The Best Daycare Centers in Millington, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Millington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Millington
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Chestertown serves the Millington area with a premier early childhood education program featuring F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). Their play-based curriculum emphasizes literacy, STEM, art, and social development. Certified teachers lead small class sizes with low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. What sets this center apart is their focus on individual development tracking and comprehensive parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
Kent School Early Childhood Education Center
Kent School
Kent School's Early Childhood Education Center offers a sophisticated Reggio Emilia-inspired approach that emphasizes child-directed learning and project-based exploration. Their program integrates nature-based education with access to extensive campus grounds. Highly qualified teachers hold advanced degrees in early childhood education and maintain Maryland state certifications. The center features purpose-built learning environments with natural materials, light-filled classrooms, and dedicated art studios. Their strong safety protocols and small class sizes make this a top choice for families seeking academic preparation in a nurturing environment.
Daycare Services:
Small Wonders Early Learning Center
Independent
Small Wonders Early Learning Center serves families in the Millington area with a comprehensive curriculum that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their Creative Curriculum approach includes hands-on learning centers, literacy-rich environments, and structured play. The center maintains excellent staff retention with many teachers having 10+ years of experience and ongoing professional development. Facilities include secure keypad entry, modern security cameras, and age-separated playgrounds with safety surfaces. Their strong parent community and flexible scheduling options make them a popular choice for working families.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Millington, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Millington, MD, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Millington, 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. Key requirements include background checks for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios based on age (e.g., 1:3 for infants), health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the free "LOCATE: Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website. This tool shows the license status, any past violations, and the results of recent inspections. It's a crucial first step for parents in Kent County to ensure a provider meets state-mandated safety and quality standards.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in and around Millington, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the rural nature of Kent County and limited high-quality options, waitlists for reputable daycare centers and licensed family providers in the Millington area can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their list: Is there a fee to join? How often do they update families on position? Do they offer part-time spots that might become available sooner? Also, consider expanding your search to neighboring towns like Chestertown or Galena, and explore registered family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Millington, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
The cost of childcare in Millington and Kent County is generally lower than in Maryland's urban corridors but varies by type and age. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $180-$250 per week for a preschooler and $220-$300+ per week for an infant/toddler. Family childcare homes are often more affordable, ranging from $150-$220 per week. Financial assistance is available through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, which is income-based. Additionally, the Kent County Family Support Center may have resources and referrals. It's important to apply for the CCS early, as funding can be limited, and the program helps make care more accessible for qualifying families.
Are there any daycare options in Millington that offer flexible or non-traditional hours for parents with shift work?
Finding childcare with extended, weekend, or overnight hours in a small town like Millington can be challenging, as most licensed providers operate on a standard weekday schedule (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). Your best options are to inquire directly with local family childcare providers, as some may offer more flexible arrangements on a case-by-case basis. Alternatively, you may need to look toward larger providers in Chestertown or consider a licensed family home provider who lives closer to your workplace. Another resource is to contact the Kent County Child Care Resource Center, which may maintain a list of providers willing to accommodate non-traditional hours. For consistent overnight or weekend needs, exploring a qualified nanny share with another local family might be a practical solution.
What enrichment or educational programs are commonly offered by preschools and daycares in the Millington area?
Many childcare programs in the Millington area incorporate the Maryland Early Learning Standards into their curriculum. Common enrichments include nature-based learning, leveraging Kent County's rural setting with garden projects and outdoor play. Some providers partner with the Kent County Public Library for storytime programs. Given the agricultural community, themes about farming and animals are often integrated. For formal preschool preparation, look for programs that explicitly offer a pre-K curriculum focusing on early literacy, numeracy, and social skills. The local public school system may also have information about collaborative early childhood programs. It's important to ask providers for a sample daily schedule and how they prepare children for the transition to kindergarten at Millington Elementary School.