Programs
PreSchool PLUS’s philosophy is based on a vision of young children as strong problem solvers, rather than as empty vessels to be filled. Therefore regular and ongoing life experiences, as practitioners and children “live” together in the center, are the basis for learning. Children learn in a holistic way, and consideration of social-emotional development is primary at the youngest ages and stages of development. Cognitive development is a part of the whole picture and is included in all that we do at PreSchool PLUS.

At PreSchool PLUS we have three mixed-age learning groups:
 Infants/Young Toddlers, Older Toddlers and Big Kids. In each group the primary 
goals of the curriculum are to learn through play, to develop social skills, and to 
promote creative expression, understanding that positive relationships are needed 
for positive growth. We utilize a variety of experiences to accomplish these goals, 
including reading, arts and crafts, music/singing, dancing, dramatic/pretend play, 
blocks, puzzles, and other hands-on activities.  

Each learning group or classroom is headed by two full-time practitioners: a lead 
and an assistant. The lead practitioner in each class either has a degree 
in early childhood education or is currently working on this degree. The 
assistants either hold a CDA or are currently working on this Child Development 
Associate Certification.



All age groups follow the PA Early Learning Standards for children three months through five years of age.
These include the key learning areas of approaches to learning through play (constructing, organizing and applying knowledge); creative thinking and expression; social studies thinking; health, wellness and physical development; cognitive thinking; mathematical thinking and expression; scientific thinking; early literacy foundations; partnerships for learning (families, learning environments and communities) and social and emotional development.


























224 East Gowen Avenue Philadelphia PA 19119
215-248-4455
Infants and Toddlers
Starting in our Infant and Young Toddler Group, our program supports the social and emotional development and creative thinking critical at this early age, along with the development of tactile and sensory skills. We offer a variety of experiences to the children. These experiences range from climbing in indoor and outdoor infant play areas, looking for bugs in the play yard, listening to stories, singing songs, self expression through art, in one on one and/or group interactions with the practitioner.  


Older Toddlers
Children at the age of 2 years, Older Toddlers, will participate in daily preschool curriculum. This will include a variety of activities ranging from arts and crafts projects, games, songs, finger-plays, storytelling, creative dramatics, exercises, science and much more. Some of the projects will be taken home to share with the family and others will be ones that you can ask about. Children’s experiences are posted in each classroom.  

Stories, art projects, music and movement activities, conversation and neighborhood walks engage the active minds and bodies of toddlers all day long. Educational themes include all about me, community helpers, transportation, food and markets, animals and nature. The social-emotional focus throughout the toddler program is on the development of self-identity, healthy self-expression and the independence afforded by beginning mastery of self-care skills.


Big Kids
In the Big Kids room, experiences build on those of the Older Toddlers and include more independent skill building, such as baking cookies and cakes, clearing the table after meals, zipping jackets, etc. Studies have shown that these types of experiences nurture a sense of well-being and belonging in children, and contribute dramatically towards the development of self-esteem.

The preschool curriculum introduces the basic skills and concepts reflected in local and national standards that foster whole child development. Children's books inspire the themes that make learning fun for preschoolers. A project on our bodies and feelings leads to a study of home and family. Exploring friendship includes a look at peaceful problem-solving. Learning about our neighborhood and community extends to a broader awareness of language, culture, and geography world-wide. Children learn scientific method as they observe and research the life cycles of plants and animals. Themes are often born from the interests of the children in the group. The study of each theme integrates literacy, math, science and social studies, with a year-long emphasis on reading and writing skills, while supporting social-emotional development. Through the preschool program's coordinated thematic study and well-planned classroom learning centers, children actively explore and come to new understandings about themselves, their families, their communities and the world. 


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                                      Photos by Throwing Light