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NURSERY, PREKINDERGARTEN, PROGRAMS (ages 3-5)

Our programs are play based and experiential (see program description section). Physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth are stimulated through hands-on, real life experiences. Developmentally appropriate practice is the foundation of the curriculum and daily schedule planning. Phonological awareness, science and math activities are important aspects of the program and are integrated throughout the day. Our staff support children so that they feel safe and secure, give them responsibility, model empathy and respect for others, and encourage them to explore and discover the world around them. Teachers have at least a baccalaureate in Early Childhood Education or a related field or the equivalent;  Assistant Teachers are Office of Child Care senior staff qualified; Aides, as is true with all staff, have orientation prior to starting and are required to take continued training annually. Teacher biographies are distributed at the beginning of each school year and are available from the director.

Academy Child Development Center at Stone Mill Center offers MSDE Nursery for 3 and 4 year olds. Children must be 3 or 4 years of age on or before September 1 of the school year to be age-eligible for admission to the nursery school program during that school year. Children must be 5 years old on or before September 1st to be eligible for our MSDE Kindergarten. If multi-age classes were to be offered, each child would be presented with the appropriate nursery school curriculum according to his/ her own ability.

Part-day sessions may be included in the full day programs. Average class size is twenty children with at least one teacher and an assistant.  Full day and extended day programs operate according to the Academy calendar. Refer to Academy's scheduled closings. Part-day sessions are approximately 3.5 or 6 hours and include a lunch period and outdoor play. Part- day programs are open during the school year for at least 170 to 180 days and follow the MCPS kindergarten calendar (no class on late openings, early closing, holidays, inclement weather days, teacher in-service days, kdg. field trips, conference days, orientation, etc.). Maryland State Department of Education approved "Curriculum Objectives and Themes" are described in a separate flyer.