We highly recommend this nursery school. All 3 of our kids went here and we can't say enough about…read morehow fantastic the teacher/staff are. We truly felt like part of their extended family. The kids get plenty of time to play and develop basic social skills without screens and were more than prepared for kindergarten. We also like the flexibility their summer program offers too. Definitely pay them a visit.

Our eldest came to this school from a Montessori school that he truly did not like because of his…read moreclassroom size, how regimented it was, etc. After his first day at the school he fell in love with it. He likes being dropped off and picked up right at his classroom door, reassured that I know where his classroom is. Every class day, he gets to be creative with arts and crafts, sing and dance to music, get some play time outside, learn some Spanish, learn his numbers, letters, days of the week, holidays, etc. have snack time with his friends, and lifelong lessons all in a tight-knit, smaller classroom size school. He was able to celebrate holidays they way they should be. Giving out Valentine's cards, coloring hard boiled eggs for Easter...Not like at the Montessori school which didn't allow it all for children of his age. Tucked away in a family oriented neighborhood with the city's police right down the street, I have peace of mind and happiness sending our son to this school. The most important thing about this school is that it makes our son happy, which matters most.

We've had the best experience at Crofton Nursery School! The teachers are warm and engaging, and my…read moredaughter absolutely loves going to school. I love that it is a co-op preschool which means I get to volunteer in the classroom and be a part of her first school experience. It's been great to get to know the other parents and I really enjoy being part of the CNS community. If you are looking for a part time preschool, I highly recommend Crofton Nursery School!

Crofton Nursery School was my choice to send my son to for their 3 year old preschool class. I…read morecouldn't have made a better choice. Not just because of small class size, personal feel, or community vibe that I wanted for preschool. But it ended up being so much more! You get to meet alot of other parents and families and get to interact with teachers and the other kids. Being a working parent is great, you get to see what your kid is doing in school and how much they like it, but it's also a security to know there is always another parents eyes in the classroom. The 3 class is a great transition into school. Even if one kid needs hugs during class, that's your job. It's great to know the toddlers get the one on one that they need until they settle. Also is a good structure to enforce potty training, lots of potty breaks for those who need to be prompted. Already put a deposit down for next fall! Couldn't have hoped for more in a personal feel for a preschool.

I cannot recommend The Young School of Waugh Chapel after our family's experience with repeated…read morephysical incidents involving our preschool-aged son and what we believe was an inadequate response to an ongoing pattern. On July 27, our son came home with scratches on his face, hand and leg. We reported the incident and later continued observing repeated unwanted interactions involving the same classmate. On August 14, I personally watched the classroom camera and saw the child repeatedly approach and hit my son while the teachers were occupied organizing the children. Later that day, my husband and I personally witnessed the same child approach our son, kick his water bottle and step/stomp on his foot after our son clearly said, "Stop, this is mine." On August 17, we sent school leadership a detailed written message documenting the pattern. We specifically requested that the children be separated as reasonably possible, that their interactions be consistently supervised, that staff intervene immediately when our son asked for space, and that future incidents be documented and communicated to us. We made it clear that we did not want to wait for another injury before stronger protective measures were implemented. Despite that written notice, we later observed another incident during teacher-led story time in which the same child poked our son in the eye. This was especially disturbing because it happened while the children were seated directly in front of a teacher. We understand that preschool-aged children are still developing self-control and learning how to interact with others. Our concern is not that a young child made one mistake. Our concern is that there was a repeated pattern, the school received clear written notice, specific safeguards were requested, and another physical incident still occurred. Our son repeatedly told us that the child would not leave him alone and that he did not want to be around him. We appreciate the teachers who showed our son kindness and contributed to his learning. However, after these repeated incidents, we lost confidence in the school's ability to keep him physically and emotionally safe and made the painful decision to withdraw him. I strongly encourage parents considering this school to ask detailed questions about classroom supervision, how repeated peer aggression is handled, whether safety plans are actually implemented, and how incidents are documented and communicated to families. Based on our firsthand experience, I cannot entrust this school with my child's care or recommend it to another family.

Our child has been enrolled at the Young School for approximately 6 months. We did a lot of…read moreresearch prior to selecting a childcare as we are first time parents and wanted to ensure that any childcare facility that we enrolled our child in would be nurturing, safe, appropriate, and always have our child's best interest at heart even when we as parents are not there. From the first day, we were welcomed by all teachers and staff. Our child struggled with sleeping in this new environment and being away from us. We were comforted by being able to through the live camera how attentive the teachers were to his needs. They held him when necessary, sang to him and comforted him until he got acclimated with the environment. Our child looks forward to going to school, learning new skills/things, playing with friends and being nurturing by his teachers.

My two kids went to Crofton Children's Center. It's truly fabulous. They create a loving…read moreenvironment. It subscribes to the "play as learning" pedagogy, which after researching it, agree with. Lots of literature supports it. Unlike other pre-schools which are like boot camps, this is about building confidence and developing their brains - not rote instruction that doesn't promote long term brain development. I can't say enough good about this place.

My son has just started his second year here. The play as learning pedagogy is just great. All the…read moreteachers we have had have been first rate and very caring, kind people. There is a lot of emphasis on free play outside on the playground. We had a decent experience at Kindercare in Gambrills when we first came to town, but when we were able to switch to Crofton Children's Center, my son really started to flourish. I've seen this with several kids who came in a little shy.... they get such lovely TLC here that they just blossom. I couldn't recommend CCC more highly. I looked at all the available daycare/preschool options when we first moved to the area and am glad we went through the wait list process and held out for the placement here. It really feels like the very best possible preschool for us.

The CUMCDC is by far the best child care center we have ever used. In addition to child care, the…read moreentire center focuses on development, education, responsibility building. The diverse activities the center offers brings out the creativity of the kids. Throughout the year, parents and families are invited to meet for lunches and dinners where the kids showcase their art work, classroom activities and perform skits. We love this place due to the wonderful teachers and director Stephanie Marrone. The only issue we have is the Board of Directors. They are part of the Church and constantly micro managing the center. Most, if not all, on the board do not have children in the center and often seem more concerned with the bottom line rather than investing in the center. I would love to see them all replaced with a group of parents and parish members who recognize how the center is truly a special place for the development of our next generation.

My youngest has been going here for almost a year. He had a rough few weeks transitioning from a…read morefamily provider to a center, but the staff really helped him and were patient until he acclimated. They do a lot of cool crafts and get them outside every day. The place is very clean and I like the staff. They are very friendly, caring, and genuine. My older son went to before care last year and was happy there as well. The little ones go to chapel once per week and my son sometimes comes home with questions or bible stories, but they aren't pushing religion on him at all. I was concerned about a religious center because I'm not Christian. It's working out well for our family and I think the values of the church offer good lessons. They offer a lot of community activities as well, movie nights, BBQs, pool party, etc. It's a nice invitation to the community. I would definitely recommend this place. The only drawback is that they don't have much electronic communication. We don't get pictures like some other centers and the schedules are only on paper. I don't get anything via email unless they change directors or something big.

Absolutely amazing daycare and school program! Everyone here is truly deserving of five stars. Both…read moreof my little ones attend and absolutely love it. It means so much as a parent to know that your children are somewhere they feel happy, comfortable, and excited to go each day. The staff is incredibly patient, kind, friendly, and genuinely cares about the children. The owner has done an amazing job creating an environment that is not only safe and welcoming, but also educational and nurturing. Words truly can't express how grateful I am for everyone there and the care they give my children. If you're looking for a place where you can feel comfortable and confident leaving your child, this is absolutely the place to be. We are so thankful we found them!

Goddard Gambrills is more than just a childcare provider--it's family. The teachers there have…read moretruly been like aunties to my daughter. She started when she was just 2 years old, and as an only child, she has flourished in ways I never imagined within just one year. The facility is super clean. Cleanliness is so important for preschoolers, and Goddard takes it seriously. But it's not just the space that's clean--the staff are cheerful, professional, and genuinely happy. And happy caregivers mean happy children. If you're a parent who sometimes struggles with "mom guilt" like I do, you'll appreciate that Goddard provides a real breakfast. Not just a snack, but a hearty morning meal. It takes the pressure off when mornings don't go as planned and you missed breakfast that morning. Goddard is not a daycare--it's a preschool. I didn't fully understand the difference until my daughter started here. The teachers are amazing, the leadership team is respectful and professional, and the owner is warm, approachable, and lovely to speak with. When I moved to the area, I toured more than a dozen childcare facilities, and while many were just "facilities," none came close to the level of care, professionalism, and joy at Goddard Gambrills. If you are blessed to get a spot here, consider yourself blessed. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out: londonlady0505@gmail.com.

We have been *beyond* pleased with Guidepost Montessori! The staff are all loving and welcoming,…read moreand we feel our daughter is safe in their care. On the occasional morning when our toddler decides she does NOT want to go to school that day, I can usually hear her tears turn to laughter before I even leave the building. Separation anxiety is normal in small children, and the guides at Guidepost know what they're doing! We enjoy their frequent, clear communication as well as their hours, campus equipment, and the various specialty activities that they offer such as a yearly Saturday pool party or pajama days. If you're in the market for a daycare or preschool that will teach your child(ren) REAL life skills such as cleaning up after themselves as well as subjects such as math, science, and reading, Guidepost is the school for you.

Being in the military, we have moved around a lot and have experienced many different childcare…read morecenters. Guidepost BY FAR has been the best experience. I had 2 children enrolled for the past 2 years and have been blessed to interact with all the staff in the different programs from Nido to Childrens House. They are all absolutely wonderful, especially the Director Caroline and the Assistant Director Liza. Staff go out of their way to assist with difficult transitions and they even show up to birthday parties when invited! I was a sceptic of the Montessori based curriculum but after seeing my kids make huge progress, love learning and teaching us things they learned, and really THRIVE, I am an avid believer. This place is more than a childcare center, this is an extension of family/friends that I truly trust to care for my children. It has been an amazing experience.

You have to pay to get on a wait list. No guarantees you'll have a spot by the time you need it and…read moreno refunds. Why is getting on waitlist monetized...it's just sad.

My daughter has been at Celebree for five years now and has thrived there. We have watched her grow…read morein confidence and she is more than ready to start kindergarten in the fall. The teachers are so caring, and the front office does a great job with communication. I have also been really impressed with their Covid precautions. Celebree has been amazing for our family.

I'm really disappointed with my experience at La Petite Academy. From the start, communication has…read morebeen a constant issue. The director, Kalani, rarely responds to emails or follows up when concerns are brought up. Meetings that were scheduled to discuss my son's needs were missed with no explanation or reschedule, which is completely unacceptable. There's been nonstop turnover with staff, not enough staff in classrooms, and little to no structure day to day. It's very clear that the staff is overworked and the children are the ones who end up affected.My son hasn't received the consistency, support, or attention he deserves. Even more frustrating, they have failed to provide accommodations or meaningful support for children with disabilities, despite multiple conversations and requests. That's something no parent should have to fight for. Parents are barely kept informed -- no clear curriculum, no consistent updates, and no sense of stability or leadership from the director. For the amount of trust and money that goes into childcare, this is incredibly disappointing. If you're looking for a center that communicates, values your child, and maintains consistency, I would strongly recommend looking elsewhere.

Do Not Enroll in La Petite Crofton. My Daughter started at…read moreLa Petite at 18-months-old. My daughter adapted quickly and enjoyed it there until shortly after she turned 3 years-old. She suddenly started biting and fighting at school. We were shocked. She never does that at home. It got to a point where we'd have to pick her up at least two or more times per week. We engaged the teachers, we practiced the material they gave us at home as best we could. She didn't bite or hit at home so we didn't have opportunities to reinforce the behavioral lessons. She would whine and cry every time I took her to school. She was adamant that she didn't want to go. Not even 3.5 years-old and she was already capable of vocalizing that she wasn't happy there. My husband and I, after months of racking our brain and worrying, decided that it wasn't her fault she was behaving this way - she's 3 and a product of the environment she was in. I honestly believe that she'd get in trouble on purpose so we'd come get her. Ultimately, we realized that La Petite was not the right fit for our daughter when she didn't improve no matter what we tried and La Petite proved they were incapable of taking care of our daughter consistently and reliably. Let's talk about reliability. Especially during COVID. Don't get me started on the obscene number of COVID cases they had. In November 2021, they had a full outbreak - at least 2 cases they announced, and at least 1 wasn't - the one where my daughter also got COVID. See attached screenshots. This was the first indication that there was a significant concern about La Petite's reliability and management. All that aside, I have very little complaints about how she was cared for, the facilities, or the teachers. My complaint about this facility is about professionalism: The school director, Bianca Wilson, in particular. Recognizing that La Petite wasn't the right fit, we started looking for replacement care facility in the last couple weeks. We fortunately found a replacement school that would have an opening in a month-and-a-half. Simple enough, right? We picked up our daughter from school on Friday without issues. My husband emailed Bianca to let her know to not charge us for the re-enrollment fee scheduled to be charged that coming week. Our daughter got sick with a cold that weekend, and got us sick, so we stayed home on Monday and Tuesday to recover. On Wednesday (today for me as I write this), I show up like usual to drop my daughter off at daycare and I'm stopped at the door by the receptionist, who tells me that Bianca responded to my husband's email on Sunday to tell us that our daughter was not welcome back. Of course we hadn't seen it. Let that sink in for a moment. Had we seen it, that would have been one day notice that we no longer had childcare. But we didn't see it so I was blindsided. No phone call. No sit-down meeting with the director. No notice. No attempt to negotiate with us so that we could work out a plan. This is the height of unprofessionalism and disrespect in a daycare provider. I can accept that my daughter is not a fit for La Petite, but let's work out a plan so that we can transition smoothly. Let's talk about it. An email that was never acknowledged is NOT the way to expel a child from a daycare. That's not the half of it. While at daycare, I asked the receptionist to get Bianca on the phone. She wasn't able to because Bianca was driving. But somehow, Bianca did manage to text the receptionist that we weren't charged for care this week. If she has speech-to-text, then she has Bluetooth or a speaker phone to take my call. So not only did Bianca not communicate with us directly when expelling our daughter, she avoided confrontation about it. I contacted corporate to file a complaint, but they have yet to return my calls after several hours. So instead, I writing our story as a cautionary tale for other parents. If you want professional, reliable, and communicative childcare, then the La Petite on Johns Hopkins Rd in Crofton, MD, is not the right place for you.