Frequently Asked Questions
About Pinebrook & Montessori
Q1. What is the Montessori Method?
A. Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, this approach is based on the idea that children learn best by doing. Children choose from hands-on materials in a carefully prepared classroom, and teachers give individual lessons when each child is ready, rather than moving the whole class at the same pace.
Q2. Is Pinebrook a daycare or a school?
A. Both. We offer full-day childcare hours with a structured Montessori curriculum, so your child receives care and early education in one place.
Q3. What subjects does the curriculum cover?
A. Our Montessori curriculum covers Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, and Cultural Studies, which includes science and geography. Children 2 and older also take weekly enrichment classes in STEM, Spanish, Music, and Yoga.
Q4. Do you offer enrichment programs, and is there an extra cost?
A. Yes. Children 2 years and older take part in weekly STEM, Music, Spanish, and Yoga classes. Enrichment is included in tuition, with no additional cost.
Q5. Are your teachers trained?
A. Yes. Our classrooms are led by teachers trained in the Montessori method, and our Pre-K teachers hold Montessori certification. All staff complete the training hours required by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and hold current CPR and First Aid certification.
Enrollment & Tuition
Q1. How do I enroll my child?
A. Schedule a tour, then complete an enrollment application and pay the $100 registration fee. We'll confirm your child's classroom placement and start date based on availability in their age group.
Q2. Do you have a waitlist?
A. Yes. Some age groups, especially infants, fill quickly. We recommend joining our waitlist as early as possible, even during pregnancy.
Q3. What does tuition cost?
A. Tuition depends on your child's program and schedule. Contact us for current rates, and we'll send you a full tuition sheet after your tour. Tuition includes morning and afternoon snacks and weekly enrichment classes for children 2 and older. Lunch is not included; please send your child's lunch from home.
Q4. Do you accept childcare subsidies?
A. Yes. We accept the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, military fee assistance through MCCYN (Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood)
Q5. Do you offer part-time schedules?
A. Yes, for children 2 years and older. You can choose a half-day schedule, five days a week from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, or three full days a week.
Q6. Is there a sibling discount?
A. Yes. We offer a 5% sibling discount.
Daily Life
Q1. What does a typical day look like?
A. Days follow a consistent rhythm: arrival, Montessori work time, group activities, outdoor play, meals, rest time, and enrichment classes. Infants follow their own individual feeding and nap schedules.
Q2. Do you provide meals and snacks?
A. We provide a morning and an afternoon snack each day. Please send your child's lunch from home.
Q3. Can you accommodate food allergies?
A. Yes. We follow each child's allergy action plan, and our center is nut-free.
Q4. What should my child bring each day?
A. A labeled change of clothes, weather-appropriate outerwear, and a nap-time blanket or crib fitted sheet. Children in diapers should bring diapers and wipes, and infants need bottles with formula or breast milk. You'll receive a full supply list for your child's classroom at enrollment.
Q5. Do children play outside?
A. Yes. Children play outside on our playground every day, weather permitting. On rainy or cold days, they stay active in our large indoor play area with soft mats.
Q6. How do you handle potty training?
A. We work with each family based on the child's readiness and use the same approach at school and at home. Toileting practice is part of everyday Practical Life in our Toddler and Primary classrooms.
Q7. What holidays is Pinebrook closed?
A. We're closed on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and Christmas Day, as well as on professional development days. We share the full calendar at the start of each year.
Q8. Do you offer summer camp?
A. Yes. Our summer camp is for children 3 to 5 years old.
Health & Safety
Q1. What is your teacher-to-child ratio?
A. We meet or exceed Maryland licensing ratios: 1:3 for infants, 1:3 for toddlers under 2, 1:6 for children 2–3 years old, and 1:10 for children 3–5 years old. During the Montessori work period, ratios in our Montessori classrooms may vary, always within state requirements.
Q2. How do you keep children safe?
A. Our building has secure keypad entry, and children are released only to authorized adults. All staff are background-checked, our teachers are trained in CPR and First Aid, and we hold regular safety drills. See our Health & Safety Protocols page for full details.
Q3. What is your sick policy?
A. Children with a fever of 100°F or higher, vomiting, diarrhea, or a contagious illness should stay home until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours without medication. We'll call you if your child becomes ill during the day.
Q4. Who can pick up my child?
A. Only adults on your authorized pickup list, with photo ID. Please let us know in advance if someone new will be picking up.
Parent Communication
Q1. How do teachers communicate with parents?
A. Teachers share daily updates, photos, and videos through the Brightwheel app. We also hold parent-teacher conferences every three months to review your child's progress.
Q2. Can I visit or call during the day?
A. Yes. We have an open-door policy, and parents are welcome to visit or call during the day.
Q3. Who do I contact with other questions?
A. Call 443-325-5631, email info@pinebrookdaycare.com, or use the form below. We'll get back to you within 1 business day.
Still Have More Questions?
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