The Best Daycare Centers in Chester, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Chester. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Chester
The Goddard School of Chester
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Chester offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, social skills, and physical development. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress through the Goddard School mobile app.
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Chester Country Children's Center
Independent
Chester Country Children's Center provides comprehensive childcare services with a focus on individualized attention and developmental milestones. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum® with hands-on learning activities that promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-specific learning environments, and nutritious meal programs. Experienced early childhood educators maintain small class sizes and provide regular progress reports. The center serves families throughout Queen Anne's County with flexible scheduling options and extended hours.
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Kent Island Early Learning Center
Independent
Kent Island Early Learning Center offers a nurturing educational environment with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Montessori and Reggio Emilia influences. Their comprehensive program includes language development, mathematics readiness, science exploration, and creative arts. The center features modern security systems, spacious indoor play areas, and well-equipped outdoor learning environments. Certified early childhood teachers provide individualized learning plans and maintain strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family events. The center emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Chester, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Chester, MD?
In Chester and the surrounding Kent Island area, full-time daycare costs are generally in line with the Maryland state average, which is among the higher in the nation. For an infant (under 2 years), you can expect to pay between $1,300 and $1,800 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (2-3 years), costs typically range from $1,100 to $1,500 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in Chester may offer slightly lower rates, often between $900 and $1,300 monthly. These costs reflect the high demand for quality care in Queen Anne's County and the operational expenses for providers. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Chester?
All licensed childcare providers in Chester, MD, are regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Office of Child Care. You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history online through the MSDE "Check Child Care" portal. This public database shows the provider's license status, capacity, ages served, and any cited violations from their last three inspection reports. You can also call the MSDE regional office for the Eastern Shore. When touring a facility in Chester, don't hesitate to ask the director for their most recent licensing report—a reputable center will have it readily available for parents to review.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Chester, and how should I plan ahead?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in Chester and on Kent Island, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. This is due to high demand from local families and a limited number of licensed facilities with infant rooms, which have strict staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time for your child's age group? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in the area, which may have more immediate availability.
What unique outdoor or enrichment opportunities do Chester daycares offer, given its location on the Chesapeake Bay?
Many childcare providers in Chester leverage the area's natural environment for unique learning experiences. Look for centers that incorporate "nature-based" or "water-safety" education into their curriculum. Enrichment opportunities may include organized field trips to nearby sites like the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, sandy play areas that mimic the beach, lessons on local wildlife (blue crabs, ospreys), and age-appropriate water play with a focus on safety. Some programs may also offer specialized activities like introductory sailing or boating safety through community partnerships. When touring, ask about their outdoor play policy, if they have shaded areas, and how they integrate the local coastal culture into daily learning.
What financial assistance programs are available to help Chester families afford childcare?
Chester families have several options for financial assistance. The primary program is the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS), administered by the MSDE. This subsidy helps eligible low- and moderate-income families pay for care at participating providers. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply online through the Maryland OneStop portal. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking if your employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which allows you to use pre-tax dollars for childcare expenses. For the most current income guidelines and application steps, contact the Queen Anne's County Department of Social Services or visit the MSDE website.