Foster and Empower: Early Head Start at Children’s Playhouse Fairhill

Children’s Playhouse Fairhill’s Early Head Start (EHS) provides family-centered services for low-income families with infants and toddlers. Our programs are designed to nurture children’s development and empower parents in their parenting roles while supporting their journey toward self-sufficiency.

Nurturing Growth in Every Area

At Children’s Playhouse, we actively support physical growth through a variety of engaging opportunities designed to develop both gross and fine motor skills. Our spacious and safe environment encourages active play, including running, jumping, climbing, and balancing, which are essential for developing coordination, strength, and stamina. We provide age-appropriate equipment and activities that promote movement and exploration. Furthermore, we understand the crucial link between nutrition and physical development. We offer nutritious meals and snacks that fuel growing bodies and support overall health. We also incorporate activities that enhance fine motor skills, such as puzzles, building blocks, art projects, and manipulating small objects, which are vital for dexterity and future academic tasks. Our daily routines include ample time for both structured and unstructured physical activity, recognizing the importance of movement for healthy development.

Cognitive Growth

We nurture cognitive growth at Children’s Playhouse by creating a stimulating and inquisitive learning environment. We encourage exploration through hands-on activities, open-ended materials, and opportunities for discovery. Our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and foster critical thinking skills. We provide a rich array of learning activities tailored to different developmental stages, including storytelling, dramatic play, science experiments, math games, and literacy experiences. We emphasize process over product, encouraging children to ask questions, problem-solve, and develop their own understanding of the world around them. We introduce concepts in an age-appropriate manner, building a strong foundation for future academic learning. Our educators act as facilitators, guiding children’s learning and encouraging them to think creatively and independently.

Social Growth

Facilitating positive social development is a cornerstone of our approach at Children’s Playhouse. We provide numerous opportunities for interaction with peers in a supportive and collaborative setting. Through both structured and unstructured group activities, children learn essential social skills such as sharing, taking turns, cooperation, communication, and conflict resolution. Our educators model positive social behaviors and guide children in understanding and respecting the perspectives of others. We encourage teamwork and create a sense of community within the classroom. Activities like group projects, dramatic play, and circle time promote empathy, understanding, and the development of meaningful relationships. We believe that building strong social skills is crucial for children’s overall well-being and their ability to navigate the social world successfully.

Emotional Growth

At Children’s Playhouse, we prioritize supporting children’s emotional development through nurturing care and a secure, predictable environment. Our educators create a warm and responsive atmosphere where children feel safe to express their feelings. We provide consistent emotional support, actively listening to children, acknowledging their emotions, and helping them to understand and manage their feelings in healthy ways. We teach children about different emotions, helping them to identify and label how they are feeling and develop empathy for others. We utilize strategies such as storytelling, role-playing, and open discussions to explore emotions and develop coping mechanisms. We believe in fostering self-awareness, self-regulation, and a strong sense of self-esteem, empowering children to navigate their emotional landscape with confidence and resilience.

What We Offer

We provide a comprehensive range of services and support, including:

• Inclusive Environment: Accommodations for Children with Special Needs
• Nutritious Meals: Formula and Family-Style Meals
• Dual Language Learning: Dual Language Immersion Curriculum (English and Spanish)
• Cultural Enrichment: Exposure to Puerto Rican Culture and Heritage
• Qualified Staff: Experienced and Certified Bilingual Staff
• Flexible Hours: Extended Hours Upon Request (7:30 am – 6:30 pm)
• Health & Wellness: Health and Wellness Screenings
• Family Support: Family Access to Supportive Services Such as Affordable Housing, Case Management, and After-School Programs

Our Early Head Start program works with the local community to create a resource-rich environment, offering integrated services and support for both children and their families.

Eligibility and Enrollment

Children’s Playhouse Fairhill’s Early Head Start program serves children aged 4 months to 3 years and their families. To determine eligibility for our free Early Head Start services, please review the Federal Head Start Income Guidelines linked below:

Poverty Guidelines | ASPE