The Best Daycare Centers in Eden, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Eden. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Eden
The Goddard School of Salisbury
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Salisbury is a highly-regarded early childhood education center serving the Eden area with its F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). The school features state-certified teachers, low student-to-teacher ratios, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes STEAM learning, sign language for infants, and technology integration. Their safety protocols include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The facility offers bright, modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers for art, reading, and dramatic play. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, qualified staff, and the developmental progress they see in their children.
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Kiddie Academy of Salisbury
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Salisbury provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM education. The academy features degreed lead teachers, structured daily schedules with balanced learning activities, and a secure facility with coded entry systems. Their program includes hands-on learning experiences, music and movement activities, and family engagement events. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and employs CPR/first-aid certified teachers. Parents frequently highlight the clean, well-organized environment, the caring staff, and the noticeable academic and social development in their children.
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Primrose School of Salisbury
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Salisbury offers the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a strong emphasis on character development and academics. The school features a secure campus with surveillance systems, a stringent health and safety protocol, and nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site. Their curriculum includes foreign language exposure, music instruction, and hands-on science activities. The facility boasts spacious classrooms, multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated art and music rooms. The school is noted for its highly qualified teaching staff, many with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, and receives consistent praise for its structured yet nurturing environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Eden, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Eden, Maryland, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Maryland, all childcare providers caring for more than one unrelated child must be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. This includes family childcare homes and childcare centers in Eden. Licensed providers must meet strict 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 "LOCATE: Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website or call the Office of Child Care at 1-877-261-0060. It's crucial to check for any past licensing violations or complaints, which are public record. Eden parents should also note that some smaller, legally exempt providers (like those caring for only children from one other family) may not require a state license but should still be registered.
What is the average cost of full-time infant or toddler daycare in Eden, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Eden and broader Somerset County area, daycare costs are generally lower than the state average but can vary. For a licensed childcare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from $150 to $225 per week. Toddler care may range from $135 to $200 per week. Family childcare homes are often slightly less expensive. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, which is based on income and work or school requirements. You can apply through the Maryland Family Network website. Additionally, the Judy Center Partnership in Somerset County (often based in local elementary schools) can help connect Eden families with resources and support for early childhood education and care.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Eden, and what can I do to secure a spot for my infant?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Eden, waitlists for infant spots, in particular, can be significant. It's not uncommon for popular licensed centers or highly-regarded family providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. To secure a spot, start your search during pregnancy. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, even if you're unsure. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (which is legal in Maryland if disclosed). Stay in regular, polite contact with providers every few months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Princess Anne or Crisfield, and explore both centers and licensed family childcare homes to increase your options.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in Eden, Maryland?
For school-age children in Eden, the primary option is often the school-based before and after-care program operated by Somerset County Public Schools. These programs are typically housed at the elementary schools and provide care from around 6:30 AM until school starts and from dismissal until 6:00 PM. They include homework help, snacks, and recreational activities. Registration is handled through the school district's community education or childcare office. Some licensed family childcare homes in the area may also offer before/after-school transportation and care. Due to the rural nature of the area, private dedicated centers for school-age care are less common, making the school-based program a vital resource for working parents in Eden.
Are there any unique seasonal or agricultural childcare considerations for families in Eden, given its location on the Eastern Shore?
Yes, Eden's location in a rural, agricultural part of the Eastern Shore presents unique considerations. Some licensed family childcare providers may offer more flexible or extended hours during peak planting and harvest seasons to accommodate farm families' schedules. Conversely, some programs may have adjusted schedules or closures during major local events like the Somerset County Fair. It's important to ask providers about their year-round schedule and policies. Additionally, many childcare programs incorporate the local environment into their curriculum, with activities involving nature, gardening, and animals. For parents working in seafood or agriculture, discussing your variable seasonal hours with a provider upfront is essential to find a compatible arrangement. The local Maryland Cooperative Extension office can sometimes be a resource for connecting with providers familiar with agricultural community needs.