The Best Daycare Centers in Great Falls, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Great Falls. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Great Falls
The Goddard School of Great Falls
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Great Falls offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their play-based curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure classrooms with observation windows, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated art and music rooms. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and utilizes a secure check-in system with keypad entry. Parents appreciate the daily communication through the proprietary mobile app and the strong emphasis on individualized learning plans.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a well-rounded curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. Their proprietary Links to Learning program focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on activities. The school features bright, modern classrooms with interactive whiteboards, a dedicated STEM lab, and expansive outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. All lead teachers hold bachelor's degrees and maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications. The center emphasizes character education and community involvement, with regular family events and parent-teacher conferences. Safety protocols include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills.
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The Learning Experience - Reston
The Learning Experience
Located in nearby Reston and serving Great Falls families, The Learning Experience offers their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and scientific investigation. The center specializes in early childhood development with dedicated programs for philanthropy, manners, and foreign language exposure. Facilities include colorful, developmentally-appropriate classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and secure outdoor playgrounds. The center employs degreed early childhood educators who participate in continuous training. Their Bubbles U® water conservation program and philanthropy curriculum teach social responsibility. Parents value the consistent communication through daily reports and the center's focus on preparing children for elementary school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Great Falls, VA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Great Falls, VA, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Great Falls, VA, the cost of full-time daycare is among the highest in the state, reflecting the area's high cost of living. For infants, you can expect to pay between $1,800 to $2,500+ per month at licensed centers. For toddlers, costs typically range from $1,600 to $2,200 per month. Home-based daycare may be slightly less expensive. While Great Falls itself has limited public assistance programs due to its high median income, Virginia offers statewide resources. You can apply for the Child Care Subsidy Program through the Virginia Department of Social Services, which provides assistance to eligible families. Additionally, many employers in the nearby Tysons Corner and Reston areas offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and some local daycare centers may offer sibling discounts or limited scholarship spots.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Great Falls, and when should I start my search?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Great Falls can be extensive, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant rooms which have strict staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. For preschool slots (ages 2-5), you should start the process at least 9-12 months in advance. Many centers have annual enrollment cycles for preschool, with applications opening in January for the following fall. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $50-$150). It's also wise to get on multiple lists and consider reputable licensed family daycare homes, which may have shorter wait times.
What are the key differences between Virginia-licensed daycare centers and licensed family day homes in Great Falls, and how do I verify their licensing?
In Great Falls, you'll find two main licensed options: Child Day Centers and Licensed Family Day Homes. Centers are larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and multiple staff. Licensed Family Day Homes are operated out of a provider's residence, caring for 5 to 12 children, offering a more home-like environment with potentially mixed-age groups. Both are licensed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). To verify a provider's license, inspection history, and any serious complaints, you must use the **Virginia Department of Education's Child Care Search Portal**. This is a critical step. You can search by name, location, or license number to review compliance reports, capacity, and any violations. Always confirm the license is current.
Are there any unique outdoor or enrichment programs integrated into daycares in Great Falls, given its semi-rural setting?
Yes, many daycare providers in Great Falls leverage the area's natural environment. Several centers and home-based programs emphasize outdoor play and nature-based learning, with features like forest school concepts, gardens for children to tend, and regular outdoor exploration. Given the proximity to parks like Great Falls Park and the Potomac River, some programs may incorporate nature walks (for older preschoolers). Enrichment is also a major focus; it's common for daycares and preschools to include weekly specialized classes such as music, yoga, introductory foreign language (often Spanish or Mandarin), and STEM activities at no extra cost. When touring, ask specifically about daily outdoor time and the structure of their enrichment curriculum.
What are the most important factors to consider when choosing between a daycare in Great Falls versus commuting to a center in a nearby town like Reston or Tysons?
This is a common consideration for Great Falls parents. Key factors include: * **Commute:** Traffic on routes like Georgetown Pike, Route 7, and the Dulles Toll Road can be heavy. A local daycare simplifies drop-off/pick-up and allows for quicker emergency access. * **Cost:** Centers in Tysons or Reston may be marginally less expensive than those in Great Falls proper, but not significantly. * **Community:** A local daycare helps build a neighborhood network for both children and parents. * **Program Philosophy:** You may find a specific educational approach (Montessori, Reggio Emilia, religious-based) you prefer that's only available in a neighboring town. * **Availability:** If waitlists in Great Falls are prohibitive, expanding your search to Reston, Vienna, or McLean can provide more immediate options. Weigh the daily time and stress of a commute against the potential benefits of a specific program. Many families find the convenience and community of a Great Falls-based provider outweighs other factors.