Mountain Laurel Playschool

Program Overview

Mountain Laurel Playschool (MLP) is a nature-based early childhood program located on the beautiful campus of Christmount Christian Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina. We serve children ages 4 months to 5 years and are built on a foundation of teacher and parent engagement to foster a strong, connected community.

Our program is rooted in a child-led, play-based philosophy that supports social-emotional development, independence, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Our Philosophy

At MLP, we believe children learn best through meaningful play, exploration, and relationships. Teaching children how to navigate social interactions is a vital part of becoming a confident and contributing member of their community.

We emphasize understanding, respect, and empathy—supporting children as they grow in self-confidence and develop meaningful relationships with others. We celebrate each child’s unique personality and believe that we all learn from one another. Our goal is to foster an environment that honors growth, curiosity, and connection.

Learning Through Nature & Play

Children at MLP experience a balance of indoor and outdoor learning each day. Our program offers rich opportunities for:

  • Gardening and hands-on exploration

  • Nature walks

  • Outdoor discovery and movement

  • Creative expression through art and music

  • Open-ended classroom play and learning

Our natural surroundings serve as an extension of the classroom, encouraging curiosity, resilience, and a meaningful connection to the world around them

Daily Rhythm

Our days are intentionally structured to provide consistency while allowing flexibility to meet the needs of each child. A typical day includes:

  • Child-led play and exploration

  • Outdoor learning and nature-based experiences

  • Group gatherings and social interaction

  • Meals and snacks brought from home

  • Rest and nap time (linens provided)

We prioritize time outdoors each day, using our playground and surrounding natural areas to support physical development, curiosity, and a connection to nature.

Programs Offered

  • Full-Day Program: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Sunrise Program (Morning Only): 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Children may arrive between 8:00–9:00 AM to support a smooth and consistent start to the day.

Classrooms

MLP offers mixed-age learning environments designed to support development at every stage:

  • Sprouts: Infants: 4 months- 12 months

  • Otters: Toddlers: 12 months- 30 months

  • Geckos: Preschool: 2.5 years- 3.5 years

  • Crickets: Pre-K: 3.5 years- 5 years 

Each classroom provides a balance of structured routines and open-ended exploration tailored to the developmental needs of the group.

Nutrition & Meals

Families provide all meals and snacks for their child. In accordance with licensing regulations:

  • All food must be fully prepared and ready to eat

  • Items must be labeled with the child’s name and date

  • MLP is not permitted to heat or prepare food

We encourage healthy, balanced meals that support each child’s energy and growth throughout the day.

Communication with Families

We use Brightwheel for daily communication, including:

  • Sign-in and sign-out

  • Daily updates and photos

  • Messaging between families and teachers

  • Important announcements and reminders

We value strong partnerships with families and strive to maintain open, respectful communication.

Health & Safety

Mountain Laurel Playschool is a fully licensed program through the state of North Carolina. We follow all DCDEE regulations to ensure a safe, clean, and nurturing environment. This includes:

  • Strict supervision and staff-to-child ratios

  • Regular cleaning and sanitation practices

  • Safe sleep policies for infants

  • Secure check-in and check-out procedures

Our Commitment

At MLP, we are committed to creating a warm, inclusive community where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. We partner with families to support each child’s development and celebrate the joy of early childhood.