The Best Daycare Centers in Lothian, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lothian. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lothian
Celebree School of Lothian
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School of Lothian provides a comprehensive educational childcare program focusing on the "Seven Domains of Learning" that encompass social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and creative development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring. Their curriculum integrates STEM activities, literacy development, and character education. Teachers maintain Maryland State Department of Education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and emphasizes hands-on learning experiences that prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Owings
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Owings serves the Lothian community with a play-based learning approach that balances academic preparation with social development. Their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program incorporates language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on activities. The center features secure entry systems, daily cleanliness protocols, and low student-teacher ratios. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with regular assessments. The school offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure, along with modern indoor and outdoor play spaces designed for safe exploration and learning.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Dunkirk
KinderCare Education
KinderCare's Dunkirk location serves Lothian families with a research-based curriculum that focuses on early literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional development. Their program includes the Early Foundations® curriculum for infants through pre-K, emphasizing language development, cognitive skills, and physical growth. The center maintains rigorous safety standards including secured entrances, comprehensive background checks for staff, and emergency preparedness training. Qualified teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive continuous professional development. The facility features developmentally appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and nutritious meal programs that meet USDA guidelines.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lothian, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lothian, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Lothian and the surrounding southern Anne Arundel County area, full-time daycare for infants typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,200 to $1,600 per month. These costs reflect the area's mix of in-home providers and smaller center-based programs. For financial assistance, Maryland's Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program is the primary resource, which uses a sliding scale based on family income and size. Additionally, parents working in certain fields like healthcare or education may qualify for specific grants through the Maryland Family Network. It's highly recommended to apply for the CCS well in advance, as processing can take time, and to directly ask providers if they accept the scholarship.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Lothian?
All licensed childcare providers in Maryland, including those in Lothian, are regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Office of Child Care. You can verify a provider's license and view their full compliance history, including any past inspections and violations, for free on the MSDE's "Check Child Care" website. Simply search by the provider's name, city, or zip code (20711 for Lothian). This report will show their license status, capacity, ages served, and detailed notes from unannounced inspections conducted at least twice a year. Always choose a licensed provider, as this ensures they meet state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-adult ratios.
Given Lothian's more rural setting, what types of childcare options are most commonly available, and are waitlists a significant issue?
Lothian's childcare landscape is predominantly made up of licensed family childcare homes, which are smaller, home-based settings often caring for 6-8 children. These are popular due to the residential nature of the community and can offer a more flexible, family-like environment. There are also a few larger childcare centers, often associated with churches or located in nearby communities like Edgewater or Dunkirk. Waitlists, especially for infants and toddlers, are common and can be 3 to 9 months long at the most sought-after providers. It's advisable to begin your search during pregnancy or at least 6 months before your needed start date. Networking with other local parents through community groups or social media can sometimes reveal openings at smaller in-home providers.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Lothian area?
Yes, Lothian's semi-rural environment with access to parks and the Patuxent River makes it conducive to nature-focused programming. While fully outdoor "forest school" models are less common, several local family childcare providers and centers emphasize outdoor play and learning as a core part of their curriculum. You may find providers with large, natural playgrounds, gardens for children to tend, and regular outdoor exploration activities. Some programs also take advantage of nearby locations like the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary for educational outings. When touring providers, be sure to ask specifically about their daily outdoor time policy, their philosophy on nature play, and the features of their outdoor space.
What should I know about transportation and before/after-school care options for school-age children in the Lothian area?
For school-age children, most traditional daycare centers and family homes in Lothian provide transportation to and from local public schools, such as Lothian Elementary School. This service is a critical question to ask during your search. Before and after-school care (often called "school-age care") is available at some dedicated centers and through many family providers, but slots can be limited. The Southern Anne Arundel County area also has options like the Boys & Girls Clubs at nearby middle schools. It's important to confirm the provider's transportation schedule aligns with your school's bell times and that they have a plan for early dismissal days or school closures. Many summer camp programs in the area also cater to school-age children, helping bridge the gap when school is out.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Lothian: