The Best Daycare Centers in Callaway, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Callaway. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Callaway
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in California 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, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts. Features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure keypad entry systems, and daily communication with parents through the Goddard School app. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers for different developmental stages.
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Kiddie Academy of Waldorf
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Waldorf provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that emphasizes character development, STEM learning, and social-emotional growth. Features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development, secure building access, and real-time updates through the Kiddie Academy Mobile App. The academy offers nutritious meals, large outdoor play areas, and technology-enhanced learning environments. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, music and movement activities, and hands-on learning experiences.
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The Learning Experience - Lexington Park
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Lexington Park offers a proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates early literacy, mathematics, and social skills development. Specializes in philanthropy curriculum teaching children the importance of community service. Features highly trained educators, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and regular parent-teacher communication. The center includes modern classrooms, interactive learning technology, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for motor skills development. Their enrichment programs include soccer, yoga, and dance classes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Callaway, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Callaway, MD, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Callaway, 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 (including background checks and training), child-to-staff ratios, and program curriculum. To verify a facility's compliance and view its licensing history, including any past violations, you can use the free and public **MSDE Child Care Search** tool online. Simply search by the provider's name or zip code (20619 for Callaway). It's highly recommended to check this resource and even ask the provider for their most recent licensing inspection report.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Callaway, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
The cost of childcare in Callaway and surrounding St. Mary's County is generally aligned with state averages, though it can vary based on the type of care and age of the child. For a full-time infant at a licensed center, parents can expect to pay approximately **$1,200 to $1,600 per month**. Family childcare homes may offer slightly lower rates. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through the **Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS)** program, which is income-based. Additionally, the **Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee (SMTCCAC)** serves St. Mary's County and can provide guidance on subsidy applications and other local resources to help offset childcare costs.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Callaway, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Due to the presence of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station and other local employers, demand for quality childcare in the Callaway area can be high, leading to waitlists, especially for infant care. It is common for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. The best strategy is to **start your search early**, ideally during pregnancy. Contact multiple providers—both centers and licensed family homes—to get on their lists. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee. Consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Leonardtown or Lexington Park for more options. Following up politely every few months can also help keep your application active.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Callaway, MD?
Parents in Callaway typically have access to several types of licensed childcare. The most common options are: 1. **Child Care Centers**: Larger facilities, often with structured curricula and multiple classrooms (e.g., centers affiliated with local employers or churches). 2. **Family Child Care Homes**: Smaller, home-based settings offering a more intimate environment, often with mixed-age groups. These are popular in residential areas of Callaway. 3. **Before & After School Care**: Programs often hosted at or affiliated with local elementary schools like Evergreen Elementary or George Washington Carver Elementary for school-age children. Given Callaway's semi-rural setting, family childcare homes are a significant part of the local childcare landscape, offering flexibility that can be crucial for families with non-traditional work hours.
How do daycare programs in Callaway handle emergency preparedness, particularly for weather-related events common to Southern Maryland?
Licensed childcare providers in Callaway are required by MSDE regulations to have detailed emergency plans. Given the area's susceptibility to severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, and occasional winter storms, these plans are critical. Reputable providers will have protocols for **shelter-in-place, evacuation routes, and communication plans with parents**. They should conduct regular drills. Many centers and homes are equipped with backup generators and emergency supplies. It is essential for parents to ask providers directly about their specific plans for hurricanes/tropical storms, snow closures, and how they will notify families. Providers often follow the closure decisions of St. Mary's County Public Schools during inclement weather.