The Best Daycare Centers in Madison, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Madison. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Madison
The Goddard School of Frederick
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Frederick serves the Madison area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and physical development through play-based learning. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents through their mobile app, including photos and developmental updates.
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Kiddie Academy of Hagerstown
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Hagerstown serves families in the Madison region with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development with academic preparation. The program emphasizes social-emotional learning, literacy, mathematics, and science through hands-on activities. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive security cameras, and strict pick-up authorization protocols. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with regular assessments to track progress. The facility includes dedicated learning centers, indoor gross motor spaces, and age-segmented outdoor play areas. They provide nutritious meals and snacks following USDA guidelines.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center has served the regional community including Madison for nearly two decades with a play-based educational approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum standards. Their program focuses on developing the whole child through structured learning centers, sensory activities, and social interaction opportunities. The center maintains Maryland State Department of Education accreditation and all lead teachers hold Child Development Associate credentials or higher. The facility features secure access controls, sanitization protocols, and emergency preparedness plans. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain small class sizes with individualized attention to support each child's developmental journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Madison, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Madison, MD, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Madison, Maryland, all childcare providers must be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. This includes family childcare homes, childcare centers, and nursery schools. Licensing ensures facilities meet standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), health and safety protocols, and physical environment. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the free, public MSDE Child Care Search tool online. This database shows the license status, any recent inspection reports, and any serious complaints or violations. It's a crucial first step for parents in the Madison area to ensure their chosen provider operates legally and safely under state regulations.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Madison, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Madison area, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, depending on the type of facility (center-based vs. in-home) and the specific programs offered. Costs in this semi-rural part of Dorchester County can be slightly lower than in Maryland's major metropolitan areas but are still a significant household expense. For financial assistance, Maryland families can apply for the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program through the Maryland Family Network. Eligibility is based on income, work/training status, and family size. Additionally, the Judy Center at Vienna Elementary School (serving the broader area including Madison) may offer resources and referrals for early childhood support. It's advisable to apply for assistance well in advance due to processing times.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in and around Madison, MD, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Madison, waitlists for reputable daycare centers, especially for infants and toddlers, can be substantial. It's common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To secure a spot, parents should begin their search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers in Madison and neighboring towns like Hurlock or Cambridge. Get on multiple waitlists, even if they require a small fee. Maintain regular, polite contact (e.g., a check-in every 2-3 months) to show continued interest. Also, consider licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter waitlists and offer a more home-like setting, which is a popular choice in rural communities.
Are there any unique childcare options in Madison, MD, that cater to families involved in agriculture or with non-traditional work hours?
Given Madison's location in an agricultural region of the Eastern Shore, some childcare providers may offer flexibility for farm families or shift workers. While standard 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM hours are most common, a few licensed family childcare homes may offer earlier drop-offs, later pick-ups, or even occasional overnight care. It requires direct inquiry and is not widely advertised. For reliable non-traditional hours, parents often need to arrange a network of care, such as combining a part-time daycare spot with a trusted babysitter. The local community networks, including churches and agricultural co-ops, can sometimes be a resource for finding in-home caregivers who understand the seasonal and demanding schedules of farm work.
What resources are available in Madison, MD, to help me evaluate and choose between a daycare center and a family childcare home?
Parents in Madison can utilize several local resources. First, the **Mid-Shore Judy Center Partnership** (with a location at Vienna Elementary) offers early childhood information, developmental screenings, and can provide guidance on choosing quality care. Second, the **Dorchester County Public Library** branch may have resources and community bulletins. The most practical step is to use the MSDE Child Care Search tool to generate lists of both licensed centers and family homes in the 21648 zip code and surrounding areas. Schedule tours and ask specific questions about curriculum, daily routines, meal programs (the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program is common), and emergency plans. Visiting both types in person is key, as the intimate setting of a home may suit some children, while the structured environment and multiple staff of a center may suit others. Talking to other local parents at community spots like the Madison Store is also invaluable for firsthand recommendations.
Nearby Cities
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