Locations:

Mailing Address:

 Telephone (school office):

1307 North Main Street, Mt. Airy, Maryland  21771 

2927 Gillis Falls Road, Mt. Airy, Maryland  21771

P.O. Box 416, Mt. Airy, Maryland  21771

(301) 829-0014

Our Program includes:

• Thematic curriculum

• Monthly chapel times 

• Math concept practice

• Problem-solving   

• Early literacy experiences and reading readiness skills

• Large and small motor skills practice

• Outdoor play

• Open-ended art which builds creative thinking skills

• Snack time

• Group activities - including circle time, movement, music and story times

• Field trips

• Classroom visitors

• Parent Involvement

• Community Mission Projects

• Year End Ceremonies/Events

Licensing Agent - Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)

The MSDE Office of Child Care is responsible for all child care licensing and regulation in the state.  This includes nursery school and preschool programs.  The primary mission of the MSDE Office of Child Care is to foster the development of safe, available child care, nursery school and preschool facilities for Maryland families.

Regulated child care means that child care providers and their centers have been checked by the state licensing authority and were found to meet minimum health, safety, and program standards.  An informational pamphlet entitled ''Making the Difference for Your Child'' is given to the parents at the beginning of the school year

St. James' Nursery School is a licensed facility. This license is reviewed annually for renewal at both our Main Street and Gillis Falls locations.

Curriculum Themes and Units

During the year, many themes and units are introduced to the students.  A theme schedule for the year, along with the year's learning objectives, will be provided to the parent at the beginning of the year.  A written curriculum for the school is available in the school office for parent's perusal.  The written curriculum is based on appropriate practices for young children, the Maryland Voluntary Curriculum, the Work Sampling System (published by Pearson) and the Maryland Model for School Readiness (MMSR).
 

Chapel Time

The purpose of chapel time is to enhance the spiritual development of our little ones through developmentally appropriate songs, short prayers, lessons and stories. Once a month, all of the classes will be scheduled to visit the sanctuary for a brief (10-15 minute) chapel time. Annex chapel Time will be held in the classroom. Parents are more than welcome to attend. A chapel time schedule will be included in the monthly newsletter. Chapel time will be led by the Nursery School Director, Patricia Castle and/or the Church Rector, The Rev. Portia Hirschman.

Field Trips

Field Trips to interesting and educational places in the area are an integral part of our curriculum.  Parents will be notified beforehand and a completed, signed permission slip must be on file with our Nursery School in order for your child to attend any field trip.  Transportation for most field trips is provided by parents.  While we are a very "family-oriented" Nursery School, there will be some field trips offered that siblings will be invited to join us and others where we will ask that siblings do not attend.  Throughout the year, various Community Helpers visit our classrooms (parents are encouraged to serve in this capacity!).

Details, Details...

• Please dress your child comfortably in clothing that he/she can manage himself.  Check the weather each morning and dress him/her accordingly.  We will go outside to play every day unless it is raining or is extremely cold.  Please mark all sweaters, coats, and boots with your child's name.
• All children are asked to bring a two-handled open tote-bag (approximately 13x10 inches) to school each day.  Please label the bag clearly with your child's name.  Tote-bags are available in the office for purchase. 
• We provide healthy snacks and drinks during the school year.  However, on your child's birthday, you may provide a birthday treat for the class.  Please keep the party simple - we suggest cookies, muffins, brownies, ice cream cups, cupcakes.  We will supply the drink.  Please schedule birthday snack with teacher a week in advance, so we may avoid any conflicts in our schedule.  If your child's birthday falls during the summer months, you may select a day for a pretend birthday. Please remember the St. James' Nursery School is a nut-free facility.
• A school newsletter and classroom agenda will come home with your child every month so that you will be able to know what your child is doing and also any needs that we have.  Please be sure to carefully read both the school newsletter and the classroom agenda.
• A sign-up sheet/calendar is on each parent board for parents to sign up for volunteering in their child's class.  The Nursery Office will also make requests for volunteers to help with the Spring Book Fair, End-of-the-Year Picnics, etc.  Your help is greatly appreciated.
• Conferences will be held once a year at the beginning of May for all students. Mid-year progress reports are sent home to parents at the beginning of December.
• Tuition assistance is available on a limited basis.  Confidentiality is always maintained.  If you have questions, call the Nursery Office to speak with the Business Manager.