The Best Daycare Centers in Frederick, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Frederick. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Frederick
The Goddard School of Frederick
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Frederick 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 literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development. Features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, live streaming for parents, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Emphasizes play-based learning while preparing children for kindergarten with structured academic components. Known for excellent teacher retention and comprehensive safety protocols including strict health screening procedures.
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Celebree School of Frederick
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School provides a comprehensive Seven Domains of Learning curriculum that addresses cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Features include secure facility access, daily parent communication through digital platforms, nutritious meals and snacks included in tuition, and outdoor learning environments. Staff includes Maryland-certified teachers with ongoing professional development. Specializes in school readiness programs with emphasis on literacy and mathematics foundations. Offers extended hours to accommodate working families and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios exceeding state requirements.
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Kiddie Academy of Urbana
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Urbana serves the Frederick area with their Life Essentials® curriculum that combines academic preparation with character development. Features include STEM learning labs, interactive whiteboards, secure entry systems, and extensive outdoor play areas. Their program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences and community involvement. Staff maintains CPR and First Aid certifications with ongoing training in early childhood development. Offers enrichment programs including Spanish, music, and physical fitness. Known for exceptional parent communication and transparent classroom environments with viewing windows. Maintains rigorous health and safety protocols including enhanced cleaning procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Frederick, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Frederick, MD?
In Frederick, MD, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the type of center, its location, and the age of your child. For an infant (under 2 years old), you can expect to pay an average of $1,400 to $1,800 per month at a licensed childcare center. For toddlers (ages 2-3), costs typically range from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. In-home family daycare providers often charge slightly less, averaging $900 to $1,300 monthly for infants. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that costs in Frederick are generally lower than in the Washington D.C. metro area but higher than in more rural parts of Maryland. Many centers require an annual registration fee ($75-$200) in addition to weekly or monthly tuition.
How do I verify if a daycare or preschool in Frederick is properly licensed and what should I look for in inspection reports?
All childcare providers in Maryland must be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. You can verify a provider's license and view their compliance history by using the "LOCATE: Child Care" public search tool on the MSDE website. When reviewing a provider in Frederick, pay close attention to their inspection reports (called "Monitoring Visit Summaries"). Look for any serious violations related to health and safety, such as improper child-to-staff ratios, unsafe sleep practices for infants, or issues with background checks. Minor violations (like a paperwork error) are common, but patterns of repeat violations are a red flag. You can also contact the regional MSDE office that oversees Frederick County for additional information. Always visit a center in person to see if their practices match their record.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Frederick, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for high-quality daycare centers and preschools in Frederick, especially for infant and toddler rooms. Due to high demand and limited infant slots (strict state ratios mean fewer infants per room), it is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler and preschool-age openings, starting your search 6 to 9 months in advance is advisable. Popular centers in areas like Downtown Frederick, Ballenger Creek, and near Fort Detrick often have the longest waitlists, sometimes exceeding a year. When touring, always ask about the current waitlist length, any non-refundable waitlist fees (typically $25-$100), and how often they update families on their position.
What financial assistance programs are available to help Frederick families afford childcare?
Frederick families have several options for financial assistance. The primary program is the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS), administered by the Maryland Family Network. This state subsidy helps eligible low- and moderate-income families pay for care at participating providers. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). Additionally, many Frederick daycare centers offer sibling discounts (often 5-10% off the second child's tuition). Some employers in the area, particularly those in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors, may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or partner with specific centers. It's also worth inquiring directly with centers about any private scholarships or sliding scale tuition options they may have available.
What are some of the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a registered family childcare home in Frederick?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and regulations. Licensed Childcare Centers are commercial facilities dedicated solely to childcare, often with multiple classrooms divided by age. They follow strict MSDE regulations for staff qualifications (lead teachers need specific credentials), curriculum, and facility safety. They typically care for larger groups of children. Registered Family Childcare Homes operate out of the provider's residence in Frederick. They are licensed for a smaller number of children (usually up to 8, including the provider's own), which can create a more home-like, mixed-age setting. Family providers must also meet MSDE health and safety standards, but the environment is more informal. Costs are often lower, and hours can be more flexible, but availability is more limited. Both types are inspected, but the intimate setting of a home can be a major draw for parents seeking a family-oriented atmosphere.
Nearby Cities
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