The Best Daycare Centers in Dunn Loring, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Dunn Loring. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Dunn Loring
The Goddard School of Dunn Loring
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Dunn Loring 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-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and dedicated play areas. Highly qualified teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum components. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents through their proprietary app. Their comprehensive safety protocols include rigorous staff training, secure check-in systems, and regular facility maintenance.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a comprehensive educational foundation through their proprietary Links to Learning curriculum, which focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and character development. The school features modern classrooms with interactive technology, dedicated outdoor play spaces, and specialized learning centers. Their highly qualified teaching staff includes educators with advanced degrees and ongoing professional development. The academy emphasizes individualized learning plans, regular progress assessments, and strong parent-teacher communication. Safety measures include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness training.
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Childtime of Dunn Loring
Childtime Learning Centers
Childtime of Dunn Loring offers a research-based curriculum that emphasizes cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through their proprietary Learn from the Start™ and STEAM-focused programs. The center features age-specific learning environments, secure outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and participates in continuous professional development. The facility includes advanced security systems, strict health protocols, and nutritional meal programs. Parent engagement is supported through daily activity reports, regular conferences, and family events throughout the year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Dunn Loring, VA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Dunn Loring, VA?
In Dunn Loring, VA, the cost of full-time daycare is typically higher than the national average, reflecting the area's high cost of living. For an infant (under 2 years old), you can expect to pay between $1,800 and $2,400 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (ages 2-3), monthly costs generally range from $1,600 to $2,100. Home-based daycare options (licensed family day homes) may be slightly less expensive, ranging from $1,400 to $1,900 monthly for infants. These costs are influenced by factors like the center's curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities. It's important to note that many facilities have annual registration or supply fees ranging from $100 to $300.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Dunn Loring, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to high demand in the Dunn Loring and greater Tysons Corner area, waitlists for infant and toddler rooms at reputable daycare centers can be significant. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, especially for infant care. To improve your chances, parents are advised to begin their search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to join? How often is the list updated? Do they offer guaranteed enrollment for siblings of current students? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family day homes in surrounding neighborhoods like Vienna or Merrifield, which may have shorter wait times.
What are the key Virginia state licensing requirements I should verify when touring a daycare in Dunn Loring?
All childcare centers and family day homes in Virginia must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Key requirements to verify include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (for infants 0-16 months, 1:4; for toddlers 16-24 months, 1:5), **Background Checks** for all staff, and **Annual Health and Safety Inspections**. You should also confirm that the facility is compliant with **Safe Sleep Practices** for infants (ABCs - Alone, on their Back, in a Crib). Parents can and should check a provider's licensing history, including any violations, through the VDOE's online search portal. During a tour, don't hesitate to ask the director for their most recent inspection report.
Are there any local resources or programs in Fairfax County that can help with childcare costs for Dunn Loring residents?
Yes, Dunn Loring residents can access several Fairfax County resources. The primary program is the **Child Care Assistance and Referral (CCAR)** program, which provides financial subsidies for childcare to eligible low- and moderate-income families working or attending school. Eligibility is based on family size and income. Additionally, the **Fairfax County Office for Children** offers a comprehensive online search tool (Child Care Search) to find licensed providers and can provide personalized referrals. Some employers in the nearby Tysons business corridor also offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or partnerships with specific daycare centers, so check with your HR department.
What are the main differences between a corporate daycare chain and a local, independent center in the Dunn Loring area?
In Dunn Loring, you'll find both national chains (like KinderCare or Bright Horizons) and independent, often single-location centers. **Corporate chains** often offer standardized curricula, robust corporate backup systems, and potentially more resources for facilities and staff training. They may have more structured enrollment and billing processes. **Independent local centers** often provide a strong sense of community, more flexible and unique educational philosophies (like Montessori or Reggio Emilia-inspired), and potentially more direct access to the owner/director for communication. Independent centers may be more integrated into the local Dunn Loring/Vienna community with neighborhood events. Both types must meet the same Virginia licensing standards, so the decision often comes down to philosophy, environment, and personal fit for your child.