The Best Daycare Centers in Townsend, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Townsend. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Townsend
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Gloucester serves the Townsend area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts, delivered by qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What sets this center apart is their focus on STEAM learning, daily communication with parents through an app, and their commitment to developing social-emotional skills through structured play and guided activities.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Gloucester serves the Townsend area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts, delivered by qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What sets this center apart is their focus on STEAM learning, daily communication with parents through an app, and their commitment to developing social-emotional skills through structured play and guided activities.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare at Gloucester
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Gloucester provides high-quality early childhood education serving the broader Mathews County area including Townsend. Their research-based curriculum emphasizes early literacy, math, and social skills development through hands-on learning. The center features certified early childhood educators, low student-teacher ratios, and comprehensive safety protocols including secured entry systems. Standout features include their phonics-based reading program, nutritious meal service, and extensive outdoor learning environments. The center maintains strong parent partnerships through regular progress reports and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Townsend, VA
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Townsend, VA, and how do I verify a provider's license?
In Townsend and the surrounding Northampton County area, your primary licensed options are family day homes (cared for in a provider's residence, up to 12 children) and licensed child day centers. Due to Townsend's rural setting, family day homes are a common and valued option. To verify a provider's license, you must use the Virginia Department of Education's (VDOE) online search portal. You can search by provider name, city, or zip code to view their current license status, any history of violations, and the licensed capacity. Always confirm the license is active and review the inspection reports, which are public record. The local resource, the Eastern Shore Child Care Coalition, can also assist in finding verified providers.
What is the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare in Townsend, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Townsend and Eastern Shore region, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in Virginia's major metropolitan areas, but availability can be limited. For infants, you can expect an average range of $125 to $175 per week. For toddlers, the average is typically $110 to $150 per week. These are estimates, and rates vary by provider type and specific services offered. For financial assistance, Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program (managed locally by the Northampton County Department of Social Services) helps eligible families. Additionally, the nonprofit Eastern Shore Community Services Board may have resources or referrals for support programs tailored to local residents.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or popular in-home providers in the Townsend area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Given the limited number of providers in a small community like Townsend, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It's not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long for highly sought-after providers. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers, get on multiple lists, and follow up with a polite phone call every 2-3 months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Cape Charles, Exmore, or Nassawadox, and be flexible with your start date if possible.
What are Virginia's key staff-to-child ratio and safety regulations that I should look for when touring a daycare in Townsend?
Virginia law mandates strict staff-to-child ratios that any licensed provider in Townsend must follow. For infants (0-16 months), the ratio is 1 staff for every 4 infants. For toddlers (16-24 months), it's 1:5. For 2-year-olds, it's 1:8. Beyond ratios, key safety markers include: visible and current license, emergency evacuation plans, proof of staff background checks (CPS and criminal history), safe sleep practices for infants (ABC - Alone, on Back, in Crib), and secured storage for all cleaning/chemical products. In a rural area like Townsend, also inquire about their plan for emergencies like severe weather or power outages.
Are there any unique considerations for childcare in Townsend related to its rural Eastern Shore location that I should ask about?
Yes, Townsend's location on Virginia's Eastern Shore presents specific considerations. First, inquire about transportation and field trips—some providers may incorporate local agricultural or beach outings, so understand their safety protocols for travel on rural roads. Second, ask about their plan for seasonal closures or delays due to potential bridge-tunnel issues (the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel), which can affect staff commuting from other parts of the Shore. Third, discuss their approach to outdoor play and nature-based learning, which is a great asset in this area. Finally, check if they have relationships with local elementary schools for smoother transitions, as the small community often means providers know the local school staff well.