The Best Daycare Centers in Crisfield, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Crisfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Crisfield
The Goddard School of Salisbury
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Salisbury offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and secure classroom environments. Certified teachers implement age-appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, and social-emotional development. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor play areas, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Parents receive regular updates through the proprietary mobile app with photos and daily reports.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Salisbury
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Salisbury provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum that aligns with Maryland Early Learning Standards. The center features secure entry systems, regularly trained staff in CPR and first aid, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics foundations, and hands-on science exploration. The facility offers age-separated playgrounds, dedicated art and music areas, and nutritious meal programs. Teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide individualized learning plans with regular progress reports to parents.
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Salisbury Child Development Center
Nonprofit Community Organization
Salisbury Child Development Center operates as a nonprofit organization serving the Eastern Shore community with high-quality early childhood education. The center implements Creative Curriculum® with emphasis on developmentally appropriate practices and Maryland EXCELS standards. Features include secure facility access, comprehensive staff training in child development, and inclusive programming for children with diverse needs. The center maintains NAEYC accreditation standards with focus on relationship-based care, emergent curriculum, and family engagement. Facilities include natural outdoor classrooms, sensory-rich indoor environments, and technology-enhanced learning spaces for school-age children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Crisfield, MD
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available to parents in Crisfield, MD?
In Crisfield, parents primarily have access to two types of licensed childcare: family childcare homes and childcare centers. Family childcare homes are smaller, home-based operations, often offering a more intimate setting and flexible hours, which can be beneficial in a smaller community. Licensed childcare centers are less common but provide a more structured, classroom-like environment. Due to Crisfield's size and rural nature on the Eastern Shore, family childcare providers are often the most prevalent option. All licensed providers are regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education's Office of Child Care (MSDE OCC), which ensures they meet health, safety, and educational standards. You can search for all licensed options in Somerset County through the MSDE website.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in Crisfield, and how early should I start looking?
Given Crisfield's limited number of providers, waitlists can be significant, especially for infants and toddlers. It is not uncommon for popular family childcare homes or the limited center slots to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. Contact providers directly to inquire about their current waitlist length and policies. Being flexible with your start date can improve your chances. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Princess Anne or Pocomoke City if you are willing to commute, as this can provide more options.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Crisfield?
Costs in Crisfield are generally lower than the Maryland state average but can vary. For a licensed family childcare home, you can expect to pay approximately $125 to $175 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. A childcare center, if available, may range from $150 to $200 per week. These rates are influenced by the provider's experience, program offerings, and included amenities (like meals). It's important to ask what the weekly fee includes (diapers, wipes, formula, meals). For financial assistance, Maryland offers the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program; eligibility is based on income, work, or school attendance, and many Crisfield providers accept it.
Are there any state or local programs in Crisfield that help subsidize childcare costs for working families?
Yes, the primary program is the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS), administered by the Maryland State Department of Education. This subsidy helps eligible working families, parents in school, or those in job training afford licensed care. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (employment, education, etc.). You apply online through the Maryland OneStop portal. Additionally, the Judy Center Partnership for Somerset County, though not directly in Crisfield, may offer resources and early childhood support for families. We recommend contacting the MSDE OCC or the Somerset County Local Management Board for guidance on accessing these programs.
What should I look for or ask about specifically when touring a daycare in Crisfield, given its coastal location?
Crisfield's unique coastal environment means asking specific safety and logistical questions. First, inquire about emergency preparedness plans for weather events like hurricanes, nor'easters, and flooding. Ask about evacuation routes, communication protocols with parents, and where children would be relocated if necessary. Second, for providers with outdoor play areas, ask about mosquito and tick control measures, as the marshy environment can be a concern. Finally, discuss their policies for hot, humid summer days and sun protection. A quality provider will have clear, documented plans for these local environmental factors, ensuring your child's safety goes beyond standard licensing requirements.