Philosophy

Emmanuel Methodist Preschool provides a weekday preschool for children in the community to help them grow and develop physically, socially, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually. It provides the richest possible educational experience. It is a place where each child is recognized as a child and a person of infinite worth. The goal of our center is to provide an opportunity to explore, question, discover and basically to experience the world around them. The positive environment of the center allows children to make decisions and choices, problem solve, and at the same time, consider the rights of other children. It is our goal to provide a loving, comfortable environment in which to grow.

Program

Emmanuel Preschool is accredited by Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), with a higher commitment to the children and quality education. The preschool provides a variety of programs for two and a half, three and four year old children. The programs are designed with age appropriate activities and provide a wide range of experiences with endless opportunity to explore and understand the world through art, music, science, language, literature, cooking, math and reading readiness. Our visitors and frequent trips help increase a child’s awareness. A variety of indoor and outdoor activities provide ample opportunity for individual and group experiences. The program combines fun and learning; and children learn best by touching, seeing, doing, hearing and tasting for themselves.  The Lunch Bunch program is for 4 yr. olds and 3 yr. olds attending the  morning sessions; and is an extended program until 1:00 p.m.

Health and Safety

The preschool maintains a high health standard. A medical form will be furnished and must show evidence of a physical examination and appropriate immunizations. Emmanuel Methodist Preschool Center is a church exempt nursery school licensed by Md. State Dept of Education and Howard County Office of Children’s Services.  We have an Emergency Preparedness Plan approved and filed with Howard County and the State of Maryland.

Staff and Facilities

The preschool center is staffed by a director and teachers experienced in preschool education.  Lead teachers are degreed in education and each staff member is certified in infant and child CPR and First Aid. Each teacher is credentialed by the Maryland State Department of Education. They also attend classes, workshops and conferences.  All staff have been fingerprinted and had background checks. They are dedicated to the nurturing of young children. The preschool is under the management of a preschool committee appointed by and responsible to the Administrative Board of Emmanuel Methodist Church. The facility provides well-planned rooms and a wide variety of equipment and a spacious outdoor play area.

Dates and Hours

The preschool is in operation from mid-September through May.   As a private church school, we have our own school calender, that is similar to the Howard County School calendar.  Our hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with the following classes offered:

2-day 9:00 – 11:30 a.m./12:30 – 3:00 p.m.

3-day 9:00 – 11:30 a.m./12:30 – 3:00 p.m.

5-day extended day 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

2 & 3-day Lunch Bunch 11:30 – 1:00

Admission and Registration

The preschool considers applications of children who will be three years old before Sept. 1st of the year of entrance.  MMO is specifically designed for children turning three between September and March of the year of entrance. There shall be no discrimination because of race, religion, sex, color or natural origin when considering children for our center. Registration begins in February and dates may be obtained, together with all classes and cost information, by calling the school at (301) 725-5178. Younger children may also be placed on the waiting list for the projected year of need, at no obligation.

Parents

When parents become actively involved with their child’s school, both parents and child gain. Our school provides a unique opportunity for parent involvement by encouraging but not requiring parents to volunteer their time and resources. Some of the ways parents can help are:

• volunteering in the classroom
• providing transportation for field trips
• helping with special projects
• repairing or making equipment for the classroom
• sharing their talents or vocation

Transportation

The center does not provide transportation, however a list of registrants will be sent to each parent so that carpools can be arranged for children living in the same vicinity.