FAQs
PCCH is an inclusive community of learners partnering with families to help children become kind, curious, creative & kindergarten-ready.
Who is PCCH & what is our mission?
We are a traditional play-based preschool. We operate on a school year schedule with a main school day from 9am to 12pm for 3 to 5-year-olds (full-day pre-K is available from 9am to 3pm) and 9am to 11:30am for 2-year-olds.
Our Teachers
Our teachers are educators dedicated to early childhood education. They are also lifelong learners committed to reading and implementing current best practice research into the classroom.
Our Curriculum
Our curriculum is rooted in the belief that social development and learning to be in a group setting away from a parent or primary caregiver is the primary educational goal of preschool.
Essential social and emotional skills for preschoolers include: comfortably separating from a parent, taking turns, using words in conflict situations, attending to a non-preferred task, expanding attention span, following multi-step directions, dressing and toileting independence, playing imaginatively and collaboratively, and transitioning from one activity to another.
In addition to a strong social and emotional foundation, we provide an excellent early academic experience. The teachers in our three, four and five-year-old classes utilize aspects of several curricula to create a balanced and age-appropriate learning experience for their classes.
The most important thing to remember, however, is that we value play and exploratory learning. Our academic content is presented in an engaging and developmentally appropriate way. Your child is likely to tell you that they played all day and that Mercury is the planet closest to the sun all in the same breath.
Do you teach religion? What is the relationship between the Church and the School?
We are a mission, but not a ministry, of the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill. We do not teach religion but there is exposure to many different religious traditions, including Christianity. Classrooms do a non-sectarian blessing before snack.
Where do PCCH Preschool families live?
Our families primarily live in 3 areas: Northwest Philadelphia (Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy, Roxborough, Manyaunk, East Falls), Springfield Township (Wyndmoor, Erdenheim, Flourtown), and Whitemarsh Township (Lafayette Hill, Plymouth Meeting). The average families travels less than 15 minutes to get to us.
What afternoon or auxiliary programming do you offer?
Early Birds is our daily early drop-off option. It opens at 8:00AM and runs to 8:50AM. This is a multiage classroom and families can sign up ahead of time or drop-in any day.
Our Lunch Bunch program is for children who would like to stay for lunch. Lunch Bunch pickup is at 1:00 each day. Children bring their own lunch and on Wednesdays, there is an option to buy pizza.
From 1pm to 3pm, students who are in our preschool and are fully-toilet trained can participate in our Afternoon Adventures program. Two-year-olds can attend Afternoon Adventures on a case-by-case basis and only with the Director’s permission. After lunch, students participate in a 30-minute structured enrichment lesson followed by a 20–30-minute rest period. After the rest period, there in indoor or outdoor play. Afternoon Adventures attendance can be customized for each family. Drop-ins are always welcome.
Where do the preschool's graduates attend kindergarten?
Our students attend a variety of elementary schools. Over the past 5 years, 1/3 have gone to neighborhood public schools, 1/3 to Catholic and other religious schools, and 1/3 to area independent schools. We maintain a close relationship with the admissions directors and principals at our “next step” schools.
Recent graduates are attending the following schools:
Abington Friends School
Enfield Elementary
Germantown Academy
Germantown Friends School
Immaculate Heart of Mary School
Norwood-Fontbonne Academy
Our Mother of Consolation
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
St. Genevieve
School
Whitemarsh Elementary
William Penn Charter School
Do you accept children with disabilities or who receive early intervention services?
When a family with a child with disabilities is interested in our program, we carefully consider whether the child will be successful in our program. This includes reviewing mobility requirements for full participation, the specific nature of the disability and the services that need to be provided. Further, we also want to make sure that our program maximizes the child’s educational goals. After collaboration with the family, we will determine if the child should enroll, if the child should enroll but be accompanied by a 1:1 aide, or if we don’t meet the child’s needs. If your child has disabilities and you think we’re a good fit, please fill out the admissions inquiry and let’s have a conversation.
Are there ways for parents to volunteer in the classroom?
Yes! We love parent volunteers. Teachers may ask for help with a special project or event or a parent may want to volunteer to help prepare a special snack. All classes have “mystery reader” on Fridays.
What special classes do you offer?
Three to five-year-old students who are here 5 days a week will have a music, a movement, and a Spanish class each week.
Community Events
Our Parents’ Committee, the Friends of PCCH, is very active in helping to build our community. They routinely organize events outside of the school day. Past events have included a parent hike in the Wissahickon, parent art night at a local painting studio, and parent night at a brewery. We have family community events too, which include playground meet ups, Valentines making parties, zoo nights, and other fun activities.
At school, we host a Halloween parade, a Thanksgiving mini-celebration, a holiday pageant, Special Friend Day, Donuts with Dad, Muffins with Mom, and Pre-K graduation. We also have a new parent orientation in late August and Back to School night for parents in September.
Ches Pres is a school that unlocks the best aspects of your child by bringing together academics, play and community in a way you would never imagine possible at such a young age. Their commitment to leading with kindness not only helped my children grow academically but fostered a deep sense of social awareness and empathy that is invaluable.
-Mary A.
