The Best Daycare Centers in Shawsville, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Shawsville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Shawsville
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Christiansburg serves the Shawsville area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their play-based curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. All teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They emphasize individualized learning plans and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The center provides nutritious meals and offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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KinderCare at Christiansburg
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare Christiansburg provides high-quality early childhood education serving families throughout Montgomery County, including Shawsville. Their research-based curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, and social skills development. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and regular health inspections. Certified teachers create individualized learning experiences with small group instruction. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, preschool classrooms, and large outdoor playgrounds. They offer flexible scheduling options and provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks through their nutrition program. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular conferences.
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Elliston Baptist Child Development Center
Elliston Baptist Church
Elliston Baptist Child Development Center serves Shawsville and surrounding communities with a Christ-centered educational approach that integrates faith-based values with academic preparation. Their curriculum emphasizes early literacy, mathematics readiness, and social development through hands-on learning activities. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios with experienced teachers who receive continuous training in early childhood development. Safety features include secured facilities, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. The program includes outdoor recreation, music education, and character development. They provide transportation for school-age children and maintain strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Shawsville, VA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Shawsville, VA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Shawsville, Virginia, all childcare centers and family day homes serving more than five children (excluding the provider's own) must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks, First Aid/CPR certification, and ongoing training), child-to-staff ratios, health and safety protocols, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the VDOE's online "Child Care Search" tool. This public database shows the license status, any recent inspection reports, and any serious violations. For smaller, legally exempt family day homes (caring for 5 or fewer children), licensing is not required, so parents should conduct thorough interviews and request references.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Shawsville, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Shawsville and wider Montgomery County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week. For toddlers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $150 to $200 per week. These rates are generally more affordable than in larger cities like Roanoke or Blacksburg but can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff credentials. For financial assistance, Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program (managed locally by the New River Valley Department of Social Services) helps eligible low-income families. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking with employers in the area, such as those in Christiansburg or Radford, as some may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
Are there many daycare centers with extended hours or weekend care options in Shawsville to accommodate non-traditional work schedules?
Due to Shawsville's primarily rural and residential character, traditional Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM hours are the most common. Dedicated 24-hour or weekend daycare centers are extremely rare in the immediate area. However, some licensed family day home providers may offer more flexible or extended hours by individual arrangement to accommodate shift workers from nearby employers like the Celanese plant or healthcare facilities in Radford. Your best strategy is to inquire directly with providers about their willingness to accommodate early drop-offs or late pick-ups for an additional fee. For consistent overnight or weekend needs, you may need to expand your search to in-home nanny shares or babysitting networks in neighboring towns like Christiansburg.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Shawsville, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Waitlists for infant care spots, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios, can be significant in Shawsville and the surrounding New River Valley. It is not uncommon for popular centers or highly-regarded family day homes to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend that expecting parents in Shawsville begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists during the first or early second trimester of pregnancy. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). For toddler or preschool-age openings, waitlists tend to be shorter, around 3-6 months, but starting your search at least 4-6 months before your needed start date is still advisable.
What types of preschool or early learning programs are integrated into daycare options for 3-5 year olds in Shawsville?
Several daycare centers and family providers in Shawsville offer structured preschool programs for children ages 3-5 as part of their childcare services. These programs often follow curricula that prepare children for kindergarten, focusing on early literacy, math concepts, social skills, and motor development. Some providers may participate in the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) or use recognized frameworks like Creative Curriculum. Additionally, many programs incorporate outdoor learning, which aligns well with the area's rural setting. For a more formal public school option, Montgomery County Public Schools offers a limited number of pre-K slots for at-risk 4-year-olds at specific elementary schools, but these are not full-day childcare solutions. It's important to ask providers about their daily schedule, teacher qualifications, and kindergarten readiness assessment methods.
Childcare Insights for Shawsville
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, blending practical logistics with the deep desire to know your child is safe, nurtured, and happy. For parents in Shawsville, Virginia, searching for "private daycares near me" means navigating a landscape that balances our wonderful rural community feel with the need for accessible, high-quality care. The journey can feel overwhelming, but focusing on what makes our area unique can help guide you to the perfect fit for your little one.
Shawsville’s charm lies in its tight-knit atmosphere, and this often extends to its childcare options. Many private daycares here are run by dedicated individuals or small teams who are deeply embedded in the community. This can be a tremendous advantage, offering a family-like environment where your child is known by name and not just as a number. When you begin your search, consider starting with personal connections. Ask for recommendations at local spots like the Shawsville Post Office or from other parents at the Shawsville Farmers Market. Word-of-mouth referrals in our area carry significant weight and can lead you to wonderful, smaller-scale providers who may not have a large online presence but have earned stellar reputations over years of service.
Given our location along the US-460 corridor, it’s also wise to consider your daily commute. Many families in Shawsville travel to Christiansburg, Salem, or even Roanoke for work. Expanding your search to include private daycares in these adjacent areas, while keeping Shawsville as your home base, can open up more possibilities. However, remember the value of proximity. A daycare close to home means less time in the car for your child and easier access for you if you need to pick them up early or during an unexpected school closure. Visit any potential center during operational hours to get a genuine sense of the daily rhythm. Observe how staff interact with the children—are they engaged at eye level? Is the atmosphere calm yet stimulating? Inquire about their policies on outdoor play, as access to nature is a beautiful benefit of raising children here.
Finally, trust your instincts as a parent. The right daycare in Shawsville should feel like an extension of your own values and parenting style. Ask specific questions about how they handle the little moments that matter: comforting a child who is missing home, their approach to potty training, or how they communicate about your child’s day. A good provider will welcome these questions and offer clear, compassionate answers. Finding childcare is about building a partnership. By focusing on the community-centered, personal touch that defines our area, you can find a private daycare in Shawsville where your child will not only be cared for but will truly thrive.
Nearby Cities
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