About Quality Childcare

Choosing a quality child care provider is one of the most important decisions a family can make! Research tells us that:

children who have high-quality childcare have better social, language, attention, thinking and mathematical skills and fewer behavioral issues.
90% of brain growth happens before kindergarten!
children develop best when they have stimulating activities that are right for their age and their development
the most important part of high-quality child care is a trusting relationship with a warm, caring adult

Quality preschool options are available for your child! Whether you’re looking for free, subsidized, or private options; full-time or part-time, school-year or year-round care, there’s likely an option that meets your needs.

The brochures below are designed to help you quickly and easily identify the best option for you. Select the brochure for the county where you live. If there’s no brochure for your county, send an email to info@centerforearlysuccess.org and let us know you’d like one prepared!

Brochure Download:
Quality Preschool Options
for Your Young Child

Choose Your Location:

Amelia County
Brunswick County
Charlotte County
Cumberland & Prince Edward Counties
Danville & Pittsylvania County
Halifax County
Lunenburg County
Mecklenburg County
Nottoway County

What should I consider when choosing childcare?

Adult to Child Ratio. When there are fewer children in care, children get more attention. When children work closely with one adult, they learn and develop better. This is especially important for babies.

Group Size. Smaller group size increases the quality of care. This is especially true for young children. Providers are better able to give each child attention in smaller groups.

Education of Child Care Provider. Studies show that the education level of providers affects the quality of care. Education that relates to childhood development and early childhood education is very beneficial.

Staff Turnover. When employees leave their jobs or change classrooms often in child care, children are affected. Children may feel uncomfortable, confused or insecure without a consistent adult to provide their care. It is important to know that while teachers may come and go, excessive staff changes in child care can be a problem for your child.

Accreditation. Look for efforts ensuring quality development, such as accreditation by NAEYC or the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Also look for involvement with other agencies that offer training and advocate quality care, such as Virginia Star Quality Initiative.

Before enrolling a child in a child care center, take a moment to make an unannounced visit. Take along our easy-to-use Quality Care Checklist to help answer any questions you might have.