About Us
Our Mission:
We provide a nurturing, safe daycare environment that lays a strong foundation of the Christian faith for children during their “tender years” of childhood.
​
Our Approach:
We believe that a creative, discovery-rich environment helps children of every age reach learn and reach important developmental milestones, foster friendships and build Christian character.
Our Motto:
A Christian daycare where we love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind..for the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4–9, Luke 10:27, Nehemiah 8:10)
Our Licensing:
Pending approval. Tender Years of Deale, LLC will be regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education COMAR 13A.16.18 and licensed by the MSDE Office of Child Care Region 1.
Our Religious Affiliation:
The center is ecumenical and is operated by Reverend Faith Wilkerson, an ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church who serves as Pastor of Family & Youth Ministries at Cedar Grove Methodist Church, also located in Deale. Tender Years of Deale and Cedar Grove have partnered in ministry to reach children with the life-affirming message of the gospel through the creation of programs for Christian fellowship, worship, service and spiritual growth.
​
Biblical Worldview Environment
All children develop a worldview influenced by what they hear, see, experience and are taught. A “biblical worldview” holds that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, teaching us that we are created in His image for the purpose of glorifying our Creator and being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. (Genesis 1:26, Ephesians 2:4-9)
We seek to share the gospel so that their hearts and minds know the joy of the Lord, so that they may confess that “Jesus is Lord” and believe that God raised him from the dead. (Romans 10:9)
Our Curriculum:
In the next months, our teachers will be trained in implementing Beyond Centers and Circle Time© (BCCT) a play-based curriculum . This curriculum is based on child development theory as well as research on play and brain development.
Our Schedule:
Tender Years of Deale will be open Monday - Friday from 7:00am - 5:30pm for children age 6 weeks - 15 years. Children must arrive at the center no later than 9:00am. Each playgroup has a daily schedule. Infant schedules are individualized.
​
Total Inclusion Approach:
All children belong. We feel that there is great benefit to providing a place for all children whether they are a “neurotypical child” or a child with special needs. By combining children in playgroups, children benefit in language and socio-emotional development. The neurotypical child may serves as a model for a special needs child in language and socio-emotional development. On the other hand, a peer with special needs helps the other children gain understanding of communicating across differences and grow in compassion.
