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The Ark Preschool

The Ark is the only state-accredited preschool for homeless children in Baltimore City. The school serves children between the ages of 3 and 5 years old and  provides a short-term preschool program that promotes children's development in all areas, emphasizing language and social skills.
We help young children develop the skills they will need when they enter kindergarten. While at The Ark, 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

Children are referred to The Ark from a number of family shelter programs, including My Sister's Place, the Salvation Army, Karis House, Sarah's Hope, Mt. Street and Christ Lutheran Church. Some families are referred by treatment programs. Others hear about us from parents who have used our services.

Photo by Nancy Newman.

Program Services

All children must have had a recent physical before enrolling at The Ark. Our partnership with the Mercy's Children Health Outreach Program (M-CHOP) provides free physicals for children who need them.

Each child is screened with the Early Screening Inventory - Revised(ESI) 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 at The Ark.

• 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.
• Volunteers from the community, local colleges and universities provide help to each child.
• Transportation is provided to and from The Ark for children who are living in shelters.

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