The Best Daycare Centers in Tall Timbers, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Tall Timbers. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Tall Timbers
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Hollywood serves the Tall Timbers area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. All teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Parents appreciate the daily communication through the proprietary mobile app and the focus on individualized learning plans.
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Celebree School of Lexington Park
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School provides a nurturing environment with their proprietary Seven Domains of Learning curriculum that addresses cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. The school emphasizes school readiness through structured learning centers and hands-on activities. Security features include coded entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The facility offers separate playgrounds for different age groups and nutritious meals prepared on-site. Teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and hold degrees or certifications in early childhood education.
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Little Flower Montessori
Independent
Little Flower Montessori offers authentic Montessori education serving children from Toddler through Elementary ages. The school features specially designed Montessori classrooms with hands-on learning materials that promote independence and self-directed learning. Certified Montessori guides work with small groups to provide individualized instruction. The campus includes beautiful outdoor environments with gardens and nature exploration areas. The school emphasizes peace education, cultural awareness, and community building. Parents consistently praise the school's commitment to developing confident, curious learners and the strong sense of community among families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Tall Timbers, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Tall Timbers, MD, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Tall Timbers, Maryland, all childcare centers and family childcare homes must be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. For Tall Timbers specifically, you can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the free "LOCATE: Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website. It's also advisable to visit the facility in person to see the environment and ask for their current license certificate, which should be posted. Given Tall Timbers' proximity to military installations like Naval Air Station Patuxent River, some providers may also have additional accreditations or experience with military families.
How long are typical waitlists for quality daycare centers in the Tall Timbers area, and when should I start looking?
Due to Tall Timbers being a smaller community within St. Mary's County, high-quality daycare options can have limited capacity, leading to significant waitlists, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for waitlists at sought-after centers to be 6 to 12 months long. We strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. For immediate needs, be prepared to expand your search to nearby communities like Lexington Park or California, MD, and consider licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times. Contacting multiple providers and getting on several lists simultaneously increases your chances of securing a spot.
What is the average cost of full-time infant and toddler daycare in Tall Timbers, MD?
In Tall Timbers and the surrounding St. Mary's County area, daycare costs are influenced by the type of care and the child's age. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay an average of $1,200 to $1,500 per month for full-time infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,300 per month. Licensed family childcare homes often offer slightly lower rates, averaging $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are generally in line with the Southern Maryland region. We recommend inquiring about what is included in tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, curriculum) and asking about any registration or annual supply fees.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for families in Tall Timbers?
Yes, eligible families in Tall Timbers can apply for financial assistance through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, administered by the MSDE. This subsidy helps low- and moderate-income families pay for childcare at participating licensed providers. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply online through the Maryland OneStop portal. Additionally, St. Mary's County Department of Social Services can provide guidance and local resources. Some employers in the area, particularly those associated with the defense contracting sector or the naval base, may also offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which use pre-tax dollars for childcare expenses.
What are some key questions to ask during a tour of a daycare in Tall Timbers, given the local community context?
When touring a daycare in Tall Timbers, beyond standard questions, consider asking locally relevant questions: 1) **Emergency Preparedness:** What is your plan for severe weather common to the Chesapeake Bay region, like hurricanes or flooding? 2) **Staff Longevity:** What is the average tenure of your caregivers? Low turnover indicates a stable environment, which is crucial in a tight labor market. 3) **Community Connections:** Do you incorporate local resources, like trips to nearby parks or the Lexington Park Library? 4) **Flexibility for Commuters:** Many parents work at PAX River or commute to DC. What are your exact hours and policies for late pickup? 5) **Communication:** How do you keep parents informed (apps, daily sheets)? Given the area's mix of military and civilian families, ask how they support children during parental deployments or extended work travel.
Childcare Insights for Tall Timbers
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, blending practical logistics with the deep desire for a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment for your child. For parents in Tall Timbers, Maryland, the search for "top rated daycares near me" involves navigating a landscape that includes both the quiet, residential character of our community and the broader resources of St. Mary's County. The good news is that with a thoughtful approach, you can find excellent care that feels like an extension of your family.
Begin your search by looking beyond a simple online list. While platforms like the Maryland EXCELS system are invaluable—a state quality rating system where you can verify a program’s credentials and level of quality—personal connections are paramount in a close-knit area like Tall Timbers. Talk to neighbors at the community pier or at Tall Timbers Park. Local parenting groups on social media specific to St. Mary's County are treasure troves of honest, firsthand experiences. A recommendation from another family who values the same things you do can carry more weight than any brochure.
When evaluating top-rated options near Tall Timbers, consider the daily rhythm of your commute. Many highly-regarded centers and licensed home-based providers are situated in nearby Lexington Park, California, and Great Mills, serving the broader community. As you research, pay close attention to programs that emphasize outdoor play and nature exploration, a wonderful benefit of our setting near the St. Mary's River and the many wooded areas. A top-rated daycare here might have a curriculum that incorporates the local environment, teaching children about the Chesapeake Bay watershed or taking nature walks, aligning perfectly with the serene backdrop of Tall Timbers living.
Your in-person visit is non-negotiable. Schedule a time when children are actively engaged, and trust your senses. Look for clean, organized spaces filled with children’s artwork and evidence of varied play. Listen for the sound of happy, busy chatter and engaged teachers. Ask specific questions about caregiver turnover, safety protocols, and how they handle the transition for a child who might be having a difficult day. Inquire about their communication style; a top-rated provider will have a clear, open system for updating you on your child’s milestones and daily activities. Don’t forget to verify their licensing and inspection history with the Maryland State Department of Education, which is publicly available.
Finally, remember that "top-rated" must ultimately mean top-rated for your unique child and family. The perfect fit is a place where your child feels secure and curious, and where you feel a genuine partnership with the caregivers. It’s about finding a place that understands the community values of Tall Timbers—where a sense of neighborhood and connection is woven into the fabric of daily care. With patience and these local considerations in mind, you can find a wonderful daycare that supports your child’s growth and gives you priceless peace of mind.