Child Care Programs
Affordable, Quality Care
M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation strives to meet the childcare needs of families in Prince George’s County by offering fun, recreational programs at affordable prices; licensed by and operated under the guidelines of the Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care. With convenient locations throughout the county, these childcare facilities are staffed by caring, qualified people dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for every child.
- Our programs operate at select M-NCPPC sites during the school year for children ages 5-12. The program operates in conjunction with Prince George’s County School System’s calendar. When County schools are closed for full days, all childcare programs are also closed.
- For Prince George’s County residents only.
- Completed health forms are mandatory for participation in this program.
- Bus transportation is provided by Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS).
Child Care Programs
M-NCPPC, Department of Recreation offers a variety of recreation-focused Child Care programs, all licensed through the Maryland State Department of Education’s Office of Child Care. Every program hires quality-trained staff to ensure your children have a safe and secure place to learn and thrive in. We strive to ensure high-quality programming at affordable prices for all Prince George’s County residents.
Transportation is not provided to/from these programs (unless otherwise noted by the individual program) and parents are encouraged to drop off or go through PGCPS transportation to ensure children arrive to program on time.
All programs are first come; first serve, so we recommend registering ahead of time to ensure your spot in a program. Please look over our program offerings below and follow the links after each section to view available programs through Parks Direct.
Pre-school Programs
Our licensed preschool programs operate on a half-day schedule and are available at sites throughout the county for children ages 3-5 (minimum age by August 31). Children will participate in age and developmentally-appropriate activities that promote gross and fine motor skill development, building the foundation for early education, and promoting early social and emotional skills.
- Children must be toilet trained (unless the child has a qualified disability).
- Pre-School operates in conjunction with the PGCPS calendar. When county schools are closed for full days, Pre-School is also closed.
- To view available preschool programs, follow this link: Parks Direct Pre-School Program
Morning Kids/ Care
The licensed Morning Care programs operate before PGCPS schools open and are available at select sites throughout the county for children ages 5-12 (minimum age by August 31). Children will enjoy a variety of activities focused on entertaining and energizing them for the start of their school day.
Morning Care operates in conjunction with the PGCPS calendar. When county schools have a delayed opening or are closed for the full day, Morning Care programs are also closed.
To view available Morning Care programs, follow this link: Parks Direct Morning Care Programs
Kids’ Care After-School
The licensed Kids’ Care After-School programs open right after PGCPS schools let out and are available throughout the county for children ages 5-12 (minimum age by August 31). Kids’ Care Afterschool provides structured recreation activities in the areas of sports, arts and crafts, reading, storytelling, music, film, drama, science, nature, and special events, as well as free, unstructured time for recreational pursuits as well as setting some time aside for homework assistance and studying.
Kids’ Care After-School programs operate in conjunction with the PGCPS calendar. When county schools are closed for the full day, these programs are also closed. Programs will open early for scheduled PGCPS early dismissal days. In the event of unscheduled early dismissals due to inclement weather, building emergencies, or other causes, these programs will receive children and contact parents to coordinate pick-ups within a two-hour window.
To view available Morning Care programs, follow this link: Parks Direct Kids’ Care After-School Programs
Kids’ Club After-School Programs
The licensed Kids’ Club after-school programs are held at the Fairland Sports & Aquatics Complex, Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex, and Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex (SAARC) for children ages 5–12 (minimum age by August 31). Our programs utilize the various amenities located at the facilities to offer children a multitude of developmentally-appropriate sports, fitness, and learning activities such as swimming, gymnastics, tennis, fitness games, indoor and outdoor activities, and arts & crafts, as well as setting some time aside for homework assistance and studying.
The Kids’ Club after-school programs operate in conjunction with the PGCPS’ calendar. When county schools are closed for the full day, these programs are also closed. Programs will open early for scheduled PGCPS early dismissal days. In the event of unscheduled early dismissals due to inclement weather, building emergencies, or other causes, these programs will receive children and contact parents to coordinate pick-ups within a two-hour window.
- To view available Kids’ Club after-school programs, click here.
Therapeutic Recreation Kids’ Care After-School (Ages 5-21)
The Therapeutic Recreation Kids’ Care After-School Program is a licensed after-school program offered at M-NCPPC sites throughout the county designed specifically for individuals with disabilities who reside in Prince George’s County 6 – 21, are currently enrolled in school, and receive Special Education services. This program features small group sizes, high staff/participant ratios, adapted equipment, and more.
Therapeutic Recreation Kids’ Care After-School programs operate in conjunction with the PGCPS calendar. When county schools are closed for the full day, these programs are also closed. Programs will open early for scheduled PGCPS early dismissal days. In the event of unscheduled early dismissals due to inclement weather, building emergencies, or other causes, these programs will receive children and contact parents to coordinate pick-ups within a two-hour window.
To view available Therapeutic Recreation Kids’ Care After-School Programs, follow this link: Therapeutic Recreation Kids’ Care After-School
Therapeutic Recreation Leisure & Life Skills for Teens (Ages 13-21)
The Therapeutic Recreation Leisure & Life Skills for Teens is a licensed after-school program offered at M-NCPPC sites throughout the county designed for youth ages 13 – 21 who attend CRI classes at Prince George’s County middle or high schools. This program focuses on social and recreational skill development with opportunities for community integration and socialization with youth without disabilities.
Therapeutic Recreation Leisure & Life Skills for Teens programs operate in conjunction with the PGCPS calendar. When county schools are closed for the full day, these programs are also closed. Programs will open early for scheduled PGCPS early dismissal days. In the event of unscheduled early dismissals due to inclement weather, building emergencies, or other causes, these programs will receive children and contact parents to coordinate pick-ups within a two-hour window.
To view available Therapeutic Recreation Leisure & Life Skills for Teens programs, follow this link: Therapeutic Recreation Leisure & Life Skills for Teens
Registration Process & Forms
- Review the payment information below to find the best payment option for your needs
- Select a Child Care program from our Parks Direct Child Care page.
- After selecting and registering for a Child Care program, fill out the necessary documents received from the registration site as well as below.
Program Payment & Installment Plans
You may pay in full or pay 10 installments due on the 1st of each month, plus a one-time, non-refundable registration fee. If choosing to pay in installments, you have the option to set up your account with automatic billing or can choose to pay online or in-person each month. The first payments are due in August, or at the time of registration, and continue monthly until May. Payments are due no later than the 10th of each month or a late fee of $35 will be assessed to the account. Continued delinquent payments could result in suspension or removal from the program.
For more information on how our installment payment plan works, please check out our Child Care Payment Schedule page.
Payment Assistance & Child Care Vouchers
For residents who qualify, these Child Care programs can offer payment assistance through the M-NCPPC Fee Assistance program, or through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship program. Please follow the links below for more information on availability and eligibility for these programs:
M-NCPPC/OCC Registration Forms
In addition to payments, programs require both M-NCPPC and Office of Childcare-mandated forms to be completed before children may enter the program. These forms will be given to you at the time of registration if on-site or can be downloaded below.
Please note, some of the registration forms will require a doctor or nurse practitioner’s signature and will require a physical or similar examination to complete. Incomplete forms cannot be accepted by program sites and will result in your child having to wait to start.
Mandatory Registration Forms
Basic information form for the participant(s).
When listing emergency contact, please choose someone other than the listed parents. In the event of an emergency, we will always contact parents/guardians first before attempting to reach emergency contact.
Checklist of physical examinations completed. Must be completed by the child’s parent or guardian. Part II must be completed
by a physician or nurse practitioner, or a copy of the child’s physical examination must be attached to this form.
The form states who is allowed to sign out and pick up the participant(s).
Anyone authorized by this form must be 18+ years old to pick up participant(s).
Once this form has been submitted, only the head of the household, as listed on the household PARKS DIRECT account, can make changes to this form.
Maryland State Department of Education: Office of Childcare Emergency Form
Please complete the same information as listed on the Participant Profile Form.
The form lists any health concerns of the participant(s).
The first page of this packet is a parent’s assessment of the participant’s health.
The second page of this packet is a doctor’s assessment of health. This requires a physical from a doctor. Have it completed and the form must be signed by the doctor or registered nurse.
If the doctor notes asthma, allergies, seizures, or medications, you must also complete additional documents (see “Medical/Special Case Documents” category below)
The form shows the up-to-date vaccination/immunization record of the participant.
This document must be completed and signed by the doctor or registered nurse. If the doctor provides their own documentation of vaccination/shot records, that document must be signed by the doctor and attached to the Immunization Certificate.
The form asks for information about the child’s likes and dislikes, as well as areas they excel or require assistance.
This form is only shared with programming staff to inform them of any activity modifications.
This form authorizes the child care staff to apply and store any topical products that are applied to the child by the parent/guardian or under the care of a licensed health care practitioner. Please list all products, the schedule of applications and reactions (if any).
Medical/Special Case Forms
Medical/Special Case Forms
These documents are only required if your child’s doctor states your child meets the specific cases outlined below. These are required if they are documented on the “Health Inventory” form.
All documents below must be completed and signed by a doctor or registered nurse and any medication taken on-site must be in its original packaging, even if self-administered.
Prescribed or Over-The-Counter Medication
Children who take doctor-prescribed or over-the-counter medication DURING PROGRAM HOURS will need:
A document that outlines the type of medication taken, steps to take medication including; dosages, storage, and schedule, and states who will administer medication on-site as well as tracks usage on site
Must be completed and signed by a doctor or registered nurse
Accompanying medication must be in the original packaging, even if self-administered.
Allergies
Children with DOCTOR-DOCUMENTED ALLERGY will need this completed ALONG WITH Medication Administration Authorization Form:
A document that outlines precautions and steps to take to handle participants’ specific allergy needs.
Must be completed and signed by a doctor or registered nurse
Asthma
Children with DOCTOR-DOCUMENTED ASTHMA will need this completed along with Medication Administration Authorization Form:
A document that outlines precautions and steps to take to handle participants’ specific asthma needs.
Must be completed and signed by a doctor or registered nurse
Seizure Risk & Medication
Children with DOCTOR-DOCUMENTED SEIZURE RISKS will need this completed along with Medication Administration Authorization Form:
A document that outlines precautions and steps to take to handle participants’ specific emergency seizure needs.
Must be filled out by a doctor or registered nurse.
M-NCPPC Tax Identification
When completing tax forms, you may need to know The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s (M-NCPPC) Federal Tax Identification (ID) number.
M-NCPPC’s Federal Tax ID is 526-001-550. Find instructions for obtaining your childcare tax receipt.
Policy Notices
2024-2025 Kid’s Care Registration & COVID Regulations
M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation is bringing the Kid’s Care program back for the 2024-2025 school year, but due to the ongoing pandemic, there are changes to how the program will operate. Please review everything below and if you have any further questions, please reach out to your local community center as soon as possible.
Limited Capacity & Waitlist
- Most programs have had their capacity reduced by half, to ensure proper distancing and safety of participants.
- We will still operate on a first-come; first-serve basis, so it’s in your best interest to register ASAP.
- We highly encourage using the waitlist as we anticipate spots will open up as regulations relax into the fall and over the beginning of the school year.
Registration & Payment
- Registration begins June 12, with a registration fee of $25 to hold a spot.
- Payments remain the same, 10 monthly installments of $230, beginning on August 1, 2024. The final payment is May 1, 2025.
- While registering holds a spot, your child will not be allowed to attend the program until all paperwork is completed and turned in. Unlike in previous years, we will not accept updated paperwork from previous years.
- Parents who are on the waitlist should be filling out all paperwork as well to ensure if/when they do receive a spot in the program, their children can start as soon as possible.
- Paperwork packets will be available at each site and online.
Safety Precautions
- UPDATE: Effective September 12, 2022, masks are no longer required but are highly recommended.
- Staff are required to clean and disinfect program spaces, restrooms, and high-touch surfaces regularly, using cleaning solutions proven to eliminate the COVID-19 virus. If your child(ren) has sensitivities to any cleaning products, please inform staff immediately.
- If your child is sick or displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 or any other illness we would ask that you do not send them to the program. Staff will immediately isolate any children who appear sick and contact you to arrange pick-up as soon as possible.
Thank you for bearing with these changes during these hectic times. Should any of the procedures change, another letter will be sent to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on how our program is operating and adapting to the current regulations, set forth by the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, Department of Parks and Recreation, and the MSDE Office of Child Care.
2024-2025 Childcare Transportation Message
Attention Patrons – At this time Prince George’s Parks Pre-School, Kids’ Care, & Therapeutic Rec programs are UNABLE to provide transportation to or from childcare facilities. Please reach out to the PGCPS through their transportation webpage to view potential alternatives and to submit a transportation request. We’re sorry for any inconvenience this causes.
Disability Modifications
The Department of Parks & Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request a disability modification.
Contact the area Program Access/Inclusion Offices:
- Program Access: 301-249-7200 | program.access@pgparks.com
For therapeutic recreation programs, please contact:
- Special Programs Office: 301-446-3400
