The Malvern School of Downingtown

The Malvern School of Downingtown

Conveniently situated between Exton and Downingtown, near the Route 30 bypass, The Malvern School of Downingtown is dedicated to providing exceptional educational programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-kindergarten children. Our NAEYC accreditation, earned since 2012, ensures that your child receives the highest level of care and early childhood education, making us a trusted choice for families in the Downingtown area.

NAEYC Accredited Excellence

Since 2012, The Malvern School of Downingtown has maintained accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation's largest early childhood accrediting organization. This accreditation is a testament to our commitment to meeting and exceeding the highest standards in early childhood

Center Programs

Explore our age-specific programs, thoughtfully designed to nurture your child's growth and development at every stage.

Infant

Infant (6 Weeks - 18 Months)

Our infant program provides a warm, nurturing environment where caregivers form close bonds with babies, ensuring a secure and trusting relationship. Each infant follows their own schedule, with individualized care routines for feeding, sleeping, and play. Our educators support early development through sensory exploration, attachment-based play, and language-rich interactions, including the introduction of basic American Sign Language (ASL).

Key Focus Areas:

  • Building secure attachments with primary caregivers
  • Encouraging free exploration and movement
  • Facilitating play that supports sensory and cognitive development
  • Respecting each infant’s natural rhythms and routines

Toddler

Toddler (18 Months - 3 years)

Toddlers are naturally curious, energetic, and eager to explore. Our toddler program fosters independence while encouraging language development and social-emotional growth. Through hands-on activities, play-based learning, and structured routines, toddlers gain foundational skills for future learning.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Supporting independence (self-feeding, dressing, potty training)
  • Expanding language and communication through ASL and verbal expression
  • Encouraging social-emotional growth through cooperative play
  • Sensory experiences, music, and movement to enhance cognitive development
Pre-Schooler

Preschool (3-4 years)

Preschoolers are eager learners, exploring their world with curiosity and excitement. Our preschool program builds upon their natural interests, incorporating early literacy, math, science, and creative expression into their daily routines. Play-based learning helps children develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and social connections.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Developing early literacy and numeracy skills
  • Encouraging creative expression through art, music, and dramatic play
  • Building independence and confidence in learning
  • Enhancing social and problem-solving skills through group activities
Pre-K

Pre-K (4-5 years)

The pre-K program prepares children for kindergarten through hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences. Children develop literacy and math skills, engage in STEM activities, and practice self-regulation and collaboration. Our play-based approach ensures learning remains joyful and meaningful.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Strengthening pre-reading, writing, and numeracy skills
  • Hands-on STEM exploration (science, technology, engineering, and math)
  • Fostering independence, confidence, and self-regulation
  • Encouraging social responsibility and problem-solving skills

Center Director

Hillary Lopez joined the Malvern School of Downingtown in 2022 and brings over 15 years of experience in education and childcare to her role as center director. She began her journey at the school as a preschool teacher and curriculum coordinator. Hillary holds a bachelor’s degree in child development from Texas Christian University and throughout college gained hands-on experience as a preschool teacher, behavioral therapist, and nanny. After graduating, she then spent 10 years working as a

Portrait of the Malvern Director

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