Main Line Parent will host the first Early Childhood Education Fair for families with children ages six and Younger on Sunday, February 12 at Young Sports in Wayne!
By Sarah Bond
Whether you’re looking for a summer camp, or fall program, or just the right day care, the Main Line Early Childhood Education Fair is the place to be. Designed specifically for families with young children and who value education and high quality service providers! The event is chock full of everything you need to know to start the schooling process. Learn about the various types of programs our area has to offer — including special needs, gifted, traditional, Montessori, Waldorf, and art/science/music/sport-focused — to discover which one is right for your child. (There’s even a Preschool 101 information seminar, presented by local childcare expert Shannon Choe of Premier Baby Concierge, to help you understand where to start!) Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 12 from 1-4 pm (and February 26 in case of snow!) at Young Sports in Wayne for this essential time-saving event for families of the Main Line and Philadelphia’s western suburbs with children 6 and younger!
Young Sports is located at 133 Sugartown Road, Wayne, PA 19087. Parking will be available in their lot, as well as the adjacent lot across the street.
We’re planning a welcoming and fun atmosphere at this event so families can mingle with the area’s best educational programs, taking off the pressure that sometimes can surround the admissions process. We even have some entertainment and family fun planned for the little ones to create an environment that’s engaging, ensuring you get to introduce yourself to the the right people and can ask questions about their program offerings. Join us for a day of fun and learning — the new premier education fair for the Main Line community.
Your attendance at this fun-filled family event will support an even greater cause: The Joy of Sox, Main Line Parent’s featured charity for Spring. Joy of Sox’s mission is simply to provide socks for the homeless. They fund-raise and collect new socks via sock drives throughout the community in an effort to raise awareness for the homeless. Socks are distributed locally by volunteers directly to the those in need at places like soup kitchens and shelters. Main Line Parent would like to invite you to support this Radnor-based organization by participating in a little sock drive competition between our exhibitors! Rather than selling raffle tickets and calling numbers in the usual raffle fashion, we invite you to enter to win prizes at the exhibitor tables listed below by signing in at their tables and giving them each a pair of socks (NEW kid or adult socks are welcomed).
You mean, I get to meet more than 40 education and camp leaders all focused on the 6-and-under market, WIN gift certificates and PRIZES from said leaders, attend valuable information sessions, AND be entertained? Sign me up!
Comment to Win It Here!
We are also thrilled to offer an online prize to celebrate our Early Childhood Education Fair, brought to you by Main Line Parent staff member Carrie Hill of Carrie Hill Photography: a custom photography session and collection (valuedover ore than $300) including a one-hour photography session with Carrie, private online gallery with 20-30 images from the session from which you can select your favorites, and one 8×10 archival print. We are giving it away to a lucky MLP reader right here! With a touch of whimsy and an ample dose of care, Carrie Hill Photography captures moments with your family that will become treasured works of art for your home. Like Carrie Hill Photography on Facebook.
To enter, comment on this post by Sunday, February 12, 2012, at midnight. Bonus entry for pressing the Facebook LIKE button at the end of this article and sharing this post with your friends (Just leave us a second comment in the thread telling us that you did.) The winner will be chosen using random.org. Be sure to use a frequently checked email address in the appropriate section of the comment form, as the winner will be contacted by email. One entry per household. Delaware Valley region residents only, please.
Schedule for the Main Line Early Education Fair
1:00 Families mingle with exhibitors and enter to win great prizes!
1:30-1:50 Information Session: Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds presented by Main Line Health’s Bryn Mawr Hospital
2:00-2:20 Family Fun Entertainment: Science presentation by Wondergy
2:30-2:50 Information Session: Financial Planning for Families with Young Children presented by New York Life Insurance
3:00-3:20 Family Fun Entertainment: Marionette Puppet Show presented by Kimberton Waldorf School
3:30-3:50 Information Session: Preschool 101 presented by Shannon Choe, Premier Baby Concierge
4:00 Exhibitors pack up and depart.
About Our Sponsors
Kimberton Waldorf School
Kimberton Waldorf School serves approximately 300 children in preschool through 12th grade, and is the second oldest Waldorf school in North America. The first 200 families to attend our event will receive a quality canvas backpack from Kimberton Waldorf School, and if you stop by their table with a pair of socks, you can sign in to enter to win admission for one couple to a seven-Session “Simplicity Parenting” course (value of $250). At 3:00 pm, join their talented staff for a delightful marionette performance of Akimba and the Magic Cow with exquisite handmade puppets and magical scenery to elevate simple storytelling to an art.
Get Your Child's Complimentary Safety Identification Card.
New York Life
Being a leader in the insurance and financial services industry for more than a century and a half means continually striving for improvement, and New York Life’s first priority has always been their policyowners’ financial well-being, making them ”The Company You Keep®.” Throughout our event, New York Life will host a Child Safety & Protection Station at their table, where all children who attend will receive a complimentary Identification Card, complete with photograph and fingerprints (all done electronically). At 2:30 pm their financial experts will present an information seminar on Financial Planning for Families with Young Children. They’re even presenting $10 gift cards to five parents attending. (Hint: Arrive early for this one; we’ve already heard parents getting excited about this seminar on Facebook!)
Main Line Health’s Bryn Mawr Hospital
Bryn Mawr Hospital, a licensed non-profit acute-care teaching hospital, has consistently been at the forefront of medical excellence with state-of-the-art technology and highly trained medical professionals, offering both clinical expertise and compassion. With a dedicated Pediatric Unit and Pediatric ER, they know children should not be treated like adults. Stop by their table to discuss how you can impart healthy habits early and to find out more information about the fun President’s Day event they’re planning for families at the Main Line Health Center in Newtown Square to celebrate their new pediatric sleep program in partnership with Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. And join Kelly Ann Zazyczny, MSN, Nurse Manager, Pediatrics/IV Team, Bryn Mawr Hospital at 1:30 pm for an information seminar on Optimizing Mind and Body Wellness: Mine, Yours, Theirs and Ours.
About CinemaCake
Main Line Parent‘s official filmmakers, CinemaCake takes pride in listening to their client’s needs in order to produce a film that captures events in a powerful and creative way. Their team will be circulating at our event to catch you on camera. Stop by their table to get to know them better and to see how they work. (And just for the record, we LOVE working with them.)
About Young Sports
Our wonderful hosts for this exciting event, Young Sports is a unique and cutting edge sports and movement children’s program designed to 
“develop the lifelong love of physical activity.” They specialize in exceptional services for children 8 months to 11 years via multi- and single-sport classes, enrichment programs for babies and toddlers, holiday and summer camps, as well as birthday parties for those turning 2 up to age 9. Sign in at their table and donate a pair of socks for your chance to win a $150 gift card to use for their classes.
About Wondergy
Main Line Parent would not host a grand event like this without some family fun! So we invited our friends at Wondergy to join us for some CoolScience!At 2:00PM (between our information Seminars( your family can explore how we stay cool in the summer and why we get cold in the winter, while setting water balloons on fire and making instant ice cream with liquid nitrogen. Your kids will see things contract, disappear, and behave in ways that challenge our perception of the world around us. It’s like a magic show, only they will explain how they make the “tricks” happen!
Meet Our Exhibitors And Win!
Rather than selling raffle tickets and calling numbers in the usual raffle fashion, we invite you to enter to win prizes at the exhibitor tables below by signing in at their tables and giving them each a pair of socks (NEW kid or adult socks are welcomed).
The Agnes Irwin School
Agnes Irwin is a PreKindergarten through 12th grade all-girls independent school. Register and sign in at Agnes Irwin’s table with a sock donation for your chance to win one week of a free afternoon Summer Session elective designed for a boy or girl who will be attending Kindergarten in the fall. Kindergarteners can choose from Science and Games, Write Right, Sports Sampler, Zumbatomic®, Krafty Kids, Tumbling, or Let’s Go to the Movies (value of $125).
Like Agnes Irwin on Facebook
Baldwin School
Established in 1888, The Baldwin School is an independent Pre-K through 12 school that develops “thinking girls” into accomplished women. Register and sign in at Baldwin School’s table with a sock donation for your chance to win a reservation for you and your daughter at a Baldwin discovery day: take a dip in Baldwin’s heated pool during a swim lesson with your daughter (April 13), or take her on a virtual trip to China during a Year of the Dragon Mandarin experience in music, culture, and food (April 25).
Like Baldwin School on Facebook
Brain Balance Centers of Wayne
This program is intended for children who suffer from the effects of AD/HD, dyslexia, learning disabilities, processing disorders, PDD, and autistic spectrum disorders. Register and sign in at Brain Balance Centers of Wayne’s table with a sock donation for your chance to win $500 off the Brain Balance Program.
Like Brain Balance Centers of Wayne on Facebook
The Center on Central
The Center on Central offers programs in visual arts (pottery, drawing, cartooning, painting, sketching, art therapy), music (lessons, groups, music therapy), fitness (Zumba®), and more! Weekly classes, workshops, and day camps are all offered. They also host birthday parties and special events. Register and sign in at Center on Central’s table with a sock donation for your chance to win one week of a half day camp (value of $210).
Like Center on Central on Facebook
Charlestown Playhouse, Inc.
Charlestown Playhouse is a parent-cooperative academic preschool and kindergarten with a play-based curriculum emphasizing learning through child-centered play and the importance of social and emotional development. Register and sign in at Charlestown Playhouse, Inc.’s table with a sock donation for your chance to win one week of summer camp (for ages 3-6, camp dates are June 18 – July 13, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm) (value of $225).
Like Charlestown Playhouse, Inc. on Facebook
Creative Clubhouse
A place for children to explore, create, and learn through yoga, science, music, art, and more! Register and sign in at Creative Clubhouse’s table with a sock donation for your chance to win a Family Membership, good for one year of free open studios, classes, party discounts, and more (value of $200).
Like Creative Clubhouse on Facebook
Friends’ Central School
Friends’ Central, a leader in early childhood education, offers a wide range of summer programs to children ages 3 and up. Register and sign in at Friends’ Central School’s table for your chance to win A free week’s enrollment at Friends’ Central Tenderfoot Summer Camp gift basket featuring Friends’ Central apparel (value of $650).
Like Friends’ Central School on Facebook
Haverford School
A boys’ independent day school for grades PreK through 12, Haverford prepares each boy for life through developing his character and his emotional intelligence, as well as his academic, artistic, and athletic talents. Register and sign in at Haverford School’s table for your chance to win a family four pack to see Seussical the Musical April 27th or 28th (value of $50).
Like Haverford School on Facebook
Heritage School
Heritage School is an accredited preschool and kindergarten featuring excellence in early childhood education and a cutting-edge outdoor classroom for all learning styles. Register and sign in at Heritage School’s table for your chance to win a week of Camp Little Bear – June 18-22 (value of $65).
International Montessori Schools
International Montessori Schools strive to teach independence and confidence in children from 3 months through 5th grade. Our mantra “Help me to do it alone” focuses on the Whole Child approach to education allowing for curiosity, self-discovery, exploration and respect for community. Register and sign in at International Montessori School’s table with a sock donation for your chance to win a gift certificate to be used towards camp or fall tuition for all new non-enrolled families (value $100.00).
Like International Montessori Schools on Facebook
Kimberton Waldorf School
Kimberton Waldorf School serves approximately 300 children in preschool through 12th grade and is the second-oldest Waldorf school in North America. Register and sign in at Kimberton Waldorf School’s table for your chance to win admission for one couple to a seven-session “Simplicity Parenting” course: Are we building our families on the four pillars of “too much” – too much stuff, too many choices, too much information, and too fast? Join the slow parenting movement and learn ways to simplify and slow down your home environment, create predictable rhythms that help build family connections, simplify your child’s weekly schedule, and find out the benefits to filtering out the adult world (value of $250).
Like Kimberton Waldorf School on Facebook
Lavner Camps
Lavner Camps offers specialty day camps in sports, technology, and the arts in Bala Cynwyd, Bryn Mawr, and other locations. Register and sign in at Lavner Camps’ table for your chance to win a gift certificate to be used toward camp tuition when a family signs up for one full week (full days) (value of $50).
Like Lavner Camps on Facebook
The Malvern School
The Malvern School offers year-round early childhood educational programs in PA and NJ for infants, toddlers, preschool, pre-kidergarten, and school age children. Register and sign in at Malvern School’s table for your chance to win a basket of children’s books (value of $50).
Like The Malvern School on Facebook
Our Lady of the Assumption Preschool and Kindergarten
OLA is a preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and pre-first grade school where children learn in a safe, nurturing, and loving environment. It only takes a spark to get a fire burning! Register and sign in at Our Lady of the Assumption Preschool and Kindergarten’s table for your chance to win a registration coupon to use toward registration for the 2012/2013 school year or one week of summer camp (value of $100).
Like Our Lady of the Assumption Preschool and Kindergarten on Facebook
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
Riverbend connects children to nature with quality programs for schools, family programs, year-round holiday camps, and Summer Exploration Camp. Register and sign in at Riverbend Environmental Education Center’s table for your chance to win a week of Summer Exploration Camp in July 2012 (value of $350).
Like Riverbend Environmental Education Center on Facebook
Trinity Preschool of Berwyn
Trinity Preschool is an NAEYC-accredited, private part-day preschool. Their mission is to create a lifelong love of learning within the framework of developmentally appropriate practice and intentional teaching. Register and sign in at Trinity Preschool of Berwyn’s table for your chance to win a bucket of learning fun for preschoolers (value of $25).
Like Trinity Preschool of Berwyn on Facebook
Upper Main Line YMCA
The Y strives to enrich children through music, art, nature, and hands-on experiences with their peers in a loving and safe environment. Register and sign in at Upper Main Line YMCA’s table for your chance to win one three-day session of Totally Twos Camp. Totally Twos Camp offers a first time camp experiene to two year olds. Activities include arts and crafts, games, nature, cooking, and movement activities. Camp runs M-W-F, 9:15 am – noon (value of $170).
Like Upper Main Line YMCA on Facebook
Walden School
Founded in 1967, The Walden School is a Montessori-based pre through grade 8 independent school in Media. At Walden, parents find academic excellence in a respectful atmosphere that inspires confidence and celebrates the uniqueness of each child. Register and sign in at The Walden School’s table for your chance to win a gift basket of Walden gear (tote bags, shirts, pens, magnets and a collection of children’s books & games) and a $500 tuition voucher good for the 2012-2013 school year.
Like Walden School on Facebook
Woodlynde School
Woodlynde is one of the oldest, most successful area college prep schools dedicated to students with language-based learning differences (K-12). One of only eight Wilson® Training Partner schools in the country, Woodlynde offers researched-based programs, multi-sensory instruction, a full-range of assistive technology, small classes led by expert teachers, an active student life program, and full-time learning specialists and counselors. Register and sign in at Woodlynde School’s table for your chance to win one week at Woodlynde’s “Fantastic Fiesta” Lower School Summer Program. The program begins on June 25 and runs through July 20 (the raffle is for one week only). The program is geared to students in grades K-5 who want to develop or reinforce strategic skills (value of $550).
Like Woodlynde School on Facebook
Young Sports
Young Sports is a unique and cutting-edge program designed to meet the needs of each age group, giving every child the chance to grow physically and socially while developing movement and sport skills that are appropriate to his or her age level. Register and sign in at Young Sports’s table for your chance to win a gift card to use for their classes (value of $150).
Like Young Sports on Facebook
Happy Family Brands
HAPPYFAMILY is the nation’s leading premium organic baby and toddler food brand. HAPPYFAMILY is the only brand to feature a complete line of infant nutrition – from cereals to snacks – for babies’ growing bodies. They work with noted pediatrician and author Dr. Bob Sears to develop their products and ensure the healthiest formulations possible for babies and toddlers. Register and sign in at Happy Family Brands’s table for your chance to win a raffle basket with three canisters of Happy Bellies Organic Cereal, three canisters of HappyBaby Puffs, eight Happy Baby/Happy Tot Pouches, and nutrition guides for infants and toddlers created by Dr. Sears (value of $90).
Like Happy Family Brands on Facebook
Jen Capone Photography
Jen Capone specialized in fine art portraits taken in the studio or on location. Register and sign in at Jen Capone Photography’s table for your chance to win a photography session with a print credit of $500 (value of $750).
Like Jen Capone Photography on Facebook
PrintArtKids
PrintArtKids transforms your kids’ art and favorite family photos into notepads, note cards, journals, holiday cards, birthday invitations, and other printed treasures! Register and sign in at PrintArtKids’s table for your chance to win a set of eight blank art note cards (value of $25).
Like PrintArtKids on Facebook
Restore Chiropractic
Restore is a group of upper cervical chiropractic specialists who restore health through proper alignment and a healthy nervous system. Register and sign in at Restore Chiropractic’s table for your complimentary posture, balance, and nervous system consultation for children attending the event (value of $170 per person).
Like Restore Chiropractic on Facebook
Just a few more!
We will also have several prestigious schools and educational programs attending our event to provide information about their programs including, but not limited, to Agnes Irwin, The School in Rose Valley, and New Gulph Children’s Center, as well as some excellent sponsors like PNC Investments and ING Financial Partners. Visit our Exhibiting Schools and Programs page for the full list of who you’ll get to meet!
I’ve shared this Education Fair with several moms from my twins group, Mainline Mothers of Multiples. Looking forward to seeing all of the vendors.
Thank you SO MUCH Carrie!
~Sarah
THis fair is such a great idea!
Really looking forward to this!!
wow, this is a great idea! way to go, sarah!
heading over to facebook now, to “like”! keep up the good work!!!
this sounds great! We’ll be there. Also “Liked” on FB.
Looking forward to the MLP Early Childhood Education Fair. Love the incorporation of sock donations, too! Thanks for what looks to be a fantastic afternoon!
Shared on FB, too!
Looking forward to it (as you know!). Sharing of FB too.
This sounds like such a great event. Good luck with it. It would be great to win the photography prize. Carrie’s photos look amazing.
Just liked the page too. Thanks -Jenn
I’d LOVE a new headshot!!
Thanks for commenting, Mel — The winner will get a whole hour with Carrie! (She just redid mine and is so talented at making you laugh and have a good time with it while capturing the light.)
What a great event!
liked on facebook!
Sounds like a great event.
Liked on facebook also.
This sounds great!! We can’t wait to check it out:)
Great idea, hoping to make the event Sunday. Do you have a map showing the location of all of the exhibitors?
Yes! We will have a map ready for all attendees at the check-in table. ~Sarah
this looks awesome! great idea!
Looks like a lot of great vendors. You should check out Creative Clubhouse, they are AWESOME!
Sounds like a great event, thanks!
Would love to win! Sounds like a great event!
Should be a fantastic event!
My sister had such a blast at the mingle last month! She’s excited to do more with Mainline! Thanks Sarah! XOXO
Just posted the Education Fair Event and Photography Giveaway on my facebook page!!
Really looking forward to this, thanks for organizing!
Sounds great!
Great idea & hope I win!!!
i too could use a new business portrait for my website, and would love to work with carrie!
“Liked” it on Facebook, too!
this looks to be a great event…well done Sarah!
This sounds like a FANTASTIC event… and so many great vendors & exhibitors!!
Sounds like a great event
Congrats on the event. i know it will be a success! I would love some professional kid photos. Carrie’s photos are great! My daughters turning one in a week. Where does the time go?!?
Our children are very lucky indeed to have access to the magnificent array of learning opportunities you have represented at the fair…
This looks amazing, all these quality vendors in one place. Great idea!! I plan to attend with my 17 month old granddaughter!