Children's Learning Center
Howard County's choice for educational enrichment
Need high-quality, nurturing care for your infant, toddler or preschooler? Look no further than HCC.
The Children's Learning Center is an accredited educational program for children ages eight weeks to five years (preschool). Serving Howard Community College students, employees, and the local community, the program operates year-round, offering an enriching learning environment that features hands-on activities to keep children engaged and motivated throughout the day.
The infant care program serves children eight weeks to 24 months. The toddler program is for children two to four-years old. Children who are five years old are enrolled in the preschool program.
We invite you to learn more about the center by exploring the information below or email us to schedule a guided tour.
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Accreditation
The Children’s Learning Center is accredited by the Maryland State Department of Education. Accreditation is a process by which a program voluntarily pursues self-study, program improvement and external program review in order to achieve and publicly confirm that it meets national or state quality standards. Program accreditation standards represent the highest quality and reflect research-based best practices in early childhood education.
The benefits of accreditation are numerous: children benefit because their learning environments are exciting, positive and growth-oriented; parents benefit because their young children are enrolled in stimulating learning environments that reflect the research and best practices of the field; local school systems benefit because accredited programs increase the chances for children to be better prepared to enter public school primary grades; the state benefits because it improves the quality of life for families with young children living in Maryland; and early care and education programs benefit because their services are publicly recognized as being of the highest caliber.
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Curriculum
The Creative Curriculum is implemented at The Children’s Learning Center. This curriculum, which is approved by The Maryland State Department of Education, creates an inviting, hands-on program for children in infancy through preschool. Learning activities are planned based on the interests of the children. This keeps the children engaged and learning throughout the day.
- Infants and Toddlers
Infant and toddler lessons occur naturally during the two main activities of the day: care giving and free play. One caregiver is assigned to each infant or toddler to help make sure the individual needs of the children are met. The daily routine includes free play, singing, storytelling, hands-on play for both small and large muscles, self-help skill development and other developmentally appropriate activities. The teachers carefully select the activities offered to the children. They also remain flexible with the routine to make sure the daily needs of the children are met.
- Preschool
The preschool program encourages children to practice their independence and social skills. Based upon the interests of the children, weekly learning activities support learning and creativity. The teachers plan a variety learning activities that provide each child the opportunity to grow and develop at their own pace.
In following the Maryland Model for School Readiness, the preschool teachers create a portfolio for each child to showcase their skills in each of the learning domains – language, literacy, mathematics, science and social studies. The portfolio becomes a keepsake for the child to take with them as they age out of the program and transition into kindergarten.
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Tuition
Tuition and Payment
A special HCC student tuition rate may be available. The rate will be determined by household income eligibility as defined by the Department of Social Services Child Care Subsidy Program and the Howard County Department of Housing and Community Service.Ladybug/Bumblebee/Firefly Room
Infants
HCC Student $325.00/week
HCC Employees and Community Members $409.00/week
Grasshopper/Beetle Room
Must be 2 years old by September 1, 2018
- days/week (HCC Students Only) $155.00/week
3 days/week $207.00/week
5 days/week $317.00/week
Dragonfly and Butterfly Room
Dragonfly Room - must be 3 years old by September 1, 2018
Butterfly Room (Pre-K) – must be 4 years old by September 1, 2018
FULL DAY
- days/week (HCC Students Only) $137.00/week
3 days/week $197.00/week
5 days/week $302.00/week
MORNING PROGRAM (To be eligible, child must be 4 years old by September 1, 2018)
- days/week (HCC Students Only) $ 83.00/week
- days/week (HCC Students Only) $115.00/week
- days/week (HCC Students Only) $160.00/week
All children enrolled in the Dragonfly and Butterfly classrooms must be toilet trained at time of attendance in the classroom.
Payment is due on every other Monday and is to be paid (at a minimum) in two week increments. To make a credit card tuition payment, call the HCC Cashier's Office at 443-518-1862, and choose option 6. Provide your account number (or Colleague ID number), credit card number and type of card, expiration date, cardholder's name, phone number, and payment amount. A receipt will be mailed to the account address. Payment hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:45 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please feel free to contact the director to make arrangements for alternate payment schedules. -
Registration and Enrollment
Howard Community College students registered for six or more credits per semester receive first priority enrollment at the Children's Learning Center. HCC employees receive second priority. Remaining slots are open to community members.
Enrollment Process
- Schedule a guided tour. Please contact the director of the Children's Learning Center, Laurie Moran, at lmoran@howardcc.edu with your name, address, phone, email, child's name and date of birth.
- Complete and submit a Registration Form. A non-refundable registration fee equal to one week's tuition will be collected at this time.
- Print and submit the required forms to the Children's Learning Center.
Take a Video Tour of the Children's Learning Center
