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Open Arms

Program

Open Arms blends childcare and education. Each day, children are offered a stimulating environment with an array of developmentally appropriate learning experiences developed with their age, abilities and interests in mind. Since 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 need for personal loving relationships with adults and other children, for intellectual stimulation and for creative expression. Our curriculum specifically addresses growth in these areas and supplements experiences provided by the family.
    We promote a positive self-esteem by treating each child as an individual.
    Our unique focus on Christian education incorporates the basic principles of Christianity into our entire program. Each day, children participate in prayer, listen to Bible stories and sing religious songs. All practices are non-denominational.

Staff

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

Parents

Parents are always welcome at Open Arms to observe, play with their children and friends or to share of themselves.
    Teachers set aside time to discuss each child's progress upon request. Parent–teacher conferences are held twice a year. Our goal is to work with you to create continuity in your child's life,
    Open Arms' Board of Directors includes a parent representative who is available to any parent who has questions or concerns.
    Open Arms has a parent advisory committee (PAC) for the purpose of suggesting fundraisers, planning special events, discussing issues of concerns, recognizing staff, and advising the director on matters from a parent's perspective. Meetings are scheduled at the convenience of those participating, with at least two weeks notice given to all families. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. The parent representatives to the Open Arms Board of Directors attend the PAC meetings.

Registration

For more information about Open Arms, or to schedule an appointment, please call Rachel Reich (Director) at (717) 394-1471.

Purpose and Philosophy

Open Arms Christian Child Care Center was started in 1985 by Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, whose mission statement asserts the need for "a well rounded program that touches people within and outside our congregation." The Center moved to First Presbyterian Church on Orange Street in 1998.

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

"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