4701 N. Charles Street, 21210; 410-532-5399
A Child’s Place International Early Childhood Programs is located in LeClerc Hall on the campus of the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. The nursery school and non-public kindergarten is open to the public and serves children 3–6 years old; however, preference is given to children of employees and students. The school maintains a diverse setting with enrolled children from the United States, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Central and South America. The school’s curriculum embraces self, family, community, earth, and the universe through daily schedules that include dramatic play, English language arts, science, social studies, and more. Enrichment activities include art and music instruction, computer skills, and Spanish as a foreign language. Snacks are provided by the school, while parents provide their child’s lunch. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
309 N. Charles Street, 21201; 410-230-0758
Operating in the heart of Baltimore’s business district, the Charles Plaza Child Care & Development center offers full-time, year-round care for children 2–5 years old. The center offers a full academic program for kindergarten readiness, which includes pre-reading, math, science, Spanish, and gymnastics. The children also attend field trips to many nearby locations, such as the Peabody Institute, Walters Art Gallery, Enoch Pratt Free Library, and the Maryland Historical Society. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided. Free drop off and pickup parking and convenient curbside service are available. Parents may also choose hourly, half- or full-day services. Hours of operation are 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
31 Hopkins Plaza, 21201; 877-624-2602
Childtime Learning Centers is a nationwide child care program with a network of more than 275 NAEYC-accredited centers. Located in the Fallon building across the street from the 1st Mariner Arena, the newly renovated Baltimore center accepts children 6 weeks to 5 years old into their year-round program. Classrooms are grouped by age. The centers’ early childhood curriculum is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to early learning, and the principals follow the guidelines set forth by national accrediting associations. Children are given the guidance and freedom to build their own knowledge base in ways meaningful to them and have access to a variety of hands-on, sensory-oriented activities to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. The center offers both an indoor gym and outdoor playground and provides a healthy lunch and two snacks daily. During the summer months, children are greeted each week by a special visitor, such as a musician. Hours of operation are 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
One Education Street Cambridge, MA 02141; 410-599-3346
Cultural Care Au Pair offers families live-in childcare. Your au pair lives with you as a member of the family and cares for your children. Cultural Care Au Pair is a large au pair organization and has been placing au pairs in homes since 1989. The program is regulated by the United States state department, and the organization works with families and au pairs to ensure compatible relationships. Cultural Care Au Pair provides local support in cities across the US.
806 Park Avenue, 21201; 410-669-1010
237 N. Arch Street, 21201; 410-659-0515
Downtown Baltimore Child Care owns and operates two full-day group child care centers. The Park Avenue center is located in the Mount Vernon cultural district and serves children 18 months to 5 years old. The university center is on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and serves children 4 months to 5 years old. DBCC’s NAEYC-accredited Park Avenue location received a Best of Baltimore award from Baltimore City Paper in 2008 and from Baltimore Magazine in 2003. The centers’ curriculum includes music, movement, art, literature, language, math, and science. Each season, parents will receive DBCC News, a newsletter featuring staff-written articles, student art, student quotes, a Q&A, and current happenings. Both locations offer a nutritious breakfast, snacks, and milk is offered with a parent-provided lunch. Although both part- and full-time spaces are available, the part-time slots are limited. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
98 N. Broadway, 21231; 410-614-4111
The Johns Hopkins Child Care and Early Learning Center is part of the Bright Horizons chain of employer-sponsored child care centers for corporations, hospitals, universities, and government agencies. The Johns Hopkins center is designed to serve the children of full-time employees, full-time students, house staff, and fellows of the University and the Johns Hopkins Hospital/Health System. The center is open to children 6 weeks to 5 years old for full-time year-round care, and the center structures the classrooms by age to emphasize a developmentally appropriate curriculum based on The Creative Curriculum for preschool. Back-up care is also available to pre-registered children on a space-available basis. Prospective parents may choose to tour the facilities. Financial assistance is available through vouchers and scholarships. Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
875 N. Howard Street, 21201; 410-462-5319
Quality Care Daycare operates three locations in Baltimore, one of which is located downtown in the Mount Vernon neighborhood. The center enrolls children from 6 months to 2 years old in their infant and preschool programs, providing age-appropriate learning activities that include reading, phonics, math, social studies, science, music, and Spanish, in addition to traditional preschool activities, such as show and tell. Sign language instruction is also available. For parents who work night shifts or want to enjoy an evening out, the center offers convenient night and drop-in care. Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
1633 E. Lombard Street, 21231; 410-327-3795
The Vera Shank Child Care Center is owned by the local Lumbee tribe and located at the Baltimore American Indian Center in Fell’s Point. As part of its services to the community at large, the center offers full day, year-round care for children 6 weeks to 5 years old, promoting total growth of each child’s emotional, social, physical and intellectual development. The program offers a theme-based preschool curriculum that celebrates the seasons and holidays, and teaches Native American values and ideals by incorporating storytelling and native music and dance. Every year, children participate in a powwow at the Timonium Fairgrounds, and each month the older children attend a field trip. The center also offers multiple outings during their summer program, making frequent visits to the City Springs and Patterson Park pools and participating in multiple activities that include bowling, roller skating, movie days, and lunch at a local park. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included. Each classroom is video equipped for password-protected parent viewing. Hours of operation are 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m.