Community Preschool for
Hearing Children

About Our Community Preschool Program

The Community Preschool Program at PSD 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 are committed to family-school partnerships and work together in developing and sharing all of PSD's goals for the children enrolled. 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 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. We offer both full-time and part-time programs to meet the needs of today's busy families.

Enrollment and admission decisions are determined through an application process, play date (visit) and a family interview. Children must have a physical examination 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

Students enrolled in our Community Preschool Program are part of the PSD family. Some unique features are:

• Each classroom is staffed with a full-time, fully certified teacher and support from a teacher aide.
• Classes are small (no larger than 15 children) to allow for individual attention and nurturing.
• Fresh air is important to learning and growing! We play outside almost every day-all year.
• Students participate in weekly Art and Physical Education classes under the direction of certified specialists.
• A 16-week Music Program is offered in conjunction with Settlement Music School.
• We take field trips, connected to our learning, around the Philadelphia area.
• We hold family-teacher conferences twice a year to share stories about growth and learning at home and school.
• Our Early Childhood Center has many events for all our families. These include: Open House, Thanksgiving Luncheon, Annual Spring Fling and Arts Festival, and Fun Day, just to name a few!

Please contact us at 215-951-4701 or at ecc@psd.org.