The Best Daycare Centers in Barhamsville, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Barhamsville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Barhamsville
The Goddard School of Williamsburg
Goddard Systems, LLC
The Goddard School of Williamsburg is a highly regarded early childhood education center known for its play-based learning approach and F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which emphasizes literacy, STEM, and social-emotional development. Staff members hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. The facility features secure entry systems, CCTV monitoring, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Parents praise the structured curriculum, daily communication through an app, and focus on kindergarten readiness. The school serves families in Barhamsville and surrounding areas with flexible scheduling and enrichment activities like music and yoga.
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KinderCare Learning Center - Williamsburg
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Learning Center in Williamsburg offers a comprehensive early education curriculum based on developmental milestones, with programs like Phonics Adventures® and STEM-focused activities. The center employs qualified teachers with CPR and First Aid certifications, and it emphasizes safety through secured access, regular drills, and sanitization protocols. Facilities include interactive classrooms, a dedicated playground, and a nutrition program that provides healthy meals. Parents value the consistent updates via the parent portal and the center's inclusivity. Serving Barhamsville and the wider New Kent County area, it supports flexible hours and has a strong track record of preparing children for elementary school.
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New Kent Child Development Center
Independent
New Kent Child Development Center is a locally owned facility providing nurturing care with a focus on hands-on, creative learning through a balanced curriculum that includes literacy, math, and social skills. Staff are trained in early childhood development and maintain small class sizes for individualized attention. The center prioritizes safety with fenced outdoor areas, emergency preparedness plans, and background-checked employees. It features bright, engaging classrooms and a family-oriented atmosphere, with parent-teacher conferences and community events. Located close to Barhamsville, it serves as a reliable option for families seeking a supportive environment with an emphasis on whole-child development and affordable pricing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Barhamsville, VA
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Barhamsville, VA, and how do I verify their licensing status?
In Barhamsville and the surrounding New Kent County area, your primary licensed options are family day homes (care in a provider's residence for up to 12 children) and licensed child day centers. Due to Barhamsville's more rural setting, family day homes are a common and valued option, often offering a home-like environment with smaller groups. To verify the licensing status and review any past inspection reports of any provider, you must use the Virginia Department of Education's (VDOE) online search portal. This is a critical step, as it ensures the provider meets Virginia's standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and program components. Always confirm the license is current and review any noted violations.
Are there typically long waitlists for daycare in Barhamsville, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists can vary significantly in Barhamsville. For the more limited number of formal daycare centers, especially those serving infants and toddlers, waitlists of several months are not uncommon. Popular licensed family day homes may also have limited openings. To improve your chances, start your search early—ideally 6-9 months before you need care, if possible. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee in some cases. Be proactive and check in periodically without being intrusive. Also, consider expanding your search radius to nearby towns like Providence Forge or Lanexa for more options.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Barhamsville, VA?
Costs in Barhamsville are generally more affordable than in major Virginia metros like Richmond or Northern Virginia, but they reflect the quality and type of care. For a licensed family day home, you might expect to pay between $150-$225 per week for full-time infant care. A licensed child day center in the area may range from $180-$260 per week. These are estimates, and rates can vary based on the provider's experience, curriculum, and included amenities (meals, supplies). Always ask exactly what is included in the weekly rate. Financial assistance may be available through the Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare or family home in Barhamsville?
Beyond the general cleanliness and safety, pay close attention to factors specific to a rural community. Ask about their emergency protocols, especially regarding response times for medical services. Observe the outdoor play area—is it secure, shaded, and well-maintained? Given Barhamsville's setting, inquire about their policy for inclement weather and power outages. For family homes, ensure the space dedicated to childcare is separate and child-proofed. For all providers, ask about daily communication, their approach to discipline, and how they incorporate learning through play. Trust your instincts about the caregiver's engagement with the children and their willingness to answer all your questions.
Are there any local resources or networks in New Kent County to help parents find and evaluate childcare?
Yes, a key resource is the Child Care Aware® of Virginia referral agency that serves your region. They can provide a customized list of licensed and regulated providers in your ZIP code. Additionally, the New Kent County Department of Social Services can offer information on subsidy programs. For informal networking, local Facebook groups (e.g., "New Kent County, VA Community" or parenting groups specific to the area) are invaluable. Parents often share firsthand recommendations and experiences with local family day homes and providers, which can be incredibly helpful for finding trusted care in a close-knit community like Barhamsville.