Early Childcare Program at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Opening January 2020

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy is excited to announce that they will be opening an Early Childhood Center (ECC) in January 2020.  This is the newest addition to the current Pre-K to grade 12 educational program offered at the school. The Center will be located adjacent to the historic Wissahickon Inn in the Jordan Building (the former home of Lower School Boys).

The Center will offer a warm and stimulating entry into learning for children 18 months to 4 years old. The ECC will follow the internationally recognized and respected Reggio Emilia approach and will be directed by Janet Giovinazzo who has 43 years of experience in education, as an elementary school teacher, student support coordinator and most recently, head of Lower School Boys at SCH. The staff includes teachers who will bring their special talents and years of experience to enrich the lives of our youngest children during these most formative years.

“Our campus is a vibrant, bustling 62-acres of academic excellence.  We can’t wait to add to this program and provide an important service to the greater community,” says Head of School Steve Druggan. “We have already received such positive feedback from our faculty, current families, and local alumni.”

The new early childhood program brings a much-needed childcare option to the community with flexibility for parents who seek 3, 4, or 5-day options during the school year as well as the summer months.  Daily operating hours are Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm with an after care option up until 6:00 pm.  

Highlights of the Reggio approach include child-initiated discovery; experiential learning through touch, movement, listening and observation; engagement with the natural environment, and parent participation.

For more information or questions, please refer to Springside Chestnut Hill Academy’s website or contact the ECC Director Janet Giovinazzo at 215-261-6856 or jgiovinazzo@sch.org.

Photo: SCH’s new Early Childhood Center will be directed by veteran educator Janet Giovinazzo. She is pictured here in her role as former Head of Lower School Boys.