Childtime of Baltimore in Canton: Full-Day Care with Extended Hours for Working Parents

Childtime of Baltimore is a licensed child care center serving infants through pre-K in Canton, operating as part of the larger Childtime Learning Centers chain but managed as an individual location with its own enrollment and curriculum decisions.

What Childtime of Baltimore actually is

Childtime of Baltimore operates a full-day child care program for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years in a dedicated facility. The center is state-licensed by the Maryland Department of Health and holds accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a credential earned by fewer than 10% of child care centers nationally. It runs on a year-round schedule with extended hours designed for working parents, including summer and holiday programming when Baltimore public schools are closed.

Curriculum and classroom structure

The center uses a play-based, developmental curriculum with separate classrooms organized by age: infant care (6 weeks to 18 months), toddlers (18 months to 3 years), and preschool (3 to 5 years). Staff-to-child ratios follow Maryland licensing requirements: one adult to four infants, one to six toddlers, and one to nine preschoolers. Teachers in the preschool rooms focus on pre-literacy and early math skills alongside social-emotional development. The facility includes indoor and outdoor play space within the Canton location.

Tuition and enrollment

Full-time tuition (typically five full days per week) ranges from approximately $1,400 to $1,800 per month depending on the child's age, with infant care at the higher end. Part-time enrollment (three days per week) and drop-in care are available at higher daily rates. The center requires an enrollment deposit and advance notice for withdrawal. Tuition is subject to annual increases; families should confirm current rates directly. The center does not accept subsidies through the Maryland Child Care Subsidy Program, which is an important distinction for families relying on state assistance.

Comparison to other Baltimore preschools

Childtime of Baltimore's NAEYC accreditation and extended hours position it differently from other options. The Chesapeake Children's Center in Canton and Medstar Harbor Hospital's on-site center both serve the immediate neighborhood but do not publish NAEYC status. Kiddie Kingdom, a smaller independent preschool in Federal Hill, charges roughly $1,250 to $1,550 per month but operates only during the traditional school calendar, closing for summers and all school holidays. The Enoch Pratt Free Library operates a part-time preschool program at significantly lower cost but is limited to three mornings per week. For parents needing year-round, full-day care with professional accreditation, Childtime's tuition reflects that service level; for families seeking part-time, seasonal, or subsidized options, alternatives exist.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

Childtime of Baltimore works best for families where both parents or a single parent work full-time outside the home and need consistent, year-round child care with flexibility beyond standard school hours. The NAEYC accreditation appeals to parents prioritizing curriculum quality and staff credentials. The facility is less suited for families seeking part-time preschool only (three mornings per week), families eligible for and relying on state child care subsidies, or parents looking for a Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or other specific pedagogical approach. The tuition excludes many low-income families without subsidy access.

First visit and admission process

New families typically schedule a tour during business hours to see classrooms, meet staff, and ask about the current waitlist. Childtime of Baltimore maintains a waitlist, particularly for infant spots, so enrollment may not be immediate. Once a spot is available, families complete an application, provide proof of immunizations (required by Maryland law), and sign a service agreement. Most centers ask for a start date several weeks in advance to allow staff planning.

Hours, location, and logistics

Childtime of Baltimore operates in Canton with hours extending from early morning (typically 6:30 a.m.) to early evening (typically 6:30 p.m.), five days per week. Street parking is available in the neighborhood; families should confirm parking details during registration. The center is closed on major federal holidays and typically observes the week between Christmas and New Year's. Hours and holiday schedules should be confirmed directly, as they can shift seasonally.

Childtime of Baltimore fills a specific need in Baltimore: licensed, accredited full-day care with year-round operation and extended hours. For two-income or single-parent households in or near Canton, it eliminates the logistics problem of juggling multiple part-time programs and school holiday gaps.