The Best Daycare Centers in Ashburn, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ashburn. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ashburn
The Goddard School of Ashburn
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Ashburn offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms with advanced learning materials. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, engaging curriculum, and nurturing environment that prepares children for elementary school success.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a comprehensive educational program with research-based curriculum that includes phonics-based literacy, hands-on mathematics, and science exploration. The school emphasizes character development and community awareness through their "Core Values" program. Features include secure keypad entry, indoor gymnasium, multiple playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and hold degrees in early childhood education. The academy is particularly noted for its strong academic preparation, with many graduates testing above grade level when entering elementary school.
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Kiddie Academy of Ashburn
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Ashburn implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character education with academic learning through project-based activities. Their program emphasizes STEM education, literacy development, and social skills. The facility includes secure entry systems, multiple age-separated playgrounds, and classrooms equipped with smart board technology. All staff are CPR and First Aid certified, with lead teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. The academy is recognized for its nutritious meal program, comprehensive safety protocols, and strong parent partnership approach with daily communication through their mobile app.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ashburn, VA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Ashburn, VA?
In Ashburn, VA, childcare costs are among the higher in the state, reflecting the area's high cost of living. For a full-time infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,800 to $2,400 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,500 to $2,000 per month. In-home daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, generally between $1,200 and $1,800 monthly. These prices often include meals and basic curriculum, but it's important to ask what is covered. Many centers in Ashburn also require annual registration or supply fees ranging from $100 to $300.
How long are daycare waitlists in Ashburn, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers and popular in-home providers in Ashburn can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It's not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long for infants. For toddlers and preschoolers, wait times may be shorter, around 3 to 6 months. The best strategy is to start your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Be proactive: follow up with centers every 4-6 weeks to confirm your spot on the list. Also, consider expanding your search to include providers in neighboring communities like Leesburg or Sterling, which may have more immediate availability.
What are the Virginia state licensing requirements for daycare providers, and how can I verify a provider's compliance in Ashburn?
In Virginia, any provider caring for 6 or more children (excluding their own) must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Licensed providers must meet standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid), health and safety procedures, and facility requirements. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations through the VDOE's online **Child Care Search** portal. For Ashburn specifically, you can also contact the Loudoun County Office of the VDOE for local resources. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your tour.
Are there specific childcare options in Ashburn that cater to parents with non-traditional or tech industry work schedules?
Yes, Ashburn's proximity to major data centers and tech companies like Amazon Web Services and Verizon has led to a demand for flexible childcare. While traditional centers typically operate from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, some facilities offer extended hours until 7:00 PM or later. A few specialized centers and in-home providers may offer evening, weekend, or even occasional overnight care, though these are less common. Your best bet is to explicitly ask about extended hours during your search. Additionally, several centers offer "drop-in" or backup care programs, which can be ideal for parents with shifting on-call schedules or occasional late meetings.
What resources are available in Loudoun County to help parents in Ashburn find and afford quality childcare?
Loudoun County offers several key resources. First, the **Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)** provides financial subsidies to eligible low-income families. Second, **VA Child Care**, a state resource and referral service, can help you search for licensed providers. For guidance and referrals, you can contact the **Loudoun County Department of Family Services**. Furthermore, many employers in the Ashburn/Dulles tech corridor offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or may have partnerships with local daycare centers for preferred rates or reserved slots. It's also beneficial to join local parent Facebook groups (e.g., Ashburn Moms) for firsthand recommendations and insights into provider availability.
Childcare Insights for Ashburn
As the school year winds down, many parents in Ashburn find themselves facing the annual question: what are the best summer childcare options near me? The search for engaging, reliable, and convenient care during the summer months is a common challenge in our fast-growing community. Fortunately, Ashburn and the broader Loudoun County area offer a wonderful variety of programs designed to keep children safe, active, and learning while parents work. Understanding your local options can transform summer from a logistical puzzle into a season of growth and fun for your child.
When beginning your search for summer childcare in Ashburn, it’s helpful to consider the different formats available. Many local daycare centers and preschools, which you may already be familiar with, offer extended summer programs with a camp-like feel, often incorporating more outdoor play, themed weeks, and field trips. These can provide wonderful consistency for younger children. For school-aged kids, dedicated summer camps are a popular choice. Ashburn is home to numerous options, from sports camps at facilities like the Brambleton Regional Park or the Ashburn Ice House, to STEM-focused programs at local tech hubs, to creative arts camps. The key is to match the camp’s focus with your child’s interests to ensure they are genuinely engaged.
A significant advantage in our area is the wealth of outdoor and nature-based opportunities. Given Ashburn’s proximity to parks, trails, and community pools, many programs emphasize getting children outside. Look for camps that utilize the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, host activities at local parks like One Loudoun or Trailside Park, or include swimming at the Ashburn Farm or Belmont Country Club pools. This not only burns off boundless summer energy but also helps kids appreciate the beautiful green spaces we have here in Northern Virginia. When researching, be sure to ask about the daily schedule and how much time is allocated for outdoor recreation.
Planning ahead is crucial, as the most popular programs in Ashburn and Loudoun County can fill up quickly, often by early spring. Start your research now by checking with your local community centers, such as the Ashburn Recreation and Community Center, and exploring the websites of Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services. Don’t overlook your neighborhood’s own social media groups or Nextdoor; these can be invaluable resources for personal recommendations for in-home daycare providers or nanny shares, which offer a more flexible and personalized setting. Always verify that any provider is licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia and don’t hesitate to ask for references and their policies on safety, screen time, and inclement weather.
Ultimately, finding the right summer childcare in Ashburn is about balancing practicality with your child’s happiness. Consider the location’s commute from your home or workplace in the Ashburn area, the weekly cost, and the hours of operation. A successful summer arrangement provides you with peace of mind and gives your child a season filled with new friends, discoveries, and joyful memories right here in our community. Taking the time to explore your local options will help you create a summer that works for the whole family.