The Birdhouse
Aftercare at MLC
Welcome to The Birdhouse
The end of the school day doesn't have to mean the end of opportunities to play, create, explore, and spend time with friends.
The Birdhouse is MLC's Aftercare program, designed to give families the flexibility of a longer day while giving children an afternoon that feels a little different from their regular classroom experience.
After a full Montessori day, we want children to have room to unwind. The Birdhouse combines a featured daily activity with snack, outdoor time, open-ended play, and plenty of opportunities for children to choose how they'd like to spend the rest of their day.
Activities are designed with our entire MLC community in mind, with developmentally appropriate options for both our Toddler and Primary-aged children.
Our Weekly Rhythm
While activities change throughout the year, each day of the week has its own general focus.
Monday | Open-Ended Play
A chance to settle into the week with imaginative play, building, creating, exploring, and plenty of choice.
Tuesday | Yoga & Movement
Stretching, yoga poses, movement games, mindfulness, and playful ways to connect with our bodies.
Wednesday | Create, Cook & Explore
One of our most varied days! Children might prepare a simple no-cook recipe, conduct an experiment, explore nature, build something, or try a completely new experience.
Thursday | Art
Painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, process art, and other opportunities to experiment with materials and create.
Friday | Free Choice Friday
We finish the week with plenty of room for children to choose how they want to spend their afternoon—playing with friends, revisiting favorite activities, heading outside, or simply taking it easy.
The Birdhouse at a Glance
Ages
2 years–6 years - must have restroom independence, no diapers.
Begins
Following the end of the Daily Program at 3:00 PM
Featured Activity
3:15–3:45 PM
Snack
Before the featured activity
Late Afternoon
After 4:00 PM, children transition into free play, outdoor time, and open-ended choices as they wait for pickup.
Registration
Families must register for The Birdhouse before using the program.
A peek into our afternoons
3:00 PM | Welcome to The Birdhouse
Children transition from their classrooms into Aftercare, reconnect with friends, and settle into the afternoon.
3:15–3:45 PM | Featured Activity
Each day brings something a little different! Children are invited to participate in a planned activity based on our weekly rhythm and monthly themes.
3:45 PM | Snack
After our activity, children have time to refuel and enjoy snack together.
4:00 PM & Beyond | Play, Explore & Unwind
The remainder of the afternoon is intentionally flexible. Children may head outdoors, play with friends, choose open-ended activities, create, build, or simply relax after a busy school day.