The Best Daycare Centers in Ashton, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ashton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ashton
The Goddard School of Olney
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Olney offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development, and the facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. The school maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provides daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress.
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Celebree School of Olney
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School of Olney provides a comprehensive early education program with their proprietary curriculum that emphasizes seven domains of learning: social, emotional, physical, language, cognitive, literacy, and mathematics. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and surveillance cameras. Their highly qualified teachers create individualized learning plans for each child, and the facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. They also offer nutritious meals and snacks as part of their program.
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Brookeville Academy
Independent
Brookeville Academy is a highly-regarded independent early learning center known for its exceptional academic preparation and nurturing environment. Their curriculum emphasizes kindergarten readiness through a balanced approach of structured learning and creative exploration. The center features small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios, allowing for individualized attention. Their experienced educators hold advanced degrees in early childhood education, and the facility includes modern classrooms, a dedicated art studio, music room, and extensive outdoor learning environments. The academy maintains strong parent partnerships with regular progress reports and communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ashton, MD
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ashton, Maryland?
In Ashton and the surrounding Montgomery County area, full-time daycare for infants and toddlers typically ranges from $1,400 to $2,200 per month. This cost is influenced by factors such as the type of facility (in-home vs. center-based), the caregiver-to-child ratio, and the inclusion of educational curricula or organic meals. Prices tend to be on the higher end of the spectrum compared to state averages due to the county's higher cost of living. It's advisable to budget for this range and inquire about any additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pickups. Financial assistance may be available through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship program for eligible families.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Ashton is properly licensed and what are Maryland's key regulations?
All licensed childcare providers in Maryland are regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Office of Child Care. You can verify a provider's license, view their compliance history, and check for any serious violations by using the free online "Check Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website. Key regulations for Ashton providers include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants under 18 months), mandatory background checks for all employees, annual health and safety training, and adherence to specific facility standards. Always confirm the license is current and ask the provider for their most recent inspection report during your visit.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Ashton, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many reputable daycare centers and licensed in-home providers in Ashton and nearby communities like Olney and Brookeville maintain significant waitlists. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search and get on waitlists **at least 6 to 12 months before their needed start date**. For infant care, starting during pregnancy is common. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (if any), and how often they update families on their status.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Ashton, MD?
Ashton, being a more rural part of Montgomery County, offers a mix of childcare options. The most common types are: 1. **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** Often popular in residential areas, offering smaller group settings in a provider's home. 2. **Child Care Centers:** These are less dense than in urban parts of the county but can be found in nearby commercial areas or affiliated with local churches or community organizations. 3. **Preschool Programs:** Many options for children ages 3-5, often with part-day schedules. 4. **Nanny Shares:** Some families in Ashton coordinate with neighbors to share a nanny, which can be a flexible but privately arranged option. Due to the community's nature, in-home providers and smaller centers are particularly prevalent.
What local resources in Montgomery County can help me find and evaluate childcare near Ashton?
The primary local resource is the **Child Care Resource Network (CCRN) of Montgomery County**, funded by MSDE. They offer a free referral service to help parents find licensed providers that match their needs (location, hours, budget). You can contact them via their website or phone. Additionally, the **Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services** provides information on subsidies and quality indicators. For on-the-ground insights, many Ashton parents use local Facebook groups (e.g., "Ashton/Sandy Spring/Olney Community") to ask for personal recommendations and experiences with specific providers, which can be invaluable for evaluating quality and fit.