Text Box:   To provide an innovative learning environment for   children whose families      desire a unique school             experience which               incorporates both English and American Sign Language (ASL) as a natural part of the school environment.   To provide interaction          opportunities with peers for Deaf children, hard of      hearing children and hearing children in a unique dual       language environment -- American Sign Language and spoken English -- that is fully accessible for all children.

The Early Childhood Center

at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf

 

Community Preschool Classroom for
Hearing Children

                                                                                                                                         

Our Community Preschool Program

 

Our Community Preschool program is located in our Early Childhood Center, 143 West Coulter Street in Germantown, Philadelphia.

 

Our play-based program is rich in learning, with emphasis on language development and social skills.  We have a true belief in family –school partnerships and work together in developing and sharing goals for the children enrolled with PSD.    The Community Preschool Program is designed for children ages 3-5 who are ready physically, linguistically and socially for an interactive preschool experience. 

 

  We are open Monday through Friday and closely align our schedule with the PSD School Calendar.  We open each day at 7:30 and close at 4:30 p.m.  We offer full time (5 full days) and part time (5 mornings) programs.   

 

  Enrollment and admission decisions are determined through an application process, play date (visit) and a family interview.  Children must have a physical and current immunizations before their first day in our program. 

 

         

 

Goals of our Community Preschool Program

 

·          To provide an innovative learning environment for children whose families desire a unique school experience which incorporates both English and American Sign Language (ASL) as a part of the school environment

·          To provide interaction opportunities with peers for children with hearing loss, including those who are: Deaf, Hard of Hearing or use Cochlear Implants in a unique bilingual language environment.

·          To construct an environment where children laugh, learn and grow through play experiences which help prepare them for entry into Kindergarten in both public and private programs. 

 

Special Features of our Community Preschool Program

  • Our Community Preschool program is a part of our PSD family.  Here are some features which make our program unique:

  • Each classroom is staffed with a full-time, fully certified teacher and a full-time teacher aide. 

  • Our classes are small (no larger than 12 children) to allow for individual attention and nurturing. 

  • Fresh air is important to learning and growing!  We play outside almost every day—all year. 

  • Our students participate in weekly Art and Physical Education classes under the direction of certified specialists.

  • We participate in a 16-week Music Program on the campus of the Settlement Music School.

  • We take field trips, which connect to our learning, all around the Philadelphia area. 

  • We hold family-teacher conferences twice a year to share stories about how your child is growing and learning at home and at school.

  • Our Early Childhood Center has many events for our families.  These include: Open House, Thanksgiving Luncheon,  annual Spring Fling and Arts Festival, and Fun Day, just to name a few!

For more information about the Community Preschool Program or to schedule a visit, please contact:

Damian B. Johnston, Ed.D

Director, The Early Childhood Center

100 West School House Lane

Philadelphia, PA 19144

(215) 951-4701

VP:  (215) 951-4728

Fax:  (215) 951-4704

Email:  ecc@psd.org

 Download PDF Form of our Community Preschool Program Brochure:

        Community Preschool Program Brochure

 Download PDF Form of our Community Preschool Program Application Form (2 parts):

        Community Preschool Program Application Form - Part 1

        Community Preschool Program Application Form - Part 2

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