The Best Daycare Centers in Head Waters, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Head Waters. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Head Waters
Highland Children's Center
Independent
Highland Children's Center is the closest high-quality childcare facility to Head Waters, located just 15 minutes away in Monterey. This well-established center serves the entire Highland County region with a comprehensive early childhood program featuring play-based learning, structured academic preparation, and outdoor education. The center boasts highly qualified teachers with early childhood certifications, low student-teacher ratios, and a secure facility with modern safety protocols. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, STEM exploration, and social-emotional learning through hands-on activities. The center features spacious indoor classrooms, a large outdoor play area with natural elements, and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced staff, and strong community connections.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located approximately 45 minutes from Head Waters in Harrisonburg, The Goddard School provides premium early childhood education with a research-based F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). The school features state-certified teachers, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum focuses on play-based learning while incorporating literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and dedicated art and music spaces. The Goddard School maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and offers enrichment programs including yoga, foreign language exposure, and music instruction. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's communication, educational quality, and professional staff.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Harrisonburg
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Harrisonburg serves the broader Shenandoah Valley region, including families from Head Waters seeking comprehensive educational childcare. Their Life Essentials® curriculum balances academic preparation with character development and social skills. The academy features secure facilities with surveillance systems, strict check-in/check-out procedures, and trained staff in CPR and first aid. Educational programs include STEM activities, literacy development, creative arts, and physical education. The center maintains small class sizes with degreed lead teachers and provides daily communication through their electronic parent portal. Facilities include modern classrooms, interactive learning centers, and safe outdoor play areas. The academy is known for its structured daily routines, healthy meal programs, and strong emphasis on school readiness skills.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Head Waters, VA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Head Waters, VA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Head Waters, as in all of Virginia, childcare facilities are licensed and regulated by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), specifically through its Division of Early Childhood Care and Education. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and ongoing training), health and safety procedures, and facility requirements. To verify a specific daycare or family day home in Head Waters is licensed and view any recent inspection reports, you can use the VDOE's online "Child Care Search" tool. This is a critical first step for parents, as it ensures a baseline of safety and quality. Given Head Waters' more rural setting in Highland County, you may also encounter registered (but not licensed) family day homes caring for fewer children; these are also regulated but have different requirements, which you can clarify through the VDOE.
How far in advance should I put my child on a waitlist for daycare in Head Waters, and are there specific enrollment seasons?
Due to the limited number of childcare options in a small, rural community like Head Waters, planning ahead is essential. For infant care, which has the most restrictive staff-to-child ratios, it is advisable to get on waitlists as soon as you know you are expecting, or at least 6-12 months before your needed start date. For toddler and preschool slots, aiming for 3-6 months in advance is prudent. Unlike urban areas with strict school-year cycles, enrollment in Head Waters can be more fluid, but many providers align openings with the traditional school calendar in August/September. It's best to contact providers directly—such as local church-run preschools or the limited in-home providers—to understand their specific enrollment timelines and waitlist procedures. Persistence and getting on multiple lists is a common strategy for local parents.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Head Waters, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
Childcare costs in Head Waters and surrounding Highland County are generally lower than state averages but can vary significantly based on the type of care. For a licensed family day home, you might expect to pay between $120-$160 per week for full-time care. A center-based program, if available within a reasonable commuting distance, could range from $150-$200 per week. Financial assistance is primarily available through the Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program, administered locally by the Highland County Department of Social Services. Eligibility is based on income, work/training requirements, and family size. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's important to ask directly. The federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit can also help offset costs at tax time.
Given Head Waters' rural location, what are the primary types of childcare available, and how do I find them?
In a small, unincorporated community like Head Waters, childcare options are primarily home-based. You will find two main types: Licensed Family Day Homes (caring for 5-12 children in a provider's residence) and Smaller Registered Family Day Homes (caring for up to 4 children). There are no large commercial daycare centers within Head Waters itself. To find providers, start with the VDOE's online search tool filtered for Highland County. Networking is incredibly valuable; ask at local churches, the Head Waters Post Office, the Highland County Public Library, or your pediatrician's office (which may be in a nearby town like Monterey). The Highland County Public Schools system may also have information about pre-K programs for 4-year-olds. Be prepared to consider providers in neighboring communities like Monterey, VA, or even in West Virginia, which may be within your commuting radius.
What questions should I specifically ask a potential daycare provider in Head Waters regarding emergency preparedness and communication?
In a rural area like Head Waters with potential for weather-related isolation, power outages, or limited cell service, emergency protocols are paramount. Key questions to ask include: 1) "What is your plan for communication during a power outage or if phone lines are down?" (Some may use two-way radios). 2) "How do you handle emergency medical situations given the distance to the nearest hospital (Potomac Valley Hospital in WV or Augusta Health in Fishersville)?" 3) "What are your procedures for severe weather (snowstorms, flooding) and early closure/pickup?" 4) "Do you have backup generators, and are you equipped with essential supplies for sheltering in place for 24-48 hours?" 5) "How will you notify parents if you must evacuate the home, and what is the designated safe location?" Their answers will reveal their level of preparedness for the unique challenges of rural Highland County living.