Catoctin Sun Nature Preschool - Walkersville MD Licensed Child Care Center

2 Chapel Place , Walkersville MD 21793
(240) 457-3143

About the Provider

Description: Catoctin Sun Nature Preschool is a progressive, specialized nature preschool program following the Reggio Emilia, project approach method of exploring topics of interest in-depth, over a longer period of time.

What we will do OUTSIDE:
~We go on daily nature walks, in many kinds of weather
~Feed the birds
~Document wildlife sightings and tracks
~Nurture our little garden
~Upcycle, recycle and build with materials
~Play in our Mud Pie Kitchen (all weather-suit covers over clothing)
~Chart & graph seasonal findings on clipboards
~Collect and curate found nature objects
~Learn about native plants, trees and wildlife around our school
~Cultivate our creative sides with paint and sensory play
~We run, jump and strengthen our gross/fine motor skills

What we will do INSIDE:
~We learn & practice peaceful, cooperative play
~Take part in long-term, child-guided units using The Project Approach
~ Share & explore our universe through open-ended classroom centers
~Draw, paint and create
~Put on plays & act out favorite stories
~Raise tadpoles to frogs and caterpillars to butterflies
~Start seeds and clippings & observe how plants grow
~ We practice yoga and dance and much much more...

***Our classroom will offer gender-neutral toys and natural materials will be used whenever possible.***
Our curriculum philosophy is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, named after the town in Italy where it was developed soon after World War II. Reggio Emilia has become a curriculum model of excellence that has attracted worldwide attention.

*The Hundred Languages of Children*
Throughout the learning process, children are encouraged to depict their understanding in one of many symbolic "languages" - including drawing, sculpture, dramatic play & re-telling, writing, and designing. Graphic representation is one of the key ways that teachers have a “window” into the learning process of young children. Children take part in long-term projects - the Project Approach - with daily opportunities to explore and modify individual and cooperative work.

*Parents & Teachers as Learners*
We will include parents and volunteers in many of our activities including nature walks and culminating activities that contextualize what we have learned so far.

Additional Information: MSDE-Approved Education Program.

Program and Licensing Details

  • License Number: 161318
  • Capacity: 15
  • Age Range: 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, 5 years to 15 years
  • Enrolled in Subsidized Child Care Program: No
  • District Office: Region 12 - Frederick County Office
  • District Office Phone: (301) 696-9766 (Note: This is not the facility phone number.)

Location Map

Inspection/Report History

Where possible, ChildcareCenter provides inspection reports as a service to families. This information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. We encourage families to contact the daycare provider directly with any questions or concerns, as the provider may have already addressed some or all issues. Reports can also be verified with your local daycare licensing office.

Date Type Regulations Status
2022-01-12 Other 13A.16.08.02B Corrected
Findings: At the time of the visit, two aides were with the children.
2022-01-10 Other 13A.16.03.06A(1) Corrected
Findings: There is a staff member who was hired in September 2021, and has been working since then, and OCC does not have her release with SSN on it. This will be sent to OCC within 24 hours. There are also two staff members working who require out of state clearances which OCC has not received to date. Center to provide proof to OCC that they have been requested by the appropriate agencies within 24 hours.
2022-01-10 Other 13A.16.03.06B Corrected
Findings: There is a staff member who was added in September 2021 and her full transcripts have not yet been submitted to OCC. This will be done and sent in an email to LS within 24 hours.
2022-01-10 Other 13A.16.08.02B Corrected
Findings: There is an aide and a staff member who has not yet been qualified at the center with the children.
2022-01-10 Other 13A.16.08.03A Corrected
Findings: There is a group of 4 preschool children with no qualified teacher in charge of the group.
2021-11-03 Other 13A.16.03.05C Corrected
Findings: Staff files for three new hires were reviewed and center's copies of the MD and FBI prints were not available for review. Director will obtain these within 5 days and send to LS for all three new staff.
2021-11-03 Other 13A.16.03.06A(1) Corrected
Findings: A personnel list was sent to LS reporting new hires, but the rest of the new hire paperwork was not sent within 5 days. A release of information, medical with TB test, privacy forms, staffing patterns and proof of qualifications are still outstanding and will be sent to LS within 5 days. Release of information, medicals and staffing patterns were given to LS at the inspection.
2021-11-03 Other 13A.16.06.03C(5) Corrected
Findings: There is an alert for one new hire that has not yet been cleared by OCC. This person has been working since September 2021.
2021-11-03 Other 13A.16.06.04A(1) Corrected
Findings: No medical was submitted for two new hires. LS reviewed the staff medicals on site and they are in the staff files.
2021-11-03 Other 13A.16.06.04A(2) Corrected
Findings: No TB test was submitted for two new hires. LS reviewed the TB tests on site and they were in the staff files.
2021-11-03 Other 13A.16.07.06C Corrected
Findings: Two staff members were employed in September and a release of information has not been submitted to OCC for them. These releases were given to LS at the inspection.
2021-04-21 Full 13A.16.12.01A(2) Corrected
Findings: Center is not currently serving milk with lunch and will being doing so immediately. Director will send a copy of letter to parents notifying them that this will be done.
2020-08-17 Mandatory Review
Findings: No Noncompliances Found
2020-03-06 Complaint 13A.16.03.02F(2) Corrected
Findings: A drop in child was present at the time of the inspection, but no paperwork was on file for this child. Director will ensure appropriate paperwork is submitted for this child within 15 days. If an appointment card is submitted showing the child has an appointment within 20 days, the health forms will also be submitted afterwards.
2019-03-22 Full 13A.16.03.05C Corrected
Findings: Staff files are not on site at the time of the visit. Director will bring staff files, including training, to the office for review.

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Providers in ZIP Code 21793