An expecting Howard County dad reached out for childcare recommendations and the responses poured in. We gathered the best of the feedback into a list of top daycare centers.

Jay, father of two:

We used The Young School after leaving [another center]. It was night and day. My son learned at The Young School instead of just being watched.

Russell:

My 2 year old and 5 year old love it.

Joe, father of two:

We are big fans of The Young School on Guilford. Both of our kids went there. The youngest is still there until august, when she will graduate too.

Ben, father of two:

We’ve been a part of Nurturing Nest Montessori in Columbia for both of our kids (age 3.5 and 1 now) and for the most part would recommend it. A bit more limited on open hours/school closures, but a great environment.

Phil:

My wife and I use Greater Montessori [in Hickory Ridge] off of Centre Park Drive. They have a couple locations. We really love how much our 3.5 yr old has learned as well as how inclusive and open the environment is.

Marc, father of two:

Both our kids go to the Hickory Ridge KinderCare and we’ve been very happy. Open 6:30 to 6:30 which is clutch.

Resources for Research

CARE (Child and Adolescent Resources and Education) for Howard County Families is a free service provided by . The CARE Line is a free referral service by the Howard County Office of Children and Families to help families with child care, behavior issues, adolescent concerns, grandparent support and much more. For assistance, call 410-313-2273 or e-mail children@howardcountymd.gov.

Maryland Family Network’s has a free childcare referral service with detailed information on all regulated facilities in Maryland. Call their LOCATE: Child Care referral phone line toll free at 877-261-0060.

Full of family resources, but also includes a comprehensive listing of child care and preschool programs.

What childcare centers do you recommend?

Comment below to share your experience, ask about a specific facility, or chime in if you represent a provider.