The Best Daycare Centers in Queenstown, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Queenstown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Queenstown
Queenstown Harbor KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Queenstown Harbor KinderCare offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with research-based curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with specialized training in early childhood education, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes daily communication with parents through the KinderCare app, nutritious meals and snacks, and extensive outdoor play areas. The center stands out for its strong emphasis on school readiness and developmental milestone tracking.
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Chester Early Learning Center
Chester Early Learning Center
Chester Early Learning Center provides a nurturing educational environment with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. The center features Maryland-certified teachers, low student-teacher ratios, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes STEM activities, literacy development, and social skills building. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. The facility offers bright, modern classrooms, large outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment programs in music and movement.
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The Goddard School of Easton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Easton offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The center features highly educated teachers, many with advanced degrees in early childhood education, and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their comprehensive curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and character development. The facility includes state-of-the-art security systems, age-specific playgrounds, and bright, well-equipped classrooms. The school is particularly noted for its strong parent communication and individualized learning plans for each child.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Queenstown, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Queenstown, MD?
In Queenstown and the surrounding Eastern Shore area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay between $1,100 and $1,400 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the cost typically ranges from $950 to $1,200 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in Queenstown often offer slightly lower rates, generally ranging from $800 to $1,100 per month. These costs are influenced by factors such as staff-to-child ratios, curriculum offerings, and facility amenities. It's important to note that while Queenstown itself is a smaller town, its proximity to the Bay Bridge and Annapolis can sometimes influence pricing. We recommend contacting the Maryland Family Network (www.marylandfamilynetwork.org) for potential subsidy programs and a detailed cost analysis for licensed providers in ZIP code 21658.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Queenstown?
All childcare providers in Maryland must be licensed or registered through the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. To verify a provider in Queenstown, you can use the free and public "LOCATE: Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website. This tool allows you to search by location (Queenstown, MD 21658) and view the provider's license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any compliance history. Crucially, you can access the results of their most recent licensing inspections, which detail any citations or violations of Maryland's childcare regulations (COMAR 13A.16). You can also call the MSDE's regional office for the Eastern Shore for assistance. Always ensure the provider's license is current and review their inspection reports before enrolling your child.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Queenstown, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Queenstown's size and the limited number of dedicated childcare centers, waitlists are common, especially for infant care slots. It is not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. For families planning childcare in Queenstown, we strongly recommend beginning your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. For toddler or preschool slots, a lead time of 3-6 months is advisable. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, their policy for moving up the list (e.g., non-refundable deposit to hold a spot), and how often they update families on their position. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in Queenstown and neighboring communities like Centreville or Grasonville, as they may have more immediate availability.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Queenstown, MD?
Queenstown primarily offers two types of licensed childcare options. The first is **licensed family childcare homes**, where a provider cares for a small group of children (typically up to 8) in their own residence. These are prevalent in residential areas of Queenstown and often offer a more home-like, flexible environment. The second option is **childcare centers**, though there are fewer physical centers within the town limits itself. Many families in Queenstown also look at centers in nearby Centreville (approx. 10 minutes away) or Stevensville (across the Bay Bridge). For school-age children, Queenstown Elementary School may offer before-and-after-care programs. There are generally fewer large corporate chain daycare facilities; most are locally owned and operated, reflecting the community's character.
What are some local resources for finding and evaluating childcare in Queenstown and Queen Anne's County?
The primary local resource is the **Queen Anne's County Local Management Board**, which partners with state agencies to support families. They can provide referrals and information. The most comprehensive tool is the state-run **LOCATE: Child Care** service, which is free and can be accessed online or by calling 1-877-261-0060. This service offers personalized referrals based on your work schedule, child's age, and location. Additionally, the **Queen Anne's County Public Library** in Centreville often has community bulletins with information on local providers. For evaluations, beyond checking MSDE licensing, we recommend visiting potential providers, asking for references from current parents, and contacting the **Child Care Aware of Maryland** helpline for guidance on what questions to ask during a tour specific to Maryland's standards.
Childcare Insights for Queenstown
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a parent makes, blending practical logistics with the deep desire for a safe, nurturing environment for your child. If you’re a parent in Queenstown, Maryland, typing “find childcare near me” into your search bar, you’re embarking on a journey that is both challenging and deeply rewarding. The good news is that Queenstown and its surrounding areas on Maryland’s Eastern Shore offer a variety of options, from intimate home-based daycares to established centers, each with its own unique character.
Your search in Queenstown benefits from the community’s blend of small-town warmth and proximity to larger resources. A great first step is to utilize the Maryland EXCELS system, a voluntary quality rating and improvement system for child care and early education programs. By visiting their website, you can filter searches for licensed providers in Queenstown’s 21658 zip code and neighboring towns like Centreville or Grasonville, giving you a verified starting point. Don’t underestimate the power of local networks, either. The Queenstown community is tight-knit; asking for recommendations at the Queenstown Library, the local parks like the Queenstown Sports Park, or even in community Facebook groups can yield personal, trusted insights that online searches alone cannot provide.
When evaluating options, consider the unique rhythm of life here. Many families in Queenstown appreciate providers who incorporate the natural beauty of the Eastern Shore into their programs. Look for daycares that value outdoor play, perhaps with gardens or safe, open spaces, embracing the quieter, more scenic setting compared to a bustling city. Given Queenstown’s location, your daily commute likely involves routes like Route 50 or 301. Factor traffic patterns into your decision; a provider slightly off the main highway might offer a smoother drop-off and pick-up experience. It’s also wise to inquire about their policies for delayed pick-ups, understanding that bridge traffic or seasonal weather can occasionally cause delays.
Once you have a shortlist, scheduling in-person visits is non-negotiable. Pay attention to how the caregivers interact with the children—are they engaged at eye level? Does the environment feel cheerful and secure? Trust your instincts as a parent. Prepare questions about curriculum structure, daily routines, safety protocols, and how they communicate with families. A quality provider in Queenstown will be transparent and welcome your involvement. Remember, this search is about finding a partnership. The right childcare will not only care for your child but will also support your family, becoming a valued extension of your home in this special corner of Maryland. Take a deep breath, trust the process, and know that with a little research and intuition, you will find a place where your child can thrive.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Queenstown: