Hello,
Perhaps 18:17 is just making an honest mistake in estimation, but it's important to correct.

I'm the director at Saint Luke and have been affiliated with the school for 10 years, part of that time spent as one of the assistants in the classroom 18:17 mentions.

In that time period there have never been 25 "older two's" in any one classroom, and never more than 18 threes in a classroom. My goodness, not not only would that not be optimal for the children, the teachers would never stand for it, and we'd hardly be competitive! No teacher on our staff teaches 50 children.

It is also important to note that the state would never allow us to operate with the ratios mentioned by 18:17. In fact our ratios are in keeping with the guidelines provided by the NAEYC. Saint Luke's classrooms also exceed (in most cases by a great deal) the state's requirements for square footage per child. I've cut and pasted the relevant section of the Maryland Regs. for you below.

We are only one of many terrific preschool programs in and around Silver Spring.

Thank you for allowing the clarification.

Kindly,
Beth Newman

COMAR 13A.16.08.03C
Same-Age Groups. In a group of children of the same age, the following staff/child ratio and maximum group size requirements apply:
Child Ages Staff/Child Ratio Maximum Group Size
2 years old 1 to 6 12
3 or 4 years old 1 to 10 20
5 years old and older 1 to 15 30

We went to Sam's on the Waterfront in Annapolis in November and it was LOVELY. Even nicer than it looks on line and the food is terrific.
http://www.samsonthewaterfront.com/

Your instincts are good. Remember, your ob may pressure you on induction, but you don't need to go there. Could you have the ob appointment Thursday (even if you schedule induction for later in the week or early next week, you could squeeze your acupuncture appt. in then, rather than tomorrow if you're feeling unsure)

Keep eating good meals, take some good walks. Trust your instincts.

I just finished this book, it was a great but quick read

http://www.amazon.com/ADHD-Autism-Connection-Diagnoses-Effective-Treatment/dp/1578564980

Don't know the age of your DC or sophistication of palate but....

Hard boiled eggs
if nut allergies aren't an issue and she's old enough, nuts
peanut butter on wheat crackers
search online for protein bar recipes that are kid-friendly
Peanut butter or Bean dip or cream cheese for dipping veggies or crackers
Checkout the vegan/vegetarian meat substitutes at your grocery store--for some variety in the "meat" choices. There's some yummy stuff in there! (meatballs, franks, etc)
Falafel
Hummus for dipping
Good luck!

I know we are still working through our waiting lists at Saint Luke. After the deposit deadline passes, spaces are offered with new deadlines to another set of families...so it's a series of changing deadlines over the course of weeks until spaces are filled. I can tell you that at Saint Luke, we just filled our last four-year-old space and have a short waiting list remaining...with possible (but not likely) movement over the summer. We are still working on our few remaining threes spaces, but have waiting lists long enough to fill them over the next couple of days. Weeks ago we made it through our entire two's waiting list and still have space remaining for walk-ins. Every school handles it differently but most waiting lists are maintained and continue to move throughout the spring, and many into summer as plans change.

Our school accepts children with severe food allergies and will administer epi-pens with doctor's permission on state form. Parents are required to conference with the director and outline a food allergy action plan and examine and approve all snacks. Also, the state requires all licensed schools to post menus in advance (even snack/special treat menus) for parents to review.

There are a few spaces remaining for two-year-olds at Saint Luke Christian Day School in Silver Spring (corner of Colesville Road and Dale Drive) for the school year beginning September 2010. Enrolled two-year-olds are given priority for placement in subsequent years. It's a part-time (two days a week, two hours a day), play-based program with a Christian emphasis . Child must be two by Sept. 1. Oldest two's (those three before Christmas) are grouped in a special "older two's class." Children enrolled in two-year-old classes at Saint Luke do not need to be potty trained and teachers will change diapers, as well as support your efforts in toilet training.

Curriculum focuses on centers-based free play, with an emphasis on hands-on sensory experiences, music and art. Playground time every day, weather permitting. Class ratio is 1:4 or 1:6 depending on ages of children.

Three and Four year old programs are currently full with waiting lists.

Parents are welcome to visit (feel free to bring your children). The school's phone number is 301-588-3866.