Pre-K
(4 to 5 Years)
The Strongest Start Before Kindergarten
At Highland Playschool, our Pre-K program gives children the most comprehensive, confident start before they walk through the doors of kindergarten. Families searching for pre-k near me trust us as a Maryland state licensed early childhood school (COMAR 13A.16) serving Highland, Clarksville, Fulton, Columbia, and the greater Howard County area. Four and five year olds are ready for a higher level of structured learning — without losing the joy and curiosity that makes early childhood so special. Our experienced, qualified teachers blend intentional academic instruction with play-based learning to develop advanced literacy, math, critical thinking, and social skills. Every day is purposefully designed to build the independence, confidence, and school readiness your child needs to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. Small group sizes ensure every child receives the individual attention they deserve, every single day.
What You Can Expect from Our Pre-K Near You
From drop-off to pick-up, here’s what makes our Pre-K program different.
Qualified, Dedicated Teachers
Our Pre-K teachers are experienced, passionate, and deeply committed to preparing every child for kindergarten success. Every team member is trained, background-checked, and personally dedicated to building a trusting, supportive relationship with every child and family near you.
A Structured Learning Environment
Our Pre-K classrooms are thoughtfully designed to balance structured academic learning with creative exploration. From reading corners and writing stations to math centers and STEAM labs, every element of the classroom is intentional and purposeful.
Academic Foundations Through Play
Our Pre-K curriculum goes beyond the basics. Children develop advanced literacy, mathematical thinking, problem solving, and critical reasoning skills — all delivered through engaging, play-based activities that make learning feel exciting and meaningful rather than intimidating.
Small Groups, Big Results
Our low teacher to child ratios improve attention and ensure every Pre-K student receives consistent, attentive instruction and support throughout the day. Your child will always feel seen, challenged, and celebrated as they grow toward kindergarten readiness.
A Typical Day at Our Pre-K Near You
Every day at our Pre-K is thoughtfully structured to build academic skills, foster creativity, and develop the independence your child needs to thrive in kindergarten.
Morning Arrival & Table Activities
8:00am – 8:30am
Your child is welcomed by a familiar, caring face at drop-off. Children settle into the morning with purposeful table activities — puzzles, drawing, sensory bins, and quiet play — that ease them into the day and encourage independent thinking from the start near you.
Morning Meeting & Circle Time
8:45am – 9:15am
The class comes together for morning meeting — covering calendar, weather, songs, the daily plan, and a social-emotional check-in. This daily ritual builds language skills, listening habits, early literacy concepts, and a strong sense of classroom community.
Learning Centers
9:15am – 9:45am
Children choose from stimulating activity centers including dramatic play, blocks and construction, art and creativity, literacy and writing, math and manipulatives, and sensory science. Both teacher-led and child-directed exploration happen simultaneously in this rich learning environment.
Snack & Outdoor Play
10:00am – 11:00am
After a nourishing morning snack, children head outside for active outdoor play — playground time, movement games, and nature walks that build gross motor skills, social confidence, and a love of physical activity.
Small Groups & Storytime
11:00am – 11:40am
Focused small group skill-building sessions cover phonics, counting, fine motor activities, and themed learning. This is followed by storytime, music and movement, and group activities that reinforce the day’s learning in an engaging, playful way.
Lunch
11:40am – 12:45pm
Children prepare for lunch together — building self-help skills, independence, and routine. A relaxed, social lunch follows where children develop table manners and community in a warm, nurturing setting.
Nap & Rest Time
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Every child’s rest schedule is respected individually. Our rest environment is calm, consistent, and supportive. Rest times are logged in real time through Brightwheel so parents are always in the loop.
Afternoon Activities & Pick-Up
3:15pm – 6:00pm
After rest, children enjoy an afternoon snack followed by a closing circle to review the day, a second outdoor session, and afternoon centers with table activities. As families arrive from 5:30pm, children transition smoothly to pick-up. Center closes at 6:00pm sharp.
Key Activities at Our Pre-K Near You
Every activity is intentionally chosen to build the academic skills, social confidence, and kindergarten readiness your child needs to succeed.
Advanced Literacy
Phonics & Reading
Writing & Fine Motor Skills
Math & Problem Solving
STEAM Projects
Creative Arts
Social & Emotional Learning
Music & Movement
Outdoor Play
Kindergarten Readiness
Circle Time
From advanced literacy and STEAM projects to creative arts and social emotional learning, every activity in our Pre-K is purposeful and intentional. Each one is designed to develop your child’s academic, physical, social, and emotional growth — giving them the skills, confidence, and curiosity they need to walk into kindergarten ready to shine.
The Caring Hands Behind Your Pre-K Child's Day
Our Pre-K teachers are experienced, qualified, and genuinely passionate about preparing every child for their next big adventure. Getting to know them is the first step to feeling confident about drop-off near you.
Mrs. Kattya
Ms. Janae
Ms. Mia
Ms. Kallie
All Highland Playschool teachers are fully background-checked, trained in accordance with Maryland state licensing requirements, and committed to building a trusting relationship with every family we serve near you.
What Pre-K Parents Are Saying
Don’t just take our word for it — hear from the families near you who trust us with their most precious ones.