Childcare & Enrichment Club Programs

The City of Rockville Department of Recreation and Parks has operated childcare programs since 1991 for residents and non-residents of the City of Rockville.  These programs have been licensed by the State of Maryland since 1994.
 
In August 2006, the City of Rockville Department of Recreation and Parks began offering before school care & After-school Enrichment Clubs at Fallsmead and Ritchie Park Elementary Schools.  Even though these programs are not operated under the MSDE Office of Childcare, the programs are self-regulated in compliance with the MSDE Office of Childcare regulations for staffing, training, programming, health and safety. 

Programs

*Children must be enrolled or assigned this location as their home school to participate.

Philosophy

• Regulated by the MSDE Office of Childcare as licensed child care centers for preschool programs and self-regulated by the City of Rockville Department of Recreation and Parks as Enrichment Clubs, the City of Rockville Department of Recreation and Parks is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment that helps children develop to their fullest potential.
• The Enrichment Club staff will guide the children’s development of social, creative and cognitive skills; socially enhance the children’s self-worth while teaching them respect for others; creatively offer materials and activities to challenge the imagination; and increase cognitive skills by making available educational resources to complement the learning components of activities.
• As a team, our priority is to ensure children are involved in a positive environment.
• We believe children should have opportunities to choose activities that meet their individual interest; and, as professionals, provide an atmosphere that enhances their choices.
• We recognize our role in influencing children’s values and are in partnership with parents to develop the whole child.

Program Operation

• The Early Risers and After-school Enrichment Club will begin on the first day of school and end the last full day of the school year.  There is no program during the summer months.  However, families can enroll their children in a City of Rockville Department of Recreation and Parks summer camp or playground program. 
• Twinbrook Discovery is a year-round program and is closed on some holidays, state election days and some MCPS closings.
• Montrose Discovery operates as a 10+ month program (first day of MCPS through 2nd week in June).  The program is also closed on some holidays, election days and some MCPS closings.

Accommodations

• Montrose & Twinbrook Discovery programs operate Monday through Friday.  However, children who attend Montrose may select the 9:00-12:30 or 9:00-3:00pm option.  Children attending Twinbrook Discovery attend 7:30am-6:00pm.
• The City of Rockville Department of Recreation and Parks Early Risers and After-school Enrichment Clubs have a 5-day and a daily drop-in program option.  The drop-in accommodation is based on space available on the day requested.
• In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act regulations, children with disabilities are encouraged to register and participate in our programs. Some minimal eligibility requirements must be met to participate. These requirements include:  meeting the age and registration requirements, following the rules of conduct, ability to use a consistent form of communication to indicate basic needs, following simple directions, and the ability to tolerate and function (with assistance) as a member of a larger group of children.   At least four weeks' notice prior to participation in the program is required.  Parental assistance in finding companion assistance may be necessary.
• Families who live in the corporate City limits of Rockville are eligible for financial assistance through the Rockville Recreation Fund.  Families who are eligible for the fund must present proof of residence and one of the following: Award letter from Maryland Department of Human Resources or Montgomery County Department of Social Services verifying eligibility for temporary cash assistance, food stamps,Medical Assistance and/ or Transitional Emergency Medical and housing assistance; proof of rental assistance- public housing, HUD section 8 housing, HOC; Supplementary Security Income; proof you reside in a shelter.  In addition, the City of Rockville will discuss payment options with families as needed.
• Nutritious snacks are provided at all programs except the Early Risers.  Children who participate in the Early Risers program can bring a breakfast snack to the program or purchase breakfast at school.  Nutritious snacks are provided each day for the After-school Enrichment Club.  On occasion, the children in the Enrichment Club will be involved in cooking activities that will give them the opportunity to prepare their own snack.
• Twinbrook Discovery participants receive 2 snacks per day and bring a bag lunch from home.

Any questions about these programs can be directed to Glenda Moultrie, Recreation Programs Supervisor (240-314-8631 or gmoultrie@rockvillemd.gov) or Megan Frene, Child Care Programs Assistant (240-314-8637 or mfrene@rockvillemd.gov).  Fax:  240.314.8659