Nurturing Young Minds Through the Power of Play

A licensed early childhood school for infants through pre-K in Howard County, MD. Schedule a free tour today.

We're Here When You Need Us

Flexible programs designed to support your family before school, after school, and all summer long.

Pointers Run & Clarksville Elementary

Snacks, homework support, and transportation — reliable care before and after the school day.

Travel the World with Us

STEAM, Adventure, Culture, and more. Running June 16th – August 24th. Limited spots available.

See why families trust Highland Playschool

Highland Playschool has been a trusted part of the Howard County community for years — where every child is known by name, every family feels welcome, and every day is built around your child’s growth.

Nurturing, Qualified Teachers

Our educators are passionate, experienced, and genuinely invested in every child’s development — not just their education.

Where Play and Education Go Hand in Hand

We blend nurturing play-based learning with real educational outcomes — building the skills, confidence, and curiosity children need to thrive.

Safe, Welcoming Environment

From drop-off to pick-up, your child is in a warm, secure space where they feel comfortable, cared for, and excited to be.

Maryland State Licensed Child Care Center

Highland Playschool is fully licensed by the state of Maryland (COMAR 13A.16), meeting all required standards for safety, staffing, and child development.

A True Community

Families don’t just enroll here — they become part of something. Parents, teachers, and children grow together at Highland Playschool.

Programs Designed for Every Stage of Childhood

From infant care to preschool, our play-based programs meet your child exactly where they are.

Infants

Infants

(2 to 18 months)

Your baby's first months are filled with wonder, and our infant program is designed to nurture every milestone. In a warm, attentive environment, our caregivers provide the consistent love and stimulation your baby needs to feel secure and begin exploring the world around them. Small groups mean your infant always gets the individual attention they deserve.

Key Activities:
Tummy TimeSensory PlayStorytimeMusic & MovementLanguage & CommunicationExplorationNap & Feeding Routines
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Toddlers

Toddlers

(18 to 24 months)

Toddlers are natural explorers, and our program is designed to keep up with their curiosity. In a warm, nurturing environment, our caregivers support the rapid development happening at this exciting stage — encouraging independence, language growth, and social skills through guided play and hands-on discovery.

Key Activities:
Sensory PlayMusic & MovementStorytimeImaginative PlayFine Motor SkillsOutdoor ExplorationCircle Time
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Twos

Twos

(2 to 3 years)

Two year olds are full of energy, big personalities, and an unstoppable desire to learn. Our Twos program channels that enthusiasm through creative play, early language development, and social skill building — helping children grow in confidence while developing the foundation they need for preschool and beyond.

Key Activities:
Creative PlayStorytimeMusic & MovementArts & CraftsEarly Language DevelopmentSocial SkillsOutdoor Play
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Preschool

Preschool

(3 to 4 years)
Preschool is where curiosity meets structure. Our play-based preschool program builds on your child's natural love of learning — developing early literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills in a nurturing, supportive environment. Every day is thoughtfully designed to prepare your child for kindergarten while keeping learning fun and engaging.
Key Activities:
Early LiteracyNumeracy & CountingArts & CraftsSTEAM ExplorationStorytimeOutdoor PlaySocial & Emotional Learning
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Pre-K

Pre-K

(4 to 5 years)

Our Pre-K program is designed to give children the strongest possible start before kindergarten. Through a blend of structured education and play-based learning, children develop advanced literacy, math, and critical thinking skills — all while building the confidence, independence, and social skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Key Activities:
Advanced LiteracyMath & Problem SolvingSTEAM ProjectsWriting & Fine Motor SkillsCreative ArtsSocial & Emotional LearningKindergarten Readiness
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Summer Program

Summer Program

(June 16th to August 24th)

Keep the learning going all summer long with Highland Playschool's themed Summer Program. Each week brings a new adventure — from STEAM and Problem Solving to Culture, Exploration, and Teamwork. Children stay engaged, active, and inspired all summer while making memories that last. Spots are limited, so pick your preferred weeks early.

Key Activities:
STEAM ExplorationProblem SolvingAdventureCultural DiscoveryTeamworkOutdoor PlayCreative Arts
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Before & After Care

Before & After Care

We know how demanding family schedules can be, and we're here to help. Highland Playschool's Before & After School Care program provides a safe, nurturing environment for children before and after the school day — with transportation, snacks, and homework support included. Serving families at Pointers Run and Clarksville Elementary.
Key Activities:
Homework SupportSnacksOutdoor PlayCreative ArtsMusic & MovementFree PlayTransportation
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A Day at Highland Playschool

Wondering what your child's day looks like? Here's a peek inside.

Morning Welcome & Snack

7:00am – 9:00am
Your child is greeted by name at the door by a familiar, caring face. Free play and quiet activities ease little ones into the day comfortably.

Circle Time

9:00am – 9:30am
The class gathers for songs, stories, and conversation — building language skills, listening habits, and a sense of community.

Learning Through Play

9:30am – 11:00am

Children rotate through hands-on activity centers — building, creating, and discovering while teachers let curiosity lead the way.

Outdoor Time

11:00am – 11:30am
Fresh air, movement, and unstructured play that builds gross motor skills and encourages social interaction.

Lunch & Rest

11:30am – 1:00pm
A relaxed lunch followed by quiet rest time. Infant and toddler nap schedules are respected individually.

Afternoon & Pickup

1:00pm – 6:00pm
Arts, crafts, music, and small group activities fill the afternoon. Teachers share highlights from your child’s day at pickup.

The Caring Faces Behind Every Great Day

Our passionate, qualified team is dedicated to making every child feel safe, loved, and ready to learn.

Mrs. Kelly

Director

Ben Costa

Executive Director

Mrs. Kelly

Director

Ben Costa

Executive Director

What Families Are Saying

See why parents across Howard County keep recommending Highland Playschool.

Our child attended Highland Playschool and we absolutely loved it. It was our first experience with daycare, and it was a perfect match.
Brooke Blankenship
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Highland has been an amazing experience for our family. The staff are so caring and attentive, and our daughter looks forward to going every day.
Sarah Thompson
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We can't say enough great things about Highland Playschool. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed and the teachers genuinely care about each child.
Michael Chen
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Latest from Our Blog

Practical tips and expert insights to support your child's growth beyond the school day.

Your Child's Best Days Start Here

Spots are limited — book a free tour today and take the first step toward enrolling.

Got Questions? We Have Answers.

Find answers to the most common questions from Highland Playschool families.

We welcome children from 6 weeks through pre-K age. Our programs are designed specifically for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to support every stage of early childhood development.
Highland Playschool is open Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm. Before and after care options are also available for school-age children.
The easiest first step is to schedule a free tour. After your visit, our team will walk you through the enrollment process and answer any questions about availability and next steps.