The Best Daycare Centers in Lanham, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lanham. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lanham
Celebree School of Lanham
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School of Lanham provides a comprehensive educational approach with their "Seven Domains of Learning" curriculum that focuses on social, emotional, physical, cognitive, language, literacy, and math development. The center features state-certified teachers, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program emphasizes character development and school readiness with daily communication to parents about their child's progress. The facility includes modern classrooms, outdoor play areas, and specialized learning centers for different age groups.
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The Goddard School of Bowie
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Lanham, The Goddard School of Bowie offers a play-based learning approach with F.L.EX.(Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic preparation with social development. The center features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character education. The school maintains excellent safety records with comprehensive background checks and ongoing staff training.
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Kiddie Academy of Bowie
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Bowie serves the Lanham area with their Life Essentials curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM education. The center features certified early childhood educators, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Their program includes hands-on learning activities, nutritious meal programs, and regular progress reports. The academy emphasizes safety with strict health protocols, emergency preparedness training, and maintained teacher-to-child ratios that exceed state requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lanham, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lanham, MD?
In Lanham, MD, full-time daycare costs vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,800 per month for infant care, with toddler care often being slightly less, around $1,100 to $1,600 per month. In-home family childcare providers are generally more affordable, typically ranging from $800 to $1,300 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that costs in Prince George's County are often higher than the Maryland state average, so budgeting accordingly is key. Many facilities also require registration fees and may have extra costs for meals or enrichment activities.
How do I verify a daycare provider's license and inspection history in Maryland?
All childcare providers in Lanham must be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. You can easily verify a provider's license status and review their 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 or location, view their license type (Center or Family), see their licensed capacity, and check for any past violations or complaint investigations. We strongly recommend using this tool before enrolling your child. You can also contact the MSDE's Regional Office for Prince George's County for additional assistance or to ask specific questions about a provider's record.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Lanham, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers in Lanham, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. Popular centers near major employers like NASA Goddard, the University of Maryland, or along the Baltimore-Washington Parkway can have waitlists of 6 to 12 months or more. It is highly advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy if seeking infant care. For toddler or preschool spots, applying 3-6 months in advance is a safer bet. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (which is often non-refundable), and how frequently they update families on their position.
What local resources or referral services are available to help parents find childcare in Lanham?
Parents in Lanham have several excellent local resources. The primary agency is the **Prince George's County Child Resource Center (CRC)**, which is part of the Maryland Family Network. They offer a free, personalized child care referral service, helping you find licensed providers that match your needs for location, hours, and budget. You can access them online or by phone. Additionally, the **Maryland EXCELS** program is a voluntary quality rating system; searching for providers with an EXCELS rating can help identify programs committed to higher standards. For financial assistance, the **Prince George's County Department of Social Services** administers the Child Care Scholarship (subsidy) program for eligible families.
What are some key factors to consider when choosing between a daycare center and a family childcare home in Lanham?
The choice depends on your family's priorities. **Daycare Centers** in Lanham (like those in corporate parks or standalone facilities) often offer structured curricula, larger peer groups, multiple classrooms by age, and may have more robust amenities. They typically follow strict MSDE regulations and may be more resilient to provider absences. **Family Childcare Homes** offer a home-like environment, often with mixed-age groups, more flexible hours, and potentially a lower child-to-adult ratio for your specific child. They can be more convenient for neighborhoods away from major commuter routes. In Lanham, consider your commute—centers may be closer to major employment corridors, while homes are embedded in residential areas. Always visit both types, check their MSDE licenses, and see which environment feels like the best fit for your child's temperament.