Childcare workers and teachers are indeed much more than babysitters. Most have received specific training or education and work in programs that are specifically designed to promote the optimal growth, education and development of young children. Each day we entrust these people with our most precious resource, our future. Below are some of the many options in the Marple community that offer unique approaches to early childhood education.
Hillview Nursery School
Hillview Nursery School is a unique non-profit preschool established as a school community in 1957. Operated by a parent-governed Board of Directors, its mission is to build a strong foundation and love of learning. By presenting an educationally stimulating, safe, nurturing and creative environment, they hope to inspire their students to develop positive social relationships and prepare them for elementary school.
One of Hillview’s many rewarding features is that it’s a cooperative school, which gives parents the opportunity to contribute to the quality of their child’s preschool experiences. From serving on the school board, fundraising activities, classroom enrichment and field trips, there many ways in which families can add value to the school.
Gina Scholz, the current president of Hillview’s parent board explained that this co-op model helps keep costs as low as possible while allowing our parents to enjoy a continual presence in the classroom. “We have a lot of community events that bring our kids together outside of school, which gives them a feeling of belonging,” said Gina. “For parents who are not on the board there are various ways to volunteer and support our students and teachers.”
Gina and her husband said they chose Hillview because of the small community. “We’ve developed so many friendships since my daughter attended a few years ago. She’s now a second grader and still remains close with her Hillview friends. It was also a great opportunity to meet many families who we may not have met otherwise.”
Located at 219 Parkview Drive in Broomall, Hillview Nursery School offers AM classes from two to five days a week for children between two years-seven months and four years old. Children ages four and five who are pre kindergarten can attend afternoon classes four or five days per week. For more information, visit Hillview at HillviewNurserySchool.com.
Miss Annette’s Creative Nursery School
Founded in 1955 by the artist/educator Annette Barnett, this school was based on her perception that there was a growing need for creative choices in early childhood education. The Barnetts purchased the Atwater Kent Farm with a two story barn, a farmhouse and several small buildings. Since 1955
thousands of children have enrolled and shared Miss Annette’s innovative, evolving philosophies of early childhood education.
In 2002 Chrystine, a BSN prepared registered nurse, and her husband Linn Carpenter, who has a Master’s in Early Childhood Education, purchased the school from Annette. Ever since, it has been the Carpenter’s mission to keep the traditions alive that Annette started back in the 1950s. “We’re proud to sustain a traditional nursery school that offers a warm, nurturing environment,” said Chrystine.
Chrystine explained that the reason why many families keep their children there for many years, aside from the environment, is the flexibility they offer. “Our hours are 6am-6pm, but we understand that many professionals have unique schedules and we can work with families for their specific needs.” The school offers a discount to nurses and physicians as well as a generous sibling discount across the board.”
Miss Annette’s offers year-round partial or full-day options for children from birth to six. For 11 weeks this summer, Miss Annette’s will be running a camp that will include various themes and offer a petting zoo, Soccer Shots, bee keeping and more!
Located at 801 Paxon Hollow Road, Miss Annette’s sits on more than an acre of child-friendly space for both indoor and outdoor activities. For more information, visit MissAnnettes.com.
Cornerstone Learning Center
Cornerstone Learning Center (CLC), located at 2275 West Chester Pike in Broomall, is a Christian School and a Ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church that serves children one-five years old. They provide exceptional care and education that every child deserves.
CLC facilitates every child’s growth in all areas of development: social, cognitive, emotional and physical. Their school teaches Christian values while 
nurturing and cherishing every child’s curiosity and creativity. “We have a staff who really love the children,” said Deepa Jeyapaul, administrator for the school. “Our staff understand the importance of communication with the parents. We are one big family.” Visit CornerstoneLoveandLearning.org for more information.
Temple Sholom
The Etta Natalie Rosenblatt Preschool is at Temple Sholom in Broomall (TSB), the only Reform congregation in Delaware County. Their mission is to provide a strong foundation in both Jewish and secular early childhood education in a safe, nurturing environment, where children are free to grow and develop. The preschool also promotes inclusivity by welcoming families from diverse Jewish and other backgrounds and fostering an environment of respect and understanding.
TSB accepts children ages three months through five years of age and offers small class sizes in a nurturing and stimulating environment with a lot of flexibility of class schedules. From stimulating academic lessons to creative arts and music programs, every aspect of the preschool experience is crafted with careful consideration for promoting holistic growth. Weekly specials include music, Israeli dancing, children’s fitness and science exploration. TSB also offers a fun and exciting summer through Camp Menschy.
For the past seven years, Lori-An Penchansky has served as the Early Childhood Director at Temple-Sholom. Lori-An explained that central to the spirit of TSB is the belief in fostering a sense of belonging and community among students, parents and staff alike. “Families are welcomed into a supportive environment where they can actively participate in their child’s educational journey,” she said. For more information about registration, tuition and the various classes they offer, visit Temple-Sholom.org.
Lawrence Park KinderCare
Although not open yet, Lawrence Park KinderCare is a new childcare facility coming soon to our community. Located nationwide, KinderCare programs serve children from six weeks to six years of age. Through a dedicated Education team that builds their own research-based curriculum, they can meet the needs of any little learner. Their classrooms are designed by experts to help prepare children for success in school and beyond.
Kristen Meo, who has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, will serve as the Center Director at Lawrence Park KinderCare, located at 1991 Sproul Rd. For more information, visit KinderCare.com.