The Best Daycare Centers in Crownsville, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Crownsville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Crownsville
The Goddard School of Millersville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Millersville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth. Features include secure keypad entry, live streaming cameras for parents, highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, and age-appropriate learning environments. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals. Their play-based approach emphasizes hands-on learning through dedicated learning centers and outdoor play spaces.
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Celebree School of Crofton
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School of Crofton provides a comprehensive Seven Domains of Learning curriculum that addresses cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, certified teachers with ongoing professional development, and age-specific classrooms with modern learning materials. Their program includes character development, technology integration, and outdoor learning experiences. The school emphasizes safety with strict health protocols, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Parent communication is maintained through daily reports and regular conferences.
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The Learning Experience - Severna Park
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Severna Park offers the proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and science with character development through their philanthropy curriculum. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including biometric entry, real-time parent communication app, and monitored playgrounds. Highly qualified early childhood educators provide individualized attention with low teacher-to-child ratios. The program includes Mandarin Chinese instruction, music enrichment, and physical fitness activities. Their facilities include dedicated infant rooms, preschool learning centers, and secure outdoor play areas designed for different age groups.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Crownsville, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Crownsville, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Crownsville and the surrounding Anne Arundel County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs generally fall between $1,100 and $1,500 per month. These rates are influenced by factors like the center's accreditation, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities. For financial assistance, Maryland offers the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, which is income-based and can significantly reduce costs for eligible families. Additionally, the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services can provide guidance on local subsidies. It's also worth checking if any local centers offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Crownsville, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers in Crownsville can be substantial, especially for infant rooms. It's not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To improve your chances, we recommend starting your search and getting on multiple lists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Be proactive: follow up with centers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Millersville, Gambrills, or Severna Park, which may have different availability. Many centers require a non-refundable waitlist fee, so be sure to understand each center's policy.
What specific licensing and safety regulations should I look for when evaluating a childcare provider in Maryland?
All licensed childcare providers in Crownsville must comply with Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Office of Child Care regulations. Key things to verify include: a valid license posted visibly, required background checks for all staff, and compliance with staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:6 for 2-year-olds). Centers must also have detailed emergency plans, safe sleep policies for infants, and ongoing staff training in CPR/First Aid and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention. You can look up a provider's licensing history, including any violations, on the MSDE public search website. Additionally, many Crownsville-area centers pursue voluntary accreditations like Maryland EXCELS, which indicates a higher standard of quality.
Are there many in-home daycare options (family childcare providers) in Crownsville, and what are the pros and cons compared to centers?
Yes, Crownsville has a number of licensed family childcare providers operating in residential homes. These can be a great option, often offering a smaller, home-like environment with mixed-age groups and potentially more flexible hours. They are also licensed by MSDE but have different capacity rules (typically up to 8 children). Pros include potentially lower cost, a consistent primary caregiver, and a more flexible schedule. Cons can include less structured curriculum, dependency on a single provider's health/vacation (so you must have backup care), and generally fewer resources than a large center. To find licensed providers, use the MSDE search tool and look for those with high Maryland EXCELS ratings. Always schedule an in-home visit to assess the environment.
What resources are available in Crownsville to help me find and evaluate local childcare options?
The primary resource is the **Maryland Family Network's LOCATE: Child Care** service, a free referral and information line (1-877-261-0060) that can provide a customized list of licensed providers in the Crownsville zip code (21032) based on your needs. You can also search directly on the MSDE Office of Child Care website. For local networking and parent reviews, join community groups like the "Crownsville, MD Community" Facebook page or the "Anne Arundel County Moms" group to get personal recommendations. Furthermore, the **Judy Center** at nearby Millersville Elementary School (serving the Greater Millersville area which includes Crownsville) offers early childhood resources and may have connections to quality preschool programs. Always schedule tours and ask for references during your evaluation.
Nearby Cities
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