Early Childhood Education
Program Overview
Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Accredited | Maryland EXCELS Level 5
At Bar-T Early Childhood, we know choosing who will care for your child is a big decision. Families want more than a safe place for their child to spend the day. They want teachers who know their child, an environment where they feel comfortable and loved, and meaningful opportunities to learn, play, explore, and grow.
That is what we strive to provide every day at our Early Childhood center at Thurgood Marshall Elementary.
Our year-round program serves children from infancy through age four and combines high-quality early childhood education with the warm, family-centered environment Bar-T is known for.
High-Quality Care You Can Feel Good About
Our Early Childhood center is accredited and recognized as a Maryland EXCELS Level 5 program, reflecting our commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education and care.
From our youngest infants to our preschoolers preparing for their next big step, we focus on meeting children where they are developmentally while recognizing that every child is an individual.
Families can expect:
- A warm, welcoming, and family-centered environment
- Dedicated and experienced early childhood educators
- Developmentally appropriate learning through play and exploration
- Individualized attention based on each child’s needs
- Regular communication between teachers and families
- Opportunities for family involvement throughout the year
- A curriculum that supports the whole child
- The same Bar-T culture of safety, respect, choice, and individual worth that guides all of our programs
Our goal is for children to feel safe, supported, valued, and excited to come to Bar-T each day.
The Bar-T Difference
Bar-T opened our Early Childhood Education program at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in July 2015, building on decades of experience providing programs for children and families throughout Montgomery County.
While every Bar-T community is unique, our programs share the same foundation: strong relationships, meaningful choices, respect for each individual, and a commitment to creating environments where children can thrive.
We also believe families are an important part of their child’s experience. Our center has an open-door philosophy, and we encourage families to be involved in our community. Throughout the year, we create opportunities for families to come together through special activities and celebrations.
Our teachers understand how important it is for families to know what happens during their child’s day. Communication, relationships, and trust are central to the experience we want every Bar-T family to have.
Our Early Childhood Curriculum
Young children learn best when they are actively engaged, exploring their environment, building relationships, asking questions, creating, moving, and playing.
Our curriculum is based on the guidelines of The Creative Curriculum, a nationally recognized early childhood framework designed to support developmentally appropriate learning while recognizing the important role teachers play in making learning engaging and meaningful.
Our teachers create experiences that support children’s growth across key developmental areas, including:
- Personal and Social Development
- Language and Literacy
- Mathematical Thinking
- Scientific Thinking
- Social Studies
- The Arts
- Physical Development and Health
Rather than expecting every child to learn in exactly the same way or at the same pace, our teachers get to know the children in their care and create opportunities that support their individual development.
What Does a Day at Bar-T Look Like?
Every day brings new opportunities to learn, play, create, explore, and build relationships.
While schedules and activities vary by age group and the needs of the children, a typical day may include:
- Open Centers for Skill Development
- Morning Class Meeting
- Movement and Music
- Small-Group Activities
- Independent Choice Learning Centers
- Outdoor Play
- Story Time
- Snack and Lunch
- Quiet and Rest Time
- Afternoon Activities and Round-Up
Our teachers provide learning opportunities throughout the entire day while also allowing children the time and flexibility they need to play, rest, connect with others, and simply be kids.
Dates & Rates
Bar-T Early Childhood at Thurgood Marshall is a year-round program that continues throughout the summer.
While our teachers provide instruction every day, we understand that each family’s needs are unique. We have a variety of options when it comes to the days you’d like your child to attend and the length of the day.
For more information, please email Director Renee Dorsey at rdorsey@bar-t.com or call our Thurgood Marshall Early Childhood center at +1 (301) 370-7731.
Prices for the 2026-2027 School Year (Effective July 15th, 2026)
Infants and Toddlers (5 Days, Monday – Friday)
7:00 AM – 6:30 PM: $2,600/month
2 Year Olds (5 Days, Monday – Friday)
7:00 AM – 6:30 PM: $2,200/month
9:00 AM – 6:30 PM: $2,000/month
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM: $1,850/month
3 & 4 Year Olds (5 Days, Monday – Friday)
7:00 AM – 6:30 PM: $2,000/month
9:00 AM – 6:30 PM: $1,800/month
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM: $1,650/month
Additional Fees and Discounts:
Annual Supply Fee: $100
Sibling Discount: 10%
Military: 10%
MCPS Employee: 10%
How to Enroll
Now Accepting Applications
We are currently accepting applications for Bar-T Early Childhood at Thurgood Marshall Elementary.
We know families often have questions before choosing an early childhood program, and we would love the opportunity to tell you more about Bar-T, discuss current openings, and show you around our center.
To get started, contact:
Renee Dorsey
Director, Bar-T Early Childhood at Thurgood Marshall
Email: rdorsey@bar-t.com
Phone: (301) 370-7731
Renee can provide an application, answer questions about availability and enrollment, and help you schedule a tour.
Sign Up for Bar-T Early Childhood
We know that there are a lot of options when it comes to finding the perfect early learning program for your child and we can’t wait to see you at Bar-T! Please email Director Renee Dorsey at rdorsey@bar-t.com or call our Thurgood Marshall Early Childhood center at +1 (301) 370-7731 to set up a tour or enroll today.
See What Everyone Is Saying…
It is such a great feeling to know that our family has found a child care center that is so loving and supportive of our kids. We have a two and five year old who have attended various centers over the past couple years. Bar-T by far exceeds the care and education of other centers. The Bar-T staff are personal, professional, and encouraging of the kids. The facility is clean, well-kept, and a great learning environment for kids of all ages. Between staff and the center director, there is always someone to answer questions and help guide the development of your child. Being one of two working parents, it is important for me to feel at ease when I leave my children every morning, knowing they are safe, learning, and well-cared for. There is not a day that has gone by that I have questioned any of that for my children.
We haven’t found a daycare that is so accommodating and realistic about the individual needs of children and strives to avoid the one-size fits all approach. The Director and teachers are open to working with families for the best interest of the child and are very thoughtful and candid about trying new things that seem to hamper traditional day-cares. The teachers/staff is very trustful and loving towards the children, and maintains an open dialogue with parents. Our daughters have grown socially and academically and continue to thrive daily.
Bar-T has made our son excited about the learning process. The daily stimulating and enriching activities has taken his development to the next level. The sensitivity, affection, and respect given to him and our newborn are invaluable and it’s a wonderful feeling to know they are safe and being cared for with so much love.
