Primary Program (3 years to 6 years old)
Primary Class in Gaithersburg, Maryland
Our preschool program in our school in Gaithersburg, Maryland is a three year progression in a mixed-age classroom, which we call Primary. Children enter the class when they are three years old, and stay in the same class through Kindergarten. In the early afternoon, while younger children are napping, our Pre-K and Kindergarten students receive advanced lessons. Children leave the program well prepared for elementary school, no matter where they go next. Primary students who are 3 or 4 years old may attend for the morning, or for the whole day.
Our highly skilled teachers track each individual child’s developmental needs. Children choose from specially designed work to develop their practical life capabilities, stimulate their senses, build their pre-reading and early math skills, and expose them to geography, cultures, science, art, music, yoga, and Spanish language. Optional sports programs are available as well, for interested families.
If you have never experienced a Primary class, please come for a visit. These young children are able to work independently for several hours. They choose their work, prepare their snack, water plants, read books in the library, create art, all while learning social skills and to follow the ground rules of the classroom.
At the end of a busy morning, Primary children play outside before lunch, followed by naps or afternoon academics, depending on their age. After naps everyone returns to the classroom and continues their work, with an afternoon snack. After this work period, the children are ready to play outside again, on the playground or with one of our optional sports programs. Other afternoon options include art and music.
Children are excited to arrive in the morning, changing into their slippers, hanging up their coats, and greeting their teachers and fellow students. Having this opportunity to work independently is excellent preparation for elementary school. They build confidence in their ability to work through mistakes until they understand a new concept. Concentration and persistence are critical skills for success in school, and are key skills learned in our program.
Many children learn to read, write, add, and subtract early. This is not due to any push from the teachers, but from allowing children to move at their own individual speed through work designed and tested over many years to be effective for children this age. Fears of pushing academics too early are based on the use of methods more appropriate for older children, such as pencil and paper drills.
Given developmentally appropriate tools, children can build their skills at their own pace, in a way that meets with their developmental needs.Coming on a weekday morning will give you the best opportunity to see the children at work. You will see smiles, concentration, relaxation, in a productive community of very young learners.
Parent's Reviews
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 (April 2020)
“Our child has been attending Top Hat Childcare School since about 3 years old. When the shutdown occurred, and because we’re essential personnel for the workplace, Top Hat was quick to find ways to assist us with our childcare needs throughout this ordeal. Top Hat has helped my child to acquire math skills and is also learning to read common words in English as well as the basics of human anatomy among other science-oriented activities. Overall, we highly recommend Top Hat as a great place faithful to the method for setting a solid foundation for your child’s development!”
Katie Lucas ( April 2020)
“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!”
Alan Young ( May 2020)
“If you are in the market for daycare or pre-K program in Gaithersburg, Top Hat Childcare is really a great option! My son has attended Top Hat since he was 6 months old. My wife and I have found that all three programs (infant, toddler and primary) are very well run. Each room offers a peaceful learning environment compared to some of the schools/daycare centers we visited before choosing Top Hat. The teachers truly care about children and they work with parents to ensure that progress is tracked on a daily basis. I feel that my son will be well prepared to start public school next September. Pricing is very fair relative to the quality care and education your child will receive. There’s also a discount for siblings…our daughter now attends as well!”
