› SPNDS is Hiring: Preschool Teaching Assistant Needed

Swarthmore Presbyterian Nursery Day School (SPNDS) is looking for a part-time teacher assistant for our NAEYC Accredited preschool program. The position is five mornings (8:00 am – 12:30 pm). A teaching assistant works with a head teacher in assuring the general education, well-being, care, safety, and nurturing of the children in our program. The successful candidate will be a collaborative person who enjoys children and is equipped to create an engaging environment where all the students and staff can experience “learning joy” together. A Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate or an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education is required. Additional degrees and/or previous experience working with children are a plus.

SPNDS is an equal opportunity employer and as such all qualified applicants for employment and employees are provided equal employment opportunities, including in recruitment, hiring, and assignment, without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion and religious creed, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or familial status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. SPNDS expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee or student harassment or discrimination. Please send a resume and cover letter to deborah.hansen@swarthmorepres.org if you are interested in applying.

The Friday C.U.P. – Connection, Understanding, Purpose

Friday Mornings / 9:15 – 9:45 am (in the SPC Study)

The Friday C.U.P. – Connection, Understanding, Purpose

Friday Mornings / 9:15 – 9:45 am
in the SPC Study

arents spend so much of their time filling everyone else’s cup. On Friday mornings, take a few minutes to fill your own. Join Rev. Michelle Grunseich, SPC’s Parish Associate for Engagement and Belonging, for coffee, connection, and conversation after morning drop-off. Together, we’ll reflect on the joys and challenges of parenting, explore questions of spirituality and meaning, and share the values we hope to nurture in our children. Each month we’ll focus on a new theme, using simple questions to spark thoughtful discussion and community. No preparation is required. Just bring yourself, enjoy a cup of coffee, and connect with others exploring the deeper side of parenting. Come every week or whenever you can. Everyone is welcome.

Parents, join us for coffee on Fridays after morning drop-off!
Parking is available in the auxiliary lot across Harvard Avenue from SPC. Follow the signs at the church entrances to find your way to the SPC Study. Questions? Contact Rev. Michelle Grunseich by clicking here.

› Annual SPNDS Art Show: A Celebration of Learning Joy

ach spring, the Swarthmore Presbyterian Nursery Day School community looks forward to the annual SPNDS Art Show, a colorful celebration of creativity, imagination, and learning. The exhibition transforms Fellowship Hall into a gallery filled entirely with artwork created by SPNDS students, showcasing the talents of children ages 2 through 6.

Throughout the school year, students explore a wide range of artistic experiences through painting, drawing, printing, sculpting, and other creative media. The Art Show offers an opportunity for families, friends, and members of the wider community to see the results of months of discovery, experimentation, and joyful self-expression.

The event reflects the SPNDS motto, “Learning Joy,” and highlights the curiosity, creativity, and confidence that flourish in the classroom each day. From colorful paintings to imaginative three-dimensional creations, every piece of artwork tells the story of a young learner discovering new ways to observe, create, and communicate.

The Annual SPNDS Art Show remains a cherished tradition, celebrating both the artistic accomplishments of our students and the supportive community that encourages their growth.

› Learning About Life Cycles

he children have been exploring life cycles in a hands-on and engaging way. Each student planted seeds and is observing how plants grow and change over time. Last fall, the discovery of a toad in our play area sparked conversations about the life cycles of frogs and toads. Now, we’re continuing that learning by observing tadpoles as they develop.
This week, our caterpillars arrived, giving the children an exciting opportunity to witness the butterfly life cycle firsthand. Through these experiences, students are gaining a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the fascinating ways living things grow and change.

› Kindergarten Rain Forests

ur Kindergarten complement classes are wrapping up their study of rainforest ecosystems from around the world. Classrooms have come alive with towering trees and a rich variety of plants and animals representing the different layers of the rainforest. One group even took a walk to Swarthmore College, where they explored live rainforest plants in one of the campus greenhouses, bringing their learning to life in a memorable way.

› SPNDS Fun Run

n Wednesday, April 22, our SPNDS parents organized a Fun Run on Swarthmore College track. Although it was a little rainy, it did not dampen our spirits as we ran on the track did some field day relays, and a fun obstacle course.

› Visit from Police Officer Zamonski

n March 25, SPNDS welcomed local Police Officer Zamonski, who brought his Morton police car for students to explore. He was joined by Officers Dunn and Lyons from the Swarthmore Police Department, who also brought their vehicles. The visit offered a fun and educational experience, giving children a close-up look at the police cars and an opportunity to ask questions and engage with the officers.

2026 Spring Fling Flyer (1).pdf (847 x 225 px) (1)

› Spring Fling Fundraiser

n March 21, SPNDS held its annual fundraiser, reimagined this year as the “Spring Fling”—a lively and successful Parents’ Night Out that surpassed our initial goals. Funds raised will support the school’s operating budget and scholarship program. It truly takes a village to bring an event like this to life. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their time, talents, and generous donations. The auction items and classroom baskets were a tremendous hit, and our musical guests, Ship of Fools, helped create a joyful, celebratory atmosphere. We are thankful for the strong support of both current and alumni families, as well as the Swarthmore Presbyterian Church community.

› Contact Information

Deb Hansen
SPNDS Director
727 Harvard Avenue
Swarthmore, PA 19081

Phone: 610-543-2861
SPNDS@swarthmorepres.org

For Directions to the Nursery School Click Here

SPNDS Brightwheel Payment Portal

To make tuition and registration payments click on the button below. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Kristen or Deb

SPNDS Vanco Portal

Make a donation to to the Scholarship Fund or General Fund through the SPNDS Vanco Payment Portal.

SPNDS Vanco Portal

› The SPNDS Art Show

Every Spring Swarthmore Presbyterian Nursery Day School celebrates the creativity of its students with an art show for families. Click in the link above to watch a video of one of our favorites.