The Best Daycare Centers in Olney, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Olney. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Olney
The Goddard School of Olney
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Olney offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their program emphasizes literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development with low student-teacher ratios. The facility features bright, modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains rigorous health and safety protocols, including regular sanitation and secure check-in/check-out procedures.
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Celebree School of Olney
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School of Olney provides a structured yet nurturing environment with their proprietary Seven Domains of Learning curriculum, focusing on cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, age-separated classrooms, and monitored playgrounds. Their program includes daily progress reports, nutritious meals, and enrichment activities like music and movement. Staff members are CPR/First Aid certified and participate in continuous training. The school emphasizes character development and school readiness through hands-on learning experiences.
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Childtime of Olney
Childtime Learning Centers
Childtime of Olney offers a research-based curriculum that aligns with Maryland's early learning standards, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The center features secure facilities with electronic entry systems, dedicated infant rooms, and age-appropriate learning centers. Their Emergent Curriculum adapts to children's interests while ensuring developmental milestones are met. Teachers maintain detailed portfolios tracking each child's progress and provide regular parent communication. The program includes technology integration, outdoor learning spaces, and enrichment programs that support whole-child development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Olney, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Olney, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Olney, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,600 to $2,200 per month, while preschool for a 3-5 year old generally costs between $1,200 and $1,800 per month. These rates reflect the area's high cost of living and the quality of local centers. For financial assistance, Maryland's Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program is the primary resource for eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs based on income and need. Additionally, some Olney-based centers may offer sibling discounts or have limited scholarship funds. It's highly recommended to contact the Maryland Family Network (301-929-2200) or visit their website for personalized guidance on subsidies and to get a current list of participating providers in the 20832 area.
How long are waitlists for infant care at licensed daycare centers in Olney, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for infant rooms (children under 2 years) at highly-regarded licensed centers in Olney can be substantial, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. This is due to strict Maryland state-mandated staff-to-child ratios for infants (1:3), limiting available spots. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy, get on multiple lists (even at centers slightly outside Olney in Brookeville or Sandy Spring), and follow up with polite phone calls or emails every 2-3 months to express continued interest. Many centers also prioritize siblings of current enrollees, so if you plan for multiple children, this is a key long-term consideration. Consider licensed family childcare homes as they may have shorter wait times and offer a smaller setting.
What are the licensing and safety regulations for childcare providers in Maryland, and how can I verify a center's compliance in Olney?
All childcare providers in Olney must be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education's Office of Child Care (OCC). Key regulations include staff background checks, specific health and safety training (including SIDS prevention and CPR), annual inspections, and age-appropriate staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and see any compliance history for free on the OCC's "Check Child Care" website or by calling 877-261-0060. When touring a center in Olney, don't hesitate to ask for their most recent inspection report. Look for accreditation from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which several Olney centers hold, indicating a commitment to exceeding state standards.
Are there specific daycare or preschool programs in Olney that cater to parents with non-traditional work hours?
Options for evening, overnight, or weekend care in Olney are very limited, as most centers operate on a standard weekday schedule (e.g., 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Your best bet for non-traditional hours is to seek out licensed family childcare providers, who may offer more flexible arrangements. For shift workers at nearby facilities like MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, some providers may accommodate early drop-offs. It's crucial to be upfront about your schedule needs during initial inquiries. Alternatively, consider building a network with a trusted nanny or nanny-share arrangement with other Olney families, which can offer the greatest schedule flexibility, though at a higher cost.
What enrichment or educational philosophies are commonly offered by preschools in Olney, and how do I choose?
Olney preschools offer a variety of approaches. Common philosophies include Play-Based learning, which is developmentally focused; Montessori (offered at several local schools); and faith-based programs (often found at local churches). Many also follow a more structured Academic or "Creative Curriculum" model to prepare children for the rigorous Montgomery County Public School system. To choose, visit the centers, observe classrooms, and ask about daily schedules. Consider your child's temperament—does they thrive with structure or free exploration? Olney's community is education-focused, so also inquire about kindergarten readiness metrics and if they offer extracurriculars like music, Spanish, or movement classes, which are popular local add-ons.