The Best Daycare Centers in Accomac, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Accomac. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Accomac
Eastern Shore Community Services Board Child Development Center
Eastern Shore Community Services Board
This highly-regarded childcare center operates under the Eastern Shore Community Services Board, providing comprehensive early childhood education and development services. They offer a structured curriculum that focuses on cognitive, social, and emotional development through play-based learning. The center employs certified early childhood educators and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Specializing in inclusive education, they provide early intervention services for children with developmental needs. The facility features secure classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, and outdoor play areas. Their program emphasizes parent involvement and regular developmental assessments.
Daycare Services:
Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy is a well-established childcare center serving the Eastern Shore community with a comprehensive educational program. They implement a research-based curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. The center features modern security systems, including controlled access entry and surveillance cameras. Their qualified teaching staff holds degrees in early childhood education and receives ongoing professional development. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, spacious preschool classrooms, and secure outdoor playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment. They provide nutritious meals and maintain excellent health and safety protocols.
Daycare Services:
ABC Academy Early Learning Center
ABC Academy
ABC Academy provides quality early childhood education with a focus on school readiness and whole-child development. Their curriculum emphasizes language development, social skills, and early literacy through hands-on learning experiences. The center maintains state-licensed facilities with secure environments, including fenced playgrounds and comprehensive safety protocols. Staff members are trained in CPR, first aid, and child development best practices. The program offers flexible scheduling options and serves children from infancy through school age. Their approach includes regular parent-teacher communication and individualized learning plans to support each child's unique developmental journey.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Accomac, VA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Accomac, VA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Accomac, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), which oversees the licensing division. This includes family day homes (care for 5-12 children in a residence) and child day centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/first aid), child-to-staff ratios, health and safety protocols, and facility safety. To verify a provider's license and view any inspection reports or compliance history, you can use the VDOE's online "Child Care Search" tool. This is a critical first step for parents in Accomac to ensure their chosen provider operates legally and meets state-mandated safety standards.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Accomac, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to the more limited number of childcare centers in a rural area like Accomac and the Eastern Shore, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long for a coveted infant spot. We strongly recommend that expecting parents in Accomac begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool-age openings, starting your search at least 3-6 months before your needed start date is advisable. Be sure to ask about waitlist fees and how often you need to confirm your continued interest.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Accomac, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Accomac and the surrounding Eastern Shore region, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in Virginia's urban areas but can still be a significant household expense. For an infant, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $225 per week. For toddlers, the cost may range from $130 to $200 per week. Financial assistance is available for eligible families through the Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program, administered locally by the Eastern Shore Department of Social Services. Additionally, some providers may offer sibling discounts. We recommend contacting the Accomac Department of Social Services office directly to determine your eligibility for subsidy programs.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Accomac, given its rural setting?
Accomac parents will find that licensed family day homes are a very prevalent and popular option due to the rural, community-focused nature of the Eastern Shore. These offer a home-like setting with smaller groups of children. There are also a smaller number of child day centers, which are more structured, facility-based programs, often affiliated with churches or community organizations. Due to the area's geography, there are fewer large corporate childcare chains. Many parents also rely on informal networks, nanny shares, or registered but unlicensed family day homes (caring for up to 4 children), so it's important to ask about a provider's specific licensing status to understand the oversight in place.
Are there any daycare or preschool programs in Accomac that offer specialized curricula or prepare children for local public kindergarten?
Yes, several providers in the Accomac area incorporate structured learning to prepare children for kindergarten in the Accomack County Public Schools system. Look for programs that explicitly mention a preschool curriculum, which may include focus on early literacy (like the Virginia Early Learning & Development Standards), basic math concepts, and social-emotional skills. Some church-affiliated centers may include a faith-based component. It's a great question to ask during tours: "How does your program align with the expectations for kindergarten at Accomack County Elementary Schools?" Additionally, the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) may offer state-funded pre-K for eligible 4-year-olds at certain public school locations, which you can inquire about through the school district.