Program
“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul.”
- Friedrich Froebel
Learning through literature and play
Childhood is a time for wonder, and every day at Healthy Start is built to honor it — nurturing confident, curious, kind children who love to learn. The foundations we build together prepare children for kindergarten and beyond. Aligned with the Maryland Early Learning Standards, my literature- and play-based curriculum is designed to delight young children and spark new interests.
Each day, children gather for a curated blend of literature, music and movement that weaves the week’s themes together, then explore through layered, hands-on activities that deepen at every stage, growing with each child. Across the year, they progress within eight strands:
This is Me and My Big Feelings foster a strong sense of self. Children celebrate what makes them unique and gain the tools to navigate emotions with confidence and resilience.
Caring Hearts and Healthy Habits help children thrive in a community. They develop friendships, empathy and a sense of fairness alongside the everyday routines that encourage independence.
Literacy Launch and Math Milestones build the early skills behind lifelong academic success. Letters and numbers come alive in favorite books and everyday moments, making early reading and math a joyful discovery.
Wild Wonders and Tinker Time invite children to investigate and create. Following the seasons through the natural world and trying their hand at construction and engineering, they grow as scientists, problem solvers and builders.
Special-interest extensions carry the learning through summer, so children enjoy a full year of discovery.
Infants and toddlers
In caring for our infants and toddlers, nurturing a secure bond couldn't be more important. We do this by consistently responding to and providing for their physiological, emotional and social needs with an individualized approach. In doing so, they know they are safe, valued, understood, and deserving of love.
School-age care
Our goal is to provide a safe haven for our school-agers to unwind from the stressors of the day. Providing a wholesome snack and opportunities for free choice, whether it be solitude, fresh air, or space to run, can help to restore balance. Of course, homework help will also be provided.
Wholesome meals
Real kids deserve real food. Breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack are provided daily, featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and wholesome favorites children love.
Menus are adapted to keep children with food allergies safe.
Stay connected
Even when you’re apart, you’ll never miss a moment. Through the parent app on your phone, tablet or computer, you’ll receive real-time updates on meals, naps, diapers, play and more, often with photos. Automatic payments and year-end tax forms are right there too, so everything you need is in one place.
Jaimie was our babysitter for four years, and became part of our family during that time. My children loved Jaimie like an aunt, and she consistently loved them and held them to the highest of expectations. Jaimie's calm demeanor during every moment of the day provided a caring and warm environment for my children. She brought creative projects, educational activities and a lot of fun to work every day. When Jaimie babysits for us today, the kids scream with joy and ask every day "is today a Jaimie day?" I know Jaimie will be invited to my children's weddings.
The relationship with the parents is almost as important as the relationship with the kids, and Jaimie carefully developed trusting and mutually respectful relationships with my husband, my mother and with me. She shared the good from the day, and she also expressed any areas of concern. She did so without judgement, but rather with an approach of how do we address a certain behavior.
If there was a crisis in our family, Jaimie would be the first person I would call to help with our children. I would trust her to handle any situation, and I know my children would be loved. Jaimie is forever part of our family, and I feel so blessed that Jaimie came into our lives.
- Kirsten A.
