The Best Daycare Centers in Piney Point, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Piney Point. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Piney Point
Little Treasures Learning Center
Independent
Little Treasures Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility serving the Piney Point area with a comprehensive educational approach. They implement the Creative Curriculum system, focusing on developmentally appropriate practices across all age groups. The center features state-certified teachers with specialized training in early childhood education and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments with modern educational materials and spacious outdoor play areas. The center emphasizes literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program and maintain rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular safety drills.
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Kiddie Academy of California
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of California brings nationally-recognized educational childcare to the Piney Point region with their Life Essentials® curriculum. This academy focuses on character development, academic readiness, and holistic child development. The facility features purpose-built classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, advanced security systems including keypad entry, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their curriculum integrates literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts with daily structured activities and free play. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The center offers enrichment programs in music, Spanish, and physical education, plus nutritious meals prepared in their on-site kitchen.
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The Goddard School of Lexington Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Lexington Park provides high-quality early childhood education to Piney Point families through their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program. This play-based learning approach balances academic preparation with social development and creative expression. The school features secure, modern facilities with bright classrooms, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and specialized learning areas for art, music, and technology. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in education or child development and participate in continuous training. The curriculum focuses on literacy development, mathematical thinking, scientific exploration, and social studies while promoting independence and problem-solving skills. The school maintains excellent health and safety standards with comprehensive cleaning protocols and secure facility access.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Piney Point, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Piney Point, MD, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Piney Point, Maryland, all childcare centers and family childcare homes must be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. For centers, staff must undergo background checks and complete training in areas like CPR, First Aid, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the free "LOCATE: Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website. This is a crucial first step for Piney Point parents to ensure their chosen provider operates legally and safely under state regulations.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Piney Point area, and when should I start looking?
Due to the smaller, more residential nature of Piney Point and surrounding St. Mary's County, quality daycare slots, especially for infants and toddlers, can be limited and often have waitlists. It's common for popular centers to have waitlists ranging from 3 to 9 months, and sometimes longer for infant care. We strongly recommend that Piney Point parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. Don't hesitate to get on multiple lists at facilities in nearby communities like Lexington Park or California, MD, to increase your options. Proactive planning is essential in this region.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Piney Point, MD?
Childcare costs in Piney Point and St. Mary's County are generally aligned with state averages but can be slightly lower than those in major metropolitan areas like Baltimore or D.C. suburbs. For full-time care, parents can expect to pay approximately $1,000 to $1,400 per month for an infant and $900 to $1,200 per month for a toddler at a licensed center. Family childcare homes may offer more affordable rates, typically ranging from $800 to $1,100 monthly. We recommend contacting providers directly for exact rates and inquiring about any available financial assistance programs, such as the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS).
Are there any unique childcare options or programs in Piney Point that cater to military families or shift workers?
Yes, given Piney Point's proximity to Naval Air Station Patuxent River and other defense installations, several providers understand the needs of military and shift-working families. Some licensed family childcare homes and centers in the area may offer flexible or non-traditional hours, including early morning, evening, or occasional weekend care. It's important to explicitly ask about this during tours. Additionally, the nationally accredited Child Development Center (CDC) and associated programs on base at Patuxent River are a primary resource for eligible military and DOD civilian families, though they often have long waitlists. Exploring both on-base and off-base licensed options is key.
What outdoor and enrichment opportunities are typically offered by daycares in Piney Point, given its coastal location?
Many childcare providers in Piney Point leverage the area's natural environment. Look for programs that incorporate outdoor play and learning as a regular part of their curriculum. This might include nature walks, outdoor sensory play, and age-appropriate lessons about the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, local wildlife, and boating safety. Some centers may have partnerships with local resources like the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park for occasional outings or themed activities. When touring facilities, ask about their daily outdoor play schedule, the security of their play areas, and how they integrate local culture and environment into their learning programs.