Brown House

Philosophy of Learning and Care

Brown House educators believe that children learn best when they are initiators and constructors of their knowledge through exploration and their natural curiosity to learn about the world in which they live. By aligning our teachings with their development and interests, we provide children with the opportunity not only to learn about their world, but to experience and apply what they have learned so it becomes part of who they are.

Guiding PrinciplEs

At Brown House, we consider ourselves facilitators of our children's learning. Through careful observation, our teachers identify each child's interests and abilities and then construct lesson plans that support their growth socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively.

Our teachers foster confidence and self-esteem in children by providing authentic materials and props to encourage them to think openly and explore freely. This child-directed exploration develops confident and independent children.

Teachers provide routines, repetition and rituals which help build trust and independence in an emotionally nurturing environment.

The foundation of our program is built on respect. Respect for children, their families and our teachers. We want to provide an environment where children are nurtured and supported in their development.

We want families to be our partner so that we are able to provide the individualized care each child deserves. We want to provide a wonderful place for teachers to work where they feel supported and valued.

Brown House Early Childhood Educators 

Holton-Arms is committed to providing a warm, safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment for children. We do this through our experienced and dedicated teaching staff and administration. All teachers must be Child Care Teacher certified through the Maryland State Department of Education Maryland Office of Child Care, pass Federal and State level background checks, health physicals, possess current certification in First Aid and CPR as well as meet the annual training requirements as outlined by the Office of Child Care to maintain child care teacher certification. All Brown House teachers are given a required teacher orientation upon the start of their employment and work directly with their supervisor to create and implement an annual professional development plan that will benefit both themselves and the age group they are teaching as well as the advancement of our program. Brown House teachers are evaluated annually by the director to provide feedback on professionalism and job performance. Holton-Arms Child Development Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Enrollment Policy

Enrollment at Brown House is open to faculty and staff of Holton-Arms School, Norwood School, Landon School, Primary Day School, and Burning Tree Elementary School on an annual contract. Priority is given to Holton-Arms School faculty and staff in the spring of each year for the upcoming academic year. Once the interest survey and contract process with Holton employees have been closed, available spaces are opened to children of employees of the other area schools mentioned on a first come, first served basis.

Parent Involvement

We provide many opportunities each year for parent involvement in our program and welcome any suggestions or ideas for more opportunities! Brown House hosts several family parties around holiday events and provides opportunities for families to volunteer in our classrooms and support and appreciate our teachers.

CONTACT US

If you are interested in finding out more about our program, rates, or would like to schedule a tour, please contact the Program Director, Tracy Ray at 301-767-2367.

HOURS OF OPERATION

The Center is open from the last week of August to the second week in June and is closed during the summer. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Brown House is licensed by the State of Maryland Office of Child Care, license #34351.

Programs

Placement is determined first by birth date and then by space availability.

Caterpillars

(8 weeks through approximately 16 months) Student to teacher ratio is 1:3 with a maximum of 6 children and 2 teachers.

Children are provided with a homelike, nurturing environment that provides developmentally appropriate opportunities for growth. Our program values each child as an individual and as such, we recognize that they develop and achieve milestones at their own pace. We focus on what a child is able to do on their own and support their growth toward their next milestone achievement.

Grasshoppers

(1 year through approximately 2 years) Student to teacher ratio is 1:3 with a maximum of 6 children ad 2 teachers.

Our toddler program is a bridge from our infant room to the two-year old classroom. It is our goal to provide our toddlers with as many opportunities to do things on their own while they grow into themselves. A focus for toddler teachers is to empower their class and build positive self-esteem while supporting the children in their social/emotional skills by providing opportunities for group activities as well as individualized learning experiences.