Enrichment Programs
Every moment in our Enrichment Program is a gentle invitation for your child to explore, create, and grow. In our nurturing daycare and preschool setting, we believe that learning isn’t confined to the classroom — it bursts into life through joyful, meaningful experiences that expand a child’s world.
Our enrichment offerings — from arts and crafts to music & dance, language classes, and even yoga — are thoughtfully woven into your child’s day. These sessions are designed not just for fun, but to build real, lifelong skills: self-expression, social connection, physical coordination, and early language development. By participating in child development programs in Maryland, children gain access to activities that are both engaging and educational.
Led by caring, highly qualified teachers, each activity respects your child’s pace and individuality. Our approach encourages curiosity and confidence, helping children tap into their own creativity and discover new interests in a warm, supportive environment.
Whether it’s painting a colorful masterpiece, learning the rhythm of a new song, stretching and breathing through gentle yoga, or experimenting with words in another language, our Enrichment Program offers a rich blend of play and learning that complements our daily curriculum and nurtures the whole child.
Every activity is more than just something to do — it’s an opportunity to shine.
Arts and Crafts
Shanthi Chandrasekar is a multimedia and multidisciplinary artist from Maryland who has an academic background in physics and psychology, and has been trained in the traditional Indian art forms of Kolam and Tanjore-style painting. While many of her works are influenced by her Indian heritage, her true inspiration comes from the mystery and majesty of the world around her; her muse lives where the scientific overlaps with the spiritual.
Shanthi has been teaching art at art centers, schools, and through private lessons for 25 years. After attending teaching artist training and other programs through the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, she taught at MCPS summer schools, after-school and artist-in-residence programs, and is listed on their teaching artist and scholar rosters.
Music and Dance Enrichment
We offer music classes every Thursday.
Our music and dance class is a great way for the children to express themselves while exploring different instruments and cultural rhythms, and movements
Spanish Classes
We offer language classes every Friday where your child will learn Spanish from a highly qualified teacher. We also teach sign language as part of our daily curriculum.
Spanish Enrichment with Ms. Elizabeth
Ms. Elizabeth is the Spanish Enrichment Teacher at Top Hat, where she brings language to life through engaging lessons that introduce children to simple Spanish words, phrases, and elements of Hispanic culture. With over 12 years of teaching experience and a nurturing, patient approach, she inspires young learners to embrace new languages with curiosity and confidence.
A proud mother of two, Ms. Elizabeth believes in modeling patience and understanding in every interaction. Her goal is to create a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to explore, speak, and enjoy the beauty of the Spanish language and the richness of Hispanic traditions.
Yoga
We are proud to introduce Yoga with Stella on Fridays. Another one of our amazing teachers will be teaching yoga for 30 minutes per class. They will be learning how to stretch and relax at all ages. We will be practicing deep breathing.
Yoga Enrichment with Ms. Estella
Ms. Esella Pautrat has been a dedicated part of our Top Hat family since we opened our doors in 2012. Along with her commitment to teaching and nurturing young children, she brings her passion for Yoga to our enrichment program.
With many years of experience teaching yoga to children of different age groups, Ms. Esella helps our students develop focus, balance, flexibility, and mindfulness in a fun and engaging way. Her classes encourage children to connect with their bodies, build confidence, and find calmness through movement and breathing exercises.
At Top Hat, we believe in nurturing the whole child — and our yoga enrichment program is a wonderful way to support their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Explore common questions about the Enrichment Program and how it supports children’s growth, creativity, and learning.
What types of activities are included in the Enrichment Program?
The program offers a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, music and dance, language classes, and yoga. Each activity is designed to nurture creativity, social skills, physical coordination, and early language development.
Why is language learning included in the program?
Language classes, including Spanish and sign language, help children develop communication skills, cultural awareness, and cognitive flexibility from an early age, enriching their overall learning experience.
When are enrichment activities scheduled during the week?
Enrichment sessions are scheduled throughout the week, including dedicated days for music, dance, Spanish language, and yoga, providing a balanced mix of creative and educational experiences.
Where do the enrichment activities take place?
All activities are conducted in a safe, nurturing classroom environment designed to encourage exploration and creativity, supporting both individual and group learning experiences.
How are instructors qualified to lead the enrichment activities?
Instructors are highly trained, experienced professionals with backgrounds in early childhood education, arts, music, language, and yoga, ensuring that each activity is both engaging and educational.
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What Parents are Saying
Akuto Van Mensvoort
My daughter has started going to Top Hat Childcare before she started walking and she’s now almost 5. I have to be honest, when it comes to small children, it’s very delicate, you either feel strongly about what you want for them or you’re ok with giving it a try and see how things go. The later approach worked for us, just like many other things in life. There were times were I would bring up concerns and I may have felt like my concerns were not taken into consideration the way I’d like, however eventually everything always worked out. The teachers and school members always did take note of our concerns. The staff is very friendly and polite.
Hee Kang Ho
“Nice teachers, Good facilities, Good programs for babies and kids”
Olga Burnham
“Our son has been at Top Hat Childcare for over 5 years. He’s had wonderfully caring teachers and administrators since he was enrolled. We highly recommend the peaceful environment and thoughtful approach to learning within the structure of the curriculum. Willing to answer any questions!”
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Best-in-Class Childcare
Safe and Healthy Environment
We have well appointed monitoring system and security guards to ensure the safety of your children. The facilities are well maintained for healthy and safe environment. For play, we have 2 secure playgrounds so that children have entertainment and security.
Daily Engagement
Staff/Student Ratio of 1/3 for children under 2 years old, 1/6 for children 2-3 years old, and 1/10 for children 3-6 years old – We have more teachers on hand to fit over the ratio so that each child is given a fair chance. We also offer a learning curriculum that is centered around weekly themes.
Home away from Home
We have two nurseries that hold a lot of love, nurture and care. We never seem to shine light on this as if it wasn’t important. Teacher and children relationships set off to shape the way they see the world.