Pre-Primary New

Pre-Primary Program in California, MD, Where Growing Independence Meets Joyful Discovery

The toddler years are full of wonderful contradictions. Your little one wants to do everything independently, but they still need reassurance close by. Their vocabulary grows quickly, their imagination begins to take off, and their feelings can seem much bigger than the words they have to explain them. Our Pre-Primary Program in California, MD, gives your toddler a caring place to explore this exciting stage through purposeful play, movement, conversation, creativity, and time with friends. Teachers meet your child with warmth and patience, helping them develop new skills without rushing them toward milestones before they feel ready.

Schedule a tour and discover how Starmaker Learning Center can support your toddler’s growing independence, curiosity, and love of learning.

Pre-Primary Program Enrollment at Starmaker

Ages Served:
24 to 42 Months.

Location:
23443 Cottonwood Parkway, California, MD 20619

Hours:
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Learning approach:
We offer a play-based learning curriculum and a relationship-centered approach.

Curriculum focus:
Language, movement, early thinking, creativity, independence, and social and emotional development.

Family communication:
Daily conversations, Procare app updates, and regular school communication.

Program status:
Licensed through the Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care

Potty training:
Expectations may vary, and our team will explain how we support your toddler’s growing independence during the enrollment process.

Enrollment:
Availability changes throughout the year, so families are encouraged to reach out early.

About Our Pre-Primary Program

Choosing a Program for your toddler can bring a long list of questions. Will someone understand what your child is trying to say when the words do not come easily? Will they receive comfort when they miss you? Will teachers celebrate their determination while patiently guiding the big feelings that often come with this age? At Starmaker Learning Center, these questions shape the way we care for your little one. Our teachers take time to learn your toddler’s personality, interests, communication style, and daily rhythms. They notice which activities draw your child in, what helps them feel settled, and when they are ready for a little more encouragement.

A Program Created for Toddlers From 24 to 42 Months

Between the ages of 2 and 3.5 years, your child may change dramatically from one month to the next. New words begin appearing every day, movements become more coordinated, and pretend play becomes richer and more detailed. At the same time, your toddler is learning how to wait, share space, communicate a need, and cope when something does not happen as expected. These skills take time and patient guidance.

What Your Toddler Experiences Each Day

Toddlers thrive when their days feel predictable without becoming rigid. A familiar routine helps your child understand what comes next, while flexible classroom experiences leave space for personal interests, new discoveries, and the unexpected moments that make learning meaningful.

Your toddler’s day may include:

A warm welcome and time to settle into the classroom.
Child-chosen play in thoughtfully arranged interest areas.
Stories, songs, rhymes, and group conversations.
Sensory experiences with safe, age-appropriate materials.
Art and open-ended creative activities.
Building, matching, sorting, and simple problem-solving.
Imaginative and dramatic play.
Music, dancing, and movement.
Outdoor play and nature exploration.
Meals, snacks, and calm social routines.
Quiet rest and opportunities to recharge.
Afternoon play, conversation, and time with friends.

Teachers use these everyday experiences to support clear developmental goals. A block activity can introduce balance, size, and spatial awareness, while an imaginary kitchen encourages language, cooperation, and creativity. Even cleaning up becomes an opportunity to sort, follow directions, and contribute to the classroom community.

Play-Based Learning With Real Purpose

Your toddler does not separate play from learning. When they build, pretend, move, talk, investigate, and repeat an activity, they are developing the skills that will support later academic learning.

At Starmaker, our play-based approach gives your child opportunities to:

Follow interests that naturally hold their attention.
Explore familiar materials in new ways.
Make choices and experience their results.
Develop language through real conversations.
Test simple ideas and solve age-appropriate problems.
Practice persistence when something feels challenging.
Learn alongside teachers and friends.
Express thoughts through art, movement, music, and pretend play.
Gain confidence through repetition and success.

Our teachers apply this understanding by planning experiences with a purpose while leaving room for your toddler’s ideas. They know when to introduce a new word, add a material, ask a thoughtful question, or simply step back and give your child time to investigate.

Language & Communication

The toddler years often bring a wonderful burst of new words. Your child begins naming familiar objects, joining words together, asking questions, repeating favorite phrases, and using language to express increasingly complex ideas.

Teachers build on this progress through:

Warm, back-and-forth conversations.
Daily stories and picture books.
Songs, rhymes, and finger plays.
Naming actions, feelings, people, and objects.
Open-ended questions.
Imaginative play.
Opportunities to speak during group experiences.
Patient support when words feel difficult to find.

Teachers listen carefully and give your toddler time to respond. Rather than speaking for your child immediately, they offer the words, gestures, or gentle prompts that help your little one communicate more independently.

Social Skills & First Friendships

Toddlers are beginning to notice one another in new ways. Your child may play beside a friend, copy what someone else is doing, offer an object, or join a simple shared game.

Friendships at this age are still developing, and disagreements are a natural part of learning. Teachers help your toddler practice:

Taking turns.
Sharing classroom space and materials.
Asking for help.
Expressing a need.
Listening to simple directions.
Waiting for a short period.
Noticing how someone else may feel.
Repairing an interaction after a difficult moment.
Joining play with growing confidence.

These lessons happen through real experiences rather than lectures. When two toddlers want the same toy, a teacher helps them find words, recognize the problem, and move toward a manageable solution.

Emotional Development

Big feelings are part of toddlerhood. Your little one may move quickly from excitement to frustration, especially when they know what they want but cannot yet explain it clearly.

We do not expect your child to manage every emotion alone. Teachers remain calm and close, helping your toddler begin to recognize feelings and develop simple ways to cope.

Support may include:

Naming what your child appears to feel.
Offering comfort and reassurance.
Helping your toddler take a pause.
Modeling simple language.
Redirecting attention when appropriate.
Preparing your child for transitions.
Keeping classroom routines familiar.
Celebrating efforts to communicate calmly.

Over time, your child begins building the self-awareness and emotional vocabulary needed to manage increasingly complex social experiences.

Physical Development & Active Play

Your toddler’s body is made to move. Running, climbing, balancing, pushing, dancing, carrying, and jumping help your child build strength and coordination while learning what their body can do.

The Pre-Primary Program gives your toddler regular opportunities for:

Indoor and outdoor movement
Climbing and balancing
Dancing and action songs
Carrying and moving safe materials
Ball play
Fine motor activities
Building and construction
Art experiences
Self-help routines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that young learners ages 3 through 5 years remain physically active throughout the day through enjoyable and age-appropriate play. Although some Pre-Primary students are younger than 3, active exploration remains an important part of the daily experience across the Program.

Early Math & Problem-Solving

Your toddler begins exploring mathematical ideas long before formal number lessons. They notice when one pile has more, recognize familiar shapes, sort objects, compare sizes, and discover which pieces fit together.

Teachers support early thinking through playful experiences such as:

Sorting by color, type, or size
Matching similar objects
Counting during songs and routines
Building with blocks
Filling and emptying containers
Completing age-appropriate puzzles
Comparing big and small
Exploring patterns
Testing what rolls, stacks, or balances
Following simple sequences

There is no pressure to memorize disconnected facts. Your child learns by touching, moving, testing, observing, and trying again.

Creativity & Imaginative Play

Pretend play becomes increasingly meaningful during the Pre-Primary years. A box may become a vehicle, a block may turn into a phone, and a classroom kitchen may inspire an entire story about preparing dinner.

These experiences give your toddler a safe way to make sense of familiar events, explore emotions, use new language, and experiment with different roles.

Creative learning may include:

Open-ended art
Painting and drawing
Music and rhythm
Dancing and movement
Dress-up and dramatic play
Building and construction
Storytelling
Sensory materials
Creating with everyday objects

Teachers value the process more than the finished product. Your child does not need to copy a model or make something that looks exactly like everyone else’s work. The real value lies in choosing, experimenting, expressing an idea, and feeling proud of their effort.

Why Families Choose Starmaker’s Pre-Primary Program

Your toddler deserves a Program that recognizes how much growth is happening beneath the surface of everyday play. Families choose Starmaker because we offer:

A relationship-centered approach that begins with knowing your child.
Purposeful play-based learning that supports real developmental goals.
Patient guidance for big feelings, transitions, and early friendships.
Language-rich experiences through conversation, stories, music, and imagination.
Plenty of movement to support coordination, confidence, and physical growth.
Hands-on exploration that builds early math, science, and problem-solving skills.
Creative freedom through art, music, sensory play, and storytelling.
Growing independence through choices and everyday classroom responsibilities.
A peaceful woodland campus with outdoor play and nature exploration.
Qualified teachers who meet Maryland licensing and training requirements.
CPR and First Aid-trained team members prepared to support your toddler.
Required background checks for team members working with your child.
A licensed Program through the Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care.
Daily family communication through conversations and the Procare app.

Pre-Primary Program Enrollment & Registration

Families are encouraged to contact Starmaker early because availability can change throughout the school year. Reaching out ahead of time gives you the opportunity to tour the Campus, ask questions, and help your toddler become familiar with their new environment.

During your personal tour, you can:

Explore the Pre-Primary classroom
Meet members of the teaching team
Learn more about our play-based approach
Walk through the outdoor spaces
Ask about schedules and availability
Discuss toileting expectations and support
Talk about your toddler’s individual needs

Call (301) 863-7740 or email [email protected] to learn more about enrollment and schedule your visit.

Other Programs at Starmaker Learning Center

Infant/Toddler Program

6 Weeks to 24 Months

Our Infant/Toddler Program offers responsive care, meaningful relationships, and age-appropriate sensory, movement, language, and play experiences in a calm environment. Learn More

Primary Program

3 to 5 Years

Our Primary Program builds kindergarten readiness through play-based experiences in literacy, math, science, art, music, movement, problem-solving, and imaginative learning.

Learn More

Kindergarten & Elementary Program

5 to 9 Years

Our Kindergarten and Elementary Program connects reading, writing, math, science, culture, creativity, and real-world discovery through active learning and growing responsibility.

Learn More

Homework Center

School-Age Students

Our licensed Homework Center offers a supportive place where your child can complete assignments, read, relax, and enjoy meaningful time with friends after the school day.

Learn More

Summer Camp

5 to 13 Years

Summer Camp combines creative projects, outdoor exploration, movement, friendships, and engaging seasonal activities in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Learn More

Parent Reviews

Matthew L.

February 14, 2025

9/10

They have these two girls Michaela brown and mykaya weisnforth that are just amazing they engage with kids and the girl that runs the place Taylor I think her name is she is wonderful and also very engaging to ppl and kids and staff

Olivia K.

February 5, 2025

10/10

The teachers are amazing!

Jennifer G.

February 5, 2025

10/10

My daughter has been at Starmaker for almost three years. Communication with her teachers is always quick and easy. I get pictures of her throughout the day and updates through the app. I feel like she is in a safe and enriching environment. I love that she is exposed to music and learning some Spanish. Highly recommend.

Brandon C.

February 5, 2025

10/10

We love the small classroom size, the focus on independent play and the attentiveness of the teachers. Starmaker provides everything we were looking for in a daycare.

Jenna A.

February 4, 2025

10/10

Ms. Kayla and Ms. Faith both do so much to help our daughter to learn and grow in such a fun and caring environment. We never have to worry about her while she is at school because we know she is in great hands. She is always excited to get there and see her teachers and friends and she is learning SO much. Colors, numbers, Spanish, sign language, different instruments, she learns something new each day. She loves her school!

Sarah K.

February 3, 2025

10/10

The curriculum and the partnership between parents and teachers are great. Mrs. Kay communicates really well, and I feel safe and comfortable having my daughter at Starmaker.

Adam C.

January 24, 2025

10/10

This was our second daycare in the area and the move was the right choice. My child gets to learn more than just the basics and explore his interests in science and Spanish. The teaching staff is incredible and have fostered an environment that encourages learning and have worked with him on his emotional development.

Verioska T.

January 24, 2025

10/10

Our growing family was very excited about Starmaker as soon as we had our first tour with Ms. Haley. Our toddler is in pre-primary 1 with Ms. Michaela and she just loves going to school. It is very easy to communicate with teachers and staff if changes occur or if receiving updates from our little one throughout the day on Procare app. Ms. Michaela is an amazing teacher who helps her little students stay stimulated with activities and outdoor time. She and Ms. Chanice are great providers who helped our little one with potty training, and that is such a HUGE help especially with an infant at home. We are excited to bring our second baby to start at Starmaker at the end of January with Ms. K! Thank you to all the wonderful staff for all your support in our parenthood journey!

Kendra J.

October 30, 2024

10/10

We love Ms. K. She takes great care of my 3 month old! I was super nervous about leaving him for daycare, but he LOVES her and we are sent updates all throughout the day to remind us he’s doing great and keep us informed with his activities.

Michael W.

July 2, 2024

10/10

The teachers are great and really care. The app is great for communication. Lots of events for parents and kids. It’s really a great environment

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Pre-Primary Program in California, MD

What ages does the Pre-Primary Program serve?

Our Pre-Primary Program welcomes toddlers from 24 to 42 months. Classroom experiences support the rapid growth in language, movement, imagination, independence, and social awareness that often takes place during this stage.

What will my toddler learn in the Pre-Primary Program?

Your child will develop language, early math, problem-solving, coordination, creativity, independence, and social and emotional skills through purposeful play. Teachers plan stories, songs, sensory activities, art, building, imaginative play, movement, and outdoor experiences around your toddler’s developmental needs.

How does play prepare my toddler for preschool?

Play gives your child real reasons to communicate, make choices, concentrate, solve problems, and interact with friends. These experiences build the language, self-regulation, confidence, and early thinking skills your toddler will use in the Primary Program and eventually in kindergarten.

Does my child need to be potty trained?

Potty training expectations may vary, so our enrollment team will explain the current requirements for the Pre-Primary Program. Teachers work with families to support growing independence and consistent routines in a patient and respectful way.

How do teachers handle big feelings?

Teachers respond calmly and help your toddler begin naming what they feel. They may offer comfort, simple language, preparation for transitions, or a quiet pause before guiding your child back into the classroom routine. The goal is to help your toddler feel understood while gradually building emotional skills.

How will you help my toddler make friends?

Teachers create regular opportunities for play beside and with other young learners. They model gentle language, help your toddler take turns, and guide disagreements without expecting your child to manage complex social situations alone.

Does the Pre-Primary Program include outdoor play?

Yes. Outdoor movement and exploration form an important part of the Starmaker experience when weather and daily conditions allow. Our woodland Campus gives your toddler room to move, investigate nature, and learn beyond the classroom.

How will I receive updates about my child?

Teachers communicate with families through daily conversations and the Procare app, along with regular school updates. You can also request a conversation whenever you have a concern, question, or important change to share.

How do you help toddlers transition into the Program?

Teachers use warmth, consistent routines, and familiar classroom experiences to help your child build trust. We also partner with your family to understand what helps your toddler feel comforted and how we can make drop-off more manageable.

Schedule a Tour of Starmaker’s Pre-Primary Program

Your toddler’s growing independence deserves to be met with patience, encouragement, and plenty of room to explore. At Starmaker Learning Center, your little one can move, create, communicate, build friendships, and learn through play while surrounded by teachers who take the time to know them. Visit us at 23443 Cottonwood Parkway in California, Maryland, to explore the Pre-Primary classroom, meet our caring team, and experience the peaceful woodland environment that has welcomed local families since 1994.

Call (301) 863-7740 or email [email protected] to schedule your personal tour.