Business Details
34 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care & Preschool Programs in Mt. Airy, MD
Mt. Airy Daycare & Learning Center has been a trusted provider of early childhood education since 1992, serving families in Mt. Airy, Maryland. Our programs cater to children aged 18 months to 14 years, offering preschool, extended care, and summer camp options. Accredited by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and participating in the MD EXCELS program at the highest level, we prioritize developmentally appropriate practices and a play-based curriculum.Our dedicated staff, many of whom hold advanced degrees or certifications, foster social-emotional growth, cognitive development, and lifelong learning. We emphasize family involvement, community connections, and individualized attention, maintaining low staff turnover to ensure consistency for children and families. With flexible scheduling and a commitment to safety and quality, we aim to create a nurturing environment where every child thrives.
Services
Preschool Programs
Extended Care
Summer Camps
School Age Care
Drop-In Childcare
Family Engagement Activities
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- MSDE-accredited programs with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum
- Experienced staff with advanced degrees and specialized training in early childhood education
- Flexible scheduling options including extended care and summer camps
- Strong family engagement through community events and parent advisory opportunities
- Low staff turnover ensuring consistent, personalized care for every child
Associations and certifications
- Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)
- MD EXCELS Level 5
Services
Preschool Programs
Our preschool programs serve children aged 2-5 years with developmentally appropriate curricula. We offer morning, afternoon, and full-day options focused on play-based learning, social-emotional development, and early literacy. Certified teachers implement The Creative Curriculum to foster cognitive, physical, and creative growth through hands-on activities.
Extended Day Care
Extended day preschool provides care from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM for working families. This program combines educational components with flexible scheduling, offering structured learning and free play opportunities. Certified staff maintain consistent routines while accommodating individual needs throughout the 12-month program.
Summer Camps
Summer camps serve preschool through 5th grade children with themed weekly activities. Our 10-week program includes science experiments, outdoor exploration, field trips, and special events. Age-appropriate sessions run from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM or extended hours from 7:30 AM-5:30 PM with transportation provided for select locations.
Family Engagement
We promote family participation through classroom visits, holiday celebrations, and advisory boards. Parents contribute cultural traditions, share skills, and attend family fun nights. Regular communication channels and parent-teacher conferences ensure collaborative support for each child's development.
Professional Development
Our educators participate in ongoing professional development including Maryland Department of Education Credential programs. Two annual professional development days enhance teaching practices while maintaining continuity for families. Staff receive training in first aid, CPR, and specialized instructional methods like Orton-Gillingham literacy approaches.
People
Michelle Rippeon
Director
Director with bachelor's and master's degrees in child development and elementary education. Former elementary school teacher with 10+ years in early childhood education. Specializes in early literacy and Orton-Gillingham methodology.
Patti Hill
Administrative Assistant
Early childhood education associate degree holder with 30 years of school support experience. Active community member promoting preschool education through administrative support and family engagement.
Haleigh Piccolo
PreK 4's Teacher
Certified early childhood educator with bachelor's degree in child development. Specializes in multi-sensory literacy instruction and physical education. Former college athlete with experience coaching youth sports.
Nikki Davis
Preschool 2s Teacher
Early childhood professional with AA degree and multiple certifications. Holds Level 5 Maryland Child Care Credential. Experienced in infant/toddler care and preschool curriculum development.
Lynne Colantoni
PreK 4s Teacher
Former accounting professional turned early childhood educator. Holds psychology bachelor's and business master's degrees. Completed MSDE certification coursework and continues professional development in early education.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children from 18 months through 14 years, offering preschool programs, extended care, summer camps, and school-age services.
Are you state licensed and accredited?
Yes, we're licensed by Maryland's Office of Child Care and MSDE-accredited, participating in MD EXCELS at the highest Level 5.
What curriculum do you use?
We implement The Creative Curriculum and GOLD assessment system, supplemented by Handwriting Without Tears materials for literacy development.
Do you offer summer programs?
Our 10-week summer camp includes themed activities for preschool through 5th graders with flexible scheduling options available.
How do you support staff development?
We provide ongoing training, two annual professional development days, and support for educators pursuing Maryland Child Care Credentials.
Can parents get involved?
We encourage family participation through classroom visits, advisory boards, holiday events, and regular parent-teacher communication channels.
