The Best Daycare Centers in Garrett Park, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Garrett Park. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Garrett Park
The Goddard School of Rockville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Rockville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Features state-certified teachers, low student-to-teacher ratios, and comprehensive safety protocols including secured entry systems. Curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social development with daily communication to parents via mobile app. Modern facilities include age-appropriate playgrounds, bright classrooms, and dedicated learning centers. Serves families throughout North Bethesda, Rockville, and Garrett Park areas.
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Rockville Day School
Independent
Rockville Day School provides exceptional early childhood education with a developmental approach that emphasizes individualized learning. Features highly qualified educators with advanced degrees in early childhood education, small class sizes, and comprehensive security measures including biometric entry. Curriculum integrates Montessori-inspired activities with play-based learning, focusing on social-emotional development, language acquisition, and early math concepts. Facility includes natural outdoor play spaces, dedicated art studio, and music room. Strong parent community with regular family events and detailed progress reports.
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Children's Manor Montessori - Rockville
Children's Manor Montessori
Children's Manor Montessori offers authentic Montessori education with AMI-trained teachers and carefully prepared environments. Program emphasizes independence, respect, and hands-on learning through Montessori materials. Features mixed-age classrooms, beautiful natural playgrounds, and comprehensive foreign language programs including Spanish and Mandarin. Safety protocols include secured facilities, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness training. Strong focus on developing concentration, coordination, and lifelong love of learning. Serves families from Garrett Park, Rockville, and surrounding communities with extended hours and flexible scheduling options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Garrett Park, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Garrett Park, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Garrett Park and the surrounding Montgomery County area, full-time daycare for infants and toddlers typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,400 per month. Preschool programs for children ages 3-5 are slightly less, averaging $1,400 to $2,000 per month. These costs reflect the high quality and demand for childcare in this region. For financial assistance, parents can apply for the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, which is income-based. Additionally, Montgomery County's Working Parents Assistance (WPA) program offers sliding-scale subsidies to eligible county residents. It's highly recommended to apply for these programs early, as funding can be limited.
How long are the waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Garrett Park, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for reputable licensed centers in and around Garrett Park can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant care. Due to Garrett Park's residential nature and proximity to major employment hubs like Bethesda and Rockville, demand consistently outpaces supply. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy, get on multiple waitlists (including centers in neighboring Kensington and North Bethesda), and follow up with centers every 2-3 months to confirm your interest. Many centers also prioritize siblings of current enrollees and residents of the local community, so be sure to mention any connections.
What are the licensing and inspection standards for childcare providers in Maryland, and how can I check a specific provider's record in Garrett Park?
All childcare providers in Garrett Park must be licensed and regularly inspected by the Maryland State Department of Education's (MSDE) Office of Child Care. Key standards include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:6 for 2-year-olds), background checks, health and safety training, and curriculum requirements for preschool-age children. To check the compliance record of any licensed home or center-based provider, you can use the free and public **"LOCATE: Child Care"** search tool on the MSDE website. This tool shows inspection dates, any cited violations, and the provider's license status, which is a crucial step in vetting local options.
Are there any unique childcare options in Garrett Park, such as cooperative preschools or nanny shares, that are popular in the community?
Yes, Garrett Park is known for its strong sense of community, which extends to childcare. The **Garrett Park Cooperative Nursery School** is a highly regarded parent-run program for children ages 2-5, offering a play-based curriculum with required parent participation, which also helps lower costs. Nanny shares are also a popular and practical option in this single-family home neighborhood. Parents often connect through the "Garrett Park Neighbors" Facebook group or local listservs to organize shares, splitting the cost of a single nanny for two or three families. This can provide home-based care with more flexibility than a center.
What resources are available in Garrett Park to help me evaluate and choose between a family childcare home and a larger daycare center?
A great local starting point is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) service** provided by the Maryland Family Network. They offer free, personalized counseling to help parents understand the pros and cons of each setting. Family childcare homes in Garrett Park often offer smaller group sizes and a home-like environment, while centers provide more structured curricula and multiple staff. You can also attend local events like the Garrett Park Town Hall's annual "Family Resource Fair" or connect with other parents through the **Garrett Park Parents and Tots** group to get firsthand recommendations and experiences specific to our community.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Garrett Park: