OMNS
Unfortunately, OMNS will be closing it's doors after 50 years due to low enrollment. Teachers and the board have worked tirelessly over this past year to keep our doors open. Sadly, we will not be able to open in the fall.
Oakland Mills Nursery School
MSDE Accredited Early Learning Center Since 2010
Frequently Asked Questions
1
How old does my child need to be to attend OMNS?
Here at Oakland Mills Nursery School, we understand that each child is different! While we are open to students who are younger than the Sept 1st cut off date, we do ask for a meet and greet with your child and ask for a "trial period". Around mid-October, Ms. Lydia and you would have an informal parent/teacher conference to discuss progress and if the placement is appropriate. It's all about the individual child!
2
How many children are in each class?
The 3's class has a maximum of 15 students, and the 4's class has a maximum of 18 students. Two teachers and the co-op parent lead the class, which results in a maximum adult to child 1:5 ratio for the 3's class and a maximum adult to child 1:6 ratio for the 4's class.
3
Can I stop by and visit the school before applying for membership?
We offer classroom observations by appointment only. You may either contact us by email or by phone to set up an appointment, and we would be happy to offer you a tour! Children welcome!
4
Does my child need to be potty trained to attend OMNS?
Your child does not need to be potty trained to attend OMNS. Only the Teachers provide diaper changes and toileting assistance.
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What are the policies for responding to food allergies? Do you serve snacks and/or lunch?
OMNS is a nut-free school. OMNS also has procedures in place for protecting children with other food allergies. Some of these procedures include posting a list of children and their allergies in the kitchen and distributing an established monthly snack calendar. The 3's class and the 4's AM STEAM Day class have a snack every school day. The co-op parent is responsible for providing the snack for all the children and the teachers. The 4's class has lunch every school day. Parents must provide their child's lunch, which should include a drink and abide by our nut-free status.
Which school calendar do you follow?
We follow the Howard County Public School Calendar for holidays and vacations. We also follow Howard County Public School System for school closures due to inclement weather. Our school year usually starts the second week of September. Our school year usually ends the third week in May. OMNS does have school in session on some Howard County Public School Professional Work Days.
7
What is MSDE Accreditation?
In 2010, Oakland Mills Nursery School proudly received recognition by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) as an Accredited Early Learning Center. MSDE accreditation means we "...represent the highest quality and reflect research-based, best practices in early childhood education," according to the MSDE accreditation website. Being MSDE accredited means that we have chosen to go beyond regulatory requirements to provide the highest quality in early childhood education. By implementing policies to maintain MSDE standards in program administration, program operation, and community outreach, Oakland Mills Nursery School maximizes the chances for young children to be fully prepared to enter public school primary grades, and prepares them for a lifetime of learning.
For more information on the rigorous state accreditation process, please visit the MSDE website HERE
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What is an MSDE approved curriculum?
Oakland Mills Nursery School has striven to improve its curriculum based on years of implementation and parent feedback, best practices in the field of early childhood development identified by the state of Maryland, and research in developmentally appropriate practices. In 2009, OMNS submitted its curriculum to MSDE for a professional review by experts in the field of early childhood education. As a result, Maryland State Department of Education validated our efforts by fully approving our unique curriculum. OMNS is one of only 3 programs in MD that has an individually developed, approved curriculum.
What is Maryland EXCELS?
Maryland EXCELS is a voluntary Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). A QRIS is a program that awards ratings to family providers, center-based and public school child care programs, and school age before and after school programs that meet increasingly higher standards of quality in key areas. These key areas include licensing, learning environments, staffing and professional development, developmentally appropriate learning and program practices, child assessment, program administration and policies, and accreditation.
OMNS has received a 5 Check rating from EXCELS, the highest rating possible.
For more information on the MD EXCELS process and to see our profile,
please visit their website HERE.