The Best Daycare Centers in Braddock Heights, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Braddock Heights. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Braddock Heights
The Goddard School of Frederick
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Frederick offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their play-based learning approach is enhanced by STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum components. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development, and the school maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. The program emphasizes character development and social-emotional learning through structured activities and free play.
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Kiddie Academy of Frederick
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Frederick provides comprehensive educational childcare through their Life Essentials® curriculum, which balances academic preparation with character development. The academy focuses on project-based learning and hands-on activities that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Their secure facility includes coded entry systems, CCTV monitoring, and dedicated learning centers for different age groups. The staff includes certified early childhood educators who receive continuous training in child development best practices. The program includes nutritious meal service, regular parent communication through mobile apps, and enrichment activities like music and movement.
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The Banner School
The Banner School
The Banner School offers a progressive early childhood program that emphasizes individualized learning and whole-child development. Their preschool program features a balanced approach combining structured academic preparation with creative exploration and social development. The school maintains small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios, allowing for personalized attention. Their experienced faculty includes educators with advanced degrees in early childhood education. The campus features secure facilities, dedicated art and music spaces, and outdoor learning environments. The program focuses on developing independence, cooperation, and early literacy/numeracy skills through hands-on, engaging activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Braddock Heights, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Braddock Heights, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Braddock Heights and the greater Frederick County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $1,100 to $1,500 per month. These rates are influenced by factors like the center's accreditation, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities. For financial assistance, Maryland's Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program is the primary resource for eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs based on income and need. Additionally, the Frederick County Office for Children and Families can provide guidance on local subsidies and the Maryland State Department of Education's "Judy Centers," which offer support services, though the nearest may be in the City of Frederick.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Braddock Heights, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers in the Braddock Heights area can be substantial, especially for infant rooms. It's common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for popular centers. To improve your chances, start your search and get on lists during pregnancy or as early as possible. Be proactive: contact multiple centers (consider those in nearby Middletown, Frederick, or Myersville), ask about their specific waitlist policies (e.g., if a deposit is required to hold a spot), and follow up periodically. Many centers also prioritize siblings of current enrollees. Exploring licensed family childcare homes in the community can be a valuable alternative with potentially shorter wait times.
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Maryland, and how can I verify a provider's compliance in Braddock Heights?
All childcare providers in Maryland must be licensed or registered by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care (OCC). This includes centers, nursery schools, and family childcare homes. Licensing ensures minimum standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, background checks, and child-to-staff ratios. To verify a provider's status and review their compliance history, you can use the free, public **"Check Child Care"** search tool on the MSDE website. You can search by provider name, location (like Braddock Heights, 21714), or zip code. This tool shows the license status, capacity, any serious complaints, and inspection reports—a crucial step for vetting any potential childcare option.
Are there part-time or flexible childcare options available in Braddock Heights for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Finding part-time or flexible-hour care in Braddock Heights can be challenging, as most traditional centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm schedule with full-time or fixed part-time slots (e.g., 3 or 5 days a week). Your best bets for flexibility are often licensed family childcare homes, which may offer more customizable hours, or nanny shares arranged with other local families. For occasional or backup care, services like Care.com or local Facebook parenting groups (e.g., "Braddock Heights Community" or "Frederick County Moms") can connect you with babysitters. For shift workers, it's essential to inquire directly with providers about early morning, evening, or weekend availability, as this is not commonly advertised.
What outdoor and enrichment opportunities do Braddock Heights daycare programs typically offer, given the local community setting?
Daycare programs in Braddock Heights often leverage the area's semi-rural setting and community amenities. Many have secure, on-site playgrounds, and some incorporate nature-based learning. Given the proximity to parks like the Braddock Heights Park and the extensive trail networks (like the Appalachian Trail nearby), some providers may organize supervised outdoor walks or activities. Enrichment programs vary but can include weekly music or movement classes, introductory Spanish, and STEM activities. Several centers in the broader Frederick County area also participate in Maryland EXCELS, a quality rating system, which often indicates a stronger curriculum. It's important to ask specific providers about their daily outdoor time policy and any partnerships with local libraries or museums in Frederick for field trips for older preschoolers.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Braddock Heights: