Frequently Asked Questions
Preregistration
What ages do you accept?
We welcome children ages 2 through 5 years old in our school-year program. During the summer, children who have just completed kindergarten are also welcome to return for one more summer of fun at MDOW!
Is your program play-based?
Yes! Our curriculum is rooted in play-based learning, which supports social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development in a joyful, meaningful way.
What are your hours of operation?
Our standard hours are:
Morning session: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Afternoon session: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
We also offer Before Care starting at 7:30 AM and After Care until 5:30 PM.
Do you offer part-time or full-day options?
Yes. Families can register for morning, afternoon, or full-day sessions. We require a minimum of 2 sessions per week on different days.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
We maintain low ratios in all classrooms to ensure individualized attention:
2-year-olds: 1 teacher per 6 children
3–5-year-olds: 1 teacher per 9 children
How do I register my child?
All registration is done through Brightwheel, our secure online platform. You’ll need to create an account and complete your application here.
Do you offer a Pre-K program?
Yes. Children who are 4 years old by September 1 are eligible. We offer full-day Pre-K options on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday.
Procedures and Costs
Is tuition prorated for absences, vacations, or closures?
No. Tuition remains the same each month and is not prorated for absences, holidays, or weather-related closures.
What happens if I’m late for pick-up?
We understand that unexpected delays, such as traffic, may sometimes cause you to be late. If this happens, please call MDOW Early Learning Center at 410-465-3777 to let us know. Occasional delays are understandable; however, if late pick-ups become a recurring issue, late fees will be applied.
Do you provide lunch or snacks?
We provide a morning and afternoon snack. Families must pack a nut-free lunch for children attending all day.
What safety and health measures are in place?
Your child’s safety is our top priority. Our facility is secured with controlled entry, all staff are background-checked and CPR/First Aid certified, and we follow strict health and cleaning protocols.
What should my child wear?
Come dressed ready to play! Please send your child in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that allows them to move freely—and that you don’t mind getting a little messy. We recommend tennis shoes for safe, active play. Open-toed shoes and Crocs are not ideal, as mulch and sand can easily get inside and cause discomfort.
What is your potty training policy?
Children do not need to be potty trained to attend MDOW. We understand that every child develops at their own pace, and we’re here to support them.
Please send your child in diapers, pull-ups, or underwear based on their current needs, along with any extra clothes and supplies (like wipes). Our staff works gently and respectfully with families to support potty training when your child is ready.
Do I have to pay for care when my child is on vacation?
Yes. Tuition is still required during vacations, as MDOW holds your child’s spot while you’re away. This ensures continuity in classroom staffing and enrollment.
Health and Safety
What is your sick policy?
To keep everyone healthy, we ask that you keep your child home if they show signs of illness, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or any contagious condition.
Children must be symptom-free for at least 24 hours without medication before returning to school. If your child becomes ill during the day, we will contact you for prompt pick-up.
We follow all state licensing guidelines for illness and communicable disease management.
What if my child has allergies?
We take allergies seriously and will work with you to create a safe and supportive plan for your child. Please share all allergy information on your child’s registration and health forms. We are a nut-free school, and staff are trained to manage food allergies and administer emergency medications like EpiPens if needed. If your child requires medication, please provide it in its original container along with an authorization form for us to administer. Feel free to call us with any specific questions—we’re happy to help.
Do you have fire drills?
Yes! We regularly practice fire drills with the children to ensure they know how to safely and calmly evacuate the building. Drills are conducted in a child-friendly, reassuring way so that all students feel safe and confident.
What type of training do your teachers have?
All MDOW teachers have completed their 90-hour childcare certification, and many hold associate’s or bachelor’s degrees, with a few even holding master’s degrees. Each year, our teachers complete at least 12 hours of continuing education, and our teaching assistants complete 6 hours, ensuring that our staff stays current on best practices in early childhood education.