The Best Daycare Centers in Worton, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Worton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Worton
KinderCare at Chestertown
KinderCare Education
KinderCare at Chestertown offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with research-based curriculum including phonics, math, science, and social skills development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. The center serves Worton families with flexible scheduling options and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Their curriculum focuses on developing social-emotional skills, cognitive development, and school readiness through hands-on learning experiences.
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The Goddard School of Chestertown
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Chestertown provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. The center features state-certified teachers with ongoing professional development, secure facility with keypad entry, and modern classrooms with interactive technology. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, yoga instruction, and STEAM activities. The school maintains strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, serving Worton families with comprehensive early childhood education programs and extended care options.
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Rock Hall Early Learning Center
Independent Non-Profit
Rock Hall Early Learning Center is a licensed non-profit childcare center serving Kent County families including Worton. The center offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math readiness, and social skills through creative play and structured activities. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios ensuring personalized attention. The facility features secure environments, nutritious meal programs, and outdoor learning spaces. The center is known for its strong community involvement, inclusive environment, and commitment to providing affordable, high-quality early childhood education to families throughout the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Worton, MD
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Worton, MD?
In Worton and the surrounding Kent County area, parents typically have three main licensed options. First, there are licensed family childcare providers, often run out of a caregiver's home, which can offer a smaller, home-like setting and may have more flexible hours. Second, there are childcare centers, which are larger facilities; in Worton, these may be limited, so many families look at centers in nearby Chestertown or Rock Hall. Third, there are nursery schools or preschool programs, often part of churches or community organizations, which may offer part-day programs focused on early education. All licensed providers in Maryland must be regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Office of Child Care, which ensures they meet health, safety, and staff qualification standards. Due to Worton's more rural setting, family childcare homes are a particularly common and vital resource.
How much does full-time childcare typically cost in Worton, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
Childcare costs in Worton and Kent County are generally lower than in Maryland's urban corridors, but they still represent a significant household expense. For a full-time slot in a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $150 to $225 per week for an infant/toddler. A spot in a childcare center in the broader area may range from $200 to $300 per week. Costs vary based on the child's age, the program's hours, and included services like meals. For financial assistance, Maryland's Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program is the primary resource, helping eligible families based on income and work/school requirements. Additionally, the Judy Center Partnership at Garnet Elementary School in Chestertown (serving Kent County) can help connect families with early childhood resources and support, including navigation of subsidy programs.
Are waitlists common for daycare in Worton, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infants and toddlers, due to limited provider capacity in this rural area. High-quality licensed providers, both family homes and centers, often have limited slots and can fill up months in advance. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date. For part-time preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds, registration often opens in the winter or early spring for a fall start. Being proactive, touring multiple options, and getting on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee) is a standard strategy for Worton families. Don't hesitate to check in with providers on the waitlist periodically.
What are the state licensing requirements for childcare staff in Maryland that I should look for in a Worton provider?
Maryland has specific staff-to-child ratios and qualification requirements to ensure safety and quality. For example, in a family childcare home for young children, one caregiver can care for up to eight children, with no more than two under the age of two. All lead teachers in licensed centers and family providers must have a minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent college credits in early childhood education. Providers and staff must also pass background checks, complete CPR/first-aid training, and engage in ongoing professional development. When evaluating a provider in Worton, you can ask about these credentials and also verify their license status and any compliance history online through the MSDE Office of Child Care's public search tool.
Beyond basic care, what kind of early learning curriculum or activities should I expect from daycare programs in the Worton area?
Licensed programs in Maryland are required to use a state-approved curriculum that aligns with Maryland's Early Learning Standards. In Worton, you can expect reputable providers to incorporate structured play and activities that develop social-emotional skills, early literacy (like storytime and letter recognition), basic math concepts, and motor skills. Many local providers also integrate activities that reflect the community's setting, such as nature exploration, gardening, or lessons about the Chesapeake Bay. For preschool-aged children, look for programs that prepare them for kindergarten in Kent County Public Schools, focusing on following routines, group interaction, and foundational academic skills. Don't hesitate to ask a provider for a sample daily schedule and how they track a child's developmental progress.