About WLCN

Wilde Lake Children’s Nursery is a co-operative nursery school, established in 1968, offering programs for 2, 3, and 4 year olds. At WLCN, parents play an active role in the school by helping out both in and out of the classroom. We believe that children learn best through play, and at their own pace.

Our Philosophy

WLCN has at the core of its philosophy a conviction that play is fundamental to a child’s educational experience. Our school’s goal is to provide a setting where children are comfortable and happy and where their individual needs are met as fully as possible in all developmental areas. Social and emotional skills such as self-confidence, responsibility, sharing, self-expression, exploration, and many others are developed through a wide variety of free play experiences, teacher-directed activities, and the use of Wilde Lake’s extensive collection of materials and equipment. Teachers meet the cognitive needs of each child through individual, small, and large group activities. Language arts, math and problem solving skills can be enhanced as children are free to pursue individual styles of learning at varied levels of development. Physical development is also important at our school. The teacher’s selection of activities, materials and indoor and outdoor play help to accomplish this goal. Each child’s progress in all areas is communicated to parents at regularly scheduled conferences, as well as on an informal basis.

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Our Programs

Staff per class: one teacher, one assistant teacher, one co-op parent

Two-Year-Old Program – Tuesday, Thursday, 9:15-11:15am

The two-year-old program enables very young children to become acquainted with and comfortable in a school environment. Emphasis is placed on developing personal and social skills necessary for a successful nursery school experience. Creativity is fostered and encouraged through art, role-play and music activities. Parental involvement in this program is essential to a smooth transition to the school experience. Each session is divided into circle time, free play time, snack time, and outdoor play time. (10 children maximum)

Three-Year-Old Program – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:15 – 11:45am

Our three-year-old program includes a variety of activities designed to promote mathematics, language, literacy, creative development, physical development, and knowledge and understanding of the world. Each session is divided into circle time, free play time, snack time, and outdoor play time. Field trips are also planned throughout the year. (16 children maximum)

Four-Year-Old Program – Monday thru Thursday, 12:30-3:00pm

The four-year-old program introduces a variety of activities that will enable your child to make a smooth transition from preschool to kindergarten. The daily schedule is similar to the three-year-old program, (circle time, etc.) but the concepts are more sophisticated. The program also combines child-directed and teacher-guided activities, enabling each child to learn at his or her own pace. Field trips are planned throughout the year. (16 children maximum)

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Our Staff

At WLCN, we believe we have the best teachers in the area! All of our Teachers and Assistant Teachers are committed to making sure your child is well cared for and supported while at school. They take the time to understand what is unique about every child and work hard to make their time away from home a positive experience. This really shows on the children’s faces at the end of the school day!

Miss Amy – Teacher, 2s and 3s

Amy Crawford is excited to join the staff at WLCN. She has a master's degree in counseling psychology from Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree in English and psychology from Bucknell University. She has worked in higher education for over 8 years. While she was a stay-at-home mom, her children attended a local co-op nursery school where she served on the school's board for 2 years. Amy loved her co-op experience so much that she has decided to work for a co-op nursery school.

Miss Carren - Teacher, 4s

Carren Adler joined WLCN in 2002. She is the director of the school, teaches the 4 year olds and prepares them for kindergarten. Miss Carren has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. She also has a Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins in School Guidance and Counseling. Miss Carren taught a three-year-old class for a year and two summer programs in a Montessori school. She also taught first and second grades for five years in the Montgomery County public school system.

Miss Marla – Assistant Teacher, 2s,3s and 4s

Although Miss Marla joined WLCN in 2001, she has been actively involved with younger children for years. From 1996 until 2001, Marla worked as a lunch/recess monitor in a local elementary school in addition to volunteering in the classroom. Previous to this, she had a licensed daycare in her home, caring for children from the age of 3 months to 10 years old. Marla has always enjoyed being around young children and this shows in the patience and creative energy she displays in the classroom.

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Our Facility

10518 Marble Faun Court, Columbia, MD 21044

WLCN is located across the road from the Wilde Lake Village Center at the Faulkner Ridge Neighborhood Center. The school features the following:

Wilde Lake Children’s Nursery Building

Play Yard for WLCN Students

Classroom

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Employment Opportunities

There are currently no open positions at WLCN.

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