The Best Daycare Centers in Barclay, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Barclay. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Barclay
The Goddard School of Centreville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Centreville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. The curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, and social-emotional development, with daily communication to parents through their proprietary app. They provide nutritious meals and snacks in their commercial-grade kitchen and offer enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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Chester River Early Learning Center
Independent Nonprofit
Chester River Early Learning Center is a NAEYC-accredited facility offering comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. Their highly qualified staff includes teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and specialized training in infant/toddler development. The center features secure facilities with camera monitoring, large outdoor learning environments, and modern classrooms designed for different age groups. They emphasize social-emotional learning, literacy development, and kindergarten readiness through hands-on activities and project-based learning. The center maintains strong parent partnerships with regular progress reports and family engagement events.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Kent Island
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare at Kent Island provides nationally-recognized early childhood education with research-based curriculum aligned with state learning standards. Their experienced teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certification. The center features secure keypad entry, dedicated age-appropriate learning centers, and large playgrounds with safety surfaces. Their comprehensive program includes phonics-based reading readiness, early math concepts, science exploration, and creative arts. They offer flexible scheduling options and provide healthy meals through their nutrition program. The center emphasizes character development and social skills while maintaining detailed portfolios to track each child's progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Barclay, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Barclay, Maryland, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Barclay, Maryland, all childcare providers must be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. This includes family childcare homes and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a facility's license, you can use the free "LOCATE: Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website. You can search by provider name, location (like Barclay), or zip code to see their license status, any compliance history, and inspection reports. It's a crucial first step for any parent in the Barclay area to ensure they are considering a regulated and monitored provider.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Barclay, MD?
The cost of childcare in Barclay, MD, is generally in line with the broader Eastern Shore region. For full-time care (5 days a week), parents can expect to pay approximately $175 to $250 per week for a licensed family childcare home. Childcare centers in the area may range from $200 to $300+ per week for infant/toddler care. Costs can vary based on the provider's amenities, curriculum, and staff credentials. It's important to note that Maryland offers financial assistance programs like the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) for eligible families, which can significantly offset these costs. Contact the MSDE or your local Department of Social Services to check eligibility.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Barclay, and what's the best way to secure a spot?
Due to the smaller, more rural nature of Barclay and surrounding Queen Anne's County, high-quality daycare options can have limited capacity, leading to waitlists, especially for infant care. It is very common for popular local centers and well-regarded home providers to have waitlists of several months. The best strategy is to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy or 6-9 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Church Hill or Centreville, but be mindful of commute logistics.
What types of childcare programs are most commonly available in Barclay, MD?
Barclay primarily offers two types of licensed childcare: Family Child Care (FCC) Homes and Child Care Centers. FCC Homes are smaller, home-based settings often offering a more flexible, family-like environment for mixed-age groups. Centers are larger facilities, which may offer more structured preschool curricula and have multiple classrooms. Given Barclay's rural setting, FCC Homes are particularly prevalent. There are also a few licensed centers that may offer full-day programs. For school-age children, before and after-school care is typically provided through the Queen Anne's County Public Schools or specific local programs. There are fewer large corporate chain centers here compared to urban areas.
What local resources or organizations in Queen Anne's County can help me find and evaluate childcare near Barclay?
The primary local resource is the **Queen Anne's County Judy Center**, located in nearby Centreville. Judy Centers are Maryland's early childhood hub agencies that help families find licensed childcare, access early learning programs, and connect to support services. They can provide personalized referrals. Additionally, the **Queen Anne's County Public Library** often has community bulletin boards with local provider information. For evaluation, beyond using the MSDE's LOCATE database, you can ask providers for references from current Barclay-area parents and schedule in-person visits to observe the environment, ask about daily routines, and understand their policies on communication, safety, and nutrition.