The Best Daycare Centers in Jessup, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Jessup. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Jessup
The Goddard School of Laurel
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Laurel serves the Jessup area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts. The school features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive safety protocols. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment programs in yoga, music, and foreign languages.
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Celebree School of Elkridge
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School of Elkridge provides comprehensive early childhood education serving the Jessup community with their proprietary curriculum focused on seven domains of learning: social, emotional, physical, language, cognitive, literacy, and mathematics. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and employs Maryland-certified early childhood educators. Their secure facility features coded entry systems, comprehensive video monitoring, and strict safety protocols. The program includes nutritious meal plans, outdoor learning environments, and technology-integrated classrooms. Parent communication is enhanced through daily digital reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Kiddie Academy of Laurel
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Laurel serves Jessup families with their Life Essentials® curriculum that combines academic learning with character development. The program emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while incorporating technology and creative arts. The academy features secure facilities with electronic entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and emergency preparedness training. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in continuous professional development. The center offers flexible scheduling, nutritious meals prepared on-site, and age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated spaces for different developmental stages.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Jessup, MD
What are the typical costs for infant and toddler daycare in Jessup, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Jessup, MD, the cost of daycare varies significantly based on the type of center, age of the child, and program offerings. For infants (under 2 years), you can expect to pay between $1,400 to $2,200 per month at a licensed center. Toddler care (ages 2-3) typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, ranging from $900 to $1,500 monthly. To help with these costs, Maryland offers several assistance programs. The **Child Care Scholarship (CCS)**, administered by the Maryland State Department of Education, is the primary program for eligible families based on income and work/school requirements. Additionally, you can contact the **Howard County Office of Children and Families** or the **Maryland Family Network** for localized referrals and support. Given Jessup's proximity to major employment centers like Columbia and Fort Meade, some employers may also offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or partnerships with specific centers.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Jessup, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-rated daycare centers in Jessup and the surrounding Howard County area can be lengthy, especially for infant rooms. It's not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To improve your chances, start your search and get on lists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Be proactive: contact multiple centers (including both centers in Jessup and neighboring towns like Columbia, Elkridge, or Laurel), get on their lists, and follow up every 2-3 months to confirm your spot and express continued interest. Consider a mix of larger centers, smaller church-affiliated programs, and licensed family childcare homes, as the latter may have shorter wait times. Utilizing the free referral service from **Maryland EXCELS** or the **LOCATE: Child Care** hotline (1-877-261-0060) can help you identify available options.
What are the state licensing requirements for daycare providers in Maryland, and how can I verify a center's compliance in Jessup?
All childcare providers in Maryland, including those in Jessup, must be licensed by the **Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care**. Key requirements include background checks for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers), health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. You can verify a provider's license status, view their compliance history, and check their quality rating through the **Maryland EXCELS** system. Maryland EXCELS is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system; a higher rating (Level 2 to 5) indicates a program that exceeds basic licensing standards. To research a specific Jessup center, visit the MSDE Child Care Search website or ask the director for their official license number and EXCELS rating. You can also review their latest inspection reports for any cited violations.
Are there daycare centers in Jessup that offer flexible or non-traditional hours for parents working in logistics or shift work?
Yes, given Jessup's major role as a logistics and distribution hub (home to large warehouses and the MD Food Center), some childcare providers cater to non-traditional schedules. While standard center hours are typically 6:30/7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, you may find more flexibility with licensed family childcare homes. Some home-based providers offer evening, overnight, or weekend care. Additionally, centers located near major employers like the NSA at Fort Meade or Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab may have extended hours. It's crucial to inquire directly with providers about early drop-off, late pick-up (sometimes for an extra fee), and part-time options. Using the **LOCATE: Child Care** service and specifying your needed hours can help filter for these options in the Jessup, Columbia, and Hanover areas.
What enrichment or educational programs are commonly offered by daycare centers in Jessup, particularly for preschool-aged children?
Many daycare centers in Jessup integrate structured preschool curricula into their programs for children ages 3-5. Common approaches include **Creative Curriculum**, **Montessori-inspired methods**, and **play-based learning** with a focus on kindergarten readiness. You'll often find programs that incorporate STEM activities, early literacy (like the **Howard County Library's "Ready for Kindergarten"** initiatives), music, and movement. Given the diverse community, some centers may offer introductory Spanish or cultural awareness activities. Furthermore, centers participating in **Maryland EXCELS** at higher levels often have more robust educational programming. For specialized enrichment, some facilities partner with external organizations for weekly sessions like soccer, dance, or yoga. When touring centers, ask about their daily schedule, curriculum philosophy, and how they assess a child's developmental progress to ensure it aligns with your educational goals.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Jessup: