The Best Daycare Centers in Elliston, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Elliston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Elliston
The Goddard School of Roanoke
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Roanoke offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts, delivered by degreed teachers in safe, modern classrooms. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols. They emphasize character development and social-emotional learning through structured activities and free play, with regular parent communication through daily reports and digital updates.
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Rainbow Riders Childcare Center
Independent
Rainbow Riders Childcare Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on whole-child development. Their research-based curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum and Virginia Foundation Blocks, preparing children for kindergarten success. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, experienced staff with ongoing professional development, and secure facilities with monitored access. They offer nutritious meals, outdoor learning environments, and enrichment programs including music and movement. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and excellent communication about child progress and daily activities.
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KinderCare at Tanglewood
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Tanglewood offers a nationally-recognized early childhood education program with curriculum aligned to state standards. Their approach balances academic preparation with social-emotional development through structured learning centers and hands-on activities. The center features secure keypad entry, certified teachers with background checks, and comprehensive safety protocols including regular drills. Their programs include phonics-based reading readiness, STEM activities, and character education. The facility includes age-separated playgrounds, bright classrooms with learning materials, and provides meals and snacks meeting nutritional guidelines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Elliston, VA
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Elliston, VA, and how do I find them?
In Elliston and the surrounding Montgomery County area, your primary licensed options are family day homes (small, in-home care for up to 12 children) and licensed child day centers. Due to Elliston's rural nature, family day homes are particularly common. There are no large commercial daycare chains in Elliston itself. The best resource for finding licensed providers is the Virginia Department of Education's (VDOE) "Child Care Search" tool online. You can filter by location (using Elliston's zip code, 24087), type of care, and age of your child. Additionally, contacting the local Virginia Cooperative Extension office in Montgomery County or connecting with parent groups on social media for the Roanoke Valley/New River Valley can provide personal recommendations.
What is the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare in Elliston, and are there any financial assistance programs?
In the Elliston and wider Montgomery County region, costs for full-time infant care typically range from $175 to $225 per week, while toddler care may be slightly lower, around $150 to $200 per week. These rates are generally more affordable than in larger cities like Roanoke or Blacksburg but can vary based on the provider's credentials and hours. For financial assistance, Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program (commonly managed through local departments of social services) is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on income, work, or school attendance. Parents should apply through the **Montgomery County Department of Social Services** in Christiansburg. Some local providers may also offer sibling discounts.
How long are waitlists for daycare in Elliston, and when should I start looking for care?
Given Elliston's smaller pool of providers, quality licensed daycare spots, especially for infants, can have significant waitlists, often ranging from 3 to 9 months. It is strongly advised to begin your search and make inquiries as soon as you know you will need care, ideally during pregnancy or at least 6 months before your desired start date. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and policy. Be prepared to place a deposit to secure a future spot. Exploring options in nearby towns like Shawsville, Salem, or Christiansburg can broaden your choices, though this will add commute time.
What specific Virginia state licensing standards should I verify when touring a daycare in Elliston?
All licensed providers in Virginia must meet standards set by the VDOE. Key items to verify during a tour in Elliston include: 1) **Staff-to-Child Ratios**: For infants (0-16 months), it's 1:4; for toddlers (16-24 months), it's 1:5. 2) **Background Checks**: All staff must have comprehensive background checks. 3) **Health and Safety**: Ask about their emergency plans for severe weather (common in this region), proof of immunization records for children, and safe sleep practices for infants. 4) **Licensing Poster**: A valid license should be visibly posted. You can also check a provider's compliance history online through the VDOE's licensing lookup tool for any past violations.
Are there part-time, drop-in, or after-school care options for school-age children in Elliston?
Traditional part-time or drop-in daycare is very limited in Elliston due to the scale of operations. Most family day homes and centers prioritize full-time schedules to maintain stability. For school-age children, the primary after-school option is the program operated by **Montgomery County Public Schools**. However, Elliston's elementary-aged children are typically bussed to schools in other communities (like Eastern Montgomery Elementary). Parents should contact their child's specific school for after-school program availability and transportation. For more flexible or occasional care, you may need to look toward larger networks of babysitters or nanny shares organized through local community boards or apps, as there are no formal drop-in daycare centers in Elliston.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Elliston: