The Best Daycare Centers in Penn Laird, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Penn Laird. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Penn Laird
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Harrisonburg offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and includes STEAM learning, language arts, and social development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized attention.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Harrisonburg
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Harrisonburg provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, technology, and hands-on learning. The academy features secure facilities with keypad entry, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds. Their program includes nutritionally balanced meals, regular communication with parents through mobile apps, and development tracking. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing training in early childhood development. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social skills through project-based learning and creative activities.
Daycare Services:
Harrisonburg Children's Center
Harrisonburg Children's Center, Inc.
Harrisonburg Children's Center is a locally-owned childcare facility that provides a nurturing environment with a play-based, emergent curriculum inspired by Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches. The center focuses on whole-child development through hands-on exploration, creative expression, and social interaction. Their secure facility includes multiple playgrounds, indoor gross motor spaces, and classrooms designed for different developmental stages. The teaching staff includes experienced early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios. The center emphasizes community involvement, environmental awareness, and individualized learning plans with regular parent-teacher conferences and portfolio assessments.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Penn Laird, VA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Penn Laird, VA, and what factors influence the price?
In Penn Laird and the surrounding Rockingham County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $180 to $250 per week, while toddler and preschool programs often cost between $150 and $220 per week. These costs are generally lower than in larger Virginia cities like Charlottesville but can vary based on several local factors. The primary influences on price include the type of facility (home-based vs. center-based), the staff-to-child ratios, the inclusion of educational curricula or specialized programs (like Montessori), and whether meals and snacks are provided. Many local providers offer part-time options at a reduced weekly rate. It's also important to inquire about registration fees, which are common and can be a one-time annual cost of $50 to $150.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection records for a daycare provider in Penn Laird?
All licensed childcare providers in Penn Laird, Virginia, are regulated by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), specifically the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Development. To verify a provider's license and view their compliance history, you can use the state's online "Child Care Search" tool. This public database allows you to search by provider name or zip code (for Penn Laird, 22846) and view their current license status, capacity, ages served, and any cited violations from recent inspections. You can also contact the VDOE's regional licensing office that oversees the Shenandoah Valley. We recommend always choosing a licensed provider, as this ensures they meet Virginia's mandated standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and program activities.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Penn Laird, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to Penn Laird's location as a growing community within Rockingham County, quality daycare spots, especially for infants and toddlers, can be limited and often have waitlists. It is highly advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 12 months before you need care. Many local parents report that popular centers and highly-regarded home-based providers in the 22846 area have the longest wait times. We recommend contacting multiple providers to get on their lists, even if you are considering a future start date. Some facilities may offer priority to siblings of current enrollees or employees of local businesses, so be sure to ask about their enrollment policies.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in the Penn Laird area?
Parents in Penn Laird typically have access to three main types of licensed childcare: family day homes (small, home-based settings), child day centers, and religiously-exempt preschool programs often affiliated with local churches. Family day homes are popular for their smaller, home-like environments and may offer more flexible hours. Child day centers, which may be independently owned or part of local chains, often provide structured preschool curricula and have larger facilities with multiple classrooms. Given the community's setting, there are also several part-day preschool programs for children ages 3-5, which are a common option for parents who do not need full-day care. Due to the semi-rural nature of the area, exploring options in nearby communities like Harrisonburg, Elkton, or Grottoes may also be necessary to find the right fit.
What resources or programs are available in Penn Laird to help lower-income families afford quality childcare?
Several state and federal assistance programs are available to qualifying families in the Penn Laird area. The primary resource is the Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program, administered locally through the Rockingham County Department of Social Services. This program provides financial assistance to eligible low-income families, allowing them to choose from a network of participating licensed providers. Additionally, some local daycare centers may offer sliding scale fees based on income or provide scholarships. For preschool-aged children, the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) may offer free, high-quality preschool slots through the Rockingham County Public Schools system for at-risk four-year-olds. We recommend contacting the Rockingham DSS office or the local Child Care Resource and Referral agency for the Shenandoah Valley for personalized guidance on eligibility and the application process.
Childcare Insights for Penn Laird
Finding the right part-time daycare in Penn Laird, Virginia, can feel like a significant step for any family. Whether you’re returning to work a few days a week, need care for a preschooler to socialize, or simply require a few hours of support to manage appointments and errands, knowing your local options is key. The good news is that the Penn Laird and broader Shenandoah Valley area offers a variety of part-time childcare solutions designed to fit the unique rhythms of family life here.
When beginning your search for part-time daycare near you, it’s important to understand the common structures available. Many local centers and in-home providers offer flexible schedules such as two or three full days per week, or half-day morning or afternoon programs. These options are ideal for parents who work part-time shifts, are students, or have flexible employment. Given Penn Laird’s proximity to Harrisonburg and the surrounding agricultural and residential communities, some providers may have deep roots in the area, offering a familiar, community-oriented environment for your child. Start by asking fellow parents at local spots like the Penn Laird Park or community events for personal recommendations; word-of-mouth is often the most trusted resource in our close-knit area.
A practical first step is to clearly define your family’s specific needs. Consider the exact days and hours you require, your budget for part-time care, and whether you prefer a formal daycare center or a licensed family daycare home. Each has its benefits; centers often have structured curricula and multiple staff, while family homes can provide a smaller, homier setting. Once you have a list of potential places, make time for in-person visits. This allows you to observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, gauge the caregiver-to-child ratio, and get a feel for the daily activities. Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about their policies on sick children, meal provisions, and how they handle the transition for children who are only attending part-time.
Remember that in Virginia, you can verify a provider’s licensing status and review any inspection records through the Virginia Department of Social Services website. This offers an essential layer of reassurance. Additionally, think about logistics specific to our location. In Penn Laird, weather can impact travel along routes like Spotswood Trail or Port Republic Road, so understanding a provider’s inclement weather policy is wise. Also, consider if the daycare’s schedule aligns with the Rockingham County Public Schools calendar if you have older children, to simplify your family’s routine.
Ultimately, the goal is to find a part-time program where your child feels safe, engaged, and happy. Trust your instincts during visits—you know your child best. The right part-time daycare in Penn Laird will not only provide reliable care but will become a supportive extension of your family, contributing positively to your child’s early learning and social development right here in our community.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Penn Laird: