The Best Daycare Centers in Cloverdale, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cloverdale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cloverdale
The Goddard School of Roanoke
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Roanoke offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and extensive outdoor play areas. Curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, social-emotional development, and creative arts, with daily communication to parents through their proprietary app. They serve the greater Roanoke Valley area including Cloverdale families.
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Kiddie Academy of Roanoke
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Roanoke provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, technology, and hands-on learning. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and nutritious meal programs. Their degreed educators implement developmental milestone tracking and maintain NAEYC-aligned standards. The academy serves families throughout the Roanoke region including Cloverdale with flexible scheduling options and extensive safety protocols including comprehensive background checks and ongoing staff training.
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Salem Baptist Child Development Center
Salem Baptist Church
Salem Baptist Child Development Center offers a Christ-centered educational environment with developmentally appropriate curriculum that balances academic preparation and spiritual growth. The center maintains Virginia state licensing with enhanced teacher qualifications including CPR/first aid certification and ongoing professional development. Facilities include secure monitored access, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern learning materials. Their program emphasizes social-emotional development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness while serving families from Salem, Cloverdale, and surrounding communities with extended hours and flexible enrollment options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cloverdale, VA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Cloverdale, VA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Cloverdale and the surrounding Botetourt County area, full-time daycare for an infant can range from approximately $800 to $1,100 per month, while toddler and preschool programs typically cost between $700 and $950 per month. These costs are generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas of Virginia but can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program is available for eligible families, administered locally through the Botetourt County Department of Social Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking with employers in the region, such as those in nearby Roanoke, as some offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Cloverdale?
All licensed childcare centers and family day homes in Cloverdale are regulated by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), which oversees the licensing division. You can verify a provider's license and view their compliance history online through the VDOE's "Child Care Search" portal. This tool allows you to search by provider name or zip code (like 24077) and see their license status, capacity, and any documented violations from state inspections. For an in-person perspective, you can also contact the Botetourt County Health Department or the local licensing inspector's office, as they conduct regular unannounced visits. Always ensure the provider's license is current and review any corrective action plans they may have been required to complete.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Cloverdale, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a rural community like Cloverdale, waitlists for infant care, in particular, can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months. It is highly recommended that expecting parents begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Some popular local centers or accredited home-based programs may have even longer waits. For toddler or preschool spots, waitlists tend to be shorter, around 3-6 months. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist policy, including any deposit required to hold a spot and how often they update families on their position.
What types of childcare settings are most common in Cloverdale—centers, church-based programs, or in-home providers?
Cloverdale and the broader Botetourt County area offer a mix of childcare settings. You will find several licensed family day homes, which are small, home-based operations often appealing for their family-like atmosphere and flexibility. There are also a few dedicated childcare centers, some of which may be associated with local churches, offering preschool curricula. Due to the rural nature, formal, large corporate centers are less common than in nearby Roanoke or Salem. Many parents also utilize registered family day homes, which are licensed for up to 12 children. The Virginia Quality Birth-to-Five system is a helpful resource to identify and compare the quality of different local program types.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Cloverdale area?
For school-age children attending Botetourt County public schools, such as Cloverdale Elementary, the primary option is often the school's own before and after-school enrichment program, if available. These programs typically operate on-site and provide transportation from nearby bus stops. Due to limited formal center-based programs specifically for school-age care in Cloverdale itself, many families also rely on licensed family day homes that offer before/after-school care and transportation to/from school. Some local community centers or churches in nearby towns like Fincastle may also offer programs. It's crucial to inquire early, as these slots are limited and coordinated with the local school bus schedules. The YMCA of Roanoke Valley also may offer programs that serve the county, though transportation from Cloverdale would need to be arranged.
Childcare Insights for Cloverdale
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and if you’re searching for “private daycares near me” in Cloverdale, Virginia, you’re likely seeking a nurturing, reliable environment close to home. The good news is that Cloverdale and the surrounding Roanoke Valley offer a variety of private daycare options, each with its own unique character and approach to early childhood development. Starting your search locally means you’re not just looking for a daycare; you’re looking for a community partner that understands the rhythm of life here in Botetourt County.
A great first step is to tap into the local networks that make Cloverdale such a connected community. Beyond an online search, consider asking for recommendations at places like the Cloverdale Fire Department, the Botetourt County libraries, or other families you meet at Daleville Town Center. Personal referrals from neighbors often provide the most honest insights into a daycare’s daily atmosphere, staff turnover, and how they handle the little things that matter most. When you visit a potential center, pay close attention to how the caregivers interact with the children. Are they engaged at eye level? Is the environment calm yet stimulating? In our area, many private daycares take full advantage of Virginia’s beautiful seasons, so ask about their outdoor play schedule and safety protocols for their playgrounds.
Given Cloverdale’s location, your daily commute is a practical consideration. Think about your route to work—whether you’re heading into Roanoke, toward Fincastle, or up Interstate 81. A daycare that is conveniently located can significantly reduce stress for your family. During your visits, inquire about their policies for late pick-ups, especially considering potential traffic delays on Route 220 or I-81, which many local parents navigate. This is also the time to ask very specific questions about their curriculum. Many private daycares in our region incorporate elements of nature and local culture. You might find programs that include simple gardening, storytelling about Virginia’s history, or outdoor exploration that aligns with the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge foothills we’re fortunate to live near.
Finally, trust your instincts as a parent. After you’ve checked references, verified state licensing through the Virginia Department of Education, and reviewed the safety features, the feeling you get when you walk in the door is paramount. Does it feel welcoming and secure? Do the children seem happy and busy? The right private daycare in Cloverdale will feel like an extension of your family’s values, providing a foundation of care and learning that allows your child to thrive while giving you peace of mind as you go about your day. Taking the time to find this fit is an investment in your child’s happiness and your own confidence, right here in our own community.