Germantown is the third most populous city in Maryland, next to Baltimore and Columbia, with a population of almost 100,000 residents. The city is located 25 miles from Washington, DC and earns a median household income of $86,470. The average tuition rate for an infant is $275 per week in
homes daycares ($14,300/year) and $355 per week
child care centers ($18,460/year). For preschoolers, the average price for full time care is $240 per week in home-based preschools ($just below $12,500/year) and $280 per week in center-based programs ($14,560/year). As you can see, family child care programs are on average more than 40% less expensive than centers, one of the reasons why many parents will favor those programs. To find out the average cost of daycare in your zip code, click here to use our
daycare cost calculator.
Germantown is a lively, highly populated town, ideal for those who work in the nation's capital but prefer to live and raise their family in a quieter and slower-paced community. Home to 160 licensed child care facilities (122 home-based programs and 38 centers), parents have many options when looking for an early education program. There are 32 peanut-free daycares and 45 special needs child care facilities which offer care for children with allergies and disabilities, respectively. Three faith-based facilities can service families who intend to raise children in a religious environment and 19 daycares in Germantown provide transportation services for drop-offs and pick-ups. Eligible working families who need financial assistance to pay for the child care tuition fees may apply for the Child Care Scholarship Program through the Child Care Subsidy Central (CCS Central). Quality early education programs are within reach for children from low-income families who may enroll in any of the 46 child care facilities accepting subsidy vouchers.
In Germantown, child care providers must observe Maryland state child care regulations. The MD State Department of Education's Office of Child Care (MSDE OCC) mandates child care centers and family child care homes who care for one or more children unrelated to the caregiver. The owner, staff, substitutes, and residents within the premises of licensed facilities undergo a complete medical evaluation (including tuberculosis screening), signed by a certified medical practitioner. They must also pass Federal and State criminal background checks (for people 14 years old or older) at a designated office in the State. They also submit signed and notarized release forms to authorize OCC to investigate records of abuse and neglect. As far as the facility itself, a child care license requires proof of compliance with State and local fire, health and zoning rules. Caregivers also have training in First Aid, CPR, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), if caring for children younger than two years old. Other required training includes six Core Knowledge competencies, emergency and disaster planning, Medication Administration Training (MAT) and other approved courses in early education.