Our Little Blessings Daycare in Baltimore: Small-scale care for infants through preschool

Our Little Blessings is a state-licensed, home-based daycare in Baltimore that takes up to eight children across mixed age groups, from infants through pre-K, with a focus on structured play and early literacy. It operates independently rather than as part of a chain, which shapes everything from pricing flexibility to how staff relate to families over years.

What it actually is

Home-based daycares occupy a middle ground in Baltimore's childcare landscape. They fall between informal in-home care and larger center-based programs like Bright Horizons or the city's public pre-K sites. Our Little Blessings holds a current Maryland state license, required for any facility caring for more than two unrelated children under thirteen. The small enrollment cap (eight children maximum) means mixed-age groupings, where older toddlers and preschoolers learn alongside infants, and staffing is typically two adults per room during operating hours.

Services and pricing

Enrollment at Our Little Blessings includes full-day care Monday through Friday, with rates that vary by the child's age. Infant care (under two) runs approximately $1,100 to $1,200 per month; toddler care (two to three years) ranges from $1,050 to $1,150 per month; and preschool (three to five years) costs roughly $950 to $1,050 monthly. These figures reflect 2024 rates and should be confirmed directly with the provider, as home-based daycares often adjust pricing seasonally or with notice. The facility does not offer part-time or hourly drop-in options, and enrollment typically requires a commitment to full-week attendance.

Most families pay weekly via check or bank transfer; the provider does not currently accept major payment apps like Venmo or Care.com's payment portal, which matters for families who rely on digital record-keeping. No subsidy coordination is listed, so families seeking Baltimore's Judy Centers vouchers or state childcare assistance will need to verify eligibility and reimbursement procedures separately.

How it compares to other Baltimore options

Baltimore offers three broad childcare pathways: home-based providers like Our Little Blessings, licensed center-based programs, and public pre-K through the Baltimore City Schools system.

Center-based chains such as Bright Horizons (multiple locations across Baltimore County and the city) and Learning Curve (Roland Park and Towson) typically serve larger enrollment (30 to 100+ children), employ specialized teachers for each age group, and charge $1,400 to $1,700 monthly for infant care. They offer more structured curricula aligned to pre-K standards and often coordinate with public school transitions. Insurance coverage and corporate partnerships sometimes reduce out-of-pocket costs, but wait lists are common and can extend six months or longer.

Public pre-K through Baltimore City Schools accepts four-year-olds and some three-year-olds at no tuition cost; enrollment is free but slots are limited and assignments depend on address and lottery. This covers only the school day (typically 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) and does not serve infants or toddlers, making it a supplement rather than a replacement for full-time childcare.

Home-based providers like Our Little Blessings fall between these two poles: lower monthly cost than centers, personalized attention across mixed ages, and no waiting list, but less structured curriculum oversight and less redundancy in staffing if the primary caregiver is absent.

Who it suits and who it does not

This provider works well for families seeking affordable full-time infant or toddler care in a small, stable environment, and who can commit to a fixed weekly schedule. Mixed-age groupings benefit older toddlers who learn from preschoolers and allow infants to remain in a quieter setting part of the day. Families already established in the neighborhood or who value continuity over years benefit most.

It does not suit families needing flexible hours, backup care, or multiple pickup points, or those whose schedules shift weekly. Parents seeking intensive academic pre-K curriculum or specific enrichment programs (Mandarin, music classes, forest school outings) will find more options at larger centers. Families requiring Spanish-language communication or specialized care for developmental delays should confirm the provider's capacity before applying.

First visit and enrollment process

Initial contact is typically via phone or text; the provider offers a 30-minute in-person tour, focusing on the classroom setup, safety features, and sample daily schedule. Most families then proceed to a trial week (optional but recommended) before signing a 12-month enrollment agreement. The provider requires proof of current vaccinations, emergency contact information, and a deposit equal to two weeks' tuition to hold a spot.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Our Little Blessings operates Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., closed on major holidays and one week during summer. Street parking is available on the block; the facility is accessible by car and near bus routes serving the neighborhood. Confirm current hours and any seasonal closures directly, as home-based providers occasionally adjust these with notice to enrolled families.

Our Little Blessings fills a real gap for Baltimore families needing affordable, stable infant and toddler care without the wait lists and higher costs of larger centers.