The Best Daycare Centers in Silver Spring, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Silver Spring. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Silver Spring
Silver Spring KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Silver Spring KinderCare offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with research-based curriculum focusing on academic, social, and emotional development. The center features dedicated infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms with age-appropriate learning materials. Their team includes credentialed teachers with specialized training in early childhood development. The facility includes secure indoor and outdoor play areas, nutritious meal programs, and advanced security systems. They emphasize literacy development, STEM activities, and social skills through structured play and guided learning experiences. The center maintains NAEYC accreditation and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios.
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The Goddard School of Silver Spring
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Silver Spring provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated art and music areas, and secure outdoor playgrounds. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The program includes technology integration, foreign language exposure, and character development activities. Safety protocols include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The school maintains state licensing and emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Norbeck Montessori Center
Independent
Norbeck Montessori Center serves the Silver Spring area with authentic Montessori education for children from infancy through elementary years. The center features beautifully prepared classrooms with traditional Montessori materials and natural learning environments. Certified Montessori guides work with small groups to foster independence, concentration, and love of learning. The program includes practical life skills, sensorial development, language arts, mathematics, and cultural studies. The campus includes organic gardens, outdoor classrooms, and nature exploration areas. The center maintains AMI-recognized programs and emphasizes mixed-age classrooms that allow for peer learning and individualized pacing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Silver Spring, MD
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Silver Spring, MD, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Silver Spring, the average cost for full-time infant care in a licensed center typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,400 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,500 to $2,000 per month. These rates are influenced by factors like the facility's location, curriculum (e.g., Montessori, language immersion), and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, Maryland's Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program is the primary resource for eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs based on income and need. Additionally, Montgomery County offers the Working Parents Assistance (WPA) program, which provides sliding-scale subsidies to county residents. It's highly recommended to apply for these programs early, as funding can be limited, and to check with individual centers about any private scholarships or sibling discounts they may offer.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Silver Spring, and what can I do to improve my chances of securing a spot?
Waitlists in Silver Spring can be notoriously long, especially for infant rooms in highly sought-after centers or those affiliated with employers or institutions. It's common for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, and sometimes even longer. To improve your chances, start your search and get on lists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. Be proactive: contact multiple centers, get on their lists (even if there's a fee), and follow up with a polite email or call every 2-3 months to express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in surrounding neighborhoods like Woodside or Four Corners, which may have shorter wait times. Flexibility with your start date can also be a significant advantage.
What are the key differences between a Maryland-licensed childcare center and a registered family childcare home in Silver Spring?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and regulations. Licensed Centers are commercial facilities subject to strict Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) regulations on staff qualifications (lead teachers need specific credentials), group sizes, and curriculum. They often have multiple classrooms, more structured programs, and larger staff teams. Registered Family Childcare Homes operate in a provider's residence and are regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education's Office of Child Care. They care for a smaller group of children (up to 8, with no more than 2 under 2 years old), offering a more home-like environment, often with mixed-age groups and potentially more flexible hours. Both are inspected, but centers undergo more frequent unannounced visits. In Silver Spring, both options are popular; homes can be a great choice for infants seeking a nurturing setting, while centers may offer more specialized preschool preparation.
Are there specific licensing or inspection reports I should review for daycare providers in Silver Spring, and where can I find them?
Yes, you should absolutely review the most recent licensing and inspection reports for any provider you are considering. In Maryland, this information is publicly available through the Maryland EXCELS system and the Office of Child Care's licensing lookup tool. Maryland EXCELS is a quality rating system where programs volunteer to be rated on a scale of 1 to 5. A higher rating indicates higher quality standards beyond minimum licensing. You can search for programs by zip code (e.g., 20901, 20910) and view their ratings, violations, and commendations. Additionally, you can contact the Montgomery Regional Office of Child Care Licensing to inquire about a specific provider's compliance history. Always ask the provider directly for a copy of their latest inspection report during your tour.
What are some of the popular specialized childcare or early education programs available in Silver Spring, such as language immersion or nature-based preschools?
Silver Spring offers a diverse array of specialized programs catering to various interests. For language immersion, several centers offer Spanish immersion, and there are notable options like the French-speaking *École des Petits* or the German-influenced programs at the German School Washington, D.C., which has an early childhood center in the area. For nature-based or outdoor-focused education, look into programs like the "Forest Kindergarten" model offered by some local centers or those with extensive outdoor classrooms. Silver Spring is also home to many Montessori schools (both AMI and AMS accredited), Reggio Emilia-inspired programs, and faith-based centers. Additionally, the Silver Spring Cooperative Nursery School is a popular parent-participation model. Given the high demand for these specialized programs, early inquiry and waitlist registration are crucial.
Nearby Cities
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