The Best Daycare Centers in Preston, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Preston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Preston
KinderCare Learning Center at Easton
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare Easton provides a nationally recognized, play-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. Staff hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. The center features secure entry systems, daily health checks, and age-appropriate indoor/outdoor play spaces. Parents praise its consistent communication and focus on kindergarten readiness through structured learning activities and enrichment programs.
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The Goddard School of Easton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Easton uses the F.L.E.X.® Learning Program, blending play with academic readiness in literacy, STEM, and arts. Certified teachers implement individualized learning plans and maintain small class sizes. Safety protocols include secured facilities, background-checked staff, and regular sanitization. The center is noted for its vibrant classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and parent engagement through real-time updates. It emphasizes character development and holistic growth, with high parent satisfaction for its nurturing environment.
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Denton Child Development Center
Independent Non-Profit
Denton Child Development Center offers a comprehensive, research-based curriculum aligned with Maryland Early Learning Standards, focusing on cognitive, physical, and social development. Staff include credentialed early childhood educators and specialists in special needs support. The center prioritizes safety with monitored access, nutritious meal programs, and inclusive play areas. It stands out for its community integration, family support services, and affordability through subsidy options. Parents value its warm, family-like atmosphere and strong track record in school preparedness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Preston, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Preston, MD, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Preston, 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. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a provider's compliance and view their licensing history, including any past violations, you can use the free, public **MSDE Child Care Search** tool online. You can search by provider name, location (like Preston, MD 21655), or zip code. It's highly recommended to check this database and even ask the provider directly for their most recent licensing inspection report.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Preston area?
Childcare costs in Preston and surrounding Caroline County are generally more affordable than in Maryland's major metropolitan areas, but they vary by provider type. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately **$175 to $250 per week** for full-time infant or toddler care. Licensed family childcare homes may range from **$150 to $200 per week**. These are estimates, and rates can differ based on the program's hours, included meals, and curriculum. It's important to ask what the weekly fee includes and if there are additional costs for supplies, registration, or late pick-up fees. For financial assistance, Maryland offers programs like the Child Care Scholarship (CCS), which eligible families in Preston can apply for through the Maryland Family Network.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Preston, and how far in advance should I start looking?
While Preston is a smaller, rural community, quality childcare slots can still be limited, especially for infants. It is not uncommon for the most sought-after licensed centers and highly-regarded family providers to have waitlists. For infant care, it is advisable to **begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date**. For toddler or preschool-age care, 3-6 months in advance is a safer bet. When contacting providers, always ask about their current waitlist status, the estimated wait time, and if there's a fee to be placed on the list. Exploring multiple options in Preston and neighboring towns like Federalsburg or Denton can increase your chances of finding an opening.
What types of childcare options are typically available in a small town like Preston, MD?
Parents in Preston primarily have two licensed options: **Family Child Care Homes** and **Child Care Centers**. Family homes are smaller, often run by a single provider in their residence, offering a home-like setting with mixed-age groups. Centers are larger facilities, like the local **Preston Early Childhood Center**, which may offer more structured programs and separate classrooms by age. Due to the rural nature of the area, there are fewer large corporate chains. Many parents also rely on informal networks, but for regulated care with safety standards, the licensed options are key. Some providers may also participate in the state's **Judy Center** network, which offers enhanced early learning services, though the nearest may be in a neighboring county.
What local resources or organizations in Caroline County can help me find and evaluate childcare in Preston?
The primary local resource is the **Maryland Family Network (MFN)**, which operates a regional **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) center** serving Caroline County. You can contact them via their statewide toll-free number (877-261-0060) or website for personalized referrals to licensed providers in Preston. They can also provide guidance on quality indicators, the Child Care Scholarship application, and parenting resources. Additionally, the **Caroline County Public Library** (with a branch nearby) and the **Caroline County Health Department** can be sources of community information. For evaluating quality, look for providers with MSDE accreditation (like the Maryland EXCELS program), which signifies a higher level of quality beyond basic licensing.
Childcare Insights for Preston
Finding the right day nursery for your child is one of the most significant decisions a parent in Preston, Maryland, will make. It’s about more than just a convenient location; it’s about finding a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment where your little one can thrive while you’re at work. The search for a "day nursery near me" in our close-knit Eastern Shore community comes with its own unique considerations, blending the desire for personalized care with the practicalities of rural living.
When beginning your search in the Preston area, it’s important to look beyond simple proximity. While a nursery close to home or your commute route is ideal, the quality of care is paramount. Start by checking the Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Early Childhood website, which licenses all childcare programs. This will give you a verified list of options in and around Preston, including licensed family childcare homes, which are a prevalent and often wonderful choice in smaller communities like ours. Many of these providers offer a home-like setting with smaller group sizes, which can be very comforting for young children.
Given Preston’s setting in Caroline County, consider the daily rhythm of nursery life in relation to our local environment. Does the program incorporate outdoor play and nature exploration, taking advantage of our beautiful rural surroundings? A nursery that values time outside in a secure space can be a tremendous asset. Furthermore, inquire about their policies for local weather events or seasonal considerations that might affect your commute from more remote parts of the county. Reliable communication and clear protocols are key.
Building a personal connection is perhaps the most crucial step. Schedule visits to your top choices. Observe how the caregivers interact with the children—are they engaged on the floor, responding warmly, and facilitating play? Trust your instincts about the atmosphere. Ask about their educational philosophy, daily schedule, meal provisions, and how they handle milestones and challenges. In a town like Preston, word-of-mouth recommendations are invaluable. Don’t hesitate to ask other parents at the local library, the Preston Market, or community events for their honest experiences and insights.
Finally, remember that the right fit should feel like a partnership. The best day nurseries in our area will view you as a vital part of your child’s journey and will keep you informed and involved. They understand the balance parents in our community strive for and will work with you to support your family’s needs. Taking the time to thoroughly research and visit potential nurseries around Preston will provide you with peace of mind, knowing your child is in capable and caring hands just a short drive from home.