The Best Daycare Centers in Queen Anne, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Queen Anne. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Queen Anne
The Goddard School of Centreville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Centreville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development. Features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, live streaming cameras for parent viewing, and USDA-approved meal programs. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art and music rooms, and comprehensive safety protocols. Known for low student-teacher ratios and individualized learning plans that track developmental milestones.
Daycare Services:
Queen Anne's County Day School
Independent
Queen Anne's County Day School provides comprehensive childcare with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, social skills development, and kindergarten readiness. Features certified early childhood educators, small class sizes, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and nutritious meal programs. The center offers outdoor learning environments, music and movement programs, and regular parent-teacher conferences. Specializes in creating individualized learning experiences and maintains excellent staff retention rates with many teachers having over 10 years of experience.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Kent Island
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare at Kent Island offers nationally-recognized early childhood curriculum with focus on literacy, math, science, and social skills development. Features comprehensive safety protocols including secured entry systems, regular health and safety audits, and emergency preparedness training. Staff includes certified teachers with ongoing professional development requirements. The center provides balanced nutrition through their exclusive Kids Healthy Meals program and offers flexible scheduling options. Known for strong parent communication through daily reports and regular family engagement events. Facilities include age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for different developmental stages.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Queen Anne, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Queen Anne, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Queen Anne and the surrounding areas of Queen Anne's County, full-time daycare for an infant can range from approximately $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler and preschool programs typically cost between $900 and $1,300 per month. These rates are influenced by factors like the program's curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and facility amenities. For financial assistance, Maryland offers the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, which is income-based and can significantly reduce costs for eligible families. Additionally, local providers may offer sibling discounts or flexible payment plans. It's highly recommended to contact the Queen Anne's County Department of Social Services or the Maryland Family Network for personalized guidance on subsidy applications and local provider lists.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare home in Queen Anne is properly licensed and what specific state regulations should I be aware of?
All licensed childcare providers in Maryland are regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education's (MSDE) Office of Child Care. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the free online "LOCATE: Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website. Key Maryland regulations for center-based care include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:6 for 2-year-olds), mandatory background checks for all staff, and annual health and safety training. For family childcare homes in Queen Anne, providers can care for up to 8 children, with no more than 2 under the age of 2. Always ask to see the provider's current license during your visit.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Queen Anne, and when should I start looking for care, especially for an infant?
Yes, waitlists are very common, particularly for infant care slots in Queen Anne and the broader county due to limited availability. For infant care (children under 2), it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. For toddler and preschool openings, starting your search 6-9 months in advance is prudent. Many popular centers in the area, such as those affiliated with local churches or the public school pre-K programs, have waitlists that can extend for a year or more. When contacting providers, always ask about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their status.
What types of childcare options are most available in Queen Anne, MD, beyond traditional daycare centers?
Parents in Queen Anne have several options. Licensed Family Child Care Homes are a popular choice, offering a home-like setting with smaller groups, often with more flexible hours. There are also church-affiliated preschools and daycare centers that may offer part-day programs. For school-age children, the Queen Anne's County Public Schools district offers before and after-school care programs at some elementary schools. Additionally, in-home nannies or shared nanny arrangements with other local families are an option, though parents are responsible for verifying background checks and managing employment taxes. The rural nature of the county means options may be more spread out, so considering providers in nearby towns like Centreville or Grasonville may be necessary.
How does the pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) system work in Queen Anne's County, and how does it differ from private daycare preschool programs?
Queen Anne's County Public Schools offers a publicly funded Pre-K program for 4-year-olds, but eligibility is primarily based on income and other risk factors. The program is not universal and has limited seats, so applying early through the school district is crucial. It typically follows the public school calendar and hours, which may not cover a full working parent's day, necessitating additional before/after care. Private daycare preschool programs, on the other hand, are open to all children (usually ages 3-5), operate on a longer daily schedule year-round, and often have a tuition cost. They may offer more flexible enrollment and a wider variety of curricular approaches (like Montessori or play-based). For seamless full-day care, many parents in Queen Anne use a private daycare that includes a preschool curriculum.