FAQ

This program is specifically designed for 4- to 5-year-olds who will be entering kindergarten in the upcoming school year. Kinder Launch’s activities and structure cater to the development needs of students entering a school environment.

This program is open to all families! We do highly encourage Philadelphians, especially our neighbors in the Parkside, Mantua, and Belmont neighborhoods, to participate.

Each session is led by two to three facilitators with experience in various educational settings. All facilitators have State of Pennsylvania child background clearances and are trained in the Kinder Launch curriculum.

The Kinder Launch curriculum centers on the importance of social-emotional skill development and basic kindergarten readiness skills. Each session follows a specific theme, with activities including story time, shoe tying, self-portraits, and identifying feelings.

• Session 1: Introducing the idea of kindergarten readiness
• Session 2: Encouraging a sensitivity to different developmental stages
• Session 3: Celebrating problem solving
• Session 4: Accepting transition and change

This program is held at Please Touch Museum, located at 4231 Avenue of the Republic Philadelphia, PA 19131. Program attendees can check in at the main admission desk, where a member of the Kinder Launch program will escort them to the classroom. Please visit the Please Touch Museum for more information about our facilities, accessibility, and dining options.

The Museum is easily accessible by car, bus, or ride share.

• By car: Free on-street parking is available in front of the Museum on Avenue of the Republic. Limited off-street parking is available in the Museum’s gated lot for $16; this fee is waived for Kinder Launch participants.
• By public transportation: SEPTA bus route 38 stops at Please Touch Museum, and bus routes 40, 43, and 64 stop within walking distance of the Museum.
• By ride share: Uber, Lyft, and taxis can all drop visitors off outside the Museum’s main entrance.

The program is broken into four sessions over the course of two weeks, with each session lasting 1.5 hours. Please visit the Apply page to see scheduled dates.

Yes, this program is designed for caregivers to participate along with their children. In fact, some parts of the program are designed specifically for the caregivers themselves!

The program is currently free for participants and their caregivers. Participants also receive free parking, Museum admission on the day of sessions, swag bags with books and toys, and a yearlong Museum membership.

Four to 10 families typically attend each Kinder Launch session.

During their first session, participating children are given workbooks that include activities to continue at home. Children are encouraged to practice the routine of homework by completing the activities.

Children do not need to bring anything — paper, pencils, and other necessary supplies are provided. If possible, it is helpful for children to bring a book bag to carry their workbook home, building the school routine of using a backpack.

The program is designed for one caretaker and their 4- to 5-year-old child to attend together. We are able to accommodate other children on a case-by-case basis depending upon their age and the size of the class. Please contact the program manager to learn more.