The Best Daycare Centers in Compton, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Compton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Compton
The Goddard School of Lexington Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Lexington Park offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and social-emotional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress.
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Celebree School of California
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School of California provides a structured yet nurturing environment with their proprietary Seven Domains of Learning curriculum, covering social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, age-specific learning environments, and outdoor playgrounds. Their team includes certified early childhood educators with CPR and First Aid training. The school emphasizes character development and school readiness while offering flexible scheduling options. Parents receive regular updates through the Celebree mobile app, including photos, daily reports, and developmental milestones.
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Little Angels Learning Center
Independent
Little Angels Learning Center is a locally-owned childcare facility serving St. Mary's County with a faith-based approach to early childhood education. Their curriculum combines academic preparation with character development, focusing on literacy, mathematics, and social skills. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, modern classrooms, and safe outdoor play areas. Staff members are Maryland-certified early childhood educators with extensive experience and ongoing training. The center maintains small class sizes and offers nutritious meals and snacks. Parents appreciate the family-oriented atmosphere and consistent communication about their child's development and daily activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Compton, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Compton, MD, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Compton, 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, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the free, online **Maryland EXCELS** search tool or the MSDE's "Check the Status of a License" webpage. It's highly recommended to choose a provider participating in Maryland EXCELS, as this is a quality rating system that goes beyond basic licensing. You can also contact the Southern Regional Office of Child Care, which serves St. Mary's County (where Compton is located), for assistance.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Compton, MD area?
Childcare costs in the Compton and wider St. Mary's County area are generally in line with Maryland state averages, which are among the higher in the nation. For an infant, you can expect to pay approximately **$1,200 to $1,600 per month** for full-time care at a licensed center. Family childcare homes may be slightly less, ranging from **$900 to $1,300 per month**. Costs for toddlers are typically 5-15% lower. These prices reflect the operational costs for providers in the region. Financial assistance is available for eligible families through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, which is administered by the MSDE. We recommend contacting the **Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee** for local support in applying for subsidies.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Compton, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, due to the presence of Naval Air Station Patuxent River and a growing population in St. Mary's County, high-quality daycare options in Compton and the surrounding communities often have significant waitlists, especially for infants. It is strongly advised to **begin your search at least 6 to 12 months before you need care**. For infant spots, starting your search during pregnancy is common. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring options in nearby towns like Lexington Park, California, or Leonardtown may increase your chances of finding availability sooner.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in a rural area like Compton, MD?
Compton is a census-designated place in a more rural part of St. Mary's County. The most common options are: 1. **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** These are small, home-based programs often run by a single provider, offering a more intimate setting. They are prevalent in residential areas. 2. **Child Care Centers:** While fewer may be located directly in Compton, several are within a short driving distance in more populated areas like Lexington Park. 3. **Faith-Based Programs:** Many local churches offer preschool or daycare programs, which may operate part-day or full-day. 4. **In-Home Care (Nannies/Au Pairs):** Some families opt for private in-home care, which can be a practical solution given the rural setting, though it is typically the most expensive option and requires thorough vetting.
How does the local military presence at Pax River affect childcare availability and resources for civilian families in Compton?
Naval Air Station Patuxent River ("Pax River") is a major employer and significantly impacts the childcare landscape. The base operates its own **Child Development Center (CDC)**, which primarily serves military personnel and Department of Defense civilians, but may have limited spaces for the general community when available. This high demand from military families can create spillover pressure on civilian daycare providers in Compton and the surrounding area, contributing to waitlists. However, it also means many providers are experienced with the unique schedules and needs of service families. Civilian families should inquire if a provider has experience with non-military schedules. Resources like **Military Child Care (MCC)** and **Child Care Aware of America** can provide referrals, but priority for military-affiliated programs is given to eligible families.
Childcare Insights for Compton
Finding reliable, flexible childcare can feel like one of the biggest challenges of modern parenting. If you’re a parent in Compton, Maryland, typing “drop off daycare near me” into your search bar, you’re likely looking for a solution that fits the unpredictable nature of life—whether it’s for a last-minute appointment, a part-time work shift, or simply a few hours of respite. The good news is that the Southern Maryland community, including areas around Compton, understands these needs and offers several avenues to explore for flexible childcare support.
When searching for drop-in daycare in our region, it’s important to understand the local landscape. While Compton itself is a more rural, close-knit community, your search will naturally extend to nearby hubs like Leonardtown, California, and Lexington Park. These towns host established childcare centers and some family daycare homes that may offer drop-off or part-time options. Your first step should be to connect with local resources like the Southern Maryland Family Network or the St. Mary's County Public Schools’ early childhood programs. They often maintain updated lists of licensed providers and can point you toward centers known for their flexibility. In a community like ours, personal recommendations are gold, so don’t hesitate to ask other parents at the local library story hour or at the Leonardtown Wharf playground for their trusted suggestions.
A key consideration for Compton families is transportation and scheduling. Given the distances between towns, you’ll want to factor in drive time when booking a drop-off session. Many facilities in Lexington Park, for instance, cater to families associated with the naval base and may have more structured hourly care programs. When you contact a potential daycare, be sure to ask very specific questions: What is the minimum and maximum number of hours for drop-in care? Is advance registration required, or do they accept same-day calls? What are their policies regarding meals and naps for a child who is only there for a short period? Also, inquire about their licensing and staff-to-child ratios to ensure your child’s safety and well-being.
Finally, building a relationship with a local provider is invaluable. Even for occasional drop-in care, visiting the facility ahead of time allows you and your child to feel comfortable with the environment and the caregivers. This preparation can make those shorter, occasional goodbyes much smoother for everyone. Remember, the goal is to find a safe, welcoming space where your child can engage in play and socialization while you attend to your commitments with peace of mind. By tapping into the local networks and asking the right questions, you can find a supportive drop-in daycare solution right here in Southern Maryland that feels less like a service and more like an extension of our community.