Why Choose the TCDN Preschool?
TCDN’s preschool program offers children and families a home-like atmosphere, a unique child-centered model of family grouping, an inclusive cooperative spirit, a nutritious food program, access to many community resources, and excellent and committed staff.  Our male and female teachers provide great role models for both boys and girls.

A Convenient Location
Our preschool site is conveniently located within walking distance to the Swarthmore Septa train station, Swarthmore Rutledge School (SRS), and our Swarthmore After School Club (SASC) site, which provides out-of-school time care for children in Kindergarten through 3rd grade who attend The Kids Place or SRS.

An Easy Choice for Busy Parents
We try our hardest to make things easy for busy parents. Children attending the preschool do not need to be toilet trained and we offer an excellent food program.  We are open year-round, and families can choose 10 or 12-month enrollment. We are also open on many days that public schools are closed. See our calendar for more information.

Commitment to Quality
TCDN participates in the Keystone STARS system of continuous quality improvement, and the preschool is currently rated at STAR 2, with the goal to advance to STAR 3 in the 2011-12 school year.

Young Toddler Program (ages 12-24 months): Ducklings
The Young Toddler classroom is staffed with three full time teachers, providing a teacher to student ratio between 1:3 and 1:4 at all times. Families in this classroom receive a Daily Report about their child each day. 

Preschool Program (ages 2-4 years old): Squirrels, Kangaroos, Owls
In the preschool program, family grouping provides a framework where children learn through play in an enriching environment with supportive teachers. Children remain in the same classroom with the same teacher for three years, providing opportunities for growth in a safe and comfortable environment.

Pre-Kindergarten Program: (ages 4-5 years old): Crickets 
Pre-kindergarten age children staying for the afternoon are grouped together from 1:00 PM until closing for play and learning activities appropriate for this age group, and to focus on transition to kindergarten.

Curriculum  The Preschool curriculum focuses on both planned and spontaneous learning activities and guides children to understand and make sense of their world, live cooperatively with others in the group, and foster their individual differences. Each classroom has a daily schedule, which provides a predictable flow for the day and balances active/quiet play, indoor/outdoor play, large/small motor activities, and child/adult-initiated activities. A rest-time is built in at the beginning of the afternoon for children staying the full day.

Enrichment and Activities
Classroom curriculum is enriched with weekly classes in Music, French, and (seasonally) Soccer. Teachers take advantage of our excellent access to community resources (e.g., Scott Arboretum and Swarthmore Town Center), providing the children opportunities for community exploration.  Occasional field trips and visits from special guests are also planned throughout the year.

Food Program  
An on-site cook prepares morning and afternoon snacks and lunch, balancing the nutritional needs of children throughout their day.  Young Toddler families must provide lunch from home, giving parents more control over their child’s food intake and guarding against unknown food allergies at a young age. Other families are welcome to supplement our menu with foods from home for their child. Click here for a sample menu.

For enrollment information, click here or contact us.