The Best Daycare Centers in Stockton, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Stockton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Stockton
Bright Horizons at Atlantic General Hospital
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
This NAEYC-accredited center offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and developmental milestones. The facility features state-of-the-art security systems, highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, and a STEM-focused learning environment. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provides nutritious meals prepared on-site. Parents consistently praise the professional staff, clean facilities, and strong communication about child progress.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Salisbury
KinderCare Education
This nationally accredited center provides a research-based curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. Features include secure keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The center employs certified early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices across all age groups. Their curriculum includes phonics-based literacy, math concepts, science exploration, and creative arts. The facility offers spacious indoor and outdoor play areas, and parents appreciate the detailed daily reports and parent-teacher conferences that track developmental progress.
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The Goddard School of Berlin
Goddard Systems, Inc.
This FLEX Learning Program center combines academic learning with play-based exploration in a secure, nurturing environment. The school features low student-to-teacher ratios, degreed lead teachers, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure entry systems. Their STEAM-focused curriculum promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity through hands-on activities. The facility includes age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and dedicated art and music spaces. Parents consistently highlight the school's excellent communication, engaging learning activities, and the professional development of teaching staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Stockton, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Stockton, MD, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Stockton, Maryland, all childcare providers caring for children from families other than their own 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 state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the free, searchable "LOCATE: Child Care" public database on the MSDE website. You can search by provider name, location (including zip codes for the Stockton area, like 21864), or license number. It's crucial to check for any serious compliance issues or conditional licenses noted in their inspection history.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Stockton, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Stockton and broader Worcester County area, childcare costs can vary. For a licensed childcare center, full-time care for an infant typically ranges from $180 to $250 per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, it may be slightly lower, around $160 to $220 per week. Family childcare homes often offer more competitive rates. To help with these costs, Maryland offers the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance. You can apply through the Maryland Department of Human Services. Additionally, the Judy Center Partnership in Worcester County (though not directly in Stockton) may offer resources and support for early childhood education and care for families with young children.
Are there any nature-based or outdoor-focused childcare programs available near Stockton, MD?
Given Stockton's rural setting near the Pocomoke River State Forest and the Chesapeake Bay, some providers incorporate outdoor learning. While dedicated, licensed "forest schools" are less common, many home-based providers and centers in the area prioritize outdoor play and exploration due to the natural environment. When touring facilities, ask about their daily outdoor time, if they have nature-based curriculum elements, and the safety and features of their outdoor play spaces. You might also find providers who take children on local outings to parks or nature trails. Checking with the Worcester County Family Support Services or local parenting groups on social media can help identify providers known for their outdoor emphasis.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Stockton area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
In a smaller, more rural community like Stockton, waitlists can be unpredictable but are often significant for infant care due to limited slots and strict staff-to-child ratios. It's not uncommon for popular centers or highly-regarded family providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To improve your chances, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee. Follow up politely every few months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Snow Hill, Pocomoke City, or Berlin, and be flexible on your start date if possible.
What resources are available in Stockton, MD, to help me find and evaluate quality childcare options?
Your primary local resource is the **Worcester County Child Care Resource Center**, which is part of the Maryland Family Network. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in Stockton and surrounding areas. You can contact them by phone or online. They can help you understand quality indicators and may offer guidance on the Child Care Scholarship program. Additionally, you can use the state's **LOCATE: Child Care** tool to search and compare providers. For community insights, consider joining local Facebook groups like "Worcester County Moms" or "Eastern Shore Parents" to get personal recommendations and experiences from other families in the area. Always schedule in-person tours to observe the environment and ask questions directly.