The staff here at Doc’s all have the desire to inspire the next wave of global citizens with a unique program not offered anywhere else in Southern Maryland. We welcome friends from a variety of cultural, health, religious, economic and social backgrounds. Children with disabilities and special needs are encouraged to join us as all staff members have undergone (and will continue to pursue) training for how to best meet the needs of each individual child. While we focus on bilingual early learning with exposure to both English and Japanese language, we also place a strong focus on social emotional learning- helping our little friends learn how to cope (both verbally and non-verbally) with big feelings in a variety of settings.
We take a Montessori based approach to encourage learning through play combined with academic literacy activities. Children are never forced to participate in any activities but instead are provided with a variety of learning opportunities to choose from (independent, group, one-on-one). Due to our mixed-age and ability group settings, Vygotsky’s theory of proximal development shines through in all activities as our youngest friends learn from observing and interacting with our older and more experienced ones.
A Maryland state licensed teacher with 10+ years of experience teaching and caring for children of all ages. She has degrees in Asian studies, educational curriculum and assessment, and educational psychology. Now that she is a mom herself, she fully understands the desire to have her babies get the best start possible. Being able to take a step back from the public school system in order to give them the attention and education necessary for that is a gift she has been blessed with; and she wants to extend that gift to others! With a son and a daughter only 13 months apart along with two dogs and a kitty cat, Dr. Ramer empathizes with working parents trying to give their all for their families. It is hard to trust someone else with your little one’s care and education, but rest assured that Doc can provide a quality curriculum and an inclusive nurturing environment.
A spunky and hardworking young woman, Ms. Lauren is the oldest of 3 siblings and has 12+ years of experience caring for the children of those closest to her and working with special needs transportation. All things Halloween and spooky are her passion, but she has a vibrant faith evident through her work with the church. She has a deep love for alternative fashion and music, and that love for all things different and unique extends to her interactions with every child she meets. Being able to help Doc and the children enrolled here is a joy she wouldn't give up for the world. She thoroughly enjoys being outdoors and learning new sign language to share with everyone; and the special experiences she helps create will be invaluable to your child's development and growth.
Doc's has numerous substitutes on call in the event of illness or injury. These subs may be present at any given time covering for Doc or Lauren, but put your mind at ease knowing they are all trusted (and state approved) friends and family of our team!