Noah's Ark Children's Center, Upper Falls

Noah's Ark is a non-profit faith based preschool offered by and within Salem United Methodist Church in Kingsville, Maryland. Operating from early September - mid May, our program fosters learning through a warm and loving environment. Our philosophy is that each child is unique, special and capable of learning and we strive to meet individual needs and goals. Our school day focuses on social interaction, communication, participation, good habits, cooperation, self reliance and self expression. Noah's Ark offers a 2 day a week (T/TH) 3 year old program and a 3 day a week (MWF) 4 year old program from 9 am-11:30 am. Additionally, the 4's program includes an extended day til 2 pm for the second half of the school year Jan-May which helps prepare the 4 year old children for the full days they will encounter in kindergarten. In our caring and positive environment, we create a warm and happy place for preschoolers to learn. As we bridge the gap from home to school, we guide children to a continued good self-image, while building social and academic skills in a school setting. Sensory, motor, perceptual, and language skills are introduced through materials and activities that are both child-centered and and teacher-directed. Work is planned which emphasizes the process rather than the product, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride. Schedules are designed to balance structure and free choice, as well as active and quiet times. We teach a love of learning by allowing children to experience at their own pace without pressure. We value the active involvement of parents in our program. Parent helpers enable children to see parents as important and concerned members of the school environment. Parents may gain valuable insights about their own children and, at the same time, contribute their own talents and interests to enrich the program. Noah's Ark is a Md Excels participant.