Email Us!

Call ARK Office (301)774-5369 

At The Ark Children’s Center, we believe that every student is an individual who has been created by God and has been blessed with special gifts. Our Christian preschool celebrates children in a safe and nurturing environment, one that promotes play, self-discovery, problem solving, social and emotional growth, developmentally appropriate learning, preacademic readiness, and sensory experiences. Our school environment encourages children to learn about God, practice daily prayer, and treat others with respect through Christian attitudes.

Our early childhood curriculum is approved by the MSDE and age appropriate for children ages 2 to 4.  Student Progress is shared through ongoing communication and parent-teacher conferences. The ARK is a non-profit organization licensed as a nursery program by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and Child Care Administration.

Many agencies (Maryland State Department of Education, Center for Disease Control, Local Health Department, Montgomery County Health and Human Services, and Child Care Administration) have been hard at work coordinating efforts to issue new safeguards and consider reasonable practices within school settings. Our Staff are fully committed to complying with health and operations regulations. 

See what our Parents have to say...Testimonials

 

Programs

2 YEAR OLDS

Classes are offered (8:30-11:30) 2 days, on Monday & Tuesday or 3 days, Wednesday - Friday (8:30-12:30). Children are not required to be potty trained. Focus on play, exploration, sensory fun, active discovery, social interaction & self-help skills. Classes meet two and three times a week with a smaller class size to make their first school experience a success! 

3 YEAR OLDS

Our 3’s program is offered 2 days, on Monday & Tuesday, 3 days, Wednesday - Friday or 4 days Monday - Thursday from 8:30-12:30. The ARK offers rich classroom experiences, weekly Chapel, a focus on social & emotional skills, with an emphasis on academic readiness skills. Children are not required to be potty-trained for our 2 day classes but must be potty competent for inclusion in our 3 day and 4 day program. 

4 YEAR OLDS

Our 4’s program offers 3-day, Wednesday - Friday and 5-day, Monday - Friday sessions from 8:30-12:30. All children must be potty trained. These classes are designed to nurture social and emotional growth, communication skills, independence, decision-making skills, and to develop skills necessary for success in kindergarten.  Children will also enjoy a dynamic weekly Chapel instruction to encourage spiritual growth. Our curriculum is the same for both the three and five day sessions, with additional extension opportunities offered in the 5-day program.

Calendar

ARK 2023-24 Year at a Glance

Register & Enroll

 

 

REGISTRATION

Registration for the 2024-25 school year is underway. The registration information letter link below, outlines a complete overview of class offerings and fees. Registration is processed through Brightwheel accessed using the Registration Form link to complete required paperwork, sign multiple contracts, and make payment before receiving confirmation of enrollment. It will be very important to complete enrollment forms and make payment promptly as enrollment is first come first served and limited space is available.

Please see our Registration Information Letter for a complete overview of class offerings and fees. 

2024-25 FORMS

Registration Form

Health Inventory, Immunization Record, Lead Test

Emergency Form

For additional information, please call the office at 301-774-5369 or email

From the Director's Desk

Letters from the Director

       Lessons Learned from the Pandemic, Excerpts from NAEYC Publication featuring former Director, Susan Borst.                 Read the full NAEYC article.

       Maryland's Child Care COVID Build-A-Plan Tool 

       COVID-19 Guidance for Childcare Facilities

 Revised Isolation & Quarantine Guidance for Childcare

 

Stay Connected

The Brightwheel app allows parents to stay connected to Class News, ways to Build Your Family Faith, Instill a Love of Reading, and Continue the Fun at Home. Best of all, they get a glimpse of the many class happening and your children at work and play through photos! The Weekly Reminder email provides continued communication from our Office. 

 

 

 

     

Resources

2023-24 HANDBOOK

GUIDE TO REGULATED CHILDCARE 

Guidance for Operating Child Care Programs During COVID-19

Revised Isolation & Quarantine Guidance 

Our Staff

Our staff are professionals who demonstrate creativity, patience, tenacity, and practice/model Christian values daily with children. Staff members comply with education requirements established by Maryland State Department of Education and have fingerprint clearances issued from the FBI and State of Maryland. They participate in Continuing Education courses annually and are trained in CPR and First Aid. All staff are required to complete Safe Sanctuary Training.