Why Quality Childcare Matters
Children who have high-quality child care 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 are exposed to stimulating activities that are appropriate for their age and their development
The most important part of high-quality childcare is a trusting relationship with a warm and caring adult
What Should I Consider When Choosing Childcare?
Adult-to-Child Ratio
When there are fewer children in care, each child receives more attention. When children work closely with one adult, they learn and develop better. This is especially important for babies. There are even state laws that childcare providers must abide by to ensure each child receives the attention they deserve.
Group Size
Similarly, smaller group size increases the quality of care, especially for young children. Providers are better able to give each child individualized attention in smaller groups.
Education of Childcare Providers
Studies show that providers' education level affects the quality of care. Being informed about childhood development and early childhood education is very beneficial to creating a positive learning environment.
Staff Turnover
When employees leave their jobs or change classrooms often, 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 childcare can be upsetting for your child.
Accreditation
Look for efforts ensuring quality development, such as accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Program Options for Child Care
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.
For more information on how to find childcare options near you, visit our Interactive Map!
Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI): Provides preschool education to children that have been identified as at-risk.
Settings
- Local public schools
- Licensed child care centers
- Family day homes
Ages Served/Eligibility
- Children aged 3- and 4 years old
- Family income below 200% FPL
- Experiencing Homelessness
- Parents did not complete High School
- Student with a disability
- Other local level eligibility criteria
Parent payment required?
- No
Duration/Schedule
- School day/year (typically August/September-May/June)
Where to Apply
- Local school division
Mixed Delivery (MD): Allows families to select a publicly funded private ECCE program that meets their child's needs and preferences.
Settings
- Licensed child care centers
- Family day homes
Ages Served/Eligibility
- Children aged birth – 5 years old, not yet in Kindergarten
- Family income below 200% FPL
- Experiencing Homelessness
- Parents did not complete High School
- Student with a disability
- Other local level eligibility criteria
Parent payment required?
- Yes, for families with incomes > 100% FPL
Duration/Schedule
- Full-day (typically M-F), full-year
Where to Apply
- Mixed Delivery provider
Early Head Start (EHS) / Head Start (HS): Provides services to promote academic, social and emotional development to low-income families.
Settings
- Local public schools
- Licensed child care centers
- Family day homes
- Home-based
Ages Served/Eligibility
- Children aged birth to 35 months – Early Head Start.
- Children aged 3- and 4-years old – Head Start
- Under 130% FPL
- Selection criteria to identify students with a disability
Parent payment required?
- No
Duration/Schedule
- Varies by recipient agency
Where to Apply
- Early Head Start + Head Start provider
Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP): Assists families in paying for child care service and provides a safe and healthy learning environment by demonstrating compliance with regulations.
Settings
- Licensed and license-exempt child care centers
- Family day homes
Ages Served/Eligibility
- For families with children aged 6 weeks through 5 years old, not yet in Kindergarten, <85% of the state median income
- Parents or guardians must be working, looking for work, or in school or job training
- Afterschool options for children in Kindergarten through 12 year old.
Parent payment required?
- Yes, for families with incomes > 100% FPL
Duration/Schedule
- Based on parent/caregiver work or program schedule
Where to Apply
- Online or at the local department of social services
Child Care Non-Subsidy Program: Provides a safe and healthy learning environment by demonstrating compliance with regulations.
Settings
- Licensed, license-exempt, and voluntarily registered child care centers
- Family day homes
Ages Served/Eligibility
- For families with children aged 6 weeks through 5 years old, not yet in Kindergarten
- Afterschool options for children in Kindergarten through 12 year old.
Parent payment required?
- Yes, 100% tuition costs, rate set by provider
Duration/Schedule
- Based on parent/caregiver work or program schedule
Where to Apply
- Online or at the local department of social services
What Programs Do I Qualify For?
If you are not sure what options you qualify for, call our Coordinated Enrollment Toll free number for more information. A member of our team is available to take your call and will complete a preliminary eligibility check to determine available care options for your family and connect you to appropriate resources.
1-833-PRE-K-NOW or (1-833-773-5669)
