The Best Daycare Centers in Price, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Price. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Price
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Waldorf is highly regarded for its play-based F.L.EX.® Learning Program, which emphasizes developmental milestones through structured play and hands-on activities. The center features low student-teacher ratios, with all lead teachers holding early childhood education credentials and ongoing professional development. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, regular drills, and sanitization protocols. The curriculum includes literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning, supported by indoor and outdoor play spaces. Parent communication is enhanced through daily updates and a dedicated app, contributing to high satisfaction rates in the Price service area.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
KinderCare in Waldorf offers a balanced learning approach with a research-based curriculum that focuses on phonics, math, science, and creative arts. The center maintains small class sizes and employs teachers with CPR and First Aid certifications, along with degrees in early childhood education. Safety measures include keypad entry, comprehensive background checks, and nutritious meal programs. The facility features age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment programs like music and physical activities. Parents appreciate the consistent communication and progress tracking, making it a trusted choice for families in and around Price.
Daycare Services:
La Petite Academy
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy in Waldorf provides a well-rounded educational experience with its proprietary Grow Fit® curriculum, promoting physical, cognitive, and social development through themed units and hands-on projects. The center employs qualified teachers with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains strict safety protocols, including secure facilities and health screenings. Features include interactive technology, spacious classrooms, and outdoor play areas. The academy emphasizes parent partnerships with regular conferences and digital portfolios, ensuring high engagement and satisfaction for the Price community.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Price, MD
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Price, Maryland?
In Price, Maryland, and the surrounding Charles County area, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. For toddlers, you can expect to pay slightly less, generally between $1,000 and $1,400 per month. These costs are influenced by factors such as the center's accreditation (like NAEYC), staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities (e.g., meals, curriculum). Home-based family childcare in Price may offer a more affordable option, often ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. It's important to note that Maryland offers childcare subsidy programs for eligible families through the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Price is properly licensed and in good standing?
All licensed childcare providers in Price, Maryland, are regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education's (MSDE) Office of Child Care. To verify a provider's license, compliance history, and any past violations, you should use the state's official online search tool called "LOCATE: Child Care." This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or zip code (e.g., 20674 for the Price area) and view detailed inspection reports. You can also contact the Southern Regional Office of Child Care, which oversees Charles County, for additional information. Always ask to see the provider's current license during your tour, and check for its posted visibility, as required by Maryland law.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Price, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many licensed daycare centers and highly-regarded home-based providers in the Price area do maintain waitlists. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a childcare change begin their search at least 6 to 9 months in advance. For infant care, starting your search as early as the second trimester of pregnancy is advisable. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot, and their policy for moving from the waitlist to an enrolled position. Exploring multiple options, including both centers and licensed family childcare homes, can increase your chances of securing a timely placement.
What are some of the key questions to ask during a tour of a daycare facility in Price, MD?
When touring a daycare in Price, go beyond the basics. Ask provider-specific questions like: "What is your staff turnover rate, and what are the qualifications of the caregivers in my child's room?" (Maryland requires specific training hours). Inquire about their emergency preparedness plan, especially for weather events common to Southern Maryland. Ask, "How do you handle communication with parents on a daily basis and for incident reports?" Also, request details on their curriculum and how they incorporate outdoor play, given the local parks and environment. Crucially, ask for references from current parents. Finally, verify their licensing status with MSDE and ask about their policies for sick children, as this is a common concern for working parents.
What resources are available in Charles County to help me find and evaluate childcare options near Price?
Parents in Price have several local resources. The primary resource is the **Charles County Child Care Resource Center**, which is part of the MSDE network. They offer free referrals, information on licensing, and guidance on financial assistance programs. You can access their services online or by phone. Additionally, the **Charles County Public Library** branches often have community bulletin boards with information on local home-based providers. For evaluations, besides the official MSDE LOCATE database, local parent groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Charles County, MD Moms") can be invaluable for getting firsthand reviews and recommendations for providers in the Price, Waldorf, and La Plata areas.