The Best Daycare Centers in Willards, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Willards. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Willards
The Goddard School of Salisbury
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Salisbury offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers implement play-based learning through structured curriculum including STEAM activities, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents about their child's progress and activities.
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Kiddie Academy of Salisbury
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Salisbury provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, mathematics, and science. The academy features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds. Their certified teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. The center emphasizes health and safety protocols including strict cleaning procedures and nutritionally balanced meals. Parents appreciate the consistent communication and developmentally appropriate activities.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Salisbury
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Learning Center at Salisbury offers nationally accredited early childhood education with research-based curriculum that addresses all developmental domains. Their experienced teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-specific learning environments, and large outdoor play spaces. Their comprehensive approach includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on math and science activities, and social skills development. The center maintains excellent safety records and provides detailed daily reports to parents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Willards, MD
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Willards, Maryland, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Willards, Maryland, all childcare providers caring for children unrelated to them must be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. This includes family childcare homes (smaller, in-home settings) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a provider's license and view any past compliance reports, you can use the free, public MSDE "Check Child Care" search tool on their website. Simply entering the provider's name or zip code (21857 for Willards) will show their current license status, capacity, and any cited violations. It's the most important first step in your search.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Willards, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Willards and greater Wicomico County area, costs can vary significantly. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $180 to $250 per week for full-time infant care. Family childcare homes may be slightly less, ranging from $150 to $200 per week. These rates are generally lower than in major Maryland metros but are a significant household expense. For financial assistance, Maryland's Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on income, work/school attendance, and the chosen provider must be a participating MSDE-licensed program. You apply through the Maryland Family Network website. Additionally, local organizations like the Judy Center Partnership in nearby Salisbury may offer resources and referrals.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Willards area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Given that Willards is a smaller, rural community, the number of licensed centers is limited. Popular providers, especially those with strong reputations or offering infant care, often have waitlists that can range from 3 to 9 months, or even longer. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: your position on the list, if a deposit is required to hold a spot (and if it's refundable), and how often they update families. Also, expand your search to include licensed family childcare homes in the 21857 zip code, as they may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller setting.
Are there any unique childcare options in Willards that cater to families with non-traditional or agricultural work schedules?
Yes, this is a key consideration in Willards' agricultural community. Traditional center hours (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM) may not suffice for farm or shift work. Your best bet is to seek out licensed family childcare providers who may offer more flexible or extended hours, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekend care. Some providers explicitly advertise this flexibility. When searching on the MSDE database or calling providers, be upfront about your needed hours. Another option is to explore "drop-in" or occasional care networks, though these are less common in immediate Willards. Networking with other local families through community boards or social media groups can often lead to recommendations for providers who understand the area's seasonal and demanding work schedules.
What resources are available in Willards or Wicomico County to help me evaluate and choose the right daycare for my child?
Beyond online licensing checks, a valuable local resource is the **Maryland Family Network's LOCATE: Child Care** service. This is a free referral service that can provide you with a customized list of licensed providers in the Willards/Wicomico area based on your specific needs (age of child, hours, location). You can call them or use their online search. Additionally, schedule in-person tours and observations at any potential daycare. Prepare a list of questions about their daily routine, discipline philosophy, staff turnover, sick policies, and outdoor play opportunities. Trust your instincts about the environment and how staff interact with children. For local insights, consider asking for parent references from the provider and connecting with other parents at community spots like the Willards Volunteer Fire Company events or the nearby Salisbury-area parent groups.