The Best Daycare Centers in Colonial Heights, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Colonial Heights. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Colonial Heights
Chester Early Childhood Learning Academy
Chester Early Childhood Learning Academy
Chester Early Childhood Learning Academy is a highly-regarded facility serving the Colonial Heights area with a comprehensive educational approach. They offer a structured curriculum focused on early literacy, mathematics, and social development, with certified early childhood educators leading each classroom. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry systems, modern learning environments, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their program emphasizes hands-on learning through Montessori-inspired activities and project-based exploration. The academy maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals prepared on-site. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, experienced staff, and the visible developmental progress children make.
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The Goddard School of Colonial Heights
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Colonial Heights operates as part of the nationally recognized Goddard Systems network, offering a F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. The facility features purpose-built classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor learning environments. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the curriculum incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities from infancy through kindergarten. The school emphasizes character development, emotional intelligence, and school readiness through play-based learning. Parents consistently highlight the professional staff, clean facilities, and comprehensive communication about daily activities and developmental milestones.
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Kiddie Academy of Chester
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Chester serves the Colonial Heights community with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and school readiness. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, dedicated age-specific learning areas, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different developmental stages. Their educational approach integrates technology with traditional learning methods, and they maintain small class sizes with qualified early childhood educators. The academy provides family-style dining with nutritionally balanced meals and emphasizes health and safety protocols. Parents frequently commend the center's structured learning environment, experienced leadership team, and the way children develop both academically and socially through their comprehensive programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Colonial Heights, VA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Colonial Heights, VA?
In Colonial Heights, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants (under 2 years old), you can expect to pay between $1,000 to $1,400 per month at a licensed daycare center. For toddlers (ages 2-4), monthly costs typically range from $900 to $1,200. In-home family daycares may be slightly less expensive, often ranging from $700 to $1,000 monthly. These rates are generally in line with the regional average for the Tri-Cities area. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and curriculum materials, as these can affect the overall value.
How do I verify that a daycare in Colonial Heights is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare facilities in Virginia are regulated by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Development. You can verify a provider's license, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations by using the "Virginia Child Care Search" tool on the VDOE website. When touring a facility in Colonial Heights, ask to see their current license, observe staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), check for cleanliness and safety features like secured outlets and fenced playgrounds, and inquire about staff qualifications and ongoing training. Notice if children are engaged and if the environment feels welcoming.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Colonial Heights, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in Colonial Heights, often ranging from 3 to 9 months. For toddler and preschool programs, waitlists may be shorter, typically 1 to 4 months. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move start researching and contacting centers during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date. When you call, ask specifically about their waitlist process, any fees to join, and how often they update families on their position. Some smaller in-home providers may have more immediate availability.
What childcare assistance programs or financial resources are available for families in Colonial Heights?
Families in Colonial Heights may qualify for assistance through the Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program, which helps low-income working families, those in job training, or those receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care. You can apply through the Colonial Heights Department of Social Services. Additionally, many local daycare centers offer sibling discounts. Some employers in the Tri-Cities region may also provide Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). For military families stationed at nearby Fort Gregg-Adams, there may be specific childcare resources and priority access at certain facilities.
What are the main types of childcare options available in Colonial Heights, and how do they differ?
Colonial Heights offers several primary childcare options. **Licensed Daycare Centers** are facility-based, often with structured curricula, multiple classrooms, and larger staff (e.g., KinderCare or local church-affiliated centers). **Licensed Family Daycare Homes** operate in a provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups, which can be great for siblings. **Preschools** typically offer part-day educational programs for children ages 3-5, focusing on school readiness. **Before/After-School Care** is provided by some centers and the Colonial Heights Public Schools for school-age children. The choice depends on your needs for schedule flexibility, environment, educational philosophy, and budget.
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