New Childcare Center Opening In Columbia

COLUMBIA, MD — Howard County families struggling to find childcare will have another option when Lightbridge Academy opens a new center in Columbia in the spring of 2027.

The early childhood education center will open at 10260 Old Columbia Road and offer programs for children ages six weeks through prekindergarten, along with summer camps and care for school-age children during school breaks.

Franchise owner Yasir Muddesser, who also operates Lightbridge Academy locations in Timonium and Frederick with his sister, Ammara Muddesser, said the Columbia center will help meet a growing need for childcare in Howard County.

“Childcare here is tight and getting tighter. Many families end up on waitlists, which is why we’re excited to add a new option in Columbia,” Muddesser told Patch.

The new center is part of Lightbridge Academy's continued expansion throughout Maryland. Muddesser said opening the Columbia location alongside other family members who are expanding the business in Maryland makes the project particularly meaningful.

“I’m proud to open this Columbia location alongside my siblings, who are also opening Lightbridge Academy locations here in Maryland. Working together as a family has made this journey even more meaningful, and this new location represents our shared passion for creating an environment where children feel safe, supported and inspired to learn and families can feel confident knowing their children are in caring, capable hands," Muddesser told Patch.

What Will Children Learn?

Lightbridge Academy combines early childhood education with play-based learning through its Seedlings curriculum.

Children will participate in activities designed to develop academic, social and emotional skills while allowing time for independent exploration.

“Our Seedlings curriculum builds early skills through STREAM learning, music, Spanish, sign language and yoga. It’s balanced with child-led play and exploration throughout the day,” Muddesser told Patch. STREAM stands for science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and mathematics.

The center will offer separate programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and children preparing to enter kindergarten. The academy also plans to hire local educators.

Muddesser said teachers will be trained in CPR and first aid, and the center will follow Maryland's child care staffing requirements.

“Our center will meet or exceed Maryland’s state ratio requirements, so every child gets plenty of individual attention from trained, CPR- and first aid-certified educators,” Muddesser told Patch.

What Parents Should Know

The new center will offer full-time and part-time child care, although the number of available openings has not yet been determined.

“The number of available spots will vary depending on the age group and the availability of both part-time and full-time care,” Muddesser said.

The Columbia center will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering extended hours for working parents. Families also will have access to technology allowing them to check on their children throughout the day.

“Parents can check in on their child’s day through ParentView live monitoring and the Lightbridge Journey App. The center also has secure facial recognition entry and air purification,” Muddesser said.

The ParentView system allows parents to monitor their children's classrooms remotely, while the Lightbridge Journey App provides updates about their child's activities and daily routine.

“Selecting childcare is one of the most important decisions families make,” Muddesser said. “At the end of the day, parents want to know that their child is safe, cared for and learning in an environment where they can grow."