The Best Daycare Centers in Clear Brook, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Clear Brook. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Clear Brook
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Stephens City offers a comprehensive play-based learning curriculum that focuses on developmental milestones and school readiness. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) balances academic learning with social-emotional development. Features state-certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and daily communication with parents through their proprietary app. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art and music rooms, and STEM learning centers. Known for their low student-to-teacher ratios and extensive safety protocols including comprehensive background checks for all staff.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Winchester
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Winchester provides educational child care with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, technology, and hands-on learning. The academy features certified early childhood educators, secure facility access, and real-time electronic daily reports for parents. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, music and movement activities, and STEM-focused learning centers. The center maintains enhanced health and safety protocols including rigorous cleaning procedures and staff CPR/first aid certification. Offers nutritious meals and snacks through their included meal program, and features both indoor and outdoor age-appropriate play areas.
Daycare Services:
Sunshine Early Learning Center
Independent
Sunshine Early Learning Center offers a nurturing environment with a balanced curriculum that combines structured learning and creative exploration. Their program emphasizes literacy development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness through themed learning units and hands-on activities. Features experienced teaching staff with ongoing professional development, secure facility with surveillance systems, and small class sizes for individualized attention. The center includes multiple playgrounds separated by age groups, dedicated art and music areas, and comprehensive learning materials. Parents receive regular progress updates and photos through their communication platform. Known for their family-oriented approach and consistent staff retention.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Clear Brook, VA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Clear Brook, VA?
In Clear Brook and the surrounding Frederick County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,100 to $1,400 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $950 to $1,200 per month. In-home family daycare providers are often slightly less expensive, ranging from $800 to $1,100 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Clear Brook, being in a more rural part of Virginia, may have slightly lower average costs than more urban Northern Virginia areas, but prices have been rising. Many providers in the region require an annual registration fee as well.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Clear Brook?
All licensed childcare providers in Clear Brook, VA, are regulated by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), which oversees the licensure of child day programs. You can verify a provider's license and view their compliance history through the VDOE's online "Child Care Search" portal. This tool allows you to search by provider name or location and see their current license status, capacity, and any documented violations from inspections. You can also contact the local licensure office for Region 4, which serves the Northern Shenandoah Valley. We recommend always visiting a potential daycare in person and asking the director to see their most recent inspection report, which they are required to post in a visible location.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Clear Brook, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for the more sought-after daycare centers and in-home providers in Clear Brook, especially for infant spots, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and if you are expecting a child, to get on lists during your second trimester. Some popular centers in the area have waitlists that extend 12 months or more. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to be on the list? How often do they update families on their position? Do they prioritize siblings of current families? Exploring multiple options, including licensed family day homes in nearby communities like Stephens City or Winchester, can increase your chances of finding timely care.
What types of childcare assistance or subsidy programs are available for families in Clear Brook?
Families in Clear Brook may be eligible for the Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program, which helps low-income families, families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and those participating in workforce development programs pay for childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, training, etc.). Applications are managed by the local Department of Social Services. Additionally, some daycare centers in the area may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. For military families associated with nearby installations, there may be specific resources and priority access at certain facilities. It's best to contact the **Winchester Department of Social Services** (which serves Frederick County) directly for the most current information and application guidance.
What are some key questions to ask during a tour of a daycare in Clear Brook, given the local community context?
When touring a daycare in Clear Brook, beyond standard questions about curriculum and safety, ask locally relevant questions. Inquire about their policy for **inclement weather and snow delays/closures**, as winters can impact travel in our area. Ask about their **outdoor play and nature integration**, given our proximity to rural and natural settings—do they have secure outdoor space and utilize it daily? For school-age care, ask about **transportation to and from local elementary schools** like Clear Brook Elementary. Also, ask about their **staff longevity and local hiring**; low turnover often indicates a positive work environment. Finally, clarify their **illness policy and backup care options**, as having a plan for when your child is sick is crucial, especially if you commute to Winchester or beyond for work.