Open Door Care

Open Door was founded in 1983 in a Maryland public school because at that time quality before and after school care was unavailable. Over 25 years the organization has grown to 34 schools with 2200 children in grades kindergarten through 8, and over 200 teachers. Since the organization's purpose is to nurture the development of children, nurturing is Open Door's core value. Nurturing flows in both directions, from the top down and the bottom up. Teacher retention is exceptional because we have always believed that for teachers to nurture students, the organization should nurture teachers as professionals. Responsive to feedback from parents and school administrators, formal evaluations lead to annual changes in program and policies. Parents, teachers and principals requested a stronger academic component to the quality school age child care program, extending knowledge acquired in the classroom to a more casual, multi-age setting. The Honor Roll Station makes available books, rulers, calculators, and a designated space for quiet each day. Children may choose to do homework, or participate in a Camelot Learning language arts activity. Much has changed in the world, and Open Door has kept pace, remaining state of the art while holding true to the singular mission of caring for children aged 5 - 12. Open Door school age child care programs are licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education, for both school year and summer programming.