Are you looking for an OUTSTANDING Pre-School in the Ellicott City/Catonsville area?

If you have a young child in the Howard County/ Baltimore County corridor who will be 2 years old before September 1st and not quite old enough to enroll in Maryland Kindergarten, then you are probably starting to think about Pre-School. If you wait too long you will miss out on the best schools.

Back in 2008 I had started to research the local Pre-Schools for my son. There were plenty of options and I visited a few facilities to see what their programs offered. I also asked other parents in the area for recommendations. Over and over again "Mother Day Out Westchester" was the name that kept coming up. To be honest I didn't take this Pre-School seriously at first because of the name. I am not a "stay at home" Mother and I don't need a day out, I was looking for a full time school and not a day care. Thankfully, before I dismissed it because of the name, I had a chance to see what it actually offered.

MDOW, (which is the shortened version), is a state licensed, non-profit Pre-School that believes the core of educational development is through positive nurturing and structure.

Located at 2414 Westchester Avenue, in Historic Oella, between  Ellicott City and Catonsville in the  Westchester Community Center.

This was exactly the learning experience that I was looking for. The past three years my "Little Prince" has attended MDOW. He began with just a few classes a week in the "Smiley Room" with Miss Julie and Miss Kim. We would have liked more classes that year, but the demand was very high. 2006 was a record breaking year for births in the USA. At two he was not potty trained, but that is not an issue at MDOW. During the year he started to recognize his written name, play nicely with others and listen to direction as well as many other activities. They have a set schedule so the children know to expect circle time and snack time. At first he had just afternoon classes which was a tough transition for a two year old not getting a nap, but after a few months the availability opened up in a morning class.

The following year he went into the "Heart Room " with Miss Caitlin. On the first day of school she assured us that all of our children by mid year would be potty trained. She was not wrong. In the "Heart Room " he started to trace his name and recognize letters. By the end of the school year he was reading simple words.

This year he is in Pre-K with Miss Sheila in the "Ocean Room". There are 18 children in this class, 14 of which are boys. Much of the focus is on reading, writing and preparing to start Kindergarten. Every month they have different topics that they study that sometimes revolve around a certain book, or holidays or seasons.

There is also a music teacher that takes smaller groups into classes. As well as music they have been teaching the children sign language. Just last week Drew was showing a deaf lady in the grocery store how he could sign.

All of the teachers are enthusiastic, warm, committed and attentive. The children obviously love them and there are constant hugs. This is a wholesome environment for my child. The classrooms are well stocked and organized with books, toys to promote motor skills and visual arts. In pre-K they are given responsibilities that they embrace. Drew's favorite job is to be the "Flag Holder" who stands at the front of the class with the US Flag with his hand over his heart. He then leads his classmates in "The Pledge of Allegiance". His second favorite job is feeding the fish.

Before Lunch and snack they say a prayer to bless their food.

The class options suit all age groups and the cost of each class is very reasonable.

This Thursday, February 4th  Mother Day Out Westchester will be having new family registration. The Pre-K classes for the 2011-2012 school year are already filled up with a wait list only. Other classes do have availability. GET THERE EARLY!  

If you are looking for an excellent Pre-School program for your child in Catonsville or Ellicott City you will not be disappointed by the experience at MDOW in Oella. 

If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Howard County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Harford County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Montgomery County or Prince Georges County. - or if you would like more information please give Ellie McIntire a call at 443-418-7668  or e-mail Ellie@LNF.com

Ellie McIntire

The McIntire Team

9171 Baltimore National Pike

Ellicott City. MD 21042

410. 461 1456

410. 750 8781 (FX)

443. 418 7668 (cell)

E-mail: Ellie@LNF.com

http://www.EllieMcIntire.com

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