The Best Daycare Centers in Havre De Grace, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Havre De Grace. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Havre De Grace
Kiddie Academy of Havre de Grace
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Havre de Grace offers a comprehensive educational curriculum through their Life Essentials® program that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and creative arts. The center features secure entry systems, certified teachers with early childhood education backgrounds, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes daily communication with parents through an app, nutritious meals and snacks, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. The academy emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness with a balanced approach to structured learning and play-based activities.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Bel Air
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just 10 miles from Havre De Grace, The Goddard School of Bel Air provides a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic readiness with play-based learning. The school features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with CCTV monitoring. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, yoga instruction, and technology integration appropriate for young learners. The center maintains excellent safety records and offers flexible scheduling options to meet family needs.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Aberdeen
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Aberdeen, located approximately 7 miles from Havre De Grace, offers a proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates early literacy, mathematics, and social skills development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and surveillance cameras, along with USDA-approved meal programs. Their specialized programs include philanthropy curriculum, dance and soccer instruction, and phonics-based reading preparation. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and age-separated playgrounds with safety-certified equipment. Staff undergo continuous professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certifications.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Havre De Grace, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Havre De Grace, MD, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
All childcare providers in Havre De Grace must be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. This includes family childcare homes and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious compliance issues by using the free, public "LOCATE: Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website. It's highly recommended to check this database and even ask the provider directly for their license number before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Havre De Grace, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Havre De Grace and surrounding Harford County, full-time infant care typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Costs vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based), specific programs offered, and age of the child. For financial assistance, Maryland's Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program is the primary resource for eligible families, helping to subsidize costs based on income and need. You can apply through the Maryland Department of Human Services. Additionally, local organizations like the Harford County Department of Social Services can provide guidance on eligibility and other potential local supports.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care in Havre De Grace for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Finding extended hours or weekend care in Havre De Grace can be challenging, as most traditional daycare centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 am to 6:00 pm schedule. However, some licensed family childcare homes may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers, including evenings or weekends. Your best strategy is to use the MSDE LOCATE search tool and filter for providers who list "Non-Traditional Hours" as a service option. It's also advisable to call providers directly to inquire about potential flexibility, as this is often negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Planning ahead is crucial due to limited availability.
What resources are available in Havre De Grace to help me find and compare different daycare programs?
The most comprehensive resource is the Maryland EXCELS program, a voluntary quality rating and improvement system. While not all providers participate, those that do have a public profile detailing their quality achievements in areas like curriculum, professional development, and family engagement. You can search for EXCELS-rated programs in Havre De Grace on the MSDE website. Additionally, the Harford County Public Library and the Harford County Health Department often have community resource lists. For personal recommendations, consider joining local parent groups on social media, such as "Havre de Grace, MD Community" or "Harford County Moms," where parents frequently share experiences with local providers.
Given Havre De Grace's location on the water and seasonal activities, what should I look for regarding outdoor play and safety in a local daycare?
This is an excellent local consideration. When touring daycares, ask specific questions about their outdoor play policies and safety protocols. Look for secure, fenced outdoor play areas that are well-maintained. Inquire about sun safety measures (e.g., shaded areas, sunscreen application policy) and insect protection, especially given the proximity to the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. Some centers may incorporate nature-based learning or short, supervised walks to local parks like Tydings Park. Also, ask about their policy for extreme weather, including heat advisories common in Maryland summers or rainy days, to ensure they have appropriate indoor gross motor alternatives. A strong outdoor safety plan is a key indicator of a quality program in our community.
Childcare Insights for Havre De Grace
Finding quality, affordable childcare can feel like one of the most daunting challenges for a family working within a tight budget. If you’re a parent in Havre De Grace searching for “low income daycare near me,” know that you are not alone, and there are local pathways and resources designed to help. The key is knowing where to look and understanding the specific support systems available in our community. Havre De Grace, with its close-knit feel and proximity to both Harford and Cecil County services, offers several avenues to explore for subsidized or affordable early childhood education.
A vital first step for any family in Maryland is to connect with the Harford County Department of Social Services, which serves Havre De Grace directly. They administer the Child Care Scholarship program, formerly known as subsidy. This program can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs by providing financial assistance to eligible families, allowing you to choose from a network of participating providers. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and your reason for needing care, such as employment or education. Applying can be done online or in person, and their caseworkers can guide you through the required documentation. It’s important to apply even if you’re unsure of your eligibility, as guidelines can change and they can often refer you to other local resources.
Beyond state subsidy, look into local childcare centers and family daycare homes that may offer sliding scale fees based on income. Some centers in and around Havre De Grace participate in the Maryland EXCELS program, a quality rating system that often aligns with providers who accept child care scholarships. Don’t hesitate to call centers you’re interested in and ask directly if they accept the state scholarship or have any income-based tuition adjustments. Sometimes, smaller in-home providers offer more flexible rates and can provide a nurturing, home-like environment that is perfect for young children. Checking with local churches and community organizations, like the Havre De Grace Activity Center, can also yield leads on affordable preschool programs or daycare referrals.
Remember, securing a spot often takes time, so begin your search and application processes as early as possible. While you navigate the options, consider building a network with other parents in our community. Connections made at the library storytime, the Promenade, or local parks can be invaluable for sharing information about affordable care openings. Finding reliable childcare in Havre De Grace on a limited income requires patience and persistence, but by leveraging state programs and tapping into our local community resources, you can find a safe and stimulating environment for your child. The investment of time in this search is an investment in your child’s well-being and your family’s stability.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Havre De Grace: