I don't know how if it meets your price point, but my infant son goes to a Kindercare in Columbia. Two of the moms from my moms' group also have kids in two other Columbia Kindercares and have nothing but good things to say.

The Howard County resource I've been pointed to most often is: http://www.co.ho.md.us/OCS/ChildSrvcs_Locate.htm

There is info on centers and home care there. Some of my friends used this to find care in Columbia.

Hope this helps!

And a Twitter friend says: "We loved La Petite Academy on Columbia 100 Parkway."

Bright Beginnings in Thunder Hill is reasonably priced and very good. I loved them.

Young School on Tamar Drive off Snowden River Pkwy. They are wonderful, loving, and top notch education is built into every activity. I could not say enough nice things.
www.youngschool.com

Back in May when I was looking at child care options in Columbia the most affordable was a day care off of Tamar Drive and Lambskin Lane.I ended up having a family friend watch my son but just thought I would tell you about that site.

Another option to consider might be an au pair program. An au pair can provide flexible childcare hours at approximately $320 per week. An au pair would live in your home and provide up to 45 hours per week of childcare and childcare related household duties.

This is a great time to apply to our program! Families who apply by May 15, 2009 will save the $350 application, and another $300 from the program costs. Families must be new to our au pair program and welcome an au pair into their home by October 23, 2009.

Our Au Pair Agency has been providing families throughout the United States with Au Pairs for their childcare needs for over 20 years. As a Childcare Coordinator for our agency, I am available to speak with you about our program, answer your questions and talk to you about the wonderful alternative our au pair program has been for families in your area.

For many dual-working and single parent families who work from home or work flexible hours at their jobs, their childcare needs fluctuate. An important part of this juggling act is finding a trustworthy caregiver who can provide flexible childcare needed in today’s family agendas. The Department of State regulates the screening process of our au pair program, offering you the peace of mind that your children are in trusted, qualified care. Au Pairs are between the ages of 18-26, are required to speak proficient English, and will live and study in the United States on a J-1 cultural exchange visa, while providing you with 45 hours of flexible childcare for $320 per week.

Hello Kate, I can certainly relate to the concern for good child care. Having raised 3 of my own and now enjoying my grandchildren. I am in the process of retiring from my primary occupation, which is property management. However, I am also a professional nanny. I have been registered with A Choice Nanny in Columbia since 2002. They have given me some wonderful nanny jobs.I am ready to branch out on my own and available. Thanks
Rosemary