Wonders Child Care, Bethesda

Fondly referred to as the “Wonders Neighborhood,” this Wonders school age program serves children from Bethesda Elementary and welcomes children who commute from Ashburton, Bradley Hills, Chevy Chase and Wyngate Elementary Schools and Pyle and Westland Middle Schools. Wonders offers flexible enrollment options and provides before care starting at 7:00 am and after school care until 6:30 pm Monday through Friday. We offer full day programs when school is closed and half day programs on early dismissal days. Wonders at Bethesda is an active community of teachers and children who play and create active games, climb and play on the playground, have quite time for homework, and explore arts and crafts every afternoon.

The primary goal in our school age program is to create communities for children and their families that are fun, nurturing and enriching. Children are active learners. Wonders at Bethesda provides an environment where children can safely grow through self-guided and structured play. In addition to fostering imagination, play challenges children to expand social, emotional and intellectual tools. School age teachers carefully plan the program to balance homework with exercise and promote healthy eating habits. The before school program is designed as a gentle transition time from home to school. Children have the opportunity to read, finish homework, play board games or create artwork. Outside time and active games are also offered. Wonders' after school program curriculum is built around the concepts of friendship and being a good sport. Activities are designed to create opportunities for all children to explore and experience in ways that are meaningful to them. Activities incorporate seven learning areas: language and literacy, mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, social studies, personal and social development, physical development and the arts. The afternoon is a blend of child initiated and teacher initiated activities including outdoor play, afternoon snack, group time, choice times, homework and reading time. On days when schools have scheduled early dismissal or are closed, we provide a half or full day program. These longer days give us the opportunity to enhance our programming by planning special events, inviting specialists in to share their expertise or exploring the larger community on field trips.