Lincoln Day Educational Center

Part Time / Full Time : Full Time Part Time

Our History

The Lincoln Day Educational Center Inc. (LDEC) formerly known as Lincoln Day Nursery was actually formed from two independent agencies founded in 1889 and The Lincoln Day Nursery established in 1906.

The Harrison Day Nursery was founded by a group of civic-minded women to provide care for children of white women who had to work to help support the family. The family was charged 5 cents a day and other funding came from donations trust funds and fund-raising activities to help meet nursery expenses. The nursery grew from its original site at 1825 Federal Street. In 1899 a new home was built especially for child care on the northeast corner of 19th & Ellsworth Streets into which the Harrison Day Nursery moved its services.

The Lincoln Day Nursery was originally located at 1706 Bainbridge Street and was sponsored by the Philadelphia Association of Nurseries for the purpose of helping working mothers in the African-Americans community of the Seventh Ward. This was the time period when the Great Migration occurred from the south to the north and the Seventh Ward rapidly became the area where African-Americans Settled. Thus there was a need for child care for African-American families.

Children between the ages of three weeks and ten years of age were accepted and as with the Harrison Day Nursery the families were charged 5 cents per day. Services were provided between 6:30 am and 6:00 pm.

Lincoln Day Nursery absorbed the Harrison Day Nursery and was incorporated in 1907. The nursery was integrated despite the location in a primarily African-American community. The nursery prospered grew and provided day care service in the South Philadelphia area to low income parents. The services and programs have flourished to include social and educational aspects of child care. Consequently the organizations name has been changed to Lincoln Day Educational Center Inc LDEC.

LDEC does not exclude anyone because of race color religion national origin sex disabilities or sexual orientation.

SERVICES/PROGRAMS

Our pre-kindergarten program introduces math science social studies language arts and social skills in a logical sequence to encourage natural learning. Our rich classroom environments encourage children to explore while making friends

Teachers provide small group large group and individualized developmentally appropriate activities.

Foreign language is infused into the daily program allowing our children to learn Spanish and German.

Outdoor activities and indoor play allow each child to interact share and play with their peers. The daily schedule includes a balance of active play and teacher directed activities .The Pre-Kindergarten program is also designed to encourage and develop each childs social intellectual physical and emotional development. Caring and qualified staff nurture each child.

A balanced breakfast lunch and snacks are provided . Afternoon activities vary according to the age group. Walks to the neighborhood library and other places within the community are integrated into the program. Cultural and educational trips designed to enhance learning are also provided.

Parental involvement is encouraged. The Parent Advisory Council provides leadership for parent activities. Our program also has a parent scholar component designed to enhance parenting skills as well as to strengthen the job readiness skills of parents. Additionally the parent scholar program supports the involvement of parents in the daily classroom environment.

There is also a Summer Program during the months of July and August for preschool. Outdoor activities and trips are scheduled to places of interest in the Philadelphia area. Swimming crafts music nature study and active games are a few of the activities included in the program.

Lincoln staff members are supportive of the childrens efforts and attentive to their needs.

The staff includes trained professionals and certified teachers. In addition the staff works with and supports the parents/guardians in helping their child to bridge the gap between the home and school environments.

Nutrition and health are important factors to LDEC staff and administrators. The care is evident in the well-balanced and appealing meals.

All meals served to children under the Child and Adult Care Food Program are served at no separate charge regardless of race color religion national origin sex age sexual orientation or disability. There is no discrimination in admission policies meal service or the use of facilities. Preventive health care is encouraged within each family setting. LDEC requires an annual health screening examination for each child.

Our Board of Directors

The Board members are comprised of parents educators business professionals and community persons. This group is responsible for the management function and direction of the nursery. The Board is committed to the needs of the children parents staff of the nursery and the community at large.

Lincoln Day Educational Center Inc. is a 501©(3) non profit organization. It has been designated a Keystone Star 3 facility by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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Child Ages:

3 weeks - 5 years

Licenses & Accreditations:

Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare

Vouchers:

This provider accepts vouchers

Preschool:

Yes

Hours of Operation:

6:30 am - 6:00 pm.