The Best Daycare Centers in Broadway, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Broadway. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Broadway
Broadway Learning Center
Independent
Broadway Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility serving the Broadway community with comprehensive early childhood education programs. They follow a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, focusing on social-emotional development and kindergarten readiness. The center features low student-teacher ratios, certified early childhood educators, and a secure facility with monitored access. Their curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, creative arts, and outdoor play in their fenced playground. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced staff, and excellent communication about child development milestones.
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The Children's Garden
Independent
Located in nearby Harrisonburg and serving families throughout Rockingham County including Broadway, The Children's Garden offers a holistic educational approach inspired by Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies. Their certified teachers create individualized learning plans for each child, emphasizing hands-on exploration and natural learning environments. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, extensive outdoor learning spaces, and a focus on environmental education. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The center is known for its organic meal program, strong parent partnerships, and comprehensive developmental assessments.
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Kiddie Academy of Harrisonburg
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
As part of the nationally recognized Kiddie Academy chain, this Harrisonburg location serves the broader Shenandoah Valley area including Broadway families. Their Life Essentials® curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM education through project-based learning. The academy features state-of-the-art security systems including electronic entry, surveillance cameras, and strict pickup authorization procedures. Qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes interactive whiteboards, dedicated learning centers, and secure outdoor play areas. Parents appreciate the transparent communication through their mobile app, structured daily routines, and emphasis on school readiness skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Broadway, VA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Broadway, VA, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Broadway, VA, all child day centers serving more than five children must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), which oversees the licensing process. This includes compliance with strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid), health and safety protocols, and facility requirements. To verify the license of a specific daycare or preschool, you can use the "Licensed Child Day Programs Search" tool on the VDOE website. It's also recommended to contact the Shenandoah Valley Regional Office of the VDOE for any recent inspections or compliance history. Always ask the provider directly for their license number and look for it posted visibly at the facility.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Broadway, VA?
The cost of childcare in Broadway and the surrounding Shenandoah County area is generally more affordable than in Northern Virginia metros, but prices have been rising. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately $175 to $250 per week for a toddler in a licensed center. Infant care is typically more expensive, often ranging from $200 to $300 per week due to lower staff-to-child ratios. Home-based family daycares may offer slightly lower rates. It's important to note that costs can vary significantly based on the program's curriculum, hours, and amenities. Some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or accept Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Broadway, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare centers in a smaller town like Broadway, waitlists are common, especially for infant rooms which have the most restrictive capacity limits. It is strongly advised to begin your search during your pregnancy, ideally 6 to 9 months before your needed start date. For toddler or preschool spots, a 3-6 month lead time is recommended. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist policy: whether there's a fee to join, how often they update families on position, and if they offer part-time spots that might become available sooner. Exploring options in nearby towns like Timberville, Harrisonburg, or New Market can also increase your chances of finding timely care.
What types of childcare options are available in Broadway besides traditional daycare centers?
Broadway offers a mix of childcare options to suit different family needs. These include: 1. **Licensed Child Day Centers**: Traditional preschools and daycare facilities. 2. **Licensed Family Day Homes**: Smaller, home-based care typically with a mixed-age group, often offering a more flexible and home-like environment. 3. **Religious-Affiliated Programs**: Several local churches offer preschool programs, which may have shorter hours (e.g., half-day) and follow a school-year calendar. 4. **In-Home Care (Nannies/Babysitters)**: While less formal, some families hire private caregivers. For this, it's crucial to conduct thorough background checks. Resources like local Facebook community groups (e.g., "Broadway, VA Community") are often used to find recommendations. 5. **Part-Day Preschools**: Often for ages 3-5, which may require supplemental after-care arrangements.
How does the local school district, Shenandoah County Public Schools, interact with preschool and before/after-school care programs?
Shenandoah County Public Schools (SCPS) does not currently offer universal public preschool for 4-year-olds, though it provides special education preschool services for eligible children. For school-age care, SCPS operates the "Cub Care" program, which is a before and after-school program for students in grades K-5 at elementary schools like **Ashby Lee Elementary School** in Quicksburg and **W.W. Robinson Elementary School** in Woodstock. While Broadway itself does not have an elementary school hosting Cub Care, many Broadway residents are zoned for these schools and can utilize the service. It's essential to register early as spaces are limited. For full-day care during school closures (like summer and holidays), parents typically need to seek private daycare centers or camps in the area.