Welcome to Friends Child Care Center
Friends Child Care Center was founded in 1978 by American Friends Service Committee, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, within Friends Center.
Responding to its own success and the critical demand for child care in Center City Philadelphia, FCCC opened its doors to families outside of the Friends Center in 1980.
We currently serve 75 children. We strive to reflect the cultural and economic diversity of our urban community. We encourage young children in their ability to be caring, curious, responsible human beings.
Quakerism
There is one story of naming Quakerism that in 1650 George Fox was taken to court to answer for his unorthodox views. While on trial Fox told the judge to, “tremble and quake at the word of the Lord”, and the judge replied, “You are the Quaker, not I”. The term Quaker has become interchangeable with Friend over time.
In the 350 years since, Friends have developed several principles, which they call “testimonies,” which are spiritual and ethical in nature (as opposed to creeds of some other religions), and which offer wisdom and guidance for their daily lives. These “Quaker Testimonies” can be remembered with the acronym of “S.P.I.C.E.S.”
Here they are, in a nutshell:
Simplicity: Quakers strive to embrace a commitment to living simply so that others may simply live. For example, this may entail avoiding excess, living intentionally and with restraint, and living a life true to one’s core beliefs.
Peace: This basic Quaker testimony grows out of the belief of “that of God in every person.” It shows both a positive concern towards living in such as way as to remove the occasion for war, as well as a commitment to non-violence in resolving all matters of interpersonal conflict.
Integrity: To live a balanced and spiritually whole life, it helps to be truly in harmony with oneself and in alignment with one’s beliefs and values. Quakers strive to be faithful and consistent in living their truth, and in “letting their lives speak.”
Community: Our ability to live in accordance with our Divine inspiration is strengthened when we work together, recognize each other’s gifts and needs, and support one another. This ethos of community functions within a family, a school, a neighborhood, a country and the whole world.
Equality: Quakerism maintains that there is “that of God” in each person. Accordingly, we are spiritually equal beings, and each of us is entitled to opportunities to express that divinity in our special ways.
Stewardship: We are responsible for the careful use of the natural world, and for that which has been entrusted to us. Historically, Quakers thought of stewardship in relationship to money and property, but we are increasingly understanding it to encompass care of the earth, too.
Quakers think of life as sacramental and of all persons as being of value. Religion is not just a Sunday ceremony, but is inseparable from everyday living. Quakerism is not a society of saints, but it can contribute to an emphasis on living responsibly, from a place of love, care and respect.
Infants/Young Toddlers
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Mixed age groupings from 3 months to Young Walker
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1:3 staff; child ratio
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On Demand Scheduling for eating, sleeping and programming
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Highly trained & experienced teachers
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Provided daily enrichment activities (tummy time, music, storytime, outdoor activities, sensory motor experiences)
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Daily outdoor play
Older Toddlers
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Mixed Age Groupings 24 months to 3 years
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Play-based environments and enrichment activities
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Self Help Skill Development (Potty training, dressing, independence)
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Social Skills & Self Awareness Development
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Weekly music & dance classes
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Daily outdoor play
Preschoolers
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Weekly dance & music classes
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Excursions to area theaters & museums
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Daily curriculum activities to address key predictive school readiness:
Our Core Focus
FCCC provides an enriching environment of love, security, and community to children between the ages of 3 months and Kindergarten.
Through age appropriate experiences, its children learn respect for others, self-confidence and social skills.
They develop curiosity about the world and learn to appreciate people who are different from them. The children grow emotionally, physically, socially and cognitively.
They build a foundation of competence and confidence that prepares them for everyday situations and, ultimately, for school.
Programs at Friends Child Care Center are based on active learning - providing developmentally appropriate activities that facilitate and enhance social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. Children learn through play and exploration.
We believe that every child has an innate ability to thrive developmentally under the guidance of caring, well-trained adults, and in environments designed to foster children's natural curiosity to figure things out for themselves, ask questions and make discoveries about the world and what interests them.
Quakerism
There is one story of naming Quakerism that in 1650 George Fox was taken to court to answer for his unorthodox views. While on trial Fox told the judge to, “tremble and quake at the word of the Lord”, and the judge replied, “You are the Quaker, not I”. The term Quaker has become interchangeable with Friend over time.
In the 350 years since, Friends have developed several principles, which they call “testimonies,” which are spiritual and ethical in nature (as opposed to creeds of some other religions), and which offer wisdom and guidance for their daily lives. These “Quaker Testimonies” can be remembered with the acronym of “S.P.I.C.E.S.”
Here they are, in a nutshell:
Simplicity: Quakers strive to embrace a commitment to living simply so that others may simply live. For example, this may entail avoiding excess, living intentionally and with restraint, and living a life true to one’s core beliefs.
Peace: This basic Quaker testimony grows out of the belief of “that of God in every person.” It shows both a positive concern towards living in such as way as to remove the occasion for war, as well as a commitment to non-violence in resolving all matters of interpersonal conflict.
Integrity: To live a balanced and spiritually whole life, it helps to be truly in harmony with oneself and in alignment with one’s beliefs and values. Quakers strive to be faithful and consistent in living their truth, and in “letting their lives speak.”
Community: Our ability to live in accordance with our Divine inspiration is strengthened when we work together, recognize each other’s gifts and needs, and support one another. This ethos of community functions within a family, a school, a neighborhood, a country and the whole world.
Equality: Quakerism maintains that there is “that of God” in each person. Accordingly, we are spiritually equal beings, and each of us is entitled to opportunities to express that divinity in our special ways.
Stewardship: We are responsible for the careful use of the natural world, and for that which has been entrusted to us. Historically, Quakers thought of stewardship in relationship to money and property, but we are increasingly understanding it to encompass care of the earth, too.
Quakers think of life as sacramental and of all persons as being of value. Religion is not just a Sunday ceremony, but is inseparable from everyday living. Quakerism is not a society of saints, but it can contribute to an emphasis on living responsibly, from a place of love, care and respect.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Kathleen K
‘FCCC provides a warm and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow. My daughter is so happy with all the activities and fun trips that are planned every day. It is so nice to see the smile on her face when I pick her up at the end of a busy day!’
Kristin S
I would recommend FCCC to anyone! From day one, I have felt comfortable leaving my 3 month old in their very capable and loving hands. It is a testament to the environment at FCCC that so many teachers have been there for so long. My son loves coming to school every day.’
Sarah K
FCCC has given us such a gift by providing such a loving and nurturing environment where our son has absolutely flourished. We could not be happier with our time there – our son literally ran in the front door his 1st day and every day since!’