Choosing the right daycare in Charlottesville or Albemarle County is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. Whether you’re searching for infant care, a toddler daycare program, or a preschool with full-day options, our curated directory of licensed childcare providers in the Charlottesville area is here to help. From flexible part-time programs to trusted full-time daycare centers, this list features high-quality care to meet the needs of your growing family.
Looking for tips on how to choose the right provider? Be sure to explore our guide to local preschools and how to choose a preschool for expert advice from fellow parents.
Tips for Choosing the Best Child Care or Daycare Center
- Start Early – Many high-quality daycare centers have waitlists, so begin your search well in advance.
- Research Licensing & Accreditation – Ensure the daycare is licensed by the Virginia Department of Education and check for additional accreditations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
- Visit the Facility – Observe interactions between staff and children at the child care facility, assess cleanliness, and get a feel for the learning environment.
- Check Staff-to-Child Ratios – Lower ratios often mean more personalized attention for your child.
- Consider Curriculum & Learning Approaches – Some centers follow Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or play-based learning approaches.
- Ask About Safety & Health Policies – Inquire about emergency protocols, meal options, and nap schedules.
- Read Reviews & Get Recommendations – Speak with other parents and check online reviews to gather insights.
- Understand Costs & Availability – Ensure the child care costs fit within your budget and aligns with your work schedule.
What Is the Average Cost of Daycare in Charlottesville, VA?
The cost of daycare in Charlottesville, VA, varies based on factors such as the child’s age, type of care, and program quality. On average, parents can expect to pay between $900 and $1,500 per month for full-time infant care in a licensed childcare center, while toddler and preschool care may range from $800 to $1,300 per month. Home-based daycare options tend to be more affordable, typically costing $600 to $1,000 per month.
Families seeking financial assistance can explore the Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program, which helps eligible families with childcare costs. Since prices and availability can fluctuate, it’s advisable to research and compare local daycare centers well in advance to secure the best option for your family.
When Should Parents Start Looking for Child Care or a Daycare Center?
The best time to start looking for child care or a daycare center in Charlottesville, VA, depends on your child’s age and your specific care needs, but we recommend beginning the search at least six months to a year in advance. Infant care, in particular, is in high demand, and many daycare centers have waitlists that can stretch from several months to over a year. Some popular childcare centers even suggest getting on the waitlist before your baby is born. Home-based child care providers may have shorter wait times, but availability is still limited.
Families should research options early, schedule tours, and ask about enrollment policies, priority waitlists, and application fees. If you need assistance, resources like the Virginia Department of Social Services can help you find licensed childcare providers and subsidy programs.
The Best Charlottesville Child Care and Day Care Centers
Charlottesville is an excellent place to raise a family, offering a welcoming community, beautiful surroundings, and strong educational opportunities including preschools. Families enjoy a small-town feel with access to top amenities, healthcare, and cultural activities. Parks, outdoor recreation, and year-round family-friendly events create a nurturing environment for children to thrive. With a variety of childcare and educational choices, parents can find the best Charlottesville day care center for their children.
Charlottesville offers numerous licensed home child care programs, daycare centers, preschools, and both public and private schools that support different learning styles. Many schools offer Montessori, Reggio Emilia, bilingual immersion, and faith-based programs. Our community’s commitment to early childhood education ensures a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
We’ve highlighted some of the best child care and daycare centers in Charlottesville, chosen because they are long-standing institutions, accept infants and older children, are some of the larger child care programs and serve a variety of neighborhoods.
Please let us know if you see someone who ought to be added and consider browsing our CharlottesvilleFamily Preschool Guide, Mommy & Me Classes, Guide to Potty Training and Research on Sleep Training, How to Know When Your Child Is Ready for Preschool and more to help you navigate these early baby years.
ACAC Preschool
Barrett Early Learning Center
Bright Beginnings Preschool
Bright Eyes Community Child Care
Foundations Child Development Center
Location: Albemarle County, VA
Ages: 6 weeks – 5 years
Description: Focuses on foundational development for young children.
Four Seasons Learning Center
Frost Montessori
Location: North Charlottesville (near Rio Road)
Ages: 18 months – 6 years
Description: Montessori-inspired education emphasizing independence and critical thinking.
Hillsdale KinderCare
Malcolm Cole Child Care Center
Old Dominion Childcare Center
Our Neighborhood Child Development Center
Rita’s Bright Beginnings
University of Virginia Child Development Center
University Montessori School
Westminster Child Care Center
YMCA Early Learning Center
For a full list of licensed child care providers and daycare centers, visit the Virginia Department of Education’s Childcare Search Tool. Here is a new resource for families where they can learn about quality ratings for childcare centers. All sites that receive public funding are required to participate in this rating system, and privately funded sites can choose to opt in – so not all programs will be listed. Once parents have selected a location to review their quality ratings, they can also link to their licensing records to check health and safety violations.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right childcare or daycare center takes time and research, but with the right approach, you can find a place where your child will learn, grow, and thrive. Take the time to visit multiple facilities, ask detailed questions, and trust your instincts to ensure the best fit for your family. Please note that enrollment capacities can change, and it’s advisable to contact each facility directly to confirm current availability and program details. visiting the centers, meeting with staff, and reviewing their curricula can help ensure you find the best fit for your child’s needs.
CHARLOTTESVILLEFAMILY EDITORS are locals who care deeply about family and community. We are almost all parents who serve alongside our readers in the PTO and band boosters, coaching sports teams, helping with the school fun fair and more. Our insider perspective, combined with great research and expert input from our wonderful CharlottesvilleFamily Advisory Panel helps us to provide you with trustworthy advice as you raise the next generation of brilliant and compassionate kids.