At Little Lambs Learning Center, we understand that choosing the right childcare and early education environment is a significant decision for families. We are committed to providing a loving, caring, and safe space where every child is welcomed to learn, grow, and play. Our dedicated staff are passionate about nurturing young minds and model Christian values of faith, hope, and love in all our interactions. We believe in fostering a strong partnership with families, encouraging your involvement to ensure the best possible experience for your child within our programs. Your feedback through annual program surveys is invaluable as we continuously strive to maintain our high quality of care.
Our core mission at Little Lambs Learning Center is to support the holistic development of each child – physically, cognitively, emotionally, and spiritually. We aim to instill in every child the knowledge that they are loved by God and provide daily opportunities to grow in His love.
Our team at Little Lambs Learning Center is highly qualified and committed to ongoing professional development. All staff members are enrolled in the Maryland State Child Care Credentialing Program at Level 3 or higher, ensuring a minimum of 18 hours of continuing education annually across the Core of Knowledge Curriculum. Furthermore, Little Lambs Learning Center is proud to be a Safe Sanctuary program, adhering to the guidelines of the United Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline to ensure the safety and well-being of every child in our care, protecting them from any form of abuse or mistreatment.
Comprehensive Educational Programs for Every Age
Little Lambs Learning Center offers both full-time and part-time educational programs designed to cater to children from 6 weeks to 12 years old. Our diverse programs include:
- Infant and Toddler Care: Providing gentle and attentive care for the youngest learners.
- Preschool Programs: Engaging and developmentally appropriate preschool education.
- School Age Programs: Before and after school care, and enriching full-day summer camp experiences for children aged 5-12 years.
Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to be age-appropriate and aligned with Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) standards. For our Infant, Toddler, Twos, and Preschool I & II programs, we utilize the Investigator Club Curriculum, a curriculum approved by MSDE. Preschool III and Extended Day programs benefit from the Maryland State Children Study Their World Curriculum. Throughout the year, we assess each child’s progress using MSDE-approved assessment tools to ensure they are meeting developmental milestones. Our PK4 classroom specifically uses the Children Study Their World (CSW) curriculum, also developed and approved by MSDE, to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.
Little Lambs Learning Center is an inclusive environment and welcomes children with diagnosed special needs. We collaborate closely with parents, therapists, and local agencies to provide the best possible care within our state-mandated staff-to-child ratios. We hold individual meetings with parents to review IFSP/IEP plans and ensure we are fully supporting each child in reaching their unique developmental potential.
Physical activity is a crucial part of our daily routine. Children at Little Lambs Learning Center participate in gross motor play for at least 30 minutes each morning and afternoon. We have separate playgrounds designed for different age groups – infants, preschoolers, and school-age children – ensuring age-appropriate and safe play experiences. In case of inclement weather, we utilize the gym in the Family Life Center to provide ample space for indoor gross motor activities.
Commitment to Program Excellence and Accreditation
Little Lambs Learning Center is not only licensed but also accredited by the Maryland Department of Education, demonstrating our commitment to exceeding basic childcare standards. MSDE accreditation signifies that our learning environment is stimulating, positive, and focused on growth, benefiting children through enriched learning experiences. For parents, accreditation provides peace of mind, knowing their children are in a learning environment that reflects research-backed best practices in early childhood education. Our accreditation is regularly re-evaluated to ensure we consistently maintain an excellent program that prioritizes children’s health and education.
Maryland EXCELS Level 5 Star Rating
Little Lambs Learning Center is exceptionally proud to be a Level 5-star rated center in Maryland EXCELS (EXcellence Counts in Early Learning and School-Age Care), Maryland’s Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System. This prestigious rating, the highest achievable, places us among a select few centers in Maryland that provide the highest level of quality care and early childhood education available, reflecting our dedication to excellence in every aspect of our program.
Simple and Straightforward Enrollment
Enrolling your child at Little Lambs Learning Center is a simple process. To begin, a non-refundable registration fee of $100 is required along with the completed registration form. If a class is currently full, this fee secures your child’s place on our waiting list, and you will be contacted as soon as a spot becomes available. Prior to your child’s start date, all required paperwork from parents and physicians must be completed and returned to our office one week in advance to allow for processing.
Nutritious Meals and Snacks Provided
Little Lambs Learning Center participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a federally funded program that supports our commitment to providing nutritious meals and snacks. This program offers partial reimbursement for meals and snacks that meet stringent nutritional guidelines. We provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily to all enrolled children.
All meals and snacks are prepared on-site by our trained staff who adhere to all CACFP regulations and ServSafe guidelines. Menus are carefully planned weekly, posted on our parent board, and emailed to families for transparency and awareness. We prioritize fresh fruits and vegetables daily for breakfast and lunch and limit processed foods and sodium in our meal preparation. Milk is served daily with breakfast and lunch, and 100% fruit juice is offered 1-2 times per week as part of snack time.
We are highly attentive to dietary needs and allergies. Little Lambs Learning Center accommodates allergies and medically necessary dietary restrictions in our menu planning process, provided we receive a doctor’s note with specific instructions. To ensure the safety of all children, outside food and drinks are generally not permitted.
For infants, we provide house formula (parents may also provide breast milk or specific formula). We also offer cereal and baby foods until infants are ready to transition to the foods on our regular menus.
*In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, Little Lambs Learning Center is an equal opportunity provider and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
