We provide local listings of preschools and childcare centers in Virginia. Continue below to search the list of local childcare centers in Virginia. We have also listed the top cities in Virginia on the right side of the page.

A comprehensive guide for Virginia parents looking for childcare or preschools

Navigating your way through the myriad of childcare and preschool options can be challenging, especially for parents doing this for the first time. Whether you are looking for full-time, part-time, home-based, or center-based options, Virginia offers a range of high-quality childcare and preschool programs for families. Let's explore what you need to know.

Types of Childcare and Preschool Options in Virginia

The state of Virginia provides various childcare options to meet the diverse needs and preferences of families. These include:

• Child Care Centers: They are usually larger facilities that offer care to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
• Family Child Care Homes: These are in-home childcare centers providing care for smaller groups, usually six to twelve children.
• Preschool Programs: These programs primarily focus on educating children aged three to five years old.
• Head Start and Early Head Start Programs: These federally-funded programs serve low-income families with children up to five years old, offering high-quality education and various services like nutrition and social services.

State-Subsidized Childcare Options in Virginia

For families who need additional assistance, Virginia offers state-subsidized childcare options. One such program is called Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program.

The Child Care Subsidy Program helps eligible families by offsetting the high costs of childcare. The program provides financial assistance for childcare for eligible families based on their income and need for services. The program also promotes childcare stability, affordability, and quality for eligible children and their families.

To be eligible for Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program, parents must meet income requirements and demonstrate a need for childcare. This may be due to employment, participating in an educational or vocational training or program, or participating in the Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare (VIEW) program.

How to Apply for the Child Care Subsidy Program

You can apply for the Child Care Subsidy Program through CommonHelp, an online resource for Virginia residents to check their eligibility for health and human services programs. You can also apply by visiting or calling your local Department of Social Services or calling the state's Child Care Subsidy helpline.

Choosing Quality Childcare in Virginia

In addition to cost and subsidy options, it's essential to consider the quality of childcare or preschool. Virginia Quality, an initiative of the state's Early Childhood Development, is an excellent resource for this. It rates and improves the quality of early education providers in the state.

By visiting the Virginia Quality website, parents can find quality-rated childcare and preschools near them, understand what the ratings mean, and learn what to look for in childcare facilities.

Final Steps

Before finalizing your choice, make sure to visit potential childcare centers, meet the staff, ask about their programs and policies, and check references. This will ensure that your child is in a loving, supportive, and safe environment.