The Best Daycare Centers in Dhs, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Dhs. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Dhs
The Goddard School of Herndon
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Herndon offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Certified teachers implement STEAM learning, language development, and social-emotional curriculum. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals. Parents praise the engaging curriculum and professional staff with backgrounds in early childhood education.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a comprehensive early education program with balanced learning approach combining academic preparation and character development. The curriculum includes literacy, mathematics, science, and Spanish language exposure. The facility features secure classrooms, interactive technology, and outdoor learning environments. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, with strong safety protocols including secure entry and comprehensive background checks.
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Kiddie Academy of Sterling
Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising
Kiddie Academy of Sterling implements the Life Essentials® curriculum focused on whole-child development through structured learning and play. The program emphasizes character education, literacy development, and hands-on learning experiences. The facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor play areas with safety surfaces. Certified teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed developmental tracking. The academy provides healthy meals and snacks, and maintains strong safety standards including electronic check-in/out systems and comprehensive staff training in CPR and first aid.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Dhs, VA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Dhs, Virginia, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Dhs, Virginia, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), which oversees the licensure of child day centers and family day homes. Licensed centers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/first aid), health and safety protocols, and facility safety. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the VDOE's online "Child Care Search" tool. This resource allows you to search by location, view the license status, and see any documented violations or inspection reports. It's a crucial first step for parents in the Dhs area to ensure they are considering a legally operating and regularly monitored facility.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Dhs, VA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
The cost of full-time infant daycare in Dhs, VA, typically ranges from $1,400 to $2,000+ per month, placing it on the higher end compared to some other parts of Northern Virginia due to the area's high cost of living. Costs vary based on the type of center (corporate, faith-based, in-home) and the specific programs offered. For financial assistance, parents can apply for the Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program, administered locally through the Fairfax County Department of Family Services (DHS serves the Fairfax County area). Eligibility is based on income, work, or school attendance requirements. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth inquiring directly.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Dhs, and when should I start my search?
For sought-after daycare centers in the Dhs area, waitlists can be substantial, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant rooms which have the lowest staff-to-child ratios. It is highly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. When touring facilities, be sure to ask about their specific waitlist process: whether there's a fee to join, how often you need to confirm your continued interest, and how they prioritize applicants (e.g., siblings of current families, employees of affiliated corporations). Starting early provides the most options and reduces last-minute stress.
What are some of the key differences between a licensed family day home and a child day center in Dhs, and how do I decide which is right for my family?
In Dhs, a licensed child day center is a facility in a non-residential building caring for 13 or more children, offering structured curricula, multiple staff, and often more extensive facilities. A licensed family day home operates out of the provider's residence and cares for 5 to 12 children, offering a more home-like, mixed-age setting with potentially more flexible hours. Centers may provide more socialization with larger peer groups and more robust educational programming, while family day homes often offer a smaller, family-oriented environment with potentially lower child-to-adult ratios for the group. Your decision should hinge on your child's temperament, your need for schedule flexibility, and your preference for environment. Always ensure either option is properly licensed by the VDOE.
Are there specific questions I should ask during a daycare tour in Dhs that address local considerations like emergency preparedness or seasonal closures?
Absolutely. Beyond standard questions, tailor your tour to local Dhs and Northern Virginia factors. For emergency preparedness, ask about their specific plans for shelter-in-place, evacuation (given potential for severe weather or other incidents), and communication protocols with parents. Inquire about their policy for federal government delays or closures, as many local parents are federal employees or contractors. Ask about their typical closure calendar beyond major holidays—some centers close for professional development days or local events. Also, discuss their outdoor play policy during Code Red air quality days, which can occur in the region. These questions show you're considering the practical realities of childcare in this specific community.