The Best Daycare Centers in Secretary, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Secretary. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Secretary
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. Their highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curricula focusing on literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide regular parent communication through daily reports and an exclusive mobile app. The school emphasizes safety with comprehensive background checks, CPR-certified staff, and rigorous cleaning protocols.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Cambridge
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Cambridge provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum across all age groups. Their program includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on math and science activities, and social skills development. The center features secure keypad entry, fenced playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment, and dedicated learning centers in each classroom. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/First Aid certification. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks through their included meal program and maintains open communication with parents through regular conferences and daily updates.
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The Learning Center of Dorchester County
Dorchester County Child Care Council
The Learning Center of Dorchester County is a nonprofit childcare center providing high-quality early education with a focus on school readiness and family support. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, cognitive skills, and social-emotional learning through play-based and structured activities. The center maintains Maryland EXCELS level 5 accreditation and employs degreed early childhood educators. They offer comprehensive services including health screenings, family support resources, and inclusive programming for children with special needs. The facility features secure access, modern learning materials, and developmentally appropriate outdoor play spaces designed to stimulate physical development and exploration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Secretary, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Secretary, MD, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Secretary, 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 the license and compliance history of any provider in the Secretary area, you can use the free, searchable "LOCATE: Child Care" public database on the MSDE website. This tool allows you to see the license status, any past violations, and the results of their most recent monitoring visit. It's a critical first step for any parent researching local options.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Secretary, MD?
The cost of childcare in Secretary and the surrounding Dorchester County area is generally more affordable than in Maryland's major metropolitan areas, but it still represents a significant household expense. For full-time care, parents can expect to pay approximately $150 to $225 per week for a licensed family childcare home. Childcare centers in the region may range from $180 to $275 per week for infant/toddler care. Costs vary based on the provider's amenities, curriculum, and staff credentials. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, diapers, formula). Financial assistance may be available through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program for eligible families.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Secretary, and how far in advance should I start looking?
While Secretary is a smaller community, quality childcare slots, especially for infants, can be limited. Popular local centers and highly-regarded family providers often have waitlists. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search and make contact with providers at least 6 to 9 months before their needed start date, particularly for infant care. When you call, ask directly about their current waitlist policy, estimated timeline, and if a deposit is required to hold a spot. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists can increase your chances of securing a spot when you need it.
What types of childcare programs are most commonly available in Secretary, MD?
Parents in Secretary typically choose between two main types of licensed care: Family Child Care (FCC) Homes and Child Care Centers. FCC Homes are operated in the provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups, which can be great for siblings. Child Care Centers are facilities dedicated solely to childcare, often with more structured curricula, multiple classrooms separated by age, and potentially more staff. Given Secretary's rural setting, FCC Homes are very common and can offer flexible hours that accommodate local work schedules in agriculture, healthcare, or commuting to Cambridge. There are also a limited number of center-based options in nearby towns.
What local resources or organizations in Dorchester County can help me find and evaluate childcare near Secretary?
A key local resource is the **Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)** operated by the Judy Center Partnership for Dorchester County. While not located directly in Secretary, this county-wide resource provides free referrals to licensed providers, information on the Child Care Scholarship, and guidance on what to look for during a visit. You can contact them by phone or through the MSDE LOCATE system. Additionally, connecting with other parents through local community groups, Facebook pages (e.g., "Secretary, MD Community"), or your pediatrician's office in Cambridge can provide valuable word-of-mouth recommendations and insights into provider reputations.
Childcare Insights for Secretary
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and if you're a parent in Secretary, Maryland, searching for "good daycares near me," you're likely looking for that perfect blend of safety, nurturing care, and educational enrichment close to home. The good news is that while Secretary itself is a small, charming town, you have access to several excellent options in the surrounding areas of Dorchester County and beyond, allowing you to find a setting that feels just right for your child.
When beginning your search in our area, it's wise to consider the unique rhythm of life on the Eastern Shore. Many families here value programs that incorporate the natural beauty around us. Look for daycares and preschools that offer ample outdoor playtime, perhaps with gardens or spaces that let children explore, which is a wonderful benefit of our local environment. A key first step is to utilize the Maryland State Department of Education's online licensing database. This public resource allows you to verify the license status of any facility and review their compliance history, providing a crucial foundation of trust and safety before you even visit.
Given that Secretary is conveniently situated near routes 50 and 331, your practical search radius likely includes the towns of Easton, Cambridge, and Denton. These nearby communities host a variety of licensed childcare centers, faith-based preschools, and in-home family daycare providers. Each type offers different advantages. Centers often provide structured curricula and larger peer groups, while registered family daycares can offer a more intimate, home-like setting with mixed ages, which some parents prefer for its familial feel. Don't underestimate the power of local connections; ask for recommendations at the Secretary Post Office, at the volunteer fire department, or from other parents at the local playground. Personal experiences from neighbors can be incredibly valuable.
As you schedule tours, go beyond the basics. For any daycare in the Secretary area, ask about their policies for inclement weather, given our proximity to the water and potential for weather-related delays or closures. Inquire how they communicate with parents throughout the day—a simple app with photos and updates can be a great comfort when you're at work. Observe how the caregivers interact with the children; you want to see warm, engaged, and responsive interactions. Trust your instincts about the cleanliness, security, and overall atmosphere. A good daycare here will not only feel safe and educational but will also understand the community it serves, possibly incorporating local themes or participating in small-town events.
Remember, the "best" daycare is the one that aligns with your child's personality and your family's values. It may take a few visits, but by combining thorough research with your parental intuition, you can find a wonderful childcare partner right here in our corner of Dorchester County. This peace of mind, knowing your child is in good hands while you're at work, is priceless for any parent in Secretary.