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Nurturing Young Minds Through the Power of Play

A licensed early childhood school for infants through pre-K in Howard County, MD. Schedule a free tour today.

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We're Here When You Need Us

Flexible programs designed to support your family before school, after school, and all summer long.
  • Before & After Care

Pointers Run & Clarksville Elementary

Snacks, homework support, and transportation — reliable care before and after the school day.
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  • Summer Program

Travel the World with Us

STEAM, Adventure, Culture, and more. Running June 16th – August 24th. Limited spots available.

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See why families trust Highland Playschool

Highland Playschool has been a trusted part of the Howard County community for years — where every child is known by name, every family feels welcome, and every day is built around your child’s growth.

Nurturing, Qualified Teachers

Our educators are passionate, experienced, and genuinely invested in every child’s development — not just their education.

Where Play and Education Go Hand in Hand

We blend nurturing play-based learning with real educational outcomes — building the skills, confidence, and curiosity children need to thrive.

Safe, Welcoming Environment

From drop-off to pick-up, your child is in a warm, secure space where they feel comfortable, cared for, and excited to be.

Maryland State Licensed Child Care Center

Highland Playschool is fully licensed by the state of Maryland (COMAR 13A.16), meeting all required standards for safety, staffing, and child development.

A True Community

Families don’t just enroll here — they become part of something. Parents, teachers, and children grow together at Highland Playschool.

Programs Designed for Every Stage of Childhood

From infant care to preschool, our play-based programs meet your child exactly where they are.

Infants

Infants

(2 to 17 months)

Your baby's first months are filled with wonder, and our infant program is designed to nurture every milestone. In a warm, attentive environment, our caregivers provide the consistent love and stimulation your baby needs to feel secure and begin exploring the world around them. Small groups mean your infant always gets the individual attention they deserve.

Key Activities:
Tummy TimeSensory PlayStorytimeMusic & MovementLanguage & CommunicationExplorationNap & Feeding Routines
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Toddlers

Toddlers

(18 to 23 months)

Toddlers are natural explorers, and our program is designed to keep up with their curiosity. In a warm, nurturing environment, our caregivers support the rapid development happening at this exciting stage — encouraging independence, language growth, and social skills through guided play and hands-on discovery.

Key Activities:
Sensory PlayMusic & MovementStorytimeImaginative PlayFine Motor SkillsOutdoor ExplorationCircle Time
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Twos

Twos

(2 to 3 years)

Two year olds are full of energy, big personalities, and an unstoppable desire to learn. Our Twos program channels that enthusiasm through creative play, early language development, and social skill building — helping children grow in confidence while developing the foundation they need for preschool and beyond.

Key Activities:
Creative PlayStorytimeMusic & MovementArts & CraftsEarly Language DevelopmentSocial SkillsOutdoor Play
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Preschool

Preschool

(3 to 4 years)

Preschool is where curiosity meets structure. Our play-based preschool program builds on your child's natural love of learning — developing early literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills in a nurturing, supportive environment. Every day is thoughtfully designed to prepare your child for kindergarten while keeping learning fun and engaging.

Key Activities:
Early LiteracyNumeracy & CountingArts & CraftsSTEAM ExplorationStorytimeOutdoor PlaySocial & Emotional Learning
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Pre-K

Pre-K

(4 to 5 years)

Our Pre-K program is designed to give children the strongest possible start before kindergarten. Through a blend of structured education and play-based learning, children develop advanced literacy, math, and critical thinking skills — all while building the confidence, independence, and social skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Key Activities:
Advanced LiteracyMath & Problem SolvingSTEAM ProjectsWriting & Fine Motor SkillsCreative ArtsSocial & Emotional LearningKindergarten Readiness
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Summer Program

Summer Program

(June 16th to August 24th)

Keep the learning going all summer long with Highland Playschool's themed Summer Program. Each week brings a new adventure — from STEAM and Problem Solving to Culture, Exploration, and Teamwork. Children stay engaged, active, and inspired all summer while making memories that last. Spots are limited, so pick your preferred weeks early.

Key Activities:
STEAM ExplorationProblem SolvingAdventureCultural DiscoveryTeamworkOutdoor PlayCreative Arts
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Before & After Care

Before & After Care

We know how demanding family schedules can be, and we're here to help. Highland Playschool's Before & After School Care program provides a safe, nurturing environment for children before and after the school day — with transportation, snacks, and homework support included. Serving families at Pointers Run and Clarksville Elementary.

Key Activities:
Homework SupportSnacksOutdoor PlayCreative ArtsMusic & MovementFree PlayTransportation
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A Day at Highland Playschool

Wondering what your child's day looks like? Here's a peek inside.

Morning Welcome & Snack

7:00am – 9:00am
Your child is greeted by name at the door by a familiar, caring face. Free play and quiet activities ease little ones into the day comfortably.

Circle Time

9:00am – 9:30am
The class gathers for songs, stories, and conversation — building language skills, listening habits, and a sense of community.

Learning Through Play

9:30am – 11:00am

Children rotate through hands-on activity centers — building, creating, and discovering while teachers let curiosity lead the way.

Outdoor Time

11:00am – 11:30am
Fresh air, movement, and unstructured play that builds gross motor skills and encourages social interaction.

Lunch & Rest

11:30am – 1:00pm
A relaxed lunch followed by quiet rest time. Infant and toddler nap schedules are respected individually.

Afternoon & Pickup

1:00pm – 6:00pm
Arts, crafts, music, and small group activities fill the afternoon. Teachers share highlights from your child’s day at pickup.

The Caring Faces Behind Every Great Day

Our passionate, qualified team is dedicated to making every child feel safe, loved, and ready to learn.

Mrs. Kelly

Mrs. Kelly

Director

Ben Costa

Ben Costa

Executive Director

Mrs. Kattya

Mrs. Kattya

Lead Infants

Mrs. Shamaela

Mrs. Shamaela

Lead Pre-K

Ms. Janae

Ms. Janae

Lead Infants/Toddlers

Mrs. Lindsay

Mrs. Lindsay

Lead Preschool

Ms. Grace

Ms. Grace

Lead Preschool

Ms. Autumn

Ms. Autumn

Lead Preschool

What Families Are Saying

See why parents across Howard County keep recommending Highland Playschool.

We had an overall positive experience with Highland Playschool (HP), especially during our time in the Infant 1 and Infant 2 rooms.Pros:The teachers a…We had an overall positive experience with Highland Playschool (HP), especially during our time in the Infant 1 and Infant 2 rooms.

Pros:
The teachers are wonderful—gentle, patient, and caring. We really appreciated receiving lots of photos and videos throughout the day in both Infant 1 and 2 rooms. The weekly music classes were a great bonus, and the seasonal crafts and sensory activities (especially in the Infant 2 room) were fun and engaging.

When weather permitted, Infant 1 babies were taken outside for stroller walks, and Infant 2 toddlers enjoyed playground time with plenty of equipment to play on. HP also hosts family events throughout the year, which helped foster a strong community feel. Parents are able to observe their child’s classroom at any time, which provided peace of mind. We also appreciated the provided crib linens (less laundry ftw!)

The Director, Kelly, was very accommodating in providing a separate space for our LO's on-site physical therapy sessions and also flexible in allowing our older children to attend when their preschool was briefly closed during the summer. Overall, the Director and staff are all very kind, welcoming, and friendly.

Cons:
The Infant 1 and 2 classrooms are pretty small, and not all the flooring is fully covered with mats or rugs to cushion falls.

Not sure if the school provided bibs are covering/catching much, but I do not recommend sending your toddler in with nice or light-colored clothing!

If you’re looking for a cozy, individualized, family-like daycare environment rather than a large center, Highland Playschool may be a great fit!
Tracy Ji
Our child attended Highland Playschool and we absolutely loved it. It was our first experience with daycare, and it was a perfect match. I have loving…Our child attended Highland Playschool and we absolutely loved it. It was our first experience with daycare, and it was a perfect match. I have lovingly referred to it as a “boutique daycare” to mean that they have the resources and capabilities of a large center, but the care, attention to detail, and tenderness of a home center. Kattya was a perfect infant teacher, showing our child so much love and care. We loved that she was able to rock our child to sleep and help follow an Infants and Toddlers PT plan we were using at the time. Maricely was absolutely terrific in the older infant room, constantly working on engaging activities with the kids, from bubble parties to art and clever fine motor activities. We found Highland to be an excellent center under Kelly’s direction. We loved that our child was known by all the teachers and staff and wasn’t just a number at Highland. We liked the imaginative play our child received and overall love and care. They felt like an extension of our family and we highly recommend checking out Highland Playschool.
Brooke Blankenship
We have loved this little school and would recommend it to everyone. From day 1, the staff has given us assurance that they are not only caring for--b…We have loved this little school and would recommend it to everyone. From day 1, the staff has given us assurance that they are not only caring for--but truly love and appreciate--the individual that my son is. He started at Highland at 15 months after a negative in-home daycare experience. He was a nervous little guy after that experience and as parents, we were also quite worried about any group care for him. The Director, Ms. Kelly, really sets the tone for the whole staff. Ms. Ashley, the Assistant Director, is newer, but also fabulous. They are warm, attentive, and organized. The same is true of the teachers they hire. In that transition period when my son did not want to be anywhere except with mom and dad, the teachers spent weeks offering extra cuddles (literally holding him to sleep for naps) and never rushed his readiness for independence. Every day, we receive lots of pictures and updates that offer reassurance, care, and fun. Now that our son is comfortable there, we see him shining doing artwork, on the playground, reading, and with friends. Recently, they have started a music enrichment class and they have fun visitors like animal friends and bubble parties from time to time. Highland offers a rich and engaging curriculum and a wonderful developmental experience. We have had an excellent experience through and through and truly have no complaints. Even if you are nervous parents like we were at first, you can be sure that your child will receive genuine love, attention, kindness, responsiveness, and more at Highland Playschool. Highly recommend!!!
Gina Fleck
Highlands Play School has been an absolute blessing for our family, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. After moving from out of state to a new a…Highlands Play School has been an absolute blessing for our family, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. After moving from out of state to a new area without any family nearby, I was nervous about finding a daycare where my daughter would be safe, cared for, and loved. From the moment we walked through the doors, the staff, led by the incredible director Kelly, made us feel like we belonged.

When my daughter was recently diagnosed with a medical disorder, I mentioned it to Kelly during a conversation. The next time we spoke, she had taken the initiative to research the diagnosis on her own. I was completely blown away by her kindness and dedication. It showed me just how much she genuinely cares about the children and families at Highlands. Knowing that she took the time to understand my daughter’s needs brought me an immense sense of comfort and reassurance about her safety and well-being.

Highlands Play School didn’t just provide a safe and loving environment for my daughter; it gave me a sense of community during a time that I needed it the most. The teachers are nurturing, the environment is warm and engaging, and the level of care and attention the children receive is unmatched. Highlands Play School is so much more than a daycare—it’s a community where children and parents are loved, valued, and supported.

Thank you, Kelly, and the entire Highlands team, for the incredible difference you’ve made in our lives.
Lindsey Harris
If you're looking for a daycare program that not only cares for your child but fosters their growth through creativity and exploration, look no furthe…If you're looking for a daycare program that not only cares for your child but fosters their growth through creativity and exploration, look no further than Highland Playschool.

We joined in November 2024 and it was clear from day 1 that the Director, Mrs. Kelly cares deeply for the children and is very hands on. She ensured our son’s transition from his prior daycare was smooth and his assessments were completed on time and recommended actions were promptly shared. Overall she is very attentive to parents and children’s needs.

Our son’s lead teacher, Ms. Shelby and the entire staff did a great job helping him settle in and make friends. He has enjoyed play-based learning and we have seen his vocabulary improve since we joined. We look forward to working with the team at Highland Playschool to accelerate our son’s growth and development throughout his time in preschool.

The communication is the best we’ve seen in all the daycare centers we’ve experienced over the years raising multiple children. At Highland Playschool, we receive multiple text, photo and video updates via the brightwheel app everyday.

What stands out most about this program is how it seamlessly integrates important developmental milestones with the joy of discovery. The children are not just playing—they’re learning critical social skills, problem-solving strategies, and foundational academic concepts like numbers, letters, and even basic science. It’s a rare blend of fun and function that truly prepares kids for the next stages of learning, all while keeping them excited to come back each day.

As a parent, knowing that our son is in a space where learning is fun and developmentally appropriate has been a huge relief.

Highly Recommend!
Michael Akinyele
A true gem. We are so grateful for the teachers and the director at Highland Playschool that provide a nurturing and fun environment for our children.…A true gem. We are so grateful for the teachers and the director at Highland Playschool that provide a nurturing and fun environment for our children. We were lucky enough to find them when we were let down by another school and Miss Kelly was quick to address our concerns and provide reasonable solutions. The staff are communicative and most importantly the children are loved and educated. As a parent, I know a good school when I can walk out with zero anxiety around the care of my children. I know they are learning and they are safe with caregivers that truly understand physical and mental development. I highly recommend this school, they are the best!!
Annabelle Frost
Our family previously was at Little Builders that is now under new management - Highland Playschool. We were excited to come back to this beautiful fa…Our family previously was at Little Builders that is now under new management - Highland Playschool. We were excited to come back to this beautiful facility - the school is clean and the toys are in good condition. The director, Kelly, is extremely polite and responsive to all communication and is one of the main reasons we decided to come back! We have been very happy with our 3 year old daughter’s experience so far. The teachers are loving and patient. We receive updates throughout the day through a very user-friendly app, Brightwheel (automatic payments too-no remembering to write a check!). My daughter is playing instruments, doing refrigerator-worthy crafts, lots of outside time, all while learning how to interact with friends and learn her numbers, letters and more!
Jennene Blakely
We've had a great experience overall with Little Builders over 1.5 years. I think one of their strongest assets is their current director, Cara. She r…We've had a great experience overall with Little Builders over 1.5 years. I think one of their strongest assets is their current director, Cara. She really cares about each child and does her best to make sure that their needs are met. She has been very understanding and flexible with our family. The center has a good daily structure and they've done a lot of activities / field trips that my kids have loved.
Kasey Ezzat
I definitely recommend Little Builders! It is such a caring and friendly environment where both my children thrive. Wonderful teachers who are very re…I definitely recommend Little Builders! It is such a caring and friendly environment where both my children thrive. Wonderful teachers who are very responsive and flexible; great curriculum throughout the year and a fun summer program! My older daughter went to the Pre-K program and was completely prepared for Kindergarten! My younger daughter did great in the "Preschool" room and is now moving into the Pre-K classroom. I'm really excited to see all of her social, emotional, and academic development over the next year!
Elizabeth Hensley
We love Little Builders! Both of our daughters (ages 1 & 4) are students there, and we have had a very positive experience. Our oldest daughter has be…We love Little Builders! Both of our daughters (ages 1 & 4) are students there, and we have had a very positive experience. Our oldest daughter has been there since she was 3 months old and is now moving up to the Pre-K class. She is learning and growing every day and is excited to go to school. The teachers and staff are caring, attentive, responsive, and knowledgeable. They provide a good mix of learning and fun in a safe environment. The summer program is fun and includes weekly waterplay, Kona Ice, and 4 field trips - the trips are well planned and fun for the kids. The Director, Cara, does an amazing job of organizing, planning, and communicating with parents. Never have we had a bad experience with any of the teachers.

Our youngest is in the infant room and is always sent home with fresh diaper, items from the day collected in a bag, and clean clothes. They do artwork a couple times a week - lots of cute feet and hand prints, and fingerpainting. The are very creative crafters!

Its unfortunate that a previous reviewer had such a bad experience because that has not been the case for us at all, and we have been there for 4 years. Our children have always been safe, clean, and well cared for. We do not hesitate to recommend Little Builders, and have done so many times whenever we encounter someone looking for childcare!
Kristy Price
We have two children at the school and are very happy with the care they receive. Teachers are warm and connect with the kids and the director is very…We have two children at the school and are very happy with the care they receive. Teachers are warm and connect with the kids and the director is very hands-on. The atmosphere is very family like because it’s a small non-chain center. Staff turnover is fairly high but probably typical of this field. Overall, it’s a safe and fun environment.
Jessica Gong
I have been a lead Pre-k teacher at Little Builders for over a year now. I absolutely love working at this school. I have been teaching for almost 11 …I have been a lead Pre-k teacher at Little Builders for over a year now. I absolutely love working at this school. I have been teaching for almost 11 years and have worked at many different centers, none of which I have enjoyed as much as working here. The teachers actually care about the children. Everyone treats each other like family. I can truly say I love coming to work each day. Everyone is respectful and friendly. The director Mrs. Cara is great at working with the families and the staff. The center is clean and always ready for the students each day. The Curriculum is wonderful and it really helps prepare the Pre-k students for kindergarten. No matter what room you walk into at LBLC the children are always engaged and learning as well as having their daily needs met. If I had children I would place them at LBLC before putting them in any other childcare center just from experience working at other places in the area. I could say a million good things about working here and being apart of this school. If you are looking for childcare I highly recommend you schedule a tour with us and see what we are all about. If you are looking for employment and would like to be apart of this great center do not hesitate to apply. LBLC is the best!!!!! I have never experienced anything the negative reviews have said on here as long as I’ve been working at LBLC. 🙂
Rachel Ellinger
My daughter has been at Little Builders Learning Center since the first day they opened. The staff is just wonderful, they have helped my daughter bec…My daughter has been at Little Builders Learning Center since the first day they opened. The staff is just wonderful, they have helped my daughter become the wonderful 2 year old she is today. She has had so many excellent teachers who are willing to take the time to work with her individual needs.
Bunny Rose
I had my daughter at Little Builders for 2 years and took her out because I wanted to put her in the same school as her brother... Needless to say, I …I had my daughter at Little Builders for 2 years and took her out because I wanted to put her in the same school as her brother... Needless to say, I ended up taking her out of the school after 3 months and putting her back at Little Builders. The curriculum is great and the Christian faith is felt around the center. It is definitely a place a I would highly recommend.
Yanessi Morales

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Your Child's Best Days Start Here

Spots are limited — book a free tour today and take the first step toward enrolling.

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Got Questions? We Have Answers.

Find answers to the most common questions from Highland Playschool families.

Highland Playschool welcomes children from 2 months through 5 years old. We offer programs for infants, toddlers, twos, preschoolers, and pre-K age children.
We are located at 13342 Clarksville Pike, Highland, MD 20777. We serve families from Highland, Clarksville, Fulton, North Laurel, Columbia, Laurel, and surrounding areas.
We are open Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
Yes. Highland Playschool is a fully licensed child care center under Maryland COMAR 13A.16, meeting all state requirements for safety, staffing, and child development.
Our ratios meet or exceed Maryland state licensing requirements. For our infant program specifically, we maintain a 1 to 3 caregiver to infant ratio to ensure every baby receives the individual attention they deserve.
Play-based learning is an educational approach that uses play as the primary vehicle for child development. Rather than sitting at desks, children learn through hands-on exploration, creative activities, and guided discovery. Research consistently shows that children learn best when they are engaged, curious, and having fun — and that is the foundation of everything we do at Highland Playschool.

We offer seven programs — Infants (2–17 months), Toddlers (18–23 months), Twos (2–3 years), Preschool (3–4 years), Pre-K (4–5 years), Before & After School Care, and a Summer Program running June 16th through August 24th.

Yes. Our Before & After School Care program serves families at Pointers Run and Clarksville Elementary schools. We provide transportation, snacks, and homework support.
Our Pre-K program is specifically designed to build the academic, social, and emotional skills children need to thrive in kindergarten. Through a blend of structured education and play-based learning, children develop literacy, math, critical thinking, and independence — all in a nurturing environment.
The best first step is to schedule a free tour. After your visit our team will walk you through the enrollment process and answer any questions about availability and next steps.
Yes, enrollment is limited to maintain our low caregiver to child ratios. We recommend scheduling a tour as soon as possible to check availability for your child’s age group.
Required documents include a completed enrollment form, emergency contact form, All About My Child form, and all required pediatrician paperwork including health inventory, immunization records, and lead certificate. A full list of required documents is available on our Parent Resources page.
Every day at Highland Playschool is thoughtfully structured around play-based learning, circle time, outdoor play, meals, and rest. You can see a full breakdown of our daily schedule on our homepage.
Yes. Highland Playschool uses Brightwheel to keep parents connected throughout the day. Through the app you’ll receive real-time updates on your child’s activities, feeding and nap logs for infants, photos, direct messages from teachers, and billing information.
We recommend bringing a change of clothes, any comfort items your child needs, and any required medications with the appropriate authorization forms completed. Our team will provide a full first day checklist during your enrollment process.

Join Our Interest List

Spots at Highland Playschool fill quickly. Add your child to our interest list and we’ll reach out as soon as a spot becomes available in your preferred program.

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