The Best Daycare Centers in Friendship, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Friendship. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Friendship
The Goddard School of Owings
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Owings provides a premier early childhood education program serving the Friendship area 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 development with highly qualified teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and offer enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure. The school is known for its strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
Celebree School of Huntingtown
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School of Huntingtown offers a comprehensive Seven Domains of Learning curriculum that addresses cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development. Their program emphasizes school readiness through structured learning centers and hands-on activities. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, indoor gymnasium, and age-segregated playgrounds. All lead teachers hold Maryland Child Care Credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The school provides nutritious meals and snacks, regular developmental assessments, and maintains excellent staff retention rates. Parents appreciate the warm, nurturing environment and consistent communication through their parent portal.
Daycare Services:
Little Blessings Child Care Center
Independent
Little Blessings Child Care Center is a family-owned facility serving the Friendship community with a faith-based approach to early childhood education. Their curriculum combines academic preparation with character development, using Creative Curriculum alongside supplemental materials. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, large outdoor play spaces, and developmentally appropriate classrooms. Teachers maintain Maryland state credentials and participate in continuous training. The program emphasizes individualized attention with small class sizes and offers flexible scheduling options. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean environment, and strong focus on both educational and social development.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Friendship, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Friendship, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Friendship and the surrounding Calvert County area, full-time daycare for an infant can range from approximately $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler care is typically $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Preschool programs often cost between $800 and $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like the provider's licensing (family 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. Additionally, Calvert County residents can contact the Calvert County Department of Social Services or the local Child Care Resource Center for guidance on subsidies and other aid, such as the Maryland State Department of Education's Judy Center partnerships, which may offer sliding scale fees.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Friendship is properly licensed and what are Maryland's key regulations for safety?
All licensed childcare providers in Maryland are regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the free online "Check Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website. Key regulations for Friendship providers include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants under 18 months), mandatory background checks for all employees, annual health and safety training, and specific square footage requirements for indoor/outdoor space. Family childcare homes in Friendship are limited to 8 children. Always ask to see the provider's current license during your visit.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Friendship, and when should I start looking for childcare?
Yes, waitlists are very common for both daycare centers and highly-regarded family childcare homes in Friendship and greater Calvert County, especially for infant spots. Due to the community's mix of suburban and rural character, options can be limited. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool enrollment, starting your search 6-9 months in advance is advisable. When contacting providers, ask directly about their waitlist policy, any deposit required to hold a spot, and the estimated timeline. Exploring options in nearby towns like Owings or Prince Frederick may increase availability.
What types of childcare settings are most available in Friendship, MD: large centers, in-home providers, or preschools?
Friendship, being a smaller census-designated place within Calvert County, has a higher prevalence of licensed family childcare homes and smaller, faith-based preschool programs compared to large corporate daycare centers. Many families utilize providers operating out of their homes, which can offer a more intimate, home-like setting. For structured preschool education, options are often part-day programs affiliated with local churches or community organizations. For full-day, center-based care, parents frequently look to neighboring communities such as Prince Frederick, which serves as the county seat and has more commercial centers. Networking through local community groups or Facebook pages like "Calvert County Moms" can help discover smaller, local in-home providers.
What are some local resources in Calvert County for finding and evaluating childcare options near Friendship?
The primary resource is the **Calvert County Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)**, which is part of the Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee. They offer a free referral service to help parents find licensed providers that match their needs, location, and budget. You can contact them by phone or through their website. Additionally, the **Calvert County Public Schools** website lists approved pre-kindergarten partners. For parent reviews and community recommendations, local online forums like the "Calvert County, MD Community" Facebook group are invaluable. Finally, attending local events at the Calvert Library Prince Frederick branch or community centers can provide word-of-mouth referrals from other parents in the Friendship area.
Childcare Insights for Friendship
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, and for parents in Friendship, Maryland, the search for "private daycares near me" often feels both urgent and deeply personal. Friendship offers a unique setting, a close-knit community with a mix of rural charm and proximity to the broader amenities of Southern Maryland. This means your search for a private daycare can benefit from looking both within our immediate area and in the surrounding towns, ensuring you find a program that feels like an extension of your family's values.
When beginning your search in Friendship, it’s helpful to understand the local landscape. Many excellent private daycare providers operate as licensed family childcare homes, which are especially popular in communities like ours. These smaller, home-based settings can offer a cozy, family-like atmosphere with flexible hours, which is ideal for parents with non-traditional schedules. They often have mixed-age groups, allowing siblings to stay together. To find these, resources like the Maryland EXCELS website are invaluable, as they list licensed providers and their quality ratings. Don’t underestimate the power of local word-of-mouth, either; asking for recommendations at the Friendship Post Office or the nearby Leonardtown Library can lead you to trusted, established providers that may not have a large online presence.
Expanding your search just a short drive from Friendship opens up more options. Neighboring communities like Leonardtown, California, and Lexington Park host several private daycare centers and preschools. These often provide structured curricula, larger facilities with dedicated outdoor spaces, and teams of teachers. When considering these, factor in your daily commute. Maryland Route 245 and Route 244 are your main connectors, so think about traffic patterns during drop-off and pick-up times. A visit during rush hour can be very telling. Whether you choose a home-based provider in Friendship or a center in a nearby town, scheduling an in-person tour is non-negotiable. Observe how the caregivers interact with the children—is it warm and engaged? Look for a clean, safe, and stimulating environment. Trust your instincts about the overall feel of the place.
Finally, remember that the best fit balances practical logistics with a shared philosophy. Ask specific questions about daily routines, discipline policies, and how they communicate with parents. Inquire about their protocols for emergencies, given our area's weather. Many private daycares in Southern Maryland incorporate the natural environment into their learning, which is a wonderful benefit for children growing up here. The search requires patience, but finding that perfect spot where your child is happy, safe, and thriving will bring immense peace of mind. Your diligence now lays the foundation for a positive early learning experience right here in our Friendship community.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Friendship: