The Best Daycare Centers in Frostburg, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Frostburg. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Frostburg
The Children's Center at FSU
Frostburg State University
The Children's Center at Frostburg State University is a NAEYC-accredited facility that serves as both a childcare center and a laboratory school for FSU's Early Childhood Education program. The center features a research-based curriculum focused on play-based learning, social-emotional development, and school readiness. Staff includes highly qualified early childhood educators and specialists, with low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility offers modern classrooms, secure indoor and outdoor play areas, and nutritionally balanced meals. Parents particularly praise the educational quality, teacher qualifications, and the center's commitment to individualized child development.
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Little Peoples Child Development Center
Independent
Little Peoples Child Development Center offers comprehensive childcare services with a focus on developmental milestones and school preparation. The center uses a structured curriculum that incorporates literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts while maintaining a nurturing environment. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. The center features age-appropriate learning materials, outdoor playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. Parent reviews consistently highlight the caring staff, clean facilities, and strong communication between teachers and families.
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Primrose School of Cumberland
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Cumberland, located approximately 15 minutes from Frostburg, is part of the nationally recognized Primrose Schools network with their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum. The program blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers, focusing on character development, literacy, and STEM concepts. The state-of-the-art facility includes secure classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. Staff undergo extensive training and maintain CPR/first aid certifications. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its educational approach, safety standards, and the professional development of their children, making it a popular choice for Frostburg area families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Frostburg, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Frostburg, MD?
In Frostburg and the surrounding Allegany County area, daycare costs are generally more affordable than in Maryland's major metropolitan areas. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $225 per week for a toddler, and $175 to $250 per week for an infant. These rates are for licensed family childcare homes and smaller centers. The on-campus Children's Learning Center at Frostburg State University often has a different fee structure, typically higher, but offers priority to students, faculty, and staff. Costs can vary based on the provider's credentials, program structure, and included amenities like meals. It's important to inquire about what the weekly fee includes (diapers, wipes, formula, meals) as this impacts the overall value.
How can I find and verify licensed childcare providers in Frostburg?
The primary resource is the Maryland State Department of Education's (MSDE) Division of Early Childhood. You can use their online "Locate Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website to find all licensed providers in the 21532 zip code and surrounding areas. Licensing ensures the provider meets state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and ratios. In Frostburg, you'll find a mix of licensed family childcare homes and childcare centers. Always verify the license status online and look for the provider's most recent inspection report, which notes any compliance issues. You can also contact the Western Maryland Child Care Resource Center, which serves Allegany County, for personalized referrals and information on provider quality.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Frostburg, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlist situations in Frostburg can vary significantly. The most in-demand options, particularly the Frostburg State University Children's Learning Center and highly-rated family homes, often have waitlists that can be 6 to 12 months long, especially for infant spots. For other local centers and providers, waitlists may be shorter, ranging from a few weeks to a few months. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search and make contact with potential providers at least 4-6 months before their needed start date, and even earlier (during pregnancy) if seeking infant care. Be prepared to place a non-refundable deposit to secure a spot on a waitlist.
What childcare assistance programs are available for low-income families in Allegany County?
Eligible families in Frostburg can apply for the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, which provides subsidies to help cover the cost of care at participating licensed providers. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, training). The application is processed through the Maryland Department of Human Services. Additionally, the Judy Center Partnership in Allegany County, located at local elementary schools, may offer early childhood and family support services. For resources and application guidance, parents can contact the Allegany County Department of Social Services or the Western Maryland Child Care Resource Center for direct assistance.
What are some unique childcare options or programs available in Frostburg that cater to the local community?
Frostburg offers a few unique options tied to its identity as a university town and small Appalachian community. The **Frostburg State University Children's Learning Center** provides a lab school environment with curriculum often influenced by early childhood education majors and faculty. Some local providers may incorporate nature-based learning, taking advantage of the nearby Appalachian landscape and state parks. Additionally, several family childcare homes offer more flexible or non-traditional hours that can accommodate the schedules of FSU students, hospital staff, or shift workers in the area. The City of Frostburg Parks & Recreation Department also runs seasonal camps and programs for school-age children that can supplement before/after-school care needs.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Frostburg: