The Best Daycare Centers in Williamsburg, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Williamsburg. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Williamsburg
The Goddard School of Williamsburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Williamsburg offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. The center employs degreed teachers who implement developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, art, and social skills. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress. The school emphasizes character development and prepares children for elementary school success through structured learning activities and enrichment programs.
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Williamsburg Montessori School
Williamsburg Montessori School
Williamsburg Montessori School provides authentic Montessori education guided by AMI-trained teachers in carefully prepared environments. The school serves children from infancy through elementary years with mixed-age classrooms that foster peer learning and social development. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and respect for each child's individual development pace. The facility features beautiful natural light classrooms, Montessori-specific materials, and outdoor learning spaces. They maintain small class sizes with certified Montessori directresses and assistants. The school is known for its peaceful learning environment, strong community feel, and focus on developing confident, self-motivated learners through the Montessori method.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Williamsburg
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare Learning Center at Williamsburg offers comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum that aligns with Virginia's early learning standards. Their program includes phonics-based literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies integrated throughout daily activities. The center features secure keypad entry, dedicated age-appropriate playgrounds, and classrooms designed for optimal learning. Their teachers receive ongoing professional development and many hold degrees in early childhood education. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent-teacher conferences, and detailed progress reports. They emphasize social-emotional development alongside academic readiness, with structured daily schedules that balance instruction, creative expression, and physical activity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Williamsburg, VA
What are the typical costs for full-time infant and toddler daycare in Williamsburg, VA?
In Williamsburg, VA, daycare costs are influenced by the type of provider and the age of your child. For full-time care (5 days a week), licensed daycare centers typically charge between $1,100 to $1,500 per month for infants, and $950 to $1,300 per month for toddlers. In-home family daycares may be slightly less, ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are generally in line with the statewide average for Virginia. It's important to note that prices can be higher for centers affiliated with the College of William & Mary or those offering specialized curricula. Many facilities include meals and snacks in their tuition, but always confirm what is covered. We recommend contacting providers directly for the most current rates and inquiring about any available sibling discounts.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Williamsburg, and how can I secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers in Williamsburg can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To improve your chances, we advise parents to begin their search and get on multiple lists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. When contacting centers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (which is usually non-refundable), and how often they update families on their status. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family day homes in neighborhoods like Ford's Colony, Kingsmill, or Stonehouse, as they may have more immediate availability and shorter lists while still providing excellent care.
What are the Virginia state licensing requirements for daycare providers in Williamsburg, and how can I verify a provider's license?
All daycare centers and family day homes caring for more than five children (excluding the provider's own) in Williamsburg must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Key requirements include background checks for all staff, annual health and safety inspections, age-appropriate child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:10 for preschoolers), and ongoing training in topics like CPR and First Aid. To verify a provider's license status, history, and any past violations, you can use the **Virginia Department of Education's Child Care Search** tool online. This public database is an essential resource for parents to ensure they are considering a legally operating and compliant facility.
Are there childcare resources or referral services specifically for families affiliated with the College of William & Mary or military personnel in Williamsburg?
Yes, there are specific resources for these communities. For College of William & Mary faculty, staff, and students, the university's **Human Resources department** offers childcare referral assistance and information on potential partnerships or discounts with local providers. Military families stationed at nearby installations like Fort Eustis or Langley AFB can access dedicated support through **Child Care Aware of America**, which helps navigate fee assistance programs and find approved providers. Additionally, the **Peninsula Area Office of the Child Care Aware of Virginia** network serves the greater Williamsburg area and can provide personalized referrals and information on state subsidy programs (like the Child Care Subsidy Program) for eligible families.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Williamsburg?
When touring a daycare in Williamsburg, go beyond the basics. Observe the **cleanliness and safety** of the environment—check for secure entrances, covered electrical outlets, and clean play and diaper-changing areas. Notice the **interactions** between staff and children; teachers should be engaged at the child's level and responding warmly. Ask about their **daily schedule**, curriculum (even for infants), and outdoor play policy. Given Williamsburg's weather, inquire about indoor gross motor options for rainy or very hot days. Specifically ask about **staff turnover** and qualifications; low turnover often indicates a positive work environment. Finally, trust your instincts about the overall atmosphere and don't hesitate to ask for references from current parents.