The Best Daycare Centers in Quantico, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Quantico. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Quantico
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Princess Anne serves the Quantico area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their play-based curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas designed for different developmental stages. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress.
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KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
This nationally accredited KinderCare center in Salisbury serves families throughout Wicomico County, including Quantico. Their research-based curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, and social skills development through hands-on learning experiences. The center features keypad-secured entrances, comprehensive safety protocols, and nutritious meal programs. Teachers receive extensive training in early childhood development and maintain CPR/first aid certifications. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, preschool classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups.
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Little Saints Early Learning Center
Saint Peter's Episcopal Church
Little Saints Early Learning Center, located in Salisbury, serves the broader Quantico area with a nurturing Christian environment that welcomes children of all faiths. Their curriculum emphasizes whole-child development through structured learning activities, creative play, and social interaction. The center maintains Maryland State Department of Education certification and follows state-approved early learning standards. Features include secure facilities, experienced teaching staff with early childhood credentials, age-appropriate learning materials, and structured daily routines that balance education and play. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular communication and family events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Quantico, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Quantico, MD, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Quantico, 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 facilities meet 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 "LOCATE: Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website. You can search by provider name, location (using Quantico's ZIP code, 21856), or type of care. It's crucial to check for any past violations or complaints. Given Quantico's smaller, more rural setting, many options may be licensed family homes, which are a common and regulated choice in the area.
Are there any childcare options in or near Quantico that offer extended hours or flexible scheduling for parents with non-traditional work shifts?
Given Quantico's proximity to larger employment centers like Salisbury and the Salisbury University area, some providers may offer extended hours, but options directly in Quantico are limited due to its size. It's common for parents in the Quantico area to seek family childcare homes that may offer more personalized and flexible scheduling than larger centers. We recommend contacting providers directly to inquire about early morning, evening, or weekend care. Additionally, exploring licensed providers in nearby communities like Hebron or Fruitland might yield more options. For military-affiliated families (though not a base town), some regional resources or referrals might be available. Planning ahead and joining local parent groups on social media for the Lower Shore area can help find recommendations for flexible care.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Quantico, MD?
Childcare costs in the Quantico area are generally lower than the Maryland state average but can vary. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay approximately $150-$200 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. A childcare center in a nearby town like Salisbury would typically be higher, ranging from $200-$275 per week. These estimates are for the Lower Eastern Shore region, which includes Wicomico County. Costs are influenced by the provider's license type, program offerings, and staff qualifications. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum). Financial assistance may be available through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship program for eligible families.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers and preschools in the Quantico area, and when should I start looking?
In a smaller community like Quantico, there may not be formal, large-scale daycare centers with long waitlists. However, the limited number of licensed providers, especially high-quality family homes, can mean they fill up quickly. For infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios, it is advisable to start your search at least 6-9 months before you need care. For toddler or preschool-age children, 3-6 months in advance is recommended. Many popular providers in the region may have a consistent waitlist. The best practice is to contact providers as soon as possible, get on their interest lists, and schedule tours. Being proactive is key, as new spots may open infrequently.
What resources are available in Wicomico County to help parents find and evaluate childcare near Quantico?
The primary resource for Wicomico County, which includes Quantico, is the **Maryland Family Network**. You can contact their regional referral agency, often accessed through the statewide LOCATE: Child Care service (1-877-261-0060 or online). They provide free, personalized referrals to licensed and registered providers based on your specific needs (location, hours, child's age). Additionally, the **Wicomico County Public Schools** website and local libraries may have information on pre-kindergarten and early childhood programs. For evaluations, always check a provider's MSDE licensing history online and schedule in-person tours. Connecting with other parents through community Facebook groups (e.g., "Wicomico County Moms") is also a valuable way to get firsthand reviews and recommendations for local in-home daycares.
Childcare Insights for Quantico
Finding the right preschool daycare is one of the most significant decisions a parent can make. It’s about more than just a safe place for your child to spend the day; it’s about finding an environment that nurtures their curiosity, supports their social growth, and provides a foundation for lifelong learning. For families in Quantico, Maryland, this search for "preschool daycare near me" comes with its own unique considerations, blending the tight-knit community feel with the practical needs of modern parenting.
Quantico offers a quieter, residential setting that can be ideal for raising a family, which often means that local childcare options may be smaller, home-based, or situated in nearby towns. This makes a personalized, hands-on approach not just a hope, but a likely reality. When beginning your search here, a great first step is to connect with other parents at local parks or community gatherings. Personal recommendations in a community like Quantico are invaluable, as they come with firsthand accounts of daily routines, caregiver attentiveness, and the overall philosophy of the program. Don’t hesitate to ask about their experiences with facilities in the immediate Quantico area or in neighboring communities such as Hebron or Salisbury, which many local families may utilize.
Given Quantico’s location on the Eastern Shore, consider how a preschool’s schedule and philosophy align with your family’s lifestyle. Many programs here might incorporate the natural beauty of the area into their curriculum, with outdoor play and nature exploration being a key component. This is a wonderful advantage for a child’s development. When you visit a potential preschool daycare, look for evidence of this engaging, play-based learning. Observe if the children seem happily occupied with a variety of activities, from art projects to building blocks, and if the staff interacts with them at their level, guiding rather than directing. Inquire about their policies on communication; a good program will provide regular updates about your child’s day and developmental milestones.
Logistics are always a practical concern. In a more rural area like Quantico, travel time is a key factor. Map out the drive from your home or workplace to any potential daycare during the times you would typically be commuting. Verify their hours of operation to ensure they align with your schedule, especially if you have commitments at the nearby university or in Salisbury. Finally, trust your instincts during a visit. The right preschool daycare in Quantico will feel welcoming, secure, and filled with the cheerful sounds of engaged children. It should feel like an extension of your own family’s values, a place where your child can thrive and you can have peace of mind while you’re apart. Taking the time to find this fit is an investment in your child’s happiness and your own confidence as a parent in this special part of Maryland.