Questions & Answers
Everything you want to know about Nahid Child Daycare — a licensed home daycare in Gaithersburg, MD serving families from Rockville, Germantown, and across Montgomery County. If you don't see your question here, we'd love to hear from you.
What ages do you accept at Nahid Child Daycare?
We welcome children from 8 weeks through 5 years of age. Our programs are designed to meet each child where they are developmentally — from newborn infants through preschool-age children preparing for kindergarten. Families throughout Gaithersburg, Rockville, Germantown, and surrounding areas in Montgomery County trust us with children at every stage of early childhood.
What are your hours of operation?
Nahid Child Daycare is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We understand that many working families in Gaithersburg and Montgomery County need full-day coverage, so our extended hours are designed to accommodate typical work schedules. Please contact us if you have specific scheduling questions.
How do I enroll my child?
The first step is to schedule a tour of our home daycare. We invite families to come see our space, meet Nahid, ask questions, and get a feel for the environment before making any decisions. After the tour, if we are a good fit for your family and space is available, we will walk you through the enrollment paperwork, licensing requirements, and onboarding process. Call us at (240) 441-1676 or email nahiddaycare@gmail.com to book your visit.
Do you offer part-time enrollment?
Part-time options may be available depending on current enrollment and scheduling. Please contact us to discuss your family's specific needs. We do our best to work with families who need flexible arrangements, though full-time spots fill quickly and receive priority placement.
What is the current tuition cost?
Tuition rates depend on your child's age, the number of days per week, and current availability. Please contact Nahid directly at (240) 441-1676 or nahiddaycare@gmail.com for current rates. We are happy to provide a detailed breakdown so you can plan with confidence. We also offer a sibling discount for families enrolling more than one child.
Do you offer a sibling discount?
Yes, we offer a sibling discount for families who enroll more than one child. We believe siblings benefit enormously from attending the same care environment, and we want to make that as accessible as possible for families in our community. Contact us for specific discount details.
What holidays and closures should I know about?
We observe major federal holidays including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. We also close for a small number of scheduled vacation days each year. Families are notified of all planned closures at least two weeks in advance. In the event of a weather emergency or unexpected closure, we contact families as early as possible so you can make alternative arrangements.
What are your drop-off and pick-up procedures?
Drop-off begins at 7:00 AM. We ask that families aim to arrive before 9:00 AM whenever possible so children can settle in before the morning routine begins. Pick-up is anytime before 6:00 PM. A late fee applies for pick-ups after 6:00 PM. For your child's safety, only adults listed on your authorized pickup form may collect your child. We will ask for photo ID if we do not recognize the individual. Please notify us in advance if someone new will be picking up your child.
What meals are provided?
We serve home-cooked, nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. All meals are prepared fresh and meet USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. We take pride in cooking wholesome food that gives children the energy and nutrition they need to learn and play. Please let us know about any food allergies or dietary restrictions during enrollment so we can accommodate your child safely.
What should my child bring on their first day?
For the first day, please bring a complete change of clothes (or two for younger children and toddlers), diapers and wipes if your child is not yet potty-trained, any special comfort items such as a stuffed animal or blanket, a completed health form and any required medications with written authorization, and a clearly labeled water bottle. Infants should also bring formula or breast milk as needed, and any specific feeding instructions. We will provide all learning materials, meals, and snacks.
What is your nap and rest schedule?
All children benefit from rest, and we maintain a consistent quiet time each afternoon, generally from around 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM. Infants nap according to their individual schedules, which we coordinate closely with parents. Older toddlers and preschoolers who no longer nap engage in quiet rest activities such as books or puzzles during this time. We use individual cots and mats, each assigned to one child only, which are cleaned regularly.
Do you help with potty training?
Yes, we support families through the potty training process as a team effort. We follow each family's lead and approach, encouraging consistency between home and daycare. We never pressure children before they are developmentally ready, and we celebrate their progress in positive, encouraging ways. Please talk with Nahid about where your child is in the process so we can coordinate our approach.
Do children spend time outdoors?
Outdoor play is a core part of every day when weather permits. Our outdoor playground has age-appropriate equipment that supports gross motor development, imaginative play, and fresh air. We believe children thrive when they can move freely and connect with the natural world. On days when outdoor play is not possible due to weather, we incorporate extra active indoor movement activities.
How do you communicate with parents throughout the day?
We believe that open, frequent communication is essential to a strong partnership with families. Throughout the day we send photos and short video clips directly to parents so you can see what your child is up to. At pickup, you will receive a verbal summary of your child's day, including meals eaten, nap duration, activities completed, and any notable moments. You are always welcome to call or message us with questions during the day.
What is your illness policy?
To protect all children in our care, we ask that sick children stay home. Children must be fever-free (below 100.4°F without medication), vomit-free, and diarrhea-free for at least 24 hours before returning to daycare. If a child develops symptoms during the day, parents will be notified immediately and asked to pick up their child as soon as possible. We sanitize and disinfect regularly to prevent the spread of illness. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our community healthy.
What safety measures do you have in place?
The safety of every child in our care is our highest priority. Our home is fully childproofed with safety gates, outlet covers, cabinet locks, and secured furniture. We maintain security cameras throughout common areas and a secure entry procedure for all visitors. All staff hold current CPR and First Aid certification. We conduct regular safety drills and follow Maryland state licensing requirements for home daycare facilities. Only authorized individuals on your approved pickup list may collect your child.
What is your staff-to-child ratio?
As a licensed home daycare in Gaithersburg, MD, we operate within the ratios set by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Our small group size allows us to provide the individualized attention that distinguishes home daycare from larger center-based care. Every child is known by name, by personality, and by their unique needs — something that is difficult to replicate in larger settings.
Are you licensed?
Yes, Nahid Child Daycare is fully licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). We meet and exceed all Maryland licensing requirements for home child care. Our license is displayed on-site and available for review. We participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and maintain ongoing compliance with all state health and safety standards.
Do you offer a bilingual environment?
Yes, and it is one of the most unique benefits our daycare offers families in the Gaithersburg and Montgomery County area. Nahid is a native Farsi speaker, and children in our care are naturally exposed to both English and Farsi throughout the day through songs, stories, conversation, and daily routines. Research consistently shows that early bilingual exposure strengthens cognitive development, enhances problem-solving skills, and prepares children for a multicultural world. Whether your family speaks Farsi at home or you are simply looking to give your child a linguistic advantage, our bilingual environment provides meaningful, natural language exposure from infancy.
What is your curriculum approach?
Our curriculum is individualized and aligned with the Maryland Early Learning Standards. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we observe each child's interests, strengths, and developmental stage and plan activities that challenge and engage them personally. Learning happens through play, art, music, sensory exploration, outdoor activities, stories, and science experiments. For preschoolers, we incorporate kindergarten readiness skills including letter and number recognition, early literacy, and social-emotional development. For infants and toddlers, we focus on sensory development, language exposure, motor skills, and social bonding.
Still have a question?
Reach us by phone at (240) 441-1676 or email nahiddaycare@gmail.com.
Ready to Visit?
The best way to know if Nahid Child Daycare is the right fit for your family is to come see us in person. We are located at 104 Longdraft Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 and welcome families from Rockville, Germantown, and all of Montgomery County.