Society Hill Synagogue Playschool

Society Hill Synagogue Playschool is an inclusive child-centered, play-based school for children ages 18 months-5 years old that embraces diversity in religion, ethnicity, race, and family structure. Society Hill Synagogue Playschool is a welcoming, inclusive space for children ages 18 months-5 years old that embraces diversity in religion, ethnicity, race, and family structure. We believe that children learn through play in a safe and nurturing environment. We respect children as individuals and respond to their needs with compassion and dedication. Through planning and observation, our teachers and environment provide stimulating experiences designed to enrich the whole child, including social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and creative development. We relish the opportunities for children to grow, socialize, and flourish in our indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the Paula Kline Learning Center, our historic synagogue building, and the natural environment in the beautiful Society Hill setting. Our teachers are enthusiastic, experienced early childhood educators who love what they do and bring a wide range of skills and artistic talents to the classroom. Almost every staff member has earned their B.A., and several hold Master’s degrees. APPLYING FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR

To schedule a tour of Playschool or get more information about enrolling, please email Lilli Klotz Foster, Assistant Director of Education for Playschool, at [email protected], or call 215-922-6590 x4. The online application for the 2022-2023 school year (September 2022-May 2023) is at https://forms.gle/a4XuE4JeUnuA6X7B9. We encourage families to apply as early as possible, because classes fill up quickly. Many students who are new to Playschool begin prior to their first school year by attending our Playschool Summer Camp (June-August), and our application for the summer will open in February 2022. PLAYSCHOOL OPERATIONS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

After three months of remote learning from March to June 2020, Playschool resumed in-person learning on July 13, 2020. In consultation with our COVID-19 Risk Mitigation and Safety Committee, we implemented an updated, comprehensive health and safety policy. Every staff member at Society Hill Synagogue – Playschool, Hebrew School, custodians, clergy, and office staff – is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as the synagogue requires. Everyone age 2 or older is required to wear a mask, including children and staff, and a daily health screening is conducted in person prior to entry into the school. We have invested significantly in air purification and ventilation systems, PPE, contactless thermometers, contactless hand sanitizer dispensers, and tents and other equipment for even more outdoor activities. Sanitization, always a high priority at the school, was adapted for COVID-19 prevention. THE PLAYSCHOOL CURRICULUM

Our curriculum integrates age-appropriate academics focused on literacy and language acquisition, early math skills, and scientific exploration with free play and early socialization activities indoors and outside in our large courtyard and at local parks, thematic art projects, circle time and singing, and a celebration of Jewish values, holidays, and customs. Our schedule includes ZoomDance classes tied to seasonal themes and beloved stories, Soccer Shots to develop gross motor skills and good sportsmanship, music and drama classes, and a Friday morning Shabbat celebration with singing, dancing, and delicious challah. In addition, our students participate in trips to a variety of local treasures, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, and theatre companies for live shows. A CLOSE COMMUNITY

Playschool’s reputation as a wonderful “first school experience” has made our program popular throughout the city for students of all religious and ethnic backgrounds; indeed, we treasure the diversity of our student population! In addition to our rich academic and social curriculum, we educate our Playschoolers about Jewish values, holidays, and customs and build a strong pluralistic community through programs such as our weekly Friday morning Shabbat celebration, our school-sponsored Shabbat dinners and Havdalah Pajama Parties, and our annual Hanukkah Happening and Purim Carnival. PARENT COOPERATIVE PROGRAM

Our rotating “Parent of the Week” program provides an opportunity for parents, grandparents, or other caregivers to be in the classroom for a day with our students and share in all activities. The “Parent of the Week” sees first-hand what their child’s day is like and gets to know their child’s friends. Every family fulfills its “Parent of the Week” role for three or four days during the year, though we welcome more frequent “Parent of the Week” participation. In accordance with our health and safety policy, the format for “Parent of the Week” is looking different this year. Lead Teachers have reached out to offer ways for parents, grandparents, and/or other caregivers to participate in “Parent of the Week.” This has included safely distanced outdoor gatherings, Zoom read alouds, and pre-recorded video messages. FLEXIBLE ENROLLMENT OPTIONS

The Playschool year spans September through May, and children ages 18-47 months old may attend 3, 4, or 5 days, while Pre-Kindergarten (4-5 years old) class enrollment requires 5-day attendance. We offer daily early care at 7:45 am, classes from 8:30 am-12:30 pm (8:30 am-2:00 pm for Pre-Kindergarten students), afternoon arts until 3:00 pm, and extended care until 6:00 pm. Starting in February every year, families are invited to enroll their children in our fun-filled summer camp, which runs from June through August. DELICIOUS & NUTRITIOUS SNACKS

Our daily snacks include a delicious, nutritious blend of fruit, vegetables, grains, and protein-rich dairy items and hummus. If serving any fruit or vegetable that is listed on the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen,” we are careful to use only organic fruit or vegetables. The yogurt, string cheese, and hummus we provide for snack are also organic.