Gwynedd Friends Meeting

Gwynedd Friends Preschool and Kindergarten

For information about Gwynedd Friends Kindergarten and Preschool call 215-699-5392 between 9:00 AM and 11:45 AM Monday through Friday, September through May.

Gwynedd Friends Preschool and Kindergarten is a non-profit preschool under the care of a committee from the Gwynedd Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). The foundation of our preschool is the Quaker belief that there is "that of God" in every person. All aspects of our program touch on that principle. To nurture the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual growth of each child is the aim of Gwynedd Friends Preschool and Kindergarten. In small, carefully supervised groups, the preschool child can develop a sense of his own identity, a respect for others' feelings and a growing awareness of the wider world. By acknowledging the intrinsic worth of every person, children learn mutual respect and trust. We believe in offering the kinds of experiences each child needs for individual growth and development. Our teachers are selected on the basis of their warmth and understanding as well as their professional training and experience.

The preschool and kindergarten programs are connected to the historic Gwynedd Friends Meetinghouse. The children enjoy an unusual playground on the surrounding acreage of lawn, old trees and buildings. Exploring, discovering, describing and interacting are the important work of a preschooler. At Gwynedd, we provide an environment rich in manipulative materials and experiences (art, sand, and water play, small and large construction, puzzles and games) and creative opportunities (music, movement and dance, field trips, experimenting, cooking, a housekeeping corner, puppetry and outdoor play). In all these endeavors, children participate at their own developmental level.

A close association among teachers, children and parents assures a continuing learning process. Parental involvement is encouraged. The preschool brings parents and teachers together at several gatherings during the school year. Scheduled conferences are held with parents once per year.

Enrollment Criteria:

We welcome children of all faiths and races. To be eligible, a child must meet cutoff age by September 15th and be toilet trained.

Transportation:

Parents are urged to form carpools, as transportation is not provided by the Preschool. Class lists are available in September to facilitate these arrangements.

Calendar:

School is in session from the middle of September to the end of May, a total of 32 weeks, Monday through Friday with morning or afternoon sessions.

Registration:

Parents should arrange to observe classes prior to registration. A $100.00 registration fee, applicable to tuition, will be required with the registration application. Upon the child's acceptance into the program, the fee becomes non-refundable.

For further information:

Phone 215-699-5392 during school hours, or 215-884-3460 at other times. You may write the Preschool at Box 142, Gwynedd, PA 19436.

PROGRAMS

THREE YEAR OLDS

Three-day program #1: Monday, Wednesday and Friday Mornings 9 AM until 11:30 AM

Three-day program #2: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, 12:15 PM until 2:45 PM.

Two day program: Tuesday and Thursday mornings: 9 AM until 11:30 AM.

FOUR YEAR OLDS

Five-day program: Monday through Friday 9 AM until 11:30 AM.

Three-day program: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, 12:15 PM until 2:45 PM<

KINDERGARTEN

Monday through Friday, 9 AM until 1 PM. Must be five by September 15th.

PLAY GROUPS

For Children 30-36 months of age, Monday and Wednesday Group or Tuesday and Thursday Group, 9:15 AM until 11:15 AM.

For Children 24-30 months of age, Friday mornings, 9:15 AM until 11:15 AM