Programs & Curriculum — Ivy Prep

Our research-based Ivy Method encourages curiosity, exploration, and critical thinking—helping children grow into confident, capable learners.

PROGRAMS & CURRICULUM
Programs by Age
  • Seeds (Infants 0–18 months) — Nurturing curiosity through sensory exploration, individualized care, and early milestone support.
  • Roots (Toddlers 18–36 months) — Fostering independence through hands-on exploration, social connection, and motor skill development in a safe, stimulating environment.
  • Stems (Preschool 3–4 yrs) — Blossoming through hands-on experiences that spark problem-solving, communication, and collaboration as they build strong early learning foundations.
  • Leaves (Pre-K 4–5 yrs) — Bridging the gap to formal education, helping children build literacy and numeracy skills while fostering creativity, self-expression, and independence.
  • Vines (OSC 5–12 yrs) — Enriching before and after school program focused on active learning, teamwork, and balanced social and academic development.
The Ivy Method
  • Building Blocks: Core Curriculum — A dynamic integration of inquiry and play that merges traditional and modern teaching approaches with a focus on creativity, critical thinking, and exploration.
  • Discovery Forest: Enhanced Curriculum — A seamless combination of phonics, numeracy, social-emotional learning, and STEM to inspire creative exploration and a genuine love of learning.
  • Passion Pursuits: Extended Curriculum — Extracurricular program offering a rich blend of multisport, cooking, yoga, and language exploration designed to inspire self-expression and physical confidence.
What parents care about
  • Licensed center with experienced, qualified and CPR/First-Aid certified educators, supported by a warm and welcoming staff.
  • Low child-to-educator ratios, real-time parent communication app, and nature-inspired outdoor play.
  • Fresh, nutritious partner-prepared meals and snacks to fuel full-day learning.
  • Well-balanced structure combining teacher-guided and child-led activities for confident school readiness.
How we support your child
  • Reggio and Montessori inspired environments that act as a “third teacher.”
  • Curiosity led projects, open-ended materials, and daily movement (gym & outdoor play).
  • Individual pacing and strong partnership between families and educators with consistent communication.
  • Visible growth in independence, language, problem-solving, and confidence.

Joining Ivy Prep Early Learning Academy

Limited-Time Founding Families Offer:

→ $0 Registration Fee (Save $200)

→ Complimentary Ivy Prep Signature Vest

→ Offer Expires December 31, 2025

© Copyright 2025 Ivy Prep Early Learning Academy - All Rights Reserved | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy

Step By Step Learning Center Too | Learning Center in Dundalk, MD
Skip to main content

Step by step, from 6 weeks old to school age.

A learning center in Dundalk where our teachers speak English, Spanish, Arabic, French and American Sign Language.

  • Serving families for 25 years
  • Over 500 families served
  • Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM

The $150 registration fee is waived this month.

Request a tour

Programs from 6 weeks to school age

Each age group has its own daily routine and teacher ratio.

  1. 6 weeks to 23 months

    Infants and Toddlers

    Story time, outdoor walks, sensory play, art and music, with weekly themes on colors, shapes, animals and people.

    1 teacher to 3 children

  2. 2 years

    Terrific Twos

    Group time, outdoor play, meals, naptime and plenty of playtime, with themes on homes, families, pets and animals.

    1 teacher to 6 children

  3. 3 and 4 years

    Thriving Threes and Fantastic Fours

    Letters, numbers and science projects, with a focus on working together and getting ready for big school.

    1 teacher to 10 children

  4. School age

    Before and After Care

    Homework help, outside time, meals and activities, in their own room away from the younger children.

    1 teacher to 15 children

What you'll find here

Families tell us they chose us because the staff are warm, and they know their kids will be safe and happy here.

Teachers who speak five languages

  • Hello
  • Hola
  • Bonjour
  • مرحبا
  • and ASL

Our staff speak English, Spanish, Arabic, French and American Sign Language, and children here are taught in several of them. If your family speaks one of these at home, someone here speaks it too.

An outdoor nature space

Room for kids to move, explore and take in new textures, sounds and sights. Outside time is part of the routine, from infant walks to after-school play.

Breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack

Meals are provided and follow Maryland's Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Daily updates on Procare

Photos, videos and updates from your child's day come through the Procare app. The center pays for it, not families.

Background-checked educators

All educators have had background checks and are certified by the Maryland State Department of Education.

Frogstreet curriculum

We use the Frogstreet curriculum, with weekly themes and hands-on learning built into the day.

Events for the whole family

We host community events and fundraisers that bring families and staff together.

Tuition

Rates are weekly. Part-time means 3 days a week or less.

Weekly tuition
Age groupFull-timePart-time
Infants and toddlers6 weeks to 23 months$450$325
Twos2 years$400$300
Threes and fours3 and 4 years$375$300
School ageBefore and after care$300$70 per day

Included

  • Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack
  • Daily updates through the Procare app

Registration

The $150 registration fee is waived this month.

Help with the cost

We accept the Maryland Child Care Scholarship and can walk you through the process.

Tuition and availability are confirmed at enrollment.

What parents say

Ms. Trease and her staff are more than amazing. They take care of children as if they are their own. I drop my son off without any anxiety or fear because I know he's in good hands.

Danyelle K.Parent of a 4-year-old

My daughter has attended Step By Step Learning Center Too since she was a 1-year-old and now she's 4. This center has prepared her for primary school with the learning curriculum they provide (numbers, letters, words, basic math).

Joanne C.Parent of a 4-year-old

Step By Step Learning Center Too is a very safe and caring environment with amazing teachers who love their job and the kids as if they are their own. The school is always clean, and the director gives prompt and reliable communication to all parents and students.

NiyaParent of a 2-year-old

Request a tour

Send us a few details and we'll reach out to set up a time for you to visit, meet the teachers and see the rooms.

Address
1593 Merritt Blvd, Dundalk, MD 21222
Parking
Free parking in the lot in front of the building. Ring the doorbell to the left of the door.
Hours
Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM