The Best Daycare Centers in Chesterfield, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Chesterfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Chesterfield
The Goddard School of Chesterfield
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Chesterfield offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms with hands-on learning centers. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character education, with daily communication to parents through the Goddard mobile app. What sets this school apart is their focus on play-based learning within a structured environment and their comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff and regular safety drills.
Daycare Services:
Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a well-rounded private school education beginning in infancy through elementary years. Their research-based curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while incorporating art, music, and physical education. The school features low student-teacher ratios, certified early childhood educators, and comprehensive security systems including secured entry and surveillance. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, and specialized learning spaces. Their standout features include the Links to Learning curriculum that tracks developmental milestones, nutritious meal programs, and strong parent partnership through regular conferences and digital progress reports.
Daycare Services:
La Petite Academy of Chester
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy of Chester offers a balanced approach to early education with their proprietary Early Innovators® curriculum that encourages curiosity, creativity, and confidence. The center provides age-specific learning environments from infants through school-age children, with dedicated spaces for each developmental stage. Their team includes experienced early childhood professionals who receive ongoing training in child development and safety protocols. The facility features secure keypad entry, monitored playgrounds, and classrooms equipped with modern learning materials. Notable strengths include their focus on school readiness skills, flexible scheduling options for working families, and comprehensive health and safety measures including strict cleaning protocols and emergency preparedness training.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Chesterfield, VA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Chesterfield, VA?
In Chesterfield, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the type of center, its location, and the age of your child. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), monthly fees typically range from $1,000 to $1,400. In-home daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, often between $800 and $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that costs in Chesterfield are generally in line with or slightly below the Richmond metro area average. Many centers also charge registration or supply fees annually.
How do I verify a daycare is properly licensed and what specific regulations should I know about in Virginia?
All childcare centers and family day homes in Chesterfield must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), specifically the Division of Licensed Child Care Programs. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the "Child Care Search" tool on the VDOE website. Key Virginia regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers), background checks for all employees, and annual health and safety inspections. Chesterfield County also has local zoning ordinances that licensed providers must follow. Always ask to see a current license during your tour and review the most recent inspection summary, which providers are required to post.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Chesterfield, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care slots at highly-regarded centers in popular areas like Midlothian, Brandermill, or near major employers. For infant programs, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists 6 to 12 months before your needed start date. For toddler and preschool programs, 3 to 6 months in advance is more typical but still recommended. Many centers in Chesterfield have limited infant capacity due to stricter staff-to-child ratios, creating high demand. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time for my child's age group?
What resources are available in Chesterfield County to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Chesterfield County parents have several valuable local resources. The primary resource is **Child Care Aware of Virginia**, which serves the region and offers a free referral service to help match your family's needs with licensed providers. You can also contact the **Chesterfield County Department of Social Services** for information. For evaluation, the **Virginia Quality Birth-to-Five** rating system (a voluntary quality improvement program) is an excellent tool; look for centers with a "Virginia Quality" profile, which assesses areas like learning environments and teacher interactions. Additionally, local parent groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Chesterfield, VA Moms") are often rich sources of personal recommendations and experiences.
What are some of the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a registered family day home in Chesterfield?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and regulations. **Licensed Childcare Centers** are commercial or non-profit facilities in dedicated buildings, serving larger groups of children. They follow strict VDOE regulations for physical space, staff qualifications, and structured programming. **Registered Family Day Homes** are operated out of the provider's residence and can care for between 5 and 12 children (including the provider's own). They are also regulated by the VDOE but the environment is more home-like and often has mixed-age groups. Family day homes may offer more flexible hours and can be more affordable, while centers often provide more structured preschool curricula and larger peer groups. Both types are inspected, but the requirements for physical facilities differ due to the home setting. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a home-based environment or a more institutional setting with potentially more resources.