The Best Daycare Centers in Wingate, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Wingate. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Wingate
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 learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development. Features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, live streaming cameras for parent viewing, and modern facilities with age-appropriate learning centers. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals. Their play-based approach emphasizes hands-on learning and individualized development tracking.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Center of Salisbury
Independent
The Learning Center of Salisbury provides comprehensive childcare with a strong emphasis on early childhood development and school readiness. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum with focus on language development, cognitive skills, and social interaction. Features highly qualified staff with CPR/First Aid certification, secure facility with controlled access, large outdoor play areas, and structured learning environments. The center offers age-appropriate activities including music, art, and physical education. Parents praise the center's communication, clean facilities, and nurturing environment that promotes both academic and social growth.
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Hebron Children's Center
Independent
Hebron Children's Center serves families throughout Wicomico County with a comprehensive childcare program that emphasizes both education and character development. Their curriculum focuses on hands-on learning experiences, literacy development, and social skills. Features experienced teaching staff with ongoing professional development, secure facility with surveillance systems, nutritious meal program, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. The center is known for its family-like atmosphere and strong community connections. They offer flexible scheduling and maintain excellent staff retention rates, providing consistency for children's development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Wingate, MD
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Wingate, MD?
In Wingate and the surrounding Somerset County area, full-time daycare for infants and toddlers typically ranges from $150 to $225 per week. This is generally lower than the state average due to the rural nature of the region. Costs can vary based on the type of provider; licensed family childcare homes often fall on the lower end of this range, while center-based programs may be slightly higher. It's important to note that due to limited options, some parents may need to consider providers in nearby towns like Princess Anne or Crisfield, which could involve additional travel costs. We recommend contacting providers directly for the most current rates and inquiring about any available subsidies through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship program.
How can I verify if a daycare or childcare provider in Wingate is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Wingate, MD, are regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care. You can verify a provider's license and review their inspection history online through the MSDE's "Check Child Care" portal on their official website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or license number and view details such as their license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any cited compliance issues from their last several inspections. For local assistance, you can also contact the MSDE's regional licensing office that oversees the Eastern Shore. Always choose a licensed provider to ensure they meet state standards for health, safety, and staff qualifications.
Are there any unique childcare programs in Wingate that cater to families involved in the local fishing or agriculture industries, which may have non-traditional hours?
Given Wingate's location on the Chesapeake Bay and within an agricultural region, finding childcare for shift work or early/late hours can be a challenge. While there are no dedicated 24-hour centers in Wingate itself, some licensed family childcare providers in the area may offer flexible or extended hours to accommodate families in these vital industries. Your best strategy is to network within the community—local churches, the Somerset County Health Department, and waterfront businesses may have referrals for providers who understand these scheduling needs. Additionally, exploring in-home nanny shares with other families in similar situations could be a practical solution. It's advisable to start your search well in advance due to limited availability.
What is the current waitlist situation for daycare centers and preschools in Wingate, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to the limited number of childcare facilities in Wingate and Somerset County, waitlists are common, especially for infant care and popular preschool programs. It is not unusual for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long. For infants, we recommend contacting providers as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool spots, applying at least 4-6 months before your desired start date is prudent. Be sure to ask specific questions when you call: if there's a fee to be on the waitlist, how often the list is updated, and if they offer priority to siblings or local residents. Exploring multiple options, including family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times, is highly recommended.
What resources are available in Wingate to help me find and evaluate local childcare options?
The primary local resource for finding childcare is the Maryland Family Network's "LOCATE: Child Care" service, which is a free referral line (1-877-261-0060) and online search tool. They can provide a customized list of licensed providers in Wingate and Somerset County based on your specific needs. For hands-on assistance, you can contact the Judy Center Partnership in Princess Anne (serving Somerset County), which helps families with young children access early childhood services. Additionally, connecting with other parents through local Facebook community groups for Somerset County or asking for recommendations at the Wingate United Methodist Church or the Somerset County Library can yield valuable, community-vetted insights into available care.