The Best Daycare Centers in Parsonsburg, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Parsonsburg. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Parsonsburg
The Goddard School of Salisbury
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Salisbury serves the Parsonsburg area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and physical development with degreed teachers and low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What sets them apart is their emphasis on individualized learning plans and daily communication with parents through their proprietary mobile app.
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Bright Horizons at Salisbury
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons serves Parsonsburg families with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and social-emotional development. The center features state-certified teachers with ongoing professional development and maintains enhanced health and safety protocols including comprehensive background checks and secure facilities. Their program includes emergent curriculum approaches, nutritious meal programs, and regular developmental assessments. The center is particularly noted for its strong parent partnership model and flexible scheduling options.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Salisbury
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Salisbury provides comprehensive educational childcare to the Parsonsburg community with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development with academic readiness. The program emphasizes STEM learning, literacy development, and social skills through project-based learning. The facility includes secure monitored access, age-specific learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds. They distinguish themselves through their community connections program and technology-enhanced classrooms that support digital literacy while maintaining developmentally appropriate practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Parsonsburg, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Parsonsburg, MD, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Parsonsburg, Maryland, all childcare providers caring for more than one unrelated child must be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. This includes family childcare homes and childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the free, online "LOCATE: Child Care" search tool provided by MSDE. This tool allows you to search for licensed providers in the Parsonsburg area (21220/21850) and view their compliance history, including any past violations. You can also call the MSDE Regional Licensing Office for the Lower Eastern Shore at (410) 543-6690 for direct verification.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Parsonsburg, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Parsonsburg and greater Salisbury area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care range from approximately $1,100 to $1,400 per month. For toddlers, costs are slightly lower, typically between $950 and $1,250 per month. Family childcare homes may offer more affordable rates, often 10-20% less. These costs are generally lower than the state average for Maryland but are significant for local families. Financial assistance is available through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, administered by the Maryland Family Network. Eligibility is based on income, work/school attendance, and family size. Parents in Parsonsburg can apply online or contact the Child Care Resource Center for the Eastern Shore at (410) 749-0314 for application help and to find participating providers.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care in Parsonsburg to accommodate non-traditional work schedules?
Finding daycare with extended evening or weekend hours in Parsonsburg can be challenging, as most licensed centers and many home-based providers operate on a standard weekday schedule (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). However, due to the presence of major employers like Perdue Farms and Peninsula Regional Medical Center in the region, some providers do offer extended hours to accommodate shift workers. Your best bet is to specifically search for "24-hour childcare" or "second/third shift care" using the MSDE LOCATE tool and contact providers directly. Some family childcare homes may offer more flexible arrangements. It's crucial to start your search early, as these spots are limited and often have waitlists.
What should I look for when touring a daycare center or family childcare home in Parsonsburg, and are there any local resources for referrals?
When touring a facility in Parsonsburg, look beyond the basics. Observe interactions: Are staff engaged with children at their level? Is the environment clean, safe, and stimulating? Ask about staff turnover, emergency procedures, and their policy on outdoor play (important for rural areas). Inquire about their curriculum and how they communicate with parents. For local referrals, the primary resource is the **Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) for the Eastern Shore**, which offers free, personalized referrals based on your specific needs (hours, location, child's age). They can be reached at (410) 749-0314. Additionally, local Facebook groups like "Salisbury Area Moms" or "Wicomico County Parents" can provide personal recommendations and experiences with Parsonsburg-area providers.
How long are typical waitlists for infant daycare spots in Parsonsburg, and what can I do to secure a spot in a timely manner?
For infant care (children under 2 years old), waitlists in the Parsonsburg area can range from 3 to 9 months, especially for highly regarded centers or home providers. This is due to stricter state-mandated child-to-staff ratios for infants, limiting available slots. To secure a spot, it is highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. When contacting providers, be prepared to provide your due date or needed start date. Follow up every 2-3 months to confirm your place on the list and express continued interest. Consider expanding your search radius to include nearby towns like Salisbury or Delmar, and be flexible with considering both centers and licensed family childcare homes to increase your options.