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KinderCare on Smallwood Drive

Theresa Scatina, Center Director

2011 Smallwood Dr W Waldorf MD 20603
(301) 843-8485 Contact this center

Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years
Open:

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Neighborhood:
Smallwood Dr. & St. Patricks. Next to Food Lion.

Elementary Schools Bussed To:
Mary B. Neal, William A. Diggs, C. Paul Barnhardt, Daniel of St. Thomas Jennifer, William B. Wade, Arthur Middleton, Billingsley, Berry

Our center is accredited by NAEYC.

NAEYC Accreditation

Welcome to KinderCare on Smallwood Drive

Welcome to KinderCare on Smallwood Drive Welcome to KinderCare on Smallwood Drive in Waldorf, Maryland! Conveniently located near Saint Patricks Drive, our competent teachers are dedicated to providing a safe, educational, and nurturing environment, where students learn to love. Our curriculum aims to develop the whole child by focusing on their emotional, social, physical, and cognitive needs. Our teachers work hard every day to help their students develop confidence for life. We love our circle of families, where everyone belongs!

Our classrooms are places to thrive! 
In our safe and healthy classrooms, your child will be engaged in learning experiences that meet them where they are, both socially and academically. With fun daily activities, passionate teachers, and great friends, a lifetime of confidence starts here. Contact the center director to learn more about our child care options and schedule a tour! 

Meet Theresa Scatina, Our Center Director

At KinderCare Since: 1999

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Favorite Children's Book: Strega Nona

Meet Teri Scatina! She is the Center Director at KinderCare on Smallwood Drive in Waldorf, MD. Teri currently attends the College of Southern Maryland. She has been with KinderCare since 1999. "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." - Sydney J. Harris" Outside of work, Teri enjoys shopping, reading, going to movies, and spending time with her family.

at KinderCare, our accreditation equals excellence. Contact one of our daycares today!

AMERICA’S MOST ACCREDITED

We’re so proud!

Nationally only 10% of daycares are accredited - nearly 100% of our learning centers are. That’s a big difference, and that means KinderCare kids are getting the very best. Here’s why.

Group of children and teacher at a KinderCare daycare center

SCHOOL-READY

What Learning Looks Like

Our talented early-childhood teachers set kids down the path toward becoming lifelong learners in a positive, safe, and nurturing environment.

KinderCare on Smallwood Drive Programs

Infant Programs (6 weeks–1 year)

Leaving your baby in someone else’s care is a big step. Everyone at our centers—most importantly, our naturally gifted infant teachers—will work with you to make sure the transition goes smoothly. When you step into our infant classroom, you’ll see how much we want your infant to feel safe, loved, and ready to explore their world.

Toddler Programs (1–2 Years)

Everything in our toddler classroom is designed for little explorers. That’s because a lot is going on at this age. When your child is wandering all over the place, that means they’re learning and discovering new things every day. We’ll help them explore their interests (and find new ones!) as they play and learn.

Discovery Preschool Programs (2–3 Years)

This age is filled with so much wonder and curiosity. That’s why we offer a ton of books and toys and bring artwork down to kids eye level. Children in discovery preschool also begin to learn how we all work together in a classroom. Simple math and science, pretend play, and group play help them get used to a more structured school setting.

Preschool Programs (3–4 Years)

This age is all about expression, when kids really start to form their own ideas about what they want to play and how they want to create. Every day in our preschool classroom, your child will explore science experiments, create artwork, and play pretend—all the skills needed for their big next step: kindergarten!

Prekindergarten Programs (4–5 Years)

When you walk into one of our pre-K classrooms, you’ll see artwork and writing displayed around the room. Labels are everywhere to help kids connect letters with words. You’ll also see pictures on the walls that reflect the families in our community. Your child will also deepen their knowledge in language, math, science, Spanish, and social skills.

Before- and After-School Programs (5–12 Years)

You can count on us to provide reliable care for your school-ager while you’re at work, with safe transportation from our center to your child’s school and back! Whether your child wants to start a drama club, build a volcano, or create a comic book, they will have a place to follow their dreams. Your child will start and end the day with a whole lot of fun!

School Break Programs (preschool, prekindergarten, and school-age)

Winter break, spring break, summer break—when school’s out (but you still need to work), you can count on KinderCare to provide a safe and supportive learning environment that’s focused on fun. We welcome children ages 5–12 during school break times and make sure they have a sensational, screen-free experience they won’t forget.

Participating Child Care Aware Center

KinderCare partners with Child Care Aware® of America to offer fee assistance for Active Duty military families and flexible support to fit their needs when care at a Child Development Center on the installation is not available.

Learning Adventures - Enrichment Program

Cooking Academy™ (3 – 12 Years)

In Cooking Academy, kids learn new recipes from cultures around the world and develop a healthy relationship with food. They’ll whip up everything from Southwest rainbow lettuce wraps to pumpkin muffins, building their skills in STEM, communication, and more along the way. And yes—little chefs get to eat their culinary creations!

Music Explorers™ (2 – 4 Years)

KinderCare families are already giving a standing ovation to our newest Learning Adventures program: Music Explorers! Kids will learn to sing, move, listen, play instruments, and even create their own tunes. Our original curriculum blends math, science, social studies, literacy, and mindfulness (think yoga!) for a uniquely KinderCare way of learning the foundations of music.

Phonics Adventures® (2 – 4 Years)

Learning how to read is a whole lot of fun at KinderCare! We help kids grow to love books and words (and get ready for kindergarten) in our Phonics Adventures program. From discovering the basics of vowels to practicing poetry, kids learn all about letters and sounds in small-group lessons made just for their age group. (Bonus: Kids who attend our phonics program are more prepared than their peers for school—and we have the data to prove it.)

Spanish

Spanish Adventures provides young learners with a foundation for later success with the Spanish language. Music, games, children's Spanish literature, and other tools give children multiple opportunities to hear, practice, and see Spanish language to develop vocabulary and conversation skills. Curriculum includes lessons on greetings, numbers, colors, animals, family, body parts, and pets, as well as how to engage conversationally during common scenarios at home, a restaurant, or at the zoo.

STEM Innovators (3-8 Years)

You’ve probably heard a lot about how important STEM education is for your child, but what does that really mean? Our STEM Innovators program takes kids’ natural ability to make sense of the world and applies it to robotics, chemistry, coding, geology, and more. While your child experiments, they’ll discover how to use technology to do amazing things!

Our Teachers

We're the only company in early childhood education to select teachers based on natural talent. Being a great educator isn't enough though. KinderCare teachers are also amazing listeners, nurturers, boo-boo fixers, and smile-makers. Put more simply, we love our teachers and your child will, too.

Meet just a few of our amazing KinderCare teachers!

Daycare teacher at KinderCare helping young children

A KINDERCARE TEACHER WITH

An Artist's Heart

"My classroom is full of art!” says Mary Annthipie-Bane, an award-winning early childhood educator at KinderCare. Art and creative expression, she says, help children discover who they really are.

teacher with artist educator dedicated teaching with her whole heart
gallup great workplace logo

We put our best-in-class teachers in a best-in-class workplace. We're so proud to have been named one of Gallup's 37 winners of the Great Workplace Award. When you put great teachers in an engaging center, your children will experience an amazing place to learn and grow.

Family Stories

Don't take our word for it. Hear what our families have to say about our amazing center!

  • My son Kai started at Smallwood when he turned one. My son is now three and has shown such an amazing improvement. The staff is absolutely amazing and I couldn't have my put my son in better hands.
    Nicole Wells - KinderCare Parent
  • My daughter, Mya, has been with KinderCare from the time she was a baby. I have been with the Director of KinderCare, Heather Murphy, on Smallwood since my child was in the womb and she was the Center Director of KinderCare on Post Office Road. Heather Murphy eased my nerves and fears of being a first time mother who would have to entrust her most precious blessing in the hands of, at the time, strangers, daily. Heather has always been warm and welcoming and entertained several tours, conversations and meetings throughout my years at KinderCare.
    When Heather moved over to the KinderCare on Smallwood is when I really saw her blossom as a Center Director. The whole staff at KinderCare on Smallwood works as a team. It took me a year to move my daughter over to the Smallwood center from Post Office Road, but most of the staff that was there had moved there already, knew and loved my daughter and the new staff to my family was nothing but welcoming and embracing. What most eased my transition to the new center was the consistency. My daughter and I saw the same staff daily and I was able to get to know and bond with staff.
    I pride myself on being a parent who knows her child and it comforts me that the staff at this center is more than ‘caregivers’. They are educators who are interested and invested knowing the children under their care and having and watching them grow. While I, of course, feel my child was always bright and advanced, I saw a marked difference in her growth and learning when she moved over to the Smallwood Center from the age of 3.
    The staff at KinderCare has set my daughter up for success in her early developmental years. When she entered Kindergarten she was already above the standard level due to the daily preparation and education of the team at Smallwood. She remains at the top of her class since starting school and she continues to grow. Outside of education, KinderCare also nurtures their children with other interests to include all the programs and trips they take during their summer camp, after school activities such as additional reading and math classes and cooking for those interested.
    In my eight years of working with Heather Murphy and KinderCare I cannot imagine me and my daughter’s life without them. I know that everyone at the center genuinely cares about and loves my family and they are more than just a team of educators, but family.
    Elissa (With KinderCare since 2006)

    Elissa R. - KinderCare Parent
  • My daughter is nine-years-old and has been attending the same KinderCare for six years. Every day when I drop her off and go to work, I am 100% confident that she is loved and well taken care of by our "family" (her wonderful teachers). The Phonics program and the teachers are amazing! She has also enjoyed their cooking club and made yummy foods.
    As a parent, knowing your child is so loved and safe means more than anything. I can't imagine her being in another environment!

    Kim P. - KinderCare Parent

Share Your Story
If you have a story about your experience at KinderCare, please share your story with us .

Who Are KinderCare Families?

They hail from hundreds of cities across the country from countless backgrounds, and proudly represent every walk in life. What our families have in common, though, is the want to give their children the best start in life. We are so proud to be their partner in parenting.

Hear from just a few of our amazing KinderCare families.

Young family ready to go to their local KinderCare daycare center

A Globe-Trotting Family Finds A

Home in Houston

Four young children, four different passports, two languages, two full-time jobs…oh, and a few triathlons thrown in for good measure. Meet the globe-trotting Colettas—a family on the go.

home in houston inspiration family puts love first family busy with capital

Frequently Asked Questions

What accreditations does KinderCare have?

We are your trusted caregiver. Our centers are state-licensed and regularly inspected to make sure everything meets or exceeds standards, including child-to-teacher ratios and safe facilities. Our centers aren’t just licensed—most are accredited, too! Find out more.

Do you offer part-time schedules at KinderCare on Smallwood Drive?

Everybody’s schedule is different. We’re happy to offer quality, affordable part-time and full-time childcare. Drop-in care may also be available. Reach out to your Center Director to learn more.

How does naptime work at KinderCare on Smallwood Drive?

Our teachers meet every child’s needs during naptime. Our teachers know how to get babies to nap. In fact, they are pros at getting children of any age to nap. Visit our article on "10 Ways We Help Kids Get a Great Daycare Nap" to learn more.

Do you support alternative diets?

We strive to be as inclusive as possible. To that point, we provide a vegetarian option at mealtime, take care to not serve common allergens and can adapt menus based on your child’s food sensitivities. If your child has additional needs, we’ll work with you to figure out a plan.

Are meals included in tuition? Can I choose to send my child with lunch?

We provide nutritious meals and snacks developed by a registered dietician to meet the needs of rapidly growing bodies and minds. If your child has special dietary requirements and you would prefer to bring in their lunch, please make arrangements with the center director.

Does my child need to be potty-trained?

Every child begins toilet learning at a different age. Until your child shows an interest in toilet learning, we’ll provide diaper changes on an as-needed basis. When your child shows an interest, we'll discuss how to work together to encourage toilet learning.