ABC’s of MDOW

For a complete Parent Handbook, please scroll down.

Absences

Please notify MDOW by phone when your child will be absent from school. 

Address

MDOW’s address is 2414 Westchester Avenue, Oella, MD 21043, inside of the Westchester Community Center. The preschool is convenient for students in Catonsville and Ellicott City.

Allergies

Please note all allergies on your medical records.  If your child has a food allergy, you need to supply your child’s snack.  The snack should be labeled and placed on the snack room counter.  It is important that you notify all of your child’s teachers about the allergies and treatment, including substitute teachers. 

Asthma

 If your child has ever been treated for asthma, MDOW requires an Asthma Action form completed by your child’s pediatrician. It is important that you notify all of your child’s teachers about the asthma and treatment, including substitute teachers. 

Before school care

Available daily, 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM,  $12.00. This service is open to all registered students and can be used regularly or as needed.  

Preschool Class Options

Two-Year-Old Class 

A small group created to nurture and ease the transition from home to school. Learning how to be part of a group, language development and art activities are part of the everyday experience in the Smiley Class.   

Mixed-Age Classes

A mix of older 2 year olds and young 3 year olds; or a mix of older 3 year olds and young 4 year olds. These classes encourage social growth and follow an enriching academic curriculum.  

Pre-Kindergarten Class

For children who will be entering kindergarten the following year. This program is designed to encourage social and emotional growth along with an enriching academic curriculum. The curriculum includes phonics, reading readiness, math readiness, science activities, fine motor development for writing success and many child-tested fun activities.

Class Sessions Offered  

           Before care         7:30 AM –  9:00 AM                

           Morning    9:00 AM –  12:00 PM                

           Afternoon 12:30 PM –  3:30 PM

           Full Day   9:00 AM –   3:30 PM

           MDOW Discovery  3:30 PM –    5:30 PM    

PreK options for children turning 4yrs old by Sept 1.   

Mon, Wed, Fri   9:00 AM – 12:00 PM          or             Tues 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM   &  Thurs 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Curriculum

Our philosophy at MDOW is that children learn best through play.  Our curriculum is designed to provide learning through literature, art and music.  We provide many opportunities for creative expression, dramatic play, social growth, science exploration, language acquisition and math development.    

Discipline Policy                                                                                       

Correct the child when his/her behavior is inappropriate and redirect his/her attention when possible.

If the above is not successful the child is moved to a “cool-down”, quiet area for an appropriate amount of time.

If the unacceptable behavior continues the child is returned to the quiet area. If this is not effective, a parent conference will be requested.

Dismissal

All children will be dismissed individually from their classrooms by a staff member.   For the security and safety of the children, the adults must initial a sign-out sheet before leaving with a child.  Only persons listed on the emergency card will be permitted to leave with that child unless the parent provides written permission.

Federal Tax ID # 52-1930491

First Day ! 

Items to bring the first day of preschool : all items coming into school need to be labeled with your child’s name – Thank you!!

Returning students will need to have their emergency cards reviewed and updated.   Parents can  also complete a new card Student Emergency Form | MDOW Preschool

Health forms and signed covid document may be emailed to mdowpreschool@yahoo.com.  

To see our who is teaching in the classrooms – Staff Schedule | MDOW Preschool

During the school session the first tuition payment is due July 1.  Payments are then made a month in advance, due on the 10th of the month.  Tuition & Registration Fee Information | MDOW Preschool    

Summer Tuition may be paid as a lump sum or divided into 3 payments with the payments being due May 15th, June 15th and July 15.   A vacation discount may be deducted from the final payment.  

To join our facebook group page – seach for Mother’s Day Out of Westchester and request to join.  

How to Register

  1. Call to schedule a school tour and meet our staff, 410-465-3777.
  2. For new families or alumni families not already on Brightwheel please use the following link to register: https://schools.mybrightwheel.com/sign-in?redirect_path=forms/124cde0a-8f02-48b4-815a-6bd1e0656a74/self-service
  3. You may register at any time for the current school year. Registration for the upcoming summer and school year begins in February for new families.    Registration is on a first come first serve basis. If MDOW cannot guarantee classroom space, your child can be placed on our waiting list.
  4. Pay registration fee, only for children guaranteed a classroom space.
  5. Complete and return all registration forms including emergency card, health inventory and immunization records. 
  6. Children must be 2 years of age to attend MDOW. Children under the age of 2 can hold a classroom space until their second birthday by agreeing to pay tuition for the space. If you choose to not pay the tuition your child will go on the waiting list. The waiting list is in order of registration date.

Immunizations:

All students must be immunized in line with current CDC recommendations unless there is medical contraindication.

Inclement Weather/Snow Policy

Please check the website and your email for details on delays and closings.  

Generally, MDOW will follow Baltimore County schools.

Parent Handbook –   please scroll to the bottom of this page.  

Philosophy

The philosophy of education set by The Board of Directors of Mother’s Day Out of Westchester begins with the whole child. We at MDOW see every child as successful and firmly believe that every child can learn. Each individual child has a uniqueness that makes every part of that child special. While being part of a group, each child is respected for their individuality, gender, religion and cultural identity.

     As educators, we view ourselves as facilitators as well as teachers and learners. We believe it is important to be child centered, child sensitive and respectful to all who enter the classroom. We believe that self esteem is an important part of the education process. We support this process by providing an environment that is safe and rich in learning opportunities, presented in a way that allows children to be successful and grow more confident through their experiences. Confident students are willing students. They believe they can succeed and will attempt things and explore new avenues. Developmentally appropriate practice will be used in every area of the classroom, creating an environment that will lead toward success for every student. This will include an interactive environment that will provide for many different learning styles existing within a group of students.

     We feel that an educational environment should be positive, nurturing and well planned. Our classrooms are equipped with a wide variety of reading materials, manipulatives and other hands-on activities for the students. We include displayed materials as well as materials that are student generated. Materials are theme oriented and change throughout the school year.

     We believe consistency is first and foremost in setting the tone of the classroom. The students will know what to expect and what is expected of them. Self control and tolerance for others is stressed. Consistency within the classroom through routine and positive choices provides a secure environment, giving every child an opportunity to grow to their fullest potential without ridicule.

     We at MDOW, believe educators make an impact on every student they encounter. Our job is to make that impact a positive one.

School Sessions

The MDOW calendar is divided into two sessions: The School Session and Summer Session. The School Session begins in September and continues through the end of May.  Students can begin at any time during a session. The Summer Session is 12 weeks, beginning in June.  

Sick Policy

Children must be kept at home when they have a fresh cold, (yellow or greenish runny nose) nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or fever.  If your child has an acute change in behavior, elevated temperature, diarrhea, vomiting, mouth sores or rash you will be called to come and get your child.  Children with an unknown rash need to be seen by a healthcare provider for identification and evaluation as to when they can return to school.  Children should not come to school until they are fever free without fever reducing medications, diarrhea free, vomiting free for 24 hrs or cleared by a medical provider.  Children should stay home until they are no longer contagious.  All children must have updated medical information on file at school.    MDOW follows the CDC and MSDE guidelines for any Covid illness.

Staff

Currently, MDOW has 14 senior staff teachers. All teachers meet or exceed the college requirements mandated by the state of Maryland and are experienced in preschool education. The teachers are certified in First Aid and Infant/Child CPR. All staff take annual continuing education classes. Many have obtained the Maryland Credential. 

Tuition and Fees

Annual Registration Fee – is due when your child’s classroom space is confirmed.  It is non-refundable.  

School Year Tuition Information      Tuition Information | MDOW Preschool

Before Care Fee – $12/day

MDOW Discovery Fee – $18/day

Snack/Supply Fee: School session, paid in September , $150/family, non-refundable.

PARENT HANDBOOK

Files: 2024-2024 Parent Handbook.