The Best Daycare Centers in Warwick, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Warwick. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Warwick
Cecil County Childcare
Independent Center
Cecil County Childcare is a highly-regarded local center serving the Warwick area with comprehensive early childhood programs. They employ a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, focusing on social-emotional development and kindergarten readiness. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-teacher ratios, and secure facility access with comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum includes STEAM activities, literacy development, and outdoor learning in age-appropriate playgrounds. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, consistent communication, and the center's ability to foster children's independence and love for learning.
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The Learning Experience - Newark
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Newark serves families throughout the Warwick region with their nationally recognized early education curriculum. Their proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) incorporates phonics, mathematics, science, and moral values development. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators, advanced security systems including keypad entry and surveillance, and modern learning environments with interactive technology. Special programs include music and movement, philanthropy curriculum, and Spanish language exposure. The center maintains excellent state licensing compliance and receives consistent parent praise for their structured yet nurturing approach to early childhood development.
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Chesterbrook Academy - Bear
Chesterbrook Academy
Chesterbrook Academy in Bear provides premium early childhood education to families in the Warwick area with their research-based Links to Learning curriculum. The program emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and scientific exploration through hands-on activities. The center employs degreed early childhood educators who participate in ongoing professional development and maintain low teacher-to-student ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and dedicated art and music spaces. Parents consistently highlight the strong academic foundation, excellent teacher communication, and the center's ability to create a warm, inclusive community atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Warwick, MD
What are the typical costs for full-time infant and toddler daycare in Warwick, MD, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Warwick and the surrounding Cecil County area, full-time daycare for infants (under 2 years) typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. For toddlers (ages 2-3), costs are slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (home-based 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 can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs based on income and need. Additionally, parents working in certain sectors or attending school may qualify for specific grants through the Cecil County Office of Child Care Resource & Referral. It's highly recommended to apply for the CCS early, as processing can take time.
How do I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Warwick, MD?
All licensed childcare providers in Maryland, including those in Warwick, are regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Office of Child Care. The definitive resource for parents is the "LOCATE: Child Care" public search tool on the MSDE website. Here, you can search for providers by zip code (e.g., 21912 for Warwick) and view their current license status, capacity, ages served, and any serious compliance history or inspection reports. You can also contact the MSDE's Northeast Regional Office, which oversees Cecil County, for specific questions. Always ensure a provider displays a valid MSDE license, and don't hesitate to ask the director for their most recent inspection summary, which they are required to have available for review.
Are there many licensed in-home daycare options in Warwick, and what are the advantages for a small community like this?
Licensed family childcare homes are a popular and often more available option in smaller communities like Warwick. They offer a home-like setting with smaller group sizes, which can be appealing for young children. The advantages include potentially more flexible hours to accommodate non-traditional work schedules common in the area (like shifts at nearby manufacturing or agricultural businesses), a mixed-age setting that can be beneficial for siblings, and often a lower child-to-provider ratio than larger centers. To find licensed homes, use the MSDE LOCATE search and filter for "Family Child Care." Given the rural nature of Warwick, these providers may have shorter waitlists than centers in larger towns like Elkton, but it's still crucial to inquire early.
What should I know about daycare waitlists in Warwick, especially for infant care?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants who require more staff, waitlists are common at both centers and licensed homes in Warwick and throughout Cecil County. It's advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists 6 to 12 months before your needed start date. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be on the list, how often they update families, and if they give priority to siblings or local residents. Don't rely on just one waitlist; secure spots on multiple lists. Exploring options in nearby towns like Chesapeake City or North East can also increase your chances, but be mindful of the commute. Many Warwick providers understand the local need and may have a more community-focused enrollment process.
Are there daycare centers or programs in Warwick that offer preschool curriculum for 3- and 4-year-olds, and how do they align with Maryland's early learning standards?
Yes, several licensed daycare centers and even some family childcare homes in the Warwick area offer structured preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds. These programs are designed to align with Maryland's rigorous Early Learning Standards, which focus on domains like language and literacy, mathematics, social studies, science, and social-emotional development. Look for providers that explicitly mention a "pre-K" curriculum or use recognized frameworks like Creative Curriculum. The Maryland EXCELS program is a voluntary quality rating system; a provider with a high EXCELS rating is a strong indicator of a quality preschool environment. Additionally, you can inquire if the staff have specific credentials in early childhood education. These programs prepare children for a smooth transition into kindergarten at local schools like Chesapeake City Elementary or Bohemia Manor Elementary.