The Best Daycare Centers in Roanoke, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Roanoke. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Roanoke
The Child Health Center of the Roanoke Valley
Carilion Clinic
As part of Carilion Clinic, this center offers exceptional healthcare-integrated childcare with on-site medical professionals and developmental specialists. Features a research-based curriculum focusing on early childhood development, with certified teachers and low child-to-staff ratios. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and protected outdoor play areas. Specializes in developmental screenings and health monitoring, making it ideal for parents seeking comprehensive child development support. Accredited by NAEYC with highly qualified early childhood educators.
Daycare Services:
The Roanoke Academy for Girls Early Learning Center
Independent
This highly-regarded early learning center provides a structured educational environment with emphasis on school readiness and character development. Features a comprehensive curriculum that includes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies from early ages. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with advanced degrees. The facility offers secure, modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and technology-integrated learning spaces. Known for strong parent communication and individualized learning plans tracking each child's developmental milestones.
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The Goddard School of Roanoke
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Part of the nationally recognized Goddard School system, this center offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development, secure keypad entry systems, and modern facilities with dedicated learning centers. Curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social development. Offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure. Known for excellent safety protocols and comprehensive communication with parents through daily updates and progress reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Roanoke, VA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Roanoke, VA?
In Roanoke, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the type of center, its location, and the age of your child. For a licensed childcare center, parents can expect to pay an average of $800 to $1,200 per month for infant care (6 weeks to 18 months) and $700 to $1,000 per month for toddler care. In-home family daycares are often more affordable, typically ranging from $600 to $900 per month. Costs tend to be slightly higher in areas like South Roanoke or near the medical centers. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, wipes, curriculum). Financial assistance is available through the Virginia Department of Social Services' Child Care Subsidy Program for qualifying families, and some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Roanoke, and how can I secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-rated daycare centers in Roanoke, especially for infants, can be quite long, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for centers affiliated with major employers like Carilion Clinic or Virginia Tech Carilion. To secure a spot, it's advisable to begin your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible during pregnancy. When contacting centers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (which is usually non-refundable), and how often they update the list. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family day homes in neighborhoods like Grandin Village or Cave Spring, which may have shorter wait times. Staying in regular, polite contact with the center director can also help keep your application top of mind.
What are the key state licensing requirements I should verify when touring a daycare in Roanoke?
All childcare providers in Virginia must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), which sets strict standards. When touring a facility in Roanoke, you should verify their license is current and posted. Key requirements to ask about include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:10 for 4-year-olds), background checks for all employees, ongoing training in topics like CPR/First Aid and Safe Sleep for infants, and annual health and fire inspections. You can also check a provider's compliance history, including any violations, for free on the VDOE's online licensing portal. A quality center will be transparent about these standards and happy to show you their inspection reports.
Are there any unique local resources in Roanoke to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, Roanoke parents have an excellent free resource through the **Child Care Network (CCN)**, a program of the Council of Community Services. This local referral agency maintains a comprehensive database of all licensed childcare providers in the Roanoke Valley. You can call them or use their online search tool to find centers and homes based on your zip code, needed hours, and child's age. Beyond just a list, their counselors can help you understand what to look for during a visit and provide guidance on quality indicators. Additionally, the **Roanoke City Public Schools** offer Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) programs for eligible 4-year-olds, which are free, high-quality pre-K options at select elementary schools.
What should I know about part-time, drop-in, or emergency childcare options in the Roanoke area?
While most traditional daycare centers in Roanoke require full-time or set weekly schedules, there are options for more flexible care. Some centers, particularly larger chains or church-affiliated programs, may offer part-time schedules (e.g., 2 or 3 days a week). For true drop-in or emergency care, your best bets are dedicated drop-in centers like **The Kids Square at Center in the Square** (which offers hourly care for children potty-trained and older, but requires advance reservation) or utilizing national backup care networks if offered through your employer. Another option is to search for licensed family day homes that may have more flexible arrangements. For occasional needs, many local parents turn to trusted babysitting services or apps, but these do not provide the licensed daycare environment. Always plan ahead, as these flexible spots are limited and in high demand.