The Best Daycare Centers in Bivalve, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bivalve. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bivalve
Kiddie Academy of Salisbury
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Salisbury offers a comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and live streaming cameras for parent peace of mind. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. The academy emphasizes hands-on learning experiences and maintains low student-teacher ratios to ensure individualized attention. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their included meal program and offer flexible scheduling options for working families.
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The Goddard School of Salisbury
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Salisbury provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program, which balances academic preparation with social development. The school employs degreed teachers who participate in ongoing professional development and maintain current CPR/first aid certifications. Their facility features secure entry systems, age-specific playgrounds, and modern classrooms equipped with SMART Board technology. The curriculum includes foreign language exposure, yoga, and music enrichment programs. Parents appreciate the daily communication through their proprietary app and the school's focus on developing confidence and compassion in children.
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Salisbury Child Development Center
Independent Nonprofit
Salisbury Child Development Center operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education to families throughout Wicomico County. Their research-based curriculum emphasizes school readiness through literacy-rich environments, hands-on math and science activities, and social skills development. The center maintains NAEYC accreditation and Maryland EXCELS level 5 certification, demonstrating their commitment to quality standards. Their teaching staff includes professionals with degrees in early childhood education and specialized training in trauma-informed care. The facility features secure access controls, commercial-grade kitchen for nutritious meal preparation, and large outdoor learning environments with natural play elements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bivalve, MD
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Bivalve, MD?
In Bivalve and the surrounding Somerset County area, licensed childcare options primarily include family childcare homes and childcare centers. Given Bivalve's small, rural nature, family childcare homes operated in a provider's residence are the most common and accessible option. There are also a few licensed childcare centers in nearby towns like Princess Anne and Salisbury that some Bivalve parents commute to. All providers must be licensed and regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education's Office of Child Care (MSDE OCC), which sets standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and program activities. Due to limited local options, many parents also consider registered but unlicensed "informal" care with relatives or neighbors, which has different regulations.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare provider in Bivalve, MD?
It is crucial to verify any provider's standing with the state. You can use the Maryland EXCELS system, a voluntary quality rating system, or the direct licensing lookup through the MSDE Office of Child Care website. For any licensed family home or center, you can search by provider name, location, or license number to view their current license status, capacity, and any compliance history. You should also contact the MSDE OCC Regional Office that covers Somerset County to ask about a provider's full inspection and complaint history. We recommend visiting the provider in person and asking to see their current license, which must be posted, and reviewing their most recent inspection report for any cited violations.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Bivalve, and are there financial assistance programs?
In Bivalve and rural Somerset County, costs are generally lower than the Maryland state average but can vary. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $125 to $175 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Centers in nearby larger towns may charge $180 to $250 per week. Financial assistance is available for eligible families through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, which is based on income, family size, and need (like employment or school attendance). You apply through the Maryland Family Network website. Additionally, the Judy Center Partnership in Somerset County, often based in local schools, can help connect families with resources and subsidy information.
Are waitlists common for daycare in Bivalve, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small community like Bivalve, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care which has stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and if you are expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. For popular providers or those with excellent reputations, waitlists can be a year long. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be placed on it, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring options in neighboring communities like Princess Anne (approx. 15 min drive) can increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What local resources or organizations in Somerset County can help me find and evaluate childcare near Bivalve?
The primary local resource is the **Maryland Family Network**, which operates the **Child Care Resource Network (CCRN)**. You can call their referral line or use their online search tool to find licensed providers in your ZIP code and surrounding areas. For Somerset County specifically, the **Somerset County Health Department** and the **Somerset County Public Schools' Judy Center** (often located at elementary schools) are invaluable. They offer support with referrals, child development screenings, and information on programs like Head Start and pre-K, which may be relevant for older toddlers. Attending community events or checking with local churches can also provide word-of-mouth recommendations, which are vital in tight-knit rural areas.