About Explore + Discover
A nurturing, play-based early childhood school built by people who believe every child deserves the warmest possible start.
The Explore + Discover Story
Explore + Discover was founded on a simple but deeply held belief: that the earliest years of a child's life are the most important โ and that working parents deserve a school they can truly rely on.
Located steps from the National Business Parkway in Annapolis Junction, MD, we built Explore + Discover to serve the thousands of working families in the corridor โ parents at Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen, Parsons, Fort Meade, and beyond who needed more than just childcare. They needed a partner.
From day one, our mission has been to create a warm, safe, and joyful environment where children are known by name, treated as individuals, and given every opportunity to grow. Today, that mission drives everything we do โ from the way we design our classrooms to the way we greet every family at drop-off.
What We Stand For
Everything we do at Explore + Discover comes back to four core values.
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Nurturing Every Child
Every child who walks through our doors is known by name, valued as an individual, and surrounded by warmth from day one. Nurturing is not just what we do โ it is who we are.
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Learning Through Play
We believe play is the most powerful vehicle for early childhood learning. Our curriculum is intentionally designed to let curiosity lead the way โ building confidence, creativity, and school readiness naturally.
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Building Community
Families don't just enroll at Explore + Discover โ they become part of something. We are proud to be a place where parents, teachers, and children grow together and support one another.
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Safety & Trust
As a Maryland State Licensed child care center (MSDE CCLD 26.18), we hold ourselves to the highest standards of safety, staffing, and child development. Your trust means everything to us.
Why We Believe in Play-Based Learning
Research consistently shows that children learn best when they are engaged, curious, and having fun. Play-based learning harnesses that natural energy and turns everyday moments of exploration into meaningful developmental experiences.
At Explore + Discover, our play-based approach means children are never passive recipients of information. They are active, curious participants โ building, creating, problem solving, and discovering in an environment carefully designed to support their growth at every stage. From our infant room to our Pre-K program, every activity is intentional and every moment is an opportunity to learn.
This approach doesn't just build academic skills. It builds confident, resilient, socially aware children who are genuinely excited to come to school every day โ and that's exactly what every parent hopes for.
Explore + Discover at a Glance
Infants through Pre-K welcome โ 2 months to 5 years
Infants, Toddlers, Twos, Preschool, Pre-K
112 National Business Pkwy, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701
Monday โ Friday, 7:00am โ 6:00pm
Maryland State Licensed Child Care Center โ MSDE CCLD 26.18
Accepting enrollments for 2026 โ limited spots available
Proud to Serve Annapolis Junction Families
We are proud to be part of the Annapolis Junction and National Business Parkway community, serving families from Fort Meade, Laurel, Columbia, Jessup, and surrounding areas. Our families come from all walks of life, but they share one thing in common โ a desire to give their children the best possible start.
At Explore + Discover, we believe that strong communities are built one relationship at a time. That means knowing every child by name, keeping an open door for every parent, and creating a space where families feel connected, supported, and at home. We are not just here to care for your child โ we are here to grow alongside your family.
Our Credentials & Commitments
Explore + Discover meets and exceeds the standards that matter most to families.
Maryland State Licensed
Explore + Discover is fully licensed by the state of Maryland under MSDE CCLD 26.18 โ meeting all required standards for safety, staffing, ratios, and child development.
MSDE CCLD 26.18 Certified
Our certification confirms that our facility, curriculum, and staff meet the Maryland State Department of Education's requirements for early childhood care centers.
Staff Qualifications
All staff meet Maryland state requirements for background checks, qualifications, and ongoing training. Our caregiver-to-child ratios meet or exceed state standards at every age level.
Come See Explore + Discover for Yourself
Words only go so far. Schedule a free tour and experience firsthand why Annapolis Junction families trust us with their most precious ones.
Have questions? Contact us.