Preschool (Ages 2.5 to young 4 year olds)

This program is the beginning experience for young children who enroll at Greenbelt Children's Center. Children are immersed in a nurturing and print rich environment, with an emphasis on social skills and individualized learning. Teachers plan for a wide variety of experiences in all domains: Language and Literacy, Mathematical Thinking, Scientific Thinking, Social Studies, Physical Development, Personal and Social Skills and The Arts. Lesson plans are posted weekly so that parents are aware of all the planned activities, including weekly cooking projects and Show and Tell. We have found this to be an important communication tool for parents to help in discussing the experiences with your pre-school child at the end of the day. Activities are developmentally appropriate, learning through play, teacher directed and self selected activities. Children select Lending Library books that are signed out for parents to read at home and then return. Child assessment utilizes the Work Sampling System of observation and child portfolio development and Parent-Teacher conferences are offered twice per year. Extra programs your pre-school child will participate in include Spanish Language Classes, Music Instruction, Physical Education Instruction and an artist in residency program with Wolftrap for the Performing Arts, all included at no extra fee. The staff to child ratio is 1 teacher per every 6 children. Breakfast and afternoon snacks are served as well as the milk at lunch time, parents pack lunches from home. For information on enrollment and registration, please visit our Registration page.

NEW FOR 2010-2011:
Grant funding supports families
accepted into the Pre-Kindergarten
Program with breakfast and a 40% discount on the weekly tuition!

Pre-Kindergarten

This program is for children who turn four by September 1st of the year entering Pre-Kindergarten. The program in Room 1 has enjoyed a special partnership with the Prince George's County Public School System through a Judith P. Hoyer Grant from the Maryland State Department of Education. In addition to the same parameters as the pre-school program (see above), this classroom will enjoy going on field trips, taking home Back Pack At-Home Activities to do with parent and will participate in a drama and literacy program with InterAct Story Theatre. The Houghton Mifflin Curriculum is used in addition to Hugs & Tugs and other supplements, such as a classroom subscription to "Weekly Reader Pre-K" by Weekly Reader. Children in this program use a Management Board to plan for their daily work in the classroom learning centers. Two GCC Pre-K Teachers and a full time public school teacher from Greenbelt Elementary School work together providing a print rich and nurturing environment and were featured in a story by USA Today in December 2007. For information on enrollment and registration, please visit our Registration page.

Alternative Kindergarten/Pre-Kindergarten

This program is for children turning 4 or 5 years old by September 1st of the year entering the program. Children in Classroom 3 enjoy all of the same activities mentioned in the two descriptions above plus use the Houghton Mifflin Reading Curriculum and Scott Foresman -Addison Wesley Mathematics Curriculum. Children in this classroom receive very individualized interactions with teachers due to the small group environment. Children in this program use a Management Board to plan for their daily work in the classroom learning centers. Work samples sent home for you to view will have "At-home" activities for you to do with your child. Your child will be also build skills through participation in shared writing and interactive writing experiences. Your child receives a classroom subscription to Scholastic "Let's Find Out". Your child turning five years old at the beginning of the year receives a certificate of attendance at the completion of the school year that shows proof of their alternative kindergarten experience for entry into the first grade for the next school year. For information on enrollment and registration, please visit our Registration page.

Before & After School Program

Your school-age child attending Greenbelt Elementary School in the first through third grade is offered a relaxing, creative, and social environment, taking into consideration the length of the academic school day that the children have attended. After school activities include snack time, outdoor play, homework help, cooperative games, arts and crafts and age appropriate board games, in addition to classroom learning centers. Activities also include Adventures in Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution to support the children in developing valuable problem solving skills. Parents are expected to support the program's expectations that children will solve problems using words. Parents can reserve extra care on days when public school is closed and GCC is open, for a nominal fee. For information on enrollment and registration, please visit our Registration page.

Summer Camp Program

Swimming at the pool Your child will have the opportunity to participate in an enriching summer program during the weeks that public school is closed. Planned activities include special weekly themes and special events such as Funtastic Fitness, Mad Science, Catriona's Castle, a Family Night Potluck dinner with children's entertainers and pony rides. Summer Activity Plans are posted to keep you informed of the daily activities of arts and crafts, science and nature, story time, group games, outdoor play as well as weekly cooking projects and reading for recreation Your child will go swimming every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as part of the regular program and you may sign your child up for optional swimming lessons with the Greenbriar Pool. Tuition is charged only for the weeks that you reserve in your written reservation schedule. A weekly non-refundable Summer Activity Fee is submitted with your schedule in advance and covers the additional staff and lifeguard hired to make swimming a safe activity as well as the budget for the enriching special event programs.

2010 Summer Camp Program update:

For all the information you need for enrollment and registration, please visit our Registration page!

Testimonials

September 23, 2008
"This is [my daughter's] ’s first week at the other school.. Let me tell you that I miss your center so much. The excellent service and care that GCC provided to [my daughter] and my family will never be replaced. I truly miss taking my princess to your school. I know that at GCC she was safe, loved and being educated the same way I would do at home. My husband and relatives feel the same way about your school. If I ever come back to the area of Greenbelt I will definitely take [my daughter] back to your center. Please give my best regards to ... your staff... "
~Former GCC Parent