Welcome to SCH's Early Childhood center
Preschool in Chestnut Hill
At SCH’s Early Childhood Center, we meet children where they are, honoring their unique rhythms, voices, and developmental readiness. Guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, each classroom fosters joyful learning through play, opportunities to connect, and hands-on discovery. We believe that children can learn powerful lessons from one another, and our flexible, responsive approach ensures that each child is both supported and challenged in meaningful ways.
JANET GIOVINAZZO | DIRECTOR OF THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
The early childhood JOURNEY
At SCH’s Early Childhood Center (ECC), we believe the earliest years of a child’s education should be filled with joy, wonder, and connection. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, our play-based program nurtures each child’s curiosity and creativity through hands-on exploration and discovery.
In keeping with Reggio’s view of the environment as a “third teacher,” our children learn in spacious, light-filled classrooms that encourage independence, collaboration, and deep engagement. With immediate access to SCH’s 62-acre campus, including trails, gardens, and the Wissahickon Valley Park, outdoor adventures regularly spark classroom investigations.
Daily life in the ECC centers on social-emotional growth, language development, and collaborative play. Children engage in storytelling, open-ended materials, movement, the arts, and abundant time outdoors, where the natural world becomes both subject and setting for learning.
Willows (18–24 Months)
In the "Willows" classrooms, our youngest learners begin to build trust, independence, and the foundations of joyful school life. The rhythm of the day is predictable and nurturing, with plenty of time for sensory exploration, movement, music, and parallel play. Teachers support early communication, self-help skills, and gentle separation from caregivers with warmth and consistency.
Core Developmental Focus in Willows:
- Separation and routine
- Language modeling and imitation
- Parallel play and early peer awareness
- Gross and fine motor exploration
- Emphasis on independence and routines (handwashing, opening snacks, etc.)
The Willows classroom gave our child the perfect first school experience—gentle, engaging, and full of love.”
ECC Parent
Laurels (2–3 years)
Laurels begin to explore their voices, ideas, and friendships more boldly. With a strong foundation of routines and a rich environment full of open-ended materials, children are invited to explore themes that emerge from their interests. Teachers guide early collaboration, self-expression, and emerging empathy in developmentally responsive ways.
Core Developmental Focus in Laurels:
- Verbal expression and storytelling
- Emotional regulation and naming feelings
- Cooperative play and problem-solving
- Imaginative play and symbolic thinking
- Potty-training routines
We’ve seen such incredible growth in our daughter’s confidence and language since joining the Laurels class. She comes home telling stories and singing songs!"
ECC Parent
Chestnuts (3-4 years)
In the Chestnuts classroom, children begin to think more deeply and engage in longer projects that reflect their questions about the world. Teachers create space for inquiry, emergent literacy, and early numeracy—always through the lens of play and at a pace that matches each child’s developmental readiness.
Core Developmental Focus in Chestnuts:
- Emergent literacy and math in authentic contexts
- Group projects and extended inquiry
- Self-regulation and perspective-taking
- Storytelling, role play, and collaborative work
Our son’s Chestnuts experience prepared him beautifully for Pre-K—not with worksheets, but with real thinking, exploring, and imagining.”
ECC Parent
Junior Pre-K (4+ Years)
Our Junior Pre-K offering is a Chestnuts-level classroom specifically designed for older 3s and young 4s—often those with summer birthdays or those who would benefit from another year in an early childhood setting before entering Pre-K. While still rooted in play, relationships, and Reggio-inspired exploration, this class gently introduces more structured learning experiences when children show readiness.
What Makes Jr. Pre-K Special:
- A bridge year with age-appropriate challenges
- More sustained attention to early literacy and math readiness skills
- Emphasis on leadership, responsibility, and peer modeling
- Flexible pace based on individual child development
Junior Pre-K provides our students with the gift of time; they are ready for Pre-K after this year of education, playful learning, and extra growth.
ECC Chestnut Teacher
A day in the life at ECC
rhythms of the ECC
While each day unfolds in response to children’s interests and energy, ECC classrooms follow a developmentally attuned rhythm that helps children feel safe, curious, and connected.
Sample Daily Flow:
Arrival | Our teachers warmly welcome your child into the classroom for the day. From the moment they arrive, children have opportunities to connect with peers, explore, and play.
Morning Meeting | All classrooms gather for a special community circle time where teachers and children share greetings, songs, and stories.
Exploration Time | Children enjoy ample opportunities for open-ended play, art, and engaging provocations.
Outdoor Learning | We love spending time outside in all seasons! Discoveries in nature often spark classroom projects and investigations.
Snack | Yum! Chef Budd, the SCH chef, provides delicious snacks for us every day.
Project Work or Small Groups | Students spend time in and out of the classroom engaged in project work or small-group learning.
Departmental Classes | All children at the ECC enjoy music, movement, and environmental education—taught by specialists and woven into their regular school day.
Lunch and Rest | Students eat lunch together and then rest to recharge after a busy morning.
Afternoon Play | Open-ended play rounds out the regular school day.
Interested in ECC? VISIT with us!
Meet Kate, director of Early Childhood Center (ECC) and Lower School admissions. She's here to answer your questions as you begin your application process for your student(s) entering the Early Childhood Center. Kate started her career at SCH as a 4th-grade lead teacher and has experience on both the faculty and the admissions sides of SCH Academy.
e: kcaro@sch.org
p: 215-261-6849