The Best Daycare Centers in Fort Washington, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fort Washington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fort Washington
The Goddard School of Fort Washington
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Fort Washington offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The school features state-certified teachers, low student-to-teacher ratios, and a comprehensive curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, arts, and social development. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with advanced learning materials. The school emphasizes character development and school readiness while maintaining rigorous safety protocols and daily communication with parents through their proprietary mobile app.
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Kiddie Academy of Oxon Hill
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Oxon Hill serves the Fort Washington area with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character education, STEM learning, and developmental milestones tracking. The academy features highly qualified early childhood educators, secure facilities with coded entry systems, and nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site. Their program emphasizes hands-on learning through technology-integrated classrooms, outdoor play areas, and community engagement activities. The center maintains comprehensive safety protocols including regular drills, health screenings, and strict parent authorization procedures for child pickup.
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Celebree School of Temple Hills
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School of Temple Hills provides comprehensive early childhood education serving the Fort Washington community with their Seven Domains of Learning curriculum focusing on cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development. The school features Maryland-certified teachers, small class sizes, and individualized learning plans. Facilities include secure monitored entry, age-segregated playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Their program emphasizes school readiness through literacy-rich environments, STEM activities, and character building. The center offers flexible scheduling and maintains strong parent partnerships through regular progress reports and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fort Washington, MD
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Fort Washington, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Fort Washington, MD, 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 can vary based on the type of facility (in-home vs. center-based), curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, Maryland offers the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, which is income-based and can significantly reduce costs for eligible families. Additionally, Prince George's County, where Fort Washington is located, may have local subsidy programs or partnerships with providers. It's highly recommended to contact the Prince George's County Department of Social Services or the Maryland Family Network for personalized guidance on applying for aid.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Fort Washington, and what can I do to secure a spot sooner?
Waitlists for highly-rated licensed daycare centers in Fort Washington can be substantial, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant rooms. Popular centers with educational curricula or those affiliated with employers or military bases (given the proximity to Joint Base Andrews) may have even longer waits. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy, get on multiple waitlists, and follow up with centers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in the Fort Washington, Oxon Hill, and Accokeek areas, as they may have more immediate availability and often offer smaller group settings.
What are the key differences between Maryland state licensing requirements for daycare centers versus family childcare homes in Fort Washington?
All childcare providers in Fort Washington must be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care, but requirements differ. **Centers** are typically larger, located in commercial buildings, and must meet strict standards for physical space, staff qualifications (lead teachers need specific credentials), and group sizes (e.g., 1:3 ratio for infants). **Family Child Care Homes** operate in a provider's residence, are limited to 8 children (including the provider's own), and require the provider to complete specific training and have a family childcare credential. Both are regularly inspected, but homes offer a more intimate, home-like environment. Parents can verify a provider's license and view inspection reports on the MSDE public search website.
Are there daycare options in Fort Washington that cater to parents with non-traditional or shift work schedules?
Yes, but they require specific research. While most traditional centers in Fort Washington operate from around 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, options for overnight, weekend, or variable-hour care are limited. Your best bets are: 1) Seeking out licensed family childcare providers who may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers, especially those serving communities near major employers like the Joint Base Andrews, Fort Washington Hospital, or the MGM National Harbor. 2) Investigating 24-hour centers in nearby larger cities like Waldorf or Washington D.C., though this involves a longer commute. 3) Using registered nanny share services or backup care networks that serve the broader DMV area. Always confirm hours of operation directly and in writing.
What resources are available in Fort Washington to help me evaluate the quality and safety of a potential daycare provider?
Parents in Fort Washington have several key resources. First, use the **Maryland EXCELS** program search; providers voluntarily participate in this quality rating system (Level 1 to 5), giving you insight into their standards beyond basic licensing. Second, always check the official **MSDE Licensing Compliance Search** for any provider's inspection history, violations, and corrective actions. Third, utilize local parent networks on social media (e.g., Fort Washington, MD Community Facebook groups) for firsthand reviews and recommendations. Finally, schedule in-person tours and ask providers for references from current families. The **Prince George's County Public Library** branches may also host resource fairs or have information on licensed providers in the area.
Childcare Insights for Fort Washington
As a parent in Fort Washington, Maryland, one of the most pressing questions you’ll face is finding quality childcare that fits your family’s budget. Understanding daycare prices near you involves more than just comparing hourly rates; it’s about knowing what factors influence costs in our specific community and how to navigate the options available. In Fort Washington and the surrounding Prince George’s County area, daycare prices can vary significantly based on several key elements.
The type of care you choose is the primary driver of cost. Large, licensed childcare centers in Fort Washington often provide structured programs with set curricula and multiple staff members. For these centers, parents can expect to pay, on average, between $1,200 and $1,800 per month for full-time infant care. Prices for toddlers and preschoolers typically see a slight decrease, often ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 monthly. Another popular option is a home-based daycare, which is often licensed and operates out of a provider’s residence. These can offer a more intimate setting and sometimes more flexible hours. In our area, home daycare prices are frequently more affordable, generally ranging from $800 to $1,300 per month for full-time care. The specific neighborhood within Fort Washington, the provider’s experience, and the included amenities—such as organic meals, early learning technology, or extended hours—will all influence where a program falls within these ranges.
When searching for “daycare prices near me” in Fort Washington, it’s crucial to consider the local context. Our proximity to Washington D.C. and major employers like Joint Base Andrews can create high demand for certain programs, potentially affecting availability and cost. Furthermore, Maryland offers several financial assistance programs that can help ease the burden. The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program is a vital resource for eligible families in Prince George’s County, providing subsidies that make accredited care much more accessible. It’s always worth inquiring if a daycare provider accepts this scholarship. When you contact local centers or home providers, be sure to ask comprehensive questions. Beyond the base tuition, inquire about registration fees, supply costs, policies on late pick-ups, and whether meals and snacks are included. A slightly higher weekly rate that includes all essentials can sometimes be more economical and predictable than a lower rate with many add-ons.
Ultimately, finding the right daycare in Fort Washington is a balance of cost, quality, and comfort. We recommend scheduling tours with your top choices, such as those in the Fort Washington Forest area or near the National Harbor, to get a true feel for the environment. Trust your instincts about the caregivers and observe how they interact with the children. While budget is a decisive factor, the peace of mind that comes from knowing your child is safe, engaged, and happy in a nurturing setting is priceless. By researching thoroughly, asking the right questions, and exploring available financial aid, you can find a childcare solution in our community that supports both your child’s development and your family’s financial well-being.
Nearby Cities
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