Programs

Snow Hill Christian Nursery School accepts all children regardless of disability or special health care need, provided we are able to adequately meet the social, emotional, physical and educational needs of every child.

SHCNS includes classes for infants and toddlers (6 weeks - 24 months) and nursery school children (2 - 4 years) taught by degreed teachers. Our programs are structured according to age, consistent with the Maryland State Department of Education standards. Classes provide a balance in religious, social, cultural, and academic experiences. A child remains with his or her peers throughout the school year, allowing plenty of social development along the way.

Program Goals:

  • To provide an environment where all children are loved, nurtured and accepted

  • To provide an environment that encourages the love of Jesus

  • To provide a safe environment for all children

  • To provide a unique, hands on learning environment established through research based information

  • To provide experiences to support learning through monthly field trips

  • To provide an environment that promotes healthy and spiritually strong children

  • To provide an environment that ensures school readiness

  • To provide many and varied opportunities for parent involvement

Classroom Instruction By Age

Infants and Toddlers

Our infant and toddler program is designed to create a loving environment for children ages 6 weeks through 24 months.

Our Infant and Toddler Classrooms are focused on creating a warm, loving environment while fostering creativity and independence! We strive to foster curiosity and focus on providing an environment that promotes self-discovery through hands-on learning and child-directed play. Our teachers utilize early sign language to encourage early communication. We strive to minimize transitions and only transition to new classrooms  in January, June, or September. This  allows children to feel secure and thrive in their environment and are moved when social, emotional and physical milestones have been met.

K2

Our Preschool Two Year Old Program builds the foundation for children’s preschool readiness. Our days are filled with lots of fun learning through play. Hands-on experiences will inspire your child to use critical thinking skills. They will also enhance his/her creativity. Students in this program are provided a quality, standards-based education that will prepare them to enter our Three Year Old Program. The focus in this program is:

  • Positive social skills
  • self help skills
  • basic shape, color, and number concepts.

These skills are incorporated through a fun, engaging curriculum supported with The Creative Curriculum and Monthly Thematic Units.

K3

Our Preschool Three Year Old Program continues to build the foundation for children’s school readiness. Our days are filled with lots of fun learning through play.

Hands-on experiences will inspire your child to use critical thinking skills. They will also enhance his/her creativity. Students in this program are provided a quality, hands-on, standards-based education that will prepare them to enter our accelerated Four Year Old Program. The focus in this program is continuing encouragement of positive social skills and self- help skills, while building on the skills learned in K2 incorporating letter recognition, counting independently, and name writing .

These skills are incorporated through a fun, engaging curriculum supported with The Creative Curriculum and Monthly Thematic Units.

K4

Our Preschool Four Year Old Program continues to build the foundation for children’s school readiness. Our days are filled with lots of fun learning through play. Hands-on experiences will inspire your child to use critical thinking skills. They will also enhance his/her creativity.

Students in this program are provided a quality, hands-on, standards-based education that will prepare them to enter Kindergarten as engaged learners. The focus in this program is building on the skills learned in our Pre K 3. Our classroom structure allows for Part Time students to learn in the areas of Bible, Math, Language, and Literacy and an exciting afternoon of enrichment that focuses on science and social studies by “traveling” around the world.

Our teachers use Maryland State Department of Education standards to assess and observe several times throughout the year to track Kindergarten readiness. These skills are incorporated through a fun, engaging curriculum supported with The Creative Curriculum and Monthly Thematic Units.

Experiential Learning and Field Trips

Discovery and exploration are an important part of a young child’s learning experience. And what better way is there to “discover” and “explore” than by taking a field trip? Nothing sparks a child’s imagination and love of learning quite like being immersed in an experience.

SHCNS hosts on-site interactive activities that enhance and bring to life weekly themes being explored in the classroom. Our students also have access to our outdoor classroom & nature trail.

On-Site Experiences

Zoo to You

“Zoo to You” is an exciting on-site program where we collaborate with the Salisbury Zoo to bring a menagerie of fascinating animals directly to our school. This hands-on experience offers our younger students a fun and educational opportunity to get up close and personal with native species like owls, turtles, and snakes. Through this engaging encounter, children can develop an appreciation for wildlife, learn about different animal adaptations, and gain a deeper understanding of the natural world around them. It’s a unique way for them to explore and connect with their environment while having a great time!

Touch a Truck

“Touch a Truck” is an exciting on-site activity that offers all our students a hands-on experience with a diverse array of vehicles. Local businesses and families generously volunteer their time to bring various vehicles, including first responder vehicles, electric company bucket trucks, and moving trucks, among others. This engaging program supports our transportation-themed curriculum, allowing students to climb aboard these vehicles, explore their functions, and gain a practical understanding of transportation modes. It’s an enriching opportunity for children to expand their knowledge about the world of vehicles and the roles they play in our community.

Outdoor Classroom

Our on-site nature trail offers students a wonderful opportunity to connect with the natural world throughout the seasons. In the spring, they can witness the rejuvenation of the woods as trees and animals come to life, providing a firsthand experience of nature’s renewal. As autumn arrives, students have the chance to observe the vibrant changes in the foliage and the sounds of wildlife preparing for winter hibernation. This outdoor exploration not only connects children with the ever-changing beauty of our environment but also enhances their understanding of seasonal cycles, fostering a lifelong love for nature and environmental awareness. It’s a remarkable learning journey through the great outdoors right in our backyard.

Nature Trail

Our nature trail allows our students the opportunity to explore the great outdoors experiencing the different seasons as they explore. In the spring they are able to watch the trees and animals of the woods come to life.  And in the fall they observe all the visible changes and sounds as the trees and wildlife prepare for a little winter nap!

Meet a Musician

“Meet a Musician” is an enriching on-site program where we invite diverse musicians to engage with our students during our music and community helpers studies. This experience introduces our young learners to an eclectic range of musical genres, from the haunting melodies of the Scottish bagpipe to the rhythmic beats of Calypso music played on a steel drum. Through these interactive sessions, children not only discover the wonderful world of music but also gain cultural insights and an appreciation for different musical traditions. It’s a harmonious way to broaden their horizons and inspire a lifelong love for music and cultural diversity.

Farm Petting Zoo

The Petting Zoo is a delightful on-site activity that introduces children to the wonders of the animal kingdom. We partner with outside vendors to bring hands-on experiences right to our school center. This immersive encounter allows our young learners to interact with a diverse range of farm animals, helping them develop empathy, sensory awareness, and an understanding of basic animal behavior. It’s a fantastic way for children to connect with nature and learn about different species in a safe and supervised environment.

Off-Site Experiences

Waterparks

Our annual family fun day trip to the waterpark is a fantastic bonding experience for our school community. It’s a day filled with laughter and splashes as our students enjoy quality time with their families, creating cherished memories. Parents also have the opportunity to connect with our teachers and each other, strengthening the sense of community within our school. This event not only promotes family togetherness but also fosters positive relationships among all members of our school family, making it a much-anticipated highlight of our year.

Salisbury Zoo

Our PreK classes embark on an exciting journey to the Salisbury Zoo, where they have the opportunity to meet and interact with a diverse array of animals. During this educational adventure, our dedicated teachers facilitate learning through engaging activities such as scavenger hunts and meaningful conversations as students explore the various zoo exhibits. This hands-on experience not only enhances their understanding of different species but also encourages curiosity and critical thinking as they connect with the natural world. It’s a memorable outing that combines fun and learning, fostering a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and conservation in our young learners.

Pumpkin Patch

Our PreK classes embark on exciting outdoor adventures as they visit various pumpkin patches, including the picturesque Cherrycrest Farms in Pennsylvania. These visits offer our young explorers a wide range of engaging activities, from wagon rides to challenging corn mazes, providing opportunities for physical activity, problem-solving, and teamwork. The pumpkin patch outings are a beloved tradition, igniting the students’ enthusiasm for nature and outdoor exploration while creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. It’s a delightful way for them to embrace the joys of the autumn season and connect with the wonders of the natural world.

Park and Nature Centers

At SHCNS, we understand the tremendous benefits of outdoor learning, which is why our PreK classes regularly embark on enriching journeys to various parks, nature centers, and museums along the shore. These experiences align with our hands-on learning approach, allowing students to directly engage with the natural world and cultural artifacts. Visits to the Discovery Center, Museums, and Nature trails offer invaluable opportunities for exploration, observation, and discovery, enriching their understanding of science, history, and the environment. These outings are essential components of our educational model, fostering a deep love for learning and nurturing well-rounded, curious young minds.

Library

The Snow Hill Library plays a vital role in nurturing a love of learning among our PreK students. Through engaging hands-on activities, such as interactive storytelling, games, and creative projects, the library fosters a deep appreciation for reading and learning. These enriching experiences not only make learning enjoyable but also lay a strong foundation for literacy skills and a lifelong love for books. The Snow Hill Library’s contributions to our educational program are instrumental in helping our young learners develop a passion for exploration and knowledge.

Grocery Store

Visiting the grocery store is a valuable experience for our PreK students, as it allows them to make meaningful connections between the food they eat, its origins, and the role of community stores. Through hands-on activities, our students actively engage with the concept of food sources, fostering a deeper understanding of their environment and community. This experiential learning approach, which SHCNS embraces, not only promotes a love for discovery but also lays the foundation for a lifelong passion for learning. These real-world experiences empower our young learners to be curious, informed, and engaged members of their communities.

Fire Station

Visiting the fire station is always an exciting adventure for our PreK students. It’s an opportunity for them to explore the world of first responders and discover the vital role they play in our community. As they tour the fire station, students get up close and personal with the impressive trucks and tools used by these brave professionals. This hands-on experience not only sparks joy and curiosity but also instills an understanding of the importance of emergency services and the dedication of first responders. It’s a memorable outing that leaves a lasting impression on our young learners, fostering a sense of gratitude and admiration for those who keep us safe.

Down on the Farm

“Down on the Farm” is an enriching adventure for our PreK students. They have the unique opportunity to visit an active horse farm, where they can immerse themselves in a world of rural charm and animal interactions. Riding horses, enjoying wagon rides through horse pastures, and feeding treats to these majestic creatures are all memorable experiences that promote sensory learning and a sense of adventure. Meeting pigs, goats, and chickens adds to the excitement, allowing students to connect with a variety of farm animals and appreciate the diversity of life on a farm. After all the farm fun, a bit of playground time and a picnic lunch round out this wonderful outing, making it a holistic and unforgettable learning experience for our young explorers.

Snow Hill Christian Nursery School participates in the MSDE food program.

We provide nutritionally balanced meals for breakfast and afternoon snack, as well as milk with lunch in compliance with MSDE standards. Parents are asked to pack a nutritious lunch.

Our infant program provides formula and cereal/ baby food.

A copy of our menu is posted in each classroom and available upon request.

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