The Best Daycare Centers in Dowell, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Dowell. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Dowell
The Goddard School of Lusby
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Lusby 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 create individualized learning plans for each child, focusing on literacy, STEM, arts, and physical development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide daily communication through their mobile app. The curriculum emphasizes play-based learning while preparing children for kindergarten with structured academic components.
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Little Footprints Child Development Center
Independent
Little Footprints provides comprehensive childcare services with a strong emphasis on developmental milestones and school readiness. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum® alongside Montessori-inspired activities, focusing on hands-on learning and social-emotional development. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, certified teachers with early childhood credentials, and nutritional meal programs. They offer extended hours to accommodate working parents and maintain small class sizes with individualized attention. The program includes regular developmental assessments and parent-teacher conferences to track progress.
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Calvert County Child Care Center at Appeal Elementary
Calvert County Public Schools
Operated through Calvert County Public Schools, this center provides high-quality early childhood education with Maryland EXCELS accreditation. The program follows Maryland's Early Learning Standards and incorporates project-based learning approaches. Certified early childhood educators implement developmentally appropriate practices with emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and social skills. The center features secure school facilities, structured learning environments, and integration with elementary school resources. They offer comprehensive before and after-school programs with homework assistance and enrichment activities, plus full-day summer camps with educational themes and field trips.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Dowell, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Dowell, Maryland, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Dowell, 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 facility's compliance and view its licensing history, including any past violations, you can use the free, public MSDE "Check Child Care" search tool on their website. You can search by provider name, location, or zip code (e.g., 20629 for Dowell). It's highly recommended to check this database and even ask the provider directly for their most recent licensing inspection report.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Dowell, MD area?
The cost of childcare in the Dowell and surrounding Southern Maryland area varies by the child's age and the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. Toddler care is slightly less, often between $1,000 and $1,400 per month. Licensed family childcare homes may offer more affordable rates, sometimes $50-$150 less per month. These costs are influenced by factors like the program's curriculum, staff credentials, and included amenities (meals, supplies). We recommend contacting several local providers for their current rate sheets. Financial assistance may be available through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship program for eligible families.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Dowell, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many daycare centers and highly-rated family providers in the Dowell and Calvert County area do maintain waitlists. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infant rooms. To secure a spot, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their status.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in a smaller community like Dowell?
Dowell, being a smaller community within Calvert County, offers a mix of childcare options. The most common are licensed family childcare homes, which provide care in a provider's residence for a smaller group of children, often offering a more home-like environment. There are also several licensed childcare centers located in nearby towns like Solomons and Prince Frederick, which parents in Dowell commonly utilize. These centers offer structured programs for larger groups. Additionally, you may find smaller church-affiliated preschool programs and in-home nanny shares. Due to the rural nature, exploring options in the immediate surrounding area is essential, as there may be fewer facilities directly within Dowell's zip code.
How does Maryland's state curriculum framework, "Healthy Beginnings," affect the daycare programs available to my child in Dowell?
Maryland's "Healthy Beginnings" is a guidelines framework that outlines developmental standards and best practices for young children from birth to age three. While not a mandated curriculum, most licensed providers in Dowell and across Maryland use it to shape their programs. It ensures that even in infant and toddler rooms, activities are designed to promote social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development in age-appropriate ways. When touring daycare centers or family homes, you can ask providers how they incorporate "Healthy Beginnings" into their daily routines. Its use is a sign of a quality program that is aligned with state-recommended early learning practices, giving you assurance that your child's developmental needs are being intentionally supported.