The Best Daycare Centers in New Market, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in New Market. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in New Market
The Children's Garden
The Children's Garden
The Children's Garden is a highly-regarded early childhood education center serving the New Market area from nearby Mt Jackson. They offer a comprehensive developmental curriculum that includes Montessori-inspired learning, STEM activities, and creative arts. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, with all lead teachers holding early childhood education degrees or certifications. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated infant and toddler rooms. The center is known for its strong emphasis on individualized learning plans, regular parent communication through digital portfolios, and nutritious meal programs. Safety protocols include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills.
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Kiddie Academy of Harrisonburg
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Harrisonburg serves families throughout the Shenandoah Valley, including New Market residents. Their Life Essentials® curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, and school readiness through hands-on learning experiences. The academy features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development, modern security systems including keypad entry and surveillance, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Their program includes daily progress reports for parents, age-appropriate educational technology integration, and emphasis on social-emotional development. The facility offers spacious classrooms, outdoor play areas with safety surfaces, and dedicated spaces for different age groups from infants through school-age children.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Little Sprouts Learning Center has been serving the Shenandoah Valley for nearly two decades, providing quality childcare to families in New Market and surrounding communities. Their educational approach combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation, focusing on developing the whole child through cognitive, physical, and social-emotional activities. The center employs experienced early childhood educators who create individualized learning experiences and maintain small class sizes. Facilities include secure, age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated nap rooms, and classrooms equipped with modern learning materials. They emphasize parent partnership through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, and family engagement events. The center maintains strict health and safety protocols including comprehensive cleaning procedures and staff CPR/first aid certification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in New Market, VA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in New Market, VA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In New Market and the surrounding Shenandoah County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $250 per week, while toddler care is generally between $150 and $225 per week. Preschool programs often cost $125 to $200 weekly. These rates are influenced by factors like the center's accreditation, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities (e.g., meals, curriculum). For financial assistance, Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program is available for eligible families, administered locally by the Shenandoah County Department of Social Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking with local employers, as some in the Harrisonburg area offer dependent care flexible spending accounts or referral services.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection records for a daycare provider in New Market?
All licensed childcare providers in Virginia are regulated by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), which oversees the licensure process. To verify a provider's status and review their compliance history, you can use the "Child Care Search" tool on the VDOE website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, city (New Market), or zip code to view the license status, capacity, ages served, and any documented violations from recent inspections. You can also contact the VDOE's Division of Early Childhood Care and Education directly. For added peace of mind, you can ask providers for their most recent inspection report, which they are required to make available to parents.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in New Market, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers and home-based providers in New Market, particularly for infant and toddler slots, due to limited capacity in this smaller community. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search at least 6 to 9 months before their needed start date, and even earlier (up to 12 months) if you require care for an infant under 2 years old. Many popular providers in the area have waitlists that are several months long. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length and policy (e.g., if a deposit is required to hold a spot). Exploring options in nearby towns like Mt. Jackson, Woodstock, or even Harrisonburg (a 20-30 minute commute) can provide more alternatives if local waitlists are prohibitive.
What types of childcare settings are most available in New Market: centers, family day homes, or preschools?
New Market, being a smaller town, has a mix of options, but family day homes (licensed home-based care) are particularly prevalent and often a primary choice for local families. These homes typically offer a smaller, more intimate setting for a mixed-age group. There are also several licensed childcare centers, some of which may be affiliated with local churches or community organizations. Standalone preschool programs for children ages 3-5 are available, often operating on a partial-day schedule. For school-age care, New Market Elementary School may offer before-and-after-school programs, or providers may offer transportation to/from the school. Due to the rural nature of the area, some parents also utilize registered but unlicensed family day homes (caring for up to 5 children), but it is crucial to verify their qualifications and safety standards personally.
What are some local resources in New Market and Shenandoah County for finding and evaluating childcare options?
A key local resource is the **Shenandoah County Department of Social Services**, which can provide referrals and information on licensed providers. The **Shenandoah County Public Schools** website and parent resource centers may also have information on preschool and school-age programs. For hands-on help, consider contacting the **Virginia Infant & Toddler Specialist Network**, which serves the region and offers free counseling to parents on choosing quality care. Additionally, local community hubs like the **New Market Area Library** often have bulletin boards with provider flyers, and online community groups on Facebook (e.g., "New Market, VA Community") are frequently used by parents to ask for personal recommendations and experiences with local providers. Attending community events can also be a great way to network with other parents for trusted referrals.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near New Market: