The Best Daycare Centers in Chevy Chase, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Chevy Chase. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Chevy Chase
The Children's House of Washington
Independent
The Children's House of Washington offers a comprehensive Montessori education program in a nurturing environment. The center features highly qualified Montessori-certified teachers with extensive early childhood education experience. Their curriculum emphasizes individualized learning, practical life skills, and social-emotional development. The facility includes spacious classrooms with authentic Montessori materials, secure outdoor play areas, and advanced safety systems including coded entry and comprehensive monitoring. Parents consistently praise the center's warm atmosphere, excellent teacher-child interactions, and strong academic preparation for kindergarten.
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The Primary Day School
Independent
Located just minutes from Chevy Chase in Bethesda, The Primary Day School offers a progressive, play-based curriculum that balances academic readiness with social development. The school features low student-teacher ratios and experienced educators with advanced degrees in early childhood education. Their program includes daily outdoor exploration, STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. The facility boasts modern classrooms, extensive playgrounds with natural elements, and comprehensive security systems. The school is NAEYC-accredited and receives high marks for its inclusive community and excellent parent communication.
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Bright Horizons at Bethesda North
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
As part of the nationally recognized Bright Horizons network, this Bethesda center serves the Chevy Chase community with a research-based curriculum focused on school readiness and whole-child development. The center employs degreed teachers with specialized training in early childhood education and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum integrates literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning. The modern facility features age-appropriate learning environments, secure outdoor play spaces, and enhanced safety protocols including biometric entry systems. Parents consistently highlight the center's professional staff, engaging educational programs, and flexible scheduling options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Chevy Chase, MD
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Chevy Chase, MD, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Chevy Chase, MD, full-time daycare for infants and toddlers is among the highest in the state, typically ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per month. This reflects the area's high cost of living and the demand for quality care. For financial assistance, Maryland offers the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, which is income-based and can significantly reduce costs for eligible families. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to apply for the CCS through the Maryland Family Network website as early as possible, as processing can take time. Parents should also inquire directly with individual centers about any private scholarships or payment plans they might offer.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Chevy Chase, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers in Chevy Chase can be extensive, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant rooms. To improve your chances, start your search and get on lists during pregnancy or as soon as you know you'll need care. Be proactive: apply to multiple centers (3-5 is common), follow up with polite emails or calls every few months to confirm your active status, and be flexible with your desired start date if possible. Consider expanding your search to nearby areas like Bethesda or Friendship Heights, which may have slightly shorter lists. Many centers also prioritize siblings of current enrollees, so if you plan for multiple children, the initial long wait may pay off later.
What are the key differences between licensed childcare centers and licensed family childcare homes in Chevy Chase, and how do I verify their licensing?
In Chevy Chase, licensed centers are larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and larger staff teams. Licensed family childcare homes operate in a provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups and potentially more flexible hours. Both are regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Office of Child Care. To verify licensing and view inspection reports, visit the MSDE Child Care Search website. This public database shows the license status, any compliance history, and capacity. For Chevy Chase specifically, you can filter by zip code (e.g., 20815) to find all regulated options. Always visit in person and ask for references, regardless of the setting type.
Are there any unique local regulations or quality benchmarks for daycare centers in Montgomery County that I should be aware of?
Yes, beyond Maryland state licensing, Montgomery County has additional regulations through its Department of Health and Human Services. Notably, the county enforces stricter child-to-staff ratios for certain age groups than the state minimum and has specific requirements for playground safety, nutrition, and emergency preparedness. Furthermore, many top centers in Chevy Chase pursue voluntary accreditations like those from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or Maryland EXCELS, a state quality rating system. A high Maryland EXCELS rating (Level 4 or 5) is a strong indicator of quality programming. When touring, ask about both county compliance and any voluntary accreditations they hold.
What options exist for backup or emergency childcare in the Chevy Chase area if my regular provider is unavailable?
Finding reliable backup care in Chevy Chase is crucial. Several options exist: First, inquire if your primary daycare center offers a "sick child" or backup care program for enrolled families, though this is not common. More reliably, you can use licensed drop-in centers or on-demand childcare services. Facilities like the Bright Horizons Back-Up Care center in nearby North Bethesda often serve the Chevy Chase area. Additionally, you can use reputable apps and services that vet caregivers for short-term bookings. For occasional needs, consider forming a cooperative with other local parents in your neighborhood or building to share sitting duties. Always ensure any backup provider is properly vetted and, for in-home care, that they are licensed if required by Maryland law.