The Best Daycare Centers in Chewsville, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Chewsville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Chewsville
The Goddard School of Hagerstown
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Hagerstown offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and multiple playgrounds. Curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social skills development with daily communication through their proprietary mobile app. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and offer enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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Kiddie Academy of Hagerstown
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Hagerstown provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, technology, and hands-on learning. The center features secure keypad entry, certified teachers with CPR/first aid training, and modern facilities with interactive whiteboards. Their program emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and STEM exploration. They offer nutritious meals prepared on-site, regular parent-teacher conferences, and real-time updates through the Kiddie Academy mobile app. The academy maintains Maryland EXCELS ratings and follows strict health and safety protocols.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center in nearby Smithsburg offers personalized childcare with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. The center features experienced lead teachers with early childhood credentials, small class sizes, and a home-like environment. Their curriculum includes thematic units, hands-on science activities, early literacy programs, and outdoor exploration. The facility includes secure access, age-separated playgrounds, and dedicated art and music areas. They emphasize community involvement, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent partnerships through daily communication logs and family events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Chewsville, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Chewsville, MD, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Chewsville, as part of Maryland, all childcare centers and registered family childcare homes must be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the free online "LOCATE: Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website. For very small, informal arrangements, it's important to know that providers caring for only one or two children in addition to their own may be legally exempt from licensing, so parents should ask directly about their registration status.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Chewsville area?
Childcare costs in the Chewsville and wider Washington County area are generally more affordable than in major metropolitan areas like Baltimore or D.C., but can still be a significant expense. For a licensed childcare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from $225 to $325 per week. Toddler care is slightly less, often between $200 and $280 per week. Licensed family childcare homes can be more budget-friendly, often ranging from $160 to $240 per week. Costs vary based on the provider's amenities, curriculum, and staff credentials. We recommend contacting several local providers for their current rate sheets and inquiring about any multi-child discounts they may offer.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for families in Chewsville?
Yes, eligible families in Chewsville can apply for financial assistance through Maryland's Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, administered by the MSDE. This subsidy helps low- and moderate-income working families, those in training/education, and families experiencing homelessness pay for childcare at participating licensed providers. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care. Applications are processed through the Maryland Family Network. Additionally, Washington County may have local resources or referral services; contacting the **Maryland Family Network** at 1-877-261-0060 or visiting their website is the best first step to determine your eligibility and apply.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in and around Chewsville, and when should I start looking?
Due to the rural/suburban nature of Chewsville and limited high-capacity centers, waitlists for infant and toddler spots, especially at highly regarded facilities, can be common. It's not unusual for waitlists to be 3 to 9 months long for infants. We strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. For toddler or preschool-age entry, begin inquiries at least 4-6 months in advance. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: your child's position on the list, how often it's updated, and if a deposit is required to hold a spot. Exploring options in nearby towns like Hagerstown may provide more availability.
What types of childcare settings are most commonly available in a small community like Chewsville?
Chewsville offers a mix of options typical for a smaller Maryland community. The most common types are: 1. **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** Often run out of a provider's residence, these offer a home-like setting with smaller groups and mixed ages. They are prevalent in residential areas. 2. **Child Care Centers:** While fewer in Chewsville proper, several are located in nearby Hagerstown, offering structured programs with multiple classrooms and staff. 3. **Faith-Based Preschools:** Often attached to local churches, these typically offer part-day preschool programs for ages 3-5 rather than full-day infant/toddler care. 4. **In-Home Care (Nannies/Babysitters):** Some families arrange for private in-home care, which is not licensed by the state unless the caregiver cares for children from multiple families. For full-day, year-round care for young children, licensed family homes are often the most accessible local option within Chewsville itself.