The Best Daycare Centers in Stevenson, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Stevenson. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Stevenson
The Goddard School of Sparks
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Sparks provides a premier early childhood education program serving the Stevenson area with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social development with low student-to-teacher ratios. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. The school emphasizes character development and prepares children for elementary school success through structured yet nurturing environments.
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Celebree School of Lutherville-Timonium
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School offers a comprehensive Seven Domains of Learning curriculum that addresses cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The Lutherville-Timonium location serves families in the Stevenson area with state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and surveillance. Their team includes certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences, and provides nutritious meals and snacks. The facility features dedicated infant rooms, spacious play areas, and technology-enhanced learning environments.
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The Children's Learning Center
Independent
The Children's Learning Center provides a play-based educational approach that incorporates Montessori and Reggio Emilia influences. Serving the greater Baltimore area including Stevenson, their curriculum emphasizes individualized learning plans and developmental milestone tracking. The center features small class sizes with experienced educators holding advanced degrees in early childhood development. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness training. The facility offers natural light-filled classrooms, outdoor learning gardens, and dedicated art and music spaces that encourage creative expression and cognitive development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Stevenson, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Stevenson, MD?
In Stevenson and the surrounding Baltimore County area, daycare costs are generally above the Maryland state average due to the high demand for quality care. For an infant (under 2 years), you can expect to pay between $1,600 and $2,200 per month for a licensed center. For toddlers (2-3 years), costs typically range from $1,400 to $1,900 per month. Home-based family childcare in Stevenson is often slightly more affordable, ranging from $1,200 to $1,700 monthly. It's important to note that many facilities include meals, snacks, and curriculum materials in this cost. Financial assistance may be available through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program for eligible families.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Stevenson, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Stevenson can be significant, especially for infant spots. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, and sometimes longer for coveted programs. For an infant, parents are advised to begin touring facilities and applying as early as during pregnancy. For toddler or preschool-age enrollment (starting at age 2 or 3), you should start your search at least 4-6 months in advance. Many centers in the area have annual enrollment cycles for preschool, with applications often due in the winter for a fall start. Always ask about a center's specific waitlist policy, including any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot.
What are the key differences between Maryland-licensed childcare centers and registered family childcare homes in Stevenson?
In Stevenson, both options are regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education's Office of Child Care (MSDE OCC), but under different standards. **Licensed Centers** are facilities that care for 13 or more children. They often have multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and larger staff teams. They are subject to strict staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants). **Registered Family Child Care Homes** care for up to 8 children (with no more than 2 under 2 years old) in the provider's residence. They offer a more home-like environment, often with mixed-age groups, and can provide more flexible hours. Both types are inspected for health, safety, and compliance. Your choice depends on your preference for environment, group size, and schedule flexibility.
Are there any unique local resources or programs in Stevenson to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, the primary resource is the **Maryland EXCELS** system. This is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system for childcare programs. You can search the Maryland EXCELS website for participating programs in Stevenson (21253 zip code) and see their quality rating (Level 1 to 5). Additionally, the **Child Care Resource Network (CCRN)**, serving Baltimore County, offers free referral services. They can provide a customized list of licensed/registered providers based on your needs (hours, location, child's age). The Stevenson community itself often has active parenting groups on social media (e.g., Facebook groups for North Baltimore parents) where personal recommendations and experiences are shared.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in Stevenson, specifically regarding safety and curriculum?
During a tour in Stevenson, go beyond the basics. For **safety**, ask about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather, their secure entry/exit procedures (many centers have coded entry systems), and their staff's certification in CPR/First Aid and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) training. Observe cleanliness and ask about their sick-child policy. For **curriculum**, Stevenson centers often follow models like Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or play-based learning. Ask how they document and communicate your child's development (many use digital portfolios). Inquire about outdoor play—given Stevenson's residential setting, see if they have a secure, shaded outdoor space and how often children use it. Finally, ask about staff tenure; low turnover often indicates a positive environment.
Nearby Cities
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