Early Childhood Center

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

• What does a typcial day look like for my child?

  • 7:30 - 9:00 am: 
  • 9:00 - 9:30 am: Students and teachers gather for circle/assembly and to have a snack. This time drives the activities for the day.
  • 9:30 - 11:30 am: Students work on projects independently, in small groups or in small groups with teachers. Weather permitting, they may enjoy getting outside during this time for nature exploration.
  • 11:30 am: Clean up and meet to share morning activities. 
  • 12:00 pm: Lunch
  • 12:30 - 1:00: Students clean up, wash hands and prepare to rest. 
  • 1:00 - 3:00 pm: Rest time with music and/or stories. Non-nappers will engage in quiet time activities,
  • 3:00 - 4:00 pm: Slow wake-up and snack. Pick-up begins and students have outdoor time or free play.
  • 4:00 - 6:00 pm: Structured activities, such as “turtle time” and environmental play.

  
  
  

• What is the difference between Reggio Emilia and Montessori?

  
  

  	Reggio Emilia	Montessori
  Education Level	Primarily pre-school and early education.	Primarily pre-school, but can go through middle school, and even high school.
  The Arts	More emphasis on arts, promotes and encourages many different forms of expression.	Less scheduled time for arts.
  Academics	Both schools focus on academics in pre-school.	More emphasis on work over play.
  Projects	Long term and open-ended.	Less emphasis on short-term projects.

• Where is the Early Childhood Center located?

  The ECC is located adjacent to the Wissahickon Inn on the SCH Academy campus off of 501 W. Springfield Avenue. For those who are familiar with the SCH campus, the Center will be located within the Jordan Building (previously home of the Lower School Boys, pre-k through grade 2). The Center has a playground directly off of the building and ample space for the children to play and explore the natural world.

• What is the teacher to child ratio?

  • 18-23 months = 1:4 (one teacher to four children)
  • 24 months to 3 years = 1:5  (one teacher to five children)
  • 3-4 years = 1:7 (one teacher to seven children)

• Is there a half-day option?

  No, but children may be picked up whenever you like.

• Will there be a nurse on duty?

  Yes, there is a nurse on staff from 8 AM to 4 PM for all SCH and ECC students. Teachers are trained with CPR/First Aid certifications.

• Do ECC families have a preferred or fast tracked admissions process to SCH Lower School?

  Yes. SCH will waive the Application Fee and offers an early admissions opportunity for ECC families.

• Is financial aid or a sibling discount offered?

  No. Financial aid is not offered for ECC students and sibling discounts are not offered at this time. 

• What is your policy and the process for potty training?

  We will assist with potty training if a child show interest and indication that they are ready.  We will keep close communication with parents about any indicators suggesting that the child is ready.

• Will ECC classes be co-ed or single sex (per the SCH model)?

  Classes will be co-ed (boys and girls together).

• What types of clearances are required for staff to work at the ECC?

  Early Childhood Center staff must have all the documentation listed below as a condition of employment. This is a compliance requirement for
  the State of Pennsylvania Office of Childhood Development and Early Learning.
  
  For all employees:
  1. A current resume
  2. Two written letters of reference that specifically recommend you for work in child care
  3. Official college transcripts
  4. Copy of diploma (highest earned)
  5. PA Child Abuse History Clearance through the Department of Human Services *
  6. FBI Fingerprinting Clearance through the Department of Human Services*
  7. Criminal Record check less than 60 months old under "Employment" Education*
  8. If an employee has resided outside of PA within the previous five years, they must obtain the following clearances from that state:
       a. A state criminal history check;
       b. State sex offender registry check; and
       c. State child abuse and neglect registry check.
  9. National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) verification
  10. Certificate of Completion of Mandated Reporter Training
  11. Childcare Employee Data Sheet
  12. Child Care Employment Verification Form
  13. Childcare Staff Health Assessment, including TB testing
  14. Signed Disclosure Statement
  15. Certificate of completion of Pediatric CPR and First Aid
  
  For Lead Teachers and Substitute Teachers:
  1. Cert of completion of Health & Safety Basics
  *SCH will accept copies of clearances as long as they were processed