Welcome to Friends Child Care Center
Founded in 1978 by the American Friends Service Committee, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, Friends Child Care Center (FCCC) began its journey within the historic Friends Center.
As the need for high-quality early childhood education in Center City grew, FCCC expanded in 1980 to welcome families from beyond the Friends Center community.
Today, we are proud to serve 125 children and to provide a learning environment that celebrates the cultural and economic diversity of our urban neighborhood. At FCCC, we are dedicated to nurturing each child as they grow into a curious, caring, and responsible individual.
Friends Child Care Center partners with the Mayor’s Office of Philadelphia to offer PHLpreK preschool programming. There are no income or employment requirements for enrollment.
For more information, please contact
Assistant Director Joann Schock at joann.schock@friendschildcare.org
or call 215-241-7011.
Quakerism Made Simple
The Quaker SPICES represent a set of core values rooted in Quaker principles. Each letter stands for a guiding testimony that shapes both personal behavior and community life. In a child care setting, these values help create a nurturing, respectful, and ethically grounded environment.
S – Simplicity
Summary: Focus on what truly matters; avoid excess and distraction.
Value in Child Care: Encourages calm, intentional environments that support children’s focus, creativity, and emotional well-being.
P – Peace
Summary: Commit to nonviolence, harmony, and peaceful resolution of conflict.
Value in Child Care: Helps children learn to navigate conflict calmly, use peaceful language, and develop empathy and compassion.
I – Integrity
Summary: Be honest, fair, and consistent in words and actions.
Value in Child Care: Builds trust among children, teachers, and families while modeling truthfulness, accountability, and doing what’s right.
C – Community
Summary: Value each person and nurture supportive, inclusive relationships.
Value in Child Care: Fosters teamwork, shared responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging as children learn to care for and support one another.
E – Equality
Summary: Recognize and respect the inherent worth of every individual.
Value in Child Care: Promotes fairness, inclusivity, and respect for differences—ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and heard.
S – Stewardship
Summary: Care for the Earth and use resources responsibly.
Value in Child Care: Teaches children to care for their environment, use materials thoughtfully, and understand their role in protecting the natural world.
In Summary:
Incorporating the SPICES into daily practice supports the development of whole, empathetic, and socially conscious individuals. These values align seamlessly with early childhood education, fostering emotional intelligence, ethical behavior, and a strong sense of community.
Infants & Young Toddlers
Mixed-age group: 3 months to 24 months
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1:3 staff-to-child ratio for infants
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On-demand scheduling for eating, sleeping, and daily routines
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Highly trained and experienced teachers
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Daily enrichment activities, including tummy time, music, storytime, outdoor exploration, and sensory–motor experiences
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Daily outdoor play
Older Toddlers
Mixed-age group: 24 months to 3 years
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Play-based learning environments with enriching activities
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Development of self-help skills (potty training, dressing, independence)
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Social skills and self-awareness development
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Weekly music and dance classes
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Daily outdoor play
Preschoolers
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Weekly dance and music classes
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Excursions to local theaters and museums
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Daily curriculum activities designed to build key school-readiness skills
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Daily outdoor play
Our Core Focus
FCCC provides an enriching environment of love, security, and community for children from 3 months through Kindergarten.
Through developmentally appropriate experiences, children learn respect for others, build self-confidence, and strengthen important social skills.
They cultivate curiosity about the world around them and learn to appreciate people whose backgrounds or perspectives differ from their own. Children grow emotionally, physically, socially, and cognitively as they engage in meaningful play and learning.
At FCCC, they build a strong foundation of competence and confidence that prepares them for everyday experiences and, ultimately, for school.
Programs at Friends Child Care Center are rooted in active learning, offering developmentally appropriate experiences that support social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. Children learn best through play, exploration, and meaningful interactions.
We believe every child has an innate capacity to thrive when guided by caring, well-trained adults and placed in environments that nurture their natural curiosity. Our classrooms are designed to encourage children to ask questions, make discoveries, and explore the world—and their interests—at their own pace.
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!’
