The Best Daycare Centers in Lexington Park, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lexington Park. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lexington Park
Sunshine Early Learning Center
Independent
Sunshine Early Learning Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood certifications and maintains low student-teacher ratios. Their facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor play areas. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program. The center stands out for its strong parent communication system, regular developmental assessments, and inclusive environment that serves military families from nearby Patuxent River Naval Air Station.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby California offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and expansive playgrounds. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in ongoing professional development. The curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social development, with daily updates provided to parents through their proprietary mobile app. The school serves many Lexington Park families and offers flexible scheduling options.
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The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience Academies of Early Education
The Learning Experience in Lusby serves the broader Lexington Park area with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, foreign language, manners, and physical fitness. The center features bright, clean classrooms with dedicated learning zones, secure outdoor playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols including coded entry systems. Their highly trained staff maintains CPR and First Aid certifications with ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes character development through their philanthropy-focused curriculum and provides regular progress reports to parents. They offer extended hours to accommodate military and working families from Lexington Park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lexington Park, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Lexington Park, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Lexington Park, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $900 to $1,300 per month. Home-based family childcare is often slightly less expensive. Given the presence of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, many families utilize the Child Care Aware of America fee assistance program for military personnel. Additionally, Maryland's Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program is a crucial resource for eligible families based on income and work or school requirements. It's highly recommended to apply for the CCS through the Maryland Family Network website as soon as you start your search, as processing can take time.
How long are daycare waitlists in Lexington Park, especially for infants, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Waitlists for daycare, particularly for infants under 2 years old, are common and can be lengthy in Lexington Park, often ranging from 3 to 9 months. This is due to high demand from military families, contractors, and other professionals in the area. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Get on multiple waitlists at both centers and licensed family childcare homes. Be proactive—call every 4-6 weeks to confirm your spot and express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to nearby communities like California, Leonardtown, or Great Mills for more options. Many facilities affiliated with the Navy's Child and Youth Programs (CYP) at Pax River have separate, prioritized waitlists for military and DoD civilians, so check your eligibility.
What are the key differences between licensed childcare centers and registered family childcare homes in Lexington Park?
In Lexington Park, you'll primarily find two licensed options: Child Care Centers and Family Child Care (FCC) Homes. Centers are larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and multiple staff. They are regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Family Child Care Homes are operated out of a provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. FCC providers are also licensed and inspected by MSDE. A key local consideration is that many FCC homes are experienced with the irregular hours common among military and contractor families at Pax River. Centers may offer more robust preschool preparation programs. Always verify the current license status of any provider through the MSDE Office of Child Care website.
Are there any state or local regulations specific to Maryland that I should know about when evaluating a daycare?
Yes, Maryland has specific regulations overseen by the MSDE Office of Child Care. Key standards for Lexington Park facilities include: Staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:6 for 2-year-olds, 1:10 for preschoolers), comprehensive background checks for all staff, and required health and safety training including SIDS prevention and CPR. All licensed providers must participate in Maryland EXCELS, a quality rating system—check a program's rating (Level 1 to 5) for insight into their quality. Furthermore, providers must have an emergency plan that accounts for local risks. You can review a provider's licensing history, including any complaints or inspections, on the MSDE public search portal to make an informed decision.
What resources are available in St. Mary's County to help me find and vet childcare options in Lexington Park?
The primary local resource is the **Maryland Family Network**, which operates the **Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)** for Southern Maryland. You can contact them via their website or hotline for a customized referral list of licensed providers in Lexington Park and St. Mary's County. They also offer guidance on the Child Care Scholarship. Additionally, the **Naval Air Station Patuxent River Fleet and Family Service Center (FFSC)** provides specific support and information on childcare for military families, including access to on-base options. For vetting, always use the MSDE licensing lookup tool, read online reviews, and schedule in-person tours. Local parent groups on social media platforms like Facebook are also invaluable for getting firsthand recommendations and experiences from other Lexington Park families.
Nearby Cities
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