The Ark

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 Booth House, Karis Home, Sarah’s Hope at Mount. Street, the Rose Street Shelter, and the South Baltimore Homeless Shelter at 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 a recent physical to enroll at The Ark. Our partnership with Health Care for the Homeless provides free physicals for children who need them.

Each child is screened with the Early Screening Inventory Revised (ESI) within the first couple of weeks of enrollment. If speech or language delays are noted, our on-site Speech Pathologist can do an evaluation and initiate services prior to a formal IEP meeting. If other types of developmental delays are detected, we refer children for evaluations through our Head Start partner. 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 regular tooth-brushing time, and on-site dental screenings and fluoride treatments through Baltimore City Health Department.
• 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 certain city shelters.
• Supportive services and access to resources are provided to family members of all enrolled children.

Child Ages:

3 years - 5 years

Licenses & Accreditations:

Maryland State Department of Education Division of Early Childhood Development

Preschool:

Yes

Hours of Operation:

Monday to Friday 8:30 AM - 2:45 PM