The Best Daycare Centers in Harrisonburg, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harrisonburg. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harrisonburg
Sunrise Children's Center
Sunrise Children's Center
Sunrise Children's Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility known for its comprehensive educational approach and nurturing environment. The center utilizes a play-based curriculum combined with structured learning activities that focus on social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Their experienced teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators who maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and modern safety protocols including secure entry systems. They emphasize parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, and offer nutritious meal programs. What sets them apart is their strong community reputation and commitment to individualized attention for each child's developmental needs.
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KinderCare at Harrisonburg
KinderCare Learning Companies
As part of the national KinderCare network, this Harrisonburg location maintains high standards for early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that prepares children for academic success. Their program includes phonics-based literacy, mathematics foundations, and STEM activities adapted for different age groups. The center features certified teachers with ongoing professional development, secure facilities with coded entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong parent partnerships through the KinderCare mobile app for daily updates. The center stands out for its structured educational approach while maintaining a warm, nurturing environment and serving children from infancy through school age.
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The Goddard School of Harrisonburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Harrisonburg offers a premium early childhood education experience with their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with creative exploration. Their play-based curriculum incorporates language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts in age-appropriate ways. The facility features purpose-built classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and advanced security systems. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in continuous professional development. The school emphasizes holistic development through yoga, mindfulness activities, and character education. What distinguishes them is their focus on developing life skills alongside academic readiness and their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and educational quality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harrisonburg, VA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Harrisonburg, VA?
In Harrisonburg, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $900 and $1,300 per month for infant care, and slightly less, around $800 to $1,150, for toddler care. In-home family daycares are often more affordable, typically ranging from $650 to $950 per month. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Harrisonburg, being a university town with James Madison University, can have high demand, which may impact pricing. Financial assistance is available through the Virginia Department of Social Services Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families, and some local centers may offer sliding scale fees.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Harrisonburg, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists at popular daycare centers in Harrisonburg can be substantial. It is not uncommon for families to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for coveted spots at centers affiliated with JMU or major employers. For parents expecting a child, we strongly recommend beginning your search and getting on waitlists during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool-age care, aim to start looking at least 4-6 months in advance. Be proactive: contact multiple centers, ask specific questions about their list movement, and consider putting your name on more than one list while being transparent about doing so.
What are the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a licensed family day home in Harrisonburg?
Both are regulated by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), but they operate differently. A licensed **daycare center** is a facility in a commercial or institutional building. In Harrisonburg, they typically care for larger groups of children, have multiple staff with specific educational requirements, and often follow structured curricula (like Montessori or faith-based programs). They are subject to annual unannounced inspections. A licensed **family day home** operates in the provider's residence and cares for 5 to 12 children (including the provider's own). They offer a more home-like environment, often with mixed-age groups, and may provide more flexible hours. Both must meet Virginia's health, safety, and staff training standards, but the setting, scale, and daily rhythm are the primary differences for parents to consider.
Are there any local resources in Harrisonburg to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, the primary local resource is **Child Care Aware of Virginia**, which serves the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County area through its Shenandoah Valley referral office. They provide free, personalized referrals to licensed and regulated programs, help parents understand Virginia's quality rating system (Virginia Quality), and offer guidance on what to look for during a visit. You can contact them via their statewide website or phone line. Additionally, the **Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board** may have resources for children with special needs, and local parenting groups on social media (like "Harrisonburg Moms") can be valuable for gathering personal recommendations and experiences.
What should I look for during a tour of a daycare facility in Harrisonburg?
Beyond general cleanliness and safety, focus on Harrisonburg-specific and Virginia regulatory factors. First, verify the facility's license is current and posted, and ask to see the results of their last VDOE inspection. Observe staff-child interactions: are they engaged and responsive? Virginia mandates specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:10 for 4-year-olds); ensure these seem to be followed. Ask about staff tenure—low turnover indicates a stable environment. Inquire about their policies for inclement weather, as Harrisonburg can experience snow, and whether they follow JMU's closure delays. Check for secure outdoor play spaces and ask about their daily schedule, including how they incorporate activities that might leverage local assets like visits to Purcell Park or the Explore More Discovery Museum. Finally, trust your gut feeling about the atmosphere and communication style.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Harrisonburg: