Family Support Services

Learning is play; play is learning. The Chestnut Street Preschool and Childcare Program is designed to promote the growth of the whole child through developmentally appropriate activities and play. We address all skill areas: Cognitive social emotional language and motor skills develop through meaningful engaging learning experiences that promote self-confidence and school readiness. Parents/guardians interested in enrolling children should contact us by email at fsspreschool@fssinc.org or phone 215-471-3320. Please click here to download a PDF copy of our brochure.

About the Chestnut Street Preschool

Our play-based teaching philosophy at the FSS Chestnut Street Preschool is based on the child’s individual needs and our learning objectives adhere to the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards. The Creative Curriculum and Handwriting Without Tears are the primary curricula used in each classroom with additional educational content developed by teachers and program leadership. Teachers incorporate fun music movement construction and building coloring and multi-sensory activities that help children develop important skills.

The Creative Curriculum is a play-based curriculum with the philosophy that children learn best when they are actively engaged. The curriculum employs a broad range of instructional strategies that are appropriate for children at various developmental levels. It addresses the social and emotional skills that children need to succeed in school as well as literacy math science social studies the arts and technology. Learning is both child-initiated and teacher-directed.

Handwriting Without Tears is a handwriting curriculum that uses fun entertaining and educationally sound methods to teach handwriting to preschool children. It has proven success in making legible and fluent handwriting an easy and automatic skill for all students.

Our Facility has five classrooms plus an indoor gross motor area for physical play and activities a rock climbing wall and various suspended equipment for swinging. The play area is equipped with a variety of balls bikes skates and accessories for playing games. A state of the art outdoor playground with climbing and sliding equipment and space to explore nature is currently in the development phase.

The entire center has cheerfully colored walls and carpeting for comfort and safety. Each classroom is child-friendly and invites exploration. There are centers for specific learning skills as well as cozy areas for snuggling up with books or socializing with friends.

The Staff at FSS’ Chestnut Street Preschool are dedicated highly qualified professionals who love children and understand their developmental needs. Classes are small and have a low teacher/child ratio with three adults in each classroom. Classroom teachers are certified and hold bachelor’s degrees in education. Our classroom assistants meet Child Development Associate (CDA) requirements and classroom aides are high school graduates with specialized training and experience in early childhood practices. Frequent agency-funded trainings enhance the staff’s knowledge of child development and foster new teaching methods that are established as “best practice” in early childhood education.

Children and their families also have access to additional supports offered through other FSS programs at the site. FSS staff members in the Early Intervention Division provide special instruction speech occupational and/or physical therapy for children who are experiencing delays in their development. There is a nurse on staff one day a week to help with health issues and assist families with medical supports they may need.

The Director of Preschool and Early Intervention Services and the Site Director of Preschool and Center-based Early Intervention have on-site offices and are always available to speak with parents.

To Enroll please email fsspreschool@fssinc.org or phone 215-471-3320.

Childcare Services

Available to children enrolled in the Chestnut Street Preschool FSS’ childcare services offer parents a wide variety of choices to extend their preschooler’s day between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

For more information a schedule and pricing please click here to download a PDF copy of our brochure.

Families who qualify for support may research financial aid options through CCIS by contacting the CCIS office (upstairs) or visiting the website www.philadelphiachildcare.org.

Child Ages:

3 years - 5 years

Licenses & Accreditations:

Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare

Vouchers:

This provider accepts vouchers

Preschool:

Yes

Hours of Operation:

7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.