I love my day care which is in the Parkville area. I'd be more than happy to share the infromation with Debra if she is in that area and would like to check them out.

An in-home daycare in Rodgers Forge has openings for kids 12 months and older. Go to www.forgeflyer.com and click on the "All About Kids" link in the left column.

How do i get the information to start a family day care in the Baltimore, Md.
Will be coming to the area in the next two months.

((From Kate Shatzkin: The Maryland Committee for Children site above also has information for child care providers, including links to state regulations, etc. I'd start there.))

Christine - I'd love to hear your recommendation for daycare in the Parkville area.

It's Parkville Nazarene Christian Daycare. Their classes start at age 2. There are classes for 2's, 3's and 4's with before and afterschool care for kids ages 5+. They open at 6:30am and close at 6:00pm. My son started at 2 and a half and has learned so much there. He can count well into the 40's without help, knows his ABC's to say and read, can spell his name, knows simple songs, etc. They do crafts everyday, phonics activities, read, etc. The best part is they have an indoor gym for wintertime running around as well as two separate playgrounds outside when it is nice. That way the kids under 5 and the kids over 5 are never on the playground together where a little guy could get hurt playing with the big kids. They also have chapel time and learned simple prayers for saying blessings over their meals, and other good values.

I'm actually in Catonsville... unfortunately not close to Parkville. I think we'll end up looking in Columbia, since that is where my husband works. The options also look better there, but not necessarily the price. I'd love to keep up this discussion. One of our big questions is day care center vs. home day care. I'm wondering if anyone has any opinions they'd like to share. I have only the one child and zero experience with all the options. Thanks!

My son is in the center (Parkville Nazarene Christian) and my daughter is still at home with my mom because she is not 2 yet. We actually had my son home with my mom until he was 2 and a half and we realized he was ready, and needed, to go to the center and learn how to learn and learn how to play with others. Since it is set up more like a classroom and he has a set schedule with rules to be followed, he is a step ahead for real school at age 5. Honestly, you have to decide what's best for you, your child and your family. I will say that my best friend is a pre-k teacher and she has told me numerous times that she can always tell which kids had a daycare school/center expereince and which ones are on their first venture from home. She has to spend almost the first month of school (or more) getting those children up to where the others are just on follwoing simple rules like lining up to go to the playground, or rotating to a new activity center in the classroom and even sharing for some of the children with no siblings....I have every intention of starting my daughter at the center when she is 2 and half. The benfits have been so great that it has been worth every penny we've spent.

I am on the Board of Downtown Baltimore Child Care (DBCC). While I never had children there, I am intimately familiar with day care situations through my grandchildren (in California). Having seen excellence there, I know that DBCC is superb. It is warm, nurturing and an ideal natural education situation. Here children grow emotionally and "academically" the way children were meant to learn - through play, observation and encouragement - building on their individual strengths and interests.

Hello, I actually live the Randallstown area. I am a certified and licensed daycare provider. My program is educational & fun. I too believe that childern learn thru play and ecouragement. My home is fun loving, bright, warm and I love to nurture.

I have 2 infant slots available and would love to talk to any mom that's looking for care.

Does anyone have any recommendations on excellent and inexpensive day care facilities or home day care providers in Columbia? I am currently expecting my first child and I am interested in narrowing down my choices of providers. However, in Columbia, I have noticed that the price options are extremely high. Any help or insight would be extremely helpful.

I would like the contact info for Moni in Randallstown.
Thanks.