The Best Daycare Centers in Salem, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Salem. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Salem
Bright Horizons at Carilion Clinic
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Carilion Clinic is a NAEYC-accredited center offering comprehensive early education programs with a research-based curriculum. The center features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes language development, literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and dedicated outdoor play spaces. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their food program and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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The Goddard School of Roanoke
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Roanoke provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices in literacy-rich classrooms. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and age-specific playgrounds. Their STEAM-focused curriculum includes Spanish exposure, yoga, and music enrichment. The center maintains small class sizes and offers flexible scheduling options with extended hours to accommodate working families in the Roanoke Valley area.
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Rainbow Riders Childcare Center
Rainbow Riders Childcare Center
Rainbow Riders Childcare Center is a locally-owned facility serving the Roanoke Valley with a focus on individualized care and developmentally appropriate practices. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through centers and project-based activities that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The center features experienced staff with low turnover rates and ongoing professional development. Safety measures include secured access, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. They offer organic meal options and maintain strong community connections through local field trips and family engagement events. The center is known for its warm, family-like atmosphere and personalized attention to each child's developmental needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Salem, VA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Salem, VA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Salem, VA, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $900 and $1,200 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $750 to $1,000 per month. Home-based family daycares are often more affordable, ranging from $600 to $850 monthly. To help with these costs, Virginia offers several assistance programs. The Child Care Subsidy Program (commonly managed through the Virginia Department of Social Services) is available for eligible families based on income and need. Additionally, local organizations like the United Way of Roanoke Valley may offer resources or referrals. It's highly recommended to contact the Salem Department of Social Services directly to determine your eligibility for subsidies and get a list of approved providers in the city.
How do I verify a daycare's license and inspection history in Salem, VA?
All childcare centers and family day homes in Salem must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), which oversees childcare licensing in the state. The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and history is to use the VDOE's online "Child Care Search" tool. You can search by provider name, city (Salem), or zip code. This public database will show the facility's current license status, capacity, ages served, and any serious compliance violations or inspection reports. For the most current and detailed information, especially regarding recent inspections, you can also contact the VDOE's licensure office for the Western Region, which serves Salem. Always visit a facility in person and ask to see their current license, which should be posted.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Salem, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for daycare centers in Salem, especially for infant care, which has stricter staff-to-child ratios. Popular centers often have waitlists that are 6 to 12 months long. For toddler and preschool spots, waitlists of 3 to 6 months are typical. It is strongly advised to begin your search and tour facilities as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if seeking infant care. For older children, start looking at least 4-6 months before your needed start date. When touring, ask specifically about the current waitlist length, any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position. Don't hesitate to get on multiple lists to increase your options.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a registered family day home in Salem?
In Salem, the two main licensed options are Childcare Centers and Family Day Homes. **Centers** are larger facilities, often in commercial buildings, with multiple staff and classrooms grouped by age. They typically offer more structured educational curricula, larger peer groups, and may have amenities like commercial kitchens and playgrounds. **Family Day Homes** are operated out of the provider's residence, caring for a smaller number of children (up to 12, including the provider's own). They offer a more home-like environment, often with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. Both are licensed and inspected by the VDOE, but the regulations for staff qualifications, physical environment, and group sizes differ. Family day homes can sometimes offer more flexible hours. Your choice depends on your child's temperament, your need for schedule flexibility, and the environment you believe they will thrive in.
Beyond basic care, what types of enrichment or educational programs do Salem daycares typically offer for preschoolers?
Many daycare centers and quality family homes in Salem align their preschool programs with Virginia's early learning standards, the "Virginia Foundation Blocks for Early Learning." Common enrichments include structured pre-literacy and math activities, science exploration, and arts. Given Salem's community focus, many providers incorporate local themes, like visits from the Salem Public Library's children's librarian or learning about local landmarks. You'll also find programs offering extracurricular activities, often for an additional fee, such as introductory soccer, music and movement classes, or basic Spanish. Some faith-based centers may include religious instruction. When touring, ask about their daily schedule, curriculum philosophy (like Montessori or Play-Based), and how they prepare children for the transition to Salem City Elementary Schools.