The Best Daycare Centers in Lisbon, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lisbon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lisbon
The Learning Experience - Mount Airy
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Mount Airy serves the Lisbon community with a comprehensive early education curriculum featuring proprietary programs like L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program). The center focuses on cognitive, physical, and social development through structured learning activities, including early literacy, mathematics, and character development. Features include secure entry systems, certified early childhood educators, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Parents consistently praise the engaging curriculum, professional staff, and excellent communication. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and offers enrichment programs including music, yoga, and philanthropy lessons.
Daycare Services:
Celebree School of Eldersburg
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School of Eldersburg provides high-quality childcare serving families in the Lisbon area with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes school readiness and whole-child development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and secure classroom environments. Their curriculum integrates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with small class sizes. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, preschool classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Parents highlight the nurturing environment and strong academic preparation.
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The Goddard School of Mount Airy
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Mount Airy serves Lisbon families with a premier early childhood education program featuring F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum. The program balances academic preparation with play-based learning, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The school employs degreed teachers with early childhood certification and maintains exceptional safety standards including secured premises, comprehensive staff training, and health protocols. Facilities include bright, well-equipped classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. The school is renowned for its strong parent communication system, individualized learning approaches, and excellent preparation for elementary school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lisbon, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Lisbon, MD?
In Lisbon and the surrounding Howard County area, daycare costs are generally on the higher end for Maryland, reflecting the county's demographics and cost of living. For full-time infant care (6 weeks - 2 years), parents can expect to pay between $1,600 and $2,200 per month at licensed centers. For toddlers (2-3 years), monthly fees typically range from $1,400 to $1,900. In-home family childcare providers in Lisbon may offer slightly lower rates, often between $1,200 and $1,700 monthly for infants. It's important to note that these are base rates; additional fees for registration, supplies, or early/late pickup are common. Financial assistance may be available through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program for eligible families.
How do I verify a daycare or childcare provider's license and inspection history in Maryland?
All childcare providers in Lisbon must be licensed or registered with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care (OCC). The primary tool for verification is the **"LOCATE: Child Care"** public search portal on the MSDE website. Here, you can search for providers by zip code (21757 for Lisbon), view their license status (Full, Conditional, Suspended), capacity, and ages served. Crucially, you can access the last 3-5 years of inspection reports, which detail any compliance issues or violations of state regulations (COMAR 13A.16). Always confirm the license is current and review the inspection notes for patterns of non-compliance before enrolling your child.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Lisbon, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded centers in the Lisbon/HoCo region, especially for those with sought-after educational philosophies (like Montessori) or convenient locations near major commuter routes like I-70. For infant care, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists **during your pregnancy**, ideally by the second trimester. For toddler and preschool openings, a 6-12 month lead time is prudent. Many centers in the area maintain separate waitlists by age group. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $50-$150) and to follow up periodically to keep your application active.
What are some of the key local resources for finding and evaluating childcare options in Howard County near Lisbon?
Parents in Lisbon have several excellent local resources. The **Howard County Office of Children and Families** provides referrals and support. The **Howard County Library System** (with the closest branch in Elkridge) often hosts parenting workshops and may have community bulletin boards. For evaluating quality, look for providers participating in **Maryland EXCELS**, a voluntary quality rating system that goes beyond basic licensing. Additionally, local community Facebook groups like "Lisbon, MD Community" or "Howard County Parents" are invaluable for getting candid, word-of-mouth recommendations and experiences from other parents in your specific neighborhood.
What should I consider regarding transportation and location when choosing a daycare in Lisbon, given its more rural setting?
Lisbon's semi-rural character means childcare providers are more spread out than in urban centers. Key considerations include: **Commute Impact:** Many parents commute to Columbia, Baltimore, or Frederick. Choose a provider with hours that align with your commute (many open by 6:30/7:00 AM and close by 6:00 PM). **Proximity to Routes:** A center near MD-94, MD-144, or I-70 may be more convenient than one deeper in residential areas. **School District Alignment:** If considering a preschool, inquire about their relationship with Lisbon Elementary School for smoother transitions. **Weather & Accessibility:** Ensure the provider has a clear plan for snow days/delays, as rural roads can be slower to clear. A centrally located provider might also be easier for emergency pickups.