The Best Daycare Centers in Crofton, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Crofton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Crofton
The Goddard School of Crofton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Crofton offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Their STEAM-based curriculum includes hands-on learning activities, foreign language exposure, and technology integration. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with natural lighting. Parents praise the school's strong communication, nutritious meal program, and the way children develop confidence and readiness for elementary school.
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Celebree School of Crofton
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School of Crofton provides a well-rounded educational approach through their proprietary curriculum that emphasizes seven domains of learning: social, emotional, physical, language, cognitive, literacy, and mathematics. The center features Maryland credentialed teachers who receive ongoing professional development and training. Their secure facility includes coded entry systems, camera monitoring, and age-specific learning environments. The program incorporates character development, community involvement, and technology integration. Parents consistently highlight the caring staff, clean facilities, and the center's ability to prepare children academically while nurturing their individual personalities.
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KinderCare at Gambrills
KinderCare Learning Companies
Located just minutes from Crofton, KinderCare at Gambrills offers a research-based curriculum that aligns with state early learning standards. Their program includes phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics foundation, and science exploration. The center features dedicated early childhood educators with CPR and First Aid certification, and maintains enhanced security protocols including single-entry access and regular safety drills. Their facility includes multiple playgrounds, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports, the center's focus on social-emotional development, and the flexible scheduling options that accommodate working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Crofton, MD
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Crofton, MD?
In Crofton, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,200 to $1,600 per month. These rates are influenced by the type of facility—center-based care tends to be at the higher end, while licensed family childcare homes may offer more affordable options. Costs in Crofton are generally reflective of the broader Anne Arundel County area, which is above the state average. It's important to inquire about what is included in the tuition, such as meals, diapers, and curriculum materials. Many facilities offer sibling discounts, and financial assistance may be available through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship program for eligible families.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Crofton, and when should I start looking?
For the most sought-after daycare centers and preschools in Crofton, waitlists can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is highly recommended to begin your search and tour facilities at least 9-12 months before your needed start date, and some parents even put their unborn child on lists. Popular centers near major residential areas like Crofton Meadows, The Preserve, or near Route 3 often have the longest waits. To manage this, get on multiple lists (even if there's a small fee), stay in periodic contact with the directors, and consider high-quality licensed family childcare providers as a potentially more available alternative.
What are the licensing and safety regulations for childcare providers in Maryland that I should verify for a Crofton daycare?
All legal childcare providers in Crofton must be licensed and regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education's Office of Child Care (OCC). Key regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers), comprehensive background checks for all employees, mandatory health and safety training including CPR/First Aid, and regular facility inspections. As a parent, you should verify a provider's license status and review their latest inspection reports, which note any compliance issues. These reports are publicly accessible through the "Check Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website. Additionally, many Crofton providers participate in the state's quality rating system, Maryland EXCELS, which denotes higher standards.
Are there any unique local programs or resources for finding and evaluating childcare in Crofton and Anne Arundel County?
Yes, parents in Crofton have access to several valuable local resources. The **Anne Arundel County Child Care Resource and Referral Center**, often accessed through the **Maryland Family Network**, provides free, personalized referrals to licensed providers matching your needs, location, and budget. They also offer guidance on evaluating quality and understanding subsidies. Furthermore, the **Crofton Community Library** and local community centers frequently host "Parent Connect" events or fairs where you can meet multiple providers. For real-world insights, the **"Crofton Moms" Facebook group** and similar hyper-local social media groups are invaluable for getting candid recommendations and experiences from other parents in your specific neighborhoods.
What options are available for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Crofton area?
For school-age children attending Crofton Elementary, Crofton Meadows Elementary, or other local schools, several options exist. Many Crofton daycare centers offer before and after-school programs with transportation to and from specific schools. The **Crofton Boys & Girls Club** is a prominent and affordable option providing comprehensive after-school care, homework help, and activities. Additionally, the **Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks** offers after-school programs at some community centers. It's crucial to inquire about registration timelines, as these programs fill quickly, and to confirm transportation logistics, pickup/drop-off times, and the schedule for school holidays and professional days, which may require separate arrangements.