For 38 years, elementary school families in Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Harford counties have come to know Open Door as the nurturing second home for students and their families with the need for before and after care. With programs housed in 22 schools in Baltimore County, 11 schools in Anne Arundel County and two schools in Harford County, Open Door cares for nearly 2,300 students in a normal school year, with approximately 1,200 in Baltimore County. But with schools closing in March in response to the pandemic, and with virtual school being the choice for most area schools this fall, Open Door is working to fill the continued need for school age childcare. The Towson Office opened full day care on August 17th for students who are entering kindergarten through fifth grade and will continue the full day program to support virtual learning once the school year begins on September 8th. Space is still available, although limited.

“We receive calls and emails daily from families throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area who are looking for childcare solutions,” according to Anita Hilson, who joined Open Door in June as the new Executive Director. School age childcare is limited not only in Baltimore, but nationwide. And with many before and after programs offered in schools, the challenge to support working families is one of the many problems school districts face as the new school year rapidly approaches. “Not every parent has the option to work remotely, and not every parent can work effectively with their children at home,” continues Hilson, who is no stranger to working with children and families. Married with two adult daughters and a son-in-law (and always a working mom), she joined Open Door after spending 19 years at McDonogh School in admissions and after 8 years of service on the board of the Baltimore School for the Arts. She follows Jeanne Murphy in that role, the founder of Open Door who established the company because of the need for childcare she faced with her own children. Nurture was at the core of Open Door’s mission then as it is now.

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