Introduction - Our Philosophy

 

 

 

Mt. Airy Daycare and Learning Center will create and promote an environment that is safe, healthy and inviting: one that fosters respect, fairness, caring, trust and the process of learning in a positive manner.

Using best practices, our program includes developmentally appropriate activities that offer a variety and balance of child-selected and teacher-directed activities. The learning environment and lesson plans support social-emotional development, physical development, language and literacy, cognitive and mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, social studies, and the arts. Our curriculum allows us the flexibility to meet the needs and address the unique interests of the children in our care. As we focus on changes in the world around us throughout the year, we also encourage and promote healthy lifestyles, nutritious eating, and safety awareness.

We will create a setting that welcomes and embraces the differences and individuality of children and their families providing opportunities to learn about a variety of holidays and celebrations. We understand that families are first and foremost in a child’s life and value the different gifts that families bring to our community. We encourage families to share holiday customs and traditions, speak and share about a special talent or hobby, visit and spend time in the classrooms, join us on Family Fun Nights, volunteer during holiday celebrations, and become members of our Parent Advisory Board.

We have dedicated and qualified teaching staff at Mt. Airy Daycare and Learning Center. Continued professional development is important for our staff can stay current with new information and teaching trends. Within our annual calendar of closings, we are closed for two professional development days. We recognize the need for continuity and consistency with the training that is offered to the families we serve. Additionally, our staff members strive for excellence as they participate in the Maryland Department of Education Credential.

At Mt. Airy Daycare and Learning Center, we try to take a low-key and relaxed approach to almost everything. We feel it is far more important for children to have fun and enjoy what is happening, to gain knowledge at their own pace, and to make discoveries in their own way.

We strive to help every child develop social-emotional competence, as research helps children have greater success in early school years and become life-long learners. With social-emotional competence, children are better able to relate with/to others, make decisions, and problem solve. Children are supported in a number of ways to build social-emotional competence with daily schedules and routines, problem-solving strategies, and teacher support and encouragement.