St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks provides childcare service to children who attend private schools in St. Mary's County. All rules, regulations, and policies set forth in this handbook apply to private school students, with exceptions as described below. 

Due to the difference in the school calendars for the public and private schools, some modifications to service apply to children attending private schools. They are as follows:

• An additional FULL SERVICE DAY FEE or EARLY DISMISSAL DAY FEE will be charged for this service.
    
• Recreation & Parks does not prorate tuition for private school holidays.
    
• Since private schools end earlier than public schools, parents must submit a written request for withdraw, two weeks prior to the close of private school, otherwise they will be responsible to pay tuition through the date posted on final coupon for the public school year.

Maryland Purchase of Care Voucher Program

All St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks childcare programs accept Maryland Purchase of Care vouchers. If you think you are eligible to participate in this program please contact the St. Mary's County Department of Social Services at 240-895-7000 or 7026 for further information. Ask to speak to the person in charge of "Day Care" All program fees are applicable to DSS participants and may not be covered by the voucher. Parent is responsible for registration fee and all tuition until notification (paperwork) has been received from the Department of Social Services. The parent will be reimbursed or credited for any overpayment to their account. Parent is also responsible for fees not covered by the voucher, such as co-payments, full-services day fees, early dismissal day fees, and field trip fees.

Sliding Scale

St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks offers a limited number of slots for parents who are not eligible for the Purchase of Care voucher. Households which are eligible for "free and/or reduced lunch" automatically qualify for the sliding scale/scholarship program offered for all childcare programs. To be considered fore this option parents must submit a request in writing and provide the flowing documentation:

1. Approval from the Board of Education to receive "free and reduced lunch"
2. A copy of denial from the Department of Social Service that the parent is not eligible to receive a Maryland day care Voucher.