Here at The LAB Child Care Center, our mission is to provide high-quality childcare for families in our Talbot County community by ensuring that our center is safe, healthy, and nurturing, while establishing and maintaining an educational program that supports a child's development, learning, and play.
Child-raising practices built into every curriculum
Mini Molecules
6 Weeks - 11 Months
An early childhood program for our youngest learners at our Cynwood location.
Tiny Tubes
1 Year Old
An early childhood program for toddlers at our Cynwood location.
Lil Beakers
2-3 Years Old
An early childhood program offered at either location.
Jr. Scientists
3-5 Years Old
An early childhood program offered at either location.
Martial Arts Club
All Ages
An after school program at our Creamery location, bridging to The LAB Martial Arts.
Why Choose The LAB?
The perfect combination of centered care with a home daycare feel
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Qualified, Passionate Staff
Our team has a genuine passion and love for children in every classroom.
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Brightwheel App
Parents receive real-time notifications throughout the day about their child's activities.
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2,000 sq ft Indoor Mat Space
Our Creamery location has 2,000 sq ft of mat space where children run and play indoors when weather doesn't cooperate.
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Martial Arts Bridge
Enroll your child in beginner Martial Arts starting at age 4 through The LAB Martial Arts.
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Dedicated Infant Playroom
Our Cynwood location features a dedicated playroom designed specifically for infants.
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Home Away From Home
We are your child's home away from home - centered care with a family feel.
Take a Tour of Our Centers
See what makes The LAB special
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Qualified staff with a passion and love for children
John Givens
Owner
John lives with his family in Easton, MD. He has been teaching children in Martial Arts for 15 years and opened The LAB Martial Arts and Fitness Center in March 2019.
After seeing the need for childcare in the community, John began the process of opening The LAB Child Care Center. In September of 2020 we welcomed our School-Age children and in February of 2021 we welcomed our Early Childhood children. John continues to use his passion for teaching and Martial Arts to instill self-esteem and confidence. In his spare time, John enjoys spending time with his children and competing in tournaments on the weekends.
Sam Kennedy
Director
Ms. Sam is our Director of the Creamery facility. She also oversees our Before & After School Program and Summer Camp at The Lab Martial Arts & Fitness Center. Sam has worked at The Lab since 2020 and has a passion for working with children of all ages.
Sam lives with her boyfriend and daughter in Easton, MD. She received her Associate of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education and is working on her Associate's in Early Childhood Development. Sam has known since elementary school that she wanted to be a teacher. She has years of experience in babysitting, after-school care, being a Sunday school teacher, camp counselor, and a Nanny. Sam also has her 90-hr certification in Preschool as well as other childcare certifications. In her spare time, Sam enjoys hanging out with her sister, playing with her dogs, and spending time with her daughter and family.
Amber Givens
Owner & Director
Ms. Amber is our Director of the Cynwood facility. She has been working at The Lab since June of 2021. She has a passion for children of all ages and has worked with children prior to joining our team.
Ms. Amber lives with her children in Cordova, MD. She has a goal of a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development which she has just made a reality upon joining us here at The LAB. Amber came to us with over a decade of hands-on experience in Early Childhood Education, during that time receiving an excess of 900 credit hours of her own education. Amber holds certifications in several different areas of development and education including special education, trauma response training, 90-hour certification in Infants/Toddlers, Preschool, and school-aged, developmental screening, curriculum development, and more. Amber's passions include watching children and families learn, grow, and succeed, spending as much time as possible with her children, music, and laughter.
Erika Robinson
Lead Teacher - Creamery Location
Erika is a Teacher at our Creamery facility. She has been with The LAB since December 2022 and has a love for children.
Erika lives with her fiance and dog, Charlie, in Cambridge, MD. She graduated from high school in North Port, FL in 2015. Before joining The LAB, Erika was a Nanny. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time outdoors.
Mariam Ahmed
Teacher - Cynwood Location
Mariam is a teacher at our Cynwood facility and has been working at The Lab since April 2023. She is qualified to work with school age and preschool ages.
Mariam has been working at The LAB since April 2023. She is qualified to work with school age and preschool ages but has experience with all ages. In her spare time, she loves to read, travel, and go hiking.
Jayonna Nixon
Teacher - Cynwood Location
Jayonna is a teacher at our Cynwood facility and has been working at The Lab since November 2023. She creates a safe, nurturing, and fun environment where every child feels valued.
I am a caring and dedicated childcare provider who has been working in childcare since November 2023. I truly enjoy supporting children as they learn and grow, and I strive to create a safe, nurturing, and fun environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to be themselves. I love engaging in creative activities, taking the kids outside to play and explore, and even doing their hair. It's a special way I like to bond with them and help them feel confident. The children know me as 'Ms. Jay,' and building strong, positive relationships with both them and their families is very important to me. I take pride in being a part of each child's development every day.
Tionna Wilson
Teacher - Cynwood Location
Tionna is a teacher at our Cynwood facility and has been working at The Lab since August 2024. She loves dancing with the kids and watching them grow.
Hiiiiii, My name is Ms. Tionna!! I have been working at The LAB since August 2024. I love dancing with the kids. I also love watching them grow and get ready for big kid school💚
Marcianna Seth
Teacher - Cynwood Location
Marcianna is a teacher at our Cynwood facility and has been working at The Lab since June 2025. She has a heart for working with children.
Hi, my name is Marcianna and I am a daycare teacher who has a heart for working with children. I have been working at The LAB since June 2025 and have loved every moment of it. I enjoy running around and playing with the kids, but what I love most is watching them grow and learn every day. I am currently pursuing a career in pediatric healthcare, where I hope to extend my dedication to children beyond the classroom.
Alayzia Stanford
Teacher - Cynwood Location
Alayzia is a teacher at our Cynwood facility and has been working at The Lab since May 2024. She has a genuine love for babies and truly enjoys caring for children.
Hi, I'm Ms. Lay! I've been working at The LAB since May 2024, with many years of childcare experience overall from babysitting since middle school. I have a genuine love for babies and truly enjoy caring for children in a safe, fun, and nurturing environment. I'm kind, patient, and dependable, and I love being a part of each child's growth and development. Watching babies learn new things, reach milestones, and grow every day is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Bre'Ajah Demby
Teacher - Cynwood Location
Bre is a teacher at our Cynwood facility and has been working at The Lab since September 2024. She has a passion for supporting young children as they learn and grow.
Hello, my name is Bre. I have been working at The LAB since September 2024 and have truly enjoyed my time in Mini Molecules 1. I graduated from high school in Cambridge, Maryland in 2024, and after graduation I decided to pursue a career in the child care field. In 2026, I proudly became a teacher and look forward to continuing to support and care for young children as they learn and grow.
Jayela Hines
Teacher - Cynwood Location
Jayela is a teacher at our Cynwood facility and has been working at The Lab since July 2024. She is certified to work with infants and loves keeping kids engaged.
I have been working at The LAB since July 2024, and being a teacher is something I truly love and enjoy every day. One of the best parts of my job is getting to watch children grow, learn, and reach exciting new milestones. I love keeping kids engaged through fun crafts, outdoor activities, and playful interactions like peek-a-boo that bring out their smiles and personalities. I am also certified to work with infants and take pride in creating a safe, loving, and positive environment where every child feels cared for and encouraged to thrive.
Danijah Carter
Teacher - Cynwood Location
Danijah is a teacher at our Cynwood facility and has been working at The Lab since April of 2024. She has a true passion for working with children.
My name is Danijah Carter. I was born and raised in Easton, Maryland, with my formative years spent in Trappe, MD. I have a deep appreciation for adventure and the outdoors, whether exploring nature or planning the next outdoor experience. I have always held a genuine passion for working with children. Their curiosity and enthusiasm are truly reciprocal, and I am continually inspired by the opportunity to teach and discover the world through their eyes.
📸 Life at The LAB
See what a day looks like at our centers
Photos coming soon!
Schools We Serve in Talbot County
Partnering with local schools for before and after care
Our Cynwood Drive location accepts children from 6 weeks through 5 years old, including infants. Our Creamery Lane location serves children ages 2 through 5 years. Both locations offer programs tailored to each age group.
What are your hours of operation?
We are open Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This includes before-school drop-off starting at 6:00 AM and after-school pickup until 6:00 PM.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes. Spaces are limited and fill quickly. We recommend submitting an enrollment application as early as possible. The application fee is $45 (non-refundable), and a $100 registration fee is collected upon acceptance.
Do you accept childcare vouchers?
Yes! As a Maryland EXCELS participant, we are able to accept child care vouchers (Child Care Scholarship) for families that qualify. Contact us for details.
What is included in your program?
Our programs include structured learning activities, outdoor play, arts and crafts, snacks, and real-time parent updates via the Brightwheel app. Children at our Creamery Lane location also have access to 2,000 sq ft of indoor mat space and can enroll in beginner martial arts starting at age 4.
Can I tour the facility before enrolling?
Absolutely! We encourage all parents to schedule a tour. Fill out our tour request form or call us at (667) 202-1649. We'll contact you within 24 hours to confirm.
Do you offer before and after school care?
Yes. Our Creamery Lane location offers before and after school care through The LAB Martial Arts & Fitness Center, with transportation to and from local Talbot County schools. Learn more on our before & after school care page.
Do you offer summer camp?
Yes! Our summer camp program includes daily martial arts, arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, STEM activities, and structured fun. Full-day coverage from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Learn more on our summer camp page.
Maryland EXCELS Participant
Maryland EXCELS is a quality rating and improvement system for child care and early education programs that meet nationally recognized quality standards. By participating, we are able to accept child care vouchers for families that qualify. Learn more about Maryland EXCELS.
Ready to enroll? Complete our enrollment application and your child will be placed on our waitlist. We'll contact you as soon as a space becomes available.
