The Best Daycare Centers in Severna Park, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Severna Park. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Severna Park
The Goddard School of Severna Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Severna Park offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, social-emotional development, and physical coordination. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents through their proprietary app. Their comprehensive safety protocols and rigorous staff training make them a top choice for families seeking both educational excellence and peace of mind.
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The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy of Severna Park
The Sunshine House, LLC
The Sunshine House provides a comprehensive early learning program with research-based curriculum that includes literacy enhancement, mathematics, science, and creative arts. Their Severna Park location features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated age-specific playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms. Certified teachers implement the Early Innovators® curriculum, focusing on school readiness skills while nurturing individual development. The center emphasizes character development, social skills, and hands-on learning experiences. Their nutritional program provides healthy meals and snacks, and they maintain excellent staff retention with ongoing professional development opportunities for educators.
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KinderCare at Arnold
KinderCare Learning Companies
While located in nearby Arnold, this highly-rated KinderCare facility serves many Severna Park families with its comprehensive early childhood programs. The center implements KinderCare's proprietary curriculum that aligns with state early learning standards and focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their program includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on math and science activities, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor play spaces designed for different age groups. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and participates in ongoing professional development. The center offers flexible scheduling and provides regular progress reports to keep parents informed about their child's development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Severna Park, MD
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Severna Park, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Severna Park, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,600 to $2,200 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,400 to $1,900 per month. These rates reflect the area's higher cost of living and the demand for quality care. For financial assistance, Maryland's Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program is the primary resource, administered through the Maryland State Department of Education. Eligibility is based on income, work/school requirements, and the chosen provider must be licensed. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or limited scholarships. It's highly recommended to apply for the CCS well in advance, as processing can take time, and to directly inquire with individual centers about any private aid they might offer.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Severna Park, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for reputable licensed daycare centers in Severna Park can be substantial, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. When touring facilities, ask specifically about their waitlist process: whether there's a fee to join, if it's a rolling list or by anticipated start date, and how often they update families. It's a common strategy to place your child on multiple waitlists at once. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in neighboring Arnold or Millersville, which may have shorter wait times while still adhering to Maryland state licensing standards.
What are the key differences between Maryland-licensed childcare centers and registered family childcare homes available in Severna Park?
In Severna Park, you'll find both licensed childcare centers and registered family childcare homes, each with distinct features. **Licensed Centers** (like The Goddard School or Celebree Learning Center) operate in commercial spaces, have multiple staff and classrooms, and often follow a structured educational curriculum. They typically have longer hours and care for larger groups of children. **Registered Family Childcare Homes** are run by a provider in their own residence, caring for a smaller group (up to 8 children, including their own, under Maryland law). They often offer a more home-like, flexible environment and may be more affordable. Both are regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education's Office of Child Care, but inspection reports and compliance history can be reviewed online for both types, which is a crucial step for parents in Severna Park.
Are there daycare options in Severna Park that offer early drop-off or late pick-up to accommodate commuting parents to Baltimore, Annapolis, or Washington D.C.?
Yes, accommodating commuter schedules is common in Severna Park due to its location between major employment hubs. Many centers offer extended hours, with typical operating times from 6:30 or 7:00 AM to 6:00 or 6:30 PM. Some providers may offer even earlier drop-off (as early as 6:00 AM) for an additional fee. It's essential to confirm these specific hours and any associated "late pick-up" penalties during your tours. For example, centers near major commuter routes like Ritchie Highway (MD-2) or near the Severna Park MARC train station are particularly attuned to these needs. Always verify the exact policy, as late pick-ups can incur significant fees, sometimes as high as $1-2 per minute after the official closing time.
What should I look for during a tour of a potential daycare in Severna Park, and what are some local red flags?
During a tour in Severna Park, beyond general cleanliness and safety, ask to see the outdoor play area and inquire about daily outdoor time, given Maryland's varied weather. Observe staff-child interactions—are they engaged and responsive? Ask about staff tenure; high turnover can be a red flag. Specifically, verify their Maryland license is current and ask about their compliance history (you can check this online later). Inquire about their sick policy and how they handle common childhood illnesses to avoid frequent disruptions. A local red flag is a center that is hesitant to provide references from current Severna Park families. Also, be wary of any facility that cannot clearly explain their emergency procedures for events like severe storms or power outages, which can occur in our area. Finally, trust your gut about the overall vibe and whether it aligns with your family's values.
Nearby Cities
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