Programs > The Ark
Current News 7/12/07
The North County News recently published an article about the 'Spark for the Ark'
fundraisers from St. James' Church, Monkton. Click
to read the story.
Program Overview
The Ark is the only preschool program of its kind in Baltimore. We can serve a maximum of 20 children at a time. Our children are from families who are homeless or in early recovery from addiction.
The Ark is open year-round, from 8:30 am until 2:45 pm each weekday. During that time, we provide a short-term pre-school program that promotes children's development in all areas, emphasizing language and social skills. Through our collaboration with Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center, we provide Head Start Service to our children and families.
Children receive:
- individual care and attention
- early childhood education designed to promote their development
- nutritionally balanced meals and snacks
- a safe and calm place where they can play and socialize
Parents become partners with program staff in meeting the needs of their children and families.
Our goal is to support children’s continuing development and to transition children to permanent programs in the community as their family situations stabilize.
Children are referred to The Ark from a number of family shelter programs, including Browns, My Sister's Place, the Salvation Army, Karis House, and Christ Lutheran Church. Some families are referred by treatment programs; others hear about us from parents who have used our services.
Program Services
All children must have had a recent physical before enrolling at The Ark. Thanks to our partnership with the Mercy's Children Health Outreach Program (M-CHOP) free physicals can be provided at several locations for children who need them.
Each child is screened with the ESI - (Early Screening Inventory - Revised) within the first two weeks of enrollment. If developmental delays are detected, we refer children for evaluations and necessary services through Head Start. We continue to monitor developmental progress throughout a child's stay.
Children are served a nutritious breakfast, lunch and a snack each day. Dental care is also part of our routine, including a regular tooth-brushing time.
Our staffing pattern and involvement of volunteers from the community and local colleges and universities allows us to provide intensive, individual attention to each child.
We do provide transportation to and from The Ark for children who are living in downtown shelters.
During a typical day, students will enjoy:
Circle time
Songs, fingerplays, stories, movement activities and a written morning message support the weekly theme and arc designed to strengthen language skills.
Center time
We use the Creative Curriculum to support our children's development. We monitor their progress with an assessment tool developed at The Ark specifically for our transient population.
Computer time
The Ark owns two computers loaded with learning games. They are available to the children on a daily basis during center time.
Arts and crafts
Art materials are available to the children in the classroom to use in their own creative way. The teaching team also initiates special art projects related to classroom themes.
Outdoor play
When weather permits, the children play outside in our play yard or take walks in the community.
Field trips
We also try to broaden the students' world by taking them to places like:
- Patterson Park
- Port Discovery
- Fort McHenry
- Druid Hill Park
Monthly Parent Meeting
Once a month, parents are invited to attend a meeting to focus on topics of interest to parents of young children such as language development, supporting their children's creativity, discipline, or dealing with stress. Refreshments are provided and parents have an opportunity to socialize.
Location and Hours
Center Hours
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Program Hours
8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Center Location
1200 E. Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Map Of Location
Further Information Contacts
Nancy E. Newman
LCSW-C, Director
1200 E. Fayette St., Baltimore, MD 21202
410.522.1026 (phone)
410.558.0344 (fax)
nnewman@ecsm.org
Yolanda Miller
Parent Involvement Specialist
410.522.1026
Kim Thomas
Family Services Coordinator
BCCCRC Head Start Program
410.685.5150 x243
Please contact dobrien@ecsm.org if would like to add your organizations link to this section.
Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center (BCCCRC)
http://www.mdchildcare.org/Bx/
2007 Directory of Md Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing Programs (.pdf file)
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/transit/pdf/homelist.pdf
Baltimore City Department of Social Services
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/baltocity.htm
Baltimore City Public Schools
http://www.bcps.k12.md.us/
Homeless! in Baltimore, MD
Local discussion group about homelessness
http://groups.msn.com/HOMELESSinbaltimoremd/_
homepage.msnw?pgmarket=en-us
