Our Quality & Credentials

Dedicated to Excellence & Standards

Our Commitment

At Robin's Nest, our dedication to exceptional childcare goes far beyond the everyday. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, education, and professional development. This commitment is reflected in our robust credentials, active participation in quality improvement programs, and the continuous professional growth of our dedicated staff. We believe that by continuously striving for excellence, we provide an environment where your child not only learns but truly thrives.

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Maryland Child Care Credential Program (MCCCP)

The MCCCP is a voluntary program recognizing individuals who exceed basic requirements through ongoing professional development, training, and education in early childhood. At Robin's Nest, our dedication to expertise shines through our team's credentials. Our collective expertise far exceeds basic requirements, providing your child with exceptional care and education. Understand more about MCCCP levels here.

  • Leadership Team: Our founders all hold director-qualifications, with our owner Renee Shuman holding an impressive MCCCP Level 6.

  • Teachers: A majority of our teachers hold MCCCP Level 4 or higher, demonstrating advanced expertise.

  • Lead Teacher Certified: All 5 of our teachers are Lead Teacher Certified, ensuring qualified instruction for every age group.

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Maryland EXCELS Program

Maryland EXCELS is the state's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) for child care and early education programs. We are proudly rated in this rigorous program, which evaluates and promotes high quality. Our Quality Level 4 rating signifies our commitment to continuous improvement in areas like curriculum, staff qualifications, and learning environment (see below). Our additional achievements in getting our MCCYN and Asthma and Allergy Friendly badges are a testament to our continued commitment to growth. 

Quality Level 4

  • Children’s developmental progress measured and linked to curriculum

  • Staff have higher levels of training and experience

  • Continuous quality improvement process informed by independent assessors

Maryland Excels Achivements

  • Activities aligned with a state recommended curriculum

  • Family-teacher conferences offered at least twice per year

  • Activities support each and every child’s individual needs

  • 4+ opportunities for families to engage in the program

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Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN)

Robin's Nest is a proud participant in the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) program. This vital fee assistance initiative, funded by the DOD and U.S. Coast Guard, helps eligible military families access affordable, high-quality childcare when military-operated options aren't available due to distance or waitlists. With MCCYN fee assistance, a significant portion of your childcare costs is directly offset, making quality community-based care more accessible for military-connected families. Renee’s husband, Ben, is a Navy veteran himself, so our family at Robin’s Nest deeply understand the needs of military families, fostering a truly supportive environment.

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Pursuing Accreditation

Building on our foundation of excellence, Robin's Nest is currently in the process of becoming fully accredited. This ongoing effort demonstrates our dedication to meeting and exceeding the highest national standards for early childhood education, ensuring your child receives the best possible care and learning pportunities. The process is long and grueling, but we’re confident in our ability to meet the standards! Benefits of Maryland Accreditation include:

  • Eligibility for Maryland EXCELS Quality Rating 5

  • Access to Accreditation Support Funds for purchasing instructional materials

  • Expanding our fee assistance for military families by upgrading to MCCYN-PLUS

  • Opportunity to increase staff and family engagement

  • Demonstrates our dedication to excellence in services for families and your community

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