
When: Saturdays, 9am-1pm; May-Oct. Activities: Expect extra vendors and
duce-only market offers up cooking demos, fun for kids and live music.
Maximuck’s Farm Market, Doylestown Newtown Farmers Market, Newtown None Such Farm Market, Buckingham Quakertown Farmers Market, Quakertown
Where: Parking lot across from Historic Lansdowne Theater
themed fun during monthly events including Community Day (Aug. 25), Dog Day (Sept. 29) and Fall Fest (Oct. 27).
AUGUST 2018
Family Fun Swarthmore Farmers Market Where: Central Park, Swarthmore When: Saturdays, 9:30am-1:30pm;
May-Nov.
Activities: Crafts and science experiments,
live music, storytimes, food trucks and community-resource tables differ each week.
Tinicum Farm Market
Bryn Athyn Bounty Farm Market
Where: Bryn Athyn College, Bryn Athyn When: Sundays; May-Oct.; 9am-12pm Activities: From hayrides to a petting zoo to bonfires to harvest festivals, this place boasts a packed slate of family events.
Where: Governor Printz State Park, Ess-
Indian Valley Farmers Market
When: Wednesdays, 4:30-7:30pm; June-Oct. Activities: Moonbounces, games and
June-Oct.
ington
crafts entertain kids.
Where: Telford Train Station, Telford When: Saturdays, 8:30am-12:30pm;
Activities: Make a masterpiece to take home from the kids’ crafting table.
More Markets
Booths Corner Farmers Market, Garnet
More Markets
Lancaster County Farmers Market, Wayne Media Farmers Market, Media Wolff ’s Apple House, Media
Prussia
Valley
Ambler Farmers Market, Ambler Norristown Farmers Market, Norristown Upper Merion Farmers Market, King of Flourtown Farmers Market, Flourtown
Like
Follow
Indian Valley Farmers Market Log on to MetroKids.com/familyfun for more information, including address, phone number & website.
.com
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ACTIVATE AWESOME
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981 E Lancaster Ave | Downingtown, PA 19335 (484) 674-6871 | UrbanAirDTown.com
What are you looking for?
Places to VISIT
Metrokids.com/PlacesToVisit AUGUST 2018
CAMPING IN THE SCULPTURE GARDEN AUGUST 18 – 19 | 7 PM – 8 AM Join us for art making at twilight, moonlit sculpture tours, and camping out under the stars! For details, visit delart.org.
2301 Kentmere Pkwy | Wilmington, DE 19806 302.571.9590 | delart.org MetroKids.com 21
The experts in orthopaedic care for kids
215-430-4000
www.shrinersphilly.org We’re social! 22 MetroKids.com
@shrinersphilly AUGUST 2018
Family Fun
Dig and climb during the Playscape Playdate at Philly's Schuylkill Center, Aug. 10.
Special needs event
PA Renaissance Faire
Weekends
Editor's Pick
$ = $1-$5; $$ = $6-$10; $$$ = $11-$19; $$$$ = $20 & up
1 Wednesday
Outdoor Movie Series: Moonrise Kingdom at FringeArts, Phila. FREE
2 Thursday
Craft Beer and Crab Festival at the Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May, NJ. Family activities include jugglers and a crafts & collectibles show. FREE
John Cassidy performs at Sellersville Theatre 1894, Sellersville. The entertainer holds a world record for balloon sculpting. $$
In the Good Old Summertime at Pennypacker Mills, Schwenksville, Festivities include Victorian lawn games, hands-on exhibits, tours and photo ops with vintage clothing. $
KidFest at Abington Art Center, Jenkintown. Enjoy tile making, T-shirt drawing and food vendors, then check out works made by students. $$
Intro to Orienteering at the Bingaman Nature Center, Reading. After an introduction to the sport, put your skills to the test on a beginner course. FREE
Preschool Storytime at Open Book Bookstore, Elkins Park. FREE ACANA African Festival
5 Sunday
Schuylkill Banks Movie Night: Black Panther at the Gray’s Ferry Crescent, Phila. FREE
3 Friday
Renaissance Fun at Beth Chaim Reform Congregation, Malvern. Watch a performance starring kids, then enjoy a scavenger hunt, games and prizes. FREE
4 Saturday
Pirate Day at Fort Mifflin
18 Saturday
AUGUST 2018
Bank of America Museums on Us, Phila. Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders get free access to participating venues, including the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Museum of the American Revolution, National Museum of American Jewish History and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. FREE
Fab Freebie
Philly’s Northern Liberties neighborhood plays host to the summer-staple 2nd Street Festival, Aug. 5, spanning six blocks of N. 2nd St. between Germantown Ave. and Spring Garden St. Visitors enjoy a Philly-centric lineup of live music and entertainment on four stages, as well as food trucks, dozens of craft and clothing vendors, and kids’ activities.
MetroKids.com 23
Moonlight Movies in Mt. Airy: Ferdinand at the Trolley Car Diner, Phila. FREE Nature Play at Morris Arboretum, Phila. Kids can make fairy houses and explore in the dirt and trees. $$$ Peach Festival at Linvilla Orchards, Media. See “Town & County,” p. 25. FREE Peach Festival at Woodford Mansion, Phila. See “Town & County,” p. 25. FREE
7 Tuesday
Morning Bird Walk at Norristown Farm Park, E. Norriton. FREE
8 Wednesday
Movies in the Park: Ferris Beuller’s Day Off at Cedar Grove Park, Whitemarsh Twp. FREE Outdoor Movie Series: The Parent Trap at FringeArts, Phila. FREE
Peachy Fun Day at the Market at DelVal, Doylestown. See “Town & County,” p. 25. $
World Wonders: StoryUP! at the Penn Museum, Phila. Improv actors present a show based on suggestions from kids in the audience. $$$
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim. Themed “Children’s Fantasy,” festivities include a treasure hunt and meet-and-greets with a king. $$$$
Makin' Music performs at Highland Orchards, West Chester. $
5 Sunday
Schuylkill Banks Movie Night: Silver Linings Playbook at the Walnut Street Bridge, Phila. FREE
2nd Street Festival along N. 2nd St., Phila. See “Fab Freebie,” p. 23. FREE ACANA African Festival on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Phila. Enjoy performances by musicians and dance troupes from around the African continent, as well as food and shopping for traditional and modern crafts. FREE Bank of America Museums on Us, Phila. See Aug. 4. FREE Colonial Storytime at the William Brinton 1704 House, West Chester, $ First Sunday at Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, Phila. Learn about Japan’s culture, history and art. FREE
9 Thursday
Screenings Under the Stars: Black Panther on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Phila. FREE
10 Friday
Moonlight Movies in Mt. Airy: Black Panther at New Covenant Campus, Phila. FREE Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Phila Playscape Playdate: Dig, build and make art alongside your child in an all-natural play area. FREE Shooting Stars and S'mores: See “Fan of,” below. $$$
11 Saturday
First Sunday Family Day: Story Sharing at the Barnes Foundation, Phila. Make a journal, use a typewriter, brainstorm poetry prompts and watch a performance by a Cambodian dance troupe. FREE
Bug Fest at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Explore creepy-crawly insects from around the globe, chat with scientists, view specimens from the museum’s collection and get your face painted. $$$
First Sunday for Families: Wonderful Nature at the Brandywine River Museum of Art, Chadds Ford. Make creatures and plants, meet animals from the Brandywine Zoo and discover specimens from the Delaware Museum of Natural History. FREE
Family Art Workshop: Paint the Town at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Phila. Paint a modern canvas. $$$$
Knee Deep in the Creek at Norristown Farm Park, E. Norriton. Search for insects, fish, frogs, turtles and salamanders. FREE Peachy Fun Day at the Market at DelVal, Doylestown. See “Town & County,” p. 25. $ Play Without Boundaries at the Please Touch Museum, Phila. Kids with developmental and/or learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum enjoy the venue in a modified environment. FREE Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim. See Aug. 4. $$$$
6 Monday
Ladybug Beetles Program at Norristown Farm Park, E. Norriton. Learn about the insect’s life cycle and habitat. $
Kids Who Race Day at Mercer Museum, Doylestown. Meet kid racers from area groups (think pinewood and soapbox racing) and join themed activities. $$$ Jazz at the Strazz at the Strasburg Rail Road, Ronks. Watch groups perform 1920s-era jazz, $$$$ Peach Festival at Peddler’s Village, New Hope. See “Town & County,” p. 25. FREE Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim. Themed “World Carnival,” festivities include carnival mask making and international performances. $$$$ S'mores and More at the Riverbend Environmental Education Center, Gladwyne. See “Fan of,” below. $ Historic Timeline at the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation, Newtown Square. Journey through 300 years of American history, from early settlers to the Civil War to WWII. $$
Fan of . . . S’mores
National S’mores Day is Aug. 10! Philly’s Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education celebrates during Shooting Stars and S’mores, where families search for constellations, planets and stars and gather around a campfire to enjoy the summertime treat. Visit the Riverbend Environmental Education Center in Gladwyne the following day for S’mores and More, featuring a campfire and nature exploration. 24 MetroKids.com
AUGUST 2018
Town & County:
Family Fun
12 Sunday
17 Friday
Bug Fest at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. See Aug. 11. $$$
Harlem Globetrotters at the Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood, NJ. $$$$
Community Conservation Celebration at Silver Lake Nature Center, Bristol. Walk the trails, meet animals, play games and learn about local environmental organizations. FREE
Kidchella Music Festival at Smith Memorial Playground, Phila. Red Yarn and Vered & the Babes are set to take the stage. $$
Dog Days of Summer at Franklin Square, Phila. Bring the family pup for pet portraits, sprinklers and shallow pools. FREE Historic Timeline at the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation, Newtown Square. See Aug. 11. $$ Peach Festival at Peddler’s Village, New Hope. See “Town & County,” right. FREE PECO Family Jams: Rock Figures at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Phila. Make figures using river rocks and sticky tack. $$ Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim. See Aug. 11. $$$$
14 Tuesday
World's Fair of Money at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. See $1 billion in rare coins and colorful currency, plus kids’ activities and educational seminars. $$
15 Wednesday
Harlem Globetrotters at the Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood, NJ. $$$$ Spiders: The Original Web Designers at Norristown Farm Park, E. Norriton. Search for spiders, then make a craft. $ World's Fair of Money at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. See Aug. 14. $$ World Wonders: Egyptian Mummy Makers at the Penn Museum, Phila. Explore the mummification process through each step using fabricated, lifelike mummies. $$$
16 Thursday
Movies in the Park: Coco at Oxford Memorial Park, Oxford. FREE Nature Play Day at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, New Hope. $ World's Fair of Money at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. See Aug. 14. $$
18 Saturday
Country Fest at the Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown. Don your cowboy hat for a day of themed activities. $$$ Festival of India on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Phila. Celebrate India’s Independence Day with art, music, dance and food. FREE Grow Up Great at the Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza, Phila. Kids are introduced to jazz and musical theatre. FREE Harlem Globetrotters at the Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood, NJ. $$$$ Moonlight Movies in Mt. Airy: The Princess and the Frog at Trolley Car Diner, Phila. FREE Peach Festival and Silent Auction at Emmanuel EC Church, See "Town & County," right. FREE Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim. Themed “Celtic Weekend,” festivities include a Scotch egg-eating contest, games and a kids-in-kilts competition. $$$$ Pirate Day at Fort Mifflin, Phila. While pirates and sailors storm the fort, families join musket drills and scavenger hunts. $$
19 Sunday
Children’s Summer Reading Program at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, New Hope. Make a nature craft following the story. $$
Caribbean Festival on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Phila. Activities include a marketplace, music and workshops. FREE
Harlem Globetrotters at the Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood, NJ. $$$$
Family Sports Day at Franklin Square, Phila. Get active with football-inspired activities. FREE
Out on the Town Summer Movie Night: Little Rascals at the King of Prussia Town Center, King of Prussia. FREE
Nature Scavenger Hunt at Lorimer Park, Huntingdon Valley. FREE
Screenings Under the Stars: A Wrinkle in Time on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Phila. FREE Springhouse Storytime at Newlin Grist Mill, Glen Mills. Kids enjoy stories, songs, games and crafts themed to ice cream. $$ World's Fair of Money at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. See Aug. 14. $$
AUGUST 2018
Peach Celebrations
While we’re highlighting family-friendly farmers markets on p. 20, did you know it’s National Peach Month? Celebrate during these fruity festivities. BUCKS COUNTY Get your fruit fix during the Market at DelVal’s Peachy Fun Days, Aug. 4 & 5, in Doylestown. Visitors hitch a wagon ride to the orchard for U-pick peaches, then play lawn games and hop in the moonbounce. On Aug. 11 & 12, head to New Hope’s Peddler’s Village, where the Peach Festival features a sidewalk sale and plenty of treats. DELAWARE COUNTY Media’s Linvilla Orchards pairs pick-your-own crops with hayrides, face painting, fishing, pony rides, games, strolling costumed characters, train rides and music during the Peach Festival, Aug. 4. MONTGOMERY COUNTY A craft fair, games, a bake sale and food & drink vendors are all part of the fun Aug. 18 at Emmanuel EC Church’s Peach Festival and Silent Auction in Hatfield. PHILADELPHIA Woodford Mansion hosts its Peach Festival on Aug. 4, complete with food, games, live music, open-beehive displays and tours.
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim. See Aug. 18. $$$$
20 Monday
Toddler Time at the American Swedish Historical Museum, Phila. Little ones partake in stories, activities and social interaction. $
MetroKids.com 25
21 Tuesday
Community Night at the Franklin Institute, Phila. FREE Stories Under the Trees at Mercer Museum, Doylestown. FREE
23 Thursday
Schuylkill Banks Movie night: Jurassic Park at the Walnut Street Bridge, Phila. FREE Screenings Under the Stars: Coco on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Phila. FREE
24 Friday
Friday Night at the Movies: Coco at Franklin Square, Phila. FREE
25 Saturday
Community Day at Lansdowne Farmers Market, Lansdowne. Expect extra vendors and kids’ activities. FREE
PERFORMANCES
Ekenywa Walk for Water at Tyler State Park, Newtown. The race, which also features a kids’ run and family activities, aims to raise funds to provide clean water for those in need. $$$$
42nd Street at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, Drexel Hill. Through Aug. 4. $$$
Fun in the 1900's History Center at Pennypacker Mills, Schwenksville. Discover what life was like for “breaker boys” in the coal mines by sorting and sizing coal. $ Newlin Grist Mill, Glen Mills. FREE History at Work: Staff and volunteers demonstrate paper marbling and discuss how it works. Pop-Up Naturalist: Learn about streams via interactive demos and crafts. Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim. Themed “Myths and Legends,” festivities include the Battle of Badon and a Parade of Hounds. $$$$
26 Sunday
Damsels and Dragons at Norristown Farm Park, E. Norriton. Explore dragonflies’ life cycle and behavior, then identify different species. FREE Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim. See Aug. 25. $$$$
30 Thursday
Screenings Under the Stars: Despicable Me 3 on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Phila. FREE
A Year with Frog and Toad (pictured) at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, Drexel Hill. Aug. 1-3 $$$ Regards to Broadway at the Beth Chaim Reform Congregation, Malvern. Performed by the Schmata Productions Community Youth Theater. Aug. 10. FREE Alice in Wonderland at the Players Club of Swarthmore, Swarthmore. Aug. 11-19. $$ Down with the Crown at Holman Field, Phila. Performed by Yes! And … Collaborative Arts. Aug. 22-24. $
31 Friday
Family Movie Night: Peter Rabbit at Bartram’s Garden, Phila. FREE Pop-Up Storytime at the Market at DelVal, Doylestown. FREE Schuylkill Banks Movie Night: Black Panther at the Gray’s Ferry Crescent, Phila. FREE
Log on to MetroKids.com/familyfun for more information, including address, phone number, time & website.
FIND US ONLINE .com 26 MetroKids.com
smart. local. parenting. AUGUST 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.
MULTIPLE SITES
SWARTHMORE/MEDIA, DELAWARE COUNTY
FEDERATION EARLY LEARNING SERVICES (FELS) 10700 Jamison Ave., Phila., PA 215-676-7550 • Ages: 6 wks. – 12 yrs. • Hours: 6am – 6pm Buerger Early Learning Center: 619 N. Broad St., Phila.; 267-535-2643 Kehillah Early Learning Center: 2 Chester Rd., Wallingford; 610-872-0400 Kol Ami Early Learning Center: 8201 High School Rd., Elkins Park; 215-635-4180 K’tonton Early Learning Center: 715 Paxon Hollow Rd., Broomall; 610-325-4831 Ohev Shalom Early Learning Center: 944 Second Street Pk., Richboro; 215-322-9595 Lassin Early Learning Center: 10800 Jamison Ave., Phila.; 215-677-7191 Lokoff Early Learning Center: 1920 Skippack Pk., Blue Bell; 215-643-0110 Gutman Early Learning Center: 7500 West Ave., Melrose Park; 215-635-5570 Paley Early Learning Center: 2199 Strahle St., Phila.; 215-725-8930 105 years of experience providing high-quality programs for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years from diverse economic, religious and racial backgrounds. Built on a foundation of Jewish values - NAEYC & Keystone Stars accredited. AY, FY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS*, NAEYC
SCHOOL IN ROSE VALLEY, THE 20 School Ln., Rose Valley, PA • 610-566-1088 TheSchoolinRoseValley.org • Ages: Preschool-Grade 6 • Hours: 7:30am-6pm With over 80 years of experience, The School in Rose Valley offers a progressive, Preschool – 6th Grade program committed to the development of the whole child. Full and part time enrollment options are available for Preschool and Kindergarten students. Weekly special subjects include Woodshop, Spanish, Science, Art, Music and Sports. SRV is located on a beautiful 9.5 acre campus just minutes from Media, PA. AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, TP, PAIS
HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE DAY SCHOOL, INC. 520 Bethlehem Pike, Ft. Washington, PA 215-654-9955 • HeyDiddleDiddleDaySchool.net LITTLE DIDDLE PRESCHOOL 440 Bethlehem Pike, Ft. Washington, PA 215-565-5866 • LittleDiddlePreschool.net • Ages: 6 wks.-PreK • Hours: 7am-6pm Our school offers full-day programs. Our staff members are well-educated and experienced which enables us to give the students an educational program in a caring, nurturing environment. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS, DE
BUCKS COUNTY BRIGHT BEGINNERS ACADEMY 800 Clarmont Ave., Suite A, Bensalem, PA 19020 • 267-5207200 Brightbeginnersacademy.com • Ages: 6 wks. to 6 yrs. • Hours: 6:45am - 6pm Our preschool is designed to meet the needs of every child in a developmentally inclusive setting. Our program encourages progress at a child’s own pace and according to individual needs and abilities. Play-based learning centers for math, science, dramatic play, blocks, music, creative art and technology provide opportunities to balance and stimulate both shared and independent learning experiences. Private pay and subsidized funding accepted, infant and toddler care available. Parent volunteer opportunities available. FY, AY, SP, DA, SN, DHS*, DE TREVOSE DAY SCHOOL / NESHAMINY MONTESSORI 4951 Central Ave., Trevose, PA 19053 215–355-4373 • trevosedayschool.org • neshaminymontessori.org • Ages: 2.5-10 yrs. Hours: 7am-6pm Established in 1970, our programs excel at offering state-of-the-art education in a community-minded environment. We combine interactive technology, the visual and performing arts and scientific exploration with a sustainable hands-on approach that values our planet and nurtures curiosity. Our teachers are Pennsylvania Certified Early Childhood and Elementary Education Teachers. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, TP, SN, AMS
BUCKS COUNTY KIMBERTON WALDORF SCHOOL 410 W. Seven Stars Rd. Kimberton, PA 610-933-3635 • Ages: PreK- 12th grade • Hours: 8am-3:15pm At Kimberton Waldorf School, learning is a process of discovery that engages the whole human being. Instead of passively receiving information, our students are involved in a dynamic process of exploration and experience, both of the world and of themselves. Emphasis on the breadth of skills and opportunities that we value in childhood and in adulthood provides a reminder that education needs to be designed to produce holistically developed learners who are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of life in the 21st century. We develop analytical thinkers with imaginative minds capable of producing life-changing ideas. Our students build capacities and skills of creativity, resourcefulness, collaboration, perseverance, integrity, and ethical understanding. How we teach this matters. Every aspect of Waldorf education is intentional and planned. Why we teach this way matters. At each stage of child development, students are challenged, capacities are built, foundations are set, and opportunities are given. When we teach things matters.
MAIN LINE, DELAWARE COUNTY FRIENDS SCHOOL HAVERFORD 851 Buck Lane, Haverford, PA 19041 • 610-642-2334 Friendshaverford.org • Ages: Nursery through 8th Grade • Hours: 8:00am - 2:45pm Friends School Haverford, a co-ed Quaker school, promotes academic scholarship, creativity, respect, integrity, and self-awareness with a commitment to creating a culture and kindness. Our unique hands-on, minds-on curriculum encourages and celebrates curiosity, imagination, and exploration. Offering a full-day kindergarten program with full- and half-day nursery school, preschool, and pre-k options. AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, PAIS
AUGUST 2018
LIGHTBRIDGE ACADEMY OF GARNET VALLEY 1363 Naamans Creek Rd., Garnet Valley, PA 610-364-2000 • lightbridgeacademy.com/locations/Garnet-Valley-PA Ages: 6 wks. – 5 yrs. • Hours: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm Lightbridge Academy provides a high-quality educational program along with nurturing care while also supporting the needs of busy parents. Our state-ofthe-art facility offers innovative technology. Working families love the extended hours of 6:30 am-6:30 pm. AY, SP, BS, AS, SN, TP, MP, DA, DHS*
JENKINTOWN, MONTGOMERY COUNTY ABINGTON FRIENDS 575 Washington Ln., Jenkintown, PA 215-886-4350 • AbingtonFriends.net • Ages: 3 yrs.-K Hours: 8am-3pm w/ an extended-day option Our lower school early childhood program values and preserves childhood, building on the excitement and curiosity that children bring to their first school experience. Located on our beautiful 50-acre campus, our emergent curriculum program is designed to support your child’s developing independence. AY, SP, BS, AS, DHS, DE, NAEYC, PAIS
LAFAYETTE HILL, MONTGOMERY COUNTY MIQUON SCHOOL, THE 2025 Harts Lane, Conshohocken, PA 610-828-1231 • Miquon.org • Ages: 3 yrs.-12 yrs. • Hours: 8:30am-3pm Located on a majestic 10-acre wooded campus in Whitemarsh Township, Miquon is minutes away from Chestnut Hill and Roxborough. The Miquon School was founded on the tenets of Progressive Education with a focus on preserving childhood. Our Nursery program offers full-day, 3-day, 4-day schedules and includes art, music, science, physical education and library. Miquon teachers provide a positive and nurturing environment for children to learn through play while meeting their social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs. Snacks provided. AY, SP, BS, AS, PAIS
MAIN LINE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY BALA HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL 27 Conshohocken State Rd., Bala Cynwyd, PA 610-664-6767 • BalaHouse.org • Ages: 3 yrs.-6 yrs. • Hours: 8am-6pm Mixed-age classes, for ages 3 - 6 yrs., are led by sensitive, nurturing and highly qualified teachers who offer gentle guidance in an atmosphere of freedom, warmth and trust. Flexible schedules, convenient hours (7:45am to 5:45pm) and two-, three-, four-day afternoon class options are available. Art, music, gymnastics, kindergarten Spanish classes, extended care, summer camp round out our program. Some tuition assistance is available. Embracing diversity since 1969. AY, SP, DHS, DE CHILDREN’S SCHOOL AT ST. JOHN’S, THE 404 Levering Mill Rd., Bala Cynwyd, PA 610-664-4588 • Childrens-school.org • Ages: 3 mos.-K • Hours: 7am-6pm We offer a warm and creative learning environment where everyone has a “hands on” approach to learning. Our developmental approach includes music, Spanish and Tumbling Tots, Pre-K follows the Letter People Curriculum and Handwriting without Tears. Subsidized funding from the state accepted. 4-star facility with Keystone Stars. FY, SP, BS, AS, SN, DHS, DE, NAEYC
FRENCH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PHILADELPHIA 150 N. Highland Ave., Bala Cynwyd, PA • 610-667-1284 frenchschoolphila.org • Ages: 3 yrs.-Grade 8 • Hours: 7:30am-6pm The French International School of Philadelphia offers a French/English bilingual program from preschool through grade 8. Our non-French speaking students develop their verbal skills in French in the younger grades as they engage in developmentally appropriate activities. New students with no prior knowledge of French are admitted at the age of 3, 4 or 5. Extended care is provided starting at 7:30am and until 6pm. Accredited by the Middle States Association and the French Department of Education. AY, AS, BS, SP, MP, DHS, MOSES
.com MetroKids.com 27
Child Care & Early Education Directory THE HAVERFORD SCHOOL 450 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, PA 19041 610-642-3020 • www.haverford.org • Ages: PreK-12 Extraordinary educators prepare boys to be future-ready in a supportive learning environment designed to bring out the best in each student. Haverford strives to develop a well-balanced boy who is a high academic performer, socially and emotionally aware, and a good citizen of the School and community. Financial aid available. SP ROBERT J. WILF PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd. Wynnewood, PA 19096 610-896-7770 x118 • phillyjcc.com • Ages: 4 wks.-K2 • Hours: 8am-6pm A nurturing, child-centered environment for infants-kindergarten including gym classes, music, dance and more. We honor the uniqueness of each child, celebrating individual potential, and helping children question and discover. Teachers help children reach milestones necessary for healthy growth/ wellness. Tuition includes a family membership to the JCC. Families of all faiths welcome. Accredited by PA State Board of Private Schools. AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS* TEMPLE BETH HILLEL – BETH EL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 1001 Remington Rd., Wynnewood, PA • 610-649-2277 Tabber.org • Ages: 3 mos.-Kindergarten • Hours: 9am-3pm Programs for children 3 months to kindergarten. Working families love the 7:30am Early Care and 6:00pm Late Care. Special needs children welcome! AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DHS, DE WALDRON MERCY ACADEMY 513 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station, PA 19066 610-664-9847 • www.waldronmercy.org Ages: 3 yrs.-grade 8 • Hours: 8:15am-3pm Waldron Mercy Academy is a co-educational age 3 to grade 8 independent Catholic school, offering an innovative curriculum integrating academics, technology, arts, athletics and service, with a commitment to Mercy and service. WMA offers a Child Care Center and Montessori or PreSchool tracks. FY, AY, AS, BS, DA, DHS* THE WETHERILL SCHOOL 1321 Beaumont Dr., Gladwyne, PA 610-649-2299 • Wetherillschool.org Ages 2.7 yrs.-5 yrs. • Hours: 8:15am-3pm Seeks to create a warm, secure, first-school experience where the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child is carefully nurtured. Curriculum based on Montessori, Piaget, Reggio Emilia schools. Classroom teachers supported by specialists in Music, Spanish, Creative Movement. Full or half-day Kindergarten. Licensed by State Board of Private Academic schools. AY, SP, BS, DE
WILLOW GROVE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY KIDSPARK 23 Easton Rd. (Entrance on Davisville Rd.), Willow Grove, PA 215-657-KIDS (5437) • KidsPark.com • Ages: 18 mos.-12 yrs. Hours: Mon-Thu 7am-10pm; Fri 7am-12pm; Sat 10am-12pm; Sun 1pm-6pm A family favorite for over 20 years! Hourly drop-in childcare for ages 18 months-12 yrs old. Morning Preschool, birthday parties on the weekend. Arts & crafts, games, indoor climbing structure, music & stories. Days, evenings, weekends, attend meetings, run errands, exercise... while your children are safe and having fun. We accept CCIS. FY, SP, MP, AS, DA, SN, DHS, BS
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CENTER CITY/SOCIETY HILL, PHILADELPHIA COUNTY BUSY BEES LEARNING CENTER INC. 601 Walnut St., #LL-25, Phila., PA 215-733-9271, 866-Be-Busy7 toll free • BusyBeesChildcare.com Ages: 6 wks.-5 yrs. • Hours: 7:30am-6pm ”What’s important to your family is just as important to ours.” A family owned and operated homey and contemporary facility in the spectacular Curtis Center overlooking Independence Park. We have a family room for nursing and visits, multicultural activities with focus on Spanish, Montessori philosophy, Parents as Partners Program, mature professional staff. Online classroom observation at Guardiancam.com. Snacks provided. FY, MP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DHS EARLY CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENTS 762 South Broad St. Phila., PA 19146 215-844-0178 • www.ecedesigns.com • Ages: 3-12 yrs. • Hours: 6:30am-6pm EARLY CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENTS provides a bilingual, multicultural program where children learn and develop socially and emotionally. Head start, pre-school and after-school programs are provided for children ages 3-12. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, TP, DHS* SOCIETY HILL SYNAGOGUE 418 Spruce Street Phila., PA 19106 • 215-922-6590 www.societyhillsynagogue.org • Ages: 2-5 yrs. • Hours: 7:45am-6pm We provide the best care for your child! Small class sizes provide a warm, nurturing classroom environment. Our goal is to get your child excited about learning! Age-appropriate curriculum with emphasis on play, socialization skills, as well as rich exposure to Jewish values. We are flexible to the needs of our families! Full-day service. AY, SP, BS/AS, DA, SN THE CHILDREN’S HOUSE OF PHILADELPHIA MONTESSORI SCHOOL 2611 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 215-570-0757 • www.phillychildrenshouse.com • Ages: 2.5-5 yrs. Full day and half day programs available for our Primary and Toddler programs. Primary Program: morning Montessori program includes lunch,& group play. Toddler Program: explore age appropriate Montessori materials with a Montessori trained teacher. Extended Day: after-school snack followed by Montessori-inspired playgroup: build, cook, paint, etc. before going outdoors for dismissal. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, NAYEC, AMS
CHESTNUT HILL/MT. AIRY, PHILADELPHIA COUNTY HOUSE AT POOH CORNER/CHILD’S CONCEPTIONS, INC. 311 E. Walnut Lane, Phila., PA • 215-843-0815 HouseAtPoohCornerDaycare.com • Ages: 3 mos.-6 yrs. • Hours: 7:30am-6pm For over 30 years Pooh Corner has been nurturing children’s natural desire to explore by providing a safe, loving and stimulating hands-on learning environment. We are a diverse community serving children ages 3 mos.-6 yrs. All of our teachers have degrees and have been with us between 10-25 years. FY, AY, SP, DA, DHS
What are you looking for?
DAYCARE MetroKids.com/Childcare Follow
Full Day Kindergarten
Music, Art & Laughs!
Taking Applications NOW for
In the Historic Curtis Center 601 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-733-9271
Cameras in our classrooms provide you with online observation of your child’s day!
28 MetroKids.com
What’s So Great About Society Hill Synagogue Playschool? • Small class sizes with experienced & caring staff • A wonderful “first school experience” for children aged 2-5
DRAWINGS, SONGS & SILLINESS
MrDavid.com 610 -239-8177
Our goal is to get your child excited about learning! • Age-appropriate curriculum with emphasis on play, socialization skills, and early-childhood educational activities • Activities: yoga, cooking, science, art, music, field trips, and holiday celebrations
We are flexible to the needs of our families! • 2, 3, 4, or 5 days a week, no potty training requirements. • Full-day options including After-school Arts programs.
School Applications for September 2018 are Available NOW!
• Family Owned & Operated • Mature, Professional Staff • Literacy Based Curriculum • Multicultural Setting
www.busybeeschildcare.com
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Norristown MAGIC MOMENTS Business Area for Children 6:00AM-6:30PM 1920 Marshall street Certified Teachers JeFFersONVIlle, Pa Licensed by the 610-539-7743 Dept of Education
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AUGUST 2018
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
2018-2019 AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 2018
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.
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
MomSpeak
The MomSpeak Roundup
Moms know things. Find out what kind of things at MetroKids.com/MomSpeak where we keep an eye out for the best local parenting blogs and share with you their tips, observations and humor. This month, check out these four. Tips for Visiting Knoebels Lisa Lightner writes for A Day in Our Shoes (ADayinOurShoes.com), which provides support for parents of children with special needs. She is also a lifelong Knoebels fan. “I have been going there ever since I was a toddler, and my (now deceased) grandmother even went there as a child. It’s that kind of place. Even though it’s a 2+ hour trek for us now, we make sure we get there every summer. It’s not that easy to get to, lots of 2-lane roads, but I love that about the place and I’m used to it.” Read Lisa’s tips, built from her many visits, including insights on accessibility, food, rides and toilets without seats.
What to Do with Family Photos of Your Ex? 7 Fun and Safe Outdoor Activities for Babies Katie Chiavarone writes on her blog, Views From a Step Stool, (ViewsFromaStepStool.com), that moms of babies might huddle inside during the summer, but they don’t have to because there are many fun and safe activities to do with your little one. “Babies can’t be in direct sunlight and need lots of breaks for feedings, naps and diaper changes. New moms may be tempted to stay inside all summer, but it doesn’t have to be that way.” See Katie’s really simple, really smart ideas.
Darla DeMorrow of Heart Work Organizing (HeartWorkOrg.com) writes: “I’ve helped many other families deal with their own collections that include an ex-spouse, and I’ve seen the range of emotions that come with photos of ex-family members. The process seems to be complicated by three main factors: • How fresh is the split? • Were there children from the marriage? • Did you part ways amicably? At some point, everyone finds at least one picture that makes them ask, ‘Is there a way to erase him out of the good photos? There’s so much that you can do with Photoshop these days! Ha!’” Cut it up? Toss it out? Photoshop magic? What does Darla say?
5 Great Outdoor Spots for Kids in the City Katie Lockwood, mom, pediatrician and creator of Mommy Call (MommyCallBlog.com), has five outdoor spots in the city that your kids will love. “It is always amazing when city kids have the opportunity to engage with nature in pockets of our urban landscape. (These) are some of my favorite places for city kids to splash in puddles, hunt for bugs, and climb on rocks within Philadelphia.” Are Katie’s favorites new to you?
30 MetroKids.com
AUGUST 2018
MetroKids offers activities, programs, special events, great deals and FREE tickets featured every day a sure cure for Summertime blahs!
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BEAT THE HEAT WITH INDOOR LEGO® FUN NEW!
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METROKIDS READERS GET $10 OFF
Terms/Conditions: Two ways to redeem this offer: 1) For guaranteed entry, book online at LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com under the “buy tickets” tab select “promotional code” and enter the code provided below. 2) Walk-up and present this offer to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia. Offer valid at admissions only when walk-up tickets are available. This offer is only valid on the full price rate and does not include a LEGO collectible. Online reservations strongly encouraged. Copies are not accepted. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offers. This voucher must be surrendered upon arrival. Final interpretation resides with Merlin Entertainments. Code: MetroKids182 Exp: 12/31/2018