The Best Daycare Centers in Tracys Landing, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Tracys Landing. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Tracys Landing
The Goddard School of Owings
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Owings offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and implemented by qualified teachers with degrees in education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They emphasize STEAM learning, character development, and individualized attention with low student-teacher ratios. The school maintains rigorous health and safety protocols, including thorough cleaning procedures and secure parent check-in systems.
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Kiddie Academy of Edgewater
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Edgewater provides the Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development and social skills. Their program includes technology integration, foreign language exposure, and hands-on learning activities. The center features modern security systems, including coded entry and surveillance cameras, along with nutritious meal programs. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and many hold advanced degrees in early childhood education. The academy emphasizes community involvement and regular parent communication through digital daily reports and progress updates. Their facility includes dedicated playgrounds for different age groups and spacious, well-equipped classrooms.
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Deale Elementary Before & After School Program
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Operated by Anne Arundel County Public Schools, this program provides high-quality before and after school care with a strong educational focus. The program features homework assistance, enrichment activities, and recreational programming in a school-based environment. Certified teachers and qualified staff implement structured activities that complement the school day curriculum while allowing for choice and free play. The program maintains excellent safety standards with secure facilities and strict pick-up procedures. They offer flexible scheduling options and serve children from kindergarten through fifth grade. The summer camp program includes field trips, special guests, and themed learning weeks that keep children engaged and learning throughout the summer months.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Tracys Landing, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Tracys Landing, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Tracys Landing and the surrounding southern Anne Arundel County area, full-time daycare for an infant can range from approximately $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while toddler and preschool programs typically cost between $1,100 and $1,500 per month. These costs are influenced by the type of facility (in-home vs. center-based) and the specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Maryland's Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program is the primary resource for eligible families, which is administered through the Maryland State Department of Education. Additionally, parents working in Anne Arundel County can inquire about potential employer-sponsored dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs). It's also advisable to contact individual providers, as some may offer sibling discounts or have limited scholarship funds.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a childcare provider in Tracys Landing?
All licensed childcare providers in Maryland, including those in Tracys Landing, are regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education's Office of Child Care (OCC). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history by using the free, public "LOCATE: Child Care" search tool on the MSDE website. This tool allows you to search by provider name, location, or zip code (20779 for Tracys Landing) and view detailed reports including license status, capacity, ages served, and any cited violations from recent inspections. For registered family childcare homes, which are common in more residential areas like Tracys Landing, this is the definitive source for ensuring they are operating legally and meeting state health, safety, and educational standards.
Given Tracys Landing's more rural setting, what types of childcare options are most commonly available, and are waitlists a significant issue?
Tracys Landing, being a smaller, waterfront community, has a mix of options, with licensed family childcare homes being the most prevalent type due to the residential nature of the area. These in-home settings often provide care for smaller, multi-age groups. There are also several licensed childcare centers and preschools in nearby towns like Deale, Shady Side, and Edgewater, which many Tracys Landing families utilize. For infant care and spots in highly regarded programs, waitlists of 6 to 12 months are not uncommon, so it's strongly recommended to begin your search during pregnancy. Networking through local community groups, such as the "Southern Anne Arundel County Moms" Facebook page, can provide leads on lesser-known home providers with immediate openings.
What should I look for in a daycare provider regarding preparedness for local weather and environmental factors, such as storms or beach safety?
This is a crucial consideration for the Tracys Landing area, which is prone to coastal weather, including severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, and flooding. A quality provider should have a clear, written emergency plan that includes procedures for shelter-in-place, evacuation routes (especially important given the limited roadways on the peninsula), and communication with parents during power outages. Inquire about their backup power sources for sump pumps or critical equipment. If the provider incorporates outdoor play near the water, ask about their water safety protocols, fencing, and direct supervision policies. Providers should also be knowledgeable about local emergency alerts and have plans for managing high heat and humidity in the summer. Don't hesitate to ask for a walk-through of their emergency supplies.
Are there daycare providers in the area that offer flexible or non-traditional hours to accommodate parents with shift work or long commutes from Tracys Landing?
Finding flexible hours can be a challenge, as most traditional centers and many home providers in the area operate on a standard 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. However, due to Tracys Landing's location and the presence of parents working at nearby military installations, hospitals, or in hospitality, some licensed family childcare homes may offer early morning (starting at 5:30 AM) or occasional evening/weekend care. Your best strategy is to be upfront about your schedule needs when interviewing providers. Using the LOCATE: Child Care search, you can filter for providers who list "non-traditional hours" as a service. Expanding your search to include providers in neighboring Deale or Shady Side might yield more options, and considering a nanny share with another local family could provide the ultimate in schedule flexibility.