The Best Daycare Centers in Bohannon, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bohannon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bohannon
The Goddard School of Gloucester
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Gloucester offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. The school features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development in modern, purpose-built classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers. The facility includes secure outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces and offers nutritious meals and snacks. Parents appreciate the daily communication through the Goddard mobile app and the strong focus on individual child development.
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Mathews Montessori School
Independent
Mathews Montessori School provides authentic Montessori education in a nurturing environment serving the Middle Peninsula region. The school features AMI-trained teachers and follows traditional Montessori methodology with hands-on learning materials that promote independence and critical thinking. Their carefully prepared environments include practical life areas, sensorial materials, and academic works for language, mathematics, and cultural studies. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and emphasizes peaceful conflict resolution and grace/courtesy lessons. The historic building has been renovated with child-sized furniture, natural lighting, and secure outdoor learning gardens. The program focuses on developing the whole child while respecting individual learning paces and styles.
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Rainbow Station at Gloucester
Rainbow Station, Inc.
Rainbow Station at Gloucester offers a unique educational approach combining traditional preschool with their "Village for Children" concept, featuring separate age-appropriate learning environments. The center is renowned for its Get Well Place, a dedicated sick child care program staffed by pediatric nurses. Their comprehensive curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and creative arts with certified teachers implementing developmentally appropriate practices. The facility features secure entry systems, multiple playgrounds with safety surfaces, and indoor gross motor areas for active play. The program emphasizes character development and community involvement while providing flexible scheduling options and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's communication and the genuine care shown by staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bohannon, VA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Bohannon, Virginia, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Bohannon, Virginia, all childcare centers and family day homes serving more than five children must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks, First Aid/CPR certification, and ongoing training), child-to-staff ratios, health and safety protocols, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license and view any past inspection reports or violations, you can use the VDOE's online "Child Care Search" tool. This is a critical first step for parents, as it ensures a baseline level of safety and quality. For smaller, legally exempt family day homes (serving up to five children), licensing is not required, so parents should conduct extra diligence by requesting references and verifying background checks independently.
What is the average cost of full-time infant and toddler daycare in Bohannon, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Bohannon and surrounding Mathews County area, full-time daycare for infants typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week, while toddler care averages $150 to $200 per week. These costs are generally lower than in more urban parts of Virginia but reflect the limited number of providers in a rural community. For financial assistance, Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program (commonly managed through local departments of social services) is available for eligible families based on income, employment, or enrollment in education/training. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts. It's advisable to contact the Mathews County Department of Social Services for specific eligibility guidelines and application support.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Bohannon, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare facilities in rural Bohannon, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular centers or highly-regarded family day homes to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move to the area begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before their needed start date. Be proactive: contact all local options, get on multiple lists (even if there's a small fee), and check in periodically to maintain your spot.
What types of childcare settings are most common in Bohannon, and what are the pros and cons of each?
Bohannon primarily offers two types of licensed childcare: small, home-based Family Day Homes and larger Childcare Centers, which may be located in nearby towns like Mathews or Gloucester. Family Day Homes offer a home-like environment, often with mixed-age groups, more flexible hours, and potentially lower costs. Centers typically provide more structured educational curricula, multiple staff members, and dedicated facilities. Given Bohannon's rural nature, many parents also rely on legally exempt (unlicensed) care from neighbors or nannies, which offers maximum flexibility but requires parents to thoroughly vet the caregiver's qualifications and safety practices. Your choice will depend on your child's needs, your schedule, and your comfort level with the setting.
Are there any unique seasonal or community-based childcare options for families in Bohannon, VA?
Yes, the rural and coastal community of Bohannon offers some unique seasonal options. During the summer, the Mathews County Parks and Recreation Department often runs day camps for school-age children, which can provide full-day care. For younger children, some local churches may offer Mother's Morning Out programs or seasonal preschool enrichment, though these are often part-time. Additionally, the tight-knit community means that informal babysitting co-ops or shared nanny arrangements with other local families are more common. It's worth checking community bulletin boards at the Mathews Visitor & Information Center, the local library, or on social media groups like "Mathews County, VA Community" for these less formal, often more affordable options.