The Best Daycare Centers in Henrico, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Henrico. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Henrico
The Goddard School of Short Pump
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Short Pump offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and multiple playgrounds. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social development, with daily communication through their proprietary mobile app. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and follows strict health and safety protocols.
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Primrose School of West Broad Village
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of West Broad Village provides Balanced Learning® approach combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance from degreed teachers. Their research-based curriculum includes character development, literacy, math, and science programs. The secure facility features dedicated infant rooms, interactive learning centers, and outdoor exploration areas. They maintain rigorous safety standards including secured entry, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The school offers nutritious meals and snacks through their exclusive Primrose Healthful Habits program, with regular parent-teacher communications and developmental assessments.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy Preschool offers a comprehensive early education program with advanced literacy-based curriculum and STEM-focused learning. Their certified teachers implement individualized instruction through small group activities and hands-on learning experiences. The campus features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and expansive playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment. They emphasize character education and social-emotional development alongside academic readiness. The center provides regular progress reports, parent conferences, and maintains excellent staff retention with many teachers having 5+ years of experience at the facility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Henrico, VA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Henrico, VA, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Henrico, all child day centers and family day homes serving more than five children (excluding the provider's own) must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). The licensing process involves rigorous background checks for all staff, health and safety inspections of the facility, and adherence to strict staff-to-child ratios based on age. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the "Child Care Search" tool on the VDOE website. This public database shows the license status, any past violations, and inspection reports. You can also contact the VDOE's Division of Licensing directly. It's highly recommended to choose a licensed provider to ensure state-mandated standards for your child's safety and development are met.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Henrico, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
The cost of full-time infant daycare in Henrico varies significantly based on the type of center, location, and amenities offered. On average, parents can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,800 per month for a licensed center-based program. In-home family day care is often slightly less expensive, typically ranging from $900 to $1,400 monthly. For financial assistance, Henrico County residents can apply for the Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program, which is administered locally by the Department of Social Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as employment or attending school). Additionally, some centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for highly-rated daycare centers in Henrico, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for sought-after daycare centers, particularly for infant rooms, in Henrico can be quite long, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes even longer. Popular centers in areas like Short Pump, the West End, or near major employers like Capital One often have the longest lists. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible during your pregnancy, ideally by the end of the first trimester. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often should you check in? Do they prioritize siblings of current families? Being proactive and applying to multiple centers is the best strategy to secure a spot.
Are there specific daycare or preschool programs in Henrico that focus on early childhood education curricula, like Montessori or Reggio Emilia?
Yes, Henrico offers a variety of childcare programs with specialized educational approaches. Several private centers in the county are accredited Montessori schools, particularly in the Short Pump and Tuckahoe areas, which follow the child-led, hands-on Montessori method. You can also find programs inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which emphasizes project-based learning and environment as a "third teacher." For a public option, Henrico County Public Schools offers the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) for eligible 4-year-olds, which is a high-quality, state-funded pre-K program focused on school readiness. Researching and touring these programs is key to finding the right philosophical fit for your child.
What resources are available in Henrico to help me find and compare different childcare options?
Henrico parents have several excellent local resources. The primary hub is **Child Care Aware of Virginia**, which serves the Greater Richmond area, including Henrico. Their referral specialists can provide free, personalized lists of licensed providers based on your zip code, hours needed, and child's age. You can also use the comprehensive search tools on the **Virginia Department of Education's website**. For community insights, local parent groups on Facebook (e.g., "RVA Moms" or "Henrico County Moms") are invaluable for getting honest reviews and recommendations from other families. Finally, the **Henrico County Public Library** branches often host storytimes and events where you can network with other parents and ask about their childcare experiences.