New Day Care Center Opens in Gambrills

Parents in the area have another childcare option, as a new day care center opened Tuesday in Gambrills.

The Goddard School began accepting children today at its new center, located at 2409 Queen Mitchell Road, off of Maryland Route 3.

Manisha and Mehul Parekh, who previously operated an in-home childcare center, will operate the new franchise.

The center is accepting enrollment for children as young as six months through pre-school, and has a capacity of 130 children. It is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

The Parekhs said they hope to add kindergarten at the center in 2013.

They said Goddard follows a flexible learning philosophy that allows teachers to adapt their lesson plans toward children’s interests. Classroom lessons include everything from Dr. Seuss to yoga.

“It focuses on all the child’s needs,” Manisha Parekh said. “When we look at providing care for your children, all of it is geared toward providing a well-rounded curriculum.”

The Parekhs, who live in Howard County, have two children of their own, ages 8 and 13.

Mehul Parekh said parents can arrange for a tour online or by calling 410-721-0000. Tuition ranges from $975 per month for older children to $1,440 per month for infants. The center has scheduled a grand opening for March 31.

“We want to ensure that when a child leaves for further education, that the child can pick up and learn anything,” Mehul Parekh said.