Open Arms is part of First Presbyterian's vision of “caring in the city. It is a state-licensed, not-for-profit child care center that provides care for children of ages six months to six years. It operates at First Presbyterian from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. It is closed on various scheduled holidays. (Specifically, the center is in rooms 117 and 120 on the first floor of the church's administrative and educational building and uses additional facilities of the church for recreation.)

Scholarships are available for children whose families cannot pay for all or some of the cost of enrollment.

Philosophy

Because Open Arms views children as precious gifts from God, and families as God's creation, it provides a secure and caring Christian setting to assist parents in the nurture of their children. It also provides programs of Christian love and support for the children, their parents and families, whereby they may come in contact with the saving message of God's love in Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, “Anyone who welcomes a little child in my name is welcoming me; and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming my father who sent me.” (Mark 9:37)

Program

Open Arms blends child care and education. Each day, children are offered a stimulating environment with an array of appropriate learning experiences developed with their ages, abilities and interests in mind. Because young children learn best through play, experiences are planned to encourage their natural curiosity and eagerness to learn.

Open Arms also recognizes each child's needs for personal loving relationships with adults and other children, for intellectual stimulation, and for creative expression. The curriculum specifically addresses growth in these areas and supplements experiences provided by the family.

Open Arms promotes a positive self-esteem by treating each child as an individual.

The focus on Christian education incorporates into the entire program the basic principles of Christianity. In the daily schedule, children will participate in prayer, listen to Bible stories and sing religious songs. All practices are non-denominational.

Staff

The staff is comprised of qualified, warm, responsive individuals. Teachers, assistant teachers and aides have skills, education and experience that meet or exceed Pennsylvania state regulations. All staff members are certified in CPR and first aid and participate in continuing education.

Parents are always welcome at the Center to observe, to play with their children and friends or to share something of themselves with the staff. Teachers will set aside time to discuss children's progress upon request and during regular bi-annual parent-teacher conferences.

For more information, call Rachel Reich (Director) at 394-1471 on weekdays.