Villa Cresta Tots Preschool Program

2026-2027 Registration open to the public

 January 15, 2026

Current students/Alumni early enrollment open January 1, 2026-please contact us at villacrestatots@gmail.com for the passcode

Please visit Stone Alley to register online and then complete the enrollment process by mailing in the physical paperwork/money listed below under "Enrollment/Registration Paperwork".

(please email villacrestatots@gmail.com if you have any issues registering with Stone Alley)

Email villacrestatots@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering for our Parent board. 

Quick Links

• ABOUT US
• PROGRAMS
• ENROLLMENT/REGISTRATION PAPERWORK
• OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION
• CONTACT US
• ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

ABOUT US

Villa Cresta Tots Preschool Program is dedicated to provide a structured program designed to encourage the social, emotional, physical and mental development of 3 and 4 year old children.

VC Tots Goals

The families and teachers who make up our preschool community share several goals. 

These include:

• Creating a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment that encourages the social, emotional, physical, and mental development of young children through creative play;
• Nurturing each child’s sense of accomplishment and personal growth;
• Encouraging families to share their unique talents, interests, and experiences in ways that enhance the preschool;
• Fostering a sense of community, support, and belonging for all those involved in the preschool.

Our Play-Based Curriculum

The Preschool’s mission states that the Preschool is dedicated to provide a structured, cooperative program designed to encourage the social, emotional, physical and mental development of young children.  How do we go about trying to encourage that growth?  We let the children PLAY! “Shouldn’t they be learning something?” someone might say. 
To that we say. “They are!"

The Preschool’s curriculum is based on the philosophy that children learn through their play and it is with and through play that they learn, grow and develop.

What are the key tools used to teach?

We set up our classroom to be a welcoming and inviting place for kids to explore.  We provide tools to experience and play with. 

It might be:

• with paint, brushes, glitter, glue, paper and scissors in the art area.
• with sand shovels, pitchers, cups, and more at the sensory table.
• with wooden blocks, foam blocks, cars, animals, and trains in the block area.
• with puzzles and games at the table toy area.
• a safe and cozy area for reading with a trusted adult.

What are the children learning?

• They are learning to interact with other children and loving adults. 
• They are learning about science and how things work. 
• They are learning pre-math skills and how things fit together and/or don’t. 
• They are learning to use their words instead of hitting. 
• They are learning pre-reading skills and learning that caring adults get down on the floor and
  play alongside them.

Children need to succeed in all areas of their lives and we believe that giving children the time and space to play will allow them to flourish.

I tried to teach my child with books

He gave me only puzzled looks.

I tried to teach my child with words

They passed him by often unheard.

Despairingly, I turned aside

“How shall I teach this child?” I cried

Into my hand he put the key

“Come” he said, “play with me.”

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Programs

Villa Cresta Tots offers a nurturing preschool experience for 3- and 4-year-olds. Each class is capped at 20 children and led by two dedicated teachers at all times.

2026–2027 Tuition & Meeting Days

3’s Class – $1,850 Tuition

• Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday

• Time: 9:00–11:30 A.M.

• Year: September–May
  See Tuition & Payment Plans below for full details.

4’s Class – $2,150 Tuition

• Schedule: Monday–Friday

• Time: 12:15–2:45 P.M.

• Year: September–May
  See Tuition & Payment Plans below for full details.

Application & Supply Fee

A $125 non-refundable, non-transferable application and supply fee is due at registration for each student.

Tuition Payment Plans & Due Dates

For the 2026–2027 school year, we are pleased to offer credit card payments through Stone Alley for tuition and fees. We will also continue to accept checks for families who prefer traditional payment methods. A $15 administrative fee is added to the first payment when using a payment plan. Amounts below reflect this fee.

3’s Class – $1,850 Tuition

Option 1: Payment in Full 

• $1,850 due March 1

Option 2: 2 Payments

• $940 due March 1

• $925 due June 1

Option 3: 5 Payments

• $385 due March 1

• $370 due April 1

• $370 due May 1

• $370 due June 1

• $370 due July 1

4’s Class – $2,150 Tuition

Option 1: Payment in Full

• $2,150 due March 1

Option 2: 2 Payments

• $1,090 due March 1

• $1,075 due June 1

Option 3: 5 Payments

• $445 due March 1

• $430 due April 1

• $430 due May 1

• $430 due June 1

• $430 due July 1

For payment plan questions or adjustments:
📧 Treasurer Theresa: vctotstreasurer@gmail.com 

Important Notes

• Tuition, application fees, and supply fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. As a community preschool, these funds directly support teacher pay and classroom materials.

• A $25 late fee will be applied if payment is not received by the due date. The fee must be paid within 5 days unless you notify us of an issue we can assist with.

• A $35 NSF fee will be charged for returned checks. After an NSF check, all future payments must be made in cash, money order, or certified check.

Admission Policy

• Children entering the 3’s class must turn 3 by November 1 of their entrance year. They will complete the 3’s program before advancing to the 4’s class.

• Children entering the 4’s class must turn 4 by September 1 of their entrance year.

• Children must be fully potty trained by the start of school in September.

  • Pull-ups are discouraged; if used initially, children must transition out of them by December 1.

  • Please contact our director, Paula Spahn, with any concerns.

General questions:
📧 villacrestatots@gmail.com

ENROLLMENT

Registration Paperwork   

Please print the following forms, 1 through 6.  

1) Placement Application (2 pages) 

2) Emergency Form (2 pages)

3) Tuition Payment Form (1 page)

4) Statement of Policies Agreement (1 page) 

5) Discipline Policy (2 pages)

6) Health Inventory  (3 pages) *May be submitted separately but no later than August 1st. 

7) Immunization Form (1 page) *May be submitted separately but no later than August 1st.

8) Blood Lead Test Form (1 page) *May be submitted separately but no later than August 1st.

ALL forms must be mailed to Villa Cresta Tots, 2600 Rader Ave, Baltimore, MD  21234 to complete the application process. Email villacrestatots@gmail.com with any questions.

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OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION

Volunteering Eligibility

Field Trips 

Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks has made it mandatory for all adults who come in contact with children in a structured environment to have a background check completed. If you or any other relative age 18 or older would like to volunteer in our program, we need you to complete this as soon as possible. The background check is FREE and takes about 3 minutes to complete. EACH ADULT MUST COMPLETE AN APPLICATION. Volunteers must re-register every year.

Weather Related Closings

Villa Cresta Tots follows the Baltimore County Public School system for our calendar and holiday schedule.  We also adhere to their weather policy which includes late opening and early closing due to inclement weather.  If Baltimore County school system…

• Starts 1 hour late – Tots is open

• Starts 2 hours late – 3’s class is cancelled, ,4’s class  will be open

• Closes 1 hour early – Tots PM class is cancelled, 3s class is open

• Closes 2 hours early – Tots PM class is cancelled, 3s class is open 

• Closes 3 hours early – 3s come to class, 4s class is cancelled

• Closed – Tots is closed

BCPS Now is an app for smartphones which is updated with the status of school closings.

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Supplies List 2025-2026

No backpacks are needed. A folder will be provided to bring daily to class.

For snack time the children can bring a labeled lunch box and we also suggest a reusable thermos/tumbler for their water.   

3-year-old classes:

• 2   4oz. bottle Elmer’s school glue

• 3   packages baby wipes

• 2   containers Lysol/Clorox wipes

• 2   box tissues

• 2   bottles of hand sanitizers

• 1   30 count (or more) of letter size envelopes

• 1   roll of paper towels

 4 year old classes: 

• 1   pencil box (8.25”x5.25”x2”)

• 1   pair of blunt tip FISKARS brand scissors

• 2   4oz. bottle Elmer’s school glue

• 1   24 count box of crayons

• 2   box tissues

• 2   containers Lysol/Clorox wipes

• 50 ct. sandwich size ziploc bags

• 1 roll of paper towels 

Please label all supplies with your child's name.

Other Donations are welcome:

• Zip lock baggies- all sizes 

• Paper towels

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From Harford Rd, take Taylor Ave west to Old Harford Rd and turn right. Proceed two blocks and make the 2nd left on to Rader Ave. Drive 2 blocks to Villa Cresta Elementary School on the right. Go to the back parking lot. The Tot's Room is found up the ramp and through the double blue doors.

From Joppa Rd, take Old Harford Rd south to Rader Ave on the right. If you get to Taylor Ave you've gone too far. Turn right and drive 2 blocks to Villa Cresta Elementary on the right. Go to the back parking lot. The Tot's Room can be found up the ramp and through the double blue doors.

From Perring Parkway, take Taylor Ave east to Elmhurst Dr on the left. Turn left on Elmhurst and drive two blocks to see the school directly in front of you. Go to the back parking lot. The Tot's Room can be found up the ramp and through the double blue doors. 

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

Tots Emergency Plan

Scholastic Books Ordering

Snack Policy

Guide to Regulated Childcare

Villa Cresta Tots ByLaws

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