The Best Daycare Centers in Evergreen, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Evergreen. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Evergreen
Kindercare Learning Center at Greenbrier
Kindercare Education
This Kindercare center serves the Evergreen area with a comprehensive early childhood education program featuring their proprietary Early Foundations curriculum. The center emphasizes literacy development, STEM learning, and social-emotional skills. Features include secure keypad entry, certified teachers with early childhood credentials, age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. The center provides nutritious meals and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios in compliance with Virginia state standards.
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Primrose School of Cahoon Commons
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Cahoon Commons offers a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning curriculum, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The center features purpose-built classrooms, secure environments with electronic entry systems, and highly qualified teachers with ongoing professional development. Their program includes character development, literacy-rich environments, and hands-on learning experiences. The school maintains excellent safety records and offers enrichment programs in music, art, and physical development.
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The Goddard School of Chesapeake
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Chesapeake provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that promotes academic, social, and emotional development. The center features state-licensed teachers, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and age-appropriate learning materials. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts while emphasizing social skills and independence. The school maintains small class sizes and offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families in the Evergreen service area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Evergreen, VA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Evergreen, Virginia, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Evergreen, Virginia, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $1,100 and $1,400 per month at a licensed center, while toddler care typically ranges from $950 to $1,200 per month. Home-based family daycare providers often charge slightly less, approximately $800 to $1,100 monthly. These costs are generally in line with the regional average for Southwest Virginia. For financial assistance, Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program is the primary resource for eligible families. Additionally, it's worth contacting the **Evergreen Family Resource Center** or the **Virginia Department of Social Services** for information on local scholarships or sliding-scale fee programs offered by some non-profit centers in the area.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Evergreen, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Waitlists for infant care at highly-regarded licensed centers in Evergreen can be substantial, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. Due to strict Virginia state staff-to-child ratios for infants (1:4), spots are very limited. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and touring facilities early in the second trimester of pregnancy to get on waitlists. For toddler or preschool-age openings, waitlists tend to be shorter, around 3-6 months. When contacting a center, ask specific questions about their list: Is there a deposit? How often do they update families on their position? Do they offer priority for siblings? Proactive planning is crucial in Evergreen's childcare market.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family day home in Evergreen, and how do I verify their credentials?
In Evergreen, licensed childcare centers are larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and several staff members. They are regulated by the Virginia Department of Education and must meet specific standards for space, staff qualifications, and programming. A licensed family day home operates out of the provider's residence, caring for between 5 and 12 children in a more home-like setting; they are licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services. Both are subject to background checks, health and safety inspections, and ongoing oversight. To verify the license and review inspection reports for any provider, you must use the **Virginia Department of Social Services' Child Care Search** website. This public portal is the most reliable source for checking compliance history and status.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Evergreen, VA, area?
Yes, given Evergreen's location in a more rural part of Virginia with access to natural landscapes, nature-based programs are a growing option. Some local home-based providers and smaller centers emphasize outdoor play and exploration as a core part of their daily routine. There may also be preschool programs that operate with a "forest school" philosophy, spending a significant portion of the day outdoors in all weather. To find these, search for keywords like "nature preschool" or "outdoor learning" when using the state's childcare search tool, and ask directly during tours about their outdoor play policy, access to secure outdoor spaces, and if they follow programs like Virginia's "Let's Move Child Care." Networking through local parent groups on social media can also yield specific recommendations.
What should I know about the part-time or drop-in childcare options in Evergreen, as I don't need full-time care?
Part-time and drop-in care can be more challenging to find in Evergreen compared to larger metropolitan areas, but options do exist. Some licensed childcare centers offer part-time schedules (e.g., 2 or 3 days a week), though these spots are often limited and may not be available for infants. True drop-in care, without a reserved schedule, is very rare at licensed centers. Your best bets are typically licensed family day homes, which may have more flexibility, or seeking registered but unlicensed family providers who care for fewer children. Additionally, check with local churches, community centers, or the **Evergreen Parks and Recreation Department** for occasional parent's day out programs or seasonal camps for preschool-aged children. Always ensure any part-time provider is properly licensed or registered for your child's safety.