Our Services
The Best Preschool
ELF stands for Early Learning Fun, which is what our school is all about. ELF Preschool provides a stimulating and safe environment for children ages two and a half to five years of age. We seek to stimulate and develop children’s problem-solving and responsive thinking skills through staff and child directed activities in our daily agenda. Here you will find the best quality education for your child, at an affordable cost.
Class Schedules
About Us
Our Philosophy
Our ultimate goal as educators is to build self-esteem. With a positive self-image, successful experiences follow. Early Learning Fun preschool (ELF) is a nurturing environment, staffed with dedicated professionals who facilitate learning based on trust, respect, and integrity.
At ELF preschool, we have created an age-appropriate curriculum that involves cognitive skills and social interaction. We enhance each day by involving the children in art, music, writing skills, free play, and circle time discussions.
Our students enjoy outdoor play in a safe, wholesome atmosphere, close to nature, away from busy streets, and with plenty of room to explore!
History
Elf Preschool started in August 1991. The founder, Christine Roe, created this social environment with a curriculum based program. Sadly, Christine passed away in April 2000. As a teacher at the time, Marsha Ford took over as Director/Owner of the school. Marsha and her staff have successfully continued the philosophy of the Early Learning Fun School.
Facilities
Children and parents alike enjoy the wide open spaces, the cornfields, and the surrounding country homes. Our playground also brings smiles to our students!
Licensed School
ELF is licensed by the Maryland State Board of Education Office of Child Care. The school meets all requirements regarding curriculum, policies, facilities, and staff qualifications.
Small Class Size
The maximum teacher to student ratio is 1 to 12. In addition we employ terrific teacher aides to ensure students’ needs are met.
Lunch and Playground
Students enjoy lunch from home before heading out to the playground.
Scholastic Books
One of the most important parts of our job is to build a love of reading in our students. Every month, you’ll be getting Scholastic flyers from which you can order books.
Activities
At ELF, it’s all about early learning fun, including holiday parties, singing programs, and field trips. Family participation is highly encouraged.
What Parents Think
Our Team
Meet our Qualified Staff
ELF is licensed by the Maryland State Board of Education Office of Child Care. The school meets all requirements regarding curriculum, policies, facilities, and staff qualifications. The staff is professional and hired without regard to race, religion or national origin. Come to an Open House or call for an appointment and come visit us!
Marsha Ford
Director
Reyna Denger
Teacher
Annie Hanson
Teacher
Jenny Flood
Teacher / Aide
Tisha Chrobak
TeacherJennifer Barret
TeacherSusan Owens
Teacher
Dee Smith
Substitute TeacherJudi Clayton
Substitute TeacherJi Won Yoo
AideJieun Lee
AideDeb Fisher
AideEmily Devine
AideActivities & Curriculum
Curriculum
Alphabet Letters
L, F, E
Units
- Me and my family
- Friends & Sharing
- Safety/Home and school
Cognitive
- Getting to know each other (Name Recognition)
Motor-Cross / Fine
- Using writing tools
Alphabet Letters
H, T, I
Units
- Autumn
- Halloween
- Colors and shapes
- Weather
Cognitive
- Listen for main ideas, details, and sequence
- Counting
Motor-Cross / Fine
- Reproducing shapes
- Cutting
Alphabet Letters
U, C, O
Units
- Health and nutrition
- Thanksgiving
- Manners
Cognitive
- Letter and numerical recognition
Motor-Cross / Fine
- Catching and Throwing
Alphabet Letters
Q, G, S
Units
- Christmas
- Hanukkah
- Music
- Giving to others
Cognitive
- Comparisons, classifying, matching
Motor-Cross / Fine
- Moving to rhythm
Alphabet Letters
J, D, P
Units
- Community helpers
- Transportation
- Winter
Cognitive
- One to one correspondence
- Sequencing
Motor-Cross / Fine
- Flexibility and Balance
Alphabet Letters
B, R, K
Units
- My five senses
- Valentine’s Day
- President’s Day
- Feelings and emotions
Cognitive
- Opposites
Motor-Cross / Fine
- Stunts and kicking
Alphabet Letters
A, M, N
Units
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Spring
- Animals: Farm, Zoo, and Circus
Cognitive
- Visual Memory
- Patterning
Motor-Cross / Fine
- Body Control and Awareness
Alphabet Letters
V, W, X
Units
- Easter
- Plants / Life cycles
- Dinosaurs
Cognitive
- Auditory memory
- Rhyming words
Motor-Cross / Fine
- Patterned movement
Alphabet Letters
Y, Z
Units
- Mother’s Day
- Father’s Day
- Insects
- Summer
Cognitive
- Counting objects 0 to 20 or 0 to 20+
Motor-Cross / Fine
- Moving with a partner
Our Tuition
| Class Schedule | Yearly Tuition | Monthly Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| 2 days per week | $2,700 | $300 |
| 3 days per week | $3,735 | $415 |
| 4 days per week | $4,590 | $510 |
| 5 days per week | $5,490 | $610 |
We offer a 10% discount for siblings enrolled. Tuition is based on a nine-month calendar year with the option to pay monthly. September’s non-refundable payment is due May 15th, 2025, which will hold your spot for the 2025/2026 school year. May 2026 tuition is non-refundable and is due August 15th, 2025, and October’s tuition is due September 15th . Thereafter, tuition will be due on the 15th of each preceding month. A late fee of $10 will be added after the 20th of the month. Tuition may be paid monthly, semi-annually, or annually. There will be no reduction in tuition for absences whether caused by illness, vacation, weather, or any other reason. One month’s notice needed for withdrawal.
We are also offer a Science Enrichment class held Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu for those in the 4 year old class. These students will partake in a fun science experiment daily. They will also have writing and math practice. The time is 1:00pm-2:00pm and the cost is $100 per month in addition to monthly tuition.
Gallery / Pictures
