The Best Daycare Centers in Perry Point, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Perry Point. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Perry Point
The Goddard School of Perryville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Perryville offers a premier early childhood education program with FLEX Learning Program that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with highly qualified teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. What sets this center apart is their comprehensive approach including yoga, sign language, and character development programs, along with regular parent communication through electronic daily reports and portfolio assessments.
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KinderCare at North East
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at North East provides a research-based curriculum that emphasizes early foundations in literacy, math, and science while supporting social-emotional development. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and participates in ongoing professional development. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and nutritionally balanced meals. Unique aspects include their Phonics Adventures program, STEM learning labs, and inclusive environment that accommodates diverse learning needs. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Children's Playhouse Early Learning Center
Independent
Children's Playhouse Early Learning Center offers a nurturing, play-based curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and developmental milestones. Their experienced educators create individualized learning plans for each child, focusing on cognitive, physical, and social development. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-specific learning environments, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. What makes this center exceptional is their focus on community involvement, nature-based learning experiences, and strong emphasis on building foundational skills through creative play and exploration. They maintain excellent staff retention and low turnover rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Perry Point, MD
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Perry Point, MD, and how do I find them?
In Perry Point, parents primarily have access to licensed family childcare homes and childcare centers. Family childcare homes are smaller, home-based settings often offering a more intimate environment, while centers are larger facilities. Due to Perry Point's small size, many families also consider options in nearby towns like North East or Perryville. The best resource for finding licensed providers is the Maryland EXCELS website, which is the state's quality rating and improvement system. You can search by zip code (21902) and filter by program type. Additionally, the Cecil County Child Care Resource Center can provide personalized referrals and information on local availability.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Perry Point area, and are there financial assistance programs?
In the Perry Point and greater Cecil County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month, while toddler care may be slightly lower, around $900 to $1,200 per month. These costs can vary based on the type of program and its quality rating. For financial assistance, Maryland's Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program is the primary resource for eligible families. Eligibility is based on income, work/school requirements, and the chosen provider must participate in Maryland EXCELS. You can apply through the Maryland Department of Education website. Some local organizations may also offer limited subsidies or sliding scale fees.
Are daycare waitlists common in Perry Point, and how far in advance should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common, especially for infant care slots, which are limited due to stricter state-mandated staff-to-child ratios. In a small community like Perry Point, options are fewer, so popular providers often have waitlists. It is strongly recommended to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and if you are expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. Don't hesitate to also explore licensed providers in neighboring Perryville and North East to increase your chances of securing a spot in a timely manner. Always ask about a provider's specific waitlist policy and expected timeline.
What are the key Maryland state licensing requirements I should verify when touring a daycare in Perry Point?
All legal childcare providers in Maryland must be licensed by the Office of Child Care (OCC). Key requirements you can and should verify include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers), background checks for all employees, health and safety training including CPR/First Aid, and annual ongoing training hours. Providers should also have a current license visibly posted. You can check a provider's compliance history and their Maryland EXCELS rating (a voluntary quality rating) online. Also, ensure the facility has safe sleep policies for infants and an emergency preparedness plan, which are critical state mandates.
Given Perry Point's location, are there childcare options that cater to parents with non-traditional or shift work hours, such as those working at the VA campus?
This is a crucial consideration for many Perry Point families, especially those employed at the nearby Perry Point VA Medical Center, which operates 24/7. While standard hours (6:30 AM - 6:00 PM) are most common, some licensed family childcare homes in the area may offer more flexible or extended hours to accommodate shift work. It is essential to inquire directly about early morning, evening, overnight, or weekend care availability. There are currently no dedicated 24-hour childcare centers in immediate Perry Point, so planning and clear communication with potential providers about your schedule is vital. Networking with other local shift workers can sometimes lead to recommendations for flexible in-home providers.
Nearby Cities
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