The Best Daycare Centers in Warrenton, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Warrenton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Warrenton
The Goddard School of Warrenton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Warrenton offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness while promoting social, emotional, and physical development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized attention.
Daycare Services:
Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a comprehensive early education program with a research-based curriculum that prepares children for elementary school success. Their program includes phonics-based literacy, hands-on mathematics, science exploration, and character education. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and technology-enhanced classrooms. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees and early childhood certifications. The academy offers enrichment programs in music, Spanish, and physical education, along with nutritious meal programs and regular parent communication through digital portfolios.
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Fauquier Children's Center
Fauquier Children's Center, Inc.
Fauquier Children's Center is a locally-owned, non-profit childcare facility serving the Warrenton community with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. Their program emphasizes social-emotional development, cognitive skills, and school readiness through hands-on learning centers and structured activities. The center maintains high safety standards with secure access, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Teachers participate in continuous professional development and many hold Child Development Associate credentials or higher. The facility includes spacious classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and offers flexible scheduling options to meet family needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Warrenton, VA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Warrenton, VA?
In Warrenton, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For center-based care, infant care (6 weeks to 18 months) typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month. Toddler care (18 months to 3 years) is slightly less, averaging $1,200 to $1,600 per month. Home-based family daycare is often more affordable, ranging from $900 to $1,300 monthly for full-time care. These rates are influenced by factors such as staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, facility amenities, and whether meals are provided. It's important to note that Warrenton, being part of affluent Fauquier County, often has higher childcare costs than some other areas in Virginia. Financial assistance may be available through the Virginia Department of Social Services or employer-sponsored dependent care FSAs.
How do I verify that a daycare in Warrenton is properly licensed and what are Virginia's key regulations?
All licensed childcare providers in Warrenton must comply with Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) standards. You can verify a facility's license and review any past violations through the VDSS Online Provider Search tool. Key Virginia regulations include: a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 for infants (0-16 months), 1:5 for young toddlers (16-24 months), and 1:8 for older toddlers (2 years). All staff must pass background checks and complete annual training in topics like CPR, first aid, and mandated reporter training. Licensed centers in Warrenton are also subject to unannounced inspections at least twice yearly. Additionally, Fauquier County may have local health department requirements regarding facility safety and sanitation.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Warrenton, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many reputable daycare centers in Warrenton have waitlists. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. For infant care, contacting centers 6 to 12 months in advance is common. Popular centers like The Goddard School, Primrose School of Warrenton, or local church-affiliated programs often have the longest waitlists. To manage this, consider applying to multiple centers, inquiring about both center-based and licensed home-based options, and asking about "sibling priority" policies if you have an older child. Some parents also use services like the Fauquier County Community Child Care Search for availability updates.
What unique childcare options or programs are available in Warrenton for preschool-aged children?
Warrenton offers several unique programs blending childcare with early education. Many centers provide Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) slots for income-eligible 4-year-olds. There are also nature-based preschool programs that utilize local parks and the nearby Piedmont region for outdoor learning. Several facilities, such as Warrenton Baptist Church Child Development Center, offer faith-based curricula. For working parents needing extended hours, centers like Kiddie Academy of Warrenton provide full-day programs with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) enrichment. Additionally, the Fauquier County Parks and Recreation Department offers seasonal camps and part-day enrichment programs that can complement childcare arrangements.
What resources are available in Warrenton to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Parents in Warrenton have several local resources. The primary tool is the **Virginia Child Care Search** website run by VDSS, which filters by location, age, and program type. For personalized referrals, contact the **Child Care Aware of Virginia** hotline. Locally, the **Fauquier County Department of Social Services** can provide information on subsidized care and licensed providers. The **Fauquier County Public Library** often hosts community resource fairs where parents can meet providers. For evaluations, beyond online reviews, it's crucial to schedule in-person tours, ask for references from current parents, and verify credentials. Many local parents also use the "Warrenton Moms" Facebook group for firsthand recommendations and experiences with area daycares.