The Best Daycare Centers in Hollywood, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hollywood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hollywood
Watch Us Grow Academy
Independent
Watch Us Grow Academy is a NAEYC-accredited facility serving Southern Maryland families with comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center features a research-based curriculum emphasizing literacy, STEM, and social-emotional development. Highly qualified teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and implement individualized learning plans. The facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols. Parents praise the center's nurturing environment, experienced staff, and strong communication. Located approximately 15 minutes from Hollywood, serving families throughout St. Mary's County.
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Kiddie Academy of Wildewood
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Wildewood provides educational child care with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum focusing on character development, literacy, and school readiness. The center features state-certified teachers, secure entry systems, and modern learning environments with interactive technology. Programs include hands-on learning activities, nutritious meal programs, and enrichment opportunities. Parents consistently rate the center highly for its structured learning environment, professional staff, and comprehensive safety measures. Located about 10 minutes from Hollywood, serving the broader St. Mary's County community.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Lexington Park offers F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic learning with creative play. The facility features purpose-built classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and comprehensive safety systems including secure entry and surveillance. Highly educated teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with focus on STEAM learning and social skills. The school maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and provides regular progress reports. Parents appreciate the clean, modern facility, experienced leadership, and strong educational foundation. Located approximately 12 minutes from Hollywood, serving families throughout Southern Maryland.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hollywood, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hollywood, MD?
In Hollywood, MD, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the cost typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in the area often offer slightly lower rates, generally ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that St. Mary's County, where Hollywood is located, has a higher cost of living than many parts of Maryland, which is reflected in childcare pricing. We recommend contacting providers directly for the most current rates and inquiring about any potential discounts for siblings or military families, which are common in this region.
How do I verify that a childcare provider in Hollywood is licensed and in good standing with the state?
All childcare providers in Hollywood must be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. You can easily verify a provider's license and compliance history online through the MSDE's "Check Child Care" search tool on their official website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or license number. It will show you the license status (active, probationary, suspended), the facility's capacity and age ranges, and any serious compliance findings from their last inspection. You can also contact the Southern Regional Office of Child Care, which oversees St. Mary's County, for additional information. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your visit, and don't hesitate to request their most recent inspection report.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Hollywood, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many licensed daycare centers and highly-regarded family childcare homes in Hollywood and the surrounding St. Mary's County area have significant waitlists. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long for infant care. We strongly recommend that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool-age care, starting your search at least 3-6 months before your needed start date is advisable. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to be on the list? How often do they update families on their position? Do they give priority to siblings of current enrollees?
What resources are available in Hollywood, MD to help me find and compare local childcare options?
Parents in Hollywood have several valuable local resources. The primary resource is the **Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee's (SMTCCAC) Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) service**. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in St. Mary's County based on your specific needs (location, hours, child's age). You can reach them by phone or through their website. Additionally, the **St. Mary's County Public Library** often has community bulletin boards with information on local home-based providers. Online, parents frequently use community Facebook groups like "Hollywood, MD Community" or "St. Mary's County Moms" to ask for personal recommendations and experiences. Finally, the Maryland Family Network's "Locate: Child Care" website is a statewide search tool that can be filtered for Hollywood and the 20636 zip code.
Are there any unique childcare programs or subsidies available for families in Hollywood, given its proximity to military and government installations?
Absolutely. Hollywood's proximity to Naval Air Station Patuxent River and other federal employers creates specific childcare resources. The **Child Development Center (CDC) and Family Child Care (FCC) homes on Pax River** are available to military personnel, Department of Defense civilians, and contractors, often with priority tiers. Even if you are not eligible for the on-base facilities, many local private providers are experienced with the fluctuating schedules of government and contractor families. For financial assistance, Maryland's **Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program** is a key resource for eligible families based on income and work/school requirements. Furthermore, the **Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN)** program may help offset costs for military families using community-based care if on-base care is unavailable. We recommend contacting your employer's HR department (if at a government contractor) or the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) at Pax River for guidance on accessible subsidies and programs.