The Best Daycare Centers in Ijamsville, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ijamsville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ijamsville
The Goddard School of Urbana
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Urbana offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social development with low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, bright classrooms, and age-appropriate playgrounds. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development, and the school maintains rigorous health and safety protocols including comprehensive cleaning procedures. Parents praise the school's communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
Daycare Services:
Celebree School of Frederick
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School of Frederick provides a comprehensive early education program with a focus on school readiness and character development. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing training in child development. The school offers nutritious meals and snacks, and maintains excellent health and safety standards with regular sanitation protocols. Parents consistently note the warm, nurturing environment and strong academic preparation.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Frederick
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Frederick implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM education through project-based learning. The academy features secure facilities with electronic entry systems, age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds. Their program includes technology integration, music and movement, and Spanish language exposure. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in continuous professional development. The center maintains strict safety protocols including comprehensive background checks and emergency preparedness training. Parents appreciate the structured learning environment and the focus on developing both academic and social-emotional skills.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ijamsville, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Ijamsville, MD, and what factors influence the price?
In Ijamsville and the surrounding Frederick County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $1,200 to $1,600 per month. These prices are influenced by several local factors: the age of your child (infant care is most expensive due to required lower staff-to-child ratios), the type of facility (corporate chain centers often have a premium, while licensed home-based providers may be more affordable), and the specific programs offered (e.g., those with a specialized curriculum like Montessori or with extended hours). It's important to note that costs in Ijamsville are generally reflective of the higher cost of living in central Maryland but can be slightly less than those in nearby cities like Rockville or Bethesda. Many facilities also charge registration or supply fees annually.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Ijamsville, and when should I start my search?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Ijamsville can be significant, especially for infant and toddler rooms. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for a desired start date like fall. We strongly recommend starting your search and getting on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if seeking infant care. For preschool programs starting at age 2 or 3, you should begin inquiries at least 9-12 months in advance. Many local parents also explore options in neighboring towns like Urbana, Monrovia, or Frederick to increase their chances of securing a spot. Always ask about the specific waitlist policy, including any non-refundable deposit required to hold your spot.
What are the licensing and safety regulations for childcare providers in Ijamsville, MD, and how can I verify a provider's compliance?
All childcare providers in Ijamsville must be licensed and regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. Key regulations include strict staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:6 for 2-year-olds), mandatory background checks for all employees, ongoing professional development training, and regular health and safety inspections of the facility. You can and should verify a provider's compliance and history by using the free, public "LOCATE: Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website. This tool shows the provider's license status, any past regulatory violations, and their quality rating in Maryland's voluntary "Maryland EXCELS" quality rating system. Always look for a current license and ask the director for their most recent inspection report.
Are there specific daycare or preschool programs in Ijamsville that cater to parents with non-traditional work hours?
While most traditional daycare centers in Ijamsville operate on a standard schedule (approximately 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM), options for evenings, overnight, or weekend care are very limited. Your best bet for non-traditional hours is to seek out licensed family childcare homes, which may offer more flexible scheduling. Some larger centers in the broader Frederick area might offer extended hours. For reliable care outside the 6 AM-6 PM window, many Ijamsville parents create a patchwork solution using a combination of a traditional daycare center and a part-time nanny or babysitter. It's crucial to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront during tours and interviews, as flexibility varies greatly by provider.
What outdoor and enrichment opportunities do Ijamsville daycares typically offer, given the local community setting?
Ijamsville's semi-rural and suburban setting allows many childcare programs to offer robust outdoor play and nature-based enrichment. Quality centers typically have secure, fenced playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment. Many incorporate the local environment into their curriculum, with activities like gardening, nature walks, and outdoor learning stations. Given Ijamsville's proximity to agricultural areas and parks, some programs may organize seasonal visits to local farms (like Summers Farm) or nearby parks (such as Urbana District Park). Enrichment programs commonly offered include introductory Spanish, music and movement, and basic sports skills. When touring, ask about the daily schedule for outdoor play (MSDE requires it weather permitting), the philosophy on outdoor learning, and any partnerships with local community resources for special activities.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Ijamsville: