The Best Daycare Centers in Great Mills, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Great Mills. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Great Mills
Bright Horizons at PAX River
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at PAX River is a nationally accredited childcare center serving the Great Mills/Lexington Park area with a comprehensive early education curriculum. The center features World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning. Highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees provide individualized attention in state-of-the-art classrooms. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Particularly strong in STEM education and school readiness preparation, with many graduates excelling in local elementary schools.
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Little Flower Montessori School
Little Flower Montessori
Little Flower Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education serving Great Mills and surrounding communities. The school features AMI-certified teachers and mixed-age classrooms that foster independent learning and social development. Curriculum includes practical life skills, sensorial activities, language development, mathematics, and cultural studies. The peaceful, prepared environment includes natural materials, child-sized furniture, and beautiful outdoor learning spaces. Strong emphasis on character development, respect, and community building. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing atmosphere and the exceptional academic preparedness of graduates.
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The Goddard School of Lexington Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Lexington Park provides high-quality early childhood education with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The school features STEM-focused curriculum, language arts development, and social skills building in safe, modern facilities. All teachers have early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center includes secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, age-appropriate playgrounds, and healthy meal options. Known for excellent parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, with strong emphasis on preparing children for elementary school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Great Mills, MD
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Great Mills, MD?
In Great Mills and the surrounding Southern Maryland area, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. For toddlers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These rates are influenced by the type of provider; licensed childcare centers are often at the higher end of the range, while registered family childcare homes may offer more affordable options. It's important to note that costs can vary based on specific programs, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities like meals or curriculum. Parents should also inquire about the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, which provides financial assistance to eligible families to help offset these costs.
How can I verify if a daycare or childcare provider in Great Mills is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Great Mills must be regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education's (MSDE) Office of Child Care. You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history through the online "LOCATE: Child Care" public search tool on the MSDE website. This free resource allows you to search by provider name, location, or zip code (20634 for Great Mills) and view their license status, capacity, ages served, and any past inspection reports detailing citations or violations. It is highly recommended to review these reports before enrolling your child. You can also contact the Southern Regional Office of Child Care in Leonardtown for additional assistance.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Great Mills that offer specialized programs, such as those for children with special needs or language immersion?
While Great Mills itself is a smaller community, several providers in the area offer specialized programs. For children with special needs, many licensed centers work with the Infants and Toddlers Program and the local school system to provide inclusive care and early intervention services. Regarding language immersion, specific Spanish or other language immersion daycares are less common directly in Great Mills, but some centers in the broader St. Mary's County area incorporate bilingual elements into their curriculum. Your best approach is to contact centers directly, such as those in nearby Lexington Park or California, MD, and inquire about their specific educational approaches and partnerships. The LOCATE: Child Care database allows you to filter searches by program type.
What is the typical waitlist situation for daycare centers in Great Mills, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the presence of Naval Air Station Patuxent River and a high demand for childcare from military and civilian families, waitlists for infant and toddler spots at popular licensed centers in the Great Mills area can be significant. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, especially for infants. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before their needed start date. For family childcare homes, availability can be more immediate but still varies. Being proactive, touring facilities, and staying in regular contact with providers about your spot on the list is crucial.
What are my options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Great Mills area?
For school-age children attending Great Mills-area public schools like Greenview Knolls Elementary or Esperanza Middle School, your primary options include school-based programs and licensed childcare centers that offer school-age tracks. Many elementary schools in St. Mary's County offer SMILE (St. Mary's Innovative Learning Experience) programs, which provide before and after-school care on-site. Additionally, several local daycare centers and YMCA branches in Lexington Park and California provide transportation to and from designated schools. It's essential to register early for these programs as spaces are limited. You can find licensed school-age providers using the MSDE LOCATE database and filtering for "School Age" as the age group served.
Nearby Cities
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