The Best Daycare Centers in Benson, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Benson. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Benson
Bright Horizons at Bulle Rock
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Bulle Rock offers a comprehensive early education program with an emergent curriculum that adapts to children's interests and developmental needs. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with natural lighting. Parents praise the center's communication, nutritious meal program, and the way children develop strong foundational skills for kindergarten readiness.
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The Goddard School of Bel Air
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Bel Air provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. Certified teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. The school features secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and age-appropriate learning centers. Their STEAM-focused approach includes Spanish exposure, yoga, and music enrichment. The center is renowned for its clean, well-maintained facilities, extensive outdoor play areas, and strong parent-teacher communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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The Learning Experience - Abingdon
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Abingdon offers a proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that combines academic learning with social skills and character development. Their phonics-based early literacy program and mathematics curriculum prepare children for elementary school success. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including coded entry and surveillance cameras. Highly qualified early childhood educators provide personalized attention with low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes modern classrooms, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and a focus on whole-child development through music, movement, and creative arts programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Benson, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Benson, MD?
In Benson and the surrounding Harford County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. In-home family childcare providers in Benson often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Maryland offers childcare subsidy programs for eligible families through the Child Care Scholarship (CCS), which can help offset these expenses.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Benson is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Maryland must be licensed or registered by the Maryland State Department of Education's Office of Child Care (OCC). To verify a provider in Benson, you can use the free, online "LOCATE: Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website. This tool allows you to search by zip code (e.g., 21018 for Benson) and view the provider's license status, capacity, ages served, and any serious compliance violations from their last three inspection reports. You can also contact the OCC's Northeast Regional Office, which oversees Harford County, for specific questions. Always visit a potential daycare and ask to see their current license certificate, which must be posted in a visible location.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Benson, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand for quality childcare in Harford County, many daycare centers in and around Benson do maintain waitlists, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is highly recommended that parents begin their search at least 6 to 9 months before their needed start date. For infant care, starting your search during pregnancy is advisable. When contacting centers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and policy. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. Exploring a mix of centers and licensed family childcare homes can increase your options and potentially reduce wait times.
What are some of the key differences between daycare centers and family childcare homes available in Benson?
Benson offers both licensed childcare centers and registered family childcare homes, each with distinct environments. Centers are typically larger facilities with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and multiple staff members. They often have more resources and may offer extended hours. Family childcare homes operate out of the provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They often provide more flexible hours but may have more limited capacity. In Maryland, family providers are regulated under different rules than centers, particularly regarding group size and physical environment. Your choice will depend on your child's temperament, your schedule, and your preference for a specific type of learning and social environment.
What resources are available in Benson for finding and comparing local childcare options?
Parents in Benson have several valuable local resources. The primary resource is the **Harford County Child Care Resource Center**, which is part of the Maryland Family Network. They offer free referrals, parenting resources, and guidance on choosing quality care. You can contact them via their website or phone line. Additionally, the **Harford County Public Library** branches often have community bulletin boards with information on local providers. For hands-on research, online parent groups on platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Harford County Moms") are invaluable for getting personal recommendations and experiences from other Benson-area parents. Finally, attending local community events at places like the Benson Volunteer Fire Department can provide networking opportunities to learn about childcare from neighbors.