Columbia's First Cooperative Preschool

Our Philosophy

Our school’s goal is to provide a setting where children are comfortable and happy and where their individual needs are met as fully as possible in all developmental areas.

Social and emotional skills such as self-confidence, responsibility, sharing, self-expression, exploration, and many others are developed through a wide variety of free play experiences, teacher-directed activities, and the use of Wilde Lake’s extensive collection of materials and equipment.

Teachers meet the cognitive needs of each child through individual, small, and large group activities. Language arts, math and problem solving skills can be enhanced as children are free to pursue individual styles of learning at varied levels of development.

Physical development is also important at our school. The teacher’s selection of activities, materials and indoor and outdoor play help to accomplish this goal.

Each child’s progress in all areas is communicated to parents at regularly scheduled conferences, as well as on an informal basis (at pickup/drop-off, email, phone, and etc).

It is the responsibility of each member of WLCN (parent, student, and staff) to treat one another with respect, both online and in person. This community must be a welcoming environment for people of any race, nationality, culture, socioeconomic status, education, religion, sexuality, sex, gender identity, ability/disability, age, or personal appearance.

Our Classroom

WLCN is centrally located at the Faulkner Ridge Neighborhood Center adjacent to the Wilde Lake Village Center in Columbia, MD.

Sensory table with seasonal items for exploration
New instruments, science equipment, and toys
Extensive selection of puzzles, puppets, games, and other learning materials
Outdoor play yard with regularly maintained climbing equipment, riding toys, and children’s garden
Variety of role-playing equipment and costumes
Very accommodating to allergy conditions

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is state-approved and we follow Howard County Pre-K standards.

We use Frog Street’s Excel Pre-K Curriculum in our classes. This comprehensive curriculum offers differentiated instruction, a strong social-emotional component, builds a solid foundation in math and literacy skills, and creates a positive and fun learning environment! Frog Street’s high quality, research-based program is recommended by the State of Maryland.

Through a wide variety of “learning through play” activities, we expose children to the areas of language arts, music, mathematics, social development, and science.

Meet the WLCN Staff

"WLCN has a nurturing environment and amazing staff which has made my little one come out of their shell!"

The Johnson Family

WLCN Director & Lead Teacher (2s, 3s & 4s)

Stephanie Remencus

Stephanie Remencus has over a decade of experience in early childhood education, having worked in New York City public schools. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Literacy Education. During her time in NYC, she had the privilege of working with families from diverse cultural backgrounds and supporting students across a wide range of abilities, including those with special needs and gifted learners.

Her journey with WLCN began as a class parent and board member while her daughter attended the school. Inspired by the community, she later joined the staff as an assistant teacher in the 3s and 4s classroom. Ms Stephanie is a passionate advocate for purposeful play, believing it is essential to fostering social-emotional development, physical growth, and foundational learning in young children. She looks forward to welcoming and getting to know the next generation of WLCN families.

Assistant Teacher (2s & 3s)

Stacy Rogers

Stacy Rogers comes to Wilde Lake Children's Nursery from the field of Social Work. She holds Bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Human Development & Family Studies and a Master's degree in Social Work. She has worked in congregate care settings and the child protection/foster care systems in Connecticut and New York City. She has extensive experience working with neurodivergent and special needs children and their families. She became enamored of the co-op model when her own child attended a co-op preschool, where Ms. Stacy served as a Board Member and Class Coordinator. Inspired by her experience there, she now regularly volunteers at her child's elementary school. She believes in creating a classroom environment that fosters a lifelong love of learning, nurtures every child's own unique talents, and engages parents and caregivers as partners in their children's education.

Assistant Teacher (4s)

Jo Smetak

Jo Smetak has worked and trained in early childhood education since 1987, including 33 years as the lead teacher at Running Brook Children’s Nursery. She is a career-long advocate for play-based learning, specializing in integrating arts, literature, and nature into an early childhood curriculum. Ms Jo loves talking about children and offers parent workshops in child development. Early childhood education is her heart!

3 Ways to Support WLCN

DONATE

TEACHER'S WISH LIST

VOLUNTEER

Friends of WLCN

Thank you so much to all the Friends of WLCN for your continued support to keep our preschool thriving in the Wilde Lake and broader Columbia communities for years to come! The parents, students, and staff at WLCN are incredibly grateful for your kindness and generosity.