The Best Daycare Centers in Sandston, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sandston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sandston
The Goddard School of Sandston
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Sandston 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 incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are highly qualified with degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and maintain ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, with a strong focus on individualized learning plans for each child.
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Kiddie Academy of Sandston
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Sandston provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The program focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning experiences. The facility includes secure keypad entry, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, and monitored playgrounds. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The academy offers nutritious meals and snacks, and emphasizes health and safety protocols including regular sanitation and emergency preparedness drills.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy in nearby Henrico serves the Sandston community with a research-based curriculum that combines academic excellence with whole-child development. Their comprehensive program includes phonics-based literacy, hands-on mathematics, and inquiry-based science. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, bright classrooms with modern learning materials, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing training in child development best practices. The academy emphasizes individualized learning paths and maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sandston, VA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Sandston, VA?
In Sandston and the surrounding Henrico County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,100 to $1,500 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $950 to $1,300 per month. In-home family daycares are often more affordable, generally ranging from $700 to $1,100 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that while Sandston itself has several options, some parents also look at providers in nearby areas like Highland Springs or along the Williamsburg Road corridor, which may have different pricing. We recommend contacting the Virginia Department of Education's Child Care Subsidy Program to see if you qualify for financial assistance based on income.
How do I verify that a daycare in Sandston is properly licensed and what should I look for in inspection reports?
All licensed childcare providers in Virginia, including those in Sandston, are regulated by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). You can verify a provider's license and view their official inspection history through the VDOE's online "Child Care Search" portal. When reviewing a Sandston provider's reports, pay close attention to compliance with Virginia's specific regulations, such as staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), background checks, and required health and safety trainings. Also, look for any serious violations or repeat non-compliance issues. We recommend visiting the facility in person after reviewing the reports to see the environment firsthand. You can also contact the local Henrico County Health Department for additional community-specific information.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Sandston, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in Sandston, especially given the area's mix of residential families and proximity to major employers like Richmond International Airport and related logistics companies. For infant care, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date. For toddler or preschool-age children, 3 to 6 months in advance is recommended. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. When touring facilities, always ask for their specific waitlist policy, including any deposit requirements and how often you need to confirm your continued interest.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically within the Sandston community?
Parents in Sandston have several local options: 1) **Licensed Childcare Centers**: These are formal facilities, often with structured curricula and multiple classrooms. Examples include centers near the Sandston Library or along Williamsburg Road. 2) **Licensed Family Day Homes**: Smaller, home-based operations that offer a more intimate setting, often found in residential neighborhoods. 3) **Faith-Based Preschools/Childcare**: Several local churches offer programs, which may be part-day preschool or full-day care. 4) **In-Home Nannies or Shared Nanny Arrangements**: Some families, particularly those with irregular schedules due to airport-related work, opt for private in-home care. Additionally, many Sandston parents utilize before-and-after-school care programs provided through Henrico County Public Schools for school-age children.
What resources are available in Sandston to help me find and evaluate local daycare providers?
Your primary local resource is the **Child Care Aware of Virginia** referral service, which can provide customized lists of licensed providers in the 23150 zip code and surrounding areas. You can also contact the **Henrico County Public Library - Sandston Branch**; they often have community bulletin boards with local childcare advertisements and may host parenting resources. For evaluations, beyond the state VDOE inspection reports, we recommend connecting with local parent networks on social media (like Sandston community Facebook groups) for firsthand recommendations and experiences. The **Henrico County Division of Fire - Sandston Station** can also be a resource for asking about which facilities have recently passed fire safety inspections. Always schedule in-person tours to ask questions and observe the environment.