The Best Daycare Centers in Highland, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Highland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Highland
The Goddard School of Highland
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Highland offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. The center is known for its strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, along with nutritious meal programs and enrichment activities.
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Celebree School of Ellicott City
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School serves the Highland area with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes school readiness and whole-child development. Their "Seven Domains of Learning" approach covers cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and creative development. The facility features secure keypad entry, monitored classrooms, and age-specific learning environments. Teachers undergo extensive background checks and receive ongoing professional development. The center offers flexible scheduling, nutritious meals included in tuition, and regular progress assessments. Parent communication includes daily digital updates and monthly newsletters.
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Childtime of Ellicott City
Childtime Learning Centers
Childtime of Ellicott City provides a comprehensive educational program serving Highland families with their proprietary Emergent Curriculum that adapts to children's interests and developmental needs. The center features secure entry systems, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and structured learning environments. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics concepts, and social skills development. Teachers participate in ongoing training and many hold advanced degrees in early childhood education. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play spaces, and the center maintains strict health and safety protocols with regular sanitation procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Highland, MD
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Highland, MD, and what factors influence the price?
In Highland, MD, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,900 per month. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, averaging between $1,200 and $1,700 per month. Several factors influence these prices, including the type of facility (a nationally accredited center vs. a licensed family home daycare), the staff-to-child ratio, the inclusion of meals and enrichment programs (like early STEM or language exposure), and the specific location within the Highland/Howard County area. Centers closer to major commuter routes like I-95 or Route 32 may command higher prices due to demand from working parents. It's important to note that Howard County is one of the more expensive areas in Maryland for childcare.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Highland is properly licensed and what are Maryland's key regulations for child-to-staff ratios?
All licensed childcare providers in Maryland, including those in Highland, are regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Office of Child Care. You can verify a provider's license, view inspection reports, and check for any serious compliance issues by using the free online "Check Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website. For key regulations, Maryland mandates the following child-to-staff ratios: for infants (0-18 months), the ratio is 3:1; for toddlers (18-36 months), it's 6:1; and for preschoolers (3-4 years), it's 10:1. These are minimum standards; many high-quality centers in Highland maintain even better ratios. Always confirm the current license and review recent inspection reports during your search.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Highland, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, waitlists are very common for daycare centers and highly-regarded home-based providers in Highland, especially for infant rooms. Due to high demand in Howard County, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search 6 to 9 months in advance is advisable. Some popular centers may have waitlists that are 12-18 months long. When touring facilities, always ask about their specific waitlist process, any associated fees, and how often they update families on their position.
What resources or programs are available in Howard County to help parents afford childcare in Highland?
Howard County offers several resources to help manage childcare costs. The primary program is the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) through MSDE, which provides financial assistance to eligible families based on income, family size, and reason for care (employment, education, etc.). Additionally, parents can utilize Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) through their employers to pay for care with pre-tax dollars. The Howard County Library System's Miller Branch in Ellicott City, near Highland, often hosts resource fairs and parenting workshops that can provide guidance. For direct referrals and local provider lists, parents can contact the **Maryland Family Network** via their website or the "LOCATE: Child Care" referral service.
What are some of the key differences between a licensed family childcare home and a larger daycare center in the Highland area?
Choosing between a family childcare home and a center in Highland involves several key differences. **Family Childcare Homes** are run out of a provider's residence, are licensed for a smaller number of children (typically 8-12, including the provider's own), and often offer a mixed-age, home-like environment with potentially more flexible hours. They can be more affordable and may have less rigid sick policies. **Daycare Centers** are commercial facilities, usually with larger, age-segregated classrooms, structured curricula, multiple staff, and often more extensive amenities (like dedicated playgrounds, commercial kitchens). They may follow a stricter schedule and have more robust backup staffing. In Highland, both options must meet the same MSDE licensing standards for health, safety, and curriculum. Your choice will depend on your child's temperament, your need for schedule flexibility, and your educational philosophy preference.
Childcare Insights for Highland
For parents in Highland, Maryland, the search for reliable childcare can sometimes extend beyond the typical nine-to-five schedule. Whether you work in healthcare, law enforcement, hospitality, or have rotating shifts, finding a trustworthy 24-hour daycare near you is about more than convenience—it’s about peace of mind. In our close-knit community, nestled between the rolling hills and the proximity to major employers like Fort Meade and Columbia’s medical centers, the need for flexible, round-the-clock care is a reality for many families. Understanding this unique need is the first step in navigating your options.
When beginning your search for 24-hour care in Highland, it’s important to define what “24-hour” truly means for your family. Some facilities offer true 24/7/365 availability, while others may have extended hours that cover nights and weekends but require a set schedule. Start by contacting licensed childcare centers and family daycare homes in the Howard County area, inquiring specifically about their overnight and weekend policies. Due to the specialized nature of 24-hour care, options directly in Highland may be limited, so be prepared to look at neighboring communities like Ellicott City, Columbia, and Clarksville. The Maryland State Department of Education’s Office of Child Care website is an invaluable resource for verifying licenses and checking compliance records of any facility you consider.
A key consideration for Highland parents is the logistics of late-night or early-morning travel. Given our area’s mix of rural roads and suburban neighborhoods, factor in the safety and commute time during off-hours. When you visit a potential center, ask detailed questions about their security protocols for nighttime drop-offs and pickups, staff-to-child ratios during overnight shifts, and how they maintain a consistent, calm routine for children during non-traditional hours. Observe if the sleeping area is separate from play areas and how they handle a child who wakes up disoriented in the middle of the night. These details are crucial for ensuring your child feels secure and comfortable.
Building a relationship with the caregivers is especially important in a 24-hour setting. Since you may not see the nighttime staff regularly, insist on a meeting and establish clear communication channels. Many centers use digital apps for logging meals, sleep times, and activities, which can be a lifeline for a parent working an overnight shift. Don’t hesitate to ask for references from other parents who use the overnight service. Finally, trust your instincts. The right 24-hour daycare will not only meet all safety and licensing requirements but will also provide a warm, nurturing environment where your child can thrive, no matter the hour. For families in Highland, finding this balance is an investment in your child’s well-being and your own professional and personal stability.