The Best Daycare Centers in Crawley, WV
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Crawley. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Crawley
Little Learners Academy
Little Learners Educational Centers
Little Learners Academy in nearby Lewisburg serves the Crawley area with a comprehensive early childhood education program featuring a play-based curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The center boasts low teacher-to-child ratios, with all lead teachers holding early childhood education credentials. Facilities include secure, age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and a dedicated infant care wing with separate nap and play areas. The center emphasizes parent communication through daily digital reports and regular parent-teacher conferences. Their nutrition program provides healthy, balanced meals prepared on-site.
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Greenbrier Valley Early Learning Center
Independent Nonprofit
As a nonprofit early learning center, Greenbrier Valley ELC focuses on developmental appropriateness and individualized learning plans. Their curriculum blends Montessori principles with Creative Curriculum framework, emphasizing hands-on learning and exploration. The center features certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development requirements. Safety protocols include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility offers spacious indoor play areas, outdoor nature exploration spaces, and dedicated art and music rooms. They maintain strong community partnerships and offer sliding scale tuition for qualifying families.
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Kiddie Academy of Lewisburg
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Part of the nationally recognized Kiddie Academy chain, this location serves Crawley families with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and school readiness skills. The center features technology-enhanced classrooms with interactive whiteboards, a comprehensive security system including keypad entry and surveillance, and USDA-approved meal programs. Staff members participate in continuous training through Kiddie Academy University, and the center maintains state-exceeding staff-to-child ratios. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, music and movement classes, and regular assessments tracking developmental milestones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Crawley, WV
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Crawley, WV, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Crawley, West Virginia, all childcare centers and family childcare homes serving more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Bureau for Children and Families. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications, and facility safety. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the DHHR's online Child Care Facility Search tool or contact the local DHHR office directly. Given Crawley's rural setting, many options may be smaller, licensed family homes. Always ask to see their current license certificate during a visit.
How much does full-time daycare typically cost for an infant or toddler in Crawley, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In the Crawley and surrounding Greenbrier County area, full-time daycare costs can vary. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $100-$150 per week for an infant/toddler. Larger centers in nearby towns like Lewisburg may charge slightly more. Costs are generally lower than in major West Virginia cities. For financial assistance, the West Virginia Child Care Program (WVCCP) provides subsidies to eligible low-income working families or those in training/education. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the Greenbrier County DHHR office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees.
Given Crawley's rural location, what are the main types of childcare options available, and are waitlists common?
In rural Crawley, the primary childcare options are licensed family childcare homes (operated in a provider's residence) and potentially small, home-based preschool programs. There are no large commercial daycare centers within Crawley itself; parents often look to nearby communities like Lewisburg (approx. 20-minute drive) for center-based options. Due to the limited number of providers serving a widespread population, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care. It's highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. Building a network with other local parents can also help uncover unadvertised in-home care opportunities.
What should I look for when visiting a potential daycare home or center in the Crawley area?
When visiting a daycare in Crawley, first confirm their WV DHHR license is current. Observe the environment: Is it clean, safe, and child-proofed? Are there safe outdoor play areas? Given the rural setting, ask about their plan for emergencies, including severe weather and medical situations, considering potential response times. Notice how caregivers interact with children—are they engaged and responsive? Ask about the daily schedule, educational activities, and meal provisions. Inquire about staff qualifications, longevity (low turnover is good), and their policies on sick children. Trust your instincts about the warmth and professionalism of the provider.
Are there any part-time, drop-in, or after-school care options for school-aged children in Crawley?
Options for part-time, drop-in, or after-school care in Crawley itself are extremely limited due to its size and rural nature. For school-aged children, the primary resource is often the after-school program operated by the Greenbrier County Schools system, which may be available at local elementary schools. For true drop-in or irregular care, your best bet is to network with other parents to find a trusted, licensed family childcare home that may have flexible openings. Some providers in the area might offer care for school closures or during summer breaks. Planning ahead and establishing a relationship with a local provider is crucial, as last-minute care is very difficult to secure.