The Best Daycare Centers in Keller, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Keller. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Keller
Eastern Shore Children's Academy
Independent
Eastern Shore Children's Academy is a highly-regarded childcare center serving the Eastern Shore region including Keller. They offer a comprehensive developmental curriculum focusing on early literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-certified teachers with specialized training in early childhood education, low student-teacher ratios, and a secure facility with monitored access. Their program includes age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor play areas, and nutritional meal programs. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and strong communication from staff.
Daycare Services:
Pocomoke Early Learning Center
Independent
Located just across the state line in Maryland, Pocomoke Early Learning Center serves families throughout the Eastern Shore region including Keller. The center implements a research-based curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and kindergarten readiness. Features include certified early childhood educators, comprehensive safety protocols, modern learning materials, and structured developmental assessments. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, and preschool classrooms with age-appropriate technology integration.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Onley
KinderCare Education
As part of the nationally recognized KinderCare network, this center provides high-quality early childhood education serving the Keller area. They implement KinderCare's proprietary curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, and social development with structured lesson plans developed by early childhood experts. The center features secure entry systems, certified teachers with ongoing professional development, and comprehensive learning environments. Their program includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on science activities, and regular progress reporting to parents.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Keller, VA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Keller, Virginia, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Keller, Virginia, all childcare facilities serving more than five children must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), which oversees the licensure process. This includes family day homes, religious exempt centers, and licensed child day centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid), child-to-staff ratios, health and safety protocols, and facility safety. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the "Child Care Search" tool on the VDOE website, which shows the license status, any violations, and inspection reports. For very small in-home providers (caring for 1-4 children), registration is not required, so parents should conduct extra diligence.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Keller, VA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Keller and the surrounding Eastern Shore region of Virginia, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $800 to $1,100 per month, while toddler care may cost between $700 and $950 monthly. These rates are generally lower than in more urban parts of Virginia but can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff credentials. For financial assistance, Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program (managed locally by the Department of Social Services) helps eligible low-income families. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's advisable to contact the Northampton County Department of Social Services for application details and to ask individual centers about any private scholarship opportunities.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Keller, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to the limited number of childcare facilities in Keller and the rural nature of the Eastern Shore, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It's common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact all licensed centers in Keller and nearby towns like Nassawadox or Exmore to get on multiple lists. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). When touring, express your serious interest and ask about their enrollment timeline. Also, consider licensed family day homes, which may have shorter waitlists and offer a more home-like setting.
What types of childcare options are available in Keller, VA, beyond traditional daycare centers?
Beyond licensed child day centers, parents in Keller have several options. Licensed Family Day Homes offer care in a provider's residence for smaller groups, often with more flexible hours. For school-age children, the Northampton County Public Schools may offer before and after-school programs. Given the agricultural community, some families utilize informal, unregistered in-home care with trusted neighbors or relatives. For part-time or occasional care, networking through local community groups or churches can be helpful, as structured preschool or Mother's Day Out programs are less common in Keller itself. Many families also look to nearby towns for faith-based preschools or cooperative playgroups.
Are there any unique health, safety, or preparedness considerations for daycare in Keller's coastal Eastern Shore location?
Yes, Keller's location on Virginia's Eastern Shore presents specific considerations. Reputable daycares should have emergency plans for severe coastal weather, including nor'easters and hurricanes, with clear evacuation or shelter-in-place protocols. Parents should ask about these plans during tours. Given the area's proximity to marshes and water, inquire about policies regarding insect-borne illnesses (like tick and mosquito prevention for outdoor play) and sun safety. Furthermore, due to the rural setting, ensure the facility has reliable communication plans for power outages and that staff are trained in pediatric first aid, as the nearest major hospital is in Nassawadox or across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.