The Best Daycare Centers in Cascade, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cascade. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cascade
The Children's Learning Center
The Children's Learning Center
The Children's Learning Center is a highly-regarded NAEYC-accredited facility serving the Cascade area from nearby Hagerstown. They employ a comprehensive educational approach combining play-based learning with structured curriculum for all age groups. Their teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators with specialized training in developmental milestones. The center features secure, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and comprehensive security systems. What sets them apart is their focus on individualized learning plans, regular parent-teacher conferences, and a STEM-enriched curriculum that introduces science and math concepts through hands-on activities.
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Kiddie Academy of Hagerstown
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Hagerstown is part of a nationally recognized educational childcare chain with a strong local presence serving Cascade families. Their Life Essentials curriculum focuses on character development, academic readiness, and social-emotional learning. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility offers modern classrooms, interactive technology centers, and nutritionally balanced meals. Their standout feature is the proprietary curriculum that integrates technology, literacy, and character education throughout daily activities.
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Celebree School of Frederick
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School of Frederick serves the Cascade region with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes whole-child development. Their "Seven Domains of Learning" approach covers cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development through structured and unstructured play. The center features certified teachers with ongoing professional development, secure facilities with camera monitoring, and age-specific learning environments. They offer enriched programs including music, movement, and early literacy. Notable differentiators include their greenhouse and gardening program that teaches environmental awareness, and their comprehensive parent communication app that provides real-time updates and photos throughout the day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cascade, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Cascade, Maryland, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Cascade, 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. Key requirements include background checks for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios based on age (e.g., 1:3 for infants under 18 months), health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the free, public MSDE "Check Child Care" search tool on their website. This allows you to see the license status, any past violations, and the results of their most recent inspection. It's a crucial first step for any parent in the Cascade area.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Cascade, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Cascade and surrounding Washington County area, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, depending on the type of facility (center-based vs. home-based) and the specific programs offered. Costs can be slightly lower for toddler care. For financial assistance, Maryland families can apply for the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program through the Maryland Family Network. Eligibility is based on income, work/training status, and family size. Additionally, some local providers in Cascade may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Cascade, and how far in advance should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant rooms and highly-rated centers in the Cascade area. Due to limited capacity and high demand, it is strongly recommended that parents begin their search at least 6 to 9 months before their needed start date, and even earlier if possible (during pregnancy is not too soon). When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee, how often they update it, and their estimated timeline. Exploring both licensed centers and registered family childcare homes can increase your options in the local market.
What are some key questions to ask during a tour of a daycare in Cascade, specific to Maryland regulations and local considerations?
Beyond general questions, tailor your tour to local context. Ask about their compliance with Maryland's mandatory "Healthy Beginnings" curriculum for early learning. Inquire about their emergency preparedness plan, given Cascade's location—do they have protocols for severe weather? Ask about staff qualifications: Maryland requires specific credentials like the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for lead teachers. Also, ask about their sick policy and how they handle common childhood illnesses in alignment with Maryland's exclusion guidelines. Finally, ask about outdoor play—given Cascade's rural/suburban setting, do they have a secure, on-site playground?
What options exist for part-time or non-traditional hour childcare in Cascade, MD?
Finding part-time or evening/weekend care in Cascade can be challenging, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 am to 6:00 pm schedule. Your best options are typically licensed family childcare providers, who may offer more flexible or customized schedules. You can search for these providers using the MSDE directory and filter for those accepting part-time care. For parents working non-traditional shifts, it's essential to be upfront about your needed hours during initial inquiries. Some providers in the area may offer "drop-in" care on a space-available basis, but this is rare and should not be relied upon for consistent needs. Networking with other local parents can also help identify smaller, home-based options with flexibility.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Cascade: