The Best Daycare Centers in Marydel, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Marydel. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Marydel
The Learning Center at Calvary
The Learning Center
The Learning Center at Calvary offers a comprehensive educational program with a Christian foundation, serving families in the Marydel area. Their curriculum focuses on early childhood development through structured learning activities, creative play, and hands-on experiences. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, maintains low student-to-teacher ratios, and emphasizes character development alongside academic readiness. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and modern learning materials. The center is known for its strong communication with parents, regular developmental assessments, and nurturing environment that promotes social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
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Children's Place Learning Centers - Clayton
Children's Place Learning Centers
Children's Place Learning Centers provides high-quality early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that prepares children for academic success. The Clayton location serves the Marydel community with comprehensive programs including STEM activities, literacy development, and social skills building. The center employs degreed early childhood educators who participate in ongoing professional development. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and rigorous health protocols. The facility features bright, well-equipped classrooms, dedicated nap areas, and age-appropriate outdoor play spaces. Parents appreciate the regular progress updates, nutritious meal programs, and flexible scheduling options.
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Dover Day Care Center
Dover Day Care Center
Dover Day Care Center has been serving Kent County families, including those in Marydel, with a comprehensive early childhood education program that balances academic preparation with social development. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum standards with supplemental enrichment activities in music, art, and physical education. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and employs experienced educators with early childhood certifications. The facility includes secure, age-separated playgrounds, modern learning centers, and dedicated spaces for different developmental stages. The center is recognized for its inclusive environment, strong parent-teacher partnerships, and commitment to preparing children for kindergarten success through structured learning experiences and individualized attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Marydel, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Marydel, MD, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Marydel, Maryland, all childcare providers must be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. This includes family childcare homes and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a facility's compliance and view its licensing history, including any past violations, you can use the free online "Check Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website. You can also contact the MSDE's regional office serving Caroline County, where Marydel is located, for further information. It's highly recommended to always check this status before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Marydel area?
Childcare costs in Marydel and the surrounding Caroline County area are generally more affordable than in Maryland's major metropolitan areas, but prices vary by provider type. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay an average of $175 to $225 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. A licensed family childcare home may range from $150 to $200 per week. These are estimates, and rates can differ based on the program's amenities, hours, and whether meals are included. We recommend contacting providers directly for their current fee schedules. Financial assistance may be available through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship program for eligible families.
Are there many daycare options in Marydel, or will I likely need to look in neighboring towns?
As a small, rural town, Marydel itself has a limited number of licensed childcare providers, primarily in-home family daycare settings. Many parents in Marydel find it necessary to expand their search to neighboring communities such as Clayton, Denton (the Caroline County seat), or even into nearby Delaware towns like Felton or Harrington, which may offer more center-based options. Transportation considerations become important. When searching, use the MSDE provider locator and filter by zip code (21649 for Marydel) and a reasonable radius. Joining local parent groups on social media can also provide valuable word-of-mouth recommendations for providers serving the Marydel area.
How long are waitlists for daycare in Marydel, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers serving the Marydel community, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care slots which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual for popular family daycare homes or the nearest centers in Denton to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 6 months before your needed start date. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process (e.g., Is there a fee? How often should I check in?), and get on multiple lists to increase your chances of securing a spot.
What resources are available in Caroline County to help me choose and evaluate a daycare provider?
Caroline County offers several local resources to support parents. The Judy Center Partnership at Denton Elementary School (serving Caroline County) is a key hub for early childhood information and can provide referrals. You can also contact the "LOCATE: Child Care" referral service, a free program of MSDE, by calling 1-877-261-0060 to get a customized list of licensed providers in your area. Additionally, the Caroline County Public Library and the Caroline County Department of Social Services can be helpful. Before visiting a provider, review MSDE's checklist of questions to ask, focusing on curriculum, safety protocols, discipline policies, and how they communicate with parents.